US20220333400A1 - Inflatable venue - Google Patents

Abstract

An inflatable structure for covering a space, includes 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 are arranged to establish ground locations of the plurality of inflatable support members. 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. A secondary support structure can be disposed below the plurality of inflatable support members, without any interconnection. Each of the anchor units includes a housing and each of air supply units is provided in one of the housings

Description

CROSS REFFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
• 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.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Invention
• 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.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• 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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which is given with reference to the appended drawings.
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the inflatable structure or venue according to the present invention;
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a section of the first embodiment of the inflatable structure or venue according to the present invention;
• FIG. 3 is a plan view of a section of an inflatable canopy of the first embodiment of the inflatable structure or venue according to the present invention;
• FIG. 4 is a plan view of a section of an alternate design of the inflatable canopy of the first embodiment of the inflatable structure or venue according to the present invention;
• FIG. 5 is a sectional view along section line V-V ofFIG. 3 showing attachment of the inflatable canopy to the structural tubes according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 6 is a sectional view along section line VI-VI ofFIG. 3 showing the inflatable canopy according to the present invention;
• FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view showing connection between two structural tubes of the inflatable canopy according to the present invention;
• FIG. 8 is a plan view of an alternate design of the inflatable canopy of an inflatable structure or venue according to the present invention;
• FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a platform with seating usable with the inflatable structure according to the present invention;
• FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing inflatable seating usable with the inflatable structure according to the present invention;
• FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an inflatable structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an inflatable structure according to a third embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an inflatable structure according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; and
• FIG. 14 is a schematic view of a control system usable with the inflatable structure according to the present invention.
• 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.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference toFIGS. 1-8. Referring toFIG. 1, which is a perspective view of the first embodiment, aninflatable structure10 includes plural inflatable, tubular structural supports20 (in this case, arches20), a separate, optionalinflatable canopy30, andplural anchors40. Thestructural supports20 are formed of inflatable, high-pressure air tubes, which are leak tight and arranged in a predesigned configuration in order to form the desired shape of thestructure10 so as to, in this case, cover the entire space to be protected and/or enclosed.Structural supports20 are not to be limited to the arches shown inFIG. 1. While in this embodiment, the structural supports are shown as arches that span from oneanchor40 to another anchor (not shown) on the opposite side of the structure, the structural supports can be utilized as vertical columns or stacked, horizontal sidewall members, depending on the intended configuration. The manner of connecting adjacentstructural supports20 can be similar regardless of how they are utilized. Depending on the design, thestructural supports20 can be disposed adjacent one another and interconnected to form the canopy and/or sides of the structure, or the arches can be spaced apart with membranes or inflatable canopy sections ormattresses30 attached to thestructural supports20 to form the canopy and/or sides of the structure. The structural supports20 are preferably each anchored to a pair ofanchors40, which can be in the form of containers that can also house the equipment used to inflate thestructural supports20 and/orcanopy sections30 and store the structural supports and associated equipment during storage and transport, as will be explained later in more detail.
• Thestructure10, which can be inflated, deployed and retracted by inflation and deflation, respectively, includes numerous features in combination with the high-pressure inflated air tubestructural supports20, 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 thevenue10 to be formed extremely rapidly. Incorporating membrane materials, the air tubestructural supports20 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 tubestructural supports20 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 tubestructural supports20 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 tubestructural supports20 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 tubestructural supports20 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 tubestructural supports20 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, thestructural supports20 can be connected with inflatable canopy members or sections (mattresses)30. Examples of this type of connection can be seen inFIGS. 1 to 8. In this case, referring toFIG. 2, adjacent structural supports20 (20-1 to20-3) are connected by inflatable canopy members30 (30-1,30-2). Theseinflatable canopy members30 can be in the form of integrally connected tubes, individual tubes connected together, or a combination thereof.
• FIG. 3 shows an example of aninflatable canopy section30 having multiple, integral tubes. Eachcanopy section30 is connected at its ends to adjacent structural members or arches20 (20-1,20-2) by any suitable connecting device, an example of which will be described later. Eachcanopy section30 includestubular canopy tubes32,34, which can be of different sizes. In the shown example,canopy tubes32 are of a larger diameter (e.g., 20 inches) than that ofcanopy tubes34, (e.g., 12 inches), which are provided alternately. Thecanopy tubes32,34 can be simply fused together in a parallel fashion, or more robustly connected as shown inFIGS. 6 and 7. In this example, eachcanopy tube32,34 is formed of a lowertubular section32a,34aand anupper tubular section32b,34b,with the upper and lower tubular sections being fused together at a connectingregion33, such as by a heat seal. This design also allows integration of noise attenuation materials, which will be discussed in further detail below.
• Referring once more toFIGS. 3 and 4, the end of eachcanopy section30 is provided with areleasable connector section38 that allows releasable connection with an adjacent canopy section positioned between the same two adjacentstructural tubes20, that is, connection end-to-end in a longitudinal direction of the structural tubes. Thisconnector section38 can be in the form of hook and loop connection flaps, such as Velcro™ flaps. In addition, each canopy section is provided with connection features for connection to thestructural tubes20 as well as adjacent canopy sections in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the structural tubes. This can be in the form of polymer flaps39awith Velcro™ connections disposed along the ends contacting the air beams. Referring toFIG. 3, eachflap39acan be wrapped around an adjacent air tubestructural support20 and then secured with the Velcro™ connection. To facilitate this connection, the periphery of each air tubestructural support20 is provided with mating Velcro™ material. This mating Velcro™ material can be either directly connected to the air tube structural support periphery or each air tubestructural support20 can be wrapped with a sock having a Velcro™ exterior. A D-ring can be fixed to theflap39aor a separate flap to allow connection with a ratchet strap, which allowsadjacent canopy sections30 to be connected to the samestructural tube20 and be tightly ratcheted toward one another for a sturdy connection to one another and the intervening structural tube. NoteFIG. 5.
• Each mattress section is provided with anair inlet30afor 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 asingle air inlet30aor a limited number of air inlets less than the number of canopy section tubes. Referring toFIG. 8, for example, although adjacentcanopy section tubes32,34 are heat welded together to form the unitary canopy section, the pneumatic interconnection is provided by omitting welding at certain regions along the lengths of adjacent tubes so as to provide anair passages30bbetween tubes. So as to allow for rapid deflation when deconstructing the structure, each canopy section tube is provided with one ormore dump valves30c.
• Each air mattress can be provided with additional structural, architectural, or ornamental features. For example, referring toFIGS. 2 to 4, anextension34cis provided at one end of every predetermined number ofcanopy section tubes32,34. In the shown embodiment, every sixth smaller diametercanopy section tube34 is provided with theextension34c.Mesh panels37 can be attached between theseextensions34cto provide shade or the like or simply provide an architectural feature.Mesh panels37 can be attached to theextensions34cby Velcro™ strips34d,for example. SeeFIG. 4.
• 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 tubestructural supports20, thenanofoam22 can be filled throughout the length of the tubular member, as shown inFIG. 5. Alternatively, the nanofoam or other acoustic mitigating material can be provided in an interior sock disposed within the air tubestructural member20. The interior sock can be prefilled before insertion in the air tubestructural member20, or can be inserted and then be filled with the nanofoam or other acoustic mitigating material.
• 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 thecanopy member30 formed with an interior sock will be discussed herein. Referring toFIGS. 6 and 7, the interior socks in eachcanopy tube32,34 is integrated with theconnector33 between adjacent tubes. As shown inFIG. 7, aninterior sock36 is disposed in eachcanopy tube32,34 and runs along the length of the canopy tube. Eachinterior sock36 is formed of ahollow polymer jacket36a,which can be inflated or filled with a material, such as a nanofoam. In the shown example, eachinterior sock36 is filled with a nanofoam oraerogel36b.Adjacent socks are connected by asock connector35athat, for example, is fused to the outer surface ofjacket36aof the sock and runs along the connectingregion33 of thecanopy tubes32,34.Sock connector35acan be formed of a strip of polypropylene, for example, and be heat sealed to the exterior of thesock jackets36aor connected by grommets orties35b, for example, to thesock jackets36a.In this manner, thetubular canopy tubes32,34 are connected in a parallel fashion with a strong connection through their centers with sound attenuating materials integrated therein.
• 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 acontrol system100 shown schematically inFIG. 14.Control system100 includes acontroller110 comprised of anMPU112, aROM114, and aRAM116, and further includespressure sensors50,environment sensors60,air pumps42, forecast module700, and acommunication module80.ROM114 stores programs for the monitoring system andRAM116 provides a work area for processing byMPU112.Pressure sensors50 can measure the pressure in the air tubes and feedback that information to thecontroller110. If the read pressure is outside of an allowable range,controller110 activates the air pumps to inflate or deflate thestructural tubes20. The sensors can be provided in each tube supplied by a particular air pump. In addition, pressure sensors can also be provided in the canopy sections (mattresses). As the air mattresses are intended to form the canopy, they are not as critical for structural support and need not be interconnected with the monitoring system. Theforecast module70 of the control system can interface with an external weather monitoring system to receive external forecast information, such as a weather forecast. Thecontrol system110 can control the pressure in thestructural tubes20 based on the forecast via a program stored in theROM114. For example, if high winds are predicted, thecontrol system100 can inflate the tubes above a normal range to provide increased rigidity.
• Thecommunication module80 is also controlled bycontroller110. For example, in the event of a reduction in pressure, thecontrol system100 automatically advises a registered operator via SMS/email throughcommunication module80 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 toFIGS. 1 and 2, the air tubestructural supports20 are deployed via high-output air pumps or blowers42 (not shown inFIGS. 1 and 2) directly from their shipping and storage containers, which also function asanchors40, without having to source and connect inflation devices locally. The containers/anchors40 can be easily accessible during operations for maintenance and local control of the air systems. The containers/anchors40 preferably have an openable top and thestructural supports20 are structurally fastened to a rigging frame within the open top containers. Air supply pressure is provided to each tube either directly or via a distribution manifold. The fabricstructural supports20 exit the top of an opentop container40 and are unrolled toward a mating container, entering via the top. Air systems in both sides at both ends of every other (or each) tube are all configurable options. The containers can also serve as ballast for the structure. Space in the containers that is not dedicated to the tubes and the inflation equipment can be used to store the ballast, which can include water tanks, concrete construction blocks, or other locally sourced counter-weight options. This ballasting allows the structure to durably withstand adverse weather conditions. If water tanks are used as the ballast, they can be filled to the desired weight, depending on the size of the final structure and anticipated weather conditions. Finally, containers/anchors40 also serve as a secondary acoustic baffle, isolating the inflated structure from surrounding environment.
• Anti-Inflation Trussing or Netting: Referring toFIG. 2, within the main inflatable arch structure are a limited number oftrussing members45. These trussing members act as a secondary support mechanism and can be formed of metal or any suitable material having sufficient strength to support the weight of the structure at an elevation above the ground level in the event of minor or complete deflation. Although the primary inflation system is preferably fully redundant, should a catastrophic failure of multiplestructural supports20 occur, the air tube material will be caught and supported by the trussing. Therefore, the deflated tubes cannot fall onto equipment or personnel within the space. Further, the trusses function as structural members from which other equipment can be rigged, such as lighting and sound equipment. Thetrusses45 andstructural tubes20 are preferably not structurally interconnected. Otherwise, if there were some interconnection, weather or wind loads causing movement of thetubes20 might also cause movement of thetrusses45.Separate trussing45 beneath the tube structure can also provide a fixed structure to rig from in addition to a level of redundancy in the event of catastrophic tube deflation. Alternatively, rather thanrigid trusses45, netting can be provided to catch and support the structure in the event of minor to complete deflation. The netting is preferably made of and supported by material strong enough to support the collapsed structural members. In one embodiment, the netting can be supported by the containers/anchors40.
• 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 tubestructural supports20 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 tubestructural supports20 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 supports20. 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 toFIG. 9, thedecking120 of the venue forms its floor and features robust point and axle load tolerance in loading areas suited to truck traffic, and 50 lb/sq ft load tolerance in other areas so as to allow users to configure the open space as desired. Further, the decking creates a crawl space area that allows for rain water mitigation and drainage. The decking system is designed to suit the desired shape of the structure (for example, round or rectangular). The decking can use conventional components normally found in the scaffolding industry, for which world-wide supply chains exist for parts, service, and support. This provides a large level of flexibility for out-of-level surfaces where thestructure10 might be installed—parking lots, dry river beds, or downtown areas. Thedeck120 can be provided withinflatable seating125 as shown inFIGS. 9 and 10. For example, the seating can includefoundational tubes126 as well as otherinflatable sections127 forming the seating, backrest, and legs of the seats. Thefoundational tubes126 can be provided with separate chambers and active air supplies for deflation prevention. The surfaces of the seating can be made of, for example, ballistic nylon for wear and puncture protection.
• 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 tubestructural members20, the present invention is not to be limited to this configuration. Other configurations are shown inFIGS. 11 to 13. In the embodiment ofFIG. 11,structure200 is formed of multiple vertical columns formed by air tubestructural members220. In the shown embodiment, adjacent air tubestructural members220 are directly connected using standard lacing techniques. Optionally, web material or air mattresses can be disposed between thesestructural members220 and interconnected similarly to the manner described with respect to the first embodiment. In the embodiments ofFIGS. 12 and 13,structures300,400 are formed of multiple horizontal air tubestructural members320,420, which are interconnected in any of the manners described with respect to the previous embodiments. The canopies in these configurations can be inflatable members or a membrane structure.
Assembly and Disassembly
• Erection of thestructure10 having the foregoing features will now be described. Thestructure10 can be delivered to a site with almost all of the structural components stored in a number of transportable containers/anchors40. As an example, thecontainers40 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/anchors40 are properly positioned, the fabric forming air tubestructural supports20 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 tubestructural supports20 are inflated. The air tube monitoring system can be programmed and initiated. Preferably, but not necessarily, before inflation, the anti-deflation trussing or netting45 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 ormattresses30 are used, they are preferably attached to thestructural supports20 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.

Claims (20)

We claim:

1. An inflatable structure for covering a space, comprising:

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.

2. The inflatable structure according toclaim 1, further comprising 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.

3. The inflatable structure according toclaim 2, wherein the housing of each of the anchor units comprises a storage space for storing at least one of the inflatable support members when not deployed.

4. The inflatable structure according toclaim 1, wherein at least one of the connector members comprises a membrane stretching between and connecting two adjacent, but spaced apart inflatable support members.

5. The inflatable structure according toclaim 1, further comprising noise mitigation material associated with the inflatable support members.

6. The inflatable structure according toclaim 5, wherein the noise mitigation material is provided within the plurality of inflatable support members.

7. The inflatable structure according toclaim 5, wherein the noise mitigation material is provided as a liner hung from beneath the plurality of inflatable support members.

8. The inflatable structure according toclaim 1, further comprising 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.

9. The inflatable structure according toclaim 1, further comprising air supply sources for the inflatable support members and a control system for controlling the air supply sources for the inflatable support members, wherein the control system controls the air supply sources to maintain a target pressure within the inflatable support members.

10. The inflatable structure according toclaim 9, wherein the control system controls the air supply sources to maintain the target pressure within the inflatable support members based on at least one of feedback information and predicted environment information, the feedback information including at least one of temperature and pressure, and the predicted environment information including at least one of a weather forecast or anticipated environmental conditions.

11. The inflatable structure according toclaim 1, further comprising at least one conduit attached to and running along at least one of the inflatable support members, wherein the at least one conduit comprises one of a flexible electrical conduit for electrical cables, flexible HVAC ducting for airflow separate from air in the inflatable support members, and a fire sprinkler tube.

12. The inflatable structure according toclaim 1, wherein at least one of the connector members comprises an inflatable canopy formed of plural canopy tubes, the inflatable canopy being connected to at least two adjacent inflatable support members.

13. The inflatable structure according toclaim 12, wherein an interior sock member is provided in each of the canopy tubes in the inflatable canopy, and noise attenuation material is provided in the interior sock members.

14. An inflatable structure, comprising:

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.

15. The inflatable structure according toclaim 14, wherein the housing of each of the anchor units comprises a storage space for storing at least one of the inflatable support members when not deployed.

16. The inflatable structure according toclaim 14, wherein the housing of each of the anchor units comprises a space for providing ballast for anchoring, the space allowing the weight of the ballast to be adjusted.

17. An inflatable structure for covering a space, comprising:

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.

18. The inflatable structure according toclaim 17, wherein the secondary support structure comprises rigid truss members.

19. A modular inflatable structural system for constructing an inflatable structure, comprising:

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 housing an air supply source for the at least one inflatable support member.

20. A method of assembling an inflatable structure, the method comprising:

arranging a plurality of inflatable support members and a plurality of anchors positioned at each 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.

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