Abstract:
A support system for tents and other shelters. The support system includes base support members that are in the shape of an arch. These base support members are secured in a desired configuration by an upper support member that is in the shape of a circle or other geometrical shape. A roof support may be added as well. The size and configuration of the shelter may be easily changed by adding or deleting the number of base support members.
Abstract:
A construction system of a plurality of interlocking construction elements is disclosed. At least one of the interlocking elements is a cured-in-place element having a pliable exterior shell defining a cavity and a strength-imparting core placed inside the cavity. The system also includes a hardenable media for filling the cavity. The exterior shell of the cured-in-place element is adapted to expand as its cavity is filled with the hardenable media or as the hardenable media cures, whereby the interlocking construction elements bond into an integral structure by a an interference or a friction fit. Methods of construction of new structures and reinforcement of preexisting ones are also disclosed.
Abstract:
A boom structure deployed by inflating the structure to a desired shape and rigidizing the structure via an external influence. The structure frame has a series of frame members which are made of a fibrous material and a resin material. This frame is encased in between a pair of membrane layers, an inner membrane inflatable to move the frame into its desired shape and an outer membrane that allows for folding the structure. Following inflation of the inner layer, an external influence acts on the resin material to solidify it, and render the structure rigid. The external influence may also act on the resin material to soften it when it is already rigid, to allow for collapsing and folding of the structure.
Abstract:
A boom structure deployed by inflating the structure to a desired shape and rigidizing the structure via an external influence. The structure frame has a series of frame members which are made of a fibrous material and a resin material. This frame is encased in between a pair of membrane layers, an inner membrane inflatable to move the frame into its desired shape and an outer membrane that allows for folding the structure. Following inflation of the inner layer, an external influence acts on the resin material to solidify it, and render the structure rigid. The external influence may also act on the resin material to soften it when it is already rigid, to allow for collapsing and folding of the structure.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a pneumatic wall structure and a method of making and erecting same. The pneumatic wall structure includes an inner flexible tent sheet, a central flexible tent sheet and an outer flexible tent sheet. The inner, the central and the outer flexible tent sheets are arranged to form a two-layer wall structure comprising (i) an inner layer formed by the inner tent sheet and the central tent sheet and, (ii) an outer layer formed by the central tent sheet and the outer tent sheet. The inner layer is inflatable and provides a main support structure for the wall structure, and the outer layer forms a convection space into which an ambient air is capable of flowing. The inflatable support tubes are arranged between the central tent sheet and the outer tent sheet to provide redundancy to the main support structure and to provide a spacer between the central tent sheet and the outer tent sheet.
Abstract:
An inflatable swimming pool assembly includes an inflatable swimming pool with a peripheral wall that has a top surface, a first half and a second half. A sun shield has a flexible sunshade portion with two opposite sides, which are formed respectively with a curved first inflatable tube and a curved second inflatable tube. The first inflatable tube has two ends that are respectively in fluid communication with two ends of the second inflatable tube at two intersections. Two fastener units attach respectively the intersections of the sun shield to two diametrically opposed portions of the top surface of the peripheral wall of the pool, such that the sun shield can rotate on the top surface of the peripheral wall about a connecting line of the intersections between a first position, where the first inflatable tube rests entirely on the first half of the pool and where the second inflatable tube forms an angle with the top surface of the peripheral wall, and a second position, where the second inflatable tube rests on the second half of the pool and where the first inflatable tube forms an angle with the top surface of the peripheral wall of the pool.
Abstract:
An inflatable structure which includes a plurality of interconnected vertical and horizontal inflatable seamed baffled support members forming a frame structure for the inflatable structure with continuous canvas panels extending over all exterior surfaces of the inflatable structure including the structure's floor and further including a sealable door which is sealed by the use of magnets which not only seal the door but also act as a tripping device for an alarm which is electrically connected to the magnets on the door and further wherein the alarm system is tripped by variations of air pressure on the interior of the interior of the sealed inflatable structure. The inflatable frame support member are all inflated by a single air valve located in an interior of the structure.
Abstract:
A home greenhouse kit including a semi-circular housing member that has an upper portion. The upper portion is formed by two layers of flexible sheeting and a plurality of elongated parallel rib channels formed between the two layers. A pair of ground panels of the semi-circular housing member is interconnected to the upper portion. A plurality inflatable tubes are sized for positioning within the plurality of elongated rib channels for giving the upper portion of the semi-circular housing member vertical integrity. A plurality of interior grommets are positioned about an arc of the upper portion. A pair of support poles forming a front support pole and a rear support pole are provided. Each support pole has a top end with an eyelet. Lastly, an elongated support rope is extended through the plurality of interior grommets. The support rope has a front portion extended through the eyelet of the front support pole and a rear portion extended through the eyelet of the rear support pole.
Abstract:
Rigidifiable composites are formed by stitching a reinforced B-stage resin sheet stock to form a three-dimensional preform. The preform is subsequently rigidified by initiating final cure of the resin. Molded articles, inflatable and other structures, such as, tank, tunnel and sewer liners are some of the typical structures which can be formed by the methods of the invention. Control of thread count, thread tension and thread spacing can be used to consolidate multi-ply or layered preforms, which, upon cure, can have up to 90% of the load carrying capacity of compression molded fiber reinforced articles.
Abstract:
Fire-resistant flexible dome (2) apparatus for covering and protecting buildings (6), goods, livestock, persons and other objects from a fire, especially a rapidly moving conflagration known as a "fire storm." In its preferred form, the apparatus comprises a dome-like structure (2) made of fire-retardant fabric, supported with air or gas pressure within integral tubes (40) radially disposed about the central axis, or between one or more layers of said fire resistant fabric. Said apparatus is rapidly deployed from its container (4), preferably located on the roof of the building (6) to be protected. Its ground-contacting periphery (13) is manually secured to the ground. In one embodiment, a liquid-filled circumferencial reservoir (24) integral with said ground-contacting periphery is provided to add an improved ground seal and added anchoring to ground to help maintain structural integrity. Air or gas pressure may be provided by several means including compressed gas, mechanical air movement or chemical devolution. The arcuate surface of the structure (2) permits laminar flow of air over the surface to aid in minimizing the effect of super-heated air, flame and burning debris upon the structure (6).