Amusement device

Abstract

An amusement device is provided comprising a first bladder, a second bladder, and a noise maker operably disposed with respect to the first bladder and the second bladder wherein neither said first bladder nor said second bladder surrounds the other.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The embodiments of the invention described herein are generally directed to amusement devices, and more particularly to inflatable amusement devices.

BACKGROUND

An inflated balloon is known that has an opening which generates a sound when air is released from the balloon into the ambient environment. Because the sound is generated by air escaping from the balloon, it must be re-inflated to recreate the sound. This process requires significant effort by the user, and may lead to the user having less enjoyment than if the re-inflation process were not necessary. Moreover, in many cases, balloons are not even intended for re-inflation. Thus sound generation can only take place once.

Additionally, it is known to print balloons with two-dimensional lettering or a pictographic representation of a figure or scene. However, such balloons do not faithfully represent the figure or scene in three dimensions. The printing is only perceived when the balloon is inflated. As a result, the figure or scene conforms to the shape of the balloon's curved outer surface.

Accordingly, there is a need for an inflatable amusement device that affords numerous soundings without requiring any re-inflation by the user. Further, it would be a preferable feature to allow a user to easily deflate or re-inflate the amusement device selectively for use or storage. Such a design would preferably also permit a life-like depiction of a figure or a scene. Finally, the inflatable amusement device design would preferably allow for increased amusement by reducing the amount of work necessary to use the device because the device remains inflated as compared with a balloon.

SUMMARY

An amusement device is provided comprising a first bladder, a second bladder, and a noise maker operably disposed with respect to the first bladder and the second bladder wherein neither the first bladder nor the second bladder surrounds the other. The amusement device further comprises a first outer portion of the first bladder and a second outer portion of the second bladder wherein the first outer portion and the second outer portion are accessible, and the first outer portion and the second outer portion are positioned outside of each other. The amusement device may further comprise a first wall thickness of the first bladder, and at least one decorative portion having a feature wall thickness greater than the first wall thickness, whereby the at least one decorative portion provides a predetermined shape when inflated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and inventive aspects of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description and claims in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, of which the following is a brief description:

FIG. 1A is a side elevational view of an inflatable amusement device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a partial cross-sectional view of a noise maker and a connecting region of first and second bladder portions of the amusement device of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a side elevational view of a head portion of the amusement device of FIG. 1A when uninflated;

FIG. 2B is a side elevational view of the head portion of the amusement device of FIG. 1A when inflated;

FIG. 3A is a vertical sectional view of the head portion and decorative portion when uninflated taken along line 3A-3A of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3B is a vertical sectional view of the head portion and decorative portion when inflated taken along line 3B-3B of FIG. 2B;

FIG. 3C is a vertical sectional view, similar to FIG. 3A, of an alternative embodiment of the head portion and decorative portion of the amusement device of FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B;

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of an uninflated alternative embodiment of an amusement device according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a front partial view of the amusement device of FIG. 4 when inflated;

FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view of the amusement device taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7A is a front elevational view of a further embodiment of an amusement device according to the present invention when inflated;

FIG. 7B is a side elevational view of the amusement device of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7C is a front elevational view of the amusement device of FIGS. 7A-7B when a second bladder thereof is compressed;

FIG. 7D is a side elevational view of the amusement device of FIGS. 7A-7B when the second bladder thereof is compressed;

FIG. 8 is an alternative embodiment of an amusement device according to the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a further alternative embodiment of an amusement device according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, illustrative embodiments are shown in detail. Although the drawings represent the embodiments, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated to better illustrate and explain an innovative aspect of an embodiment. Further, the embodiments described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or otherwise limit or restrict the invention to the precise form and configuration shown in the drawings and disclosed in the following detailed description.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3 an amusement device 20 is shown in one embodiment as an inflatable bird. Amusement device 20 includes a first bladder 22, a second bladder 24, a noise maker 26, a decorative portion 28, and at least one inflation port 30, the port in the illustrated embodiment being used to inflate both bladders. First bladder 22 and second bladder 24 are made from a flexible, stretchable, and low permeability material such as natural rubber or latex. This allows for first bladder 22 and second bladder 24 to be inflated and maintain a gas or fluid under pressure. Examples of gasses that might be employed to inflate amusement device 20 include the ambient atmospheric air, helium, and carbon dioxide. Fluids may include water-based substances.

First bladder 22 and second bladder 24 are both directly accessible for squeezing by a user. That is to say, neither of the bladders is completely surrounded by the other bladder. Additionally, first bladder 22 is configured to resemble a bird. Second bladder 24 is configured to be a squeeze ball for activating noise maker 26 although gas from the first bladder being forced into the second bladder may also activate the noise maker in some embodiments. Moreover, in some embodiments, first bladder 22 and second bladder 24 may be selectively embodied as resembling other figures, portions of figures, scenes, alphabetical letters, or general balloon shapes. Thus, first bladder 22 and second bladder 24 may be selectively configured for any amusement application.

Amusement device 20 is constructed in some embodiments so that first bladder 22 is a separate component from second bladder 24. First bladder 22 may be attached to second bladder 24 in an air-tight manner using a restriction band 32 surrounding an overlapping region 34 as is further shown in detail in FIG. 1B. A first overlap portion 36 and a second overlap portion 38 extend around noise maker 26 and are pressed against a rigid outer circumference 40 of noise maker 26 by the compressing action of restriction band 32. Restriction band 32 creates an air-tight seal between noise maker 26, first overlap portion 36, and second overlap portion 38. Thus, a first outer portion 42 of first bladder 22 and a second outer portion 44 of second bladder 24 are sealed together having noise maker 26 as a common interface. Alternatively, first bladder 22 and second bladder 24 may be integral with one another, in which case noise maker 26 is introduced between them to create two separate cavities (illustrated in detail in FIGS. 4-6).

In the illustrated embodiment inflation port 30 includes a stopper 46 and a receiver 48. Receiver 48 is sealingly attached to first bladder 22 by the compression of a balloon wall 49 against an outside circumference of receiver 48. An interference fit is employed to sealingly fit stopper 46 within a through channel 50 of receiver 48. Once stopper 46 seals inflation port 30, gasses are prevented from entering or escaping the interior of first bladder 22 or second bladder 24. Alternatively, receiver 48 may be glued or welded to balloon wall 49. Further, stopper 46 may alternatively be threaded and screwed into receiver 48 to provide the sealing function. Additionally, stopper 46 may include a tether 52 so that stopper 46 cannot come free from receiver 48 or amusement device 20. Other mechanisms to prevent the inadvertent release of compressed gas or fluid from device 20 are also envisioned.

In one embodiment, noise maker 26 is a reed-type noise making device having a generally cylindrical and rigid outer circumference 40 to assist sealing against first overlap portion 36 and second overlap portion 38 in overlapping region 34 (illustrated in detail in FIG. 1B). Noise maker 26 produces sound when gas in second bladder 24 is forced through noise maker 26 and into first bladder 22. Alternatively, noise maker 26 may be configured to be activated when gas is transferred from first bladder 22 to second bladder 24, or in both directions. Other noise makers having a similar operation are also envisioned to create a sound compatible with the intended purpose of device 20. For example, if a representation of a cow is used, a noise maker making a “moo” sound may be preferable. If the figure is a bird, then a chirping sound may be appropriate. Alternatively, a cat figure may create a meowing sound, or a dog figure may create a barking sound, etc.

In the case of a device with the representation of a letter, the sound of the letter may be used. In one example, if a representation of the letter “A” is used, a noise maker making n “EHH” sound may be desired.

Further, it is important to note that the general shape of amusement device 20 may be configured to be, but is not limited to, any animal, object, scene, logo, or person, etc. For example, amusement device 20 may be configured to appear as a bird, fish, dolphin, seal, car, dog, person, castle, building, or any combination thereof. An example of a combination is an amusement device 20 configured as a bird shape for first bladder 22 and a nest having eggs for second bladder 24. Additionally, amusement device 20 may be configured as a logo such as a series of shapes, letters, or words. Alternatively, amusement device 20 may be configured to resemble an entertainment icon.

Decorative portion 28 is configured to provide a predetermined three dimensional shape when amusement device 20 is inflated. Further, decorative portion 28 may be configured to provide an appealing shape or scene to attract purchasers when amusement device 20 is not inflated. Here, decorative portion 28 is configured to represent a bird's crest (the plume of feathers on the head of a bird above the eye). FIG. 2A provides a side view of an uninflated head 60 of amusement device 20. FIG. 2B provides a side view of an inflated head 62 of amusement device 20. In comparing FIGS. 2A-2B, the size of uninflated head 60 is smaller than inflated head 62 because of the lack of heightened pressure within amusement device 20 that would press outwardly on balloon wall 49 of first bladder 22. However, decorative portion 28 is configured to provide a similar shape for both uninflated head 60 and inflated head 62. Although there may be a slight increase in size, decorative portion 28 generally retains the shape and three-dimensional look of the comb when inflated or uninflated.

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate sectional views of decorative portion 28. In FIG. 3A, amusement device 20 is not inflated and decorative portion 28 includes a decorative portion wall 70 and an uninflated wall 72. As can be seen by their relative thicknesses in FIG. 3A, decorative portion 28 has a thicker decorative portion wall 70 as compared with uninflated wall 72. The thicker decorative portion wall 70 ensures that decorative portion 28 is more rigid under pressure than the thinner uninflated wall 72. As a result, decorative portion 28 is able to generally retain the predetermined shape more ably than first bladder 22 when first bladder 22 is inflated. The degree of retention can be controlled through a combination of pressure, wall thickness and extent.

FIG. 3B illustrates a sectional view of an inflated head 62 of amusement device 20. Decorative portion 28 has substantially held the same shape as the uninflated decorative portion 28 shown in FIG. 3A. However, an inflated wall 74 is distended outwardly due to the internal pressure when amusement device 20 is inflated. When under pressure, inflated wall 74 becomes thinner than uninflated wall 72. However, decorative portion 28 has the thicker decorative portion wall 70 that does not expand as dramatically as inflated wall 74. Thus, decorative portion 28 holds the predetermined shape under pressure while inflated wall 74 bulges under the pressure.

Generally, decorative portion 28 is provided with a thicker wall using a dip manufacturing process. Thus, decorative portion 28 and first bladder 22 may be constructed from the same material using the same process to configure walls 70, 72 as illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3B. Alternatively, decorative portion 28 may be constructed using a second dip operation during manufacturing. As illustrated in FIG. 3C, a first portion wall 80 and a feature overlay wall 82 are provided as separate layers. During a first dip procedure, first portion wall 80 is created by dipping a form into a latex bath (not shown). A second partial dip into a latex bath forms feature overlay wall 82 over a region of first portion wall 80. At least some benefits to the multiple dip process are that the color, texture, and composition of feature overlay wall 82 may be selected for a particular application. Additionally, multiple dip processes may be used in order to generate more complex decorative portions. In some embodiments the material of the decorative portion 28 may be dissimilar to that of the bladder 22 or 24, typically stiffer, providing yet another mechanism for controlling shape. Even if stiffer, however, such a material should typically still have generally elastomeric characteristics.

Now referring to FIG. 1A, a user may inflate amusement device 20 by removing stopper 46 and applying a high pressure to inflation port 30. The inflation may be accomplished in any number of ways such as by blowing on inflation port 30 using a typical balloon inflation process or by applying a high pressure gas to inflation port 30 such as from a tank containing helium or a fluid. This will inflate both first bladder 22 and second bladder 24 because air will flow from first bladder 22 to second bladder 24 through the path created by noise maker 26. After first bladder 22 and second bladder 24 are inflated to the desired volume, the user may close inflation port 30 by inserting stopper 46 into receiver 48, thereby sealing the air under pressure within amusement device 20.

Both first bladder 22 and second bladder 24 are inflated to a pressure that allows for the manipulation of first bladder and second bladder without a failure of balloon wall 49. That is to say, amusement device 20 is blown up to a point before the balloon bursts. It is understood that a typical amusement device 20 user knows when to cease inflating the balloon once a useable inflation capacity is attained. The configuration of the figure represented by amusement device 20 may be fully realized when first bladder and second bladder are inflated while decorative portion 28 is left distorted, partially distorted, or undistorted by design. Thus, decorative portion 28 provides the desired three-dimensional attributes.

While first bladder 22 and second bladder 24 are pressurized, the functionality of noise maker 26 and the three-dimensional configuration of the figure may be fully appreciated. By compressing second bladder 24, the air contained in second bladder 24 is forced through noise maker 26 and into first bladder 22. First bladder 22 may also become slightly enlarged when second bladder is squeezed due to the transferred gas. As the gas is forced through noise maker 26, a sound is emitted from noise maker 26.

Alternatively, noise maker 26 may also be configured to provide noises when second bladder 24 is squeezed or released or both. During the re-inflation process, it may be desirable to configure noise maker 26 to provide a different sound than the sound made during compression of second bladder 24. As a further alternative, a user could squeeze first bladder 22 and transfer gas into second bladder 24. By releasing first bladder 22, the gas would then activate noise maker 26 when the gas is transferred from second bladder 24 to first bladder 22 as pressure is equalized.

Turning now to FIGS. 4-6, in one embodiment an amusement device 20′ is configured to appear as an ice-cream cone. Amusement device 20′0 includes a first bladder 22′, a second bladder 24′, and a noise maker 26′. First bladder 22′ includes a first circumferential band 100, a second circumferential band 102, a third circumferential band 104, a fourth circumferential band 106, and a fifth circumferential band 108. Additionally, a one-piece wall 110 is provided that forms the shape of amusement device 20′ (as compared with the multi-part amusement device 20 of FIGS. 1A-1B).

Each of circumferential bands 100, 102, 104, 106, 108 is configured to provide an ice-cream-cone shape to amusement device 20′ when inflated. Bands 100, 102, 104, 106, 108 provide additional thickness, and thus a more rigid wall, that allows first bladder wall 120 to bellow outwardly in multiple pillow-like shapes. At the same time, bands 100, 102, 104, 106, 108 behave as circumferential restrictors that provide for first bladder 22′ of amusement device 20′ to appear to be ice cream.

First circumferential band 100 further provides a stable base for a fill opening 122 that is configured as a typical balloon fill opening wherein the user blows up the balloon and ties off the end in order to seal fill opening 122. Thus, fill opening 122 serves a dual purpose as both a filling orifice and a decorative element appearing to be the drip-end of the filled ice cream cone.

Additionally, noise maker 26′ is held in place within amusement device 20′ by a belt 124 that is also a decorative portion. Belt 124 causes the wall between first bladder 22′ and second bladder 24′ to be compressed against noise maker 26′ so that a seal is formed to separate the two bladders 22′, 24′ on either side of noise maker 26′ (see FIG. 6). To activate noise maker 26′, a user of amusement device 20′ presses on second bladder 24′ so as to force air from second bladder 24′ through noise maker 26′ and into first bladder 22′. When compression is released from second bladder 24′, the pressure equalizes by moving the air back through noise maker 26′ into second bladder 24′.

Turning now to FIGS. 7A-7D, in one embodiment an amusement device 20″ is configured to appear as a cow. Amusement device 20″ includes a first bladder 22″, a second bladder 24″, a noise maker 26″, ear decorative portions 200, 202, and a clip fill opening 204. In this embodiment, first bladder 22″ is smaller than second bladder 24″ and contrasts with the embodiments described in FIGS. 1-6. First bladder 22″ is constructed with a bladder of lesser volume and a generally thicker wall than second bladder 24″. Thus, second bladder 24″ is larger in size relative to first bladder 22″ when inflated. Ear decorative portions 200, 202 include an increased thickness of their walls to provide rigidity. Thus, under inflation, ear decorative portions 200, 202 will not dramatically change shape or size compared with the rest of amusement device 20″.

Noise maker 26″ is operably disposed with respect to first bladder 22″ and second bladder 24″. Noise maker 26″ is held in place, between first bladder 22″ and second bladder 24″, by a retaining wall 210 of increased thickness that circumferentially surrounds noise maker 26″. Noise maker 26″ comprises a first end 212 that is open to first bladder 22″ and a second end 214 that is open to second bladder 24″. Further, noise maker 26″ has an air pathway connecting first end 212 and second end 214. Thus, when second bladder 24″ is compressed the air held within second bladder 24″ moves through second end 214, through noise maker 26″, out first end 212, and into bladder 22″. While moving through noise maker 26″, the gas activates the reed element disposed within noise maker 26″ and generates a sound.

Further illustrated in FIGS. 7C-7D is first bladder 22″ in an expansion configuration that is yet another aspect of this embodiment. Compared with FIGS. 7A-7B (illustrating an inflated first bladder 22″ and an inflated but not compressed second bladder 24″), FIGS. 7C-7D illustrate the exaggerated inflation of first bladder 22″ when second bladder 24″ is compressed. Thus, the additional aspect of amusingly modifying the volume of a bladder may be selectively operated by the user. Ear decorative portions 200, 202 are of the thickest wall size and thus do not expand dramatically, even under the increased pressure. However, even though first bladder 22″ has a smaller size and increased wall thickness, the compression of second bladder 24″ causes first bladder 22″ to inflate in an exaggerated manner. The result is an amusing display of both the physical configuration of amusement device 20″ along with the sound effects generated by noise maker 26″.

FIGS. 8-9 further illustrate alternative embodiments of an amusement device according to the present invention. FIG. 8 illustrates an amusement device 300 configured as a bear-like shape. Amusement device 300 comprises a first bladder 302, a second bladder 304, a noise maker 306, and an inflation port 308. A decorative portion 310 is provided for the ear portions of the bear design. In yet another alternative embodiment, amusement device 400 is configured as a horse-like shape. Amusement device 400 includes a first bladder 402, a second bladder 404, a noise maker 406, and an inflation port 408. A decorative portion 410 is configured as the horse's mane.

The preceding description has been presented only to illustrate and describe exemplary embodiments of the methods and systems of the present invention. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to any precise form disclosed. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims. The invention may be practiced otherwise than is specifically explained and illustrated without departing from its spirit or scope. The scope of the invention is limited solely by the following claims.

Claims

1. An amusement device comprising:

a first bladder;

a second bladder;

a noise maker operably disposed with respect to said first bladder and said second bladder; and

wherein neither said first bladder nor said second bladder surrounds the other.

2. The amusement device of claim 1, wherein selective movement of contents from one of said first bladder and said second bladder to the other of said first bladder and said second bladder activates said noise maker.

3. The amusement device of claim 1, wherein each of said first bladder and said second bladder may be compressed independently of the other of said first bladder and said second bladder.

4. The amusement device of claim 1, wherein said contents comprise a gas.

5. The amusement device of claim 1, further including an inflation port.

6. The amusement device of claim 5, wherein said amusement device is inflatable.

7. The amusement device of claim 5, wherein said amusement device is deflatable.

8. The amusement device of claim 1, wherein a compression of one of said first and second bladders results in an expansion of the other of said first and second bladders.

9. The amusement device of claim 8, wherein said first bladder inflates said second bladder when said compression is removed.

10. The amusement device of claim 1, wherein said noise maker is positioned between said first bladder and said second bladder.

11. The amusement device of claim 1, wherein said noise maker is activated by compressing said second bladder.

12. The amusement device of claim 1, further comprising:

a first wall thickness of said first bladder; and

at least one decorative portion having a feature wall thickness greater than said first wall thickness, whereby said at least one decorative portion provides a predetermined shape when inflated.

13. The amusement device of claim 1, further comprising:

a second wall thickness of said second bladder; and

at least one decorative portion having a feature wall thickness greater than said second wall thicknesses, whereby said at least one decorative portion provides a predetermined shape when inflated.

14. The amusement device of claim 1, further comprising:

a first wall thickness of said first bladder;

a second wall thickness of said second bladder; and

at least one decorative portion having a feature wall thickness greater than said adjacent first and second wall thicknesses, said decorative portion positioned adjacent to said first bladder and said second bladder.

15. The amusement device of claim 1, further comprising:

an inflation port for inflating said first bladder and said second bladder.

16. The amusement device of claim 15, wherein said inflation port is operably connected with said first bladder.

17. The amusement device of claim 15, wherein said inflation port is operably connected with said second bladder.

18. An amusement device comprising:

a first bladder having a predetermined varied wall thickness, whereby said predetermined varied wall thickness provides a predetermined shape when inflated;

a second bladder;

a noise maker operably disposed with respect to said first bladder and said second bladder; and

wherein compression of one of said first bladder and said second bladder simultaneously inflates the other of said first bladder and said second bladder.

19. The amusement device of claim 18, wherein said first bladder and said second bladder may be directly squeezed by a user of the amusement device.

20. The amusement device of claim 18, further comprising a port for inflation and deflation of the amusement device.

21. An amusement device comprising:

a first bladder including a balloon portion and a decorative portion, said decorative portion having a wall thickness greater than said balloon portion;

a second bladder, wherein compression of one of said first bladder and said second bladder simultaneously inflates the other of said first bladder and said second bladder;

an inflation port connected to said first bladder or said second bladder;

a noise maker operably disposed with respect to said first bladder and said second bladder;

whereby said noise maker is activated by compressing said first bladder or said second bladder; and

wherein the amusement device is reusable.

22. The amusement device of claim 21, wherein said noise maker is activated by at least one of gas flow from said first bladder to said second bladder, gas flow from said second bladder to said first bladder.

23. The amusement device of claim 21, wherein said noise maker is disposed between said first bladder and said second bladder.

24. The amusement device of claim 21, wherein said noise maker connects said first bladder and said second bladder.

25. The amusement device of claim 21, wherein the amusement device is generally configured as at least one of a logo, figure, bird, fish, dolphin, seal, or dog.