US3698045A

US3698045A - Fabric connector

Info

Publication number: US3698045A
Application number: US781834A
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert J Redden
Original assignee: Ilc Industries Inc
Current assignee: Ilc Industries Inc
Priority date: 1968-12-06
Filing date: 1968-12-06
Publication date: 1972-10-17
Anticipated expiration: 1989-10-17

Abstract

A connector for releasably joining opposite edges of sheets of flexible material such as adjacent fabric sections of an inflatable structure wherein one of the sheets is provided with spaced loop members while another sheet is provided with mating spaced apertures inwardly positioned from the edge of the sheet and adapted to receive the loops therethrough. The loop members, after passage through the apertures, are held in locked position by rod-like means that pass through the loops locking the sheets tightly together. Also, more loops can be provided than mating apertures so that there are free loops after connection has been made between two sheets of flexible material for attaching a third sheet of material to the free loops in a manner as described above.

Description

United States Patent 1 3,698,045 Redden [4 1 Oct. 17, 1972 154] FABRIC CONNECTOR [72] lnventor: Robert J. Redden, Newark, Del.

[73] Assignee: lLC Industries, Inc.

[22] Filed: Dec. 6, 1968 [21] Appl. No.: 781,834

[52] US. Cl ..24/203 [51] Int. Cl. ..A44b 19/00 [58] Field of Search.....24/33, 145, 203, 205.19, 207; 29/433; 135/1 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 715,516 12/1902 Sessions ..24/207 X 1,191,781 7/1916 l-lardebeck ..24/205.19 1,289,727 12/1918 Giddings ..24/205.19 2,650,401 9/1953 La Monde ..24/203 2,828,520 4/1958 Quisling ..24/203 X 3,103,050 9/1963 Reitmeier ..24/203 Primary Examiner-Stanley N. Gilre ath Assistant Examiner-Werner l-l. Schroeder Attorney-Donald D. Denton 5 7] ABSTRACT A connector for releasably joining opposite edges of sheets of flexible material such as adjacent fabric sections of an inflatable structure wherein one of the sheets is provided with spaced loop members while another sheet is provided with mating spaced apertures inwardly positioned from the edge of the sheet and adapted to receive the loops therethrough. The loop members, after passage through the apertures, are held in locked position by rod-like means that pass through the loops locking the sheets tightly together. Also, more loops can be provided than mating apertures so that there are free loops after connection has been made between two sheets of flexible material for attaching a third sheet of material to the free loops in a manner as described above.

29 Claims, 15 Drawing Figures PATENTEDum 17 m2 SHEET 1 BF 5 INVENTOR ROBERT J REDDEN ATTORNEY PATENTEnncmlsn 3.698.045

SHEUZUFS.

INVENTOR ROBERT J. REDDEN Y 19 LQ 1011mm ATTORNEY P'ATENTEMH 11 m 3.e9a,045

SHEET 3 0F 5 I I I I I I PHI I I 2220 1 zzzb I 2280 I e. H $1 $1 Ffi IQ .i :I L: I U I 1 :m I l INVENTOR 242b BY ROBERT J. REDDEN AT TORNE Y PATENTEDncI ,1 1 m2 SHEEI l [1F 5 INVENTOR ROBERT J. REDDEN FIG-l2 ATTORNEY PATENTEDnm 17 I972 SHEET 5 BF 5 INVENTOR ROBERT J REDDEN ATTORNEY FABRIC CONNECTOR to permanent ground-supported structures. To achieve this, resort has been had to longitudinal and transverse sectionalization of the structure, thus reducing size and weight of flexible walls that must be transported. Attempts to form the walls and ceilings in sections, however, have often complicated assembly and disassembly at the site, weakened structure security,or increased air leakage in the areas where sections are connected.

The present invention contemplates a unique fabric connector for assembly and disassembly in a rapid, easy manner of sections of a sectionalized air-supported structure while still providing improved strength at the I line of connection of the sections and a relatively low air leakage through the line of connection. Also, by the use of the connector of this invention, the strength characteristics across the links of connection are at least equal to the strength characteristics of the flexible material being joined together.

The connector of this invention provides for the joining together of at least two fabric sections or sheets by forming in one section a plurality of spaced loops extending outwardly from the edge of the section where it is to be joined and by forming in another section to be joined to it a plurality of mating, spaced, elongated apertures adapted to receive therethrough the loops. The loops when passed through the apertures in flat condition are then opened or expanded and a rod-like member inserted in each of the loop openings to form a locking of the two sections together. In the locking of the two sections together, the loops in the apertures press the sections together in linking engagement so that, when air pressure is placed within the structure, the combination of the loops tightly held in the apertures forces a tight frictional engagement of one section against another, thus providing a simple and efficient releasable connection for two edge sections making up the structure.

In addition, this arrangement provides for a substantially tight seal to restrict passage of air flow through the apertures by the force of the air pressure against one side of the fabrics causing the elements of the connector to tighten against themselves with the loops wedged in the apertures. This tight relationship produces by the stresses placed on the fabric sections by the air pressure from within the structure the tightening effect which is upon the entire line of connections.

The connector of this invention is formed from two sections of sheet material, such as fabric, in which one sheet has a plurality of spaced loops extending outwardly from the edge of the sheet and a second sheet has a plurality of spaced elongated apertures positioned inwardly from the edge of the sheet and running parallel to it so that the passage of the loops through the apertures brings the two sheets together in abutting relationship, and when the loops are rounded to open them and holding pegs placed in the rounded loops, the sheets are locked together thus forming the desired connection.

In one embodiment of this invention, one edge of one of the fabric sheets to be joined together is hemmed to provide reinforcement, and a plurality of spaced, parallel slots are formed through the hemmed portion normal to its edge. Preferably the material between every other pair of parallel slots is removed to provide a plurality of spaced, co-axial loops along the edge of this fabric sheet. One edge of the other fabric sheet is also hemmed, and a plurality of spaced, co-axial apertures are formed through the hemmed portion parallel to its edge. The space between the loops of the one sheet are substantially equal to the space between the apertures of the other sheet. Each loop in flat condition is inserted through an aperture of the other fabric sheet to form a co-axial row of spaced loops extending above the surface of the sheet. Threaded through each of the extending loops when they are opened over the apertures is a retaining peg to lock the two sheets in joining relationship In other embodiments of this invention, two groups of spaced, co-axial loops are formed either on one of the sheets to be joined or one group on one sheet and the other group on the other sheet. correspondingly, two groups of spaced, co-axial apertures are formed either on one of the sheets to be joined or one group on one sheet and the other group on the other sheet but opposite to and in register with the groups of loops. Corresponding loops are threaded through corresponding apertures and retaining pegs used to releasably connect the sheets. Utilization of more than one group of loops and more than one group of corresponding apertures increases air sealingcharacteristics of the connector and reduces load bearing characteristics across each of the loops and its corresponding aperture.

It will be appreciated that in the embodiments of this invention more loops can be formed than apertures so that when the two sheets are connected a number of loops are free and unattached which can be used to make various fabric sheet attachments by connecting a sheet having apertures in it that will mate with the depending loops, or free loops.

These and other features, objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following description, reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals are utilized to designate like parts throughout, it being understood that such description and drawings are illustrative and not limitive of this invention and in which:

FIGS. 1, 4, 7, 10 and 13 are perspective views of the connector of this invention showing loops of a fabric section extending through mating apertures of an adjacent fabric section with pegs in the loop openings to connect the two sections together;

FIGS. 2, 5, 8, 11 and 14 are, respectively, cross-sectional views taken on the lines 2-2, 5-5, 8-8, 11 11, and 14-14 of FIGS. 1,4, 7, l0 and 13;

FIGS. 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 are, respectively, top plan views of two unconnected fabric sections that are constructed in accordance with the several embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3 of the drawings, the fabric connector of this invention is designated by the numeral 20. The fabric connector is formed from a plurality of equally spaced loops 22 provided in a straight line extending outwardly from marginal edge 24 of a first fabric section 26 with the loops adapted to engage and pass through a mating plurality of apertures or slots 28 which are provided inboardof edge portion 30 of a second fabric section 32 so as to bring the edge portion 24 in intimate contact with the underside of second fabric section 32 when the loops 22 thereof are passed through apertures 28. The two

fabric sections

26 and 32 are held in a tight assembly by peg or rod retaining means 34 that flt into each respective loop to prevent the loops from withdrawing and to hold the two fabric sections in tight engagement. This tight engagement substantially seals the connector along the line of attachment in those uses where the sections are a part of an inflatable structure and the structure is pressurized so as to place a tension on the fabric connector. It will be appreciated that each fabric section of an inflatable structure, joined as set forth above, forms a flexible continuous sheet portion of walls and roof of the airsupported building, thus enabling the sections to be transported to the building site in knock-down form and, there, quickly and easily assembled by joining together the sections to form unitary structure. When assembled, the building effectively retains in it air above atmospheric pressure so that the building remains erect and in a usable condition with minimum of air leakage.

Advantageously, the spaced loops 22 may be formed by first folding over on itself the edge portion of fabric 26 to a position as designated by numeral 32a in FIG. 3, and the attaching of a major portion of the folded-over fabric back from its edge, such as by cementing, stitching, or any other form of suitable fastening means so as to produce an elongated loop in the edge of the fabric sheet. Equally spaced loops 22 are then formed by cutting out equally spaced rectangular shaped notches that extend into the area in which the foldedover fabric is attached, thus providing in the edge of the fabric section 26 a castellated configuration with the protrusions of the castellation being the loops.

The individual loops, after passing through their in register mating slots 28 in fabric section 32, are opened by rounding and a retaining peg 34 is passed into the loop so as to expand it and lock the loop end tightly against the outside of the fabric 32 so as to form a tight joint or connection.

In like manner, a portion of the fabric in fabric section 32 is folded over on itself to a position designated by numeral 32b so as to produce a double layer of fabric for strength along the edge portion 30. The double layer of fabric is attached together by any suitable means such as cementing, stitching, or other fastening means, and a small beaded edge loop 38 is provided by leaving the fabric in the edge of the fold unattached. In this beaded edge loop 38 is positioned a rod or cordage 40.. In the double layer portion of fabric in section 32 are formed a plurality of equally spaced rectangular shaped apertures 28 of a size and shape and positioned so as to receive through them loops 22 of fabric section vention is shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 of the drawings- One section to be connected has a series of adjacent loops along its outboard edge with the loops alternately I extending up and down so as to form an obtuse angle with the plane of the fabric; and the other fabric section to be connectedto the loops has a dual fabric arrangement in which the outboard edge of the fabric is bifurcated and has in each of its bifurcated extensions a plurality of spaced slots that alternate, one section from the other, and are adapted to receive the mating loops so as to form a dual locking arrangement with equal loop attachment on each surface of the attached fabric sections. This connector arrangement provides for a balanced tensioning of the section since the stress in both the top and bottom of the fabric is equal and the loop locking is in balance one side to the other, thus forming a balanced clamping action.

The connector is formed from a dual 'arrangementof loops alternately passing one up and one down through a dual arrangement of slots or apertures in sections to be connected. The edge portion 124 of fabric section 126 is slitted transversely of its longitudinal edge without removing fabric therefrom to form a continuous series of adjacent loops 122. The fabric section 132 is formed from a double arrangement of fabric which provides bifurcated edge in the form of two confronting double layer edge portions 130a and 13% with one overlying the other in a symmetrical arrangement.-

Apertures are formed in one of the edge portions arranged along the same transverse plane but offset sidewise from apertures in the other edge portion (see FIG. 6). The two hemmed edge portions 130a and 13% are spread apart and the

loops

122a and 122b of section 126 are inserted into the Vee opening thus formed providing for

alternate loops

122a and 122b of sections 126 to be inserted up through the corresponding apertures 128a and 128b, respectively so that alternate groups of loops are protruded out onto the opposite surface of the second fabric secton 132 to grip between them two

edge portions

130a and 130b when the pegs 134ab are inserted in the loops and the two sections placed under tension, which causes a a scissor-like action clamping the fabric sections together. This clamping action aids in the producing of a more tightly air-. secure joint of additional strength. The edge portion; 130a and 130b may be formed so as to provide a beaded edge loop 138a and l38b which can have positioned in it a rod or cordage 140a and 140b, respectively. This connector provides a strong, well balanced connection between two fabric sections since every portion along the edge of one section is fastened to the other section and is further strengthened by the balanced up and down interlocking action.

In the embodiment of the invention as shown in FIGS. 7 through 12, both fabric sections have loops and apertures therein so that a double connection is made between the edge portions of the fabric sections to be connected. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, a basic connector is provided on opposite faces of a pair of overlapped

sections

226 and 232. One of the fabric sections 226 is provided with a series of apertures 228a (shown in dashed line) well back from the outer edge of the section. These apertures are in a flaplike construction 242a which is secured to the main body of the fabric section 226. The outer edge of the main body of fabric section 226 contains a series of loops 222a which may be in register with the apertures in flap 242b. The other fabric section 232 has the same construction except that the apertures 228b are located on flap 242b attached to the main body of the fabric section 232 and its loops are in register with apertures 228a. The two

flaps

242a and 242b reside on different sides of the main body of the fabric sections so that when the loops are engaged in the apertures, there is a double clamping of the two fabric sections, each clamping being on a different side of the joined fabric. It will be appreciated that this double connector arrangement provides additional fabric layers along the joint or connection between the fabric sections so that air passage through the connector is impeded which improves air pressure retention characteristics within the building structure.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10, 11 and 12, the

fabric sections

326 and 332, to be joined, have oppositely disposed

loops

322a and 322b respectively and positioned

inboard thereof apertures

328a and 328b, respectively, the apertures in one fabric section being in register with the loops of the other fabric section so as to form when joined together a parallelogram arrangement. The loops 322a of one of the connectors are on one face of the joint and the loops 322b of the other connector are on an opposite face of the joint. The loops 322a are threaded through the apertures 32% in section 332 and vice versa for loops 322b and when pegs 334a and 33412 are positioned in their respective loops, a tight lashing together of the fabric sections is provided. When this arrangement is used, additional reinforcement in the form of pipings 340a nd 34% can advantageously be provided within the parallelogram along the length of the joint which assists to lock the fabric layers together under tension to produce a highstrength joint of reduced possibility of loss of air pressure when such a connection is used in inflatable building structures.

In an air-supported structure under certain conditions of use, it is desirable to extend fabric walls inside the structure, such being generally normal to the longitudinal axis of the structure, for compartmentalizing and storage purposes, and to extend fabric sheets across the inner ceiling are of the structure for sound absorption and attenuation purposes.

The capability of effectively attaching additional fabric sections or sheets to already connected fabric sheets, is therefore a valuable feature of this invention, particularly when the fabric connector of this-invention is used to join segments of an air-supported structure. The fabric connector above described advantageously provides this capability without requiring complex and additional connecting members and without cutting into the outer segments or sections of the air-supported structure.

Such an embodiment is shown in FIGS. 13, 14 and 15 in which a fabric section 426 is provided with adjacent loops formed in a manner heretofore described. A fabric section 432 is provided with a series of spaced apertures 428 formed in a manner heretofore described. In this embodiment, there are more loops than apertures so that when connection is made there remain a series of free loops. This is accomplished by the spacing of the apertures 428 positioned back from the outer edge of section 432 so as to be in register with every other one of the loops. To join the fabric sections together the edge of section 426 is divided into upper and lower lines of spaced, co-axial loops by depressing the alternate loops 422a down below the outer edge of section 432 and threading the other set of loops 422b up through the corresponding apertures of section 432. Thus, when the fabric sections are joined together by inserting pegs into the upper loops the first and second fabric sections are held together by the loops and pegs in registry along a line of connection by the spaced loops that are above section 432 and there is a lower line of spaced loops depended below the edge of section 432. It will be apparent that the depending loops are available to provide a second line of connection for making attachments to a third fabric section 450 having mating apertures therein. This arrangement as stated, is particularly usefulfor adding one or more dividing walls, partitions, wall attachments or the like to the inflatable structure. Pipings 440 are optional.

A methodtof manufacturing one of the fabric connectors of my invention is as follows:

1. Turn over the edges of the fabric sections to be connected and secure a double thickness of fabric by stitching, adhesive or heat sealing, or any other form of fabric attachment, for a portion of the depth of the turned-over fabric leaving a portion of the turned-over fabric unattached at the edge so as to form a loop.

2. in one set of fabric sections, out completely through a portion of the hems a plurality of spaced parallel notches normal to the edge. It has been found preferable to make the notches approximately one-half the desired loop length, or for relatively long loops, slightly larger than desired loop diameter.

3. In the other sheets or fabric sections, cut a series of rectangular slots inboard of the edge of the section and through the double thickness of the fabric, the slots being of the same width as that of the loops and positioned so as to be in mating relationship with the loops and allow their passage through the slots for edge-joining the two sections together.

4. Cut rigid round stock such as wool or metal dowels or pegs to a length slightly less than twice the desired loop length with a diameter slightly less than the desire loop diameter.

5. Thread the loops through the mating slots in the fabric section to be joined so that. all of the loops extend through the slots and the fabric sections are joined along a line of attachment which is parallel to the edges of the sheets.

6. Thread one rigid peg through each loop to connect firmly the sections together. Of course, the pegs which maintain each loop independently locked through its slot may be continuous cables, wires, cordage or other type of rod-like members that may thread through one or more loops. Piping, when inserted in a turned-over edge bead or double layer of fabric near the slots can be wires, Cordage or similar members, it being understood that the slots should be close along such bead or piping for increased fabric strength.

It is to be understood that the connector of this invention also can be used for making connections to the surface of a wall or ceiling of an air supported building elsewhere than at a joint between building sections and in other than straight line attachments. This can be accomplished by connecting to a fabric section containing such surface a hem or panel in the desired configuration, as for example a straight or curved strip of fabric material which has in it the loops or apertures or both which are then available for joining to another fabric section having the mating loops or apertures.

It will be appreciated that when each loop is locked by a retaining means over its mating aperture, the resulting coupling is independent of adjacent loopaperture linking so that a strong secure lashing is produced which is substantially unaffected by the coupling condition of adjacent links.

Although several different embodiments of my invention have been illustrated, it will be appreciated that many different arrangements and combinations can be made in which the loop-aperture-retaining means construction fastens together sections or sheets along or near their edge or make line connections of the surface of a sheet to another so as to produce a structural straight or curved line extension of the coupling of the sheet or an angular arrangement of one or more of the sheets to another, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the disclosure herein.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that this novel fabric connector is simple in construction and inexpensive to manufacture, yet it has desirable strength characteristics and provides for reduced air leakage capability.

While presently preferred embodiments of this invention have been illustrated, it will be understood that their teachings, in whole or in part, can be incorporated in many variations.

What is claimed is:

1. A flexible connector for joining opposite edges of at least two sheets of material together comprising:

a. a first sheet of material having a plurality of expandable spaced loops extending outwardly from said sheet;

b. a second sheet of material defining therein a plurality of elongated apertures arranged in spaced registry with said spaced loops, each aperture having a width less than said loop when expanded and a length adapted to receive and pass one of said loops therethrough when said loop is not expanded so as to position the end portion of said loop beyond one side of said second sheet with the first sheet positioned on the other side of said second sheet; and

c. means for expanding the portion of said expandable loop ends beyond said one side of said second sheet when the loops are threaded through said apertures and maintaining them in expanded position to provide an edge joining of first sheet of said material to said second sheet of material.

2. A flexible connector for joining opposite edges of two sheets of material together comprising a. a first sheet of material having at its edge a plurality of adjacent spaced loops;

b. a second sheet of material having a bifurcated margin with a plurality of spaced apertures arranged in parallel to said edge in each bifurcation, said apertures in one bifurcation being out of place with the apertures in said other bifurcation, said apertures being in register with the loop in said first sheet of material; and

c. means for expanding the loops when the loops are alternately threaded through the apertures in the bifurcations and maintaining them in expanded position, whereby the expanding of the loops lashes the sheets together.

3. A flexible connector for joining together opposite edges of two sheets of material comprising a. a first sheet of material having at its edge a plurality of extended spaced loops and near its edge a plurality of apertures,

. a second sheet of material having at its edge a plurality of oppositely spaced loops and near its edge a plurality of apertures, and

c. means for expanding the loops of said first sheet and second sheet of material when the loops are threaded through the apertures of said first and second sheets of material and maintaining them in expanded position whereby the expanded loops lash the sheets together.

4. A flexible connector for joining together opposite edges of two sheets of material comprising a. a first sheet of material having at its edge a plurality of extended spaced loops and inboard thereof on one side a flap containing a plurality of spaced apertures positioned inboard of the edge of the flap and parallel to said loops;

. a second sheet of material having at its edge a plurality of extended spaced loops oppositely disposed to said spaced loops in the first sheet and inboard thereof a second sheet flap containing a plurality of spaced apertures, said apertures in said flaps being in register with said mating loops and the apertures insaid first sheet being on the opposite side of said sheet to the apertures in said second sheet; and

c. means for expanding the loops in said first and second sheets after the loops are threaded through the mating apertures in respective flaps and maintaining them in expanded position, whereby said expanded loops lash the two sheets together along parallel lines spaced apart.

5. A flexible connector for joining opposite edges of at least two sheets of material together comprising:

b. a second sheet of material defining therein a plurality of apertures arranged parallel to an edge thereof and in spaced registry with a portion of said spaced loops, each aperture adapted to receive and pass one loop from said portion of spaced loops therethrough when said loops are not expanded so as to position the end portions of them beyond one side of said second sheet, the remaining portion of said loops being free and out of registry with said apertures, with the first sheet and the portion of loops out of registry positioned on the other side of said second sheet; and

c. means for expanding the portion of said loop ends beyond said one side of said second sheet when said loops are threaded through said apertures and maintaining them in expanded position to provide a joining of the two sheets of material together.

6. The flexible connector according to claim 1, in which said sheet material is fabric.

7. The'flexible connector according to claim 1 in which said loops extend from an edge and said apertures are defined adjacent to an edge.

8. The flexible connector according to claim 1, in which said loops are retained in expanded position by a flexible cable.

9. The flexible connector according to claim 1, in which said means for expanding the loops are pegs with each peg being threaded through at least one of the loops in its corresponding row of loop members.

10. The flexible connector according to claim 1, in which said sheets are sections of an inflatable structure.

11. The flexible connector according to claim 2, in which said sheet material is fabric.

12. The flexible connector according to claim 2, in which said loops extend from an edge and said apertures are defined adjacent to an edge.

13. The flexible connector according to claim 2, in which said loops are retained inexpanded position by a flexible cable.

14. The flexible connector according to claim 2, in which said means for expanding the loops are pegs with each peg being threaded through at least one of the loops in its corresponding row of loop members.

15. The flexible connector according to claim 2, in which said sheets are sections of an inflatable structure.

16. The flexible connector according to claim 3, in which said sheet material is fabric.

17. The flexible connector according to claim 3, in which said loops are retained in expanded position by a 1 flexible cable.

18. The flexible connector according to claim 3, in which said means for expanding the loops are pegs with each peg being threaded through at least one of the loops in its corresponding row of loop members.

19. The flexible connector according to claim 3, in which said sheets are sections of an inflatable structure.

20. The flexible connector according to claim 4, in which said sheet material is fabric.

21. The flexible connector according to claim 4, in which said loops extend from an edge and said apertures are defined adjacent to an edge.

22. The flexible connector according to claim 4, in which said loops are retained in expanded position by a flexible cable.

23. The flexible connector according to claim 4, in which said means for expanding the loops are pegs with each peg being threaded through at least one of the loops in its corresponding row of loop members.

24. The flexible connector according to claim 4, in which said sheets are sections of an inflatable structure.

25. The flexible connector according to claim 5, in which said sheet material is fabric.

26. The flexible connector according to claim 5, in which said loops extend from an edge and said apertures are defined adjacent to an edge.

27. The flexible connector according to claim 5, in which said loops are retained in expanded position by a fi l ll ig t li xible connector according to claim 5, in which said means for expanding the loops are pegs with each peg being threaded through at least one of the loops in its corresponding row of loop members.

29. The flexible connector according to claim 5, in which said sheets are sections of an. inflatable structure.

Claims

1. A flexible connEctor for joining opposite edges of at least two sheets of material together comprising: a. a first sheet of material having a plurality of expandable spaced loops extending outwardly from said sheet; b. a second sheet of material defining therein a plurality of elongated apertures arranged in spaced registry with said spaced loops, each aperture having a width less than said loop when expanded and a length adapted to receive and pass one of said loops therethrough when said loop is not expanded so as to position the end portion of said loop beyond one side of said second sheet with the first sheet positioned on the other side of said second sheet; and c. means for expanding the portion of said expandable loop ends beyond said one side of said second sheet when the loops are threaded through said apertures and maintaining them in expanded position to provide an edge joining of first sheet of said material to said second sheet of material.

2. A flexible connector for joining opposite edges of two sheets of material together comprising a. a first sheet of material having at its edge a plurality of adjacent spaced loops; b. a second sheet of material having a bifurcated margin with a plurality of spaced apertures arranged in parallel to said edge in each bifurcation, said apertures in one bifurcation being out of place with the apertures in said other bifurcation, said apertures being in register with the loop in said first sheet of material; and c. means for expanding the loops when the loops are alternately threaded through the apertures in the bifurcations and maintaining them in expanded position, whereby the expanding of the loops lashes the sheets together.

3. A flexible connector for joining together opposite edges of two sheets of material comprising a. a first sheet of material having at its edge a plurality of extended spaced loops and near its edge a plurality of apertures, b. a second sheet of material having at its edge a plurality of oppositely spaced loops and near its edge a plurality of apertures, and c. means for expanding the loops of said first sheet and second sheet of material when the loops are threaded through the apertures of said first and second sheets of material and maintaining them in expanded position whereby the expanded loops lash the sheets together.

4. A flexible connector for joining together opposite edges of two sheets of material comprising a. a first sheet of material having at its edge a plurality of extended spaced loops and inboard thereof on one side a flap containing a plurality of spaced apertures positioned inboard of the edge of the flap and parallel to said loops; b. a second sheet of material having at its edge a plurality of extended spaced loops oppositely disposed to said spaced loops in the first sheet and inboard thereof a second sheet flap containing a plurality of spaced apertures, said apertures in said flaps being in register with said mating loops and the apertures in said first sheet being on the opposite side of said sheet to the apertures in said second sheet; and c. means for expanding the loops in said first and second sheets after the loops are threaded through the mating apertures in respective flaps and maintaining them in expanded position, whereby said expanded loops lash the two sheets together along parallel lines spaced apart.

5. A flexible connector for joining opposite edges of at least two sheets of material together comprising: a. a first sheet of material having a plurality of expandable spaced loops extending outwardly from said sheet; b. a second sheet of material defining therein a plurality of apertures arranged parallel to an edge thereof and in spaced registry with a portion of said spaced loops, each aperture adapted to receive and pass one loop from said portion of spaced loops therethrough when said loops are not expanded so as to position the end portions of them beyond one side of said second sheet, the remainIng portion of said loops being free and out of registry with said apertures, with the first sheet and the portion of loops out of registry positioned on the other side of said second sheet; and c. means for expanding the portion of said loop ends beyond said one side of said second sheet when said loops are threaded through said apertures and maintaining them in expanded position to provide a joining of the two sheets of material together.

7. The flexible connector according to claim 1 in which said loops extend from an edge and said apertures are defined adjacent to an edge.

13. The flexible connector according to claim 2, in which said loops are retained in expanded position by a flexible cable.

17. The flexible connector according to claim 3, in which said loops are retained in expanded position by a flexible cable.

27. The flexible connector according to claim 5, in which said loops are retained in expanded position by a flexible cable.

28. The flexible connector according to claim 5, in which said means for expanding the loops are pegs with each peg being threaded through at least one of the loops in its corresponding row of loop members.

29. The flexible connector according to claim 5, in which said sheets are sections of an inflatable structure.