Inflatable frame assembly

Abstract

An inflatable frame assembly comprises a plurality of inflatable tubular members elements having a longitudinal dimension. A first portion of the plurality of tubular members is connected in fluid communication end to end in a continuous relationship for defining a closed area. A second portion of the plurality of tubular members is connected in fluid communication at their ends with the first portion of the tubular members. The second portion of the tubular members forms uprights for suspending and supporting the first tubular members. A first inflating valve is disposed on at least one of the tubular members for introducing air for inflating the plurality of tubular members, wherein the plurality of tubular members are self-supporting when inflated and define a closed volume.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An inflatable frame assembly, comprising:
 a plurality of inflatable tubular members elements having a longitudinal dimension,
 a first portion of the plurality of tubular members connected in fluid communication end to end in a continuous relationship for defining a closed area, and 
 a second portion of the plurality of tubular members are connected in fluid communication at their ends with the first portion of the tubular members, the second portion of the tubular members forming uprights for suspending and supporting the first tubular members; and 
   a first inflating valve disposed on at least one of the tubular members for introducing air for inflating the plurality of tubular members, the inflating valve having an airtight valve cap,   
       wherein the plurality of tubular members are self-supporting when inflated and define a closed volume. 
     
     
         2 . The inflatable frame assembly as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the tubular members extend substantially linearly when inflated and unconstrained. 
     
     
         3 . The inflatable frame assembly as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the tubular members are collapsible without inflating fluid at a minimum pressure. 
     
     
         4 . The inflatable frame assembly as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the first portion of the plurality of tubular members are in a plane. 
     
     
         5 . The inflatable frame assembly as recited in  claim 4 , wherein the second plurality of tubular members extend perpendicular to the plane. 
     
     
         6 . The inflatable frame assembly as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the closed area defined by the first portion of the plurality of tubular members is rectangular. 
     
     
         7 . The inflatable frame assembly as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a removable cover. 
     
     
         8 . The inflatable frame assembly as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the cover spans between and extends over the closed area defined by the first plurality of tubular members for forming a shelter. 
     
     
         9 . The inflatable frame assembly as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the cover has a configuration corresponding to the closed volume for enclosing a top and sides of the closed volume and forming an enclosed shelter. 
     
     
         10 . The inflatable frame assembly as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the cover comprises a flexible sheet material. 
     
     
         11 . The inflatable frame assembly as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the flexible sheet material comprises a waterproof nylon fabric. 
     
     
         13 . The inflatable frame assembly as recited in  claim 7 , further comprising at least one loop fastener along a periphery of at least one of the tubular members for fastening the cover so as to form a shelter. 
     
     
         14 . The inflatable frame assembly as recited in  claim 13 , wherein the cover is detachably fastened to the at least one loop fastener, wherein the cover can be selectively removed. 
     
     
         15 . The inflatable frame assembly as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of selectively closable fluid passages in fluid communication between adjacent tubular members of the first plurality of tubular members.