Patent ID: 8166711
Filing Date: 2012-05-01
Classification: E04H

Abstract:
1. A support assembly for a canopy of a shelter comprising: a first inflatable support having an elongated tube body having a distal end that is closed and a proximal end and defining two separate longitudinal passages pneumatically separated by a bladder divider wall extending longitudinally between the distal end and the proximal and laterally between two opposing sides of the first tube body; a second inflatable support having an elongated tube body having a distal end that is closed and a proximal end and defining two separate longitudinal passages pneumatically separated by a bladder divider wall extending longitudinally between the distal end and the proximal and laterally between two opposing sides of the second tube body; a connecting point assembly connecting the proximal end of the tube body of the second support to the proximal end of the tube body of the first support wherein each of the two passages of the second support is pneumatically connected to each of the two passages of the first support by the connecting point assembly wherein pressurizing air received into a single one of the passages of one of the first and second tube bodies is distributed to each of the other connected passages; and a port pneumatically coupled to one of the separate longitudinal passages of one of the first and second supports, the port configured for selectively receiving and retaining pressurizing air from an external pneumatic vessel into the passage of the support to which the port is coupled, wherein each of the passages of the first and second supports includes a pneumatic valve mechanism at the proximal end of each tube body for restricting the flow of air received into the passage from exiting the passage without input from a user.