WO2010041919A1

WO2010041919A1 - Inflatable modular enclosure

Info

Publication number: WO2010041919A1
Application number: PCT/MX2008/000136
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ricardo Adolfo Medina Caceres; Manuel Sierra Camarena
Original assignee: Ricardo Adolfo Medina Caceres; Manuel Sierra Camarena
Priority date: 2008-10-09
Filing date: 2008-10-09
Publication date: 2010-04-15

Abstract

This invention relates to an innovative inflatable modular enclosure characterized in that it is made of three inflatable modules, front, central and rear that are in turn made up of connecting tubes and arches that make it possible to join the modules using internal and external Velcro rings located at the ends of the connecting tubes. Said inflatable modules are covered by nets that are connected between modules as appropriate, to prevent the balls leaving the enclosure; inside which there are Velcro strips in different positions used to place different sports accessories, thus allowing the enclosure to be used for different sports.

Description

"INFLATABLE MODULAR ENCLOSURE"

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention has its technical field in mechanics, more specifically in those inflatable enclosures or places within which sports skills can be practiced and improved.

Objective of the invention.- To provide an inflatable modular enclosure which can be used as a cage in which the techniques of baseball, golf, soccer and American football balls among others can be practiced and improved. Said enclosure can be dismantled, packed and easily transported to different places.

BACKGROUND

There are a large number of companies on the market that are dedicated to manufacturing inflatable structures such as castles, houses, open or closed enclosures, corral type, etc., which are manufactured by a method that consists of cutting films in various geometric shapes made of plastic to then join them by means of seams or seams, in this way you can obtain structures in multiple ways, then said deflated structure is connected to a compressor motor which by means of electrical energy supplies air which is conducted by means of pivots inside said structure, in this way it begins to inflate giving the shape for which it was designed.

The company "Inflatable Air Jumps" markets an inflatable soccer field which is made of an inflatable tube that runs along the perimeter of the court in this way, it is more difficult for the ball to come out, as long as it stays at flush with the court, on the other hand the goals are each formed by an inflatable tube folded in the form of a rectangular frame and are attached to the perimeter of the court. The problem with this inflatable soccer field is that the major and minor sides of the rectangle that forms the court do not have walls or networks that prevent the ball from leaving the court, it should be added that the goals do not have nets either, that is, this invention is formed solely by an inflatable structure. In most cases, inflatable structures are made in one piece, which greatly hinders their inflation, and their transfer is more complicated because a bulky body is handled, in terms of maintenance it is more expensive since the parts that make up The structure is larger and it is more difficult to clean them from dust or dirt.

For these inconveniences, this inflatable modular enclosure was developed, which consists of three attachable modules that once integrated allow the enclosure to function as a batting cage, a tennis or soccer field or to practice throwing football or basketball .

The great advantage offered by the inflatable modular enclosure in relation to this soccer field is the versatility to give it different uses, as well as the easy manipulation of said enclosure despite its large dimensions, since being made up of three independent modules the Assembly / disassembly and transfer maneuvers are much simpler.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The characteristic details of this innovative inflatable modular enclosure are clearly shown in the following description and in the accompanying drawings, as well as an illustration of that and following the same reference signs to indicate the parts and figures shown.

Description of the figures.

Figure 1 illustrates a conventional perspective view of the assembled inflatable modular enclosure.

Figure 2 illustrates a conventional perspective view of the exploded inflatable modular enclosure, without exterior networks.

Figure 3 illustrates a conventional perspective view of the front end module.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the central module.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the rear end module. Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of the inflatable modular enclosure in its batting cage mode. (Without external networks). Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of the inflatable modular enclosure in its tennis court mode. (Without external networks).

With reference to said figures the inflatable modular enclosure consists of three inflatable modules, two end modules, (front and rear) and a central module described as follows: a) The front end (1) and rear end (3) modules are shaped each one for: a widened "U" shaped lower arch (the) parallel to the ground, said lower arch is basically made of a plastic tube. Each end of the lower arc (la) is connected to each end of an inclined arc (Ib) respectively, which also with a widened "U" shape forming an internal angle of 55 ° between them, the lower and inclined arches maintain this position by means of a pair of squares (Ic) each positioned in the internal angle formed by said arcs. The lower arch (the) and the inclined arch (Ib) reinforce this position by means of a column (Id) located in the central area of the front face of each end module. The lower arch (the), and the inclined arch (Ib), have in each corner a network (le) which acts as a wall, said corner-networks (le) are supported by means of bites located along the upper face of the lower arch (the); bites on the underside of the inclined arch (Ib) and bites on the lateral faces of the column (Id), it should be added that said corner nets (le), have an opening so that athletes can enter the premises, at the same Time is used to introduce accessories such as the ball machine when the enclosure functions as a batting cage. In addition, the inclined arch (the) has in its upper part a pair of hooks (Ig) that point towards the central module (2), and are used to hold longitudinal braces (Ih), which support the roof of a net -tunnel (Ij), while the left end of said net-tunnel is cooked in the perimeter of the inclined arc (la) and the lower ends of the walls of the network-tunnel are each cooked in the upper faces of connecting tubes (Im) respectively; the right end of the roof and the right ends of the walls of the tunnel network have a strip of adhesive tape (Ik), so that it can be coupled with the arches of the central module. The left ends of the connecting tubes (Im), each one is connected at the vertices that form the lower arch (the) and the inclined arc (Ib); and the right ends of each connecting tube (Im) have an outer ring (In) made of sticky sailboat tape that allows them to engage with the inner rings (2n) of sailboat located at the ends of a pair of central tubes (2m ) respectively, in order to join the front end and rear end modules with; b) At least one central module, (2) which is formed by: a left central arch (2a), and a right central arch (2b) each made of an inflatable tube, which are arranged parallel to each other, and perpendicular to the ground, which are joined at the top by means of a central crossbar (2c) also made of an inflatable tube, in this way the structure of a tunnel is formed. The left central arch (2a), has on its left side face a strip of sticky tape (2e) of sailboat that joins with the strip of adhesive tape of the net-tunnel (Ij) so that it remains rigid. The inner side faces of the central arches left (2a), and right (2b), as well as the upper faces of the central tubes

(2m) and the lateral faces of the central crossbar have a central network (2k) attached by means of bites, which gives the central module an external tunnel shape, at the same time it functions as a roof with side walls to prevent balls or balls Leave the enclosure. The ends of each central tube (2m), are perpendicularly connected with the ends of each left and right central arc respectively. The central crossbar (2c) has on its external lateral faces a rectangular frame (2d) made of sticky sailboat tapes used to place advertising signs on them. The central tubes (2m) have on each of their inner faces at the bottom a pair of lower hooks (2q) used to hold a pair of cross braces (2r) respectively, in this way the modular enclosure cannot be opened towards the sides and warp; the ends of each central tube (2m) have an inner ring (2n), of sailboat used to engage with the outer rings (3x), located at the ends of the connecting tubes located in the front end (1) and end modules rear (3).

Inside the lower, inclined and central arches, a plastic wall (5) is located that divides them into two sections so that they do not deform. The upper faces of each connecting tube each have a deflation opening (6). which have sticky tapes so that in this way they can close or open and thus quickly deflate the three modules; while the external faces of said connecting tubes have: a rectangular frame (7) made of strips of sailboat sticky tape used to place advertising signs on them and in addition each module has a pivot (8), each connected to a motorcycle. compressor (9) respectively, which are used to keep the three modules inflated.

The front end (1) and rear end (3) modules optionally have stairs (10) that are located outside said modules. The external stairs (10) are joined at their upper end to: the lower left side of a rectangular base (11) that is located on the lower arches (la) so that users can climb, enter through the openings and pass over the lower arches; The lower right side of the rectangular base (11) joins the upper end of an internal staircase (12) positioned within the modular enclosure so that users can comfortably lower. Finally, each module has external handles (not shown) that allow the modules to be pulled and accommodated while they are being inflated with air to shape the enclosure.

The modalities adopted by the inflatable modular enclosure are described below.

The inflatable modular enclosure in its batting cage modality.

When the enclosure adopts this modality, the inclined lower arch (Ib) of the front end module has a first strip of sticky tape (Iz) of sailboat used inside it to keep a first inclined net stretched ( I and) in which they hit the balls or balls coming from the rear end module. The first inclined net (Iy) has a stable opening in its center, to allow the balls that are projected to pass through an automatic supplying machine that is located inside the front end module. The inner faces of the connecting tubes (Im) have a second strip of inclined sailboat tape (Iw) used to hold the corresponding part of a second inclined net (Iv) extending up in the direction of the central module to ensure that the balls return by gravity to the front end module. On the other hand, the inner faces of the central tubes (2m) each have a first strip of sticky tape (2w), of sailboat so that the central part of the second network is held in them inclined (Iv). It should be added that the rear end module in this mode has a platform (13) inside, so that the batter is placed in it, to carry out this function it is necessary to remove the internal ladder (12) and attach the platform (13 ), with the right end of the rectangular base (11), thus forming a single surface that leads to the external staircase (10).

The inflatable modular enclosure in its modality of tennis court.

To carry out this mode, the central tubes (2m) have four strips of sticky tape (2x), sailboat positioned vertically in the central area of the inner faces of said central tubes (2m). In each fourth adherent tape (2x), the respective end of a conventional tennis net (14) is placed as clearly seen in Figure 7.

The inflatable modular enclosure in its modality for football (ovoid) football throws.

This mode is very simple because the lower face of the forward inclined arc (Ib), has a rope or cable attached to it that holds a ring (15), so that the pitcher located under the central module or the rear end module tries to introduce the ovoid ball . The hanging ring (15), can be balanced from side to side to make the throws more complicated.

To assemble the inflatable modular enclosure it is necessary to follow the following steps:

1.- Extend deflated preferably on a flat surface, the front end module, followed by this, extend the central module and finally extend the rear end module to a couple of meters.

2.- Connect the outer rings (In) of sailboats located at the ends of the front connecting tubes, with the inner rings (2n), of sailboats located at the ends of the central tubes (2m).

3.- Hook the longitudinal braces (Ih), with the upper hooks of the left arc of the central module (2p), to keep the roofs of the net-tunnel (Ij) rigid. 4.- Join the strip of sailboat belt (Ik) located at the right end of the net-tunnel (Ij), with the adhesive tape (2e) of the left central arch.

Repeat steps 2 and 4 to join the central module with the rear end module. In this way the three modules are joined, then a motor compressor (9), each pivot (8), is turned on and connected to inflate the modular enclosure. While inflating, external handles (not illustrated) are used to pull and properly accommodate each module.

When the practice of sports has finished, the modules are deflated by means of the deflation openings (6), and then separately each module is folded and rolled up, tied with ropes, to later introduce each module into a bag that facilitates its storage and transport.

Based on the above, we can affirm that the inflatable modular enclosure provides the following benefits:

1.- Easy assembly and disassembly.

2.- It is made up of a very small number of elements. 3.- Easy maintenance. 4.- It is very light. 5.- It can be transported without problems.

Claims

CLAIMS Having sufficiently described my invention, I consider it a novelty and therefore claim as my exclusive property contained in the following clauses:

1.- Inflatable modular enclosure characterized in that it consists of:

i) two inflatable modules, a front end module and a rear end module which are each made up of: a lower arch that is parallel to the ground. Each end of the lower arch is connected to each end of an inclined arc respectively, forming between them an internal angle of 55 °, the lower and inclined arches maintain this position by means of a pair of squares positioned each in the internal angle that they form said arches. The lower arch and the inclined arch reinforce this position by means of a column located in the central area of the front face of each end module. The lower arch and the inclined arch, have in each corner a network which acts as a wall, said corner networks are supported by means of bites located along the upper face of the lower arch; bites on the lower side of the inclined arch and bites on the lateral sides of the column, it should be added that these corner nets have an opening so that athletes can enter the venue. In addition, the inclined arch has at its top a pair of hooks that point towards the central module, and are used to hold longitudinal braces, which support the roof of a tunnel-net, while the left end of said net- tunnel is cooked in the perimeter of the inclined arc and the lower ends of the walls of the net-tunnel are each cooked in the upper faces of connecting tubes respectively; The right end of the roof and the right ends of the walls of the tunnel-network have a strip of adhesive tape, so that it can be coupled with the arches of the central module. The left ends of the connecting tubes, are each connected at the vertices that form the lower arch and the inclined arc and the right ends of each connecting tube have an outer ring made of sticky sailboat tape that allows them to mate with the rings sailboat internals located at the ends of a pair of central tubes respectively. i) at least one central module located between the front end module and the rear end module which is comprised of: a left central arch, and a right central arch, which are arranged parallel to each other, and perpendicular to the ground, same as They are joined at the top by means of a central crossbar. The left central arch has on its left lateral side a strip of sailboat sticky tape that joins with the strip of sticky tape of the net-tunnel so that it stays rigid. The inner lateral faces of the left and right central arches, as well as the upper faces of the central tubes and the lateral faces of the central crossbar have a central network joined by bites, which gives the central module an outer tunnel shape, at the same time it works as a roof with side walls to prevent balls or balls from leaving the enclosure. The ends of each central tube are perpendicularly connected with the ends of each left and right central arc respectively. The central crossbar has on its external lateral faces a rectangular frame made of sticky sailboat tapes used to place advertising signs on them. The central tubes have on each of their inner faces at the bottom a pair of lower hooks used to hold a pair of cross braces respectively, in this way the modular enclosure cannot open sideways and deform; The ends of each central tube have an inner, sailboat ring used to engage with the outer rings, located at the ends of the connecting tubes located in the front and rear end modules.

iii) a wall located inside the lower, inclined and central arches that divides them into two sections so that they do not deform.

iv) a deflation opening located on the upper faces of each connector tube which have adhesive tapes so that they can close or open in this way and quickly deflate them.

v) at least one frame of sticky tape strips located on the outer faces of the connecting tubes, used to place advertising signs on them

vi) at least one pivot, connected to each module to allow air to enter. vii) at least one compressor motor for each module to keep you inflated modules.

viii) at least one external handle that allows each module to be pulled and accommodated while they are being inflated with air to shape the enclosure.

ix) at least one strip of sticky tape located inside each module in various positions to keep at least one net for sports.

2.- Inflatable modular enclosure according to claim 1, characterized in that it has sports accessories inside.

3. Inflatable modular enclosure according to claim 2, characterized in that the accessories are for batting baseballs.

4.- Inflatable modular enclosure according to claim 3, characterized in that the accessories are: a platform, some stairs, a base, a pair of inclined nets and a machine for supplying baseballs.

5.- Inflatable modular enclosure according to claim 2, characterized in that the accessories are for practicing tennis.

6. Inflatable modular enclosure according to claim 5, characterized in that the accessories are: a central tennis net that divides the enclosure into two equal parts.