Inflatable structure with integrated carrier

Abstract

And the inflating device is provided with an inflating structure. The inflation structure has an inflation mode and a deflation mode. The inflation structure is provided with an inflation base. The inflation module is connected to the inflation structure. The inflation module has a blower driven by a fan motor. The inflation module further comprises an air inlet. The air blower sucks air from the air inlet and inflates the inflation structure. The inflation module forms a storage housing. The storage housing accommodates the inflatable structure when the inflatable structure is in the deflated mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of inflatable amusement structures. Background Art

[0002] Current inflatable amusement structures are all equipped with an electric fan for maintaining the inflated state of the inflatable amusement structure. These inflatable amusement structures are temporary and are usually set up for children's activities such as birthday parties and community gatherings. Various reference materials in the patent pictures describe different inflatable amusement structures.

[0003] For example, in U.S. Patent No. 7,127,762, titled "Inflatable Product with Retractable Pump", issued to Lau on October 31, 2006, the inventor described: "An inflatable product having a socket mounted on the wall of the inflatable body and extending into the interior of the inflatable body. A pump is slidably mounted within the socket and is slidable from a retracted position to an extended position. The retracted position defines the insertion limit of the pump into the socket, and the extended position defines the extraction limit of the pump from the socket. The pump can be used to inflate the inflatable body when in the extended position. The pump includes a power source connected to a fan for inflating the inflatable body. The pump also includes a switch that activates the fan when in the closed position. When the pump is in the extended position, the switch is in the closed position; when the pump is in the retracted position, the switch is in the open position. When the pump is in the extended position, the pump includes an air inlet communicating with the ambient air, and when in the retracted position, the air inlet is isolated from the ambient air. The socket includes an outlet in fluid communication with the interior of the inflatable body, and when the pump is in the extended position, the socket and the pump define a sealed conduit that indirectly connects the outlet of the pump to the outlet of the socket to inflate the inflatable body. The socket has an opening through which the pump extends, and the opening is substantially sealed by the pump. When the pump is in the retracted position, the pump seals the outlet of the socket. Pawl protrusions and grooves releasably hold the pump in the extended position. The battery can be removed when the pump is in the extended position."

[0004] For example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0124402A1, titled "Inflatable Amusement Structure with Integrated Air Source", issued to Amberg on May 14, 2009, the inventor described: "An inflatable structure having a built-in air pump within a housing located at or near the edge of the structure. The housing is typically made of the same material as the amusement structure. An orifice within the housing operably connects the air pump to the air chamber of the inflatable device. A flexible hose can be used to connect the air pump to the orifice. An access hatch is provided to facilitate air exchange and to observe the air pump during operation. This configuration increases safety as it eliminates the possibility of a user (usually a child) coming into contact with or touching an externally located air pump during use."

[0005] For example, in U.S. Patent 2015 / 0148141A1, titled "Inflatable Amusement Structure with Integrated Inflation Mechanism", issued on May 28, 2015, the inventor described "an embodiment of an inflatable amusement structure. In one embodiment, the inflatable amusement structure includes an air pump integrated with the inflatable amusement structure for inflating the inflatable amusement structure to a pressure level and sealing the air at that pressure level within the inflatable amusement structure."

[0006] For example, in U.S. Patent 2016 / 0310860A1, titled "Inflatable Amusement Structure", issued on October 27, 2016, with the inventor being Lindstrom, the inventor described the following: "An inflatable structure having an integrated air pump within a housing located at or near the edge of the structure. The housing is typically made of the same material as the amusement structure. A hole within the housing operably connects the air pump to the air chamber of the inflatable device. A flexible hose can be used to connect the air pump to the hole. An access hatch is provided to facilitate gas exchange and to observe the air pump during operation. This configuration increases safety as it eliminates the possibility of users (usually children) coming into contact with or touching an externally located air pump during use." Summary of the Invention

[0007] An inflatable device having an inflatable structure. The inflatable structure has an inflation mode and a deflation mode. The inflatable structure has an inflation base. An inflation module is connected to the inflatable structure. The inflation module has a blower driven by a fan motor. The inflation module further includes an air inlet. The blower draws air in from the air inlet and inflates the inflatable structure. The inflation module forms a storage housing. When the inflatable structure is in the deflation mode, the storage housing accommodates the inflatable structure.

[0008] Optionally, the blower of the inflatable carrier is mounted at the air inlet. A connecting strap is mounted on the storage housing and configured to connect the storage housing to the inflation base. The inflatable carrier has an attachment mode in which the inflation module is attached to the inflatable structure at the inflation base. An air intake duct receives the airflow from the blower, and the blower is configured to inflate the air intake duct. The air intake duct is inflatable. The inflation module has a separation mode. The inflation module separates from the inflatable structure and is connected only at the duct. The inflatable structure can be removed from the inflation module. The connecting strap is configured to close the storage housing and hold the inflatable structure within the storage housing. A gas collector is formed around the blower. The gas collector is configured to attenuate the sound of the fan motor. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the present invention in the attachment mode.

[0010] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 3 is a drawing showing the winding configuration of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 4 is a drawing showing the deployment mode of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention showing a sound attenuation cover for a fan. The following list of elements can serve as a useful guide for referencing the element numbers in the drawing.

[0014] 20 Inflatable structure

[0015] 21 Inflatable base

[0016] 22 Inflatable column

[0017] 23 Bouncing surface

[0018] 24 Upper awning

[0019] 25 Fence panel

[0020] 26 Storage package

[0021] 27 Storage sleeve

[0022] 28 Storage housing

[0023] 29 Connecting strap

[0024] 30 Inflatable module

[0025] 31 Inflatable module housing

[0026] 32 Blower

[0027] 33 Air inlet

[0028] 34 Fan motor

[0029] 35 Air inlet duct

[0030] 36 Air inlet collector

[0031] 37 Storage housing connector

[0032] 41 Storage opening edge

[0033] 42 Winding configuration

[0034] 43 Storage proximal part

[0035] 44 Pipe connection

[0036] 45 Handheld handle

[0037] 46 Air inlet grille

[0038] 51 Power cord

[0039] 52 Handle

[0040] 53 Wheel

[0041] 87 Intake collector cavity

[0042] 88 Intake collector cover

[0043] 89 Motor cover. Detailed implementation manner

[0044] As Figure 1 shown, the inflatable structure has an upper awning 24, closing a bouncing surface 23. The vertical inflatable columns 22 support the fence panels 25 extending between the inflatable columns 22. In addition, the inflatable base 21 supports the inflatable columns 22. The inflatable base 21 provides a bouncing surface 23. The inflatable structure 20 has a communicating fluid passing therethrough, such that the air flow from the inflatable base 21 can flow through the inflatable columns 22 and the bouncing surface 23. The fence panels 25 can be defined between the upper awning 24, the inflatable base 21 and a pair of inflatable columns 22. The fence panels 25 can be made of a mesh to keep the user inside the bouncing surface 23.

[0045] The inflatable module 30 can be installed on the inflatable base 21 in an attachment mode, where the strap 29 can connect the inflatable module 30 to the inflatable base 21 in a strap-like manner. The inflatable module 30 can be driven by electricity such as household current. The inflatable module 30 is provided with a blower 32 installed inside the inflatable module housing 31. The inflatable module housing 31 can be elastic and have a cushioned outer surface, such as foam rubber or an inflatable outer surface.

[0046] As Figure 2 shown, the inflatable structure 20 can be rolled up into a storage package 26. The storage package 26 can be placed in a storage sleeve 27. The storage sleeve 27 can also be fixed in shape with a strap. Then, the inflatable structure 20 can be placed in a storage housing 28. The storage housing 28 can have a storage proximal portion 43 that unfolds and opens at the storage opening edge 41. Thus, the storage housing 28 forms a box or container for holding the inflatable structure 20. The connecting strap 29 can be connected to the inflatable base 21 in an attachment mode when the device is in the deployed position. The connecting strap 29 is preferably attached to the storage housing 28 at the storage proximal portion 43. The connecting strap 29 can also close the storage housing 28 at the storage opening edge 41.

[0047] The inflatable module 30 can be connected to the storage housing 28 through a storage housing connector 37 formed on the inflatable module 30, such that the storage housing connector 37 firmly fixes the storage housing 28 to the inflatable module 30. Airflow can pass through the intake duct 35. The intake duct 35 receives air from the intake collector 36. The intake collector 36 is preferably acoustically treated to reduce fan noise, such as being padded or lined with thin soft foam. The inflatable module 30 has an air inlet 33, and air is received by driving a blower 32 through a fan motor 34. The blower 32 sends the air through the intake collector 36 and then to the intake duct 35. The blower 32 is installed in the inflatable module 30, and the storage module 28 can also be installed in the inflatable module 30. Thus, the entire package can be stored in a container in the shape of a suitcase.

[0048] As Figure 3 shown, the inflatable module 30 can be equipped with a side-mounted blower 32 behind the intake grille 46. Since inflation requires electricity, the power cord 51 can help supply power to the side-mounted blower 32. The winding configuration 42 of the inflatable structure 20 is connected to the intake duct 35 through eight duct connections 44. The storage proximal portion 43 can be formed as a flap that closes after the winding configuration 42 is rolled up towards the inflatable module 30. The storage housing 28 is not shown in this figure because the storage housing 28 is installed in the inflatable module 30. Optionally, the storage housing 28 can be integrally formed with the inflatable module 30 instead of being a component joined by stitching or the like.

[0049] The construction of the inflatable module 30 and the storage proximal portion 43 is preferably a suitcase, which can have rigid or soft panels. This suitcase configuration preferably further includes wheels 53 and a handle 52.

[0050] As Figure 4 shown, the inflatable module 30 has an inflatable module connection bracket 53. When the user wants to close the flap door on the inflatable module 30, the strap 29 can be connected to the inflatable module connection bracket 53. The storage housing 28 is formed in the inflatable module 30. The strap 29 can also be connected to the inflatable structure 20. As Figure 4 shown in the deployment mode, it allows the user to disconnect the strap 29 from the base connection bracket 52. The intake duct 35 extends long enough to place the inflatable module 30 at a position away from the inflatable structure. Here, the inflatable structure is a partially inflated structure 50 that is in the process of inflation. The partially inflated structure 50 has an air outlet 47 for deflating the partially inflated structure 50. The inflatable structure also has an inflatable structure length 61 and an inflatable structure width 62. The length and width dimensions define a footprint larger than that of the inflatable module 30. After Figure 4 the deployment mode shown in Figure 1The attachment mode shown in. The device can switch between an unfolded mode and an attachment mode, where in the unfolded mode the inflatable module 30 is at a certain distance from the inflatable springboard, and in the attachment mode the inflatable module 30 and the storage housing 28 are attached to the inflatable structure. The inflatable module 30 can be folded into a smaller profile when attached and can be unfolded into a larger profile when detached.

[0051] As Figure 5 shown, the air intake collector 36 preferably includes an air intake collector cover 88 mounted on the air intake collector 36 and reducing sound. The air intake collector cover 88 can be a mineral wool board covering the air intake collector 36. The air intake collector 36 has a concave shape, so the air intake collector cover 88 also has a concave shape to fit the shape of the air intake collector 36. The air intake collector cover 88 provides additional sound attenuation for users playing on the play structure. The air intake collector 36 may have a sound-reflecting surface, such as a hard plastic surface, to direct sound out of the device. Additionally, the motor 34 may have a motor cover 89. The motor cover 89 can be made of a sound attenuation structure, such as high-density mineral wool. If mineral wool is used for manufacturing, preferably at least one outer surface of the mineral wool is treated with an adhesive, such as epoxy resin, to avoid the shedding of the messy fibers of the mineral wool. The air intake collector 37 preferably has a concave shape, which provides an air intake collector cavity 87 for guiding and attenuating sound.

Claims

1. An inflatable structure with an integrated carrier, comprising: a. An inflatable structure, wherein the inflatable structure has an inflated mode and a deflated mode, and the inflatable structure has an inflation base; b. An inflation module connected to the inflatable structure, wherein the inflation module has a blower driven by a fan motor, and the inflation module further includes an air inlet, and the blower inhales air from the air inlet and inflates the inflatable structure; and c. A storage housing formed in the inflation module, and when the inflatable structure is in the deflated mode, the storage housing accommodates the inflatable structure.

2. The inflatable structure with an integrated carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that, The blower is installed at the air inlet.

3. The inflatable structure with an integrated carrier according to claim 1, wherein It further includes a connecting strap, wherein the connecting strap is installed on the storage housing and is configured to connect the storage housing to the inflation base.

4. The inflatable structure with an integrated carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes a connecting strap, wherein the connecting strap is installed on the storage housing, and the connecting strap is configured to close the storage housing and hold the inflatable structure within the storage housing.

5. The inflatable structure with an integrated carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes an attachment mode, wherein after the inflatable structure is removed from the inflation module, the inflation module is attached to the inflatable structure at the inflation base.

6. The inflatable structure with an integrated carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inflation module has an attachment mode, in which the inflation module is attached to the inflatable structure at the inflation base.

7. The inflatable structure with an integrated carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes an air intake duct, wherein the blower is configured to inflate the air intake duct, and the air intake duct is inflatable.

8. The inflatable structure with an integrated carrier according to claim 7, characterized in that, It further includes a separation mode, wherein the inflation module is separated from the inflatable structure and is only connected at the duct.

9. The inflatable structure with an integrated carrier according to claim 7, characterized in that, The blower is installed at the air inlet.

10. The inflatable structure with an integrated carrier according to claim 7, characterized in that, It further includes a connecting strap, wherein the connecting strap is installed on the storage housing and is configured to connect the storage housing to the inflation base.

11. The inflatable structure with an integrated carrier according to claim 7, characterized in that, It further includes a connecting strap, wherein the connecting strap is installed on the storage housing and is configured to connect the storage housing to the inflation base.

12. The inflatable structure with an integrated carrier according to claim 7, characterized in that, It further includes an attachment mode, wherein the inflation module is attached to the inflatable structure on the inflation base.

13. The inflatable structure with an integrated carrier according to claim 7, characterized in that, The inflation module has an attachment mode, in which the inflation module is attached to the inflatable structure at the inflation base.

14. An inflatable structure with an integrated carrier, comprising: a. An inflatable structure, wherein the inflatable structure has an inflated mode and a deflated mode, and the inflatable structure has an inflation base; b. An inflation module connected to the inflatable structure, wherein the inflation module has a blower driven by a fan motor, wherein the inflation module further includes an air inlet, and the blower inhales air from the air inlet and inflates the inflatable structure; c. A storage housing formed in the inflation module, and when the inflatable structure is in the deflated mode, the storage housing accommodates the inflatable structure; d. A gas collector formed around the blower, the gas collector is configured to attenuate the sound of the fan motor, a sound attenuation cover is installed on the gas collector, and the gas collector has a concave shape for accommodating the fan motor.

15. The inflatable structure with an integrated carrier according to claim 14, characterized in that, The blower is installed at the air inlet.

16. The inflatable structure with an integrated carrier according to claim 14, characterized in that, It further includes a connecting strap, wherein the connecting strap is installed on the storage housing and is configured to connect the storage housing to the inflation base.

17. The inflatable structure with an integrated carrier according to claim 14, characterized in that, It further includes a connecting strap, wherein the connecting strap is installed on the storage housing, and the connecting strap is configured to close the storage housing and hold the inflatable structure within the storage housing.

18. The inflatable structure with an integrated carrier according to claim 14, characterized in that, It further includes an attachment mode, wherein after the inflatable structure is removed from the inflation module, the inflation module is attached to the inflatable structure on the inflation base.

19. The inflatable structure with an integrated carrier according to claim 14, characterized in that, The inflation module has an attachment mode, in which the inflation module is attached to the inflatable structure at the inflation base.

20. The inflatable structure with an integrated carrier according to claim 14, characterized in that, It further includes an intake duct, wherein the blower is configured to inflate the intake duct, and wherein the intake duct is inflatable.

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