Method and Apparatus for Building a Structure

Abstract

An inflatable structure that can be easily transported, inflated, assembled, disassembled and stored with minimal if any tools and in a fraction of the time associated with prior art structures. The inflatable structure is comprised of a plurality of interchangeable structural members removably attached to one another, and that afford the user virtually endless design options and superior weatherproofing and insulating qualities. The structural member further comprises a plurality of filaments positioned in an airtight void, wherein said plurality of filaments are in tension when the structural member is inflated.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An inflatable structural member comprising:
 an exterior;   an interior; and   a plurality of filaments extending between said exterior and interior.   
     
     
         2 . The inflatable structural member of  claim 1  further comprising a port and a flange attached to at least one of said exterior or interior. 
     
     
         3 . The inflatable structural member of  claim 1  further comprising a length of hook and loop fasteners. 
     
     
         4 . The inflatable structural member of  claim 1  further comprising an airtight void, wherein said plurality of filaments are positioned within said airtight void and are in tension when the inflatable structural member is inflated. 
     
     
         5 . An inflatable shelter comprising:
 at least one inflatable panel having a port;   at least one flange; and   at least one column, wherein said at least one inflatable panel further comprises an airtight void with a plurality of filaments positioned in said airtight void.   
     
     
         6 . The inflatable shelter of  claim 5  further comprising a roof. 
     
     
         7 . The inflatable shelter of  claim 5  further comprising at least one ingress point. 
     
     
         8 . The inflatable shelter of  claim 5  further comprising at least one cross member. 
     
     
         9 . The inflatable shelter of  claim 5 , wherein the inflatable shelter is free-standing. 
     
     
         10 . The inflatable shelter of  claim 5 , wherein the at least one inflatable panel is connected to at least one of the following: (a) the at least one flange; (b) a roof; and (c) a cross member. 
     
     
         11 . The inflatable shelter of  claim 5 , wherein said plurality of filaments are in tension when the at least one inflatable panel is inflated. 
     
     
         12 . The inflatable shelter of  claim 5  further comprising a floor. 
     
     
         13 . The inflatable shelter of  claim 5  further comprising a vestibule. 
     
     
         14 . A complex comprising:
 a first inflatable shelter having at least one inflatable panel, and at least one flange; and   a second inflatable shelter.   
     
     
         15 . The complex of  claim 14  further comprising at least one column that is one of an inflatable column, a non-inflatable column and an expandable column. 
     
     
         16 . The complex of  claim 14 , wherein said at least one inflatable panel further comprises an airtight void with a plurality of filaments positioned in said airtight void. 
     
     
         17 . The complex of  claim 16 , wherein said plurality of filaments are in tension when the at least one inflatable panel is inflated. 
     
     
         18 . The complex of  claim 14 , wherein the first inflatable shelter further comprises at least one ingress point. 
     
     
         19 . The complex of  claim 14 , wherein the first inflatable shelter further comprises at least one of a conduit, a roof and a floor. 
     
     
         20 . The complex of  claim 14 , wherein the at least one inflatable panel is connected to at least one of the following: (a) the at least one flange; (b) a roof; and (c) a cross member.