Inflatable structures

Inactive Publication Date: 2009-06-11
THOENY THEODORE T
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]It is a primary object of the invention to provide a method of forming a structure having a desired contoured configuration, which is economical and easily constructed, as well as unusual and architecturally pleasing.

Problems solved by technology

The problem with these references is the limitation of the shape of the structure formed n spacing using fabric.
Further, the prior art required considerable labor, time and materials.

Method used

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  • Inflatable structures
  • Inflatable structures
  • Inflatable structures

Examples

Experimental program
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Embodiment Construction

[0033]Referring to FIG. 1, an inflated form 10 or plurality of forms are prepared to provide a desired configuration of the structure. Although two inflated forms are shown in FIG. 1, the invention is not limited by the number or size of inflated forms nor is the positioning of the forms with respect to one another. The forms may be linearly aligned, in a circular arrangement, a polygonal configuration or randomly placed. The forms may be abutted or spaced apart from one another.

[0034]Although not necessary, the inflated form may have an internal skeletal structure such as supports or framing over which a first inner supporting fabric 12 is draped. A structure having an area greater than one acre or a structure the size of a house can be made. Compressed air, gas under pressure or pressurized air introduced by fans or heated air or water is introduced into the first inner supporting fabric 12 to inflate the fabric forming at least one domed structure. A second outer finishing fabric...

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PUM

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Abstract

A method of forming a building structure in a desired contoured configuration. An inner supporting fabric is inflated into at least one form. An outer finishing fabric is draped over the inflated form. A coating is applied to the outer finishing fabric and a hardening shell is formed. The inner supporting fabric may be removed. Alternately, inflatable bags, posts, cables and other devices are disposed under the outer finishing fabric to produce the desired contoured configuration. These devices are removed after the coating has cured.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This Application is a continuation part of application Ser. No. 11 / 250,278, filed Oct. 14, 2005, which is incorporated hereinBACKGROUND OF INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to a method for forming structures and more specifically to a method of constructing a structure having a desired contoured configuration.[0003]Inflatable forms for construction of structures have been known for many years. The inventor is aware of the following U.S. patents (two of which are his).Inventor(s)Patent No.Bird et al.3,225,413Widmer3,232,806Fontaine3,506,746Turner3,779,847Bell, Jr.3,801,685Nicholson4,041,671Cappellini4,170,093Braine4,365,455Boyce4,442,059Thoeny4,550,544Dahl et al.4,651,478Thoeny4,683,696Hale4,746,471Vicino4,799,982Sallee5,579,609[0004]The problem with these references is the limitation of the shape of the structure formed n spacing using fabric. Present technology of forming fabric (non-woven, woven, knitted, etc.) permits the pr...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): E04H15/20E04B1/00E04G11/04E04G21/00
CPCE04H2015/205E04H15/20
Inventor THOENY, THEODORE T.
Owner THOENY THEODORE T
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