SPHERICAL COMPARTMENT FOR ENABLING AN INDIVIDUAL TO SAFELY EXPERIENCE A FREEFALL

Abstract

A spherical compartment is designed to hold a cargo or one or more individuals and absorbing impact as the spherical compartment is dropped from a height. The spherical compartment includes a frame with vertically oriented frame elements and at least one horizontally oriented frame element. The frame elements may be air beams; thus, the frame may be an air frame. The frame may carry a suspension system that suspends the payload within an interior of the spherical compartment. An outer skin affixed to the frame may impart the spherical compartment with low wind resistance. Methods of using the spherical compartment are also disclosed.

Claims

1. A spherical compartment for an individual, comprising: an airframe comprising a plurality of vertically oriented frame members with semicircular configurations, intersecting and joined to each other at a top pole and a bottom pole of the airframe, and arranged to define a frame for the spherical compartment with dimensions sufficient to accommodate the individual in a seated orientation, the airframe being rigid but compressible; an outer skin comprising a flexible membrane around the airframe; a plurality of suspension elements extending across an interior of the airframe, each suspension element comprising an elongated flexible member; and a passenger platform suspended substantially centrally within the airframe to accommodate the individual.

2. The spherical compartment of claim 1, wherein the airframe further comprises a horizontally oriented frame member.

3. The spherical compartment of claim 2, wherein the horizontally oriented frame member is positioned equatorially relative to the plurality of vertically oriented frame members.

4. The spherical compartment of claim 2, wherein the horizontally oriented frame member is secured to diametrically opposed locations of each vertically oriented frame member of the plurality of vertically oriented frame members.

5. The spherical compartment of claim 1, wherein each frame member of the airframe comprises a tubular member.

6. The spherical compartment of claim 5, wherein the tubular member comprises an inflatable tube.

7. The spherical compartment of claim 1, wherein the plurality of suspension elements includes a plurality of vertically oriented suspension elements.

8. The spherical compartment of claim 7, further comprising: an upper anchor ring secured to upper portions of the plurality of vertically oriented frame members, adjacent to the top pole of the airframe, upper ends of the vertically oriented suspension elements held in place by the upper anchor ring; and a lower anchor ring secured to lower portions of the plurality of vertically oriented frame members, adjacent to the bottom pole of the airframe, lower ends of the vertically oriented suspension elements held in place by the lower anchor ring.

9. The spherical compartment of claim 7, wherein the plurality of suspension elements further includes a plurality of horizontally oriented suspension elements.

10. The spherical compartment of claim 9, wherein each horizontally oriented suspension element extends across the airframe, from one side of a vertically oriented frame member to an opposite side of the vertically oriented frame member.

11. The spherical compartment of claim 9, wherein the passenger platform is at least partially supported by the plurality of horizontally oriented suspension elements.

12. The spherical compartment of claim 1, wherein the plurality of suspension elements are resiliently stretchable.

13. The spherical compartment of claim 1, wherein the outer skin is translucent or transparent.

14. The spherical compartment of claim 1, further comprising: a ladder extending between the top pole and the bottom pole and positioned adjacent to the passenger platform.

15. The spherical compartment of claim 1, wherein a circle defined by a pair of vertically oriented frame members has an inner diameter of at least about 7.6 m.

16. The spherical compartment of claim 15, wherein each vertically oriented frame member has an outer diameter of at least about 36 cm.

17. A method for safely dropping contents under force of gravity, comprising: pressurizing an airframe of a spherical compartment to place the airframe in an inflated state; securing the contents in a central location of a space defined by the airframe in the inflated state; dropping the spherical compartment from a location above a surface to the surface, the airframe absorbing an impact force as the spherical compartment impacts the surface.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein securing the contents comprises securing the contents in place within a suspension system of the spherical compartment, the suspension system further absorbing an impact force as the spherical object impacts the surface.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein securing the contents comprises receiving one or more individuals within the space defined by the airframe.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein securing the contents comprises securing a payload within the space defined by the airframe.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a spherical compartment according to this disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a frame of the embodiment of spherical compartment shown in FIG. 1;

[0032] FIG. 2A provides a detailed view of an embodiment of the manner in which a top anchor ring is secured to vertically oriented frame members near the top of the embodiment of frame shown in FIG. 2;

[0033] FIG. 2B provides a detailed view of an embodiment of the manner in which ends of the vertically oriented frame members are secured to each other at the top of the embodiment of frame shown in FIG. 2;

[0034] FIG. 2C provides a detailed view of an embodiment of the manner in which a horizontally oriented frame member is secured to a vertically oriented frame member of the embodiment of frame shown in FIG. 2;

[0035] FIG. 3 is a front view of the embodiment of frame shown in FIG. 2;

[0036] FIG. 3A is a plan view of the top anchor ring shown in FIG. 2A, taken along line D-D of FIG. 3;

[0037] FIG. 3B is a plan view of a top anchor ring of the embodiment of frame shown in FIG. 2, taken along line E-E of FIG. 3;

[0038] FIG. 4 is a side view if the embodiment of frame shown in FIG. 2;

[0039] FIG. 5 is a top view of the embodiment of frame shown in FIG. 2;

[0040] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of an embodiment of an outer skin of the embodiment of spherical compartment shown in FIG. 1;

[0041] FIG. 7 is a front view of the embodiment of outer skin shown in FIG. 6;

[0042] FIGS. 7A-7D, taken along lines A-A through D-D, respectively, of FIG. 7, depicts an embodiment of a manner in which adjacent panels of the embodiment of outer skin shown in FIG. 7 may be secured to each other;

[0043] FIG. 8 is an exploded view showing various features of the embodiment of outer skin shown in FIG. 6;

[0044] FIG. 9 is a side view of the embodiment of outer skin shown in FIG. 6;

[0045] FIG. 10 is a top view of the embodiment of outer skin shown in FIG. 6;

[0046] FIG. 11 is a isometric assembly view showing the embodiment of frame shown in FIG. 2 and the embodiment of outer skin shown in FIG. 6;

[0047] FIG. 12 is an isometric view of the embodiment of assembly shown in FIG. 11, with the frame and outer skin assembled with one another;

[0048] FIG. 13 is a front view of the embodiment of assembly shown in FIG. 12;

[0049] FIG. 14 is a side view of the embodiment of assembly shown in FIG. 12;

[0050] FIG. 15 is a front view of the embodiment of assembly shown in FIG. 12;

[0051] FIG. 16 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a ballast; and

[0052] FIG. 17 illustrates the embodiment of ballast shown in FIG. 16 assembled with the embodiment of assembly shown in FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] FIG. 1 illustrates a specific embodiment of spherical compartment 10 according to this disclosure. Generally, the spherical compartment 10 includes a frame 100, a suspension system 200 carried by the frame 100, and an outer skin 300 covering the frame 100. Optionally, the spherical compartment 10 may include one or more of a ballast 350 at a base of the spherical compartment 10, a conveyor 500 within an interior of the spherical compartment and associated with its suspension system 200, and a pressurization system 600 associated with the frame 100 and/or an interior of the spherical compartment 10.

[0054] With reference to FIGS. 2-5, an embodiment of the frame 100 of the spherical compartment 10 is illustrated. Generally, the frame 100 includes a plurality of vertically oriented frame members 110a, 110b, 110c, etc., which are also referred to herein as frame members 110, as well as one or more horizontally oriented frame members 120. Each vertically oriented frame member 110 may have a semicircular configuration or, more specifically, a semi-toroidal (i.e., doughnut-shaped) configuration. Each horizontally oriented frame member 120 may have a circular configuration or, more specifically, a toroidal configuration.

[0055] Each vertically oriented frame member 110 and each horizontally oriented frame member 120 may have a rigid, yet flexible construction. In some embodiments, each vertically oriented frame member 110 and each horizontally oriented frame member 120 may comprise a tube. Without limitation, each vertically oriented frame member 110 and each horizontally oriented frame member 120 may comprise an inflatable or pressurizable tube. More specifically, each vertically oriented frame member 110 and each horizontally oriented frame member 120 may comprise a so-called “air beam” structural member, a non-limiting example of which is disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 5,421,128 of Sharpless et al, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Such an air beam may comprise a tube with an outer member formed from a suitable material that surrounds one or more inflatable inner members. The outer member of the tube may comprise woven fibers or yarns impregnated with a matrix material, such as the impregnated woven materials disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 6,086,968 of Horovitz, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein. Examples of fibers that may be woven to define the outer member include, without limitation, polyester, p-phenylene terephthalamide (PpPTA) (e.g., that available from Akzo as TWARON), poly-p-phenylene terephthalamide (PPTA) (e.g., that available from DuPont as KEVLAR), and polytrimethylene terephthalate (e.g., that available from Shell as CORTERRA). These and other woven fibers may be impregnated with any suitable material, for example, cis-polyisoprene, polyurethane, epoxy, or polyvinylchloride. Such a woven material may have strong non-stretch properties in part due to the weave process used to form it. Non-limiting examples of inflatable inner members of an air frame include bladders (e.g., a urethane film bladders, etc.), inner tubes (e.g., polyisobutylene, or butyl rubber, inner tubes, etc.), and the like. Various embodiments of such air beams are available from Federal-Fabrics-Fibers, Inc., of Lowell, Mass. Of course, other configurations of air beams, including, but not limited to, air beams with integrated inner and outer structures, may also be used to define the frame members of a frame of a spherical compartment according to this disclosure. Each vertically oriented frame member 110 and each horizontally oriented frame member 120 (e.g., each bladder thereof, etc.) may be pressurized (e.g., with air, an inert gas, etc.) to a desired stiffness. Thus, the frame 100 of the spherical compartment 10 (FIG. 1) may be pressurized in a desired manner. Such a frame 100 may be referred to as an “airframe.”

[0056] The vertically oriented frame members 110 may be arranged in a manner that forms a frame 100 for a spherical compartment. Thus, the vertically oriented frame members 110 may intersect at a top and a bottom of the spherical compartment 10 (FIG. 1), which may also be referred to herein as the top pole and the bottom pole, respectively, of the spherical compartment. More specifically, the vertically oriented frame members 110 may be joined to one another at the top pole and the bottom pole of the spherical compartment 10.

[0057] The frame 100 may include six vertically oriented frame members 110 (forming three circles or tori) positioned at intervals of 60° to each other. Alternatively, the frame may include eight vertically oriented frame members 110 positioned at intervals of 45° to each other. As another alternative, the frame 110 may include twelve vertically oriented frame members positioned at intervals of 30° to each other. The vertically oriented frame members 110 may be secured to each other at a top pole and a bottom pole of the frame 100. Again, each vertically oriented frame 110 member may comprise a tube. In a specific embodiment, such a tube may have an outer diameter of 14 inches (about 36 cm), although the use of tubes with other outer diameters are also within the scope of this disclosure. Each tube may be bent into a semicircular or semi-toroidal shape. In a specific embodiment, the vertically oriented members may have lengths that define a spherical compartment with an inner diameter of 25 feet (about 7.6 m), although other sizes of spherical compartments—both smaller and larger—are also within the scope of this disclosure.

[0058] Each horizontally oriented frame member 120 may be oriented horizontally or somewhat horizontally relative to the vertically oriented frame members 110. Such a horizontally oriented frame member 120 may secure the vertically oriented frame members 110 in position relative to one another. In some embodiments, such a horizontally oriented frame member 120 may be positioned at an equator of the frame 100. In some embodiments, the horizontally oriented frame member 120 may extend around an outside of the frame 100 defined by the vertically oriented frame members 110, although internally located embodiments of horizontally oriented frame members 120 are also within the scope of this disclosure.

[0059] In a specific embodiment, the horizontally oriented frame member 120 is positioned at an equator of the frame 100. The horizontally oriented frame member 120 may comprise a tube with an outer diameter of 14 inches (about 36 cm). The tube may be bent into a circular or toroidal shape having an inner diameter of 27 feet (about 8.2 m), enabling it to be positioned around an outside of the frame defined by the vertically oriented frame members. It should be noted that the above-identified dimensions refer to a specific embodiment. Horizontally oriented frame members 120 with smaller or larger outer diameters may also be used; horizontally oriented frame members 120 with lengths that define smaller or larger toroidal shapes and spherical compartments with smaller or larger sizes are also within the scope of this disclosure.

[0060] FIG. 2A illustrates an embodiment of a coupling element 122 along the length of the horizontally oriented frame member 120, an embodiment of a coupling element 126 along the length of a vertically oriented frame member 110b, and an embodiment of a coupling element 124 that secures the vertically oriented frame member 110 to the horizontally oriented frame member 120; e.g., by way of the coupling elements 122 and 126. FIG. 2B illustrates an embodiment of a coupling element 116 at an upper end 112a, 112b, 112c, etc. (also referred to herein as ends 112) of each vertically oriented frame member 110a, 110b, 110c, etc., respectively, and an embodiment of a coupling element 118 that secures the ends 112 of the vertically oriented frame members 110 to each other; e.g., by way of the coupling elements 116 on the ends 112 of the vertically oriented frame members 110. Each coupling element 116, 118, 122, 124, 126 may comprise webbing (i.e., nylon straps, etc.), o-rings, carabiners, etc., or combinations thereof that secure the elements of the frame 110 to each other in a manner that will withstand the forces to which the spherical compartment 10 (FIG. 1) is expected to be subjected.

[0061] FIGS. 2-5 also depict an embodiment of a suspension system 200 of the spherical compartment 10 (FIG. 1). The suspension system 200 may include an upper anchor ring 220t, a lower anchor ring 220b, a platform 210 between upper anchor ring 220t and the lower anchor ring 220b, vertically oriented suspension elements 230, and horizontally oriented suspension elements 240.

[0062] The upper anchor ring 220t may be located within and secured to the frame 100 at a location adjacent to the top pole. The lower anchor ring 220b may be located within and secured to the frame 100 at a location adjacent to the bottom pole.

[0063] Each upper anchor ring 220t and lower anchor ring 220b may be oriented horizontally or somewhat horizontally relative to the vertically oriented frame members 110. Each upper anchor ring 220t and lower anchor ring 220b may be secured to inner extents of each of the vertically oriented frame members 110. In a specific embodiment, each upper anchor ring 220t and lower anchor ring 220b, as well as the platform 210, may comprise a tube with an outer diameter of 12 inches (about 30 cm). The tube may be bent into a circular or toroidal shape and positioned within an interior of the frame 100, respectively near the top and bottom of the frame 100. It should be noted that the above-identified dimensions refer to a specific embodiment. Upper anchor rings 220t, lower anchor rings 220b, and platforms 210 with smaller or larger outer diameters may also be used.

[0064] Each vertically oriented suspension element 230 and each vertically oriented suspension element 240 may comprise an elongated element that extend across an interior of the frame 100. In some embodiments, each vertically oriented suspension element 230 and each horizontally oriented suspension element 240 may have some elasticity. Without limitation, each vertically oriented suspension element 230 and each horizontally oriented suspension element 240 may comprise a cable, a cord, a rope, or the like.

[0065] The vertically oriented suspension elements 230 may extend between the top pole and the bottom pole of the frame 100. More specifically, the suspension system 200 may include upper vertically oriented suspension elements 230 in a top portion of the frame 100 and lower vertically oriented suspension elements 230 at a lower elevation within the frame 100. An upper portion (e.g., an upper end, etc.) of each upper vertically oriented suspension element 230 may be secured to the upper anchor ring 220t. A central portion (e.g., a lower end, etc.) of each upper vertically oriented suspension element 230 may be secured to a passenger platform 210. Likewise, a central portion (e.g., an upper end, etc.) of each lower vertically oriented suspension element 230 may be secured to the passenger platform 210, while a lower portion (e.g., a lower end, etc.) of each lower vertically oriented suspension element 230 may be secured to the lower anchor ring 220b.

[0066] Each horizontally oriented suspension element 240 of the suspension system 200 may extend substantially horizontally across an interior of the frame 100. Opposite ends of each horizontally oriented suspension element 240 may be secured to opposed vertically oriented frame members 210. In some embodiments, the opposite ends of each horizontally oriented suspension member 240 may be secured to the horizontally oriented frame member 220. The horizontally oriented suspension elements 240 may extend beneath the platform 210 to support the platform 210 from below.

[0067] FIG. 2C illustrates embodiments of the manners in which the upper anchor ring 220t is secured to the frame 110, each vertically oriented suspension element 230 is coupled the upper anchor ring 220t, and the optional conveyor 500 is coupled to the upper anchor ring 220t. More specifically, a coupling element 222 may secure the upper anchor ring 220t to each vertically oriented frame member 110, a coupling element 234 may secure each vertically oriented suspension element 230 to the upper anchor ring 220t, and a coupling element 234 may secure the conveyor 500 to the upper anchor ring 220t. Each coupling element 222, 234, 236 may comprise webbing (i.e., nylon straps, etc.), o-rings, carabiners, etc., or combinations thereof that secure the elements of the suspension system 200 to the frame 110 in a manner that enable the suspension system 200 to perform its intended functions as the spherical compartment 10 (FIG. 1) is subjected to anticipated forces.

[0068] FIG. 3B illustrates elements of an embodiment of a pressurization system according to this disclosure. The pressurization system includes a pump (FIGS. 1 and 4) that pressurizes a pressurizing fluid (e.g., air, an inert gas (e.g., nitrogen, etc.), a liquid, etc.). A primary conduit 602 conveys the pressurizing fluid from the pump 600. A manifold 604 receives the pressurizing fluid from the primary conduit 602 and then distributes the pressurizing fluid. As depicted, the manifold 604 may comprise a circular manifold carried by the lower anchor ring 220b. A plurality of secondary conduits 606 extend from the manifold 604 to each vertically oriented frame member 110 and each horizontally oriented frame member 120. A coupler 608 at an end of each secondary conduit 606 establishes communication between the secondary conduit 606 and the pressurizable interior of its corresponding vertically oriented frame member 110 or horizontally oriented frame member 120.

[0069] Turning now to FIGS. 6-10, an embodiment of an outer skin 300 of the spherical compartment 10 is illustrated. The outer skin 300 may include vertically oriented couplers 310, horizontally oriented couplers 320, a plurality of main panels 330, a top member 340, and a bottom member 345. Each vertically oriented coupler 310 may be secured to a corresponding vertically oriented frame member 110 (FIG. 3) in a suitable manner. Each horizontally oriented coupler 320 may be secured to a corresponding horizontally oriented frame member 120 (FIG. 3) in a suitable manner. Each main panel 330 may be positioned over an opening defined between adjacent vertically oriented frame members 110 and one or more horizontally oriented frame members 120. The top member 340 may be positioned over a top, or a top pole, of the frame 100 (FIG. 3), while the bottom member 345 may be positioned over a bottom, or a bottom pole, of the frame 100.

[0070] The outer skin 300 may have a structure that enables air to flow therein (e.g., it may comprise a breathable material, it may include mesh panels or similar structures that provide for airflow, etc.). In some embodiments, the shapes and manners in which the elements of the outer skin 300 are coupled to each other may enable the outer skin 300 to be stretched tight over the frame 100 (FIG. 3) or between the vertically oriented frame members 110 and horizontally oriented frame members 120 to prevent air resistance from collapsing the outer skin 330 while the spherical compartment falls from a significant height.

[0071] Each of the vertically oriented couplers 310, horizontally oriented couplers 320, main panels 330, top member 340, and bottom member 345 of the outer skin 300 may be formed from a flexible material. The material from which the elements of the outer skin 300 is formed and the manner in which the outer skin 300 is secured to the frame 100 may contribute to the structural stability of the spherical compartment 10 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the outer skin 300, or at least one of the main panels 330 thereof, may be translucent, at least partially transparent, or transparent. In a specific embodiment, the elements of the outer skin 300 may be formed from a translucent polyvinylchloride (PVC) or an optically clear polymer. More specifically, the elements of the outer skin 300 may be formed from a Type 2 PVC having a thickness of 16 mils (0.016 inch) (about 0.4 mm). Other outer skin 300 thicknesses are also within the scope of this disclosure. In other embodiments, the outer skin 300 may be made from a strong, lightweight fabric; for example, a fabric that may be used to make parachutes (e.g., a nylon, silk, etc.). A variety of other flexible materials (e.g., films, fabrics, etc.) may also be employed, as may a variety of more rigid materials.

[0072] FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate specific but non-limiting embodiments of the way in which adjacent members of the outer skin 300 may be secured to each other. FIG. 7A illustrates an embodiment of fasteners 370 that may secure the ends of each horizontally oriented coupler 320 to a side of a vertically oriented coupler 310 and a vertical edge of each main panel 330 to a side of the vertically oriented coupler. Each fastener 370 may include a so-called touch fastener, with the vertically oriented couplers 310 comprising or carrying a first element of the touch fastener (e.g., hooks of a VELCRO touch fastener, etc.) and the ends of the horizontally oriented couplers 320 and vertical edges of the main panels 330 comprising or carrying a complementary, second element of the touch fastener (e.g., loops of the VELCRO touch fastener, etc.). Of course, fasteners 370 that comprise other suitable mechanisms may also be used.

[0073] FIGS. 7B-7D depict another embodiment of fastener 360, which includes a female element 362 and a male element 364. The female element 262 may comprise a pair of opposed first elements of a touch fastener. The male element 364 may comprise a pair of oppositely facing second elements of the touch fastener and may be received between the elements of the female element 362. FIG. 7B shows use of the fastener 360 to secure the top member 340 of the outer skin 300, which may comprise or carry the male element 364, to top ends of the vertically oriented couplers 310 at the top of the outer skin 300 and top edges of the main panels 330 at the top of the outer skin 300, which may comprise or carry the female element 362. FIG. 7C shows the use of the fastener 360 to secure the bottom panel 345 of the outer skin 300, which may comprise or carry the female element 362, to the bottom ends of the vertically oriented couplers 310 at the bottom of the outer skin 300 and bottom edges of the main panels 330 at the bottom of the outer skin 300, which may comprise or carry the male elements 364. FIG. 7D shows the use of the fastener 360 to secure the bottom edges of the main panels 330 at the top of the outer skin 300, which may comprise or carry the male element 364, to upper edges of the horizontally oriented couplers 320, which may comprise or carry the female element 362. FIG. 7D also shows the use of the fastener 360 to secure top edges of the main panels 330 at the bottom of the outer skin 300, which may comprise or carry the female element 362, to lower edges of the horizontally oriented couplers 320, which may comprise or carry the male element 364.

[0074] FIGS. 11-15 show assembled relationships of the frame 100, the suspension system 200, and the outer skin 300.

[0075] With reference now turned to FIGS. 16 and 17, an embodiment of the ballast 350 of a spherical compartment 10 (FIG. 1) according to this disclosure is illustrated. The ballast 350 may comprise a weighted member secured to the outer skin 300 and/or the frame 100 at or near the bottom thereof. As illustrated, the ballast 350 may be carried by an exterior of the spherical compartment 10. In a specific embodiment, the ballast may weigh about 250 pounds (about 115 kg).

[0076] Although this disclosure and the accompanying drawings provide many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scopes of any of the appended claims, but merely as providing information pertinent to some specific embodiments that may fall within the scopes of the appended claims. Features from different embodiments may be employed in combination. In addition, the scopes of the appended claims may encompass other embodiments. All additions to, deletions from, and modifications of the disclosed subject matter that fall within the scopes of the claims are to be embraced by the claims.