Abstract:
A self-bracing shelter includes a frame and a skin. First and second subframes are arranged in vertical planes, each including first and second feet and a central portion. A ridge beam extends axially between the first and second subframes and includes opposite first and second ends that extend axially beyond the first and second subframes, respectively, such that the opposite ends of the beam are located outside a footprint of a planform defined by the feet of the subframes. A first pair of outer tension members is connected between the first end of the beam and the first subframe on opposite sides of the beam. A second pair of outer tension members is connected between the second end of the beam and the second subframe on opposite sides of the beam.
Abstract:
Devices for accumulating material within a limited space, such that at most insignificant amount of material leaves the device prior to the device being at full capacity. One embodiment comprises an expandable structure to be filled, comprising a material receiving member for receiving expansible material, such that the expansible material is inserted into the member and expands within the member prior to part of the material exiting the material receiving member into another member, wherein the expansible material expands and rigidizes within the material receiving member and within the another member to form a rigid structure having a required form.
Abstract:
An airform that can be inflated, for example, for facilitating construction of a structure is provided. The airform may include a first portion, a second portion, or multiple other portions, and reinforcement. The first portion may, for example, be configured to be disposed in a first orientation, such as vertically or in a radial profile, when the airform is inflated. The second portion transitioning from the first portion may be configured, for example, to assume an alternate shape and profile, such as a radial shape and profile, when the airform is inflated. The reinforcement may, for example, be provided at a portion of the airform that defines a transition from the first portion to the second portion.
Abstract:
A swimming pool cover assembly including a frame, at least one cover, and an adjustment means. The frame including at least one inflatable portion and an interconnected three-dimensional (3D) lattice of inflatable straight tubes. The at least one cover is supported by the frame to define an exercise chamber including at least part of a swimming pool. The adjustment means reduces an oxygen content of air in the exercise chamber compared with air external the exercise chamber. The exercise chamber has elongate sidewalls.
Abstract:
A self-bracing shelter includes a frame and a skin. First and second subframes are arranged in vertical planes, each including first and second feet and a central portion. A ridge beam extends axially between the first and second subframes and includes opposite first and second ends that extend axially beyond the first and second subframes, respectively, such that the opposite ends of the beam are located outside a footprint of a planform defined by the feet of the subframes. A first pair of outer tension members is connected between the first end of the beam and the first subframe on opposite sides of the beam. A second pair of outer tension members is connected between the second end of the beam and the second subframe on opposite sides of the beam.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to an escape and survival capsule that provides protection to occupants from, e.g., cataclysmic natural events such as tsunamis, flooding, monsoon, typhoons, tornadoes, hurricanes, water spouts, earthquakes and mudslides. The capsule may be designed to be inflatable with durable and rugged materials providing protection against hazardous environmental factors during one or more of the preceding cataclysmic events. The capsule may be designed to be easily stowable, transportable and deployable so that it can serve its intended purpose within minutes after the occurrence of any of the preceding or other cataclysmic events.
Abstract:
An airbeam includes at least a pair of inflatable beams each having an inner sleeve, middle sleeve and outer cover. Each sleeve is stitched to form flat side seams. The sleeves are inverted so that each flat side seam is disposed cantilevered inwardly on the inside of the sleeve. A linear common seam bisects the stitched side edges of the outer cover to form a pair of outer sleeves. One middle sleeve is nested within each outer sleeve. One inner sleeve is nested within each middle sleeve. One inner tube is nested in each inner sleeve. The nesting is arranged so that the side seams of the inner and middle sleeves are adjacent one another or overlap one another along, their entire length and so that the side seams of the outer cover are adjacent or overlap the side seams of the middle sleeve.
Abstract:
A shelter assembly has a framework having a plurality of structural supports that include fillable support tubes and support sleeves. The fillable support tubes may be filled with fill media and are surrounded by the support sleeve. The structural supports are configured to form a structure wherein the structural supports form the framework of the structure. Various fill media may be used. The structural supports and their associated assemblies are modular and may be configured into a variety of shelter designs.
Abstract:
A single wall airbeam constructed of a single layer material including a core of polyester fabric having a coating of adhesive on each surface of the polyester layer. A thin polyester film is applied to one of the adhesive layers. First and second polyurethane layers are applied to the other adhesive layer. The first polyurethane layer is a thicker, higher melt point polyurethane layer that may or may not be coated in a fire retardant material. The second polyurethane layer is a thinner, polyurethane layer having a lower melting point. An airbeam is constructed using one or more pieces of the fabric and heat sealing or welding the one or more polyurethane layers of fabric at seams, when the one or more layers are placed in a confronting position.
Abstract:
A shelter assembly includes a multi-layered, fluid filled shelter that does not require rods for assembly. The assembly includes sidewalls that form a framework for a shelter. The sidewalls comprise air filled materials having a substantially planar shape. The sidewalls form a plurality of layers. Apertures in the sidewalls enable a fluid to pass between each layer for forming an insulating effect on the assembly. The apertures also serve as a cavity for a rod to pass through and fasten the shelter to a surface. A lower floor sidewall and an upper floor sidewall rest adjacent to each other, forming a sandwich configuration that creates insulation and air circulation between layers. At least one channel, such as a chimney, enables an external fluid to circulate through the assembly. A gate portion provides access to the assembly. A roof sidewall provides an external protective upper covering.