Inflatable object with pressure sensitive pump

Abstract

An inflatable object with a sag to enclose pressurized air to a predetermined threshold pressure and to obtain a shape, a decorative dress to cover at least a portion of the sag and having characteristics of an object having the shape when covering the sag outer surface, couplings on the sag outer surface to which the decorative dress is attached, a frame to support at least a portion of the sag, an electric air pump coupled to the sag by a unidirectional inlet valve, and to provide the insufflated air to the sag, a sensor coupled to the sag and configured to detect sag air pressure; and a controller, coupled between the sensor and the pump. The controller operates the pump to automatically maintain a threshold pressure of air within the sag as sensed by the sensor. The sensor and the controller are disposed on the sag surface.

Description

BACKGROUND1. Field of the Invention[0001]The present invention is related to inflatable objects and, in particular, to inflatable objects with pressure sensors.2. Background Art[0002]Typically, inflatable objects are limited in shapes, such as tubes and beach balls, and can be difficult to store and to ship. Also, some inflatable objects, such as furniture (e.g., a chair), are uncomfortable to sit in and may deflate slowly during use. In addition, inflatable objects can be cumbersome to inflate. An inflatable display is mostly a plastic body sewn with outer layer decorations. For this type of display, it cannot be folded, often needs to disassemble the finished goods to ship, and therefore, needs much larger room / space to ship and store, increasing the shipping costs.[0003]Moreover, inflatable objects often do not have the cosmetic appeal as stuffed or carved display figures do. A large plush animal or display object may be expensive, and difficult to produce, ship, and store. Typic...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes an inflatable object, such as a decorative object, that can be expanded to a desired shape when insufflated with gas or air. The inflcent object includes a sag, which is a chamber that can hold the gas or air and allow it to expand to the desired shape. A decorative dress is attached to the sag to give it the appearance of a specific object. A controller automatically maintains a certain pressure within the sag using a sensor and an electric air pump. The inflatable object can also be powered by AC or DC power, and can include a frame to support the sag. The invention is useful for creating inflated objects with specific shapes and for decorative purposes.

Problems solved by technology

Typically, inflatable objects are limited in shapes, such as tubes and beach balls, and can be difficult to store and to ship.

Also, some inflatable objects, such as furniture (e.g., a chair), are uncomfortable to sit in and may deflate slowly during use.

In addition, inflatable objects can be cumbersome to inflate.

For this type of display, it cannot be folded, often needs to disassemble the finished goods to ship, and therefore, needs much larger room / space to ship and store, increasing the shipping costs.

Moreover, inflatable objects often do not have the cosmetic appeal as stuffed or carved display figures do.

A large plush animal or display object may be expensive, and difficult to produce, ship, and store.

Typical inflatable furniture and bean bags are not equipped with a sensor to control the air pressure within the forms.

Further, it requires a longer time and more labor to assemble, therefore, a product that is easily folded, easily assembled and keeps its the shape is needed.

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