Inflatable Or Pneumatic Patents (Class 472/134)
  • Patent number: 11305168
    Abstract: A stowable climbing wall device having a self-supporting frame, and a climbing wall first side and a second side releasably joined together for movement between a closed position and an open position, and the climbing wall side includes a removable panel for engaging climbing holds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Inventor: Jeffry W. Smith
  • Patent number: 11090573
    Abstract: A water or other amusement attraction that includes an inflatable portion or material. A cavity of the attraction is located underneath an upper surface, the upper surface configured to support a flow of water and at least one rider thereon. A volume of water is configured to be disposed within the cavity, the upper surface floating upon the volume of water while connected to at least one side wall, floor, and/or nozzle structure. A pump and nozzle assembly, positioned outside of the cavity, communicates with the water within the cavity for flowing a portion of the water over the upper surface. A drainage portion, adjacent to the upper surface, drains the flowing water back into the cavity for recirculation. Support components, such as a plurality of beams or an inflatable grid structure help maintain stability for the attraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: WHITEWATER WEST INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Marshall Corey Myrman, Brad Jiro Koide, Danny Philp
  • Patent number: 10258864
    Abstract: An air cushion for absorbing bounces, including at least one air chamber and one air inlet valve, characterized in that the air chamber has a multiplicity of protrusions in the direction of impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: BAGJUMP ACTION SPORTS GMBH
    Inventor: Martin Rasinger
  • Patent number: 9101848
    Abstract: The inventive device object of the present application is a vertically-standing mattress, which is designed to automatically reassume its vertical orientation when pushed down. Attached to either side of the mattress is a padded bar, preventing injury. The mattress is automatically wound into its initial orientation by a taut coil of elastic rope housed in a plastic container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Inventor: Ted Henderson
  • Publication number: 20150148141
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Mark Thompson, Anthony Brereton
  • Publication number: 20150111655
    Abstract: An inflatable obstacle course having a base and one or more inflatable side walls connected to the base and forming a housing. The obstacle course can include one or more obstacles positioned within the housing. The side walls can be adhered to the base to form a water seal. A layer of fluid can be positioned within at least a portion of the housing to provide resistance to participants moving through the obstacle course and to add to the fun of traversing the obstacle course.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Russell Coleman
  • Patent number: 9005044
    Abstract: Described herein is an amusement ride that includes an object that supports a passenger, a carriage that releasably supports the object, a propulsion mechanism that accelerates the carriage and the object releasably supported by the carriage up to a desired velocity, and a braking mechanism that decelerates the carriage to release the object from the carriage at the desired velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Stanley J. Checketts
  • Publication number: 20150051007
    Abstract: The embodied invention is an enclosed fabric structure that provides a three dimensional play area for a child to play in when it is inflated by a fan. Entry to the play area is by a tunnel connected to the enclosed fabric structure, which in turn, is connected to a horseshoe lift gate. Other tunnels can be connected to the fabric structure to allow additional fabric structures to be interconnected. This provides larger play volumes to be created. The tunnels are interconnected by gates with connecting features to seal them together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventor: Andrew B. Weekes
  • Patent number: 8852011
    Abstract: An inflatable play structure and system, the inflatable play structure including an inflatable envelope; and a weighted base attached to the inflatable envelope, the weighted base having a first base portion and a second base portion, the first base portion being attached to the second base portion by a base hinge. The first base portion and the second base portion are operable to enfold the inflatable envelope when the inflatable envelope is deflated and the first base portion and the second base portion are folded along the base hinge toward the inflatable envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: OSA Brands, LLC
    Inventor: Andrea Galinski
  • Publication number: 20140295980
    Abstract: An inflatable game field system includes at least two inflatable modules, at least one connecting pipeline and one air inlet system connected to blower(s). The inflatable modules are connected by the connecting pipeline, and the air inlet connects to one of the module at one end and connects to a blower at the other end, so that the air flow coming from the blower can move freely between the modules. This game field system can be setup in various locations, formed different field sizes and provide a safe game field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventor: Xing Chen
  • Publication number: 20140155181
    Abstract: A luminous inflatable figure has an inflatable body, a lighting unit and an air pump. The inflatable body is transparent and has at least one light bar and a controller bag sewed on an inner surface of the inflatable body. Each one of the at least one light bar bag and the controller bag has an electric wire hole formed through the corresponding light bar bag or controller bag. The lighting unit has at least one LED light bar and a controller. The at least one LED light bar is respectively mounted inside the at least one light bar bag. The controller is mounted inside the controller bag. The air pump is mounted to an air inlet on the inflatable body. Accordingly, the at least one LED light bar can emit light through the inflatable body to provide a luminous and entertaining effect in a dusky occasion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: GEMMY INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Cheng-Chun Zhang
  • Patent number: 8602902
    Abstract: Disclosed is an amusement device capable of increased sustainment of user interest. The present disclosure presumes a rotating amusement device comprising an amusement device proper and a rotating base. The amusement device proper further comprises a playroom, an airtight member, and a ventilator means. The playroom is a region surrounded by partition members that partition an amusement region, and the airtight member is disposed below the partition members that configure the wall units of the playroom. The interior of the playroom further comprises a ventilator means for creating a convection current in the air inside the playroom, and a plurality of balloons that are positioned in the playroom are made to float about wildly by the ventilator means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: BLD Oriental Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasushi Ochi
  • Patent number: 8425338
    Abstract: A sealed air support structure including at least one sealed air chamber. The at least one sealed air chamber includes at least a first side support and a second side support, each having a support end and a base end. The at least one sealed air chamber includes a main beam with a first end coupled with the support end of the first side support and a second end coupled with the support end of the second side support. A first plurality of connectors coupled with the base end of the first side support and a second plurality of connectors coupled with the base end of the second side support are configured to detachably couple with a plurality of connectors disposed on a cold-air inflatable structure. The at least one sealed air chamber is configured to support a weight applied to the main beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Inflatable 2000, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Gray
  • Publication number: 20130085005
    Abstract: An inflatable play structure and system, the inflatable play structure including an inflatable envelope; and a weighted base attached to the inflatable envelope, the weighted base having a first base portion and a second base portion, the first base portion being attached to the second base portion by a base hinge. The first base portion and the second base portion are operable to enfold the inflatable envelope when the inflatable envelope is deflated and the first base portion and the second base portion are folded along the base hinge toward the inflatable envelope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: CHELSEA & SCOTT LTD
    Inventor: Andrea Galinski
  • Patent number: 8342900
    Abstract: A glitter circulation device includes a housing defining a chamber configured to receive a doll. A tray is coupled to the housing and configured to hold a plurality of glitter particles. A fan is coupled to housing and in communication with the tray and the chamber. The fan is configured to draw the glitter particles from the tray and expel the glitter particles into the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Erika Kane, Andrew Lourits, James A. Molina, Ben Yip
  • Patent number: 8328594
    Abstract: Infant accommodation apparatus supported in normal use on a flat horizontal surface. The apparatus includes a support device having, in a vertical plane, a constant circular or oval-shaped cross-section along its extent. The support device has an inner enclosure wall which is an inwardly facing upstanding enclosure wall which defines an infant accommodation region in which an infant may be positioned in use. The inner enclosure wall is endless and defines an endless non-circular enclosure around the infant accommodation region. The maximum diameter of the infant accommodation region is in the range 20 to 50cm, and the inner enclosure wall includes, when viewed from above, three curved apex regions separated by curved side regions. The support device further includes an outer enclosure wall which is an outwardly facing upstanding enclosure wall. The outer enclosure wall, when viewed from above, is non-circular and symmetrical about each of three vertical planes angled at 120° to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: James Galt & Company Ltd.
    Inventor: Diana Hall
  • Patent number: 8210955
    Abstract: An amusement ride vehicle for maneuvering over a travel surface having a cushion of water includes a vehicle body defining a vehicle undersurface disposed for travel generally along the travel surface and at least one drive assembly housed by the vehicle body. The at least one drive assembly comprises a driven wheel disposed for selective engagement with the travel surface to maneuver the vehicle generally along the travel surface. The at least one drive assembly operates between a neutral state having the driven wheel disengaged from the travel surface, a forward drive state having the driven wheel engaged with the travel surface and driven in a forward direction, and a reverse drive state having the driven wheel engaged with the travel surface and driven in a reverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: StarFlight Amusement Rides, LLC
    Inventor: Lance Yule
  • Patent number: 8202172
    Abstract: A child's rocking toy provides a body, the body having a lower convex surface and an upper concave surface with a peripheral edge. The upper concave surface has a lower portion with a seat and a seating surface. A handle, handles or a steering wheel is mounted to the upper concave surface at a position next to the peripheral edge. The seating surface is placed in a position well below the peripheral edge and closer to the bottom of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventor: Francis E. LeJeune
  • Publication number: 20120138633
    Abstract: An amusement device for collecting and storing a quantity of air/gas from a selected source and expelling the stored air/gas as desired includes a collapsible bladder having an enclosed interior volume. The bladder being biased against collapse such that the bladder is expanded until being squeezed and such that the bladder once again expands when no longer being squeezed. The bladder including first and second openings into the enclosed interior volume. A first one-way valve is disposed across the first opening and configured to permit the flow of air into the enclosed interior volume through the first opening. A second one-way valve is disposed across second opening and configured to permit the flow of air out of the enclosed interior volume through the second opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: BUTTERCUP GROUP, INC.
    Inventor: Ross K. Magers
  • Publication number: 20120129618
    Abstract: A sealed air support structure including at least one sealed air chamber. The at least one sealed air chamber includes at least a first side support and a second side support, each having a support end and a base end. The at least one sealed air chamber includes a main beam with a first end coupled with the support end of the first side support and a second end coupled with the support end of the second side support. A first plurality of connectors coupled with the base end of the first side support and a second plurality of connectors coupled with the base end of the second side support are configured to detachably couple with a plurality of connectors disposed on a cold-air inflatable structure. The at least one sealed air chamber is configured to support a weight applied to the main beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventor: Stephen Gray
  • Patent number: 8047926
    Abstract: The present invention is an inflatable apparatus that has a fluid chamber. The inflatable side air chamber surrounds the fluid chamber. The inflatable side air chamber forms a fluid chamber pocket for receiving the fluid chamber. A sidewall of the inflatable side air chamber has retaining walls extending upward from the inflatable side air chamber for retaining children. A fill tube is disposed on the fluid chamber. An optional inflatable ramp adjacent to the fluid chamber leads to a slide for sliding to a slide exit. The ramp may have hand grips formed as straps and footholds may also be formed on the ramp. The retaining walls can be inflatable sidewalls that extend upward from the inflatable side air chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventor: Samuel Chen
  • Patent number: 7976396
    Abstract: An interactive inflatable amusement structure in the form of an obstacle course or play area which incorporates audio and visual electronics at various locations within the obstacle course through the use of a plurality of transmitter/receivers in radio frequency communication with a central control unit for transmitting data such as elapsed time and points, the central control unit positioned at the egress to the inflatable structure proximate the start of the obstacle course or inflatable game, bounce, etc., and the transmitter/receivers positioned within pockets or the like formed at various locations on the inflatable obstacle course structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Steven M. Boretskin
  • Patent number: 7938758
    Abstract: A hopping play ball has one or more water reservoirs in fluid communication with one or more squirt nozzles. The squirt nozzles are activated by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Inventors: Mark W. Publicover, Jon P. Hylbert, Donald Strasser
  • Patent number: 7931540
    Abstract: An inflatable playland for a child is disclosed, as are different embodiments relating to same. The playland may be designed to emulate different objects, and preferably allows for a child to play on or within same. A module or other device is also included to allow the playland to play a sound and/or display a visual upon detection of a child or other object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Moose Mountain Toymakers Ltd.
    Inventor: Ronald Lokos
  • Patent number: 7896752
    Abstract: An amusement ride system includes an amusement ride infrastructure defining a travel surface, with at least one vehicle having a vehicle body defining a vehicle undersurface disposed for travel generally along the travel surface. A plurality of valves are disposed to selectively deliver a pressurized flow of water through the travel surface, into a confined region defined between the vehicle undersurface and the travel surface, the pressurized flow of water into and through the confined region creating a cushion of water to separate the vehicle undersurface from the travel surface. The vehicle is configured to convey at least one passenger generally along the travel surface upon the cushion of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventor: Lance Yule
  • Patent number: 7878877
    Abstract: An inflatable device designed to provide safety information to a plurality of people. The inflatable device includes at least one meeting venue and at least one at least one physical activity feature. The meeting includes an inflatable structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Scherba Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Scherba
  • Publication number: 20110021279
    Abstract: The present invention is a system for recreational purposes. The system includes a vessel rotatably mounted, a support stand, and a drive system. The vessel has a wall that defines an internal cavity, sufficient for at least one occupant to be received wherein the occupant is in contact with the wall, and a tunnel for accessing the internal cavity. The wall has dampens the contact between the occupant and the vessel. The support stand has two connectors carried by elevated members on opposing sides of the vessel for supporting the vessel. A drive system that includes a motor mechanically connected to at least one of the connectors for rotating the vessel and the occupant within the internal cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: Outdoor Gravity, Inc.
    Inventor: David Charles AKERS
  • Patent number: 7867101
    Abstract: A family combined ball pool structure is provided. The ball pool structure is formed by stacking a fence frame, an inflatable pad and an inflatable wall. The fence frame is an enclosed cloth screen frame having a bottom layer and a circumference side. The bottom and circumference side inside the fence frame are formed by the inflatable pad and the inflatable wall, respectively. Therefore, a child is placed in a safe space formed by the inflatable pad and the inflatable wall, which form a safe and fall-proof family ball pool with the enclosure of the fence frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Li Hsen Plastics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: San-Lang Chiang
  • Patent number: 7789761
    Abstract: A stairway slide assembly including an anchoring approach pad at the top of the stairway, an intermediate inflatable slide section for overlying the stairway steps and an deceleration section at the bottom of the stairway. A slide section includes a plurality of inflatable, longitudinally extending air passages which are formed by sealing laterally spaced apart elongate confronting portions of a pair of air impervious sheets. An inflatable support base is coupled to and underlies the slide and includes transversely extending inflatable air passages received on the steps and supporting the underside of the slide in spaced relation with the underlying steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventor: Piper Lumsden
  • Patent number: 7765727
    Abstract: This invention discloses a three-dimensional inflatable card including a card body having a containing space defined therein, an opening formed on each of two corresponding sides of the containing space, and a movable portion disposed on the card body at a position corresponding to a side of the containing space; an airbag adhered on the card body within the containing space, and containing a reacting powder and an acid solution pack; and a protective ring disposed around the periphery of the airbag, and having a thickness sufficient to contain the acid solution pack; wherein an acid solution in the acid solution pack is able to chemically react with the reacting powder to produce gas for enabling the airbag to expand to a predetermined volume, break the movable portion, and extend to the outside of the containing space, so as to form a three-dimensional inflatable object on the card body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Inventor: Cheng-Wu Chen
  • Publication number: 20100120323
    Abstract: An interactive inflatable amusement structure in the form of an obstacle course or play area which incorporates audio and visual electronics at various locations within the obstacle course through the use of a plurality of transmitter/receivers in radio frequency communication with a central control unit for transmitting data such as elapsed time and points, the central control unit positioned at the egress to the inflatable structure proximate the start of the obstacle course or inflatable game, bounce, etc., and the transmitter/receivers positioned within pockets or the like formed at various locations on the inflatable obstacle course structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Steven M. Boretskin
  • Patent number: 7682260
    Abstract: A system for anchoring inflatable structures having a base which, when the structure is inflated, rests on a supporting surface to support the structure, includes at least one water receiving anchoring portion positioned adjacent a side of the base of the structure that rests on the supporting surface and which is secured to and extends from the inflatable structure. The water receiving anchoring portion includes a water receiving section to receive water therein and a shaping section to provide a shape to the water receiving section and to the water receiving anchoring portion to ease filling of the water receiving section with water. The shaping section shapes the water receiving section generally into a cup or bucket like structure so that water can be poured into the water receiving section without the water receiving section being held in such shape by hand or without having to be filled with pressurized water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventors: William N. Whitlock, Charles Brewer
  • Patent number: 7614930
    Abstract: A child activity center has a body structure that can be deflated and inflated. The body structure has a bottom end and a top end spaced upward from the bottom end when inflated. An opening is in the top end of the body structure and a child retaining region is accessible through the opening and defined within the body structure when inflated. A sealed air space is in the body structure and an air inlet is in communication with the air space and configured to permit inflation of the body structure. A seat is suspended in the retaining region and configured to support a child in the retaining region above the bottom end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventors: Cindy L. Berkey, Michael A. Dotsey, Thomas J. Pollack, William B. Bellows, Brian Kincaid
  • Patent number: 7601407
    Abstract: An inflatable tree that may be used as an indoor or outdoor decoration, particularly during the Christmas holiday season. In one embodiment, the inflatable tree comprises an inflatable bladder having a substantially conical or cylindrical prism shape, wherein the axial direction of the bladder is oriented along a vertical axis, and a plurality of conical skirts attached to the bladder, wherein the plurality of conical skirts are attached at different points along the vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Inventor: Allen Jacob Irvine
  • Publication number: 20090211168
    Abstract: Various embodiments of this invention disclose an inflatable bounce house with an animated display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Brett Bogar
  • Publication number: 20090163304
    Abstract: A sports goal comprises a plurality of struts interconnected to form nodes, with netting optionally attached thereto. The struts comprise: one or more struts defining a crossbar; two or more struts defining respective goal posts; a plurality of ground struts adapted to lie along the ground to define the bottoms of respective left and right sides and a rear of the goal; bracing struts interconnecting ground struts with the nodes at which crossbar struts and goal post struts are connected to form a corner of the goal; and struts defining one or more bracing structures interconnecting ground struts defining the rear of the goal with the crossbar at one or more points intermediate the length of the crossbar. The struts are formed of a tubular material adapted to be pneumatically filled from a pneumatic pump via one or more valves provided in the struts or in means connecting respective struts at the nodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: READY SET GOAL LTD
    Inventor: Tommy Caswell
  • Publication number: 20090124402
    Abstract: An inflatable structure having an integral air pump positioned within a housing at or near an edge of the structure. The housing is generally formed of the same material as the play structure. An orifice within the housing operably connects the air pump to the air chambers of the inflatable device. A flexible hose may be used to connect the air pump to the orifice. An access hatch is provided to facilitate air exchange and allow the air pump to be viewed during operation. This configuration increases safety because it eliminates the likelihood that users, generally children, will touch or come into contact with an externally positioned air pump during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventor: Ted Amberg
  • Publication number: 20090098520
    Abstract: An efficient and economical dressage training device and method that teaches dressage riders proper hip and elbow flexion and extension instinctively establishing muscle memory patterns in the rider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventor: AARON WILSON
  • Patent number: 7507137
    Abstract: A balloon display comprised of at least one or at least two frameworks as specified in different embodiments. Each framework has apertures that circumscribe inflatable chambers. The inflatable chambers are arranged in at least one or at least two layers as specified in different embodiments. The inflatable chambers are secured in the apertures by any of a variety of means specified. Elements of the display may be arranged in a variety of relationships to one another as specified. Elements of the display are connected by any of a variety of means specified. The display is designed for viewing in any of a variety of directions specified in different embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Inventor: Graham Manly Rouse
  • Patent number: 7494419
    Abstract: A stair slide having a longitudinally extending inflatable body with an upper surface and a lower surface. The body is configured so that when inflated, the lower surface conforms to steps of a stairway and the upper surface is substantially flat. A mounting device is attached to an upper end of the body for securing the body at the stairway. A lower end of the body opposite the upper end is formed as a flat landing area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Inventors: Dov Katz, Bezalel Katz
  • Publication number: 20090029785
    Abstract: A method for preparing an inflated ship-configured slide assembly for recreational purposes. The method includes inflating a deflated ship-configured slide assembly to produce an inflated ship-configured slide assembly comprising a tunnel including a tunnel side wall; passing a slide mat through the tunnel such that after the slide mat passes through the tunnel, the slide mat is detached from the tunnel side wall; and dispersing water inside the tunnel onto the detached slide mat. An inflated ship-configured water slide assembly comprising an inflated climb section; an inflated platform section coupled to the inflated climb section; and an inflated slide section coupled to the inflated platform section. The inflated ship-configured water slide assembly further comprises an inflated pool section coupled to the inflated slide section and a tunnel assembly having a tunnel which extends through the inflated ship-configured water-slide assembly. The tunnel has a tunnel side wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Geoff A. McKee, Eileen Megan Sefchick, Bruce Peter Popek
  • Patent number: 7475442
    Abstract: A baby soothing apparatus that is an inflatable, hollow cube made from a single, homogeneous layer of flexible material and the can be used to soothe a baby by being held by an adult user sitting on the inflatable device. As the apparatus is cubical, a more stable base is provided for individuals who have trouble balancing on an exercise ball. Within the cube, the top and bottom surfaces of the cube are thicker to limit their flexibility, while the side surfaces are thinner to allow them to flex outward when an individual is using the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Inventors: Daniel Dierking, Elizabeth Dierking
  • Publication number: 20090005187
    Abstract: Device and method for occupying a human subject with physical and mental activities. Includes (a) human mountable and movable object (12) having total volume in a range of between about 0.5 and 5 cubic meters and being sufficiently strong to bear weight of a human subject (5) when mounted thereupon; (b) object motion control assembly (16, 18, 20, 22, 24) operatively connected to object (12), for controlling motion of object (12) when human subject (5) is mounted upon object (12); and (c) base assembly (30, 32) operatively connected to the object motion control assembly, for anchoring the object motion control assembly when human subject (5) is mounted upon object (5) and moving upon object (12) within a field of space determined by characteristics, configuration, and dimensions, of object (12), the object motion control assembly, base assembly (30), and behavior of human subject (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventor: Nir Schechter
  • Patent number: 7465235
    Abstract: A combined human catapult and safety landing apparatus which is a pneumatically controlled human catapult for launching a person in a repeatable flight path in conjunction with a cooperating safety landing apparatus that eliminates the need for less safe water, net or mat landings. An air cylinder that is supplied with a predetermined quantity of gas based upon the passenger's weight is the controllable energy means for launching a passenger a predetermined distance. Having the throw distance controllable allows a safe, repeatable landing within the parameters of the safety landing apparatus. Within the landing apparatus area, the passenger is seated in the catapult that is positioned between an elongate pair of post elevated wires encircled by slidable rings. In flight, the rings which are tethered to the passenger, slide along the wires being pulled by the passenger which, at the same time, provides a controlled flight path and landing similar to sport skydiving but at much lower speeds and heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Bruce Evans
  • Publication number: 20080188332
    Abstract: A sports goal comprises a plurality of struts interconnected to form nodes, with netting optionally attached thereto. The struts comprise: one or more struts defining a crossbar; two or more struts defining respective goal posts; a plurality of ground struts adapted to lie along the ground to define the bottoms of respective left and right sides and a rear of the goal; bracing struts interconnecting ground struts with the nodes at which crossbar struts and goal post struts are connected to form a corner of the goal; and struts defining one or more bracing structures interconnecting ground struts defining the rear of the goal with the crossbar at one or more points intermediate the length of the crossbar. The struts are formed of a tubular material adapted to be pneumatically filled from a pneumatic pump via one or more valves provided in the struts or in means connecting respective struts at the nodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: READY SET GOAL LTD
    Inventor: Tommy Caswell
  • Patent number: 7390541
    Abstract: A rotating inflatable ornament has a main chamber, a bottom chamber, a blower, a rotating chamber, a rotating device and a joint tube. The bottom chamber is attached to the main chamber. The blower is mounted in the bottom chamber and fills the bottom chamber with air. The rotating chamber is mounted in the main chamber and has a main air tube and multiple inflatable adornments. The main air tube communicates with the bottom chamber. The rotating device is attached rotatably to the main chamber. The joint tube has an outer tube, an inner tube and a motor. The outer tube is attached to the bottom chamber. The inner tube is mounted rotatably in the outer tube and is attached to the main air tube. The motor rotates the rotating chamber to give a lively impression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Sheng-Hung Hsu
  • Patent number: 7357728
    Abstract: A slide and process of using the slide for humans' amusement, recreation and entertainment. The slide is an inflatable apparatus comprising a slide device and an airbag device. The slide device is an inflatable bag having a slide segment. The airbag device has a bottom bag separated into sections by vented baffles. The bottom bag is interconnected to top bags in the form of crumple tubess, which in turn are connected to a top cover sheet. In use, a person slides off the end of the slide segment and free falls to the airbag device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Inventor: Frederick Edward Osler-Weppenaar
  • Patent number: 7354351
    Abstract: A pair of opposed inflatable bladders form a false floor, ceiling or wall having a seam through which an object support is propelled, deforming the inflatable bladders around the support, thereby giving the appearance that an object mounted on the support above the bladders is self-propelled above the false floor, ceiling or wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLLP
    Inventor: Ross Edwards
  • Patent number: 7335109
    Abstract: A turbulent tassel column has an inflatable clear column member containing tassels held inside the column. The tassels circulate freely or are wall attached within the transparent column member. An inverted cone member held within the inflatable member directs airflow blowing tassels. The inverted cone member has an exit aperture and an input aperture. The input aperture receives airflow from the bottom of the column and directs airflow through an exit aperture. Tassels accumulating at the bottom of the input aperture receive airflow arriving from the bottom of the column at the input aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Samuel Chen
  • Patent number: 7311610
    Abstract: Play facility that lets play participants experience visual stimulation, and with which a decorative effect can be attained. The play facility includes a frame, partition members attached to the frame and forming a play space, a gas-filled transparent tubular member that is arranged within the play space at the bottom of the facility, an air-filled air mat that is enclosed by the tubular member, a pressurizing device for filling the inside of the tubular member and the air mat with air to increase their internal pressures, an air-flow generation device for causing air within the tubular member to flow in one direction, and balloons accommodated within the tubular member and caused to flow and circulate within the tubular member by the airflow generated by the airflow generation device. Play participants can step onto the tubular member or the air-mat and feel their elasticity, and by seeing the balloons flowing and circulating inside the tubular member, they can experience visual stimulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: BLD Oriental Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasushi Ochi