Patent Application
20220333400
The present invention is directed to a structure that can be inflated, deployed, and retracted by means of inflation and deflation, respectively.
Today there is a demand for buildings or other structures that can be rapidly constructed and deconstructed and easily transported, that is, temporary, transportable structures. It is difficult, if not impossible, for typical steel frame and clad structures to qualify for temporary structure permits. Further, rock-and-roll touring infrastructures of the same proportions intended for stadium tours or Big Top tent structures can take between 17 days to six months to erect. On the other hand, inflatable structures are inflated with air to form the desired structure. Such inflatable structures offer the advantage of being capable of being erected in a matter of hours as compared to the weeks or months that it typically takes to construct metal frame structures, much less permanent frame buildings. In their uninflated state, such inflatable structures are light and compact, which makes them easily transportable.
One disadvantage that is currently limiting what would otherwise be an even more widespread use of inflatable structures in the area of concert halls and sound stages is the fact that such structures tend to allow noise transmission. This is basically due to the fact that a space enclosed by such inflatable structures is separated from the ambient environment only by a thin wall of the inflated structure. The consequent, inordinately high heat transmission coefficient for the structure makes the heating and air-conditioning of the enclosed space both difficult and very expensive. Troublesome condensation also arises when the moist, warm interior air contacts the cold, thin wall of the air structure. These factors negate much, if not all, of the economic advantages of utilizing such a structure in those many cases where heating or air-conditioning is a requirement.
Several inflatable building systems are known. The Evolution Dome systems are a range of inflatable temporary structures for conference and exhibition applications. These structures integrate sound mitigation technology and clear span spaces. All structures within the Evolution dome must be ground supported. Evolution domes require ballasting, blowers, and storage/transport containers, all sourced separately from the inflated structure.
Arizon Building Systems include a range of inflatable temporary structures for both entertainment and commercial applications. These structures integrate clear span spaces, custom built mechanical systems, and heating and cooling infrastructure. The air beam technology used in the Arizon Building Systems is not load-bearing. All hanging loads must be suspended from a separate ground-supported structure. While Arizon Building Systems do engineer their own system mechanical systems (such as blowers/inflation equipment), these mechanical plants are completely separate.
Tectoniks portable architecture is an advanced inflatable technology that is both easily deployed and suited to structural use. With clear span versions available, their structures are used for both entertainment and commercial applications. Tectoniks structures do not have integrated sound mitigation technology, but rather require separate acoustical treatment. These structures require separate containers for deployment, mechanical systems, ballasting, shipping, and storage.
The subject of the invention is, therefore, a structure which can be inflated, deployed and retracted by inflation and deflation, respectively, and includes such features as high pressure inflated air tube arches, an air tube arch connection system, air tube acoustic mitigation, an air tube monitoring system, multi-use containers, anti-deflation trussing, ducted, reconfigurable air handling/HVAC, a structural and multi-functional deck, and unique loading doors. The structure, in the form of a ‘kit’, can be delivered to a site, the containers arranged in their final locations, and the fabric unrolled from the containers, connected to opposite containers, and then inflated.
The invention is directed to a rapid-deployment inflatable venue. Because of its scalability, relative simplicity of erection and take-down, acoustic integrity, and clear span construction, the invention is suited to a wide variety of applications, including but not limited to film studios, exhibition spaces, live entertainment venues, multimedia spaces, educational spaces, etc. The invention is accomplished by the collaborative implementation of several technologies, both existing and devised by the inventors hereof.
According to one aspect of the present invention, an inflatable structure for covering a space comprises a plurality of inflatable support members arranged in a framework according to an intended final inflated shape of the structure, a plurality of connector members for directly or indirectly connecting at least two adjacent support members of the plurality of inflatable support members; and a plurality of anchor units positioned at an end of each of the plurality of inflatable support members, the anchor units being arranged to establish ground locations of the plurality of inflatable support members, wherein, when inflated, the inflatable support members provide total structural support for the inflatable structure without assistance of any rigid structural members or positive air pressure within the space.
According to another aspect of the present invention, an inflatable structure comprises a plurality of inflatable support members arranged in a framework according to an intended final inflated shape of the structure, a plurality of connector members for directly or indirectly connecting at least two adjacent support members of the plurality of inflatable support members, a plurality of anchor units positioned at an end of each of the plurality of inflatable support members, the anchor units being arranged to establish ground locations of the plurality of inflatable support members, and air supply sources for the inflatable support members, wherein each of the anchor units comprises a housing and each of the air supply units is provided in one of the housings.
According to still another aspect of the present invention, an inflatable structure for covering a space comprises a plurality of inflatable support members arranged in a framework according to an intended final inflated shape of the structure, a plurality of connector members for directly or indirectly connecting at least two adjacent support members of the plurality of inflatable support members, at least one anchor unit arranged to establish ground locations of the plurality of inflatable support members, and a secondary support structure disposed below the plurality of inflatable support members, the secondary support structure not being physically interconnected with the plurality of inflatable support members.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a modular inflatable structural system for constructing an inflatable structure comprises a plurality of structural module units, the structural module units being configurable into multiple final inflated shapes of the structure based on the number, size, and positioning of the structural modular units, and a plurality of connector members for directly or indirectly connecting at least two adjacent structural module units, wherein each structural module unit comprises at least one inflatable support member and an anchor connected to an end of the at least one inflatable support member, the anchor being arranged to establish a ground location of the at least one inflatable support member, and an air supply source for the at least one inflatable support member.
According to still yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of assembling an inflatable structure comprises arranging a plurality of inflatable support members and a plurality of anchors positioned at an end of each of the plurality of inflatable support members in a framework according to an intended final inflated shape of the structure, directly or indirectly connecting at least two adjacent support members of the plurality of inflatable support members with at least one connector member, and inflating the plurality of inflatable support members to form the intended final inflated shape of the structure.
These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following disclosure.
Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which is given with reference to the appended drawings.
The attached figures show various configurations and embodiments of the present invention. The figures include additional features, dimensions and details that may not be described in detail in this written specification, but are nonetheless to be considered part of the disclosure. Of course, the invention is not to be limited to these configurations and embodiments and various other configurations and embodiments may fall within the scope of the invention.
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to
The structure 10, which can be inflated, deployed and retracted by inflation and deflation, respectively, includes numerous features in combination with the high-pressure inflated air tube structural supports 20, namely, an air-inflatable structural support connection system, structural support acoustic mitigation, structural supports monitoring system, multi-use anchors/containers, anti-deflation trussing or netting, ducted, reconfigurable air handling/HVAC, a structural and multi-functional deck, and unique loading doors. These features, while preferably used in combination, will be described individually below.
High pressure inflated air tube structural supports: The air beam technology allows the shell of the venue 10 to be formed extremely rapidly. Incorporating membrane materials, the air tube structural supports 20 are highly durable in multiple environmental conditions. This feature of durability and strength allows for large clear span spaces, without need of cross-bracing or other structural obstructions. These air tube structural supports 20 are uniquely structural and can support suspended loads. Unlike the present invention, many typical air supported structures are of a configuration where the entire building is under slightly higher pressure than ambient atmospheric pressure so that the fabric of the structure is pushed outwardly, including in an upward direction. This requires airlock doors and positive pressure HVAC systems. The high-pressure air tube feature of the present invention differs in that air tube structural supports 20 or ‘beams’ consisting of large fabric tubes under high-pressure comprise the supporting structure of the building. The tubes are formed of very strong high tensile fabric to resist the high pressures, typically either Hypalon or PVC with embedded high tensile fibers, such as Kevlar®, carbon fiber, or Dyneema® fibers that are arranged circumferentially around the tube. Dual membrane tubes can be provided to add an increased level of puncture mitigation. Tube diameters are calculated and engineered relative to the desired final facility size and loading requirements, plus mechanical, snow and wind loads required of all outdoor/touring infrastructures. Factors to be considered in designing the tubes include tube span, tube arc radius, tube diameter, tube loading, and tube pressure. The final dimensions and characteristics can be determined by those skilled in the art of structural engineering, particularly with regard to inflatable structures. The air tube structural supports 20 are also designed so as to retain the filled volume of air once inflated. Additional inflation is only necessary if air leaks or the volume changes due to temperature change or if more strength is required due to changing conditions.
Air tube structural support connection system: In order to create spaces of varying sizes as required by end use application or available real estate, individual air tube structural supports 20 can be connected or removed. Further this system allows for structures to be created in novel shapes and configurations. Air tube structural support connections can be achieved as follows.
The high-pressure air tube structural supports 20 can be “sistered” directly next to each other using traditional methods such as tent-lacing and standard rigging methods with weather covers to conceal the rigging and/or make the resulting canopy and/or sidewalls weathertight. This direct connection method is particularly suitable in configurations in which the structural supports are stacked horizontally to form sidewalls of the structure. The tubes can also be spaced at greater distances with typical tensile fabric membrane materials spanning the distance between the tubes. A combination of sistered tubes and membrane materials can be used to achieve the desired design. Alternatively, the structural supports 20 can be connected with inflatable canopy members or sections (mattresses) 30. Examples of this type of connection can be seen in
Referring once more to
Each mattress section is provided with an air inlet 30a for inflation. Although the mattress tubes can be formed individually, each with an air inlet and each being filled separately, preferably the mattress tubes are pneumatically interconnected such that they can be inflated through a single air inlet 30a or a limited number of air inlets less than the number of canopy section tubes. Referring to
Each air mattress can be provided with additional structural, architectural, or ornamental features. For example, referring to
Acoustic mitigation in tube structural supports and canopy sections: Optionally built into the air tube arches is noise mitigation technology, which significantly increases acoustic isolation from the surrounding environment. This is accomplished via acoustic nanofoam technology that can both be integrated within the tubes and/or hung as a liner from beneath the tubes or married to a separate membrane. This nanofoam can act both as an acoustic mitigator as well as a layer of insulation offering valuable R Value and HVAC advantages. As to the air tube structural supports 20, the nanofoam 22 can be filled throughout the length of the tubular member, as shown in
As to the canopy members, similarly, the nanofoam can be directly filled within the canopy tubes or provided in an interior sock. The structure of the canopy member 30 formed with an interior sock will be discussed herein. Referring to
Air tube structural supports monitoring system: The system can monitor air tube pressure when inflated and automatically add air as needed to maintain optimal inflation. The inflation monitoring system is redundant and autonomous in monitoring and maintaining constant pressure within a fixed pressure point range. A range of operating pressures is required, as normal day/night changes in atmospheric pressure/temperature will affect daily pressure readings. This can be accomplished through a control system 100 shown schematically in
The communication module 80 is also controlled by controller 110. For example, in the event of a reduction in pressure, the control system 100 automatically advises a registered operator via SMS/email through communication module 80 that it has initiated an inflate sequence, the frequency at which it was required (leak detection and alarm), and the amount of air required. The same applies for an over-pressure situation. Further, the forecast of adverse weather conditions can be communicated to the registered operator.
The system is provided with fully redundant inflation and monitoring options, as well as an air exchange temperature option to maintain internal temperatures of the tubes.
Not to replace an internal HVAC system, but rather to augment its effectiveness, an air dryer and management system can be integrated to assure air quality, that is, the supplied air is absent of moisture. Redundant power generators provide seamless back-up in the event of failure of the primary supply device.
Adaptive use containers: Referring to
Anti-Inflation Trussing or Netting: Referring to
Ducted, reconfigurable air handling/HVAC: In order to suit internal configurations as determined by end users, air handling ducting can be repositioned and reconfigured for optimal heating and cooling needs by area. The air ducts are typically made from soft, breathable fabric which prevents condensation and mold. The air ducts preferably include an internal spiral spring and are preferably pre-fastened to the tubing structure prior to the air tube structural supports 20 being inflated. The air ducts are tubes themselves fabricated to suit the form of the air tube structure, and provide air handling to the zones and areas required. The ducting is light, easy to move, takes relatively small space in shipping, is physically cut/shaped to the venue itself, and is aesthetically pleasing. The flexible ducting can match the flexibility of the roof so that the two systems (roof and ducting) can move and deflect together.
Integrated utility distribution network: As end users may have varying needs in terms of power, IT, and plumbing, the venue incorporates a robust network of utility distribution pathways, including weather-tight penetrations for running utilities into the venue from the site. Cable/wiring access can be provided at multiple locations suited to the end user. External services can be delivered into the inside of the venue in an integrated and hermetic fashion. Rather than simply laying cables and services under the wall and into the space, which would create an entrance for weather, water and vermin, the integrated distribution network can deliver services from outside to inside in appropriate places suited to the pass-through needs of the actual services. This can include simple wiring and the HVAC ducting discussed above, all of which requires integration into the fabric of the venue itself and structural support. Mechanical systems that can be integrated with venue's air tube structural supports 20 include flexible electrical ducting, the flexible HVAC ducting discussed above, and fire sprinkler systems using flexible PEX tubing. These systems can have universal attachment points that are integrated onto the fabric surface of the air tube structural supports 20. The electrical conduits can terminate at ‘soft’ electrical boxes for either interior venue lighting or air tube lighting that illuminates the surface of the fabric tubes for exterior lighting effects.
Structural and multi-functional deck: Referring to
Loading doors: Incorporating alternate iterations of the air beam technology, the venue incorporates a loading-sized automatic door for internal equipment installation and load out. Analysis of the user's operational needs is completed during the design phase. This includes identifying the number of end user requirements for interior access, such as catering vehicles, daily deliveries, fork lift access, or transport trucks. All can be accommodated by creating access portals through the perimeter container systems.
High-Speed Systems: All structures, tools, materials, etc., of which the venue is comprised, are specifically designed for exceptional speed of deployment and take down.
While the first embodiment of the present invention described above utilizes multiple arches as the air tube structural members 20, the present invention is not to be limited to this configuration. Other configurations are shown in
Erection of the structure 10 having the foregoing features will now be described. The structure 10 can be delivered to a site with almost all of the structural components stored in a number of transportable containers/anchors 40. As an example, the containers 40 can be individually transported on the trailers of semi-trucks. The containers are arranged in their final, predetermined locations as per the predesigned configuration. Container placement is done via forklift, side loader, or flat-bed tow truck. The equipment required for container and material handling is readily available. A crane would not typically be required.
After the containers/anchors 40 are properly positioned, the fabric forming air tube structural supports 20 is unrolled from the containers and connected to opposite containers/anchors. If additional ballast is required, it is added to the containers as needed and then air tube structural supports 20 are inflated. The air tube monitoring system can be programmed and initiated. Preferably, but not necessarily, before inflation, the anti-deflation trussing or netting 45 is erected. The unrolled tube fabric can be guided over the trussing and connected to the complementary containers/anchor prior to inflation. If tubes are to be sistered, that can be done before or after inflation, depending on the design. If membrane materials or mattresses 30 are used, they are preferably attached to the structural supports 20 after inflation using the connecting devices described earlier. Likewise, the multi-functional deck and loading doors can be installed preferably before, but also after, the structure is inflated. The completed structure advantageously lacks any structural cross members or bracing supports within the clear span of the venue, yet maintains integration of HVAC ducting and utilities conduits. When no longer needed, the structure is disassembled in the opposite order of construction, with all of the components stored in the containers for subsequent transportation to the next site or storage area.
Although this invention has been described in certain specific exemplary embodiments, many additional modifications and variations would be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of this disclosure. It is, therefore, to be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. Thus, the exemplary embodiments of the invention should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive, and the scope of the invention to be determined by any claims supportable by this application and the equivalents thereof, rather than by the foregoing description.
This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/177,149, filed Apr. 20, 2021, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63177149 | Apr 2021 | US |
