INFLATABLE PLAY STRUCTURE WITH INTEGRATED INFLATION MECHANISM

Abstract

Embodiments of inflatable play structures are presented. In an embodiment, the inflatable play structure includes an air pump integrated with the inflatable play structure and configured to inflate the inflatable play structure to a pressure level, and to seal air at the pressure level into the inflatable play structure.

Description

RELATED CASE

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/908,243, entitled “Inflatable Structure with Integrated Inflation Mechanism,” by Anthony P. Brereton, filed Nov. 25, 2013, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to inflatable play structures, and more specifically, to an inflatable play structure with integrated inflation mechanism.

BACKGROUND

Standard bouncy houses and bouncy castles use an external high-volume and high-pressure fan to direct air though a connecting tube into the inflatable play structure. The bouncy house is inflated with volume relatively quickly, typically in less than a few minutes. These bouncy houses use a tightly woven, dense fabric material that allows a degree of air leakage in all or a portion of the structure. In other words, standard bouncy houses are not leak proof and 100% sealable. Should a small puncture or leak occur, in the material or a portion of the bouncy house, the high volume of air delivered from the external pump compensates for the leak so that the bouncy house can still be used.

These prior art bouncy houses suffer from many problems and disadvantages, including that they do not allow an individual to bounce very well on the inflated structure, i.e., the purpose they are intended to offer, and they need an external pump that is always on and running so that a continuous supply of air and pressure can be maintained in the bouncy house. The nature of the current form of construction means that under circumstances where the mass of the user(s) or the speed of jumping pushes more air out and back through the fan system than can be delivered, the system naturally starts to lose internal pressure through a deficiency in air replenishment. This can cause significant structural instability, to the extent that the bouncy house can become non-useable. Furthermore, because the fan is external to the bouncy house, the air tube connecting the external fan to the base of the bouncy castle can be a trip hazard, the connection of the air tube to fan is time consuming and sometimes challenging, and the connection requires additional room for operation of the bouncy house. Further, the pump is a very expensive part of the structure, and is oftentimes 20-30% of the cost of the entire bouncy house.

There is a desire to increase the variety and applicability of inflatable play structures and bouncy houses, including a desire to remedy or lessen the problems identified above in current bouncy house and similar structure designs.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of inflatable play structures are presented. In an embodiment, the inflatable play structure includes an air pump integrated with the inflatable play structure and configured to inflate the inflatable play structure to a pressure level, and to seal air at the pressure level into the inflatable play structure.

In an embodiment, the inflatable play structure includes an auxiliary port configured to release air from the inflatable play structure. The inflatable play structure may also include a coupler for coupling the auxiliary port of the inflatable play structure to an inflation port of an auxiliary structure, the coupler configured to pass air from the inflatable play structure to the auxiliary structure for inflation of the auxiliary structure by the air pump integrated with the inflatable play structure. The inflation port of the auxiliary structure may include a valve structure configured to allow one-way passage of air into the auxiliary structure. In an embodiment, the predetermined maximum pressure is determined by a maximum pumping rate or pressure deliverable by the air pump.

In an embodiment, the inflatable play structure may include a bouncy play surface configured to support one or more users bouncing thereon. The inflatable play structure may also include one or more safety support structures for preventing a user from falling off the bouncy play surface. Additionally, the inflatable play structure may include a moveable cover positioned adjacent the air pump, the movable cover configured to protect the air pump from water ingress and potential damage.

An embodiment of a system includes an inflatable play structure and an air pump integrated with the inflatable play structure and configured to inflate the inflatable play structure to a pressure level, and to seal air at the pressure level into the inflatable play structure. The system may also include one or more auxiliary structures configured to be inflated by the air pump integrated with the inflatable play structure.

In an embodiment, the inflatable play structure further comprises an auxiliary port configured to release air from the inflatable play structure. The system may also include a coupler for coupling the auxiliary port of the inflatable play structure to an inflation port of the auxiliary structure, the coupler configured to pass air from the inflatable play structure to the auxiliary structure for inflation of the auxiliary structure by the air pump integrated with the inflatable play structure. In some embodiments, the coupler is a tube. In further embodiments, the coupler is a flexible hose.

In an embodiment, the inflation port of the auxiliary structure comprises a valve structure configured to allow one-way passage of air into the auxiliary structure. In some embodiments, the predetermined maximum pressure is determined by a maximum pumping rate of the air pump.

In an embodiment, the inflatable play structure comprises a bouncy play surface configured to support one or more users bouncing thereon. The inflatable play structure may also include one or more safety support structures for preventing a user from falling off of the bouncy play surface. Additionally, the inflatable play structure may include a moveable cover positioned adjacent the air pump, the movable cover configured to protect the air pump from water damage.

In some embodiments, the auxiliary structure comprises a slide. Alternatively, the auxiliary structure comprises a pool. Additional embodiments of auxiliary structures may exist, such as benches, stairs, sports structures such as hoops or goals, game-related structures, or the like.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further demonstrate certain aspects of the present invention. The invention may be better understood by reference to one or more of these drawings in combination with the detailed description of specific embodiments presented herein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view diagram illustrating an embodiment of an inflatable play structure with integrated inflation mechanism.

FIG. 2 is a front view diagram illustrating an embodiment of an inflatable play structure with integrated inflation mechanism.

FIG. 3 is a back view diagram illustrating an embodiment of an inflatable play structure with integrated inflation mechanism.

FIG. 4 is a side view diagram illustrating an embodiment of an inflatable play structure with integrated inflation mechanism.

FIG. 5 is a top view diagram illustrating an embodiment of an inflatable play structure with integrated inflation mechanism.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view diagram illustrating an embodiment of an inflatable play structure with integrated inflation mechanism.

FIG. 7 is a front view diagram illustrating an embodiment of an inflatable play structure with integrated inflation mechanism.

FIG. 8 is a back view diagram illustrating an embodiment of an inflatable play structure with integrated inflation mechanism.

FIG. 9 is a side view diagram illustrating an embodiment of an inflatable play structure with integrated inflation mechanism.

FIG. 10 is a top view diagram illustrating an embodiment of an inflatable play structure with integrated inflation mechanism.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view diagram illustrating an embodiment of an inflatable play structure with integrated inflation mechanism.

FIG. 12 is a front view diagram illustrating an embodiment of an inflatable play structure with integrated inflation mechanism.

FIG. 13 is a back view diagram illustrating an embodiment of an inflatable play structure with integrated inflation mechanism.

FIG. 14 is a side view diagram illustrating an embodiment of an inflatable play structure with integrated inflation mechanism.

FIG. 15 is a top view diagram illustrating an embodiment of an inflatable play structure with integrated inflation mechanism.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view diagram illustrating an embodiment of an inflatable play structure with integrated inflation mechanism and an attached auxiliary play structure.

FIG. 17 is a front view diagram illustrating an embodiment of an inflatable play structure with integrated inflation mechanism and an attached auxiliary play structure.

FIG. 18 is a back view diagram illustrating an embodiment of an inflatable play structure with integrated inflation mechanism and an attached auxiliary play structure.

FIG. 19 is a side view diagram illustrating an embodiment of an inflatable play structure with integrated inflation mechanism and an attached auxiliary play structure.

FIG. 20 is a top view diagram illustrating an embodiment of an inflatable play structure with integrated inflation mechanism and an attached auxiliary play structure.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view diagram illustrating an embodiment of an inflatable play structure with integrated inflation mechanism and an attached auxiliary play structure.

FIG. 22 is a front view diagram illustrating an embodiment of an inflatable play structure with integrated inflation mechanism and an attached auxiliary play structure.

FIG. 23 is a back view diagram illustrating an embodiment of an inflatable play structure with integrated inflation mechanism and an attached auxiliary play structure.

FIG. 24 is a side view diagram illustrating an embodiment of an inflatable play structure with integrated inflation mechanism and an attached auxiliary play structure.

FIG. 25 is a top view diagram illustrating an embodiment of an inflatable play structure with integrated inflation mechanism and an attached auxiliary play structure.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view diagram illustrating embodiments of auxiliary play structures.

FIG. 27 is an end view diagram illustrating embodiments of auxiliary play structures.

FIG. 28 is a side view diagram illustrating embodiments of auxiliary play structures.

FIG. 29 is a top view diagram illustrating embodiments of auxiliary play structures.

FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of an air pump.

FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of an air pump and a moveable cover for the air pump.

FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a port.

FIG. 33 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a port with a one-way valve.

FIG. 34 is a schematic diagram of a valve assembly.

FIG. 35 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a system for inflating an auxiliary structure.

FIG. 36 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a system for inflating an auxiliary structure.

FIG. 37 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a system for inflating an auxiliary structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various features and advantageous details are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known starting materials, processing techniques, components, and equipment are omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the invention in detail. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, and not by way of limitation. Various substitutions, modifications, additions, and/or rearrangements within the spirit and/or scope of the underlying inventive concept will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

The present embodiments are related to inflatable play structures with integrated inflation mechanisms. Examples of inflatable play structures include, bouncy castles, play houses, play forts, inflatable game environments, inflatable ball pits, inflatable pools, etc. In an embodiment, the inflatable play structure includes an air pump integrated with the inflatable play structure and configured to inflate the inflatable play structure to a pressure level, and to seal air at the pressure level into the inflatable play structure. Additionally, the described embodiments may include one or more auxiliary structures, such as slides, pools, or the like. The inflatable play structure may include an auxiliary port for releasing air into the auxiliary device through a coupler, such as a tube or hose. The auxiliary device may also include a port for receiving the air from the inflatable play structure. In some embodiments, the auxiliary port may include a valve structure for allowing one-way passage of air through the port. In other embodiments, inflation port of the auxiliary structure comprises a valve structure configured to allow one-way passage of air into the auxiliary structure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view diagram illustrating an embodiment of an inflatable play structure 100 with integrated inflation mechanism. In an embodiment, the inflatable play structure 100 may be a bouncy castle. Other inflatable play structures 100 may include inflatable pools, inflatable projector screens, inflatable game environments, inflatable ball pits, inflatable slides, etc. One of ordinary skill will recognize a variety of inflatable play structures 100, which may be adapted for use according to the present embodiments.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the inflatable play structure 100 may include a base 102. The inflatable play structure 100 may include a bouncy play surface 104 configured to support one or more users bouncing thereon. The inflatable play structure 100 may also include one or more safety support structures for preventing a user from falling off of the bouncy play surface 104. For example, the embodiment of FIG. 1 includes four vertical support structures 106 and four horizontal support structures 112 coupled to the vertical support structures 106. The support structures 106, 112 may be configured to hold a safety screen 108 or other retention member in place. Additionally, a door 110 may be located in the safety screen 108 to allow ingress and egress from the inflatable play structure 100.

FIG. 2 is a front view diagram illustrating an embodiment of the inflatable play structure of FIG. 1. In an embodiment, the play structure includes a closure mechanism 202, such as hook and loop fasteners, zippers, rope tie-downs, or the like for closing the door 110 into a safely closed position.

FIG. 3 is a back view diagram illustrating an embodiment of the inflatable play structure of FIG. 1. In such an embodiment, an air pump, or other inflation mechanism 302, may be integrated into a portion of the inflatable play structure 100. For example, the air pump 302 may be integrated into the base 102 of the inflatable play structure 100. As shown in the side view of FIG. 4, the inflation mechanism 302 may be integrated such that a substantial portion of the body of the inflation mechanism 302 is located within the inflatable play structure 100.

FIG. 5 is a top view diagram illustrating an embodiment of an inflatable play structure 100. In an embodiment, the bouncy play surface 104 is a top surface of the base 102. In an embodiment, the material of the inflatable play structure 100 may be heavy weight PVC that is non-permeable. Sections of the base 102, including the bouncy play surface 104 may be formed by plastic welding sheets of the PVC, forming a bladder for containing the air. In some embodiments, one or more internal structural segments may be welded into place to help the inflatable play structure 100 retain its shape during use. The welded joints may be lap or joint bonding overlapping edge margins of the cut sheet material where it is folded to provide a tubular form with overlaying edge margins, or they may be joints between confronting outwardly turned edge margins such that the cut sheet material is folded to that form. The welding process may be carried out with precision to provide an air-tight final structure. In some embodiments, the PVC may have a thickness of 0.15 mm or greater. In some further embodiments, the PVC material may be attached or laminated to an outer covering of woven or non-woven fabric, such as polyester, nylon, or vinyl to enhance the durability of certain surfaces of the inflatable play structure 100, such as the bouncy play surface 104.

In alternative embodiments, the inflatable structure 100 is not a single structure but is rather composed of integrated multiple parts, such that the castle, pool, and slide as examples, may each be composed of different materials and attached together by the manufacturer, by the distributor, or by the user. The separate sections may be detachable and removable, and in other embodiments may be permanently attached to each other using a variety of different fastening mechanisms know to those of skill in the art, such as hook and loop fasteners, hooks, rope ties, etc. In some embodiments, each of the different sections can have one or more inflatable compartments (such as inner tubes), such that when the compartment is inflated the entire section is inflated. In this alternative, the inner tubes may be provided with an inflation valve that is separately connectable or interlinked to the pump.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view diagram illustrating an embodiment of an inflatable play structure 100. In the embodiment of FIGS. 6-10, the inflatable play structure has a rectangular bouncy play surface 104 defined by a generally rectangular base 102. Additionally, the inflatable play structure 100 may include a first set of upper support structures 602 and a second set of upper support structures, wherein the first set of upper support structures 602 is longer than the second set of upper support structures. FIG. 7 is a front view diagram illustrating an embodiment of an inflatable play structure 100, which includes a door 110 and a closure mechanism 202 configured to close and open over the door 110. FIG. 8 is a back view diagram illustrating an embodiment of an inflatable play structure 100 with integrated inflation mechanism 302. For example, the inflation mechanism 302 may be an air pump. FIG. 9 is a side view diagram illustrating the body 402 of the inflation mechanism 302 being contained within the base 102 of the inflatable play structure 100. Such an embodiment, may also include vertical support structures 106 a first upper support structure 602 and a safety screen 108 attached between the vertical support structures 106, the base 102, and the first upper support structure 602. FIG. 10 is a top view diagram illustrating an embodiment of an inflatable play structure 100 In the embodiment, the bouncy play surface 104 is rectangular and the first upper support structures 602 are longer than the second upper support structures 604 for defining a generally rectangular play area.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view diagram illustrating an embodiment of an inflatable play structure 100. The embodiment of FIG. 11 provides an inflatable play structure 100 with a generally circular bouncy play surface 104. The vertical support structures 106 may be arranged around an edge of the circular bouncy play surface 104 and may be coupled to a ring-shaped upper support structure 1102. FIG. 12 illustrates a door 110 or opening between two vertical support structures 106. The vertical support structures 106 may further support the ring-shaped upper support structure 1102 and the safety screen 108. FIG. 13 illustrates an inflation mechanism 302 positioned in the base 102. FIG. 14 illustrates a body 402 of the inflation mechanism 302 contained within the base 102 of the inflatable play structure 100. FIG. 15 illustrates a top view of the inflatable play structure 100 with the circular bouncy play surface 104, the vertical support structures 106, the ring-shaped upper support structure 1102, and the like.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view diagram illustrating an embodiment of an inflatable play structure 100. In the depicted embodiment, the base 102 may be coupled to a slide structure 1602. The slide structure 1602 may include a slippery sliding surface 1604. In some embodiments, the slide structure 1604 may be integrated with the base 102. In other embodiments, the slide structure 1602 may be detachable from the base 102. In still further embodiments, the slide structure 1602 may be completely separate from the base 102. Such an embodiment, may further include the vertical support structure 106, the upper support structure 112, and the safety screen 108 as described above. The embodiment of FIG. 17 is a front view diagram illustrating a door 110 with a closure mechanism 202. FIG. 18 is a back view diagram illustrating an inflation mechanism 302 integrated with the inflatable play structure 100, for example at the base 102. FIG. 19 is a side view diagram illustrating the body 402 of the inflation mechanism 302 contained within the inflatable play structure 100. In an embodiment, the inflation mechanism 302 may inflate the slide structure 1602 in addition to the remainder of the inflatable play structure 100. FIG. 20 is a top view diagram illustrating an embodiment of an inflatable play structure 100. In the depicted embodiment, an auxiliary inflation mechanism 2002 is provided to facilitate inflation of the slid structure 1602 by the inflation mechanism 302 integrated with the inflatable play structure 100. Further embodiments of an auxiliary inflation mechanism 2002 are described below with reference to FIGS. 32-37.

FIGS. 21-25 illustrate an inflatable play structure with integrated inflation mechanism and an attached auxiliary play structures. FIG. 21 is a perspective view diagram, FIG. 22 is a front view diagram, FIG. 23 is a rear view diagram, FIG. 24 is a side view diagram, and FIG. 25 is a top view diagram. FIG. 21 shows a slide structure 1602 having a slippery surface 1604 as described above with reference to FIGS. 16-20. Additionally, FIG. 21 illustrates a pool structure 2102, having a raised bumper 2104 and a play surface 2106. In an embodiment, the slide structure 1602 may be integrated with the inflatable play structure 100. In an embodiment, the slide structure 1602 may be integrated with the pool structure 2102. In a further embodiment, the slide structure 1602 and the pool structure 2102 may both be integrated with the inflatable play structure 100. In alternative embodiments, the inflatable play structure 100, the slide structure 1602 and the pool structure 2012 may each be separate components that are coupled together by a coupling mechanism for inflation by the inflation mechanism 302 integrated with the inflatable play structure 100. More specifically, FIG. 25 illustrates an auxiliary port 2502 included with the inflatable play structure 100 and an inflation port 2504 in one or more of the slide structure 1602 or the pool structure 2102. The auxiliary port 2502 may allow air to pass from the inflatable play structure 100 to the auxiliary structure, such as slide structure 1602 and/or pool structure 1604. The inflation port 2504 may be included in the auxiliary structure, and configured to facilitate inflation of the auxiliary device, such as slide structure 1602 or pool structure 2102. Further embodiments, of the auxiliary port 2502 and the inflation port 2504 are described further below with reference to FIGS. 32-37.

FIGS. 26-29 illustrate embodiments of auxiliary structures. For example, FIG. 26 is a perspective view diagram illustrating an embodiment of a step 2602, an embodiment of a slide structure 1602, and an embodiment of a pool structure 2102, where each of the structures are arranged together as a separable unit. In an embodiment, the slide structure 1602 may include a sliding surface 1604, a first engagement region 2604 for engaging at least a portion of the pool structure 1012, and a second engagement region 2606 for engaging at least a portion of the step 2602. In an embodiment, the pool structure includes a bumper 2104 and a play surface 2106. FIG. 27 is a back view diagram. FIG. 28 is a side view diagram, and FIG. 29 is a top view diagram.

In the embodiment of FIG. 29, each of the auxiliary play structures 1602, 2102, 2602, may include an inflation port 2504. The inflation valves 2504 may be coupled to a coupler tube 2902. Multiple coupler tubes 2902 may be coupled together using a coupler device 2904.

FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of an inflation mechanism 302. In an embodiment, the inflation mechanism is an air pump. The inflation mechanism 302 may include an air inlet 3002, one or more user controls 3004, and an internal impeller or fan (not shown) along with internal control components (not shown). Additionally, the inflation mechanism may include a power source, such as power cord 3006. In a further embodiment, the power cord may be retractable into the body 402 of the inflation mechanism 302.

The inflation mechanism 302 may include at least one air inlet port 3002 and at least one air outlet port (not shown). The inflation mechanism 302 may be connected to an external power source for its electrical needs. The inflation mechanism 302 offers direct on/off capability and in one embodiment is operated by a control circuit (not shown). In an embodiment, the electric bump has inflate and deflate modes, as well as automatic, adjustment, and stop modes. In the automatic mode, the pump inflates the inflatable structure until the desired pressure is reached. In the adjustment mode, the inflation mechanism 302 inflates the inflatable play structure 100 until the end consumer decides the operational pressure has been reached. In a further embodiment, the inflation mechanism 302 is designed to ensure over-inflation cannot occur by minimizing maximum operational pressure in the design of the inflation mechanism 302 through various design parameters, such as motor horsepower, output pressure, and impeller capability. While the inflation mechanism 302 typically takes longer to inflate the inflatable structure than an external blower fan, because the volume of air being delivered is provided at a reduce d rate of flow, the inflation mechanism 302 and power source can be turned off and disconnected once the structure is inflated maintaining a sealed closed-pressure system. The combination of integrated inflation mechanism 302 and bouncy house allows a much better “bounce” than current designs. Various embodiments can be used to inflate the inflatable structure 100. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize these various inflation mechanism configurations.

Various alternatives of the integrated inflation mechanism 302 are within the scope of this invention. For example, in one embodiment, the inflatable play structure 100, or alternatively the inflation mechanism 302 itself, has a built-in pressure gauge or sensor to monitor the pressure within the inflatable structure. In some variations, the user is able to vary the pressure setting of the inflation mechanism 302 such that the inflated structure can be increased to a wide range of pressures (subject to a maximum pressure for safety concerns) depending on the objective of the user, thereby materially affecting the amount of “bounce” the individual can obtain by jumping on the inflatable structure. Likewise, the inflation mechanism 302 can be programmed to operate until a predetermined condition, such as for a predetermined time, with a pressure release valve in case the pressure hits a certain maximum pressure.

FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of an inflation mechanism 302 and a moveable cover 3102 for the inflation mechanism. In an embodiment, the inflatable play structure 100 may include a moveable cover 3102 positioned adjacent the inflation mechanism 302, the movable cover 3102 may be configured to protect the inflation mechanism 302 from water ingress and potential damage. In some embodiments, the moveable cover 3012 may include a fastener, such as a snap, hook and loop fastener, a latch, or the like. In some embodiments, the movable cover 3102 may be a flap that is sealable to the base 102 of the inflatable play structure for sealing the inflation mechanism 302 away from dirt and water.

FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a port 3200. In an embodiment, the port 3200 may be an auxiliary port 2502 integrated with the inflatable play structure 100. In another embodiment, the port 3200 may be an inflation port 2504 integrated with the auxiliary play structures. In one embodiment, the port 3200 may be a Boston valve-type port. For example in embodiments where the port 3200 is an inflation port 2504, the port 3200 may include a valve structure for allowing single direction passage of air through the port for inflating the auxiliary structure, but without losing the air.

FIG. 33 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a port 3200 with a one-way valve. In an embodiment the port 3200 includes a cap 3304 configured to seal the port 3200 to prevent air escaping through the port 3200. Additionally, the port 3200 may include a cylindrical body 3302 configured to receive a coupler tube 2902. The port 3200 may also include a valve assembly having a surface with one or more air passage holes 3306 and a seal 3308 for allowing passage through the air passage holes 3306 in one direction, but sealing off the air passage holes 3306 in the event of air passage in the opposite direction. FIG. 34 is a schematic diagram of a valve assembly 3310, which includes a channel 3302 and a cap 3304 for sealing off the channel 3302. The valve assembly 3310 may include screw threads 3402, which allows attachment of the cap 3304. The valve assembly may also include a graspable member configured to facilitate insertion of the valve assembly 3310 into the port 3200.

FIGS. 35-37 are schematic block diagrams illustrating various embodiment of systems for inflating an auxiliary structure. In the embodiment of FIG. 35, the system 3500 includes an inflatable play structure 100 with an auxiliary port 2502 coupled to an inflation port 2504 of an auxiliary play structure 3502 by a coupler tube 2902. In the embodiment of FIG. 36, the auxiliary port 2502 is coupled to the inflation port 2504 by multiple coupler tubes 2902 attached together using a coupler device 2904. In the embodiment of FIG. 36, the coupler device 2904 may be a 90 degree coupler. In the embodiment of FIG. 37, multiple auxiliary play structures 3502 may be coupled to a single inflatable play structure 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the coupler device 3904 may be a T-coupler.

In an embodiment, the inflation mechanism 302 integrated with inflatable play structure 100 is used to pressurize the auxiliary play structures, such as the pool, slide, and other connected structures. FIGS. 21-25 show the inflation mechanism 302 in the inflatable play structure 100. The auxiliary play structures 3502, such as the slide 1602, the pool 2102, etc. may be connected such that they are inflated from the inflatable play structure 100, as it is inflated.

These auxiliary play structures 3502 may be connected by a variety of methods and by one or more connecting assemblies, and as one example, external couplings are used to interlink and inflate the separate structures as shown in FIGS. 35-37. The ports 3200 may include any number of valves, valve seats, gaskets, and seals, as well as single or bi-directional flow valves for specific configurations. Alternative embodiments of the port 3200 assemblies are within the scope of this invention. For example, one or more air valves can be placed on each separate unit for multiple connection points to the inflatable play structure 100 or the auxiliary play structure 3502, or the connections can be configured such that air flow passes to a first auxiliary play structure 3502 initially and then to an additional auxiliary play structure 3502 later. Likewise, while the illustrated embodiment shows ports 3200 that are external to the inflatable chambers, ports 3200 can be internal to the sections such that they are not visible when externally looking at the entire inflatable structure, which may include rigid and non-rigid connectors. Further, separate inflation mechanisms 302 can be placed in the same or different unit if the size and/or configuration of the inflatable structure are such that it is more economical or practical to have multiple pumping units.

Once inflated, the inflatable play structure 100 may become semi-rigid and thus supports the structure in the erect condition. Each unit can be partially, substantially, or entirely inflatable, but it is recognized that certain portions of the structure (such as mesh netting or decorative features) are not required to be inflated for the inflatable structure to function as intended. When the inflatable structure is deflated, the entire structure can be folded and reduced to a very compact form for storage. In some embodiments, the integral inflation mechanism 302 is removed for storage. In other embodiments, each separate unit can be detached and stored separately.

Practical embodiments of the structure according to the invention include playhouse structures, bouncy houses, bouncy castles, slides, pools, cribs and play yards etc. Multiple designs using different inflatable structures, components, and connectors—and the inclusion of additional items such as a pool or a slide fall within the scope of this invention. Likewise, multiple inflatable play structures 100 can be connected together in parallel or in series.

Although in the disclosed examples it is assumed that inflation is achieved using air, any suitable fluid may be used in the scope of this invention. It is emphasized that the foregoing embodiments are only examples of the very many different structural configurations that are possible within the scope of the present invention.

Although the invention(s) is/are described herein with reference to specific embodiments, various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention(s), as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention(s). Any benefits, advantages, or solutions to problems that are described herein with regard to specific embodiments are not intended to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element of any or all the claims.

Unless stated otherwise, terms such as “first” and “second” are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the elements such terms describe. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other prioritization of such elements. The terms “coupled” or “operably coupled” are defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless stated otherwise. The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”) and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a system, device, or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more elements possesses those one or more elements but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Similarly, a method or process that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more operations possesses those one or more operations but is not limited to possessing only those one or more operations.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising:

an inflatable play structure; and

an air pump integrated within the inflatable play structure and configured to inflate the inflatable play structure to a pressure level, and to seal air at the pressure level into the inflatable play structure.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary port configured to release air from the inflatable play structure.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a coupler for coupling the auxiliary port of the inflatable play structure to an inflation port of an auxiliary structure, the coupler configured to pass air from the inflatable play structure to the auxiliary structure for inflation of the auxiliary structure by the air pump integrated with the inflatable play structure.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the inflation port of the auxiliary structure comprises a valve structure configured to allow one-way passage of air into the auxiliary structure.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the predetermined maximum pressure is determined by a maximum pumping pressure of the air pump.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inflatable play structure comprises a bouncy play surface configured to support one or more users bouncing thereon.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inflatable play structure comprises one or more safety support structures for preventing a user from falling off of the bouncy play surface.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inflatable play structure further comprises a moveable cover positioned adjacent the air pump, the movable cover configured to protect the air pump from water damage.

9. A system comprising:

an inflatable play structure;

an air pump integrated with the inflatable play structure and configured to inflate the inflatable play structure to a pressure level, and to seal air at the pressure level into the inflatable play structure; and

one or more auxiliary sturctures configured to be inflated by the air pump integrated with the inflatable play structure.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the inflatable play structure further comprises an auxiliary port configured to release air from the inflatable play structure.

11. The system of claim 10, further comprising a coupler for coupling the auxiliary port of the inflatable play structure to an inflation port of the auxiliary structure, the coupler configured to pass air from the inflatable play structure to the auxiliary structure for inflation of the auxiliary structure by the air pump integrated with the inflatable play structure.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the coupler comprises a tube.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the tube comprises a flexible hose.

14. The system of claim 11, wherein the inflation port of the auxiliary structure comprises a valve structure configured to allow one-way passage of air into the auxiliary structure.

15. The system of claim 11, wherein the predetermined maximum pressure is determined by a maximum pumping pressure of the air pump.

16. The system of claim 9, wherein the inflatable play structure comprises a bouncy play surface configured to support one or more users bouncing thereon.

17. The system of claim 9, wherein the inflatable play structure comprises one or more safety support structures for preventing a user from falling off of the bouncy play surface.

18. The system of claim 9, further comprising a moveable cover positioned adjacent the air pump, the movable cover configured to protect the air pump from water damage.

19. The system of claim 9, wherein the auxiliary structure comprises a slide.

20. The system of claim 9, wherein the auxiliary structure comprises a pool.