Inflatable structure(s)

Abstract

The invention relates to inflatable structure(s) comprising large openings that are formed by construction elements that can be used to dimension a base module. The aforementioned module comprises means that can be used to increase the number of surfaces of same. According to the invention, some or all of the inner peripheries of the large openings may or may not be equipped with a band of fabric comprising fixing means which are used to fit accessories, netting, a sail, cords, handles, thereby enabling multiple applications.

1 . Inflatable structure(s) characterized: 
 a) in that said structure ( 1 ) comprises wide openings ( 5 ) between its members, of which the plurality of elements, crosses ( 2 ), T-bars ( 4 ), corners ( 3 ), bends, used to form the openings ( 5 ) define the periphery and surface of the structure ( 1 ) in the form of a base module which comprises, on its periphery, transport means and at least one inflation/deflation valve ( 19 ) corresponding to an air chamber, which module can be used on its own,    b) in that said module thus assembled has means for rapidly assembling and dismantling a netting or canvas ( 18 ) and accessories ( 16 ) ( 11 ) which are attached to the inner/outer periphery of at least one opening ( 5 ) and at least at one height, the fixing means ( 10 ) ( 66 ) ( 7 ) ( 17 ) ( 70 ) for the netting or canvas ( 18 ) and accessories ( 16 ) ( 11 ), if the latter are likely to cause friction which can cause injury to the human body, being covered with a protective strip of fabric  49  which can be folded or absorbs impacts, which module can be used on its own,    c) in that the module a or b thus assembled has means for establishing a bridge ( 9 ) between two modules, it being possible to walk on this bridge ( 9 ), these means ( 59 ) ( 11 ) ( 12 ) ( 7 ) ( 13 ) ( 60 ) ( 66 ) ( 67 ) ( 49 ) being repeated on each side of the base module, wherever an adjacent structure is to be put in place,    d) said inflatable structure ( 1 ), which consists of one or more modules which are joined together, has means ( 48 ) on the contour of its bottom periphery for attaching weighted netting ( 47 ) if it is desirable to prevent access to the structure from underneath,    e) said inflatable structure ( 1 ) has protective strips ( 68 ) if it is intended to withstand friction and impacts.    
     
     
         2 . Inflatable structure as claimed in  claim 1  characterized in that the inflatable structure ( 1 ) for lifesaving in a swimming pool is faced with a metal grille ( 69 ) underneath, the dimensions of which are the same as the internal dimensions of the swimming pool, the grille comprising bars ( 22 ) which slide into fabric strips ( 26 ) provided underneath the grille ( 69 ) and locate in the connectors, corners ( 25 ), T-bars ( 23 ), crosses ( 24 ), said metal grille ( 69 ) either resting on the base of the swimming pool or being embedded in the base of the swimming pool, the swimming pool walls being protected from impacts by protective strips ( 68 ) placed on the structure ( 1 ) or by anti-impact stops disposed on the metal grille ( 69 ) or the walls of the swimming pool.  
     
     
         3 . Inflatable structure as claimed in  claim 1  characterized in that the bridge ( 9 ) between two modules is made by applying two fabric strips ( 13 ) with eyelets ( 7 ), these fabric strips being attached to the tops of the faces of the modules to be assembled, either placed one on top of the other or side by side, and a rope ( 11 ) is passed through the eyelets ( 7 ) to assemble them, either above and below or in a zigzag pattern, with a knot ( 12 ) tied at each end, and with a protective strip of fabric ( 49 ) covering the lacing.  
     
     
         4 . Inflatable structure as claimed in  claim 1  characterized in that double-ended hooks ( 17 ) are used to fix a bridge ( 9 ), netting ( 18 ) or canvas.  
     
     
         5 . Inflatable structure as claimed in  claim 1  characterized in that a rope with loops ( 60 ) is used to attach and dismantle a bridge ( 9 ), netting ( 18 ) or canvas in association with a strip of fabric  10  with eyelets  7  or two strips of fabric with eyelets  13   a  and  13   b.    
     
     
         6 . Inflatable structure as claimed in  claim 1  characterized in that two sets of mooring bitts or hooks ( 66 ) are provided, each being attached to a strip of fabric ( 67 ) which makes it possible to attach and dismantle a bridge ( 9 ), netting ( 18 ) or canvas by means of a rope ( 11 ) used for the lacing.  
     
     
         7 . Inflatable structure as claimed in  claim 1  characterized in that a strip of fabric  10  with miniature mooring bitts  66  or hooks is associated with loops  70  at the edge of the netting or canvas  18  and allows attachment thereof.  
     
     
         8 . Inflatable structure as claimed in  claim 1  characterized in that, in the life raft application, once the open-work arrangement which can be unlocked, moved apart and re-locked has been made watertight, said open-work arrangement is placed on the watertight canvas and thus forms the floor of the raft.  
     
     
         9 . Inflatable structure as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that the structure is made up of two joined tubes ( 8 ), the structure being fitted with at least one cross-piece ( 28 ), the cross-piece(s) being fixed in the extension of the two arms, thereby forming a toboggan which can be driven in either a standing or seated position by virtue of means for steering it and braking ( 30 ) ( 31 ) ( 35 ) ( 34 ) ( 32 ) ( 40 ) ( 41 ) ( 36 ) ( 37 ) ( 38 ) ( 39 ) ( 44 ) ( 46 ) ( 20 ) ( 56 ) ( 55 ) ( 57 ).  
     
     
         10 . Inflatable structure as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that the inflatable structure ( 1 ) is provided with a detachable rudder and brake system ( 30 ), the brake system comprising an articulated and flexible tubular shaft ( 30 ) which can be placed at adjustable positions, fitted with a handle bar ( 31 ), the position of the tubular shaft is locked by a metal rod ( 35 ) inserted through the tubular shaft, the metal rod sitting freely on a transverse bar ( 32 ), which bar may or may not be extendible in width and having a rod ( 40 ) underneath the bottom at each end, left and right, which locates in female mountings ( 41 ) located on the tubes at either side; the bottom part of the tubular shaft ( 30 ) has hooks ( 38 ), to which are attached suspension means ( 37 ) ( 38 ) linked to a brake plate ( 36 ) by other hooks ( 38 ), a part of this plate ( 39 ) brushing against the ground ( 45 ).  
     
     
         11 . Inflatable structure as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that the steering system consists of a support ( 55 ) for the rudder shaft ( 30 ) which is a piece adapted to the shape of the tubes ( 8 ), with a tubular part ( 56 ) in which the articulated and flexible rudder shaft ( 30 ) which can be set at adjustable positions locates, which ends in a single brake and steering plate ( 36 ) which can be steered in both a seated and standing position, foot rests being fixed on either side on the inner face of the tubes.  
     
     
         12 . Inflatable structure as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that the brake plate ( 36 ) is a Z-shaped strip of flexible material ( 46 ) secured between two plates, the top plate being provided with fixing or suspension means ( 37 ) ( 38 ) linked to the tubes.  
     
     
         13 . Inflatable structure as claimed in claims  1   claim 1 , characterized in that the deflated and folded structure ( 1 ) is transported in a tarpaulin, suitcase or box which is mounted on a board with rollers ( 42 ), provided with a zip fastener, straps ( 43 ) and handles ( 15 ).  
     
     
         14 . Inflatable structure as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that the base of the toboggan has means enabling it to be sealed ( 54 ) ( 52 ) ( 53 ) ( 51 ).