Patent Application
20250163720
The present invention relates to a camping assembly comprising an inflatable camping structure. In particular, the present invention relates to a camping assembly comprising an embedded pump module for inflating an inflatable camping structure, and a method of inflating a camping structure.
Tents, folding campers such as camper trailers, and camping accessories such as awnings or gazebos may be complex or time consuming to erect, for example when these structures have to be assembled from a number of parts. Such parts may be easily damaged during assembly or in use, for instance by impacts or high winds. To address these problems, these structures may comprise inflatable parts, which allow the structures to be erected by inflating the inflatable parts using a source of pressurised air, such as a pump. With this arrangement, minimal assembly of parts may be required.
A disadvantage of using inflatable parts is that a pump or other source of pressurised air must be taken to a camping location by a user. For larger inflatable structures (such as an inflatable family tent) a manually operated pump may not be practical, meaning that a standalone, powered (e.g. electric) pump and source of power are typically required. Standalone air sources can be bulky, noisy and inconvenient, and pneumatic connections between such air sources and inflatable camping structures may be unreliable. Also, such air sources need to be stored when not in use, and may occupy valuable storage space in a camping structure. Where a number of inflatable structures are used, a source of air is required to be compatible to connect to each inflatable structure in turn.
It is against this background that the present invention is devised. It is an object of the present invention to overcome at least one problem associated with the prior art, whether referred to herein or otherwise.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a camping assembly comprising:
The inflatable means may comprise an inflatable component (or element). Preferably the inflatable component/element comprises a single (sole) inflatable component/element and/or a single/sole inflatable component.
Preferably the pump module extends between the first end of the elongate support member and an end of the inflatable component/element and the inflatable component/element extends between an end of the pump module and the second end of the elongate support member.
The inflatable means may comprise a first inflatable component and a second inflatable component. The pump module may locate between the first inflatable component and the second inflatable component.
The first inflatable component may extend between the first end of the elongate support member and a first end of the pump module and the second inflatable component may extend between a second end of the pump module and the second end of the elongate support member.
The pump module may extend between the first end of the elongate support member and an end of the inflatable means/element and the inflatable means/element may extend between an end of the pump module and the second end of the elongate support member.
The end of the pump module may form an interface with the end of the inflatable means/element such that the pump module extends between the first end of the elongate support member and the interface and the inflatable means/element extends between the interface and the second end of the elongate support member.
The end of the pump module may form a first interface with an end of a first inflatable component (element) and a second interface with an end of a second inflatable component (element) such that the pump module locates between the between the first inflatable component (element) and the second inflatable component (element) and the first inflatable component (element) extends between the first end of the elongate support member and the first interface and the second inflatable component (element) extends between the second interface and the second end of the elongate support member.
The pump module may be contiguous with the or each inflatable element to provide the elongate support member.
Preferably the pump module is in-line with the inflatable means/element in order for the pump module to extend along a longitudinal axis and the or each inflatable means/element to also extend along the (same) longitudinal axis.
Preferably the pump module is embedded in the elongate support member.
Preferably the pump module is integral with the inflatable means/element to form the elongate support member.
A longitudinal length of the elongate support member may comprise a longitudinal length of the pump module plus a longitudinal length of the inflatable means/element.
The pump module may comprise a (generally) cylindrical housing. The elongate support member may comprise a (generally) cylindrical member. The or each inflatable means/element may comprise a (generally) cylindrical element.
The elongate support member may extend along a first longitudinal axis. The pump module may extend along a second longitudinal axis. The inflatable means/element may extend along a third longitudinal axis.
The first, second and third longitudinal axes may all be coincident.
The elongate support member may comprise a (generally) linear member. The (generally) linear member may have an angled section and/or may be curved/arcuate.
A longitudinal length of the pump module and the or each inflatable means/element may combine to provide a longitudinal length of the elongate support member.
Preferably only a part (of the longitudinal length) of the elongate support member is inflatable and the remaining part (or the longitudinal length) of the elongate support member is provided by the pump module.
The pump module may extend from a first (longitudinal) end to a second (longitudinal) end. The or each inflatable element may extend from a first (longitudinal) end to a second (longitudinal) end. The elongate support member may extend from a first (longitudinal) end to a second (longitudinal) end. The first end of the elongate support member may comprise the first end of the pump module and the second end of the elongate support member may comprise the second end of the inflatable means/element. The second end of the pump module may locate at an interface with the first end of the inflatable means/element and the interface may locate at a position spaced from the first end of the elongate support member and the second end of the elongate support member.
The first end of the pump module may provide a base. Preferably the base is arranged to support the elongate support member on the ground. The base may provide an angled surface in order for the elongate support member to be arranged, in use, to extend upwardly from the ground at an angle (a non-perpendicular angle), and at an angle which may be greater than 30 degrees and more preferably greater than 45 degrees and more preferably greater than 60 degrees. The angle may be less than 85 degrees, preferably less than 80 degrees.
The primary camping structure may comprise an inflatable network of air poles and a canopy. The primary inflatable structure may comprise an awning. The primary inflatable structure may comprise a gazebo.
The elongate support member may provide an air pole for the primary camping structure.
The elongate support member may be an upright support member. The elongate support member may comprise a horizontal (or angled) support member.
The pump module may be disposed at a lower end of the elongate support member. The support member may comprise a centrally located support member located spaced from longitudinal ends of the elongate support member.
The pump module may provide a foot of the elongate support member.
The elongate support member may provide a structural limb for the camping assembly and wherein the inflatable means/element may provide a leg for the structural limb and the pump module may provide a foot for the structural limb. The elongate support member may provide a horizontally extending support member to structurally support a roof portion of a canopy and/or a wall portion of the canopy which may be arranged to locate adjacent to the ground.
The inflatable means/element may be in communication with a further inflatable means/element or further inflatable means/elements. In particular, an upper (second) end of the inflatable element may be in communication with an end of one or more (preferably two) inflatable elements extending substantially perpendicular (or at an angle) thereto.
The primary inflatable camping structure may comprise a donor valve configured to release air from the primary inflatable camping structure.
Preferably the pump module supports at least part of the inflatable means (inflatable element(s)/components(s)). The pump module may provide structural support to the inflatable means (inflatable element(s)/components(s)). Preferably the pump module is arranged, in use, to maintain the inflatable means (inflatable element(s)/components(s)) spaced from the ground and may protect the inflatable means (inflatable element(s)/components(s)).
Preferably the inflatable means (inflatable element(s) components(s)) comprises an upright inflatable means (inflatable element(s) components(s)) having a foot comprising the pump module.
Preferably the elongate support member is a first elongate support member of a pair of elongate support members and a length of the inflatable means of the first elongate support member is less than a length of the inflatable means of the second elongate support member, to accommodate a height of the pump module. Preferably the first inflatable means (inflatable element(s) components(s)) forms part of a first elongate support member and the second inflatable means (inflatable element(s) components(s)) forms part of a second elongate support member and wherein a longitudinal length of the first elongate support member may be the same as a longitudinal length of the second elongate support member.
The inflatable means/element may be tubular. The inflatable means/element may be generally or substantially cylindrical.
The pump module may comprise a generally cylindrical housing, which may be arranged coaxially with an axis of the inflatable means/element.
The elongate support member may comprise a sleeve. Preferably the inflatable means/element comprises a bladder. The inflatable means/element may locate within the sleeve. The pump module may locate (at least partially) within the sleeve. The sleeve may provide access and/or openings around the pump module which may enable a user to access port(s) and/or socket(s) and/or button(s) and/or control means provided on the pump module. The sleeve may provide access to a battery compartment of the pump module. The sleeve may provide a fluid flow window to enable air to flow into and/or out of the pump module.
The sleeve may retain the pump module with the inflatable means/element. Preferably the pump module remains secured to the inflatable means/element whilst the inflatable means/element is in an inflated configuration and a deflated configuration.
Preferably the primary inflatable camping structure is arranged to be stored in a storage configuration in which the pump module is secured to the inflatable means/element.
The sleeve may be freely located around the bladder and the sleeve may be secured around a periphery of the pump module and may be secured around an upper periphery of the pump module.
Preferably the pump module comprises a detachable battery. Preferably the pump module comprises a rechargeable battery. Preferably the pump module comprises a battery receiver (battery holder). The battery receiver may comprise a slot. The battery receiver may be arranged to receive the battery in a direction perpendicular to an axis of a housing of the pump module.
Preferably, the pump module comprises at least one ancillary power connector configured to supply power to an ancillary device. For example, the pump module may comprise one or more USB connectors for charging an accessory such as a smartphone.
The camping assembly may comprise a lighting arrangement. The lighting arrangement may comprise one or LED strips. The lighting arrangement may be provided on the inflatable camping structure. The lighting arrangement may be configured to be powered by a power source (e.g. battery) of the pump module.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of providing an elongate support member for a camping assembly, the camping assembly comprising:
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a camping assembly comprising:
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of providing an elongate support member for a camping assembly, the camping assembly:
Preferably the inflatable camping structure is in an (fully) inflated configuration and the inflatable camping accessory is in a (fully) deflated configuration and the inflation of the inflatable camping accessory is achieved exclusively with air contained within the inflatable camping accessory in the absence of introducing any further air into the inflatable camping structure, for example from a pump and through an inflation valve of the inflatable camping structure.
The or each donor valve may comprise a pressure relief valve. The pressure relief valve may be arranged to maintain a minimum pressure within the inflatable camping structure. Preferably, above the minimum pressure, the pressure relief valve may enable air to be transferred from the inflatable camping structure to the inflatable camping accessory.
The camping assembly may comprise a first inflatable volume and a second inflatable volume. Preferably the camping assembly comprises a total inflatable volume. The total inflatable volume may comprise the volume of the main camping structure (awning) and may also comprise the volume of the primary inflatable camping structure. The first inflatable volume may comprise an inflatable volume of the main camping structure (awning) and may also comprise the inflatable volume of the primary camping structure. The second inflatable volume may comprise an inflatable volume of the or each inflatable camping accessory. The initial total volume may be (substantially) equal to the final total volume such that no extra air is introduced. For example, a pump or other inflating means is not used to introduce any extra air.
A ratio of the first inflatable volume to the second inflatable volume may be 1:1 or greater, preferably 2:1 or greater, more preferably 3:1 or greater. The ratio may be 4:1 or greater. In some examples, the ratio may be 5:1 or greater. In some examples, the ratio may be 10:1 or greater.
Preferably, an inflatable volume of the or each inflatable camping accessory is less than an inflatable volume of the main camping structure (awning) and/or the primary inflatable camping structure. Preferably, an inflatable volume of the or each inflatable camping accessory is less than 50%, preferably 25% (more preferably less than 20%) of an inflatable volume of the main camping structure (awning) and/or primary inflatable camping structure.
Preferably, an inflatable volume of the main camping structure (awning) is less than an inflatable volume of the primary inflatable camping structure. An inflatable volume of the main camping structure (awning) may be less than 50% of an inflatable volume of the primary inflatable camping structure.
Preferably the inflatable camping structure is in an (fully) inflated configuration and the inflatable camping accessory is in a (fully) deflated configuration and the method comprises inflating the inflatable camping accessory exclusively with air contained within the inflatable camping accessory in the absence of introducing any further air into the inflatable camping structure, for example from a pump and through an inflation valve of the inflatable camping structure.
The method may comprise regulating the donation of air from the inflatable camping structure to the inflatable camping accessory using a pressure relief valve. The method may comprise maintaining the pressure in the inflatable camping structure above a predetermined minimum value which may be required to maintain the structural integrity of the inflatable camping structure. This may prevent the collapse of the inflatable camping structure due to the donation of air to the inflatable camping accessory.
The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
The present invention provides a camping assembly comprising a primary inflatable camping structure with an embedded pump module.
In this specification, the present invention is described with reference to inflatable camping structures which are arranged to be erected on a ground surface. Accordingly, the terms “upwardly”, “upper” and related terms refer to a direction away from gravity in use (e.g. towards the top in
A first embodiment of a camping assembly 110 according to the invention is shown in
The awning 112 is provided with an embedded or integrated pump module 80 for inflating the inflatable elements of the awning 112. Specifically, the pump module 80 is positioned/located in-line with the inflatable means (inflatable element(s)bladder(s)) of the elongate support member 78. The term in-line is used to refer to the arrangement of the pump module 80 and the inflatable member (inflatable element(s)) being located end on adjacent to each other such that the longitudinal length of the elongate support member 78 consists of the longitudinal length of the pump module 80 plus the longitudinal length of the inflatable member (inflatable element(s)). In this way, the pump module locates between a first (longitudinal) end 77 and a second (longitudinal) end 79 of the elongate support member 78. The longitudinal length of the elongate support member 78 is thereby defined between the first end 77 and the second end 78 and this is formed from the longitudinal length of the pump module 80 together with the longitudinal length of the inflatable means in the inflated configuration.
In the first embodiment, the pump module 80 is disposed at a lower end 119 of the first upright inflatable element 114a. The pump module 80 forms a foot of the first upright element 114a. Accordingly, in this embodiment, a length of the first upright inflatable element 114a is less than a length of the second upright inflatable element 114b. In this way, the pump module 80 forms part of the structure of the awning 112. The first upright inflatable element 114a is at least partly supported by the pump module 80.
Therefore, the pump module 80 and the first upright inflatable element 114a together provide an elongate support member 78 of the awning 112. The pump module 80 extends from a first, lower end 77 of the support member 78 towards the first upright inflatable element 114a and the first upright inflatable element 114a extends between the pump module 80 and a second, upper end 79 of the support member 78. The pump module 80 is generally cylindrical. The pump module 80 is coaxial with the first upright inflatable element 114a. The pump module 80 and the inflatable element 114a are coaxial with the support member 78. In this embodiment, a base of the pump module 80 is arranged to rest on a ground surface on which the awning 112 is erected. The pump module 80 comprises an air pump which is connected to an inlet (not visible in
The awning 112 comprises a donor valve 116 configured to release air from the inflatable elements. The donor valve 116 is arranged to be connected to an inflatable device, such as an inflatable camping accessory, for inflating the inflatable device with air from the awning 112. When inflated, the awning 112 provides a reservoir of stored air under pressure, which may be used to inflate other devices via the donor valve 116. In this first embodiment, the donor valve 116 is provided on the second upright inflatable element 114b. The donor valve 116 is disposed adjacent a lower end of the second upright inflatable element 114b. In this way, the donor valve 116 is easily accessible by a user, for inflating an inflatable device.
Referring to
As can be seen in
The pump outlet 89 is connected to an inlet (not shown) of the inflatable awning. In particular, the outlet 89 is connected to an inlet of the first upright inflatable element 114a. In this way, the pump 84 is arranged to inflate the inflatable elements of the awning 112. The pump 84 may also be operated to deflate the awning 112 by pumping air out of the awning 112. In this way, the awning 112 can be deflated more quickly and/or completely than by deflating the awning manually. Accordingly, the awning 112 (or other inflatable structure) may be made more compact (e.g. for storage) by deflating it using the pump 84, compared with manual deflation by a user.
The detachable or removable battery 88 is inserted into the battery slot 87 and housed in the battery housing 83. In this embodiment, the removable battery 88 is a rechargeable battery. In use the battery 88 is inserted into the battery housing 83 in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the housing 81. The battery housing 83 is configured to releasably retain the battery 88 so that the battery 88 can easily be removed for recharging and/or replaced. For example, the battery 88 may be releasable engaged by a ‘push-to-secure’, ‘push-to-release’ mechanism. In some embodiments, the battery may be lockable to the battery housing. For example, the battery housing may comprise a locking arrangement to prevent unauthorised removal of the battery from the pump module.
A particular problem associated with some embodiments would be the requirement to ensure that the pump module 80 can be located adjacent to a power supply to power the pump 84. Accordingly, this restriction severely restricts the usefulness of such an arrangement. The preferred embodiments of the present invention specifically use a removable battery 88 to address such problems. For example, a pump module 80 including an integral rechargeable battery may be suitable for use in location remote from a power supply. Such units may be easier and more reliable to manufacture in terms of being waterproof etc. However, the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been designed to have a removable battery 88 which has been found to enhance the adaptability of the invention. In the preferred embodiments, a kit may be provided in which a second battery is provided. Accordingly, a kit having a first battery and a second battery enables a user to take one battery away to be recharged whilst still being able to use the first battery. The removal of the battery also prevents the complete pump module from having to be removed from the camping assembly.
As mentioned above, the ability to have two interchangeable batteries helps to ensure that the pump module can always be powered without having to wait for the sole battery to be recharged. In some situations, such a delay could be extremely inconvenient and would require a user to manually pump up the structure. In addition, this use of one or more rechargeable batteries enables the battery (or batteries) to be used to power auxiliary equipment. For example, the battery may be used to power a caravan mover. This adaptability greatly improves on a standalone pump module having a single integral battery. The failure of a battery in such a module would result in the complete unit having to be replaced which may include the complete camping assembly if the pump module was integrated therein. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the present invention can be maintained and also upgraded with new batteries during the lifetime of the product.
The pump module 80 further comprises an electronics module 91 disposed between the battery 88 and the pump 84. The electronics module 91 is configured to supply power from the battery 88 to the pump 84. The electronics module 91 may comprise a control unit for controlling the pump 84. For example, the pump may be operated remotely (e.g. using a remote control device and/or a smart phone application).
The pump module 80 further comprises ancillary electrical connectors. In this embodiment, the pump module comprises a pair of electrical output connectors 92 disposed on the top wall of the pump housing 81. The electrical output connectors 92 (which in this embodiment are 2-pin, figure-8 connectors) are arranged to provide electrical power to ancillary devices. The pump module further comprises a pair of USB (universal serial bus) connectors (sockets) 93 disposed on a side wall of the pump housing 81. With these arrangements, the pump module 80 is configured to supply power to ancillary devices. For example, power may be supplied to charge a device such as a smartphone, or to power speakers, lighting, a Wi-Fi dongle, or other accessories. The electronics module 91 is configured to supply power from the detachable battery 88 to the ancillary electrical connectors. The pump module 80 may therefore provide a power hub of the primary inflatable camping structure 112, to which one or more ancillary electrical devices may be connected.
In some embodiments, the awning 112 (or other primary inflatable camping structure) may be provided with a lighting arrangement (e.g. LED lighting) which may be powered by the battery housed in the pump module. The lighting may be integral or embedded with the awning. Referring back to
The pump module 80 further comprises an auxiliary electrical input connector 94, which in this embodiment is a 12-volt ‘cigarette lighter’ connector (which may also be known as an automobile auxiliary power outlet connector). In this way, power may be supplied to the pump module 80 from an alternative, external power source, such as from a vehicle.
For the above further features relating to the provision of one or more ancillary power connectors, the use of removable and replaceable batteries 88 further enhances the system. A system having a single integral battery would not be used to provide ancillary power due to the requirement of recharging the battery to enable the main pump to function. For example, if the use of ancillary devices whilst the camping assembly was assembled then this would prevent the integral battery from being taken away to be recharged at a camping location. An aim of the pump is to maintain the tent is a fully inflated configuration and this requires the battery to remain charged. Accordingly, the combination of a removable battery 88 together with the ancillary power connectors provides a significantly improved and multifunctional system.
Referring to
The gazebo 212 is provided with an embedded or integrated pump module 80 for inflating the inflatable elements 214 of the gazebo. The pump module 80 is substantially identical to the pump module 80 described above in relation to the first embodiment. In this second embodiment, the pump module 80 is disposed at a lower end 219 of a first upright inflatable element 214a of the gazebo 212. In this way, the first upright inflatable element 214a is at least partly supported by the pump module 80. Therefore, the pump module 80 and first upright inflatable element 214a together provide an elongate support member 178 of the gazebo 212. The pump module 80 extends from a first, lower end 177 of the support member 178 towards the first upright inflatable element 214a and the first upright inflatable element 214a extends between the pump module 80 and a second, upper end (not visible in
The gazebo 212 comprises a donor valve 216 configured to release air from the inflatable elements 214. The donor valve 216 is arranged to be connected to an inflatable device, such as an inflatable camping accessory, for inflating the inflatable device with air from the gazebo 212. When inflated, the gazebo 212 provides a reservoir of stored air under pressure, which may be used to inflate other devices via the donor valve 216. In this first embodiment, the donor valve 216 is provided on a second upright inflatable element 214b diagonally opposite from the first inflatable element 214a. The donor valve 216 is disposed adjacent a lower end of the second upright inflatable element 214b. In this way, the donor valve 216 is easily accessible by a user, for inflating an inflatable device.
In the embodiments described above, the pump module 80 is embedded or integral with the inflatable camping structure 112, 212 meaning that a standalone air source (e.g. pump or compressor) is not required for inflating the inflatable structure 112, 212. Since, in the present invention, the pump module 80 is integral to the structure (e.g. supporting structure) of the inflatable camping structure, the pump module 80 does not significantly occupy interior space (e.g. accommodation or storage space) of the inflatable camping structure 112, 212. Accordingly, the camping assembly 110, 210 may be more compact overall. Also, the pump module 80 provides a power hub or power source of the primary inflatable structure 112, 212, meaning that an external power source (e.g. a mains connection, or connection to a caravan battery) may not be required. Devices and accessories can be powered by connecting them to the pump module 80, with power provided by the battery 88. One or more detachable, rechargeable batteries may be provided so that the battery in the pump module can be replaced as required.
As shown in
As shown in
The inflatable means comprises the first inflatable component 124a and the second inflatable component 124b. The pump module 80 locates between the first inflatable component 124a and the second inflatable component 124b. The first inflatable component 124a extends between the first end 77 of the elongate support member 78 and the first end of the pump module 80 and the second inflatable component 124b extends between the second end of the pump module 80 and the second end 79 of the elongate support member 78.
A further embodiment and arrangement of the present invention is shown in
The present invention also provides a camping assembly 10 comprising a primary inflatable camping structure (folding trailer tent 12), a main (or secondary) inflatable camping structure (awning 18) and an inflatable camping accessory 20, 22, 24. In particular, the camping assembly 10 provides a system of inflatable devices for camping.
The term camping assembly is defined to include camping and/or caravanning apparatus and equipment. In particular, the camping assembly may comprise a caravan, a tent and/or a trailer tent or a combination of these.
The system is configured so that air can be shared between the inflatable devices, by providing donor valves for releasing air from at least some of the inflatable devices. Each donor valve can be connected to an inflation valve for inflating another of the inflatable devices. The devices may be pneumatically connected to each other. In this way, one or more of the devices may be inflated using air from another of the devices which is already inflated, by connecting the devices together. An advantage of this arrangement is that only a single source of pressurised air (e.g. a pump) is required, which may be integral and/or embedded with one of the inflatable devices. A stand-alone, pressurised air source, which may be inconvenient to store and transport, is not required. Instead, a primary inflatable camping structure (which may comprise an air source such as an in-built pump) may provide a reservoir of air with which the other inflatable devices can be inflated. In this way, once the primary inflatable camping structure is inflated, the main camping structure or awning may be inflated, and may be at least partially inflated solely using air stored in the primary inflatable camping structure, without further use of the pump. The primary inflatable camping structure or awning (main camping structure) may then be used in a similar way to inflate inflatable camping accessories. The inflatable devices may comprise inflatable elements such as air poles. As above, the awning in this example is the main camping structure and the associated tent/trailer tent (or caravan) would be the primary camping structure.
In the preferred embodiments, the inflatable camping structure is initially in an (fully) inflated configuration and the inflatable camping accessory is in a (fully) deflated configuration and the inflation of the inflatable camping accessory is achieved exclusively with air contained within the inflatable camping accessory in the absence of (without) introducing any further air into the inflatable camping structure, for example from a pump and through an inflation valve of the inflatable camping structure.
In a first preferred embodiment, the camping assembly 10 comprises an awning 18 which is releasably secured to a side of a caravan although in other embodiments the awning 18 may be releasably secured to the side of a tent/trailer tent/folding camper. The awning 18 comprises a canopy and a network of inflatable air poles 26. The awning 18 may be inflated by a removable pump or by an embedded pump or by air donated from a further inflatable camping structure. The awning 18 comprises a donor valve 16. The donor valve 16 is arranged to inflate a camping accessory 20, 22, 24 by donating a volume of air from the air poles 26 to the camping accessory 20, 22, 24. In this way, the camping accessory can be inflated very quickly and the removal of the air does not significantly impact the structural stability of the awning 18. This provides a readily available and accessible air source which can be advantageous when camping since power supplies for electric pumps may be erratic and limited. In addition, this also reduces the amount of apparatus and equipment which is need. This air source can be replenished as and when convenient and/or when necessary.
A more complex arrangement in the form of another preferred of a camping assembly will now be described in more detail. In this arrangement the awning 18 is attached to another inflatable camping structure 12. In addition, the awning 18 and the inflatable camping structure 12 are connected by interconnecting valves 28, 29 such that air can be donated between the awning 18 and the inflatable camping structure 12.
In another preferred embodiment, the camping assembly comprising the awning 18 (main camping structure) and a primary inflatable camping structure comprising a folding camper provided in a trailer. The folding camper comprises a network of inflatable poles to support a canopy in order to define an internal sheltered area. The trailer may provide rigid flooring which may also be raised from the ground. The awning 18 also comprises a network of inflatable poles to support a canopy which again defines an internal sheltered area. Finally, the inflatable camping accessories 20, 22, 24 are generally smaller (lower volume) camping devices/apparatus/equipment and may, for example, comprise one or more of the following: a gazebo, a wind break, an auxiliary tent, an inflatable paddling pool, an awning, an inflatable ball, an inflatable mattress and/or an inflatable seat (such as chair or sofa)
When inflated, the primary inflatable camping structure provides a reservoir of air under pressure, which may be used to inflate the awning 18 (main camping structure). The primary inflatable camping structure may include a source of pressurised air (not shown in
The primary inflatable camping structure comprises at least one inlet or inflation valve (not shown) for inflating the primary inflatable camping structure. In other embodiments, where the primary inflatable camping structure comprises a trailer tent or camper trailer, the source of pressurised air may be mounted in or built-in to the trailer. With the arrangement described herein, the source of pressurised air need not be readily accessible to a user, since other devices can be inflated by connecting them to a donor valve 16. Accordingly, a pump or other air source can be more efficiently integrated with a standalone tent or trailer tent, for example to improve use of space or weight distribution in a tent or trailer. Conveniently, the air source may be powered by a power source of the trailer or tent.
The primary inflatable camping structure and the awning 18 may comprise at least one primary donor valve 16. As can be seen in
Each donor valve 16 is arranged to be connected to one of the inflatable camping accessories 20, 22, 24, for inflating the inflatable camping accessories with air from the awning 18 and possibly the primary inflatable camping structure 12. In this embodiment, each donor valve 16 is manually adjustable to control airflow through the donor valve 16. In this way, airflow through the donor valve 16 can be switched on and off, and a flow rate can be controlled.
Referring to
The awning 18 comprises at least one interconnecting (inflation) valve 28 for inflating the awning 18. The interconnecting (inflation) valve 28 is arranged to be connected to an interconnecting (inflation) valve 29 provided on the primary inflatable camping structure 12. The awning 18 comprises a donor valve 16 for releasing air from the awning 18.
In this embodiment, the awning 18 comprises inflatable elements 26/air poles (an inflatable support structure) which supports a canopy (not shown) of the awning 18. The awning 18 comprises an interconnecting valve 28. The interconnecting valve 28 is provided on an inflatable element 26, for inflating the inflatable elements 26 of the awning 18. The interconnecting valve 28 is arranged to be connected to the interconnecting valve 29 of the tent 12.
The awning 18 comprises the donor valve 16 for releasing air from the awning 18. The donor valve 16 is arranged to be connected to an inflation valve 17 of one of the inflatable camping accessories 20, 22, 24. In this embodiment, the donor valve 16 is identical to the interconnecting valves 28, 29.
Each of the inflatable camping accessories 20, 22, 24 comprises at least one inflatable element 30. Each inflatable device 20, 22, 24 is provided with an inflation valve 17. The inflation valves 17 of the inflatable camping accessories 20, 22, 24 are provided on the inflatable elements 26, 30.
A donor valve 16 (which in this embodiment is identical to the interconnecting valves 28, 29) is shown in
The donor valve 16 comprises a valve body 32, a spigot 34, and a control nut 36. The valve body 32 is disposed in an opening in a wall 38 of an inflatable element (such as the inflatable elements 26, 30). The valve body 32 is generally disc-shaped, having an interior side 40 which faces into an interior 42 of the inflatable element, and an opposite, exterior side 44 which faces away from the interior 42 of the inflatable element. The valve body 32 is sealed to the wall 38 of the inflatable element so that air can pass through the opening in the wall only via the valve body 32. For example, the valve body 32 may be fused to the wall 38 of the inflatable element (e.g. fused to an air bladder of the inflatable element). The spigot 34 is generally tubular and extends away from the exterior side 44 of the valve body 32, to allow air to leave the inflatable element. The spigot 34 is arranged to be connected to the awning or inflatable camping accessory, as described further below.
One or more outlet passageways 46 extend through the valve body 32 between the interior side 42 and the spigot 34, to allow air to flow from inside the inflatable element and to be released through the spigot 34. As can be seen in
The annular recess 50 extends around a base of the spigot 34. The annular recess 50 is arranged to receive part of the control nut 36. As described further below, part of the control nut 36 is moveable into or out of the annular recess 50 to block or open the outlet passageways 46 in order to block or allow airflow through the donor valve 16.
The control nut 36 is disposed on the exterior (outer) side 44 of the valve body 32. The control nut 36 is mounted on the spigot 34. The spigot 34 extends through an opening 54 in the control nut 36. A threaded outer surface of the spigot 34 is arranged to engage with a corresponding threaded inner surface of the opening 54, so that the control nut 36 is threadably engaged with the spigot 34. Accordingly, turning of the control nut 36 moves the control nut 36 towards or away from the valve body 32.
A generally annular projection 56 of the control nut 36 extends towards the interior side 40 valve body 32. The annular projection 56 is arranged to engage with the annular recess 50. In this way, the to block the outlet passageways 46 when the control nut 36 is moved to a closed position. As the control nut 36 is turned to move away from the valve body 32 (towards an open position), the outlet passageways 46 are opened to allow air to flow from the interior 42 of the inflatable element into the spigot 34.
A radially inner side of the annular projection 56 comprises a tapered surface 58 which is arranged to engage with a corresponding tapered surface 60 provided on a radially inner side of the annular recess 50. A first sealing O-ring 62 is provided on the tapered surface 60 of the annular recess 50. The first O-ring 62 is disposed between the first and second portions 48, 52 of the outlet passageways 46. With this arrangement, as the annular projection 56 moves into or out of engagement with the annular recess 50, the outlet passageways 46 are closed or opened gradually as the tapered surfaces 58, 60 move towards or away from one another. As can be seen in
A second sealing O-ring 64 is provided between a radially outer surface of the annular projection 56 and the annular recess 50, to prevent air from passing between the radially outer surface of the projection 56 and a surface of the annular recess 50. As the radially outer surface of the annular projection 56 moves in a direction parallel to the radially outer surface of the annular recess, these surfaces slide past one another, with the second O-ring 64 disposed between them to prevent the passage of air. In this way, air may only pass through the valve via the spigot 34. Accordingly, loss of air to the environment is prevented when the donor valve 16 is open and is connected to an inflation valve or hose.
The spigot 34 may be open to the exterior, or may be connected to an inflatable element of an inflatable device. In this way, the donor valve 16 provides a closable passageway through which air may leave the inflatable element. Accordingly, the donor valve 16 allows air to be released from the awning 18. It will be appreciated that the donor valve (when open) also allows air to flow in an opposite direction from the spigot 34 to the interior side of the valve body 32. In other embodiments, the donor valve may comprise a one-way valve. In some embodiments, the donor valve may be switchable between open and closed configurations, without permitting adjustment of flow rate.
The donor valve 16 also comprises a pressure relief mechanism.
In some embodiments, a pressure relief valve may be used to maintain a minimum pressure within the primary camping structure. For example, the valve may be in a closed configuration but with a hose/donor valve of the camping accessory connected to the donor valve of the primary camping structure. In this set up, air would not be readily transferred from the primary camping structure to the camping accessory. However, if the pressure within the primary camping structure was increased to above the threshold pressure of the pressure relief valve, then air would be transferred from the primary camping structure to the camping accessory. In some situations, it may be desirable to only donate air from the camping structure if such air does not reduce the pressure within this camping structure below a particular value. This would thereby ensure that the primary structure would not collapse through the donation of too much air. Such a system may also be useful in regulating the pressure change which may occur, for example during the heat of the day in which excess pressure may be transferred from the primary camping structure to the camping accessory and even from the camping accessory to the atmosphere, if not required.
The awning 18 is arranged to be inflated with air from the primary inflatable camping structure 12, by connecting the awning 18 to an interconnecting valve 29 of the primary inflatable camping structure 12. Each inflatable camping accessory 20, 22, 24 is arranged to be inflated with air from the awning 18, by connecting the inflatable camping accessory 20, 22, 24 to the donor valve 16 of the awning 18.
Advantageously, each of the inflation valves 17 of the inflatable camping accessories 20, 22, 24 may be connected to a donor valve 16 using a connector or adaptor. In this embodiment, the connector comprises a flexible connector in the form of a hose 74. The connector comprises connecting means configured to connect to the donor valves 16 and inflation valve 17. For example, the hose 74, donor valve 16 and inflation valve 17 may comprise corresponding parts of a ‘quick-connect’ coupling. In other embodiments, the valves and hose may be connected by a screw fitting or screw-on connection arrangement. In this way, interconnecting hoses may allow quick and convenient connection of inflatable devices. The connecting means may be arranged so that a connector (e.g. hose) has identical parts at opposite ends, so that the connector can be used in either orientation. A hose may comprise a pressure relief valve (such as an inline bleed valve) to prevent over-inflation and damage to the accessories 20, 22, 24 which is being inflated. It will be appreciated that the camping assembly 10 of the present invention allows relatively short hoses to be used, because devices to be inflated need not connected directly to a pump, and donor valves 16 may be located for convenient access by a user. In some embodiments, a rigid adaptor or connector may be used instead of a hose.
In other embodiments, the donor valves 16 and inflation valves 17 may be directly (e.g. rigidly) connected together (for example without the use of a connecting hose). In this case, the donor valves 16 and inflation valves 17 may comprise corresponding parts of a quick-connect coupling, or a screw fitting, for connecting to the valves 16, 17 directly together. For example, the spigot 34 of each donor valve 16 may comprise part of a quick-connect coupling, or a threaded portion for a screw connection. With these arrangements, connections between the donor and inflation valves 16, 17 can be made quickly and conveniently. With these direct (or ‘valve-to-valve’) connections, an accessory 20, 22, 24 may be connected to the awning 18 (or primary inflatable camping structure 12) without the need to use a hose. In this way, fewer and/or smaller parts may be required. Also, with a direct connection, an inflation valve 17 may be rigidly connected to a donor valve 16 so that the inflation valve 17 may be supported by the donor valve 16.
In some embodiments, the donor valves 16 may be arranged to open only when a connector (such as an inflation valve 17 or hose) is connected to them. In this way, undesirable loss of air from the awning 18 may be avoided. The donor valves 16 may comprise one-way valves so that air can only flow through a donor valve 16 in a direction out a respective inflatable device to which the donor valve 16 is mounted.
In use, the tent 12 is inflated using a pump or compressor (not shown in
In this way, a standalone pump is not required to inflate the awning 18. It will be appreciated that at least the initial stages of inflation of the awning 18 may be achieved significantly faster than using a pump (e.g. a hand pump, or electric pump), since the tent inflatable elements 14 hold a relatively large volume of air under pressure and a flow rate into the awning 18 is not limited by a flow rate of a pump.
It will also be appreciated that depending on the relative volumes of the tent inflatable elements 14 and the inflatable elements 26 of the awning 18, the awning 18 may be partly or fully inflated by air stored in the inflatable elements 14 of the tent 12. Where the awning 18 (or other secondary inflatable structure) is not fully inflated by air stored in the tent elements 14, the air source (e.g. integrated pump) which inflates the tent 12 may be used for the remainder of the inflation by pumping air into the tent 12, which then flows into the awning 18 via the interconnecting valve 29. In some embodiments, the tent 12 may be automatically re-inflated if the pressure in the tent inflatable elements drops below a threshold pressure.
In some embodiments, the inflatable elements 14 of the tent 12 may have a degree of elasticity, so that a volume of air can be released from the tent structure 12 without a significant loss of pressure and/or structural integrity of the tent 12. In this way, the tent 12 provides a reservoir of air, which may have a degree of redundancy, in the sense that not all of the volume of air stored by the tent 12 may be required to maintain the structure of the tent 12. Similarly, the inflatable elements 26 of the awning 18 may have some elasticity, so that the amount of air required to support the structure of the awning 18 is not the maximum amount of air that the inflatable awning 18 can contain. The arrangement described above means that a standalone pump to inflate the awning 18 is not required. Once the awning 18 is inflated, the awning 18 provides a reservoir of air from which one or more of the inflatable camping accessories 20, 22, 24 may be inflated.
For example, the volume or capacity of the various components may be as follows:
It will be appreciated that the limit of the amount of air which can be donated will be set by the volume of the camping assembly which may therefore be set by the combined volume/capacity of the primary inflatable camping structure and awning (main camping structure). The combination provides an increased capability compared to a single inflatable structure. In addition, for relatively large inflatable camping accessories, the camping assembly acts as an air reservoir in the initial stages but additional air from the pump may be required for large products, for example an additional awning. In preferred embodiments, the total volume of air remains the same in that no extra air is introduced into the system during the inflation of the inflatable camping accessory. In particular, a pump is not required (or used) to introduce extra air into the system as air is donated from the inflatable camping structure to the inflatable camping accessory. As mentioned, such a system enables the inflatable camping accessory to be quickly and easily inflated without any power and whilst maintaining the structural integrity of the inflatable camping structure.
An inflation valve 17 of an inflatable camping accessory 20, 22, 24 may be connected to the donor valve 16 of the awning 18, or to a donor valve 16 of the tent 12. The inflation valves 17 of the inflatable camping accessories 20, 22, 24 are connectable to the donor valves 16 in the same way as the interconnecting valves 28 of the awning 18, as described above. Conveniently, inflatable camping accessories 20, 22, 24 can be inflated by connection to the awning 18, meaning that they need not be inflated too close to the tent 12, which may be inconvenient. As shown in
The inflation valves 17 described herein may be similar to the donor valves 16 and each inflation valve may have a connector (e.g. quick-connect coupling or screw connector) arranged to connect to a corresponding connector of a donor valve 16.
The inflation valves 17 may be substantially identical to the donor valves 16. In some embodiments, universal connectors (such as hoses or rigid couplings) may be configured to connect to any donor valve and/or inflation valve of the system. In this way, a user can select any connector and connect it in either orientation to a donor valve and an inflation valve without the inconvenience of having to ensure compatibility and/or a correct orientation of the connector. The donor valve may be structurally the same as the inflation valve and in these embodiments both valves may be able to function as the other depending upon whether it is being used for donating air or receiving air.
The arrangements described above may eliminate the need for having standalone hand pumps or air compressors and enable a user to inflate products relying on already inflated products as an air supply. Alternatively, a user may carry out initial stages of inflation of an accessory as described above, and then finish inflation of the device using a pump or other air source. This approach may significantly increase the speed of inflation, since the initial stage of inflation can be carried out quickly using air from the awning. Where the camping assembly comprises a pump having its own power supply, the camping assembly allows one or more devices to be inflated using a single source of air in remote or ‘off-grid’ locations, without the need for an additional pump or to connect to another power source. Overall, the present invention provides a pump module with a fully removable/replaceable rechargeable battery pack. The provides the optional ability to link into a wider ecosystem of products. The pump module has the ability to connect directly with, and power, additional items such as lighting, personal electronic devices, etc. The pump module has the potential to be installed in alternate positions along the length of an air pole (not only just the end of an air pole).
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2200673.8 | Jan 2022 | GB | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/GB2023/050108 | 1/19/2023 | WO |
