초록 ▼

An inflatable structure comprises an inflatable tubular member that is constructed of an elongate, flexible strip of woven fabric that is impervious to air and water. The elongate strip has a first elongate edge and a second elongate edge and is spiraled into a tubular shape such that the first elon

An inflatable structure comprises an inflatable tubular member that is constructed of an elongate, flexible strip of woven fabric that is impervious to air and water. The elongate strip has a first elongate edge and a second elongate edge and is spiraled into a tubular shape such that the first elongate edge is adjacent the second elongate edge to thereby form a spiral seam. A first elongate tape member is thermobonded to an inner surface of the tubular member along the length of the spiral seam for sealing the spiral seam from inside. A second elongate tape member is thermobonded to the outer surface of the tubular member along the length of the spiral seam for reinforcing the spiral seam.

대표청구항 ▼

[What is claimed is:] [1.]at least first and second inflatable tubular members;the first inflatable tubular member being spaced from the second inflatable tubular member, a floor extending between the first and second inflatable tubular members and being constructed of a flexible material;each of th

[What is claimed is:] [1.]at least first and second inflatable tubular members;the first inflatable tubular member being spaced from the second inflatable tubular member, a floor extending between the first and second inflatable tubular members and being constructed of a flexible material;each of the first and second inflatable tubular members being constructed of an elongate flexible strip of woven fabric, the elongate strip having a first elongate edge and a second elongate edge extending substantially parallel to the first elongate edge, the elongate flexible strip of woven fabric includes a first set of threads extending in a warp direction and a second set of threads extending in a fill direction substantially transverse to the warp direction, a bias direction of the woven fabric extends at an angle to the warp and fill directions; andthe elongate strip being spiraled into a tubular shape such that the first elongate edge is adjacent the second elongate edge to thereby form a spiral seam extending along a longitudinal axis of the respective tubular member;wherein in each of the first and second tubular members the warp direction is substantially parallel to the spiral seam, and to enhance expansion the bias direction extends along a circumference of each tubular member.