阅读说明：本技术 可充气结构 (Inflatable structure ) 是由 E·耶佩 N·努佐 于 2020-04-01 设计创作，主要内容包括：本公开涉及在放气状态与充气状态之间可转换的可充气结构(1)。可充气结构包括具有由漏针缝合(3)栓系的第一层(21)和第二层(22)的漏针缝合织物(2)。可充气结构(1)沿漏针缝合织物的边缘(4)的至少一部分设有边缘固定线(5)及在距边缘至少第一边距(60)处的至少第一内固定线(6),边缘固定线和至少第一内固定线包括将第一层固定到第二层的耦合装置(51,61)。可充气结还在边缘固定线与至少第一内固定线之间设有例如适于与可拆卸地可附接的配对元件(8)可连接的不可充气的可连接元件(7)。本公开还涉及制造根据前述的可充气结构的方法、包括这种可充气结构的可充气结构组件及包括这种可充气结构组件的可充气蹦床装置。(The present disclosure relates to an inflatable structure (1) switchable between a deflated state and an inflated state. The inflatable structure comprises a drop-stitch seamed fabric (2) having a first layer (21) and a second layer (22) which are tied by a drop-stitch seam (3). The inflatable structure (1) is provided with an edge fixing thread (5) along at least a portion of an edge (4) of the drop-stitch sewing fabric and at least a first internal fixing thread (6) at least a first margin (60) from the edge, the edge fixing thread and the at least first internal fixing thread comprising coupling means (51, 61) for fixing the first layer to the second layer. The inflatable knot is further provided with a non-inflatable connectable element (7) between the edge fixation line and at least the first inner fixation line, e.g. adapted to be connectable with a detachably attachable counterpart element (8). The present disclosure also relates to methods of manufacturing inflatable structures according to the foregoing, inflatable structural assemblies including such inflatable structures, and inflatable trampoline assemblies including such inflatable structural assemblies.)

1. An inflatable structure (1) convertible between a deflated state and an inflated state, said inflatable structure (1) comprising a drop-stitch seamed fabric (2) having a first layer (21) and a second layer (22) tethered by a drop-stitch seam (3), the inflatable structure (1) is provided with an edge fixing thread (5) along at least a portion of an edge (4) of the drop-stitch sewing fabric (2) and at least a first internal fixing thread (6) at least a first margin (60) from the edge (4), the edge fixing line (5) and the at least first inner fixing line (6) comprise coupling means (51, 61) for fixing the first layer (21) to the second layer (22), wherein the inflatable structure (1) is provided with a non-inflatable connectable element (7) between the edge fixing line (5) and the at least first inner fixing line (6).

2. Inflatable structure (1) according to claim 1, wherein the connectable element (7) is adapted to be connectable with a detachably attachable counterpart element (8).

3. Inflatable structure (1) according to claim 2, wherein the edge fixing line (5), the at least first inner fixing line (6) and/or the at least first margin (60) are adapted to render the connectable element (7) attachable and detachable from the counter element (8) in the deflated state and not detachable from the counter element (8) in the inflated state.

4. Inflatable structure (1) according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the edge fixing thread (5) and/or the at least first internal fixing thread (6) comprises a seam and the respective coupling means of the edge fixing thread (5) and/or the at least first internal fixing thread (6) are sewn.

5. Inflatable structure (1) according to any of claims 1-4, wherein the edge fixing thread (5) and/or the at least first fixing thread (6) is/are arranged intermediate an uncoated drop-stitch sewing fabric (2) and one or more coatings.

6. Inflatable structure (1) according to any of claims 1-5, wherein at least a part of the connectable element (7) has a form that is slidable into and/or comprises a groove, a channel and/or a slit.

7. An inflatable structure (1) according to any of claims 1-6, wherein the connectable element (7) has an elongated form extending along at least a part of the edge fixing line (5) to a predeterminable extent (72).

8. An inflatable structure (1) according to claim 7, wherein the connectable element (7) comprises a rope, a tube and/or a hose.

9. Inflatable construction assembly (10) comprising an inflatable construction (1) according to any of claims 1 to 8, and a detachably attachable counter-element (8).

10. Inflatable construction assembly (10) according to claim 9, wherein the counter element (8) comprises a rigid structure, profile and/or frame.

11. Inflatable construction assembly (10) according to claim 10, wherein the rigid structure, profile and/or frame (8) comprises two or more sections (81, 82, 83, 84), which sections (81, 82, 83, 84) are formed such that: when connected with the connectable element (7), one or more segments (81, 82, 83, 84) are decoupled from each other (81, 82, 83, 84) in the deflated state and coupled with each other (81, 82, 83, 84) in the inflated state.

12. An inflatable construction assembly (10) according to any of claims 9-11, wherein the inflatable construction assembly (10) further comprises at least a second inflatable construction (1).

13. An inflatable trampoline apparatus (100) including an inflatable construction assembly (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 12.

14. Method for manufacturing an inflatable structure (1), the inflatable structure (1) being convertible between a deflated state and an inflated state, the inflatable structure (1) comprising a drop-stitch fabric (2) having a first layer (21) and a second layer (22) tethered by a drop-stitch seam (3), the method comprising:

-providing (1001) an edge fixing thread (5) and at least a first internal fixing thread (6) at least a first margin (60) from said edge (4) for said inflatable structure (1) along at least a portion of an edge (4) of said drop-stitch sewing fabric (2), said edge fixing thread (5) and said at least first internal fixing thread (6) comprising coupling means (51, 61) for fixing said first layer (21) to said second layer (22); and

-providing (1002) a non-inflatable connectable element (7) for said inflatable structure (1) between said edge fixing line (5) and said at least first inner fixing line (6).

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

-applying (1003) one or more coatings to said inflatable structure (1), said one or more coatings covering at least said edge fixing line (5) and/or said at least first inner fixing line (6).

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to inflatable structures including connectable elements.

Background

Products based on the inflatable drop stitch (drop stitch) technology are becoming increasingly popular, not only because such products (e.g., kayaks, floats, exercise mats, etc.) can be less bulky and therefore easier to store and/or transport when deflated than their counterparts of conventional materials, and further because they are lighter and/or less costly than their counterparts of conventional materials.

In general, the inflatable drop-stitch seams may be, for example, PVC coated and/or laminated nylon and/or polyester fabrics, wherein the layers are joined by a dense array of uniformly sized vertical linear and/or zig-zag fibers and/or polyester strands. The inflatable drop stitch can then be converted into a strong, secure structure when it is adjusted (e.g., glued and/or welded) to the desired shape and then pressurized with air. The vertical fibers and/or strands (which may be referred to as drop stitch) hold the shape of the air cells securely, allowing the inflated structure to maintain its shape and stability under heavier outside pressures and impacts.

Typically, more complex inflatable drop-stitch sewing products consist of multiple drop-stitch sewing structures attached (e.g., glued) to each other. Furthermore, the inflatable drop-stitch sewing product may additionally or alternatively consist of one or more multiple drop-stitch sewing structures attached (e.g. glued) to a non-inflatable rigid structure, e.g. for improved rigidity and/or stability of the inflatable drop-stitch sewing product in its inflated state, and/or fixation of the inflatable drop-stitch sewing product in its inflated state. However, such multi-structure products may create complexity and/or weakness, require additional parts for coupling of structures, and further achieve high product costs.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of embodiments herein to provide a way of overcoming or ameliorating at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

The above objects can be achieved by the subject matter disclosed herein. Embodiments are set forth in the appended dependent claims, in the following description and in the drawings.

The disclosed subject matter relates to an inflatable structure that is convertible between a deflated state and an inflated state. The inflatable structure includes a drop-stitch seamed fabric having a first layer and a second layer tethered by a drop-stitch seam. The inflatable structure is provided with an edge securing thread along at least a portion of an edge of the drop-stitch seamed fabric and at least a first internal securing thread at least a first margin from the edge, the edge securing thread and the at least first internal securing thread comprising coupling means for securing the first layer to the second layer. The inflatable structure is provided with a non-inflatable connectable element between the edge-fixing line and the at least first inner fixing line.

The disclosed subject matter further relates to an inflatable structural assembly comprising an inflatable structure as described herein and a detachably attachable counterpart element.

Furthermore, the disclosed subject matter relates to an inflatable trampoline apparatus comprising an inflatable structural assembly as described herein.

Furthermore, the disclosed subject matter relates to a method for manufacturing an inflatable structure with connectable elements. The inflatable structure is convertible between a deflated state and an inflated state. The inflatable structure includes a drop-stitch seamed fabric having a first layer and a second layer tethered by a drop-stitch seam. The method provides an edge securing thread along at least a portion of an edge of the drop-stitch seamed fabric, the inflatable structure, and at least a first internal securing thread at least a first margin from the edge, the edge securing thread and the at least first internal securing thread comprising coupling means for securing the first layer to the second layer. The method further provides an inflatable structure with a non-inflatable connectable element between the edge-securing line and the at least first inner securing line.

Hereby, a way is introduced according to which the inflatable structure is provided with connectable elements.

That is, since the inflatable structure includes a drop-stitch stitched fabric having a first layer and a second layer tethered by a drop-stitch, the inflatable structure has the potential to convert to a strong, secure structure in the inflated state. That is, the drop stitch may securely hold the shape of the inflatable structure in the inflated state, allowing the inflatable structure to maintain its shape and stability under heavier outside pressures and impacts.

Furthermore, that is, since the inflatable structure is provided with an edge-securing thread along at least a portion of the edges of the drop-stitch seamed fabric, in addition to the drop-stitch seam tying the first layer to the second layer, which edge-securing thread package secures the first layer to the coupling means of the second layer, the coupling means of the edge-securing thread additionally couples the first layer to the second layer along the edge-securing thread. As a result of which at least a part of the periphery of the structure may be formed and bonded thereby.

Furthermore, that is to say, since the inflatable structure is provided, along at least a portion of the edge of the drop-stitch seamed fabric, with at least a first internal fixing thread at least a first margin from the edge, which comprises coupling means for fixing the first layer to the second layer, the coupling means of the at least first internal fixing thread also additionally couple the first layer to the second layer.

Furthermore, that is to say, since the inflatable structure is provided with a non-inflatable connectable element between the edge-securing line and the at least first internal securing line, for example, adapted to be connectable with a detachably attachable counterpart element, the connectable element is secured and/or at least partially enclosed between the edge-securing line and the at least first internal securing line. As a result of this, the inflatable structure comprises an element integral with the inflatable structure, which is adapted to detachably mate with, be connected to and/or be mounted with, for example, a non-integral mating element (e.g. a rigid structure). Thus, the inflatable structure may thereby be detachably connectable via the connectable element with the external element being matable with said connectable element, i.e. the mating element may e.g. be repeatedly mated with and removed from the inflatable structure. Thus, with the approach introduced, the inflatable structure can thereby be connected to other external elements in an efficient manner. Furthermore, since the inflatable structure in the inflated state expands in thickness in the direction of the drop stitch, i.e. to the drop stitch length, compared to the deflated state and as a result contracts in a plane perpendicular to this direction (i.e. surface area wise), the edge along which the connectable element is provided then effectively secures the potential counter element connected to the connectable element against the inflatable product due to the contraction force pulling inwards towards the centre of the inflatable structure, e.g. because the part of the inflatable structure which in the inflated state is close to the edge may then be in contact with and/or squeezed between the parts of the counter element facing the connectable element. Thus, with the approach introduced, a strong, stiff and tight connection between the inflatable structure and the potential counter element via the connectable element can be supported. Thus, the size of the balancing fixing line influences to what extent the connectable element and subsequently the potential counterpart element are pulled inwards in the inflated state, and thus, by balancing the size is considered sufficient, the degree of contraction can be controlled.

The technical features and corresponding advantages will be discussed in further detail below.

Drawings

Various aspects of the non-limiting embodiments, including specific features and advantages, will be readily understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a portion of an exemplary inflatable structure in an inflated state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic side view of a portion of an exemplary inflatable structural assembly in respective deflated and inflated states according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic side view of a portion of an exemplary inflatable structural assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic top view of an exemplary inflatable structural assembly in respective deflated and inflated states according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 5 illustrates an example inflatable trampoline apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

fig. 6 is a flow chart depicting an exemplary method of manufacturing in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which presently preferred embodiments of the disclosure are shown. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. The dashed lines in some of the blocks in the figures indicate that these elements or actions are optional and not mandatory.

In the following, according to embodiments herein relating to inflatable structures that are convertible at least between a deflated state and an inflated state, an approach will be disclosed according to which the inflatable structures are provided with connectable elements.

Referring now to the drawings and in particular to fig. 1, a schematic illustration of a portion of an exemplary inflatable structure 1 in an inflated state is depicted, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 1a shows a side view of the inflatable structure 1 and fig. 1b shows a top view of the inflatable structure 1. Inflatable structure 1 may be represented by any inflatable product and/or article deemed feasible and/or applicable for the route introduced. The expression "inflatable" may refer to "pressurizable" and "structure" may refer to "device", "article", "product" and/or "body".

The inflatable structure 1 is switchable between a deflated state and an inflated state, the latter being illustrated in fig. 1 a. A deflated state may refer to a condition of the inflatable structure 1 in which the inflatable structure 1 is not pressurized, and may be desirable, for example, for storage and/or transport of the inflatable structure 1. Correspondingly, the inflated state may refer to a condition of the inflatable structure 1 in which the inflatable structure 1 is pressurized, e.g. at least up to a predetermined and/or predeterminable value, a pressure and/or e.g. a percentage of the maximum potential pressure at which the inflatable structure 1 may be inflated, and may further be referred to as a state for the intended use of the inflatable structure 1. The expression "the inflatable structure is convertible between a deflated state and an inflated state" may refer to "the inflatable structure is adapted to be converted and/or changed between a deflated state and an inflated state". On the other hand, a "deflated" state may refer to an "unpressurized" state and/or a "storage and/or transport" state, while an "inflated" state may refer to a "pressurized" state and/or a "use and/or intended use state". The expression "state" may refer to "condition" and/or "mode".

The inflatable structure 1 comprises a drop-stitch seamed fabric 2 having a first layer 21 and a second layer 22 which are tethered (attached) by a drop-stitch seam 3. The inflatable structure 1 thus has the potential to be converted into a strong, firm structure in the inflated state. That is, the drop-stitch stitching 3 may securely hold the shape of the inflatable structure 1 in an inflated state, thereby allowing the inflatable structure 1 to maintain its shape and stability under heavy outside pressures and impacts.

The drop-stitch seam fabric 2 may refer to any drop-stitch seam fabric known in the art and may have any dimensions, such as width and/or length, for example, in the range from tens of millimeters up to tens of meters, considered appropriate for the inflatable structure 1 at hand. In a similar manner, first layer 21 and second layer 22 may refer to any of the known drop stitch sewing layers and have any thickness deemed suitable for the inflatable structure 1 at hand, for example in the range from a few tenths of a millimeter up to a few millimeters, and/or comprise any known material, such as, for example, nylon and/or polyester. Furthermore, the first layer 21 and/or the second layer 22 may each be represented by a respective group of layers, which may or may not comprise different materials, which are located in a known manner on top of one another. Again, in a similar manner, the drop stitch 3 may be represented by any drop stitch known in the art, such as represented by fibers, strands and/or threads comprising, for example, a polyester material and further provided, for example, in a linear, zig-zag and/or random pattern. The drop-stitch seam 3 may further have any size and/or characteristics deemed suitable for the inflatable structure 1 at hand, and it is possible, for example, that the length of the drop-stitch seam 3 (i.e., the drop-stitch seam length 31) ranges from a few millimeters up to several hundred millimeters. Although the drop-stitch seam 3 in the vicinity of at least the second fixing thread 6 (further described) is shown as being shorter in the figures, it may be noted that the length 31 of the drop-stitch seam 3 may be constant across the drop-stitch seam fabric 2. The drop-stitch seam 3 may extend through the first and second layers 21, 22 in a known manner, and furthermore, if the first and/or second layers 21, 22 are represented by respective groups of layers, the drop-stitch seam 3 may extend through one, several or all of the layers in the respective group. The drop-stitch seam fabric 2, the first layer 21, the second layer 22 and the drop-stitch seam 3 may further be provided and/or manufactured and/or already manufactured in any known manner with support from, for example, knitting, sewing and/or weaving machines and/or systems.

The expression "drop-stitch bonded fabric" may refer to "uniform, unitary and/or unseparated drop-stitch bonded fabric", "drop-stitch bonded fabric with uniformly extending areas" and/or "two-layer fabric", while "fabric" may refer to "material" and/or "cloth". On the other hand, the expression "layer" may refer to a "set of parallel layers" and/or a "substantially and/or at least partially parallel layers", whereas "tethered by drop stitch" may refer to "tethered by a dense array of drop stitches" and further refer to "coupled", "engaged" and/or "held" by drop stitch. "drop stitch" may refer to "space threads" and/or "vertical stitches" and further to "drop stitch therebetween".

The inflatable structure 1 and/or the drop-stitch seam fabric 2 or portions thereof may optionally be coated and/or sealed. Thereby, the inflatable structure 1 may be made airtight and/or airtight, i.e. the inflatable structure 1 may be able to remain in an inflated state without air seeping out after inflation of the inflatable structure 1. The coating and/or sealing may be provided in any manner known in the art, for example, that allows the inflatable structure 1 to be airtight, and is represented, for example, by one or more layers of known coatings (e.g., PVC, urethane and/or hypalon and/or known patches (batch). the expression "inflatable structure and/or drop-stitch fabric" may be coated and/or sealed may mean "first and second layers of inflatable structure and/or drop-stitch fabric" may be coated and/or sealed, while "coated" may mean "provided with a coating" and/or "provided with one or more coatings". on the other hand, "sealed" may mean "one or more edges and/or fold lines thereof are sealed". according to one example, the phrase "coated and/or sealed" may mean "coated and/or sealed, so that the inflatable structure is airtight ".

The inflatable structure 1 is provided with an edge fixing thread 5 along at least a portion of the edge 4 of the drop-stitch sewing fabric 2, which edge fixing thread 5 comprises coupling means 51 for fixing the first layer 21 to the second layer 22. Thus, in addition to the drop-stitch stitching 3 tethering the first layer 21 to the second layer 22, the coupling means 51 of the edge-securing thread 5 additionally couples the first layer 21 to the second layer 22 along the edge-securing thread 5. As a result of which at least a part of the periphery 4 of the structure 1 can be formed and bonded thereby.

Furthermore, the inflatable structure 1 is provided, along at least a portion of the edge 4 of the drop-stitch sewing fabric 2, with at least a first internal fixing thread 6 at least a first margin 60 from the edge 4, the at least first internal fixing thread 6 comprising coupling means 61 for fixing the first layer 21 to the second layer 22. Thereby, the coupling means 61 of the at least first inner fixing wire 6 additionally also couples the first layer 21 to the second layer 22.

Furthermore, the inflatable structure 1 is provided with a non-inflatable connectable element 7 between the edge fixation line 5 and the at least first inner fixation line 6, which connectable element 7 is for example adapted to be connectable with a detachably attachable counterpart element 8. Thereby, the connectable element 7 is fixed and/or at least partially enclosed between the edge fixing line 5 and the at least first inner fixing line 6. As a result of this, the inflatable structure 1 comprises an element 7 integral with the inflatable structure 1, which element 7 is adapted to detachably mate with, be connected to and/or be mounted with a mating element 8, for example a non-integral structure, such as a rigid structure, 8, for example. Thus, the inflatable structure 1 is thereby detachably connectable via the connectable element 7 with the external element 8 being matable with said connectable element 7, i.e. the mating element 8 can be e.g. repeatedly mated with the inflatable structure 1 and removed from the inflatable structure 1. Thus, with the approach introduced, the inflatable structure 1 can thus be connected to other external elements 8 in an efficient manner. Furthermore and as demonstrated in fig. 2 depicting a schematic side view of a portion of an exemplary inflatable structural assembly 10 in respective deflated (fig. 2a) and inflated (fig. 2b) states according to embodiments of the present disclosure, as the inflatable structure 1 in the inflated state (fig. 2b) expands in thickness in the direction of the drop-stitch 3, i.e. to the drop-stitch length 31, and as a result contracts in a plane perpendicular to this direction (i.e. surface area wise) as compared to the deflated state (fig. 2a), the edge 4 along which the connectable element 7 is provided subsequently effectively secures the potential counterpart element 8 connected to the connectable element 7 against the inflatable product 1 due to the contraction force pulling inwards towards the centre of the inflatable structure 1, e.g. because a portion of the inflatable structure 1 which in the inflated state is close to the edge 4 may then be in contact with and/or pressed against a portion of the counterpart element 8 facing the connectable element 7 (squeeze) between the parts of the counter-element 8 facing the connectable element 7. Thus, with the approach introduced, a strong, rigid and tight connection between the inflatable structure 1 and the potential counterpart element 8 via the connectable element 7 can be supported. Thus, the size of the balancing fixing lines 5, 6 affects to what extent the connectable element 7 and subsequently the potential counterpart element 8 are pulled inwards in the inflated state, and thus, by balancing the size is considered sufficient, the degree of contraction can be controlled.

Since the inflatable structure 1 and the potential external counterpart element 8 can be connected to each other in the use state (i.e. inflated state) and subsequently form the desired configuration, structure and/or arrangement, the approach introduced further relates to an inflatable structural assembly 10 comprising a connectable element 7 and a detachably attachable counterpart element 8. Inflatable structural assembly 10 may be represented by any inflatable product and/or article deemed feasible and/or applicable for the referenced approach. According to one example, the inflatable structural assembly 10 may be represented by an inflatable structural assembly 10: which is adapted to be utilized in an inflated state as an inflatable partition wall and/or shelf (e.g. in the luggage compartment of a vehicle).

As shown in fig. 1b, the edge-fixing line 5 may extend continuously and/or intermittently along the entire edge and/or contour 4 of the inflatable structure 1 or along one or more portions of the edge and/or contour 4. Additionally or alternatively, as shown in fig. 1b, the edge fixation line 5 may deviate slightly from the edge 4, for example at any offset margin deemed suitable for the inflatable structure 1 at hand, for example in the range from near zero millimetres up to tens of millimetres. Thus, the edge-fixing line 5 may be a combination of straight and curved lines having angles and/or angles as defined by the shape and/or geometry of the inflatable structure 1.

On the other hand, said at least first internal fixation line 6 may accordingly be of any form and/or design considered suitable for the inflatable structure 1 at hand, to enclose the connectable element 7 at least partially between the edge fixation line 5 and the at least first internal fixation line 6, and/or to control to what extent the connectable element 7 is pulled inwards in the inflated state. One or more internal fixation lines 6 may extend continuously and/or intermittently along at least a portion of the edge 4 at a distance 60 from the edge 4, and may, for example, be straight and/or include one or a combination of straight and curved lines (e.g., with angles and/or angles). At least a first margin 60 defines at what distance the at least first inner fixing line 6 is positioned from the edge 4. The at least first margin 60 may be selected to be considered suitable for the inflatable structure 1 at hand, for example in the range from a few millimetres up to several hundreds of millimetres, and may further vary along the first inner extension line 6 and/or the edge 4. Further, the at least first inner fixing line 6 may comprise more than one inner fixing line, and then, the at least first margin 60 may refer to more than one margin. As is considered suitable for the inflatable structure 1 at hand, the plurality of fixation threads 6 and subsequently the plurality of margins 60 may be arranged and/or positioned in relation to each other, for example to cause the desired effect in the inflated state, e.g. to what extent the connectable element 7 and subsequently the potential counterpart element 8 are pulled inwards towards the inflatable structure 1 in the inflated state.

The coupling means 51, 61 may be represented by any coupling member that allows the first layer 21 to be coupled, attached and/or fixed to the second layer 22 along the edge fixing line 5 and the at least first inner fixing line 6. The dimensions of the securing threads 5, 6 and/or the coupling means 51, 61 may be chosen in any way deemed suitable for the inflatable structure 1 at hand, to at least partially enclose the connectable element 7 between the edge securing thread 5 and said at least first securing thread 6, and/or to control the extent to which the connectable element 7 is pulled inwards in the inflated state. The dimensions may for example relate to: the size of the lines 5, 6 is fixed, for example as shown in fig. 1 b; to which extent 52, 62 the respective securing lines 5, 6 extend; to what extent 63 the coupling means 61 extends; a separation distance 64 between two adjacent coupling means 61; and/or potential gaps and/or lengths 65 between the first layer 21 and the second layer 22 along the respective fold lines 4, e.g., in an inflated state, as shown in fig. 1 a. The dimensions and/or characteristics of the respective edge fixation lines 5 and one or more inner fixation lines 6 may be different from each other and, subsequently, the dimensions and/or characteristics of the respective coupling means 51, 61 comprised in 5, 6 may be different from each other. The securing lines 5, 6 may be provided and/or already provided in any manner deemed suitable for the inflatable structure 1 at hand, for example provided with support from potentially known securing line providing machines and/or systems and/or potentially provided by a human hand.

Alternatively, the edge securing thread 5 and/or the at least first inner securing thread 6 may comprise a seam and the respective coupling means of the edge securing thread 5 and/or the at least first inner securing thread 6 are sewn. The coupling stitching may be represented by any stitching that allows the first layer 21 to be coupled, attached, secured, and/or tethered to the second layer 22 along the corresponding securing line(s) 5, 6 (i.e., seam). The seam(s) may be provided in any manner deemed suitable for the inflatable structure 1 at hand and/or already provided, such as with support from a sewing machine and/or system and/or potentially by the human hand. The expression "seam" may refer to "sewing thread" and "sewing" may refer to "coupled sewing".

According to an example, one or more of the fixation lines 5, 6 may additionally or alternatively be represented by and/or comprise a weld line. The coupling means 51, 61 may then comprise and/or be represented by welds and/or welds. In a similar manner, according to another example, one or more of the fixation threads 5, 6 may additionally or alternatively be represented by and/or include one or more threads with drop stitch having a reduced length. The coupling means 51, 61 may then comprise and/or be represented by a reduced length drop stitch.

The non-inflatable connectable element 7 may be represented by any component adapted to be cooperable with a counterpart element 8 of the inflatable structure 1 deemed suitable for the hand. The connectable element 7 may thus be of any feasible form, material and/or size, for example a predeterminable distance from the edge 4 and/or the positioning of the margin 70. Correspondingly, the potentially detachably attachable counterpart element 8 may be represented by any component, e.g. known, adapted to be mateable with the integral connectable element 7. The attachable counterpart element 8 may thus in a similar way be of any feasible form, material and/or size.

The connectable element 7 may be provided and/or already provided in any way deemed suitable for the inflatable structure 1 at hand, for example provided with support from potentially known element providing machines and/or systems and/or potentially by the human hand. Further, optionally, at least a portion of the connectable element 7 may be provided between the first layer 21 and the second layer 22. Furthermore, optionally, the edge fixing thread 5 and/or the at least first inner fixing thread 6 may be provided intermediate the uncoated drop-stitch seamed fabric 2 and one or more coatings. Thereby, one or more of the fixing threads 5, 6 may be provided and/or already provided before the coating of the drop-stitch sewing fabric 2. Thus, in this case, the first layer 21 and the second layer 22 have been bonded along one or more of the fixing threads 5, 6 before the drop-stitch sewing fabric 2 is coated, and therefore, the fixing threads 5, 6 may be coated together with the coating of the drop-stitch sewing fabric 2. The expression "intermediate" may mean "between".

The expression "inflatable structure" provided with edge-fixing threads may mean "the drop-stitch sewing fabric of the inflatable structure" provided with edge-fixing threads, whereas "provided with" edge-fixing threads may mean "comprising" and/or "having provided thereon" edge-fixing threads. On the other hand, "along at least a portion of an edge" may refer to "along at least a section of an edge" and/or "along an edge only. The expression "edge" may refer to "contour" and/or "perimeter", while "edge of drop-stitch bonded fabric" may refer to "edge of inflatable structure". On the other hand, "edge-securing line" may refer to "contour-securing line", "seal-securing line", and/or "edge-coupling and/or bonding line", while "internal-securing line" may refer to "elongated internal-securing line", "compliant-securing line", and/or "internal-coupling and/or bonding line". Furthermore, securing a "line" may refer to securing an "extension" and/or securing a "strip". The "at least first internal fixation line" may refer to "at least one first internal fixation line". The expression "at least a first margin from an edge may mean" positioned at least a first margin from an edge, while "margin" may mean "inward margin", "distance", and/or "offset margin". "first margin from edge" may refer to "first margin from edge as viewed in plan" and/or "first lateral margin from edge". On the other hand, including "coupling means" may mean including "corresponding coupling means", and "fixed" coupling means may mean "corresponding fixed" coupling means. The expression "securing" a first layer to a second layer may refer to "attaching," bonding, "and/or" coupling "the first layer to the second layer," coupling the first layer to the second layer more narrowly and/or more tightly than with drop-stitch ", and/or" tethering and/or alternatively tethering the first layer to the second layer. "coupling means" may refer to "coupling members", "couplings", and/or "couplers". According to an example, "securing a thread" may further refer to one or more "seams, welded threads, and/or threads with drop-stitch stitches having a reduced drop-stitch length", and subsequently "coupling means" may then optionally refer to "welds, and/or stitches". The expression "inflatable structure" provided with non-inflatable connectable elements may mean "the drop-stitch seamed fabric of the inflatable structure" is provided with non-inflatable connectable elements, whereas "provided with" non-inflatable connectable elements may mean "comprising" non-inflatable connectable elements. On the other hand, "between the edge-fixing line and the at least first internal fixing line" may mean "positioned and/or arranged between the edge-fixing line and the at least first internal fixing line" and/or "somewhere between the edge-fixing line and the at least first internal fixing line", while "non-inflatable connectable element" may mean only an "element". Further, "element" may refer to "a component, part, object, contour, and/or article," and further refers to a "connectable," connected, "" matable, "" mating, "and/or" mounted "element, while" connectable with … … "may refer to" matable with … …. The expression "non-inflatable connectable element adapted to be connectable with … …" may refer to "non-inflatable connectable element adapted to support connectable with … …" and/or "non-inflatable connectable element connectable with … …", or simply "non-inflatable connectable element connectable with … …". On the other hand, a detachably "attachable" mating element may refer to a detachably "connectable" mating element, while a "mating" element may refer to a "mating", "cooperating" and/or "connecting" element. Further, a "member" may refer to a "component, part, object, and/or article" that is paired.

Optionally, the edge fixation line 5, at least the first inner fixation line 6 and/or at least the first margin 60 may be adapted to render the connectable element 7 attachable and detachable from the counterpart element 8 in the deflated state and non-detachable from the counterpart element 1 in the inflated state. Thereby, the potential counterpart element 8 may be mated with the connectable element 7 and/or removed from the connectable element 7 in the deflated state. Furthermore, a robust connection between the inflatable structure 1 and the potential counterpart element 8 via the connectable element 7 in the inflated state is supported, as the connectable element 7 is adapted to lock with the potential counterpart element 8 in the inflated state balancing the dimensions of the edge fixing line 5, the at least first internal fixing line 6 and/or the at least first margin 60. The expression "edge fixation line, at least first internal fixation line and/or at least first margin are adapted" may mean "the edge fixation line, at least first internal fixation line and/or at least first margin are dimensioned" whereas "adapted" may mean "balanced" in this context. On the other hand, the expression "cause" a connectable element may mean "allow", "cause" a connectable element. Furthermore, the expression "attachable to a counterpart element" may mean "connectable to a counterpart element" and/or "connectable to a counterpart element", whereas "lockable" with a counterpart element may mean "attached to", "connected to", "not detachable from", "fixed to" and/or "locked to" the counterpart element.

Optionally, additionally or alternatively, the connectable element 7 may have an elongated form extending along at least a portion of the edge fixing line 5 to a predeterminable extent 72. Thereby, the connectable element 7 may be adapted to be connectable with the external counterpart element 8 along the elongated portion 72 considered sufficient. The expression "elongated" form may refer to an "extended" form, whereas "form" may refer to a "shape" and/or a "geometric shape". On the other hand, "extension" may mean "continuously and/or intermittently extending", while "predeterminable degree" may mean "a predetermined degree" and/or only "degree". Further, "degree" may refer to "extension," expansion, "and/or" size, "while along at least a" portion "may refer to along at least one" section. On the other hand, the expression "part of the edge fixation line" may refer to a "part of the edge fixation line and/or at least the first fixation line".

Further alternatively, the connectable element 7 may comprise a rope, a tube and/or a hose. Thereby, a connectable element 7 of elongated form is provided, which may be effectively connected (e.g. may be slid) into e.g. a groove, channel and/or slit of a potential counterpart element 8, such as e.g. a profile section 8. The dimensions of the respective ropes, tubes and/or hoses may be chosen to be considered suitable for the inflatable structure 1 at hand, and the extent may accordingly be in the range from e.g. tens of millimetres up to hundreds or even thousands of millimetres, and the diameter e.g. from a few millimetres up to a few tens of millimetres. On the other hand, "comprising" the cord, tube and/or hose may mean "being represented by" the cord, tube and/or hose ".

Furthermore, according to one example, the connectable element 7 may comprise an inflation port having a hollow protruding from the inflatable structure 1, which is formed to be connectable with an inflation source, and further having a portion, such as a tube and/or a hose, which is at least partially perforated along at least one section thereof facing the inflatable structure 2. Thereby, an integrated, robust and/or low cost inflation port is introduced, which may be connectable in a serial manner to an inflation source and/or to another inflatable structure 1 provided with a similar inflation port.

Optionally, at least a portion of the connectable element 7 may have a form that is slidable into and/or includes a groove, slot, channel and/or slot. Thereby, the connectable element 7 integral with the inflatable structure 1 may be adapted to be connectable with the external counter-element 8 in the following effective manner: by allowing the connectable element 7 to slide into a groove, channel and/or slit of a counterpart element 8, such as for example a profile section 8, and/or vice versa, by allowing the counterpart element 8 to slide into a groove, channel and/or slit of the connectable element 7. The dimensions of the respective grooves, slots, channels and/or slits may be chosen to be considered suitable for the inflatable structure 1 at hand, and may thus range from a few millimetres up to hundreds or even thousands of millimetres. The expression "having a form" may mean "adapted to have a form", whereas "form" may mean "shape" and/or "geometry". On the other hand, "comprising" a groove, slot, channel and/or slit may mean "adapted to comprise" a groove, slot, channel and/or slit.

According to an example, the approach introduced may further relate to a method for connecting a detachably attachable element 8 to a non-inflatable connectable element 7 of an inflatable structure 1 in a deflated state of the inflatable structure 1, the inflatable structure 1 being convertible between the deflated state and the inflated state, the inflatable structure 1 comprising a drop-stitch fabric 2 having a first layer 21 and a second layer 22 tethered by a drop-stitch seam 3, the inflatable structure 1 being provided with an edge fixing thread 5 along at least a part of an edge 4 of the drop-stitch fabric 2 and at least a first internal fixing thread 6 at least a first distance 60 from the edge 4, the edge fixing thread 5 and the at least first internal fixing thread 6 comprising coupling means 51, 61 for fixing the first layer 21 to the second layer 22, wherein the inflatable structure 1 is provided with the non-inflatable connectable element 7 between the edge fixing thread 5 and the at least first internal fixing thread 6, the connectable element 7 is adapted to be connectable with a detachably attachable counterpart element 8, the method comprising sliding the connectable element 7 into the counterpart element 8 (e.g. a groove, slot, channel and/or slit of 8) and/or sliding the counterpart element 8 into the connectable element 7 (e.g. a groove, slot, channel and/or slit of 7).

Optionally, the counter element 8 may comprise a rigid structure, profile and/or frame. Thereby, a robust counter element 8 may be provided, allowing the inflatable construction assembly 10 to form a rigid and/or stiff construction in the inflated state by means of the inflatable structure 1 connected with the counter element 8. The structure, profile, and/or frame may refer to any known structure, profile, and/or frame comprising any material. According to one example, the structure, profile and/or frame may comprise at least one of aluminum, steel and/or plastic, for example.

Further alternatively, additionally, or alternatively, and as demonstrated in fig. 3 depicting a schematic side view of a portion of an exemplary inflatable structural assembly 10 according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the mating element 8 may additionally be detachably attachable with one or more other inflatable structures 1 similarly comprising a connectable element 7 as described herein. Accordingly, the inflatable structural module 10 may optionally additionally comprise at least a second inflatable structure 1. Exemplary mating elements 8 may for example comprise a structure, a profile and/or a frame, and/or be represented by a profile section comprising a repeating or multiple grooves, slots, channels and/or slits for the respective inflatable structure 1.

Optionally, and as illustrated in fig. 4 depicting schematic top views of the exemplary inflatable structural assembly 10 in respective deflated (fig. 4a) and inflated (fig. 4b) states in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; if the counter element 8 comprises an optional rigid structure, profile and/or frame, the rigid structure, profile and/or frame 8 may comprise two or more sections 81, 82, 83, 84 formed such that, when connected with the connectable element 7, one or more sections 81, 82, 83, 84 are decoupled from each other 81, 82, 83, 84 in the deflated state and coupled to each other 81, 82, 83, 84 in the inflated state.

Thereby, said sections 81, 82, 83, 84 of the counter element 8 can then be attached to each other 81, 82, 83, 84 in an efficient manner in the inflated state (and as shown in fig. 4b), the sections 81, 82, 83, 84 of the counter element 8 forming a rigid structure being supported from the inflatable structure 1 thereby rendering unnecessary additional fastening means for fixing said sections 81, 82, 83, 84 to each other and/or to the inflatable structure 1. The effect of the sections 81, 82, 83, 84 coming together in the inflated condition (comingtogetherer) is due to the contraction force which in the inflated condition pulls the connectable element 7 inwards towards the inflatable structure 1 and subsequently pulls the sections 81, 82, 83, 84 of the counter element 8 inwards. By balancing the dimensions of the edge fixing line 5, the at least first inner fixing line 6 and/or the at least first margin 60, the extent to which the segments 81, 82, 83, 84 come together in the inflated state can be controlled.

Two or more of the sections 81, 82, 83, 84 may have any size deemed suitable for the inflatable structural device 10 at hand, to be decoupled from each other 81, 82, 83, 84 together with the connectable element 7 in the deflated state, and to be coupled with each other 81, 82, 83, 84 in the inflated state. Furthermore, the size of one section 81, 82, 83, 84 may be different from the size of another section 81, 82, 83, 84. In order to be able to couple to each other, one or more of the sections 81, 82, 83, 84 may be provided with any strategically positioned coupling means 9, such as one or more plugs and/or corresponding mating holes. The coupling means 9 may for example and as shown in fig. 4a allow for example a first section 81 to be coupled to a second section 82 and a fourth section 84, and a third section 83 to be coupled to the second section 82 and the fourth section 84. On the other hand, the connectable element 7 may for example be represented by and/or comprise an exemplary cord extending continuously and/or discontinuously along at least a portion of the edge 4 of the inflatable structure 1. The expression "decoupled" from each other may refer to "unattached", "unassembled", and/or "disconnected" from each other, while "from each other" may refer to "each other". On the other hand, "formed such that" may mean "caused", "adapted to and/or having a geometric shape such".

Alternatively, and as illustrated in fig. 5 depicting an example inflatable trampoline apparatus 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, the inflatable trampoline apparatus 100 can include the inflatable structural assembly 10 described herein. Thus, an alternative to conventional trampolines (e.g. spring-loaded trampolines with springs) has been introduced, which makes the known springs unnecessary. The spring effect of the inflatable trampoline apparatus 100 is affected by the contraction force and the air pressure generated in the inflated state of the inflatable structure 1. The size, shape, geometry, and/or materials of the inflatable trampoline device 100 can be selected to be suitable for the inflatable trampoline device 100 at hand. For example, the surface area of the drop-stitch stitched fabric 2 of the inflatable structure 1 included in the inflatable trampoline device 100 can be, for example, rectangular, oval, and/or circular, and further, the counterpart element 8, which can comprise a plurality of sections, can be, for example, represented by and/or comprise at least a portion of a frame (e.g., a steel frame).

Fig. 6 is a flow chart depicting an exemplary method of manufacturing in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method is used for manufacturing an inflatable structure 1, which inflatable structure 1 is convertible between a deflated state and an inflated state. The inflatable structure 1 comprises a drop-stitch seamed fabric 2 having a first layer 21 and a second layer 22 tethered by a drop-stitch seam 3. An exemplary method that may be repeated continuously includes the following action(s) discussed with support substantially from fig. 1. The acts may be performed in any suitable order, and/or one or more acts may be performed concurrently; for example, act 1001 and act 1002 may be performed concurrently and/or in an alternative order.

Act 1001

In act 1001, inflatable structure 1 is provided with an edge securing thread 5 along at least a portion of an edge 4 of a drop-stitch seamed fabric 2 and at least a first internal securing thread 6 at least a first margin 60 from edge 4, edge securing thread 5 and the at least first internal securing thread 6 comprising coupling means 51, 61 for securing first layer 21 to second layer 22.

Act 1002

In act 1002, the inflatable structure 1 is provided with a non-inflatable connectable element 7 between the edge fixation line 5 and the at least first inner fixation line 6, which connectable element may be adapted to be connectable with a detachably attachable counterpart element 8.

Act 1003

In optional act 1003, inflatable structure 1 may be coated with one or more coatings covering at least edge fixation line 5 and/or the at least first inner fixation line 6.

The person skilled in the art realizes that the present disclosure by no means is limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. Further, it should be noted that the figures are not necessarily to scale and that the dimensions of some features may have been exaggerated for clarity. Instead, emphasis is placed upon illustrating the principles of the embodiments herein. In addition, in the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.