Inflatable tent

Abstract

The document concerns inflatable tents, in particular non-durable, inflatable tents. The tents are provided with an inflated arch and a flysheet. The arch can be simply constructed from first and second flexible sheet materials joined to one another, and the flysheet is pivotally openable about the arch.

Claims

1. A tent comprising: a flysheet; and an inflated arch delimiting a volume, wherein said arch comprises a first flexible sheet and a second flexible sheet opposed to said first flexible sheet; wherein the first flexible sheet and the second flexible sheet are joined to each other to form a plurality of inflated structural support chambers; wherein said plurality of inflated structural support chambers have a natural tendency to form a curve when inflated wherein said plurality of inflated structural support chambers are elongate, extending in the curve of the arch, wherein said plurality of inflated structural support chambers comprise opposed side-joins between the first and second sheets, wherein the lengths of the opposed side-joins are unequal, and wherein a first side-join of at least one of the structural support chambers is substantially straight and a second side-join of the at least one structural support chamber opposed to the first side-join is non-straight.

2. The tent of claim 1 wherein the closed chambers are sealed once inflated, such that deflation is only possible by destructive measures.

3. The tent of claim 1 wherein the inflated structural support chambers have a lateral cross-section that is generally elliptical, oval or substantially circular.

4. The tent of claim 1, wherein the flysheet is pitched over the delimited volume, and is pivotally anchored to a tent supporting surface at a position on a first side of the arch, and to a tent supporting surface at a position on a second side the arch.

5. The tent of claim 4, wherein the anchoring positions are substantially laterally opposed to one another and form a virtual axis substantially lateral to the arch.

6. The tent of claim 4, wherein anchoring positions are within 15% of a midline of a length of the arch.

7. The tent of claim 1, further comprising an inflated mattress.

8. The tent of claim 7, wherein the mattress structurally supports the arch.

9. The tent of claim 1 comprising polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene furanoate, polyester, nylon, or polyvinyl chloride, most preferably polyethylene.

10. The tent of claim 1 comprising at least 60 wt %, based on the total weight of the tent components, of thermoplastic polymer.

11. The tent of claim 1 comprising at least 60 wt %, based on the total weight of the tent components, of a single polymer type selected from the types polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene furanoate, polyester, nylon, and polyvinyl chloride.

12. The tent of claim 1, wherein the tent is substantially free of one, more or all of: tent poles, thermoset plastics, zips, hook and loop fasteners, metals and metal alloys.

13. The tent of claim 1, wherein the second side-join of the structural support chamber opposed to the first side-join is meandering.

14. The tent of claim 1, wherein the second side-join of the structural support chamber opposed to the first side-join is a wave-form.

15. A kit of parts comprising a flysheet, an inflatable arch for delimiting a volume, wherein said arch comprises a first flexible sheet and a second flexible sheet opposed to said first flexible sheet wherein the first flexible sheet and the second flexible sheet are joined to each other to form a plurality of inflated structural support chambers; wherein said plurality of inflated structural support chambers have a natural tendency to form a curve when inflated wherein said plurality of inflated structural support chambers are elongate, extending in the curve of the arch, and wherein said plurality of inflated structural support chambers comprise opposed side-joins between the first and second sheets, wherein the lengths of the opposed side-joins are unequal, and wherein a first side-join of at least one of the structural support chambers is substantially straight and a second side-join of the at least one structural support chamber opposed to the first side-join is non-straight, and an inflatable mattress.

16. A method of making an inflatable arch having a curve, said method comprising the steps of: providing a first flexible sheet; providing a second flexible sheet opposed to said first flexible sheet; and joining the first flexible sheet and the second to each other to form a plurality of inflatable structural support chambers between the first flexible sheet and second flexible sheet, wherein said plurality of inflated structural support chambers are elongate, extending in the curve of the arch and comprise opposed side-joins between the first and second sheets, wherein the lengths of the opposed side joins are unequal so that said plurality of inflatable structural support chambers have a natural tendency to form the curve when inflated; and wherein a first side-join of at least one of the structural support chambers is substantially straight and a second side-join of the at least one structural support chamber opposed to the first side-join is non-straight.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The features and advantages of the invention will be appreciated upon reference to the following drawings, given by way of example only, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 shows an inflated tent in a partially open state;

(3) FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the inflated tent of FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 is an end elevation of the inflated tent of FIG. 1;

(5) FIG. 4 is a plan view from above, of the inflated tent of FIG. 1;

(6) FIG. 5 shows an inflated arch and an inflated mattress;

(7) FIG. 6 shows an inflated arch and an inflated mattress, and transverse cross-sections of the arch;

(8) FIG. 7 shows an inflated tent in a partially open state;

(9) FIG. 8 is a plan view of an uninflated arch of FIG. 6;

(10) FIG. 9 is a plan view of an uninflated mattress of FIG. 6;

(11) FIG. 10 shows a groundsheet;

(12) FIG. 11 shows the groundsheet of FIG. 10 when folded;

(13) FIG. 12 shows an inflated arch and an inflated mattress, and transverse cross-sections of the arch;

(14) FIG. 13 shows a transverse cross-section of the inflated arch and an inflated mattress of FIG. 12;

(15) FIG. 14 shows a side elevation of the inflated arch and an inflated mattress of FIG. 12;

(16) FIG. 15 shows an end elevation of the inflated arch and an inflated mattress of FIG. 12;

(17) FIG. 16 shows a plan view of the inflated arch and an inflated mattress of FIG. 12;

(18) FIG. 17 shows an inflated tent based on the arch and an inflated mattress of FIG. 12;

(19) FIG. 18 shows a side elevation of the inflated tent of FIG. 16;

(20) FIG. 19 shows an end elevation of the inflated tent of FIG. 16;

(21) FIG. 20 shows a plan view of the inflated tent of FIG. 16;

(22) FIG. 21 is a plan view of an uninflated mattress used in the tent of FIG. 16;

(23) FIG. 22 is a plan view of a flysheet visible in FIGS. 1-4, when unpitched and laid out;

(24) FIG. 23 is shows a flysheet from the tent of FIG. 16;

(25) FIG. 24 shows the flysheet of FIG. 23, when laid out; and

(26) FIG. 25 shows a schematic view of a production step.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

(27) The following is a description of certain embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only and with reference to the drawings.

(28) Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, there is shown an inflated tent 2. The illustrated tent 2 comprises an inflated arch 4, an inflated mattress 6, a flysheet 8, and a groundsheet 10.

(29) The inflated arch 4 of FIG. 1 is shown in more detail in FIG. 5.

(30) The inflated arch 4 has a height 22 (also known as a rise) that is the perpendicular distance from the arch's highest internal point to the plane of the base of the arch. The base of an arch is where the arch rests its lower ends 24 upon a supporting surface. The arch 4 also has a length 26, which is the shortest distance between the internal surfaces of the opposed lower ends 24 of the arch 4; and a width 28, which is the lateral distance at right angles to the length 26.

(31) The arch 4 encompasses a habitable volume 20. The arch may be sized to provide a one-person tent or a two-person tent. The illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5 is a one-person tent and has a width of from about 60 cm to about 90 cm.

(32) The inflated arch 4 comprises a first flexible sheet 72 and a second flexible sheet 74 opposed to the first flexible sheet 72 (see also FIGS. 13 and 25), wherein the first flexible 72 sheet and second flexible sheet 74 are joined to each other to form one or more structural support chambers 16. In the illustrated arch 4 the structural support chambers 16 are gas-filled to a pressure greater than 1 bar, preferably about 1.1 to 2.0 bar. The structural support chambers 16 are thus inflated, for example with air or N.sub.2, to create tension in the first and second flexible sheets 72,74, providing a stiffened, semi-rigid of rigid cell that acts as a support element in the arch 4.

(33) The illustrated inflated structural support chambers 16 are elongate and extend in the curve of the circumference of arch 4. The structural support chambers 16 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5 extend only part-way along the circumference of the arch and are defined at their first and second ends by lateral flexural lines 30. The flexural lines 30 are formed by end joins between the first and second flexible sheets 72, 74, of the arch 4.

(34) The structural support chambers 16 are so provided as a series of structural support chambers 16 extending between the lower ends 24 of the arch. The end joins may extend fully across the end of the structural support chambers 16, forming an end-seal between the in series chambers 16; or the join lines may be provided with one-way or two-way valves to allow restricted passage of inflating material therebetween, or the join lines may extend only partially across the end of the structural support chambers 16 allowing free passage of inflating material between the in-series structural support chambers 16.

(35) In addition, a plurality of series of structural support chambers 16 are provided across the width 28 of the arch 4, separated by longitudinal side join lines 32. The side join lines 32 may extend fully along a side of the structural support chambers 16, forming a side-seal between the laterally adjacent chambers 16; or the longitudinal join lines 32 may be provided with one-way or two-way valves to allow restricted passage of inflating material therebetween, or the lateral join lines 32 may extend only partially along the length of the structural support chambers 16 allowing free passage of inflating material between the laterally adjacent structural support chambers 16.

(36) As can be seen best in FIG. 5, the flexural lines 22 of the adjacent series are off-set in the curve of the arch 4. This provides flexibility to achieve the curve of the arch 4 while aiding in maintenance of structural rigidity to define a secure habitable volume 20.

(37) Referring to FIG. 6, there is illustrated a further embodiment of an inflated arch 4, in which the structural support chambers 16 are configured with an inherent tendency to curve when inflated. As can be seen, the structural support chambers 16 are elongate and extend in the curve of the arch 4. Each structural support chamber 16 extends for substantially the entire circumference of the arch 4, but in other embodiments some or all of the chambers 16 could extend for only a part of the circumference.

(38) The structural support chambers 16 comprise opposed side joins 32a, 32b between the first and second sheets. The lengths of the opposed side joins are unequal. That is, the length of a first side join 32a is less than the length of an opposed second side join 32b, over the same vector distance in the length of the arch 4 circumference.

(39) In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the side joins 32a and 32b extend for the full circumference of the arch, and so end at the same points along the circumference of the arch 4. The illustrated first side join 32a is substantially straight along the circumference of the arch, following a vector line of shortest distance between the arch lower ends 24. The illustrated second side join 32b extends inline with the circumference of the arch 4, but is non-straight or non-linear. Thus compared to the first side-join 32a, the second side-join 32b follows a greater path to achieve the same vector distance over the circumference. The non-straight second side-join 32b meanders over the circumference of the arch 4, and, as in FIG. 6, is preferably a wave-form extending along the circumference of the arch 4. As can also be seen, the second sides 32b of laterally adjacent structural support chambers are complementary in shape along the boundary between them, and so the adjacent second sides nest, mesh, and/or conform with one another.

(40) When inflated, the structural support chambers 16 tend to take on a curved or arched configuration as their lowest energy configuration in order to as far as possible balance the tension variations created across the uneven first and second side join lines 32a, 32b. In this respect, FIG. 6 further illustrates cross-sections through the inflated structural support chambers 16 along lines A and B of the inflated arch 4. As can be seen, on account of the variation between the first and second side join lines 32a, 32b, the cross-section of the inflated chambers 16 remains oval, and cannot reach the lowest energy configuration of purely circular. Thus the chamber 16 arches in an attempt to achieve as close as possible to a circular cross-section.

(41) FIG. 7 illustrates a tent 2 comprising the inflated arch 4 of FIG. 6, and a flysheet 8 pitched in tension thereover. The flysheet 8 is similar to that of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

(42) Referring to FIG. 8, there is shown a plan view of an uninflated arch 4 of FIG. 6. The wave-form of the second side joins 32b can be clearly seen, as well as the straight form of the first side joins 32a. A series of one-way valves 64 are provided along the first side joins, by which the structural support chambers 16 can be inflated with gas, preferably air.

(43) The tents 2 of FIGS. 1-4 and 7 are further provided with an inflatable mattress 6. The mattress is made up of a first mattress flexible sheet 80 and a second mattress flexible sheet 81 opposed to the first mattress flexible sheet 80 (see also FIG. 13). The first flexible mattress sheet 80 and second mattress flexible sheet 81 are joined to each other to form one or more inflatable chambers 58. In plan view the illustrated mattress 6 is rectangular, extending in a substantially straight line between the lower ends of the arch, although other forms may be applied.

(44) In FIG. 1, the inflatable mattress has elongate inflatable chambers 58 in the length of the tent 2. In FIG. 9, the inflatable mattress 6 has laterally extending inflatable chambers 58. Other chamber patterns for the mattress 6 may also be used.

(45) Referring to FIG. 10, there is shown a plan view of the groundsheet 10 of FIGS. 1 to 4 and 7. The groundsheet 10 is provided with anchoring eyelets 18 by which the groundsheet 10 may anchored to the ground by any usual means, such as tentpegs. The groundsheet 10 extends to lateral apexes 50 which may indicate to a user pitching the tent 2, the position for anchoring the flysheet 8.

(46) The illustrated groundsheet 10 is provided with upwardly extending peripheral walls 68. The peripheral walls 68 may aid in reducing or preventing flow or other ingress of water, e.g. ground-surface water, or precipitation, to the upper surface of the groundsheet 10.

(47) As further shown in FIG. 10, the groundsheet 10 can be folded, arrow 70, about its centre-line, for easy packaging. FIG. 11 illustrates the groundsheet 10 when folded.

(48) Referring to FIGS. 12-16, there is illustrated a further embodiment of an inflated arch 4, and inflated mattress 6. The structural support chambers 16 of the arch 4 are similar to those of the embodiment of FIG. 6, and are configured with an inherent tendency to curve when inflated.

(49) FIG. 13 shows a transverse cross-section of the arch and mattress of FIG. 12. The inflated arch 4 comprises a first flexible sheet 72 and a second flexible sheet 74 opposed to the first flexible sheet 72, wherein the first flexible 72 sheet and second flexible sheet 74 are joined to each other along joins 32a and 32b, to form one or more structural support chambers 16, which are gas filled to a pressure greater than 1 bar. The mattress of FIG. 13 comprises a first mattress flexible sheet 80 and a second mattress flexible sheet 81 opposed to the first mattress flexible sheet 80. The first flexible mattress sheet 80 and second mattress flexible sheet 81 are joined to each other to form one or more inflatable chambers 58. The join is achieved in a similar manner to the join between the flexible sheets of the arch 4.

(50) In FIGS. 12-16, the illustrated mattress 6 is shaped to extend laterally beyond the sides of the arch 4. This increases the area of insulation and comfort provided by the mattress 6 within the habitable volume 20, and can aid in increasing the useful sleeping surface area for one or more persons.

(51) Referring to FIGS. 17-20, there is shown a tent 2 comprising the inflated arch 4 and mattress 6 of FIGS. 12-16, with a flysheet 8 pitched in tension thereover. As can be seen, the mattress 6 substantially follows the lower boundary of the pitched flysheet 8 when it is closed. This can make maximum use of the area under the flysheet 8 for insulation, comfort and sleeping surface area.

(52) Referring to FIG. 21, there is shown a plan view of the uninflated mattress 6 of FIGS. 12-20, having laterally extending inflatable chambers 58. The mattress 6 is substantially an elongated octagon, although other forms, such as (elongated) hexagon, other polygon, or curved sides, may be used, that can substantially follow the boundary of a pitched flysheet.

(53) The inflatable chambers of the mattress 6 are formed between the flexible sheets in the same manner as discussed for the structural support chambers of the arch.

(54) Referring again to FIGS. 1 to 4 and 7, the flysheet 8 is comprised of a flexible sheet, and is pitched over the inflated arch 4. The flysheet 8 is pulled into tension with the inflatable arch 4 by anchoring at flysheet anchor-points 12 in the ground. As can best be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, two flysheet anchor-points 12 are provided, one on either side of the arch 4. The flysheet anchor-points 12 are positioned on a midline of the length of the tent 2. The flysheet anchor-points 12 are laterally distanced from the sides of the inflated arch 4.

(55) The anchor-points 12 form a virtual axis 34 about which the flysheet can pivot to and fro, i.e. back and forth, over the arch 4, arrow 36 in FIG. 2. In this manner the flysheet can be pivoted open and closed over the arch to selectively provide access to the habitable volume 20, or to close off the habitable volume 20 at the side openings of the arch. In FIGS. 1 through 4, the flysheet 8 is partially open.

(56) The flysheet 8 is pitched in tension against the arch 4, and so remains open, closed and/or partially open or closed, by frictional engagement with the arch 4. This can allow tent 2 to be absent of added closure devices such as zippers, clasp lockers or other hard plastic, thermoset plastic, or metal components, such as may be normally required in tents. The tent 2 is thus susceptible to ready disposal, especially by recycling.

(57) Preferably in a closed position an end-edge of the flysheet 8 may be pulled by tension under a lip 38 at a base of the arch 4. This provides a still more secure closing of the flysheet 8 over the habitable volume 20.

(58) The pivoting opening and closing configuration also allows the flysheet 8 to be of a simple construction. Referring to FIG. 22, there is shown a plan view of the flysheet 8 of FIGS. 1-4, when unpitched and laid out.

(59) The illustrated flysheet 8 has a length 40 and a width 42. Such a rectangular flysheet can be readily formed from a continuous sheet material, for example from a roll of sheet material. The flysheet sides comprise a channel 48 that can be formed by folding and joining (e.g. by heat sealing) the edge of the flysheet 8 upon itself. A drawcord 14 (shown in FIGS. 1 through 4 and 7) can be incorporated in each channel 48, and extends externally via side apertures 46. The drawcord 14 acts as an anchor line or guy and can be anchored to one of anchor points 12 to pitch the flysheet 8. Pulling the drawcord 14 ravels or collects the side of the flysheet towards the anchor point 12, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 4 and 7. The embodiment in FIG. 22 has seven equidistant apertures, however, other configurations are possible.

(60) Referring again to FIGS. 17 to 20, an alternative embodiment of a flysheet 8 is shown. Further detail of the flysheet 8 is shown in FIGS. 23 and 24. The illustrated flysheet 8 is provided with laterally extending fold-lines 52, giving the flysheet 8 a concertina form. This may aid in a smooth opening and closing of the flysheet 8 and in maintaining tension in the flysheet 8 in both open and closed positions.

(61) The flysheet 8 is collected at its sides (A, B) and anchored by a looped guy 54 to a tent peg. The looped guy 54 is an illustrative embodiment only. Alternatives may include heat sealing the flysheet ends into ravelled or concertina forms, with attachment to a peg or similar via, for example, an aperture, preferably a punched aperture. A further alternative may include provision of an injection molded part with fastening features, although this may be less preferred for reasons on disposability or recyclability.

(62) FIG. 24 shows the flysheet 8 of FIG. 23 when laid out. In the embodiment of FIGS. 22 and 24, the flysheet 8 has a construction in which no channel 48 or internal drawcord 14 is required. This may further simplify the flysheet 8, its manufacture, and its disposal/recycling.

(63) Conventional sheet handling apparatus and methods may be used to form the arch with structural support chambers and/or mattress with inflatable chambers.

(64) FIG. 25 shows a schematic view of an exemplary production step for an arch 4 in accordance with the embodiments of FIGS. 6-8 and 12-20.

(65) In FIG. 25, flexible first and second sheets 72, 74, are unwound from first and second rolls of flexible sheet material. However, the flexible sheets may be supplied from any suitable source

(66) The first and second flexible sheets 72, 74 are conveyed along a path of travel, arrows 76, and brought into juxtaposition. A conveying mechanism may include various conventional sheet-guide and sheet-drive devices as desired, such as guide rollers and nip rollers.

(67) A joining device 78, in the form of a direct contact heat sealer equipped with a given mold or die selectively joins the juxtaposed first and second sheets 72, 74 to one another along predetermined join lines 32a, 32b. The joining device 78 may produce seals of any type that bind two flexible sheets together, such as heat seals, adhesive seal, cohesive seal, etc., with heat seals being preferred. A heat seal, or heat weld, may be formed when the flexible sheets 72, 74, are brought into contact with one another and sufficient heat is applied to one or both sheets becomes molten and intermixes with the other heated sheet. Accordingly, the joining device 78 may be provided with a heated surface to give selective heating of the flexible sheets. Both heat and pressure are preferably applied.

(68) An exemplary joining mechanism may comprise a pair of sealing members that converge within the travel path to form a sealing zone. For example, sealing members may comprise a pair of counter-rotating belts or wheels.

(69) Multiple joining devices or joining heads may be provided across the width of the flexible sheets to simultaneously apply multiple join lines.

(70) In the above manner the joins 32a, 32b can be formed between the juxtaposed sheets 72, 74 as they are conveyed along a longitudinal path of travel. The joining device may laterally shift a joining head, e.g. a heating and pressure element in relation to the path of travel to produce the non-linear, meandering or wave-form joins 32b.

(71) In the illustrated embodiments the juxtaposed sheets 72, 74 are separate sheets, however, other embodiments may use opposing faces of a film folded upon itself along a side edge, or make use of juxtaposed sides of a flattened tube.

(72) Thus, the invention has been described by reference to certain embodiments discussed above. It will be recognized that these embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms well known to those of skill in the art.

(73) Further modifications in addition to those described above may be made to the structures and techniques described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, although specific embodiments have been described, these are examples only and are not limiting upon the scope of the invention.