A segmented inflatable structure device includes a plurality of body segments positionable together to join into an assembled condition to form a structure when inflated. Each body segment has at least one opening. Each opening in each body segment is adjacent to and aligned with an associated opening on an adjacently positioned one of the body segments defining an interior space when the body segments are in the assembled condition to form the structure. Each of a plurality of segment fasteners releasably couples adjacently positioned body segments together in the assembled condition. A main air inlet is positioned in one of the body segments for connection to an air pump for injecting air into the interior space whereby the structure is inflated.

A lightweight and portable inflatable assembly includes an inflatable structural component and a chemical reaction based inflator device. The inflatable structural component includes a flexible housing defining a cavity. The inflatable structure is uninflated in a first operational mode and filled with an inflation fluid retained for at least 4 hours in a second operational mode. At least one primary and at least one secondary charge unit are in fluid communication with the cavity. The primary charge unit includes a first gas generant material configured to generate a first predetermined volume of inflation medium for filling the cavity, while the secondary charge unit includes a second gas generant material configured to generate a second predetermined volume of inflation medium for filling the cavity in the second operational mode. The second predetermined volume is ≤about 40% by volume of the first predetermined volume.

An impact shield for earthquake protection is described herein. The impact shield may include a canopy constructed of a puncture-resistant material, the canopy defining a first internal volume accessible via a first opening, the canopy being structured to form a semispherical shape when in an inflated state, the semispherical shape defining a space dimensioned for sheltering at least one human body; a support joined to the canopy and constructed of the puncture-resistant material, the support defining a second internal volume accessible via the first opening and a second opening, the support located within the space, the support structured to form a column when in the inflated state; and a fitting joined to the support for closing the second opening to fix the first internal volume and the second internal volume after inflation of the support and the canopy.

An inflatable shelter features a built-in air mattress at a base thereof that defines a ground footprint of the shelter. An inflationally erectable canopy features inflatable ribs with wall panels interspersed therebetween. An interior tent space is delimited between the inflated base mattress and overlying canopy. Some of the ribs cantilever outwardly from the base when inflated, creating one or more inflationally erectable overhangs that expand the covered area of the shelter beyond the base footprint thereof. A shared on-board inflation device inflates both the mattress and rib structure, whose inflatable interiors are fluidly isolated to allow user setting or tuning of the mattress pressure independently of the rib structure's inflation level. A power supply of the inflation device includes electrical ports for connection of chargeable devices, lighting, and other accessories. Arching rib pars meet with a central lengthwise rib, providing structural integrity and a spaciously elongated tent space.

An inflatable structure for covering a space, includes a plurality of inflatable support members arranged in a framework according to an intended final inflated shape of the structure, a plurality of connector members for directly or indirectly connecting at least two adjacent support members of the plurality of inflatable support members, and a plurality of anchor units positioned at an end of each of the plurality of inflatable support members. The anchor units are arranged to establish ground locations of the plurality of inflatable support members. When inflated, the inflatable support members provide total structural support for the inflatable structure without assistance of any rigid structural members or positive air pressure within the space. A secondary support structure can be disposed below the plurality of inflatable support members, without any interconnection. Each of the anchor units includes a housing and each of air supply units is provided in one of the housings

A power source for inflation systems. Specific embodiments relate to inflation systems that use an electrically-powered inflation system, wherein the power source of the inflation system is a solid state battery. Particular embodiments may find use in connection with inflating evacuation slides or life rafts on board a passenger transportation vehicle, such as an aircraft or marine vessel. Other embodiments may be used for inflating shelters, life vests, or any other inflatable safety device that requires a rapid inflation.

An inflatable structure for painting aircraft, comprised of a front chamber and a rear chamber. An aircraft can be positioned within the structure. Air vents within the structure create a positive pressure environment within the structure for removing paint fumes and preventing dirt or contaminants from entering the structure.

Transportable and rapidly deployable air supported structure systems and related methods are disclosed. The air supported structure systems include at least one transportable container. The systems also include a flexible outer membrane configured to couple to a base in a substantially air-tight manner. The systems further include at least one air handling mechanism contained within the at least one container configured to force air between the outer membrane and the base to form an enclosure therebetween via internal air pressure. The systems are configurable between a packaged state with the outer membrane contained within the at least one container, and a deployed state with the outer membrane being coupled to the base and the at least one air handling mechanism forming the enclosure via the internal air pressure. The at least one container may form a portion of the base and/or provide for ingress and egress with the enclosure.

The present invention relates to a pneumatic structure (10) comprising an inextensible body (12) defining at least a network of internal cavities (14), each cavity having a closed contour in at least one section of the cavity

Each cavity being suitable for being pressurized so as to change the inextensible body from a rest configuration to at least one pressurized configuration,

Inextensible body having, in each pressurized configuration, a macroscopic metric different from its macroscopic metric in the rest configuration,

Each cavity being formed of at least two substantially rectilinear channels, each channel being fluidly connected to at least one of the other channels, the two said channels forming a heading change angle,

Each cavity comprising at least one non-zero heading change angle, in particular at least three non-zero heading change angles.

A refuge shelter includes a container. The shelter includes a tent that is disposed in the container in an undeployed state. The tent includes an inflatable support structure which is inflatable from an undeployed state in the container to a deployed state, and a seal which seals the tent to the container in a deployed state. The support structure has a plurality of hoses interconnected by couplers. The hoses have an inside diameter of less than 5 inches. A gas flow apparatus. A refuge shelter for miners in a mine includes a container and a tent that is disposed in the container. The tent has a test support to which a sample of the external environment can be obtained from inside the tent when the tent is deployed. A method for providing a refuge chamber for miners in a mine.