GB2024588A - Protective enclosure - Google Patents

Abstract

An inflatable enclosure (10) has an entry part (14) communicating with an air cooled blower (22) combined with a heater/humidifier (24). A duct (26) leading from the blower (22) includes baffles to introduce turbulence into the airstream. The enclosure length is determined by the number of intermediate parts (16) and (18) which are secured together and at one end to the entry part (14) and at the other end to an exit part (20). Joints between the different parts are provided by zip fasteners (48) with secondary fastening flaps (52, 54) overlying the zipped joints and laced together. Air locks are provided by means of removable zipper fastened panels at opposite ends to allow entry and exit of large items without complete loss of pressure. Material for the parts is UV inhibited polyethylene sheet, polypropylene sheet (normal and UV inhibited). Adjustable air vents (28), (30), (32) allow a balance between throughflow of air and internal pressure to be obtained. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Protective enclosure DESCRIPTION This invention relates to an enclosure for use in the production of a controlled environment in a localised area. More particularly, though not exclusively, the invention relates to a means, in the form of an inflatable enclosure, for the production of a controlled environment in a specific, predetermined and localised area whereby to protect that area from the ravages of the weather. The invention also relates to a method for the production of such a controlled localised environment.

In today's society there exist any number of instances wherein it is desirable to protect a specific locale from the ravages of Mother Nature or mankind, that is from the ravages of wind, rain and unduly large variations in temperature and humidity, as well as from the harmful effects of man. By way of example, frost is known to be a potential killer of plant life, yet it has been found that the barest minimum of protection, as would be afforded for instance by locating the plant under the eaves of a house, is sufficient to forestall the disastrous effects of frost. In like manner too much rain, high winds and unduly hot, dry conditions can be potentially damaging to most forms of plant life.

Furthermore, it is well known that certain conditions will not only prevent damage to plant life but will encourage growth by that plant life more than would be expected. This can be done for example, by providing a warmer and/or more humid atmosphere to encourage the growth of the plants. This can be important during the winter months when most plants tend to be somewhat dormant and by providing a warmer and less damp atmosphere the plant growth may be accelerated.

In certain areas, it has been found that man damages the plant life by excessive use of the area in which the plant is growing and/or by the rubbish and litter which naturally follows such a visit.

The present invention seeks to reduce the possibly disastrous consequences of the influence of the weather and/or mankind by providing a method and means for the production, in a localised area, of a controlled environment.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a means allowing for the production of a controlled environment in a specified, predetermined locale, said means including: a shaped enclosure of an air-impervious, ultra-violet inhibited material adapted to be located over and around said predetermined locale; means allowing for the passage of air into said enclosure whereby to bring said enclosure into an inflated condition; means allowing for the control of the volume flow of air to said inflated enclosure whereby to retain said enclosure in said inflated condition; and means adapted to control the temperature and/or humidity of said air flow entering said enclosure whereby to create a controlled environment therein.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for the production of a controlled environment in a specific predetermined locale said method including: locating said predetermined locale inside an inflatable enclosure of an air-impervious, ultra-violet inhibited material, said enclosure having means provided therein allowing for the controlled passage of air thereinto and therefrom; passing air into said enclosure through said inlet means whereby to inflate said enclosure; controlling the volume flow of air into and from said enclosure whereby to retain said enclosure in said inflated condition, and controlling the temperature and/or humidity of said volume flow of air whereby to create said controlled environment.

In order that the present invention may be completely understood and readily put into practical effect there shall now be described by way of non-limitative example only a preferred construction of an enclosure for the use in the production of a controlled environment in a localised area, which enclosure incorporates the essential features of the invention. The description will be by way of example only and will be with reference to the accompanying illustrative drawings.In the drawings: (1) Figure 1 is a perspective view of the enclosure as installed; (2) Figure 2 is the vertical cross section along the lines of and in the direction of arrows 2-2 of Figure 1; (3) Figure 3 shows a variation of the portion of the device shown in Figure 2; (4) Figure 4 is a vertical cross section along the lines of and in the direction of arrows 4-4 of Figure 1; (5) Figure 5 is a vertical cross section along the lines of and in the direction of arrows 5-5 of Figure 1; (6) Figure 6 is an enlarged plan-view of a portion of the attachment means by securing together various components of the enclosure shown in Figure 1; (7) Figure 7 is a vertical cross section along the lines of and in the direction of arrows 7-7 of Figure 6; (8) Figure 8 is a vertical cross section along the lines of and in the direction of arrows 8-8 of Figure 1; and (9) Figure 9 is a horizontal cross-section corresponding to that of FigureS.

To refer to the drawings, there is shown an enclosure 10 for covering an area of ground 12 so as to provide for a controlled environment for that ground 12. The enclosure 10 is somewhat semicylindrically shaped and is made in a number of sections - an entry part 14, a first intermediate part 16, a second intermediate part 18, and an exit part 20. The enclosure 10 is secured in position relative to the ground 12 in a manner to be described below.

The entry part 14 of enclosure 10 is provided with a sloping leading end 36 and sidewalls 38. At the lower edge of end 36 is the air cooled blower 22. The blower 22 shown is in the form of a cylindrical fan, although any other form of fan or blower may be used. The blower 22 is preferably provided with a heater/humidifier 24 so that the temperature and/or humidity of the air forced into the enclosure 10 may be controlled. The air entering the enclosure 10 passes through a duct 26, which may contain a number of baffles (not shown) so that the air will enter enclosure 10 in a turbulantfashion. This causes a turbulant air flow within the enclosure 10 and reduces the likelihood of pockets of still air. The duct 26 is sealed into the end 36. By altering the speed of the blower 22 and/or the nature of the baffles, the volume of air entering the enclosure 10 may be varied.

The 1st and 2nd intermediate parts 16 and 18 are identical. These are provided so the enclosure 10 can be made to any suitable length. For example, if only a short enclosure were desired, the two intermediate parts 16 and 18 could be eliminated. If a very long enclosure were required, there may be provided one, two or even more, of the intermediate parts.

Each intermediate part 16, 18 has a top 40 and sidewalls 42. The top 40 and sides 42 are sized and shaped to conform to the entry part 14.

The exit part 20 is somewhat similar to the entry part 14 and has a trailing end 44 and side walls 46.

The end 44 and side walls 46 are sized and shaped to conform to intermediate part 18so that when all parts 14, 16, 18 and 20 are assembled a total uniform structure results. The end 44 has three air outlet devices 28, 30 and 32 therein extending from the lower edge thereof. The central outlet 30 is of greater length than the devices 28 and 32 and extends for the entire height of end 44. These outlets 28, 30 and 32 are preferably in the form of zipper fasteners so that each may be individually adjusted. Thus, by controlling the amount by which each outlet 28, 30 or 32 is opened, and the number of outlets opened, the outflowing air from enclosure 10 can be controlled. This in turn exercises some control over the air inlet to the enclosure.As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the exit part 20 is preferably provided with an internal wall 60. The wall 60 is sealingly secured to the top end 44 and sides 46 of exit part 20 adjacent the attachment 34 thereof. The wall 60 has a large door 62 therein which is attached to the wall 60 by a lengthy, continuous zipper fastener 64. The purpose of this wall 60 is to enable the exit part 20 to act as an air lock. When it is desired to enter the enclosure 10 and to bring some large equipment inside, a person enters the enclosure 10 via the opened air outlet 28.

The door 62 is then closed (it is normally open to provide for air flow). The lengthy outlet 30 is then fully opened to enable the equipment to be brought inside the exit part 20. Once inside, the outlet 30 is closed and the dpor 62 opened. In this way, the entire enclosure 10 is not emptied thereby to gain entry to the interior - only the relativey small volume of air within exit part 20 is released. This ensures continuity of operation.

The various parts of the enclosure are releasably secured together by fasteners 34, as is shown in Figures 6 and 7. As can be seen, a zipper fastener 48 is used as the primary fastening as such zipper fasteners provide quick securement, accurate alignment and a fairly high degree of air sealing. However, as zipper fasteners tend to come apart if subjected to tensile forces, a secondary fastening 50 is provided. The secondary fastening 50 has two flaps 52 aand 54 - one either side of the zipper 48. These flaps 52, 54 are secured to the enclosure 10 by any suitable means. The flaps 52,54 are secured to each other by a lace 56 passing through eyelets 58. In this way the tensile force is taken, in the main, by the flaps 52, 54 and not the zipper 48.If desired, the flaps 52,54 may overlie each other so the zipper 48 is not exposed to the weather and to increase the airsealing effect of the join. This would also tend to reduce the amount of lace 56 required.

The enclosure 10 is held in position bytwo basic means - pegs and ropes. As is shown in Figure 2, the end 36 of entry part 14 is held in place by a peg 66 forced into the ground 12. The peg 66 passes through an eyelet 68 in a securing strip 70. The securing strip 70 is attached to the end 36 by any suitable means. At the lower edge thereof, the strip 70 contains a cord 72 which provides increased strength and rigidity to the strip 70. The strip 70 is continuous around the outer perimeter of the enclosure 10 and extends along both sides and both ends.

Eyelets 68 are regularly provided such as, for example, at a spacing of one metre. Inside end 36 is a sealing strip 74. The sealing strip 74 is attached to end 36 at the same location as securing strip 70 but extends downwardly along the inside of end 36 and along ground 12. As the interior of enclosure 10 is pressurized due to blower 22, the pressure will act on the sealing strip 74 to force it into a sealing contact with the ground 12. Also, any condensation which may collect on the interior surfaces of enclosure 10 will run down and settle on the sealing strip 14, from which strip it can be easily removed. The sealing strip 74 extends continuously around the interior of the enclosure 10 - along both sides and both ends.

As shown in Figure 5, along the sides of the enclosure 10 at the lower edge thereof there are provided drainage channels 76 held in place by loop 78 secured to sides 42 of intermediate parts 16 and 18. These drainage channels 76 collect water from the enclosure 10, such as rain, and prevent such water from seeping or soaking under the enclosure 10. The channels 76 may be connected to some external system (not shown) to enable collection or disposal of the water.

The final securing of the enclosure 10 relative to the ground 12 is by ropes 80. Ropes 80 are each continuous and are attached to the enclosure 10 and ground 12 in the form of a triangle (see Figure 1). Tha ends 82 of each rope 80 are secured to the ground 12 by a stake (not shown) and pass through an eyelet the lower edge of sides 46 of the intermediate parts 16 and 18. Atthetop of sides 46 there are a number of securing flaps 84 securely attached to the sides 46.

Each flap 84 has an eyelet 86 through which the rope 80 passes. This system is adopted so that the tension in the ropes 80 and the securing pegs 66 hold the enclosure 10 in position and the air pressure from within holds it up. In the event that the profile of the enclosure must be lowered (such as, for example, a strong wind) all that is required is that the securing stays 82 be removed and relocated further away from the enclosure 10. This will lower the profile of the enclosure 10. The volume of air within the enclosure may not change as the walls 46 can bulge outwardly.

Naturally, any variations to the above may be made. For example, Figure 3 shows a variation of the structure of Figure 2. Then, the securing strip 70 is formed as a loop 88 with an elongate weight 90 (such as a heavy pipe) being enclosed by the loop 88.

This allows for a great portability and speed of erection.

The enclosure is preferably made of a flexible material which will admit light but not rain or wind.

The basic requirement is that the material be of sufficient strength yet of the above factors. Certain materials have been found to be suitable such as an ultra-violet inhibited polyethylene sheet. Ultra-violet inhibited polypropylene sheet and polypropylene sheet as such. Materials under the well known names "Fabricon". "Cancavon", and "Polyscrim" are suitable materials. In the illustrated embodiment, the enclosure 10 and the sealing strip 74 are made of a clear Fabricon" laminate as that is an ultra-violet inhibited polypropylene sheet. The securing strip 70 is made of "Canvacon" and may be joined with the "Fabricon" laminate by any known means, such as for example double stitch sewing and/or heat bond welding.

Once the enclosure 10 is fully inflated then it is possible, by manipulation of the air inflow and air outflow rates to retain the enclosure in its fully inflated condition whilst at the same time allowing for a controlled through-flow of heated and/or humidified air.

As stated above the controlled environment provided by the enclosure is accordance with the present invention is of particular advantage insofar as the propagation of plant life is concerned. The enclosure in accordance with the invention represents an extremely viable alternative to the hothouse configurations at present employed by nurserymen and the like in order to produce conditions particularly conducive to growth. The portable nature of the present invention is its principal advantage in that it is possible to take the enclosure to wherever the plants may be provided that the power to provide for the blower and the heater and humidifier is available.

Another possible usage for the enclosure in accordance with the present invention is on sportsfields and the like. By way of example, the cricket pitch area on cricket ovals could be located within an enclosure in accordance with the present invention whereby to protect those areas against excessive water coverage due to rain whilst at the same time providing an environment conducive to the propagation and growth of grass seeds at an accelerated rate. This is of particular importance where the sports ground is used for other purposes in winter.

When used in winter, the cricket pitch areas tend to become completely devoid of grass and extremely muddy and sloppy. By providing an enclosure according to the present invention and using the method according to the present invention the cricket pitch area can remain quite firm and covered in grass.

It should be understood that many modifications and variations in details of design or construction may be made to the present invention without departing from the scope as defined in the following claims. For example, the zipper fasteners may be povided along the side walls 46 of the intermediate parts 16 and 18 so that not only can they be added together in a lengthwise configuration but they may be added together in a sideways configuration. In this way, the exact area to be covered can be adequately covered by a single unit. If necessary, various and numerous entry units 14 may be provided so that the air inlet to the enclosure is maintained at a satisfactory level.

Claims (18)

1. A device for the production of a controlled environment in a specified, predetermined locale, said device including: a shaped enclosure of an air-impervious material adapted to be located over and around said predetermined locale; means allowing for the passage of air into said enclosure whereby to bring said enclosure into an inflated condition; means allowing for the control of the volume flow of air to said inflated enclusure where byto retain said enclosure in said inflated condition; and means adapted to control the temperature and/or humidity of said air flow entering said enclosure whereby to create a controlled environment therein.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein there is provided a blower to force air into said enclosure and a heater for heating said air before it enters said enclosure.

3. A device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein there is provided a humidifier for controlling the humidity of the air entering the enclosure.

4. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said enclosure has an entry part into which the air is initially passed, and an exit part having outlet means for controlling the outflow of air.

5. A device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the air passes into the entry part through a duct, said duct having baffles therein to control and form the flow of air.

6. A device as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5, wherein said outlet means comprise a plurality of controllable openings in an end wall of said exit part, said controllable openings being operable asto number and individual extent to provide the control.

7. A device as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein said enclosure is provided with at least one intermediate part between the entry and exit parts, the intermediate part being releasably connectable to the entry and exit part by a primary fastening and a secondary fastening.

8. A device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the primary fastening is a zipper fastener and the secondary fastening comprises two fia ps secured to the enclosure on either side of said zipper fastener, the flaps being connectable by a lace.

9. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein there is provided a securing strip around the lower perimeter of the enclosure for securing the enclosure in position.

10. A device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the securing strip includes an elongate weight.

11. A device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the securing strip is adapted to be held in place by a plurality of pegs.

12. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the enclosure is provided with a drainage channel on the external, lower perimeter thereof.

13. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the enclosure has a sealing strip on the lower internal perimeter thereof for providing a seal between the enclosure and ground.

14. A device as claimed in any one of claims 4,6 or 7, wherein said exit part has an internal wall with a door therein.

15. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the enclosure is provided with securing flaps to enable ropes to be used to secure the enclosure in position.

16. A method for the production of a controlled environment in a specified, predetermined locale, said method including; locating said predetermined locale inside an inflatable enclosure of an airimpervious, ultra-violet inhibited material, said enclosure having means provided therein allowing for the controlled passage of air thereinto and therefrom; passing air into said enclosure through said inlet means whereby to inflate said enclosure; controlling the volume flow of air into and from said enclosure whereby to retain said enclosure in said inflated condition; and controlling the temperature and/or humidity of said volume flow of air whereby to create said controlled environment.

17. A device for the production of a controlled environment substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

18. A method for the production of a controlled environment substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.