SHELTER WITH INFLATABLE FRAME

FIELD

The present patent application relates to a shelter with an inflatable frame.

BACKGROUND

The use of portable, collapsible shelters are known in the prior art. Shelters use poles or band steel to support their outer fabric or cover. The poles can easily break failing to support the shelter. The band steel can bend and kink failing to support the shelter. Traditional shelters are also heavy, difficult to operate and prone to support failure. FIGS. 26-27 show two prior art inflatable members.

The present patent application provides improvements to prior art shelters/systems.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present patent application provides a shelter. The shelter comprises a frame; a cover mountable on the frame; an air intake valve; and an air guide. The frame includes at least three support members. Each support member includes an inflatable air chamber. The frame is configured to be inflatable to an expanded configuration to support the cover thereon and to define an enclosed space within the shelter. The air intake valve is constructed and arranged to receive air from an air source. The air guide is constructed and arranged to be in fluid communication with the air intake valve and with each of the inflatable air chambers. The air guide is constructed and arranged to guide the flow of the air from the air intake valve to each of the inflatable air chambers.

Another aspect of the present patent application provides a shelter. The shelter includes a frame; a cover mountable on the frame; an air guide; and releasable connections between respective ones of at least three support members of the frame and the air guide. The frame includes at least three support members. Each support member includes an inflatable air chamber. The frame is configured to be inflatable to an expanded configuration to support the cover thereon and to define an enclosed space within the shelter. The air guide is constructed and arranged to be in fluid communication with an air source and with each of the inflatable air chambers. The air guide is constructed and arranged to guide the flow of the air from the air source to each of the inflatable air chambers. Each of the releasable connections between a support member of the at least three support members and the air guide is configured to enable the support member to be releasably connected to the air guide.

These and other aspects of the present patent application, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structure and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. In one embodiment of the present patent application, the structural components illustrated herein are drawn to scale. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the present patent application. It shall also be appreciated that the features of one embodiment disclosed herein can be used in other embodiments disclosed herein. As used in the specification and in the claims, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a shelter in accordance with an embodiment of the present patent application;

FIG. 2 shows another view of the shelter in accordance with an embodiment of the present patent application;

FIG. 3 shows support members of a frame and an air guide of the shelter in accordance with an embodiment of the present patent application;

FIG. 4 shows another view of the air guide and the support members of the frame of the shelter in accordance with an embodiment of the present patent application;

FIG. 5 shows the frame of the shelter in FIGS. 1 and 2 in its expanded configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present patent application;

FIG. 6 shows a shelter in accordance with another embodiment of the present patent application;

FIG. 7 shows a frame of the shelter in FIG. 6 in its expanded configuration in accordance with another embodiment of the present patent application;

FIGS. 8-9 show partial views of the frame in its expanded configuration in accordance with another embodiment of the present patent application;

FIG. 10 shows an air guide in accordance with an embodiment of the present patent application, wherein the air guide is connected to an air intake valve;

FIGS. 11A-11D show views of the air guide in accordance with an embodiment of the present patent application, wherein the air guide is connected to the air intake valve and, via releasable connections, to support members of the frame, wherein FIG. 11A shows a side perspective view, FIG. 11B shows a bottom perspective view, FIG. 11C shows a side, bottom perspective view, and FIG. 11D shows a side, top perspective view;

FIGS. 11E-F show internal cross-sectional views of the air guide connected to the air intake valve and, via releasable connections, to support members of the frame, wherein the fluid communications between an air source, the air intake valve, the air guide, and, via releasable connections, to support members of the frame are shown;

FIGS. 12-14 show other views of the air guide by itself in accordance with an embodiment of the present patent application;

FIGS. 15-16 show views of the air intake valve in accordance with an embodiment of the present patent application;

FIG. 17 shows the air intake valve and a portion of the releasable connection in accordance with an embodiment of the present patent application;

FIG. 18 shows the air intake valve and the air guide connected to the shelter in accordance with an embodiment of the present patent application, wherein the air intake valve is not connected to the air guide;

FIGS. 19-20 show the air intake valve and the air guide connected to the shelter in accordance with an embodiment of the present patent application;

FIGS. 21-22 show partial views of the shelter with the air intake valve and the air guide connected to the shelter in accordance with an embodiment of the present patent application;

FIG. 23 shows releasable connections of support members of the frame in accordance with an embodiment of the present patent application;

FIG. 24 shows a support member of the frame and its releasable connection in accordance with an embodiment of the present patent application;

FIG. 25 shows material that surrounds the support members on their exterior surfaces in accordance with an embodiment of the present patent application; and

FIGS. 26-27 show prior art inflatable members.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

As shown in FIGS. 1-25, in one embodiment, a shelter 10 is provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present patent application. In one embodiment, the shelter 10 comprises a frame 12 (see FIGS. 5 and 7-9); a cover 14 mountable on the frame 12; an air intake valve 16 (as shown in FIGS. 10-11 and 15-17); and an air guide 18 (FIGS. 10-14). In one embodiment, the frame 12 includes at least three support members 20. In one embodiment, each support member 20 includes an inflatable air chamber 22 (FIGS. 11 and 24). In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7-9, the frame 12 is configured to be inflatable to an expanded configuration to support the cover 14 thereon and to define an enclosed space 24 within the shelter 10. The air intake valve 16 is constructed and arranged to receive air from an air source 26 (FIG. 10). In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 11, the air guide 18 is constructed and arranged to be in fluid communication with the air intake valve 16 and with each of the inflatable air chambers 22. In one embodiment, the air guide 18 is constructed and arranged to guide the flow of the air from the air intake valve 16 to each of the inflatable air chambers 22.

In one embodiment, using the air pump/air source 26, air is transported through the one-way valve/air intake valve 16 into the air hub/guide 18. In one embodiment, the air hub/guide 18 is configured to evenly distribute the air to all (e.g., four, screw-on) air bladders 22. In one embodiment, the air then fills the air bladders 22 against the fabric beam/support member 20 causing pressure to build allowing all beams/support members 20 to become tight and hold weight of the shelter 10. In one embodiment, these inflated beams/support members 20 provide the support structure for the shelter/hunting blind 10. In one embodiment, a camouflage fabric shell/cover then covers the beams/support members 20.

In another embodiment, the present patent application provides the shelter 10. The shelter 10 includes the frame 12; the cover 14 mountable on the frame 12; the air guide 18; and releasable connections 28 (FIGS. 11A-11D) between respective ones of at least three support members 20 and the air guide 18. In one embodiment, the frame 12 includes the at least three support members 20. In one embodiment, each support member 20 includes the inflatable air chamber 22. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7-9, the frame 12 is configured to be inflatable to the expanded configuration to support the cover 14 thereon and to define the enclosed space 24 within the shelter 10. In one embodiment, the air guide 18 is constructed and arranged to be in fluid communication with the air source 26 and with each of the inflatable air chambers 22. In one embodiment, the air guide 18 is constructed and arranged to guide the flow of the air from the air source 26 to each of the inflatable air chambers 22. In one embodiment, each of the releasable connections 28 between a support member 20 of the at least three support members 20 and the air guide 18 is configured to enable the support member 20 to be releasably connected to the air guide 18. In one embodiment, each releasable connection 28 is configured to couple a first end portion 30 of one of the support members 20 with the air guide 18. In one embodiment, each releasable connection 28 includes an air valve constructed and arranged to receive the air from the air guide 18. In such an embodiment, the air intake valve is optional. In such an embodiment, each support member 20 includes a valve (e.g., similar to the air intake valve 16) near its releasable connection with the air guide 18.

In one embodiment, the shelter 10 includes a hunting blind. In one embodiment, the shelter 10 includes an ice fishing shelter or an all-weather fishermen shelter. In one embodiment, the shelter 10 includes a tent. For example, the shelter 10 may include a camping tent, a beach shelter, a storage tent, a medical emergency tent, a shower stall, a dressing stall, etc. In one embodiment, the shelter 10 includes any temporary, containment facility/shelter. That is, in one embodiment, the shelter 10 is configured to provide cover/containment from inclement weather, for concealment or for privacy that will be used by individuals or. In one embodiment, the shelter 10 includes a roomy design that accommodates multiple users/individuals. In one embodiment, the shelter is used by different individuals/users, for example, hunters, fishermen, campers, beach goers, other shelter users/individuals, etc.

In one embodiment, the shelter 10 is configured to be portable. In one embodiment, the shelter 10 is configured to easily and quickly assembled/erected into its expanded configuration and also subsequently easily and quickly collapsed into a compact configuration for storage and/or for transportation. That is, the shelter 10 is configured to be foldable between a compact, folded transport/storage configuration and the expanded configuration forming an enclosed/closed space for receiving the user/individual therein. In one embodiment, the shelter 10 includes a lightweight design that unfolds easily. In one embodiment, the shelter 10 provides a reusable feature that enables the shelter 10 to be quickly and easily erected/inflated by the user/individual at any desired location.

In one embodiment, the shelter 10 in its collapsed compact configuration is transportable on the back of the user. In one embodiment, the shelter 10 in its collapsed compact configuration is otherwise transportable/carried by the user/individual. In one embodiment, the shelter 10 includes a carry bag to receive the frame 12 (including its support members 20 with the inflatable air chambers 22), the cover 14, the air intake valve 16, the air guide 18, the releasable connections 28, and/or other components of the shelter 10 therein and to enable transport of the shelter 10.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7-9, the frame 12 is configured to be inflatable to the expanded configuration to support the cover 14 thereon and to define the enclosed space 24 within the shelter 10. In one embodiment, FIGS. 1-2 and 6 show the frame 12 inflated to its expanded configuration and supporting the cover 14 thereon. In one embodiment, when inflated, the frame 12, including the support members 20 and their air chambers 22, is configured to support the shelter 10 in an upright configuration. In one embodiment, when inflated, the frame 12, including the support members 20 and their air chambers 22, is configured to support the cover 14 of the shelter 10 thereon. In one embodiment, the cover 14 of the shelter 10 includes separate material disposed between the inflated support members 20. In one embodiment, the cover 14 of the shelter 10 also includes separate material disposed over the inflated support members 20 and between the inflated support members 20. In one embodiment, when inflated, the support members 20 and their air chambers 22 extend outwardly, downwardly and away from a top center of the shelter 10.

In one embodiment, the frame 12 includes at least three support members 20. In one embodiment, the frame 12 includes four support members 20. In one embodiment, the frame 12 includes five support members 20. In one embodiment, the number of support members in the frame may vary as long as the number of support members 20 is sufficient to provide stability to the shelter 10. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1-5, the frame 12 may include four vertically extending support members. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6-9, the frame 12 may include four vertically extending support members and one horizontally extending support member.

In one embodiment, the support members 20 may also be referred to as air supported beams. In one embodiment, the support members 20 are configured to support the shelter 10/hunting blind. In one embodiment, inflatable hunting blinds are better than traditional hunting blinds due to their weight, strength, packed storage/transportable size and ease of use.

In one embodiment, the support members 20 are made from a Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material. In one embodiment, the support members 20 include TPU bladders with a screw on connections. In one embodiment, the support members 20 includes a tubular configuration. In one embodiment, the support members 20 may have a substantially circular cross-section, an elliptical cross-section, a square cross-section, a rectangular cross-section, or other shaped cross-sections.

In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 4-5 and 7-9, each (vertically extending) support member 20, including the air chamber 22, includes a first end portion 30 and a second end portion 32. In one embodiment, each (vertically extending) support member 20 is releasably connected to the air guide 18 at its first end portion 30. In one embodiment, when inflated, the first end portions 30 of the support members and the air guide 18 are disposed at or near the top center of the shelter 10.

In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 5, 7, and 9, the second end portion 32 of the support member 20 is a free end of the support member 20 that is configured to stably support the shelter 10 on a surface (e.g., floor or ground 34). In one embodiment, when inflated, the second end portions 32 of the support members 20 are disposed at or near the surface (e.g., floor or ground 34) on which the shelter 10 is supported. In one embodiment, the shelter 10 may include adjustable members (not shown) disposed near the free end/second end portions 32 of the support members 20. In one embodiment, the adjustable members are configured to accommodate the uneven or sloped terrain of the surface (e.g., floor or ground 34) when the shelter 10 is in its expanded configuration/erected/inflated. In one embodiment, weights (not shown) may be used with the support members 20 to stabilize the shelter 10 when the shelter 10 is in its expanded configuration/erected/inflated. In one embodiment, the weights may be secure to the support members 20 at their free end/second end portions 32 using fasteners. In one embodiment, the weights are optional.

In one embodiment, near/at the free end/second end portions 32, the support members 20 are configured to be connected to stakes or ground/surface engaging members (not shown) for insertion into the surface (e.g., ground) if desired by the user. In one embodiment, the stakes or ground/surface engaging members/pins are configured to improve/enhance ground/surface engagement of the support members 20 and stability of the shelter 10 when the shelter 10 is in its expanded configuration/erected/inflated. In one embodiment, the shelter 10 includes guy-wire/guy-line/guy-rope to add stability to the shelter 10 when the shelter 10 is in its expanded configuration/erected/inflated.

In one embodiment, the support member 20 is configured to be rigid when inflated with air. In one embodiment, the support member 20 includes the inflatable air chamber 22 and surrounding the inflatable air chamber 22 is an outer layer that is configured to protect the inflatable air chamber from damage. In one embodiment, the outer layer is a protective outer layer that is puncture resistant. In one embodiment, the outer layer is a protective outer layer that is abrasion resistant. In one embodiment, the air fills the air bladders 22 against the fabric or outer layer of the beam/support member 20 causing pressure to build allowing all beams/support members 20 to become tight and hold weight of the shelter 10.

In one embodiment, the fabric (outer layer/braided fabric material) is outside the air bladder 22's TPU material. In one embodiment, braided fabric material is shown in FIG. 25. In one embodiment, the braided fabric material is used to support and surround the air bladder/chamber 22 of the support member 20. In one embodiment, the braided fabric material is configured to provide cost effective no-stretch solution that provides additional power to the beams/support members 20 and decrease the weight of the shelter 10.

In one embodiment, the inflatable air chamber 22 is also referred to as an air bladder. In one embodiment, the inflatable air chamber 22 is formed by joining two sheets along the corresponding peripheral edges to form a common seam by any joining/attachment techniques as would be appreciated by one skilled in the art. In one embodiment, the attachment techniques used to form the air chamber include heat fusion, electronic fusion, heat pressing, etc.

In one embodiment, the inflatable air chamber 22 is shaped as a long cylinder and has tubular configuration. In one embodiment, the inflatable air chamber 22 includes a tubular member having sealed ends. In one embodiment, the inflatable air chamber 22 includes a compressible sidewall that defines an interior volume in the inflatable air chamber 22. In one embodiment, the inflatable air chamber 22 includes sealed lower end. In one embodiment, sealing bonds are formed at the second end portion 32 of the support member 20. In one embodiment, a hot die or mold may be used to heat the second end portion 32 of the support member 20 and bond opposite sides of the second end portion 32 of the support member 20 to each other. The formation of sealing bonds are configured to effectively seal air within the support member 20.

In one embodiment, the shelter 10 includes the releasable connections 28 (FIGS. 11A-11D) between respective ones of at least three support members 20 and the air guide 18. In one embodiment, each of the releasable connections 28 between a support member 20 of the at least three support members 20 and the air guide 18 is configured to enable the support member 20 to be releasably connected to the air guide 18.

In one embodiment, each releasable connection 28 of the shelter 10 includes a first releasable connection portion 60 and a second releasable connection portion 61. In one embodiment, one of the first releasable connection portion 60 and the second releasable connection portion 61 is disposed on respective inflatable air chamber 22. In one embodiment, the other of the first releasable connection portion 60 and the second releasable connection portion 61 is disposed on a portion of the air guide 18.

In one embodiment, one of the first releasable connection portion 60 and the second releasable connection portion 61 includes a (e.g., male or female) threaded portion configured to engage with a threaded portion of the other of the first releasable connection portion 60 and the second releasable connection portion 61 to releasably connect the support member 20 to the air guide 18. In another embodiment, the first releasable connection portion 60 and the second releasable connection portion 61 may include other releasable engagement/attachment mechanisms (e.g., snap fit, press fit, interference fit, friction fit, etc.) to releasably connect the support member 20 to the air guide.

In one embodiment, the inflatable air chamber 22 includes the first releasable connection portion 60 at its upper end. In one embodiment, the first releasable connection portion 60 is referred to as screw-on connection. In one embodiment, the first releasable connection portion 60 is configured to allow for easy installation/replacement of the air bladder/chamber 22 if a puncture in the air bladder/chamber 22 should occur. In one embodiment, the first releasable connection portion 60 makes replacing damaged air bladders/chambers 22 easy and quick, enabling the user to replace their equipment without sending the hunting blind/shelter 10 back to the manufacture.

In one embodiment, the support member 20 includes a flange member 63 (as shown in FIGS. 11, 17, and 23-24) that is connected to the first releasable connection portion 60. In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 23-24, the first releasable connection portion 60 has an outwardly extending flange portion 84 have openings 86 therein. In one embodiment, the material of the flange member 63 is configured to extend at least on one side of the outwardly extending flange portion 84 of the first releasable connection portion 60 and to protrude through the openings 86 of the first releasable connection portion 60 to form an integral (direct) connection between the first releasable connection portion 60 and the flange member 63.

In one embodiment, the air chamber/bladder 22 is connected to the flange member 63. In one embodiment, the flange member 63 of the support member 20 is connected to both the air chamber/bladder 22 and the first releasable connection portion 60.

In one embodiment, the air chamber/bladder 22 is connected to the flange member 63 using ultrasonic welding procedure to create an airtight annular. In another embodiment, the air chamber/bladder 22 is connected to the flange member 63 using adhesive. In one embodiment, there is a direct connection between the flange member 63 and the air chamber/bladder 22 (i.e., without any intervening/intermediate attachments/connection members therebetween). In one embodiment, the flange member 63 and the air chamber/bladder 22 are integrally formed. In one embodiment, as discussed in detail above, the flange member 63 and the first releasable connection portion 60 are integrally formed. In one embodiment, the flange member 63, the air chamber/bladder 22 and the first releasable connection portion 60 are integrally formed.

In one embodiment, the first releasable connection portion 60 of the support member 20 includes an air valve. In such an embodiment, the shelter 10 may include four air valves that are disposed at the four first releasable connection portions 60 of the four support members 20. In such an embodiment, the air intake valve is optional.

In one embodiment, the shelter 10 includes the air intake valve 16 connected to the air guide 18. In such an embodiment, the air valves disposed at the first releasable connection portions 60 of the support members 20 are optional.

In one embodiment, the cover 14 is attached to the frame 12 to at least partially conceal the user in the shelter/hunting blind 10. In on embodiment, the shelter/hunting blind 10 is configured for concealing the presence of the hunter/user. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the cover 14 includes pockets 92 (e.g., sewn, integrally formed) on an inner surface that are configured to receive the support members 20 therein. In one embodiment, the pockets 92 are tubular pockets that are configured to receive the support members 20 therein. In one embodiment, the pockets 92 include at least three pockets each configured to receive a support member of the at least three support members 20. In one embodiment, each pocket 92 receives and encloses most the corresponding support member 20 therein. In one embodiment, each pocket 92 includes a plurality of spaced apart pockets that together are configured to receive the corresponding support member 20.

In another embodiment, instead of tubular pockets, the inner surface of the cover 14 includes straps or loops that either are continuous loops or two straps extending from the inner surface of the cover 14 and that can be tied to one another so as to facilitate the attachment of the cover 14 to the support members 20 (with the air chambers 22)/the frame 12 of the shelter 10. In one embodiment, the straps are sewn to the inner surface of the cover 14. In one embodiment, the straps extend around the support members 20 to facilitate the attachment of the cover 14 to the support members 20 (with the air chambers 22)/the frame 12 of the shelter 10.

In one embodiment, the cover 14 includes a plurality of panels that are joined to each other via seams. In one embodiment, the plurality of panels include at least one side panel and a top panel. In one embodiment, the plurality of panels include four side panels and a top panel. In one embodiment, the plurality of panels include four side panels and does not include a top panel. In one embodiment, the plurality of panels include four side panels, a bottom panel and a top panel.

In one embodiment, the side panels of the cover 14 include windows 36 (FIGS. 1 and 6). In one embodiment, when the shelter 10 is used as a hunting blind, the windows are shoot-through mesh windows. In one embodiment, the widows have window coverings thereon. In one embodiment, the shelter 10 may include a plurality of windows to provide 360° visibility of the hunting area. In one embodiment, each window is covered with shoot-through mesh and includes other features for silent operation. In one embodiment, the cover 14 includes a large, zippered, triangle door to allow for easy access to the user. In one embodiment, the shelter 10 includes super wide door for easy entry and exit of the user. In one embodiment, the door and/or windows are configured to be openable and closeable by zipper(s) that are installed in a manner as would be appreciated by one skilled in the art. In one embodiment, the windows and/or door are configured to be transparent to facilitate the entry of sufficient light within the shelter 10.

In one embodiment, the cover 14 includes weatherproof material. In one embodiment, the cover 14 includes camouflage material. In one embodiment, the cover 14 is removably positioned on the frame 12 to conceal and cover the hunter. In one embodiment, the cover 14 includes polyester material (e.g., 300-denier brushed polyester material or durable 600-denier polyester material) that is treated with a water-resistant material or water-repellent material to keep the user dry in light rains. In one embodiment, the cover 14 includes fabric material (e.g., rugged 150-denier fabric material). In one embodiment, the cover 14 includes material treated with UV blocker that eliminates the game-spooking blue/white glow (e.g., caused by optical brighteners applied during the printing process). In one embodiment, the cover 14 includes material treated to resist fading, mold and mildew. In one embodiment, the UV treatment applied to the cover 14 is configured resist fading. In one embodiment, other surface treatments applied to the cover 14 are configured to resist mold and mildew. In one embodiment, the shelter 10 includes triple-stitched corners and reinforcements to add long-lasting durability to the shelter 10.

In one embodiment, black interior walls and shoot-through mesh windows help conceal movements of the hunter/user inside the shelter 10. In one embodiment, the shelter 10 includes bonded blackout fabric with brushed exterior to conceal silhouettes of the users/individuals/hunters. In one embodiment, the cover 14 includes three distinct camouflage zones to effectively blend in with variations in terrain and vegetation, by providing unparalleled depth and realism at both close range and long distance.

In one embodiment, the cover 14 includes ground skirt(s) extending from each of the side panels. In one embodiment, the ground skirt of the cover 14 is configured to hold in scent and seal out the weather elements.

In one embodiment, the cover 14 or the shelter 10 includes a floor or bottom panel. In one embodiment, the cover 14 and the floor are integrally formed. In one embodiment, the shelter 10 includes a removable floor. That is, the cover 14 and the floor are formed as separate members. In yet another embodiment, the floor of the shelter 10 is optional.

FIG. 10 shows the air source 26 of the shelter 10. In one embodiment, the air source 26 is a source of compressed air. In one embodiment, the air source 26 is referred to as an inflation air source. In one embodiment, the air source 26 includes an air pump, an air compressor, a compressed air source, etc. In one embodiment, the air chamber 22 of the support member 20 may be inflated with a hand operated air pump. In one embodiment, the air chamber 22 of the support member 20 may be inflated with an electric air pump. In one embodiment, a motor driven air pump is used to supply air under pressure to inflate the air chamber 22 of the support member 20. In one embodiment, the motor driven air pump is configured to operate at several different speeds to minimize noise and to optimize pumping conditions during its operation.

When assembled to the air guide 18 and the shelter 10, the air intake valve 16 is exposed outside of the shelter 10 to provide the user with easy access to the air intake valve 16 for inflation and deflation of the air chambers 22 of the support members 20.

FIGS. 10-11 show the air intake valve 16 connected to the air guide 18. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the air intake valve 16 is located in the center of the air hub/air guide 18. In one embodiment, the air intake valve 16 is positioned at the top center of the shelter/hunting blind 10. This configuration allows the air intake valve 16 to be accessed outside of the hunting blind/shelter 10. In one embodiment, the air intake valve 16 is connected to the air guide 18 on a top side/surface 40 of the air guide 18. In one embodiment, the air intake valve 16 is connected to the air guide 18 by any connection arrangement as would be appreciated by one skilled in the art. In one embodiment, the air intake valve 16 is connected to/assembled with the air guide 18 by a plug and socket connection. In one embodiment, the air intake valve 16 is connected to/assembled with the air guide 18 by means of a screw threaded connection.

FIGS. 15-20 show the air intake valve 16 before and after assembly with the air guide 18 and the shelter 10. In one embodiment, the air intake valve 16 has a first end portion 42 and an opposing, second end portion 44. In one embodiment, the first end portion 42 of the air intake valve 16 is configured to be connected to the air source 26.

In one embodiment, the first end portion 42 of the air intake valve 16 is configured to be releasably connected to the air source 26. In one embodiment, the shelter 10 includes a releasable connection between the first end portion 42 of the air intake valve 16 and the air source 26. In one embodiment, the releasable connection between the first end portion 42 of the air intake valve 16 and the air source 26 includes a first releasable connection portion and a second releasable connection portion. In one embodiment, the first releasable connection portion is disposed on one of the first end portion 42 of the air intake valve 16 and the air source 26 and the second releasable connection portion is disposed on the other of the first end portion 42 of the air intake valve 16 and the air source 26. In one embodiment, the releasable connection includes a screw threaded connection. In one embodiment, the releasable connection includes other releasable engagement/attachment mechanisms (e.g., snap fit, press fit, interference fit, friction fit, etc.) to releasably connect the first end portion 42 of the air intake valve 16 and the air source 26.

In one embodiment, the second end portion 44 of the air intake valve 16 is configured to be connected to the air guide 18. In one embodiment, the shelter 10 includes a releasable connection between the second end portion 44 of the air intake valve 16 and the air guide 18. In one embodiment, the releasable connection between the second end portion 44 of the air intake valve 16 and the air guide 18 includes a first releasable connection portion and a second releasable connection portion. In one embodiment, the first releasable connection portion is disposed on one of the second end portion 44 of the air intake valve 16 and the air guide 18 and the second releasable connection portion is disposed on the other of the second end portion 44 of the air intake valve 16 and the air guide 18. In one embodiment, the releasable connection includes a screw threaded connection. In another embodiment, the releasable connection includes other releasable engagement/attachment mechanisms (e.g., snap fit, press fit, interference fit, friction fit, etc.) to releasably connect the second end portion 44 of the air intake valve 16 and the air guide 18.

In one embodiment, the air intake valve 16 is a one-way valve that is configured to receive air from the air source 26. In one embodiment, the one-way air intake valve is configured to make inflating the shelter/hunting blind 10 easy. In one embodiment, the air intake valve 16 is configured to open when the air source 26 applies sufficient air pressure to the air intake valve 16. In one embodiment, air travels through the air intake valve 16 to enter the air chambers 22 of the support members 20. In one embodiment, air travels through the air intake valve 16 to exit the air chambers 22 of the support members 20. In one embodiment, the air intake valve 16 is configured to close when the air trapped in the air chambers 22 of the support members 20 apply sufficient pressure to the air intake valve 16 from the opposite end/in the opposite direction. In one embodiment, the air intake valve 16 is an air in-line intake valve. In one embodiment, the air intake valve 16 is quiet in operation. That is, the one-way valve is designed to operate quietly when inflating.

In one embodiment, the shelter 10 includes an air outtake valve. In one embodiment, the air intake valve is also configured to operate as an air outtake valve. In one embodiment, the air outtake valve is located in the center of the air hub/air guide 18. In one embodiment, the air outtake valve is positioned at the top center of the blind. This configuration allows the air outtake valve to be accessed outside of the hunting blind/shelter 10. This function allows for ease of ridding the hunting blind/shelter 10 of trapped air more quickly when packing up the hunting blind/shelter 10.

In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 18-20, the shelter 10 includes a closure plug 56 configured to plug the air intake valve 16. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21, the closure plug 56 is inserted into an opening 58 at the first end portion 42 of the air intake valve 16. In one embodiment, the closure plug 56 is configured to act as a cap for the air intake valve 16. In one embodiment, the closure plug 56 is configured to ensure air tightness of the air intake valve 16 and minimize air leakage from the air intake valve 16. In one embodiment, the closure plug 56 is configured to be tethered by member 58 to the shelter 10 (e.g., near the portion of the shelter 10 where the air intake valve 16 is disposed). FIGS. 21-22 show a reflective fabric member 57 that is configured to help the user to easily and quickly find/locate the air intake valve 16 on the shelter 10.

FIGS. 10-14 show the air guide 18. FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the air guide 18 with the air intake valve 16 connected thereto. FIGS. 11A-11D show views of the air guide 18 with both the air intake valve 16 and the support members 20 connected thereto in accordance with an embodiment of the present patent application. As shown in FIGS. 11A-11D, the air guide 18 is connected to the air intake valve 16 and, via releasable connections 28, to support members 20 of the frame 12. For example, FIG. 11A shows a side perspective view, FIG. 11B shows a bottom perspective view, FIG. 11C shows a side, bottom perspective view, and FIG. 11D shows a side, top perspective view.

FIGS. 11E-F show internal cross-sectional views of the air guide 18 connected to the air intake valve 16 and, via releasable connections 28, to support members 20 of the frame 12 in accordance with an embodiment of the present patent application. Referring to FIGS. 11E-11F, the fluid communications between the air source 26, the air intake valve 16, the air guide 18, and, via releasable connections 28, to support members 20 of the frame 12 are shown.

FIG. 12 shows a top view of the air guide 18 without the air intake valve 16 connected thereto. FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the air guide 18 without the air intake valve 16 and the support members 20 connected thereto. FIG. 14 shows a bottom, perspective view of the air guide 18 without the support members 20 connected thereto.

In one embodiment, the air guide 18 is referred to as an air hub. In one embodiment, an air hub is an air chamber that controls the airflow to each air bladder/air chamber 22. In one embodiment, the air guide 18 is configured to facilitate equal distribution of air flow to each air bladder/air chamber 22. In one embodiment, the air guide 18 is configured to control the flow of air evenly amongst the air bladders 22. In one embodiment, the air guide 18 is configured to enable the air to be easily removed from each air bladder/air chamber 22 when packing up (i.e., deflating) the shelter 10.

In one embodiment, each element of the shelter 10 (including the frame 12, the support members 20, the air intake valve 16, the air guide 18, etc.) work together to allow the shelter 10 to inflate properly.

In one embodiment, the air guide 18 includes no valves therein. In one embodiment, the air guide 18 includes the top side/surface 40 and at least three sides/side surfaces 46. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 10-14, the air guide 18 includes four sides/side surfaces 46.

In one embodiment, the air guide 18 includes a central air passage/guide 48 and at least three side air passages/guides 50 in fluid communication with the central air passage/guide 48. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 10-14, the air guide 18 includes four side air passages/guides 50. In one embodiment, the side air passages/guides 50 are configured to protrude outwardly from the sides/side surfaces 46 and/or the central air passage/guide 48 of the air guide 18

In one embodiment, the air intake valve 16 is connected to the air guide 18 on the top side/surface 40 of the air guide 18. In one embodiment, a top portion of the central air passage/chamber 48 includes a (e.g., male or female) threaded portion configured to engage with a threaded portion near the second end portion 44 of the air intake valve 16 to connect the air intake valve 16 to the air guide 18. In another embodiment, the top portion of the central air passage/chamber 48 of the air guide 18 and the second end portion 44 of the air intake valve 16 may include other engagement/attachment mechanisms to connect the air intake valve 16 is connected to the air guide 18. In one embodiment, the central air passage/chamber 48 is configured to receive the air from the air intake valve 16 and guide the received air to the side air passages/guides 50 of the air guide 18.

Each side air passage/guide 50 of the air guide 18 includes a first end portion 52 and an opposing second end portion 54. In one embodiment, the first end portions 52 of each side air passage/guide 50 of the air guide 18 are in fluid communication with the central air passage/chamber 48 of the air guide 18.

In one embodiment, the second end portions 54 of each side air passage/guide 50 of the air guide 18 are in fluid communication with respective one of the support members 20 of the shelter 10. In one embodiment, the second end portion 54 of each of the side air passage/guide 50 of the air guide 18 includes the second releasable connection portion 61 of the releasable connection 28 of the shelter 10.

In one embodiment, each side air passage/guide 50 of the air guide 18 includes a (e.g., male or female) threaded portion configured to engage with a threaded portion of the respective support member 20 of the shelter 10 to releasably connect the respective support member 20 to the air guide 18. In another embodiment, each side air passage/guide 50 of the air guide 18 and the respective support member 20 of the shelter 1016 may include other engagement/attachment mechanisms to releasably connect the respective support member 20 to the air guide 18. In one embodiment, each side air passage/guide 50 of the air guide 18 is configured to receive the air from the central air passage/chamber 48 and guide the received air to the respective support member 20 of the shelter 10.

In one embodiment, the shelter 10 of the present patent application is constructed and arranged to work in all environments.

Although the present patent application has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the present patent application is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. In addition, it is to be understood that the present patent application contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.

SHELTER WITH INFLATABLE FRAME

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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

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