Inflatable Structure
Abstract
A spanning structure can be easily transported by a hiker or other lone traveler and quickly erected for providing access across gaps in a trail. Lightweight, inflatable components form elongated tubes that span such gaps. A small, lightweight pump, suitable for use by a lone traveler, can be used to inflate the tubes. The tubes can be fabricated of a laminated mylar material, preferably mylar-tin-mylar. Multiple tubes can be encased in lightweight netting such that the tubes act in concert to support the required weight across the gap. Preferably, the netting can be fabricated of a nylon material. In one prototype configuration, three tubes placed side-by-side form an upper portion of the spanning structure. Two smaller tubes, each one placed beneath a point where two of the upper tubes contact each other, form a lower portion. The smaller tubes each contact two of the upper tubes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADD020453
Entities
People
- David E. Toth
Organizations
- United States Department of the Navy