Inflatable figure holding device

Abstract

FIELD: inflatable structures.SUBSTANCE: invention relates namely to devices for holding inflatable figures maintained in working order by an air blower. The device comprises support elements connected to each other to form a spatial support structure and a seat for an air blower, fixing protrusions on the support elements, a lower ring with a central opening of the lower ring and mating openings of the lower ring, as well as an upper ring located above the lower ring with the possibility of pressing a section of the shell of the inflatable advertising figure to the lower ring.EFFECT: reliable retention of the inflatable advertising figure shell between the lower ring and the upper ring, the formation of a seat for the air blower by the supporting elements themselves, and also the increase in the rigidity and stability of the device.9 cl, 8 dwg

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the field of inflatable structures, namely to devices for holding inflatable figures maintained in working condition by an air blower.

[0002] The invention can be used in inflatable figures for various purposes, including informational, decorative, entertainment and other inflatable structures installed in open areas or indoors, including during mass events, landscaping, organizing temporary exhibitions, as well as in other cases where it is necessary to hold the inflatable figure in a working position.

[0003] The art includes known solutions in which an inflatable figure is connected to a base or air pump assembly via fasteners located around the perimeter of the lower opening of the shell. The air pump is located at the bottom of the figure, and support elements can be used to raise the air pump above the supporting surface to ensure air intake and structural stability. Solutions are also known in which the air pump assembly is removable or interchangeable with respect to the figure's shell.

[0004] Patent US5125177A - "Composite inflatable device".

[0005] This document discloses an inflatable device comprising a base portion with an air pump and an upper portion, wherein the upper portion is designed to be detachably attached to the base portion using a zipper or other detachable fastening, ensuring air communication between said portions.

[0006] The disadvantages of this solution, as applied to the design under consideration, are that it is focused primarily on the interchangeability of the upper part and the base part of the inflatable device, while the document does not disclose the support elements that, when connected to each other, form a seat for the air blower, does not disclose the ring element made of several sections, and does not disclose the mechanism for increasing stability due to the mutual support of the support elements under the load from the air blower.

[0007] Patent US6892772B1 - "Rotating inflatable device with built-in air blower and lighting device."

[0008] This document discloses a device comprising a base with an air blower placed therein, as well as a fastening unit for the lower opening of an inflatable shell, including an annular element and a fixing ring holding the lower opening of the shell on the annular element.

[0009] The disadvantages of this solution, as applied to the design under consideration, are that it is oriented towards a rotating inflatable device with a built-in drive unit and a box-type base, while it does not disclose a device in which several support elements, when connected to each other, form a seat for an air blower, mutually abut against each other when subjected to a load from the air blower, and the annular element is made of several sections and is fixed on the support elements through the interaction of the locking protrusions and the mating holes of the annular element.

[0010] Application US20050190556A1 - "Interchangeable fan assembly for inflatable cold air display articles."

[0011] This document discloses an inflatable advertising and display structure with an interchangeable air blower unit that is connected to the shell of the figure through a receiving opening using mating fasteners around the perimeter of the opening, wherein a zipper can be used as a connecting means, and a fastening frame can be used to attach the body of the air blower to the web.

[0012] The disadvantages of this solution, as applied to the design under consideration, are that the retention of the figure's shell is carried out by connecting along the perimeter of the receiving opening and / or the fastening frame, and the document does not disclose the design of the device with several support elements that form a seat for the air blower, does not disclose the fixing protrusions on the support elements and the mating holes of the annular element, and does not disclose an increase in the rigidity and stability of the device due to the mutual support of the support elements when subjected to a load from the air blower.

[0013] Patent US6764201B2 - "Assembly of an inflatable figure", which is the closest analogue.

[0014] This document discloses an inflatable figure with a base unit comprising a plurality of hinged legs, cross links, a support member for an air blower, an air blower and a fabric ring with a zipper, wherein the fabric ring is secured to the support member by means of a clamping member and fasteners.

[0015] The disadvantages of this solution, as applied to the design under consideration, include the fact that it contains separate hinged legs, cross braces, a support element for the air blower, a fabric ring, a clamping element, a zipper, and fasteners, which increases the number of parts and assembly steps. Furthermore, stability is ensured by separate cross braces and a support element, rather than by the mutual support elements supporting the air blower under load. The document also fails to disclose that the support elements, when connected together, form a seat for the air blower, while the ring element is composed of several sections and is secured to the support elements by the interaction of locking protrusions and mating holes in the ring element.

[0016] Thus, the identified solutions confirm the known use of an air blower, support elements and fastening elements of the shell of an inflatable figure, but do not disclose a disassemblable device for holding an inflatable figure, in which the support elements, when connected to each other, form a seat for the air blower, mutually abut against each other under the load from the air blower, and the annular element is made of several sections and is fixed on the support elements through the interaction of the locking protrusions and the mating holes of the annular element.

[0017] Disclosure of the essence of the invention

[0018] The present invention relates to a device for holding a figure, configured to install an air blower and hold the shell of an inflatable figure in a working position relative to said air blower.

[0019] The device for holding an inflatable figure is designed as a spatial collapsible structure containing support elements, a lower ring and an upper ring.

[0020] In this description, support elements refer to the load-bearing components of the device. When assembled, they are interconnected, forming a spatial support structure, providing a mounting surface for the air blower, and supporting the load of the air blower in its operating position. These support elements simultaneously ensure the device's installation on the supporting surface, support of the lower ring, and increased stability under operating load.

[0021] In this description, the "air blower mounting location" refers to the space and / or support contour formed by the supporting elements in their connected state and configured to accommodate the air blower in a predetermined position relative to the device. In this case, the air blower mounting location is formed by the supporting elements themselves, without a separate central support element.

[0022] In the present description, mutual support of the support elements is understood to mean their mutual arrangement and interaction, in which, when exposed to a load from the air blower, at least some of the support elements transmit force to each other through contact and / or joining areas, as a result of which the support elements begin to operate as a single spatial force system, ensuring an increase in the rigidity and stability of the device.

[0023] In this description, the lower ring refers to an annular element located at the top of the support elements and designed to interact with said support elements, for mounting relative to the air blower, and for, together with the upper ring, to hold a portion of the inflatable figure's shell. The lower ring is formed with a central opening in the lower ring designed for mounting relative to the air blower, and with mating openings in the lower ring designed to interact with the locking protrusions of the support elements.

[0024] In this description, the "upper ring" refers to an annular element located above the lower ring and designed to press a portion of the inflatable figure's shell against the lower ring. Thus, the lower ring and the upper ring together form an annular retaining assembly in which a portion of the inflatable figure's shell is clamped between said rings.

[0025] In this description, the section of the inflatable figure shell is understood to be the part of the inflatable figure shell that is placed between the lower ring and the upper ring and held by the said rings along the perimeter of the air blower installation area.

[0026] The technical problem of the claimed solution is to create a device for holding an inflatable figure that would ensure reliable holding of the inflatable figure shell, installation of the air blower in the working position and increasing the stability of the device in the working state while simultaneously simplifying the design of the device.

[0027] An additional technical problem is the creation of a device in which the retention of a section of the inflatable figure's shell would be carried out not by separate, disparate fastening elements around the perimeter, but by a structurally simple and reliable ring unit that ensures the pressing of the said section of the shell between the lower ring and the upper ring.

[0028] Another component of the technical problem is the creation of a device in which the air blower would not require a separate central support element, and its installation would be carried out by forming a seat for the air blower by the support elements themselves, and the shape and mutual joining of the support elements would ensure an increase in the rigidity and stability of the device under the working load due to the mutual support of the support elements.

[0029] Furthermore, the technical problem lies in creating a design that allows both the implementation of the device in a disassembled form and the implementation of at least some of the device units in a pre-assembled form, without changing the structural essence of the solution.

[0030] Technical result

[0031] The technical result of the claimed solution consists in ensuring reliable retention of the section of the inflatable figure shell between the lower ring and the upper ring, in ensuring the specified positioning of the air blower relative to the device, in simplifying the design of the device by forming a seat for the air blower by the support elements themselves without a separate central support element, and also in increasing the rigidity and stability of the device in the working position due to the mutual support of the support elements when subjected to a load from the air blower.

[0032] Additionally, the technical result consists in reducing the number of independent structural elements required to hold a section of the inflatable figure shell and install an air blower, as well as in ensuring reliable interaction between the support elements and the lower ring by means of the fixing projections of the support elements and the mating holes of the lower ring, while the additional technical effect consists in ensuring reliable retention of the air blower by placing it in the seat for the air blower formed by the support elements, and pressing it with the lower ring fixed on the support elements by means of the interaction of the fixing projections of the support elements with the mating holes of the lower ring.

[0033] The claimed technical result is achieved in that the device for holding an inflatable figure contains support elements made with the possibility of being connected to each other with the formation in the assembled state of a spatial support structure and a seat for an air blower, wherein fixing projections are made on the support elements, the device is provided with a lower ring located in the upper part of the support elements and made with a central opening of the lower ring for installation relative to the air blower and with mating openings of the lower ring for interaction with the fixing projections of the support elements, as well as an upper ring located above the lower ring with the possibility of pressing a section of the shell of the inflatable figure to the lower ring, and the support elements are made and located in such a way that when exposed to a load from the air blower installed in the seat for the air blower,the supporting elements rest against each other, providing increased rigidity and stability of the device.

[0034] The essence of the claimed solution is that the device for holding an inflatable figure structurally combines three functional blocks that work in a coordinated manner.

[0035] The first functional block is formed by support elements. The support elements are interconnected and, when assembled, form a spatial support structure. This spatial support structure not only serves as a support structure but also forms a mounting location for the air blower. In other words, the air blower's mounting function is realized not by a separate central frame, a separate housing, or a separate central support element, but by the combination of the support elements themselves and their relative positions.

[0036] The second functional unit is formed by a lower ring and an upper ring. The lower ring is an annular element that interacts with the support elements and is positioned relative to the air pump. The upper ring is positioned above the lower ring and is designed to press a section of the inflatable figure's shell against the lower ring. As a result, the section of the inflatable figure's shell is not secured by multiple separate clamps, but is held in place by a ring-shaped contour between the lower ring and the upper ring.

[0037] The third functional unit is formed by the interaction between the support elements and the lower ring. The support elements have locking projections, and the lower ring has matching holes. This interaction ensures that the lower ring is positioned relative to the support elements and retains the lower ring on the support elements.

[0038] It is important that the lower ring is designed with a central hole in the lower ring. The central hole in the lower ring allows the lower ring to be positioned relative to the air blower and aligns the lower ring with the air blower. Thus, the lower ring simultaneously serves as the annular base for the retaining assembly and as a positioning aid relative to the air blower.

[0039] It's also important that the inflatable figure's shell section is located between the lower and upper rings. This ensures that the inflatable figure's shell is held in place not by individual fasteners or discrete points, but by a circumferential pressure zone. This design increases the reliability of the inflatable figure's shell section, reduces the likelihood of localized damage to the material, and ensures a more even distribution of the holding force around the perimeter of the held zone.

[0040] A key feature is the design of the support elements so that, when assembled, they form a mounting location for the air blower. This means that the specified position of the air blower is ensured by the geometry and mutual alignment of the support elements. This eliminates the need for a separate, stand-alone component specifically designed for installing the air blower.

[0041] An essential feature is the support elements being provided with mating sections and arranged in such a way that, when subjected to a load from the air blower, the support elements mutually abut one another through said mating sections. Each support element comprises at least one mating section, formed as a protruding element, and at least one mating section, formed as a recessed recess. These mating sections are configured to allow the support elements to be mutually mated using a tongue-and-groove pattern.

[0042] When assembling a spatial support structure, the mating sections of the support elements are mated with one another in such a way that the protruding sections of one support element fit into the corresponding recesses of the other support elements, resulting in the formation of a closed central joint unit, uniting the support elements into a single spatial system. This central joint unit is located in the area where the air blower seat is formed and supports the loads from the air blower.

[0043] This feature reflects the fundamental mechanical operating principle of the structure. When unloaded, the support elements are held in place by the geometric coupling of the mating sections. However, when the air blower is installed and the load is transferred to the support elements, the forces are redistributed between the support elements through the contact surfaces of the mating sections. Due to the mutual support of the mating sections, which are constructed using a tongue-and-groove design, the support elements limit their relative movement and bear the load jointly, rather than individually.

[0044] As a result, the support elements no longer operate as independent components, but rather form a single power system in which the load from the air blower is transmitted through the central joint and redistributed among all the support elements. The geometry of the joint sections and their relative positions ensure a self-aligning position of the support elements under load, whereby the forces are locked within the structure, and the elements are additionally pressed together. This increases the rigidity of the spatial support structure, reduces the likelihood of support element divergence, and improves the stability of the device in its operating position.

[0045] In other words, the design is such that the load from the air blower does not destabilize the device, but rather facilitates its transition to a more stable state. The greater the load the air blower and inflatable device exert on the supporting elements within the intended operating mode, the greater the mutual support effect between the supporting elements, and the more rigid and stable the spatial supporting structure becomes.

[0046] Another essential feature is the interaction of the locking protrusions of the support elements with the corresponding openings of the lower ring. This interaction allows the lower ring to assume a predetermined position relative to the support elements, and also creates conditions for the lower ring to work together with the support elements to form the inflatable figure's holding device.

[0047] The combination of these features is essential to achieving the stated technical result. If the lower and upper rings are omitted, the device loses the design principle of annular retention of the inflatable body shell. If the mating holes in the lower ring or the locking protrusions of the support elements are omitted, the principle of installation and retention of the lower ring on the support elements changes. If the support elements themselves do not form a seat for the air pump, a separate central support element or other independent load-bearing unit will be required. If the mutual support of the support elements under operating load is omitted, the mechanism for increasing the rigidity and stability of the device in its operating position is lost.

[0048] Thus, the claimed solution is a device for holding an inflatable figure, in which holding the shell of the inflatable figure, installing an air blower and increasing the stability of the device are achieved by the coordinated interaction of the support elements, the lower ring and the upper ring, as well as the interaction of the locking protrusions of the support elements with the mating holes of the lower ring.

[0049] Preferred and private options

[0050] Generally, the device may comprise at least three support elements interconnected to form a spatial support structure and a mounting location for the air blower. In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises four support elements. This number of support elements ensures the formation of a stable spatial support structure, the formation of a mounting location for the air blower, and the convenient placement of the lower ring and upper ring at the top of the device.

[0051] In the preferred embodiment, the support elements are identical in shape. This design simplifies device manufacture, reduces the number of parts, and facilitates assembly, as all support elements are interchangeable and can be installed relative to one another to form a spatial support structure.

[0052] Each support element is designed as a flat, elongated profile part with a lower support portion designed to engage the supporting surface and an upper portion designed to engage the lower ring. The lower portion of the support element is designed to provide stable support against the surface and distribute the load, and its shape can be curved or smoothly expanding toward the supporting surface.

[0053] The central section of the support element is curved and directed upward, forming a load-bearing element that supports the load from the air blower and transfers it to the supporting surface. This element is designed so that, when assembled, the support elements are arranged circumferentially, creating an internal space corresponding to the mounting location for the air blower.

[0054] The central portion of each support element contains mating sections, one of which is designed as a protruding element, and the other as a matching recess. These mating sections are designed to allow the support elements to be mated with each other using a tongue-and-groove system, whereby the protruding section of one support element fits into the matching recess of the other support element. The geometry of the mating sections is profiled, ensuring not only the fixation of the support elements in a given position but also the transfer of forces between them during operation.

[0055] The upper portion of the support element is provided with a locking protrusion configured to engage with the corresponding openings of the lower ring. This locking protrusion may be provided, for example, with a catching surface or a ledge that ensures the lower ring is secured when installed on the support elements.

[0056] The upper portion of the support element also features a supporting surface designed to accommodate the lower ring. This supporting surface is flat and oriented to ensure that, when the lower ring is installed, the load from the lower ring is transferred to the supporting elements.

[0057] The upper part of the support element simultaneously serves as a positioning, support, and fixation element for the lower ring. During installation, the lower ring rests on the bearing surfaces of the support elements and is further secured by the engagement of the locking protrusions with the corresponding holes in the lower ring. This design ensures a stable position of the lower ring, limits its movement, and ensures its secure retention in a predetermined position relative to the support elements.

[0058] Thus, the shape of each support element ensures the simultaneous performance of several functions: the formation of a seat for the air blower, the formation of a central docking unit through docking sections, the perception and redistribution of the load, as well as the fixation of the lower ring, which together ensures a compact design, a reduction in the number of parts and an increase in the technological efficiency of assembly.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the support elements are provided with sections that guide the air blower during its installation in the air blower mounting location. Such sections may be formed by curved and / or inclined surfaces of the support elements that follow the curves of the air blower housing, thereby guiding the air blower to a predetermined position relative to the device during installation.

[0060] In the preferred embodiment, the lower ring is made of one piece. This design ensures high ring rigidity of the lower ring, simplifies the interaction of the lower ring with the supporting elements, and increases the reliability of the inflatable figure's shell section's attachment to the upper ring.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the upper ring is designed to be installed over the lower ring to form a pressing zone for the portion of the shell of the inflatable figure between the lower ring and the upper ring.

[0062] In the preferred embodiment, the top ring is constructed from sections of the top ring. This design facilitates installation of the top ring, ensures ease of handling during assembly and disassembly, and allows for the compression of the inflatable figure's shell section sequentially across the ring-shaped contour.

[0063] In the preferred embodiment, the sections of the upper ring are connected to each other to form a closed annular contour of the upper ring. The connection of the upper ring sections to each other can be accomplished in various ways, including using mutually mating sections of the upper ring sections.

[0064] In the preferred embodiment, the upper ring has cutouts positioned in alignment with the corresponding openings in the lower ring. This arrangement ensures alignment of the upper ring with the lower ring and does not interfere with the lower ring's engagement with the locking protrusions of the support elements.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, the upper ring is supported relative to the lower ring and / or relative to supporting elements. The specific method of supporting the upper ring may vary and does not alter the essence of the claimed solution, provided that the function of pressing the inflatable figure's shell portion against the lower ring is maintained.

[0066] In the preferred embodiment, the inflatable figure's shell portion is located between the lower ring and the upper ring, along the perimeter of the lower ring's central opening. This ensures that the inflatable figure's shell is held within the inflator's installation area.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the lower ring, upper ring, and section of the inflatable figure shell are configured to form a pre-assembled unit. In this embodiment, the section of the inflatable figure shell can be secured between the lower ring and upper ring before said unit is mounted on the support elements. This allows for some of the manufacturing and preparation operations to be performed in advance, for example, in a production environment, without altering the nature of the inflatable figure holding device.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment, the device is designed to be supplied either disassembled or at least partially pre-assembled. Specifically, the lower ring, upper ring, and shell portion of the inflatable figure may be pre-assembled, with the assembly of said assembly onto the supporting elements occurring later.

[0069] In the preferred embodiment, the support elements are made of sheet material. This design is technologically advanced, convenient for mass production, and particularly suitable for a disassemblable structure assembled from individual parts. However, the essence of the claimed solution is not limited to the manufacture of support elements from sheet material.

[0070] Thus, in the claimed solution, the device for holding the inflatable figure is designed in such a way that the supporting elements form a seat for the air blower and, under the operating load, mutually rest against each other, the lower ring interacts with the supporting elements by means of the locking protrusions of the supporting elements and the mating holes of the lower ring, and the section of the shell of the inflatable figure is held between the lower ring and the upper ring, which together ensures the achievement of the claimed technical result.

[0071] Brief description of drawings

[0072] Fig. 1 shows a general view of the support element.

[0073] Fig. 2 shows a general view of the device at the stage of connecting the support elements together.

[0074] Fig. 3 shows an enlarged fragment of the joining sections of the support elements that form the seat for the air blower.

[0075] Fig. 4 shows a top view of the lower ring and the upper ring, wherein the upper ring is made of sections of the upper ring.

[0076] Fig. 5 shows an enlarged fragment of the interaction of the locking protrusion of the support element with the mating hole of the lower ring and the corresponding location of the cutout of the upper ring.

[0077] Fig. 6 shows a general view of the device in a disassembled state, illustrating the relative position of the support elements, the lower ring and the upper ring before assembly.

[0078] Fig. 7 shows a top view of the device in the assembled state.

[0079] Fig. 8 shows a general view of the device in an assembled state with an air blower installed.

[0080] Where:

[0081] 1 - supporting element;

[0082] 2 - locking lug;

[0083] 3 - seat for air blower;

[0084] 4 - bottom ring;

[0085] 5 - central hole of the lower ring;

[0086] 6 - mating hole of the lower ring;

[0087] 7 - top ring;

[0088] 8 - upper ring section;

[0089] 9 - top ring cutout;

[0090] 10 - air blower;

[0091] 11 - section of joining of supporting elements;

[0092] 12 - protruding element;

[0093] 13 - reciprocal recess;

[0094] 14 - supporting surface.

[0095] Implementation of the invention

[0096] In one embodiment, the inflatable figure holding device comprises four support elements 1, preferably made identical in shape. Each support element 1 is made in the form of a flat profile part and has a lower support portion intended for installation on a supporting surface, and an upper portion intended for interaction with the lower ring 4. In the upper part of each support element 1, a locking protrusion 2 is formed, as well as a supporting surface 14, intended for placing the lower ring 4 on it and transferring the load from the lower ring 4 to the support elements 1.

[0097] The support elements 1 are interconnected to form a spatial support structure. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the support elements 1 are connected by means of mating sections 11, including a protruding element 12 and a mating recess 13, configured to be mutually mated in a tongue-and-groove manner. When connected, the protruding element 12 of one support element 1 is inserted into the mating recess 13 of the other support element 1, resulting in the formation of a central joint unit that unites the support elements 1 into a single structure. After connection, the support elements 1 form a mounting seat 3 for the air blower 10 in the central portion of the device.

[0098] The lower ring 4 is located in the upper part of the support elements 1. The lower ring 4 is preferably made of one piece and has a central hole 5 of the lower ring and mating holes 6 of the lower ring. The central hole 5 of the lower ring is intended for mounting the lower ring 4 relative to the air blower 10, and the mating holes 6 of the lower ring are intended for interaction with the locking protrusions 2 of the support elements 1.

[0099] Above the lower ring 4 there is an upper ring 7, designed to press a section of the inflatable figure shell to the lower ring 4. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the upper ring 7 is made as a composite of sections of the upper ring 8. In the sections of the upper ring 8 there are cutouts 9 of the upper ring, located with the possibility of matching with the mating openings 6 of the lower ring and with the fixing protrusions 2 of the supporting elements 1.

[0100] In the assembled state of the device, the section of the inflatable figure shell is located between the lower ring 4 and the upper ring 7. Due to this, the lower ring 4 and the upper ring 7 form an annular retaining unit that holds the shell of the inflatable figure along the perimeter of the installation area of ​​the air blower 10.

[0101] The air blower 10 is mounted in the air blower mounting seat 3. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the air blower 10 is positioned such that its housing is at least partially located within the spatial support structure formed by the support elements 1, and the upper portion of the air blower 10 is mounted relative to the central opening 5 of the lower ring.

[0102] Thus, in the assembled state, the device is a spatial support structure formed by support elements 1, in the upper part of which the lower ring 4 is fixed, the upper ring 7 is located on top of the lower ring 4, and the air blower 10 is installed in the seat 3 for the air blower. In this case, the shell of the inflatable figure is held between the lower ring 4 and the upper ring 7.

[0103] The operation of the device is ensured by the coordinated interaction of the support elements 1, the lower ring 4, the upper ring 7 and the air blower 10.

[0104] When connected, the support elements 1 form not only the external support portion of the device but also the mounting location 3 for the air blower. Due to the shape of the support elements 1 and their joint areas 11, the air blower 10 is installed in a predetermined position relative to the device. In other words, the mounting location 3 for the air blower is not a separate, independent unit, but rather the result of the combined geometry and mutual coupling of the support elements 1.

[0105] The locking protrusions 2 of the supporting elements 1 interact with the mating openings 6 of the lower ring. This interaction ensures that the lower ring 4 is held on the supporting elements 1 and maintains a predetermined position relative to said supporting elements. Moreover, the lower ring 4 is not only held on the supporting elements 1 but also absorbs the forces arising in the holding zone of the inflatable figure's shell.

[0106] The upper ring 7 interacts with the lower ring 4 in such a way that a section of the inflatable figure's shell is clamped between said rings. Moreover, if the upper ring 7 is made up of sections of the upper ring 8, said sections are installed to form a closed annular contour of the upper ring 7. The cutouts 9 of the upper ring ensure the correct relative positioning of the upper ring 7 and the lower ring 4 and do not interfere with the interaction of the locking projections 2 with the mating openings 6 of the lower ring.

[0107] The air blower 10 interacts with the air blower mounting seat 3 formed by the support elements 1. When the air blower 10 is installed, its body rests on the corresponding sections of the support elements 1, and the upper part of the air blower 10 is positioned relative to the central opening 5 of the lower ring. Due to this, the lower ring 4, the upper ring 7, and the air blower 10 occupy a coordinated relative position.

[0108] A significant feature of the interaction between the elements is that, when subjected to a load from the air blower 10 and the entire structure, the support elements 1 mutually abut one another. Specifically, the load from the air blower 10 is supported by the support elements 1 through their contact areas with the air blower 10 and through the joint areas 11. This load does not result in the isolated operation of individual support elements 1, but rather, causes them to work together as a single spatial force system.

[0109] As a result, the more the air blower 10 occupies the working position in the seat 3 and transfers the load to the support elements 1, the more the effect of mutual support of the support elements 1 is manifested. This leads to an increase in the rigidity of the spatial support structure and to an increase in the stability of the device in the working position.

[0110] At the same time, the forces arising in the section of the inflatable figure shell clamped between the lower ring 4 and the upper ring 7 are transmitted to the lower ring 4 and then to the supporting elements 1. Due to the annular nature of the shell retention, these forces are distributed along the perimeter of the retaining unit more evenly than in designs with separate, individual attachment points.

[0111] Thus, the interaction of the device elements is structured in such a way that:

[0112] - the lower ring 4 is held on the support elements 1;

[0113] - the upper ring 7 presses the shell of the inflatable figure to the lower ring 4;

[0114] - air blower 10 is positioned in seat 3;

[0115] - the load from the air blower 10 and the entire device switches the support elements 1 into mutual support mode;

[0116] - as a result, the shell of the inflatable figure is securely held, and the device itself acquires increased rigidity and stability.

[0117] Working procedure

[0118] The operation of the device includes the preparation of the supporting structure, the installation of the air blower, the installation of the ring retaining unit and the subsequent operation of the device as part of the inflatable figure.

[0119] In the first step, the support elements 1 are connected. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, this connection is achieved by inserting the joint sections 11 of the support elements 1 into each other. Once the connection is complete, a spatial support structure is formed and, simultaneously, the mounting seat 3 for the air blower is formed.

[0120] In the next step, air blower 10 is installed in air blower mounting seat 3. In this process, air blower 10 is brought into its operating position relative to support elements 1. Due to the shape of support elements 1, air blower 10 is automatically guided to the desired position and secured in air blower mounting seat 3.

[0121] Next, prepare the annular retaining assembly. To do this, place a section of the inflatable figure's shell on the lower ring 4, after which the upper ring 7 is installed on top, pressing said section of the shell against the lower ring 4. If the upper ring 7 is made up of sections of the upper ring 8, these sections are installed sequentially until a closed upper ring 7 is formed. The cutouts 9 of the upper ring are oriented relative to the corresponding openings 6 of the lower ring.

[0122] After this, the lower ring 4, together with the upper ring 7 and the section of the inflatable figure shell clamped between them, are installed on the support elements 1 over the air blower 10. During installation, the locking protrusions 2 of the support elements 1 are inserted into the corresponding openings 6 of the lower ring, as a result of which the lower ring 4 is fixed in a predetermined position in the upper part of the spatial support structure. Moreover, the lower ring 4 is located relative to the air blower 10 in such a way that it limits its position from the upper part, ensuring, together with the seat 3 for the air blower, a secure hold of the air blower 10.

[0123] In one practical embodiment, at least one support element 1 may be configured to have limited elastic deflection. In this embodiment, during installation and / or removal of the air blower 10, the corresponding support element 1 is temporarily deflected, after which it returns to its operating position. This facilitates the installation and removal of the air blower 10 without altering the structural nature of the device.

[0124] When the air blower 10 is turned on, air is forced into the inflatable figure's shell. The shell of the inflatable figure rises and is held in its operating position, while the section of the shell located between the lower ring 4 and the upper ring 7 remains clamped along the annular contour. The load from the air blower 10 and the figure is transferred to the support elements 1, causing them to mutually support each other and provide increased stability for the device.

[0125] When the air blower 10 stops operating, the inflatable figure's shell collapses. To disassemble the device, perform the operations in reverse order. First, remove the lower ring 4 and upper ring 7, or, alternatively, remove the pre-assembled annular retaining assembly entirely. After this, the air blower 10 is removed from the air blower mounting 3. Next, if necessary, the support elements 1 are separated from each other for transportation and storage.

[0126] It should be noted that the described operating procedure does not limit all possible device handling options. In particular, some operations can be performed prior to delivery of the device to the operating site.

[0127] Example of the invention

[0128] In one embodiment, the inflatable figure holding device comprises four identical support elements 1 made of sheet material. Each support element 1 has a lower support portion with an increased projection relative to the central zone of the device and an upper portion carrying a locking protrusion 2. In the middle portion of each support element 1, mating sections 11 are formed, ensuring the connection of the support elements 1 to each other.

[0129] Four support elements 1 are connected via joint sections 11 such that a spatial frame area and a mounting site 3 for the air blower are formed in the central portion of the device. When assembled, the lower portions of support elements 1 extend outward, forming a stable support on the surface, while the upper portions of support elements 1 are located around the central area and serve to support the lower ring 4.

[0130] The lower ring 4 is made as a single piece, from a rigid material, with a central opening 5 of the lower ring and four mating openings 6 of the lower ring, located along the circumference in accordance with the arrangement of the locking projections 2 of the supporting elements 1. The upper ring 7 is made as a composite of four sections of the upper ring 8. Each section of the upper ring 8 has mutually mating sections at the ends for connection with adjacent sections, as well as a cutout 9 of the upper ring, oriented relative to the corresponding mating opening 6 of the lower ring.

[0131] In this example, a section of the inflatable figure's shell is placed on the lower ring 4 such that the central zone of the shell coincides with the central opening 5 of the lower ring. Sections of the upper ring 8 are then successively installed over this section of the shell and the lower ring 4 to form an upper ring 7. As a result, the section of the inflatable figure's shell is sandwiched between the lower ring 4 and the upper ring 7 along a ring-shaped contour.

[0132] The air blower 10 is installed in the seat 3 for the air blower, formed by the support elements 1, wherein the body of the air blower 10 is received by the support elements 1, and due to the shape of the support elements 1, the air blower 10 is self-guided and occupies a given position.

[0133] After this, the lower ring 4 and upper ring 7 assembly are installed on the support elements 1 over the air blower 10 by inserting the locking protrusions 2 of the support elements 1 into the corresponding openings 6 of the lower ring. In this case, the lower ring 4 is positioned relative to the air blower 10 in such a way that the upper part of the air blower 10 is located in the area of ​​the central opening 5 of the lower ring, and the lower ring 4 limits its position from the side of the upper part, ensuring, together with the seat 3 for the air blower, a reliable retention of the air blower 10.

[0134] After the air blower 10 is activated, the inflatable figure's shell fills with air and assumes its working shape. The forces generated at the junction of the shell and the device are absorbed by the lower ring 4 and upper ring 7, and are then transferred to the support elements 1. Simultaneously, the load from the air blower 10 is supported by the seat 3, causing the support elements 1 to abut each other. This makes the device more rigid and stable in its working position than in its unloaded state.

[0135] In the embodiment of the above example, the ring retaining unit is assembled directly at the site of operation. For this purpose, the inflatable body shell may be equipped with a movable opening, such as a zipper, which provides access to the installation area of ​​the lower ring 4 and upper ring 7. After the installation of the lower ring 4 and upper ring 7, the movable opening is closed, and the air pump 10 is switched to operating mode.

[0136] In another variation of the above example, the lower ring 4, upper ring 7, and section of the inflatable figure shell form a pre-assembled unit. In this variation, the section of the inflatable figure shell is secured between the lower ring 4 and upper ring 7 in advance, for example, in a production environment. In this case, the inflatable figure shell can be manufactured without a zipper, since on-site installation of the pre-assembled unit on the support elements 1 and installation of the air pump 10 in the air pump mounting seat 3 only remains. This variation is particularly convenient for serial production and when on-site installation time must be reduced.

[0137] When dismantling the device in the first variant, first turn off the air blower 10, then free the access area to the annular retaining unit, after which remove the upper ring 7, the lower ring 4 and, if necessary, disconnect the support elements 1. In the second variant, remove the pre-assembled unit of the lower ring 4 and the upper ring 7 together with the retained section of the inflatable figure shell, after which remove the air blower 10 and disconnect the support elements 1.

[0138] Therefore, in the given example of implementation, the possibility of implementing the claimed device is confirmed both in the variant of assembly at the place of operation and in the variant of preliminary assembly of at least part of the units of the device, with the essence of the solution remaining unchanged, which consists in the fact that the supporting elements 1 form a seat 3 for the air blower, the lower ring 4 interacts with the supporting elements 1 by means of the fixing protrusions 2 and the mating holes 6 of the lower ring, and the shell of the inflatable figure is held between the lower ring 4 and the upper ring 7.

Claims

1. A device for holding an inflatable figure, comprising support elements and an annular holding unit for holding a section of the shell of an inflatable advertising figure in the area of ​​installation of an air blower, characterized in that the support elements are designed with the possibility of being connected to each other to form, in the assembled state, a spatial support structure and a seat for the air blower, fixing projections are made on the support elements, the device is provided with a lower ring made with a central opening of the lower ring and mating openings of the lower ring, and an upper ring located above the lower ring with the possibility of pressing a section of the shell of the inflatable advertising figure against the lower ring, wherein the support elements are designed with the possibility of mutually abutting against each other under the influence of a load from the air blower installed in the seat for the air blower.

2. The device according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the supporting elements are made in a quantity of at least three.

3. The device according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the support elements are connected to each other by means of support element joints designed with the possibility of mutual entry into each other.

4. The device according to paragraph 3, characterized in that the joining sections of the supporting elements are made as a groove and / or slot connection.

5. The device according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the support elements are made with sections that guide the air blower when it is installed in the seat for the air blower.

6. The device according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the lower ring is made of one piece.

7. The device according to item 1, characterized in that the upper ring is made up of sections of the upper ring.

8. The device according to paragraph 7, characterized in that the sections of the upper ring are connected to each other to form a closed annular contour of the upper ring.

9. The device according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the upper ring has cutouts in the upper ring located in accordance with the corresponding openings in the lower ring.

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