Patent ID: 8578663

Claim:
A cover for use with an inflatable modular structure, the inflatable modular structure having a core with at least two longerons and a plurality of attachment elements disposed thereon for cooperating with a plurality of covers such that each cover is releasably attached to the core in the pre-deployed configuration, an inflatable shell attached to the core, the inflatable shell having an internal surface that generally encloses the longerons and the plurality of covers, and in the pre-deployed configuration the inflatable shell is folded over, and secured to, the covers, and in the deployed configuration the inflatable shell is pumped up with air, unfolded from the covers, the covers subsequently released from the core and the covers being removably attached to a plurality of affixing members disposed on the inside surface of the inflatable shell such that the covers serve as a foundation for securing items in place, the cover comprising: a first segment of at least one substantially sheet like and substantially rigid structure and having a longitudinal axis, an interior surface, and having an arcuate exterior surface disposed generally opposite of the interior surface and perpendicular to the length of the longitudinal axis, the arcuate exterior surface of the first segment being adapted to provide protection to the inflatable shell from unwanted contact with the core during the pre-deployed configuration and the arcuate exterior surface having at least one affixing member for cooperating with at least one affixing member on the interior surface of the inflatable shell such that the arcuate exterior surface is removably attached to the interior surface of the inflatable shell during the deployed configuration; a second segment having a substantially flat surface and the second segment being adapted to substantially secure items in place when the arcuate exterior surface is fastened to the interior surface of the inflatable shell in the deployed configuration; and a plurality of ribs disposed between, and joined to, the inner surface of the first segment and the substantially flat surface of the second segment, and a plurality of attachment elements disposed on the ribs adapted to cooperate with the attachment elements on the longeron such that the cover is releasably attached to the core in the pre-deployed configuration.