FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system of inflatable camping accessories/devices, and a method of providing a camping accessory inflatable system. In particular, the present invention relates to a camping assembly defining an internal sheltered area and also to a method of inflating a camping accessory.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Tents, folding campers such as camper trailers, and camping accessories such as awnings or gazebos may be complex or time consuming to erect, for example when these structures have to be assembled from a number of parts. Such parts may be easily damaged during assembly or in use, for instance by impacts or high winds. To address these problems, these structures may comprise inflatable parts, which allow the structures to be erected by inflating the inflatable parts using a source of pressurised air, such as a pump. With this arrangement, minimal assembly of parts may be required.

A disadvantage of using inflatable parts is that a pump or other source of pressurised air must be taken to a camping location by a user. For larger inflatable structures (such as an inflatable family tent) a manually operated pump may not be practical, meaning that a powered (e.g. electric) pump and source of power are also required, which may be bulky and/or noisy. Also, where a number of inflatable structures are used, a standalone source of pressurised air is required, which must be compatible to connect to each inflatable structure in turn.

It is against this background that the present invention is devised. It is an object of the present invention to overcome at least one problem associated with the prior art, whether referred to herein or otherwise. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a camping assembly comprising an inflatable camping structure comprising a network of inflatable air poles, the inflatable camping structure comprising a donor valve on an air pole for releasing air from the inflatable camping structure; and wherein the donor valve is configured to be connected to an inflation valve of an inflatable camping accessory in order to inflate the inflatable camping accessory with air from the inflatable camping structure.

Preferably the inflatable camping structure is in an (fully) inflated configuration and the inflatable camping accessory is in a (fully) deflated configuration and the inflation of the inflatable camping accessory is achieved exclusively with air contained within the inflatable camping accessory in the absence of introducing any further air into the inflatable camping structure, for example from a pump and through an inflation valve of the inflatable camping structure.

The camping assembly may comprise a canopy.

The camping assembly may comprise a main camping structure defining an internal sheltered area.

The camping assembly (and/or main camping structure) may comprise an awning. The camping assembly (and/or main camping structure) may comprise one of an awning, a tent, a trailer tent and a gazebo.

The camping assembly may comprise a main camping structure and also a primary camping structure in which the primary camping structure comprises one of a caravan, a tent and a trailer tent. Preferably, the camping assembly may comprise a main camping structure comprising an awning and also a primary camping structure in which the primary camping structure comprises one of a caravan, a tent and a trailer tent. The awning may be releasably attachable to the primary camping structure.

The main camping structure (awning) may comprise a primary inflatable camping structure comprising a first interconnecting valve and the main camping structure (awning) may comprise a second interconnecting valve for defining an air pathway between the primary inflatable camping structure and the main camping structure (awning).

Preferably one of the primary inflatable camping structure and the main camping structure (awning) is arranged to inflate the other of the primary inflatable camping structure and the main camping structure (awning).

The primary camping structure may comprise an inflatable network of air poles and may comprise a canopy. The primary camping structure may comprise a folding camper tent comprising a trailer, an inflatable network of air poles and may comprise a canopy. The trailer may comprise a pump and preferably comprises an electric pump.

The main camping structure and preferably the awning may comprise an inflatable network of air poles and may also comprise a canopy.

The primary camping structure may comprise a plurality of donor valves. The main camping structure (awning) may comprise a plurality of donor valves.

The inflatable camping accessory may comprise one of a gazebo, a wind break, an auxiliary tent, an inflatable paddling pool, an awning, an inflatable ball, inflatable mattress and/or inflatable seat (such as chair or sofa).

The first and second interconnecting valves may form an air pathway with a control member located therein and, in which the control member may be movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively allow or prevent air flow between the primary camping structure and the main camping structure (awning). The control member may be manually movable between the open position and the closed position.

The primary inflatable camping structure may provide a reservoir of stored air when inflated such that, when the main camping structure (awning) is connected to the primary inflatable camping structure, the main camping structure (awning) is at least partially inflated by the air stored in the primary inflatable camping structure.

The main camping structure (awning) may be substantially fully inflated solely by the air stored in the primary inflatable camping structure. The main camping structure (awning) may be partially inflated by the air stored in the primary inflatable camping structure.

The primary inflatable camping structure may comprise an inflatable support structure. The primary inflatable camping structure may comprise a tent, a further awning, or a gazebo. The primary inflatable camping structure may define a shelter. The primary inflatable camping structure may comprise an inflatable camper tent or awning. The primary inflatable structure may comprise a camper trailer tent.

The camping assembly may comprise the inflatable camping accessory. The camping assembly may comprise a plurality of inflatable camping accessories. When present, the or each inflatable camping accessory may comprise an inflation valve configured to be connected to the donor valve for inflating the inflatable camping accessory.

The inflatable camping accessory may comprise a gazebo, a wind break, an auxiliary tent, an inflatable paddling pool, an inflatable ball, an inflatable mattress and/or an inflatable seat (such as chair or sofa).

The primary inflatable camping structure may comprise a plurality of donor valves. The main camping structure (awning) may comprise a plurality of donor valves. In this way, a donor valve may be easily accessible to a user at different locations.

The or each donor valve may comprise a one-way valve.

The or each donor valve may comprise a pressure relief valve. The pressure relief valve may be arranged to maintain a minimum pressure within the inflatable camping structure. Preferably, above the minimum pressure, the pressure relief valve may enable air to be transferred from the inflatable camping structure to the inflatable camping accessory.

The main camping structure (awning) may comprise a plurality of donor valves.

The or each donor valve may be adjustable. The or each donor valve may comprise a control valve configured to adjust airflow through the donor valve.

The camping assembly may comprise a source of pressurised air configured to inflate the main camping structure (awning) and/or the primary inflatable camping structure. The source of pressurised air may comprise a compressor, a pump, or a source of compressed air such as a compressed air canister. The camping assembly may comprise (only/solely) a single source of pressurised air.

The primary inflatable camping structure may comprise the source of air. For example, the primary inflatable camping structure may comprise a pump. The pump may be integral with the primary inflatable camping structure.

The or each inflation valve may be connected to the donor valve by a connector or adaptor. The or each inflation valve may be (pneumatically) connected to the donor valve by connecting means. The connecting means may comprise a threaded connection. The connecting means may comprise a quick-connect coupling. The connecting means may comprise a flexible connector such as a hose. The or each inflation valve may be directly or rigidly connected to a donor valve. The adaptor may provide a rigid connection. The camping assembly may comprise a first inflatable volume and a second inflatable volume. Preferably the camping assembly comprises a total inflatable volume. The total inflatable volume may comprise the volume of the main camping structure (awning) and may also comprise the volume of the primary inflatable camping structure. The first inflatable volume may comprise an inflatable volume of the main camping structure (awning) and may also comprise the inflatable volume of the primary camping structure. The second inflatable volume may comprise an inflatable volume of the or each inflatable camping accessory. The initial total volume may be (substantially) equal to the final total volume such that no extra air is introduced. For example, a pump or other inflating means is not used to introduce any extra air.

A ratio of the first inflatable volume to the second inflatable volume may be 1 :1 or greater, preferably 2:1 or greater, more preferably 3:1 or greater. The ratio may be 4: 1 or greater. In some examples, the ratio may be 5: 1 or greater. In some examples, the ratio may be 10:1 or greater.

Preferably, an inflatable volume of the or each inflatable camping accessory is less than an inflatable volume of the main camping structure (awning) and/or the primary inflatable camping structure. Preferably, an inflatable volume of the or each inflatable camping accessory is less than 50%, preferably 25% (more preferably less than 20%) of an inflatable volume of the main camping structure (awning) and/or primary inflatable camping structure.

Preferably, an inflatable volume of the main camping structure (awning) is less than an inflatable volume of the primary inflatable camping structure. An inflatable volume of the main camping structure (awning) may be less than 50% of an inflatable volume of the primary inflatable camping structure.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of inflating an inflatable camping accessory with air from a camping assembly, the camping assembly comprising an inflatable camping structure wherein the inflatable camping structure comprises: a network of inflatable air poles, a donor valve on an air pole for releasing air from the inflatable camping structure; and wherein the donor valve is configured to be connected to an inflation valve of an inflatable camping accessory in order to inflate the inflatable camping accessory with air from the inflatable camping structure; the method comprising: connecting an inflation valve of the inflatable camping accessory to the donor valve of the camping assembly; and releasing air from the main camping assembly.

Preferably the inflatable camping structure is in an (fully) inflated configuration and the inflatable camping accessory is in a (fully) deflated configuration and the method comprises inflating the inflatable camping accessory exclusively with air contained within the inflatable camping accessory in the absence of introducing any further air into the inflatable camping structure, for example from a pump and through an inflation valve of the inflatable camping structure.

The method may comprise regulating the donation of air from the inflatable camping structure to the inflatable camping accessory using a pressure relief valve. The method may comprise maintaining the pressure in the inflatable camping structure above a predetermined minimum value which may be required to maintain the structural integrity of the inflatable camping structure. This may prevent the collapse of the inflatable camping structure due to the donation of air to the inflatable camping accessory.

The camping assembly may define an internal sheltered area. The camping assembly may comprise a canopy.

Preferably the camping assembly comprises: a primary inflatable camping structure comprising a primary donor valve configured to release air from the primary inflatable camping structure; a main (secondary) inflatable camping structure comprising an inflation valve for inflating the main (secondary) inflatable camping structure wherein the inflation valve is configured to be connected to the primary donor valve in order to inflate the main (secondary) inflatable camping structure with air from the primary inflatable camping structure, and wherein the camping assembly comprises a secondary donor valve for releasing air from the camping assembly, and the method comprises connecting the inflation valve of the inflatable camping accessory to the secondary donor valve of the camping assembly; and releasing air from the camping assembly.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a camping assembly comprising an internal sheltered area, the camping assembly comprising: a primary inflatable camping structure comprising a primary donor valve configured to release air from the primary inflatable camping structure; a secondary inflatable camping structure comprising an inflation valve for inflating the secondary inflatable camping structure wherein the inflation valve is configured to be connected to the primary donor valve in order to inflate the secondary inflatable camping structure with air from the primary inflatable camping structure, wherein the camping assembly comprises a secondary donor valve for releasing air from the camping assembly; and wherein the secondary donor valve is configured to be connected to an inflation valve of an inflatable camping accessory in order to inflate the inflatable camping accessory with air from the camping assembly.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of inflating an inflatable camping accessory with air from a camping assembly, the camping assembly defining an internal sheltered area and comprising: a primary inflatable camping structure comprising a primary donor valve configured to release air from the primary inflatable camping structure; a secondary inflatable camping structure comprising an inflation valve for inflating the secondary inflatable camping structure wherein the inflation valve is configured to be connected to the primary donor valve in order to inflate the secondary inflatable camping structure with air from the primary inflatable camping structure, and wherein the camping assembly comprises a secondary donor valve for releasing air from the camping assembly, the method comprising: connecting an inflation valve of the inflatable camping accessory to the secondary donor valve of the camping assembly; and releasing air from the camping assembly.

According to a yet further aspect of the present invention there is provided a system of inflatable devices for camping, comprising: a primary inflatable device comprising a primary donor valve configured to release air from the primary inflatable device; at least one secondary inflatable device comprising an inflation valve for inflating the secondary inflatable device, and a secondary donor valve for releasing air from the secondary inflatable device; wherein the inflation valve of the secondary inflatable device is configured to be connected to the primary donor valve for inflating the secondary inflatable device with air from the primary inflatable device and; wherein the secondary donor valve is configured to be connected to an inflation valve of an inflatable device for inflating the inflatable device.

According to an additional aspect of the present invention there is provided a camping assembly defining an internal sheltered area, the camping assembly comprising: a primary inflatable camping structure comprising a primary donor valve configured to release air from the primary inflatable camping structure; a secondary inflatable camping structure comprising an inflation valve for inflating the secondary inflatable camping structure wherein the inflation valve is configured to be connected to the primary donor valve in order to inflate the secondary inflatable camping structure with air from the primary inflatable camping structure.

The primary camping structure may comprise any one of a caravan, a tent or a trailer tent.

The camping assembly may comprise a main camping structure defining an internal sheltered area and the camping assembly may comprise a primary camping structure which may comprise a primary shelter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic view of a camping assembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a donor valve in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a donor valve in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 3A is a perspective cutaway view of a preferred embodiment of a donor valve in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 3B is perspective cutaway view of a preferred embodiment of a donor valve in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a donor valve in accordance with the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides a camping assembly 10 comprising a primary inflatable camping structure (folding trailer tent 12), a main (or secondary) inflatable camping structure (awning 18) and an inflatable camping accessory 20, 22, 24. In particular, the camping assembly 10 provides a system of inflatable devices for camping.

The term camping assembly is defined to include camping and/or caravanning apparatus and equipment. In particular, the camping assembly may comprise a caravan, a tent and/or a trailer tent or a combination of these.

The system is configured so that air can be shared between the inflatable devices, by providing donor valves for releasing air from at least some of the inflatable devices. Each donor valve can be connected to an inflation valve for inflating another of the inflatable devices. The devices may be pneumatically connected to each other. In this way, one or more of the devices may be inflated using air from another of the devices which is already inflated, by connecting the devices together. An advantage of this arrangement is that only a single source of pressurised air (e.g. a pump) is required, which may be integral and/or embedded with one of the inflatable devices. A stand-alone, pressurised air source, which may be inconvenient to store and transport, is not required. Instead, a primary inflatable camping structure (which may comprise an air source such as an in-built pump) may provide a reservoir of air with which the other inflatable devices can be inflated. In this way, once the primary inflatable camping structure is inflated, the main camping structure or awning may be inflated, and may be at least partially inflated solely using air stored in the primary inflatable camping structure, without further use of the pump. The primary inflatable camping structure or awning (main camping structure) may then be used in a similar way to inflate inflatable camping accessories. The inflatable devices may comprise inflatable elements such as air poles. As above, the awning in this example is the main camping structure and the associated tent/trailer tent (or caravan) would be the primary camping structure.

In the preferred embodiments, the inflatable camping structure is initially in an (fully) inflated configuration and the inflatable camping accessory is in a (fully) deflated configuration and the inflation of the inflatable camping accessory is achieved exclusively with air contained within the inflatable camping accessory in the absence of (without) introducing any further air into the inflatable camping structure, for example from a pump and through an inflation valve of the inflatable camping structure.

In a first preferred embodiment, the camping assembly 10 comprises an awning 18 which is releasably secured to a side of a caravan although in other embodiments the awning 18 may be releasably secured to the side of a tent/trailer tent/folding camper. The awning 18 comprises a canopy and a network of inflatable air poles 26. The awning 18 may be inflated by a removable pump or by an embedded pump or by air donated from a further inflatable camping structure. The awning 18 comprises a donor valve 16. The donor valve 16 is arranged to inflate a camping accessory 20, 22, 24 by donating a volume of air from the air poles 26 to the camping accessory 20, 22, 24. In this way, the camping accessory can be inflated very quickly and the removal of the air does not significantly impact the structural stability of the awning 18. This provides a readily available and accessible air source which can be advantageous when camping since power supplies for electric pumps may be erratic and limited. In addition, this also reduces the amount of apparatus and equipment which is need. This air source can be replenished as and when convenient and/or when necessary.

A more complex arrangement in the form of another preferred of a camping assembly will now be described in more detail. In this arrangement the awning 18 is attached to another inflatable camping structure 12. In addition, the awning 18 and the inflatable camping structure 12 are connected by interconnecting valves 28, 29 such that air can be donated between the awning 18 and the inflatable camping structure 12.

In another preferred embodiment, the camping assembly comprising the awning 18 (main camping structure) and a primary inflatable camping structure comprising a folding camper provided in a trailer. The folding camper comprises a network of inflatable poles to support a canopy in order to define an internal sheltered area. The trailer may provide rigid flooring which may also be raised from the ground. The awning 18 also comprises a network of inflatable poles to support a canopy which again defines an internal sheltered area. Finally, the inflatable camping accessories 20, 22, 24 are generally smaller (lower volume) camping devices/apparatus/equipment and may, for example, comprise one or more of the following: a gazebo, a wind break, an auxiliary tent, an inflatable paddling pool, an awning, an inflatable ball, an inflatable mattress and/or an inflatable seat (such as chair or sofa)

Figure 1 is a schematic view of a camping assembly 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The camping assembly 10 comprises a plurality of inflatable devices. In this embodiment, the plurality of inflatable devices comprises a plurality of inflatable devices for camping. The plurality of inflatable devices comprises a primary inflatable camping structure, an awning (main camping structure), and a plurality of inflatable accessories. In this embodiment, the primary inflatable camping structure comprises a tent 12. The tent 12 comprises inflatable elements 14 (air poles) which provide an inflatable framework or support structure of the tent 12. In this embodiment, the inflatable elements 14 are generally tubular. In other embodiments, the primary inflatable camping structure may be an awning, a gazebo, or a sun canopy.

When inflated, the primary inflatable camping structure provides a reservoir of air under pressure, which may be used to inflate the awning 18 (main camping structure). The primary inflatable camping structure may include a source of pressurised air (not shown in Figure 1 ). In particular, the primary inflatable camping structure may include a pump or compressor, which may be integral with the primary inflatable camping structure. In some embodiments, the primary inflatable camping structure may include a pump module (for example as described further below) which is connected to, or integral with an inflatable element of the primary inflatable camping structure.

The primary inflatable camping structure comprises at least one inlet or inflation valve (not shown) for inflating the primary inflatable camping structure. In other embodiments, where the primary inflatable camping structure comprises a trailer tent or camper trailer, the source of pressurised air may be mounted in or built-in to the trailer. With the arrangement described herein, the source of pressurised air need not be readily accessible to a user, since other devices can be inflated by connecting them to a donor valve 16. Accordingly, a pump or other air source can be more efficiently integrated with a standalone tent or trailer tent, for example to improve use of space or weight distribution in a tent or trailer. Conveniently, the air source may be powered by a power source of the trailer or tent.

The primary inflatable camping structure and the awning 18 may comprise at least one primary donor valve 16. As can be seen in Figure 1 , the tent 12 comprises two donor valves 16 and the awning comprise one donor valve 16. The donor valves 16 are provided on one of the inflatable elements 14, 26 (e.g. inflatable poles) which support the tent 12 or awning 18. In other embodiments, more, or fewer donor valves 16 may be provided. For example, where the primary inflatable camping structure comprises an inflatable support structure having one or more upright supports or legs, a donor valve 16 may be provided on one or more of the legs. It will be appreciated that each donor valve 16 need not be located near an air source for inflating the tent 12. In this way, each of the donor valves 16 can be positioned at a location which is convenient for a user to access, and the air source can be located elsewhere, for example to ensure that the air source is concealed or secure, and/or to reduce noise from the air source.

Each donor valve 16 is arranged to be connected to one of the inflatable camping accessories 20, 22, 24, for inflating the inflatable camping accessories with air from the awning 18 and possibly the primary inflatable camping structure 12. In this embodiment, each donor valve 16 is manually adjustable to control airflow through the donor valve 16. In this way, airflow through the donor valve 16 can be switched on and off, and a flow rate can be controlled.

Referring to Figure 1 , in this embodiment, there is an awning 18 and a plurality of inflatable camping accessories comprises a gazebo 20, a wind break 22, and an auxiliary tent 24 (such as a shower tent or bathroom tent). In other embodiments, the inflatable camping accessory may comprise (additionally or alternatively) an inflatable paddling pool, inflatable mattress, inflatable seat (such as chair or sofa) or other camping accessories having inflatable elements. It will be appreciated that, in other embodiments, any particular inflatable camping accessory (for instance, a gazebo) may be an inflatable camping accessory.

The awning 18 comprises at least one interconnecting (inflation) valve 28 for inflating the awning 18. The interconnecting (inflation) valve 28 is arranged to be connected to an interconnecting (inflation) valve 29 provided on the primary inflatable camping structure 12. The awning 18 comprises a donor valve 16 for releasing air from the awning 18.

In this embodiment, the awning 18 comprises inflatable elements 26/air poles (an inflatable support structure) which supports a canopy (not shown) of the awning 18. The awning 18 comprises an interconnecting valve 28. The interconnecting valve 28 is provided on an inflatable element 26, for inflating the inflatable elements 26 of the awning 18. The interconnecting valve 28 is arranged to be connected to the interconnecting valve 29 of the tent 12.

The awning 18 comprises the donor valve 16 for releasing air from the awning 18. The donor valve 16 is arranged to be connected to an inflation valve 17 of one of the inflatable camping accessories 20, 22, 24. In this embodiment, the donor valve 16 is identical to the interconnecting valves 28, 29. Each of the inflatable camping accessories 20, 22, 24 comprises at least one inflatable element 30. Each inflatable device 20, 22, 24 is provided with an inflation valve 17. The inflation valves 17 of the inflatable camping accessories 20, 22, 24 are provided on the inflatable elements 26, 30.

A donor valve 16 (which in this embodiment is identical to the interconnecting valves 28, 29) is shown in Figures 2 to 4. Figures 2A and 3A and 4 show the donor valve 16 in a closed configuration. Figures 2B and 3B show the donor valve in an open configuration.

The donor valve 16 comprises a valve body 32, a spigot 34, and a control nut 36. The valve body 32 is disposed in an opening in a wall 38 of an inflatable element (such as the inflatable elements 26, 30). The valve body 32 is generally disc-shaped, having an interior side 40 which faces into an interior 42 of the inflatable element, and an opposite, exterior side 44 which faces away from the interior 42 of the inflatable element. The valve body 32 is sealed to the wall 38 of the inflatable element so that air can pass through the opening in the wall only via the valve body 32. For example, the valve body 32 may be fused to the wall 38 of the inflatable element (e.g. fused to an air bladder of the inflatable element). The spigot 34 is generally tubular and extends away from the exterior side 44 of the valve body 32, to allow air to leave the inflatable element. The spigot 34 is arranged to be connected to the awning or inflatable camping accessory, as described further below.

One or more outlet passageways 46 extend through the valve body 32 between the interior side 42 and the spigot 34, to allow air to flow from inside the inflatable element and to be released through the spigot 34. As can be seen in Figures 3A and 3B, the outlet passageways are arcuate and are provided by segments of an annular slot which passes through the valve body 32. A first portion 48 of the outlet passageways 46 extends between the interior side 40 of the valve body 32 and a generally annular recess 50 disposed on the exterior side 44 of the valve body 32. A second portion 52 of the outlet passageways 46 extends (radially inward) between the annular recess 50 and a bore of the spigot 34.

The annular recess 50 extends around a base of the spigot 34. The annular recess 50 is arranged to receive part of the control nut 36. As described further below, part of the control nut 36 is moveable into or out of the annular recess 50 to block or open the outlet passageways 46 in order to block or allow airflow through the donor valve 16.

The control nut 36 is disposed on the exterior (outer) side 44 of the valve body 32. The control nut 36 is mounted on the spigot 34. The spigot 34 extends through an opening 54 in the control nut 36. A threaded outer surface of the spigot 34 is arranged to engage with a corresponding threaded inner surface of the opening 54, so that the control nut 36 is threadably engaged with the spigot 34. Accordingly, turning of the control nut 36 moves the control nut 36 towards or away from the valve body 32.

A generally annular projection 56 of the control nut 36 extends towards the interior side 40 valve body 32. The annular projection 56 is arranged to engage with the annular recess 50. In this way, the to block the outlet passageways 46 when the control nut 36 is moved to a closed position. As the control nut 36 is turned to move away from the valve body 32 (towards an open position), the outlet passageways 46 are opened to allow air to flow from the interior 42 of the inflatable element into the spigot 34.

A radially inner side of the annular projection 56 comprises a tapered surface 58 which is arranged to engage with a corresponding tapered surface 60 provided on a radially inner side of the annular recess 50. A first sealing O-ring 62 is provided on the tapered surface 60 of the annular recess 50. The first O-ring 62 is disposed between the first and second portions 48, 52 of the outlet passageways 46. With this arrangement, as the annular projection 56 moves into or out of engagement with the annular recess 50, the outlet passageways 46 are closed or opened gradually as the tapered surfaces 58, 60 move towards or away from one another. As can be seen in Figures 2B and 3B, when the control nut 36 is moved away from the valve body 32, the outlet passageways 48 are opened to allow air to flow from the inner side of the valve body to the spigot. Accordingly, an air flow rate through the donor valve 16 can be controlled.

A second sealing O-ring 64 is provided between a radially outer surface of the annular projection 56 and the annular recess 50, to prevent air from passing between the radially outer surface of the projection 56 and a surface of the annular recess 50. As the radially outer surface of the annular projection 56 moves in a direction parallel to the radially outer surface of the annular recess, these surfaces slide past one another, with the second O-ring 64 disposed between them to prevent the passage of air. In this way, air may only pass through the valve via the spigot 34. Accordingly, loss of air to the environment is prevented when the donor valve 16 is open and is connected to an inflation valve or hose.

The spigot 34 may be open to the exterior, or may be connected to an inflatable element of an inflatable device. In this way, the donor valve 16 provides a closable passageway through which air may leave the inflatable element. Accordingly, the donor valve 16 allows air to be released from the awning 18. It will be appreciated that the donor valve (when open) also allows air to flow in an opposite direction from the spigot 34 to the interior side of the valve body 32. In other embodiments, the donor valve may comprise a one-way valve. In some embodiments, the donor valve may be switchable between open and closed configurations, without permitting adjustment of flow rate.

The donor valve 16 also comprises a pressure relief mechanism. Figures 2A, 2B and 3B show the pressure relief mechanism in a closed configuration and Figures 3A and 4 show the pressure relief mechanism in an open configuration. In this embodiment, the pressure relief mechanism comprises a moveable valve member 66 in the form of a disc disposed in a chamber 68 in the valve body 32. An inlet opening 70 having a reduced diameter with respect to a diameter of the chamber 68 extends between the interior 42 of the inflatable element and the chamber 68. An outlet 72 extends between the chamber 68 and the spigot 34. The valve member 66 has a larger diameter than the inlet opening 70 and is biased to close the inlet opening 70 (in this example by a spring disposed in the chamber 68). When a threshold air pressure in the interior 70 of the inflatable element is reached, the valve member 66 is moved away from the inlet opening 70 by the air pressure (against a biasing force of the spring) to open the inlet 70, allowing air to flow into the chamber 68 and out through the spigot 34. In this way, the risk of damage to the inflatable element by excessively high pressure is reduced.

In some embodiments, a pressure relief valve may be used to maintain a minimum pressure within the primary camping structure. For example, the valve may be in a closed configuration but with a hose/donor valve of the camping accessory connected to the donor valve of the primary camping structure. In this set up, air would not be readily transferred from the primary camping structure to the camping accessory. However, if the pressure within the primary camping structure was increased to above the threshold pressure of the pressure relief valve, then air would be transferred from the primary camping structure to the camping accessory. In some situations, it may be desirable to only donate air from the camping structure if such air does not reduce the pressure within this camping structure below a particular value. This would thereby ensure that the primary structure would not collapse through the donation of too much air. Such a system may also be useful in regulating the pressure change which may occur, for example during the heat of the day in which excess pressure may be transferred from the primary camping structure to the camping accessory and even from the camping accessory to the atmosphere, if not required.

The awning 18 is arranged to be inflated with air from the primary inflatable camping structure 12, by connecting the awning 18 to an interconnecting valve 29 of the primary inflatable camping structure 12. Each inflatable camping accessory 20, 22, 24 is arranged to be inflated with air from the awning 18, by connecting the inflatable camping accessory 20, 22, 24 to the donor valve 16 of the awning 18. Advantageously, each of the inflation valves 17 of the inflatable camping accessories 20, 22, 24 may be connected to a donor valve 16 using a connector or adaptor. In this embodiment, the connector comprises a flexible connector in the form of a hose 74. The connector comprises connecting means configured to connect to the donor valves 16 and inflation valve 17. For example, the hose 74, donor valve 16 and inflation valve 17 may comprise corresponding parts of a ‘quickconnect’ coupling. In other embodiments, the valves and hose may be connected by a screw fitting or screw-on connection arrangement. In this way, interconnecting hoses may allow quick and convenient connection of inflatable devices. The connecting means may be arranged so that a connector (e.g. hose) has identical parts at opposite ends, so that the connector can be used in either orientation. A hose may comprise a pressure relief valve (such as an inline bleed valve) to prevent over-inflation and damage to the accessories 20, 22, 24 which is being inflated. It will be appreciated that the camping assembly 10 of the present invention allows relatively short hoses to be used, because devices to be inflated need not connected directly to a pump, and donor valves 16 may be located for convenient access by a user. In some embodiments, a rigid adaptor or connector may be used instead of a hose.

In other embodiments, the donor valves 16 and inflation valves 17 may be directly (e.g. rigidly) connected together (for example without the use of a connecting hose). In this case, the donor valves 16 and inflation valves 17 may comprise corresponding parts of a quick-connect coupling, or a screw fitting, for connecting to the valves 16, 17 directly together. For example, the spigot 34 of each donor valve 16 may comprise part of a quick-connect coupling, or a threaded portion for a screw connection. With these arrangements, connections between the donor and inflation valves 16, 17 can be made quickly and conveniently. With these direct (or ‘valve-to- valve’) connections, an accessory 20, 22, 24 may be connected to the awning 18 (or primary inflatable camping structure 12) without the need to use a hose. In this way, fewer and/or smaller parts may be required. Also, with a direct connection, an inflation valve 17 may be rigidly connected to a donor valve 16 so that the inflation valve 17 may be supported by the donor valve 16. In some embodiments, the donor valves 16 may be arranged to open only when a connector (such as an inflation valve 17 or hose) is connected to them. In this way, undesirable loss of air from the awning 18 may be avoided. The donor valves 16 may comprise one-way valves so that air can only flow through a donor valve 16 in a direction out a respective inflatable device to which the donor valve 16 is mounted.

In use, the tent 12 is inflated using a pump or compressor (not shown in Figure 1 ) which may be integral with the tent 12. Once inflated, the tent 12 provides a reservoir of stored air under pressure. To inflate the awning 18 (main camping structure), the interconnecting valve 28 of the awning 18 is connected to the interconnecting valve 29 of the tent 12 (primary camping structure). As shown in Figure 1 , the interconnecting valve 28 is connected to the interconnecting valve 29 using the hose 74. Alternatively, the interconnecting valve 29 could be connected directly (but preferably with an adaptor) to the interconnecting valve 28, to provide a direct, rigid connection so that the awning 18 is at least partly supported by the tent 12 and interconnecting valve 29. Once the tent 12 and awning 18 are connected, the interconnecting valve 29 may be opened to allow the pressurised air to flow from the tent inflatable elements 14 into the awning inflatable elements 26 to inflate the awning 18. The awning 18 is inflated passively as air under pressure in the tent elements 14 flows into the inflatable elements 26 of the awning 18. The flow rate of air into the awning 18 may be adjusted using the control nut 36, as described above. Alternatively, the flow rate may be simply on or off without an adjustable rate of flow. With these arrangements, the awning 18 need not be inflated at the same time as the tent 12. The un-inflated awning 18 may be connected to the tent 12 at a later point in time and then inflated.

In this way, a standalone pump is not required to inflate the awning 18. It will be appreciated that at least the initial stages of inflation of the awning 18 may be achieved significantly faster than using a pump (e.g. a hand pump, or electric pump), since the tent inflatable elements 14 hold a relatively large volume of air under pressure and a flow rate into the awning 18 is not limited by a flow rate of a pump. It will also be appreciated that depending on the relative volumes of the tent inflatable elements 14 and the inflatable elements 26 of the awning 18, the awning 18 may be partly or fully inflated by air stored in the inflatable elements 14 of the tent 12. Where the awning 18 (or other secondary inflatable structure) is not fully inflated by air stored in the tent elements 14, the air source (e.g. integrated pump) which inflates the tent 12 may be used for the remainder of the inflation by pumping air into the tent 12, which then flows into the awning 18 via the interconnecting valve 29. In some embodiments, the tent 12 may be automatically re-inflated if the pressure in the tent inflatable elements drops below a threshold pressure.

In some embodiments, the inflatable elements 14 of the tent 12 may have a degree of elasticity, so that a volume of air can be released from the tent structure 12 without a significant loss of pressure and/or structural integrity of the tent 12. In this way, the tent 12 provides a reservoir of air, which may have a degree of redundancy, in the sense that not all of the volume of air stored by the tent 12 may be required to maintain the structure of the tent 12. Similarly, the inflatable elements 26 of the awning 18 may have some elasticity, so that the amount of air required to support the structure of the awning 18 is not the maximum amount of air that the inflatable awning 18 can contain. The arrangement described above means that a standalone pump to inflate the awning 18 is not required. Once the awning 18 is inflated, the awning 18 provides a reservoir of air from which one or more of the inflatable camping accessories 20, 22, 24 may be inflated.

For example, the volume or capacity of the various components may be as follows: the primary inflatable camping structure which may comprise a tent may be in the region of 374 litres, the awning (main camping structure) may be in the region of 356 litres, the inflatable camping accessory which may comprise a sun canopy (150 litre) or a gazebo (150 litres) or a wind break (64 litres) or may comprise a significantly smaller accessory (for example a mattress or ball). It will be appreciated that the limit of the amount of air which can be donated will be set by the volume of the camping assembly which may therefore be set by the combined volume/capacity of the primary inflatable camping structure and awning (main camping structure). The combination provides an increased capability compared to a single inflatable structure. In addition, for relatively large inflatable camping accessories, the camping assembly acts as an air reservoir in the initial stages but additional air from the pump may be required for large products, for example an additional awning. In preferred embodiments, the total volume of air remains the same in that no extra air is introduced into the system during the inflation of the inflatable camping accessory. In particular, a pump is not required (or used) to introduce extra air into the system as air is donated from the inflatable camping structure to the inflatable camping accessory. As mentioned, such a system enables the inflatable camping accessory to be quickly and easily inflated without any power and whilst maintaining the structural integrity of the inflatable camping structure.

An inflation valve 17 of an inflatable camping accessory 20, 22, 24 may be connected to the donor valve 16 of the awning 18, or to a donor valve 16 of the tent 12. The inflation valves 17 of the inflatable camping accessories 20, 22, 24 are connectable to the donor valves 16 in the same way as the interconnecting valves 28 of the awning 18, as described above. Conveniently, inflatable camping accessories 20, 22, 24 can be inflated by connection to the awning 18, meaning that they need not be inflated too close to the tent 12, which may be inconvenient. As shown in Figure 1 , an extension hose 76 is provided which can be connected to the donor valve 16, to make it easier to inflate larger or less manoeuvrable inflatable camping accessories 20, 22, 24.

The inflation valves 17 described herein may be similar to the donor valves 16 and each inflation valve may have a connector (e.g. quick-connect coupling or screw connector) arranged to connect to a corresponding connector of a donor valve 16. The inflation valves 17 may be substantially identical to the donor valves 16. In some embodiments, universal connectors (such as hoses or rigid couplings) may be configured to connect to any donor valve and/or inflation valve of the system. In this way, a user can select any connector and connect it in either orientation to a donor valve and an inflation valve without the inconvenience of having to ensure compatibility and/or a correct orientation of the connector. The donor valve may be structurally the same as the inflation valve and in these embodiments both valves may be able to function as the other depending upon whether it is being used for donating air or receiving air.

The arrangements described above may eliminate the need for having standalone hand pumps or air compressors and enable a user to inflate products relying on already inflated products as an air supply. Alternatively, a user may carry out initial stages of inflation of an accessory as described above, and then finish inflation of the device using a pump or other air source. This approach may significantly increase the speed of inflation, since the initial stage of inflation can be carried out quickly using air from the awning. Where the camping assembly comprises a pump having its own power supply, the camping assembly allows one or more devices to be inflated using a single source of air in remote or ‘off-grid’ locations, without the need for an additional pump or to connect to another power source.