Expandable inflatable structure

Abstract

An inflatable, expandable structure comprises a first inflatable member and a first air blower adapted to provide a continuous flow of air to erect the first inflatable member, and a second inflatable member engaged with and in fluid communication with the first inflatable member. The second inflatable member is expandable from a first position wherein the second inflatable member is substantially deflated and secured substantially adjacent to the first inflatable member, to a second position where the second inflatable member is inflated and extends outward from the first inflatable member. A movable curtain or curtains may cover one or more entrances to the space formed by the inflated structure.

1 . An inflatable, expandable structure comprising: 
 a first inflatable member;    a first air blower adapted to provide a continuous flow of air to erect said first inflatable member; and    a second inflatable member engaged with and selectively in fluid communication with said first inflatable member; said second inflatable member being expandable from a first position wherein said second inflatable member is substantially deflated and positioned substantially adjacent to said first inflatable member to a second position where said second inflatable member is inflated and extends outward from said first inflatable member.    
   
   
       2 . The inflatable, expandable structure of  claim 1 , wherein said first inflatable member comprises at least one fastener adapted to secure said second inflatable member to said first inflatable member in said first position.  
   
   
       3 . The inflatable, expandable structure of  claim 2 , wherein said first inflatable member further comprises a plurality of inflatable base support member connected to and in fluid communication with a plurality of inflatable archway support members; at least one of said support members being in fluid communication with said air blower to erect said first inflatable member.  
   
   
       4 . The inflatable, expandable structure of  claim 3 , wherein said second inflatable member further comprises a plurality of inflatable base support members connected to and in fluid communication with an inflatable archway support member; at least one of said base support members of said second inflatable member being connected to and selectively in fluid communication with at least one of said inflatable base support members of said first inflatable member to allow air flow into said inflatable base support members and said inflatable archway support, whereby upon release of said fastener said second inflatable member may be inflated to expand from said first position to said second position.  
   
   
       5 . The inflatable, expandable structure of  claim 4 , wherein inflation of said first inflatable member forms a space that may be entered by a person, and wherein said member further comprises an entrance way adapted to allow a person to enter into and exit from the space.  
   
   
       6 . The inflatable, expandable structure of  claim 5 , wherein said second inflatable member, in its deflated state, further comprises an entrance way adapted to allow a person to enter and exit the space formed by inflation of said first inflatable member.  
   
   
       7 . The inflatable, expandable structure of  claim 6 , further comprising a second air blower connected to at least one of the inflatable base support members of the first inflated member to facilitate the inflation and erection of said first inflatable member.  
   
   
       8 . The inflatable, expandable structure of  claim 7 , wherein said fastener of said first inflatable member comprises a first strap portion having a hook fastener portion and a second strap portion having a loop fastener portion; said hook fastener portion being adapted to removably engage with said loop fastener portion with said collapsed second inflatable member secured therebetween.  
   
   
       9 . The inflatable, expandable structure of  claim 8 , wherein said inflatable base support members and said archway support members of said first inflatable member are each made from an air permeable material.  
   
   
       10 . The inflatable, expandable structure of  claim 9 , wherein said inflatable base support members and said archway support member of said second inflatable member are each made from an air permeable material.  
   
   
       11 . A structure comprising: 
 an inflatable member forming a space that is at least partially enclosed by the member when inflated,    an entrance portion of the member through which a person may enter into the space, and    a curtain attached to the member and covering the entrance portion, said curtain being movable to allow the person to enter the space.