MODULAR INFLATABLE STRUCTURES

Abstract

A modular inflatable structure can be formed using inflatable members that are interconnected together at respective joints. The inflatable member can have a connector integrated therewith or be coupled to a separate connector that interconnects adjacent inflatable members. The connector can have flexible and/or rigid components. The structure can have an assembled position in which the inflatable member is coupled with an adjacent inflatable member and flow is permitted therebetween. The structure can be inflated to form a support or framework that can be used in a variety of applications and industries.

Description

Claims

1. A modular inflatable structure comprising: an inflatable member comprising an inlet port and a three-dimensional form; and a connector comprising a body, a first arm, and a second arm, at least one of the first and second arms being configured to articulate with respect to the body and having a fluid passage that is fluidly interconnected with an inner volume of the body, wherein (i) in an assembled position, the inflatable member is coupled to the first arm and flow is permitted between the body and the inflatable member, and (ii) in a separated position, the inflatable member is disconnected from the first arm and flow through the first arm is blocked.

2. The inflatable structure of claim 1, wherein the first and second arms each have a valve integrated therewith to restrict flow therethrough.

3. The inflatable structure of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a flexible material for permitting deflection of the first and second arms relative to each other and to the body.

4. The inflatable structure of claim 1, wherein the first and second arms are rigid components.

5. The inflatable structure of claim 1, wherein the first and second arms are separable from the body.

6. The inflatable structure of claim 1, wherein the first and second arms each comprise opposing end portions having a plurality of engagement members for coupling to the ports of the connector and to a connection socket of the inflatable member.

7. The inflatable structure of claim 1, wherein the first and second arms are both configured to articulate with respect to the body.

8. The inflatable structure of claim 1, further comprising a third arm coupled to the body.

9. The inflatable structure of claim 8, further comprising a fourth arm coupled to the body.

10. The inflatable structure of claim 9, further comprising a fifth arm coupled to the body.

11. The inflatable structure of claim 10, wherein the structure comprises five inflatable members, wherein each inflatable member can be coupled to a respective one of the first, second, third, fourth, or fifth arms.

12. The inflatable structure of claim 1, wherein first end portions of the first arm and the second arm are coupled to the body at coupling points that collectively form a rotation plane, wherein articulation of the first arm and the second arm permits second end portions of the first arm and the second arm to be positioned on a first side or a second side of the rotation plane.

13. A connector for an inflatable structure, the connector comprising a body, a first arm, and a second arm, at least one of the first and second arms being configured to articulate with respect to the body and having a fluid passage that is fluidly interconnected with an inner volume of the body.

14. The connector of claim 13, wherein the first arm has a valve integrated therewith to restrict flow therethrough.

15. A modular inflatable structure comprising a plurality of inflatable members and a connector for fluidly interconnecting the plurality of inflatable members, each inflatable member comprising a connection socket and a flexible body, the connector comprising a rigid connector arm and a flexible body configured to receive the rigid connector arm, wherein in an assembled position, the inflatable member is coupled to a second inflatable member to permit flow between the inflatable members, the structure being configured to have an uninflated configuration and an inflated configuration in which the structure has a predefined shape.

16. The inflatable structure of claim 15, wherein the body comprises a flexible material for permitting deflection of the first and second arms relative to each other and to the body.

17. The inflatable structure of claim 15, wherein the first and second arms are rigid components.

18. The inflatable structure of claim 15, wherein the first and second arms are separable from the body.

19. The inflatable structure of claim 15, wherein the first and second arms each comprise opposing end portions having a plurality of engagement members for coupling to the ports of the connector and to a connection socket of the inflatable member.