Electric inflatable and wheelchair-accessible entertainment pod

Abstract

A wheelchair-accessible entertainment pod is disclosed, including a frame formed by an inflatable pod to construct a wheelchair-accessible entertainment pod. An opening enables a wheelchair to access an interior of the structure. An aperture is positioned on a top of the structure to enable a projector to be inserted therethrough. One or more removable surfaces display a background thereon, each of the one or more removable surfaces to form an interior surface and an exterior surface of the structure.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The embodiments generally relate to an electric and inflatable wheelchair accessible entertainment pod. BACKGROUND

[0002] Home entertainment systems include various means of streaming and displaying media such as video, audio, and other imagery. These system are used to entertain individuals. However, many of these systems are not specifically adapted for use by handicap, mentally challenged individuals, or other individuals who have mental and / or physical disabilities. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] This summary is provided to introduce a variety of concepts in a simplified form that is further disclosed in the detailed description of the embodiments. This summary is not intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0004] The embodiments disclosed herein relate to a wheelchair-accessible entertainment pod, including a frame formed by an inflatable pod to construct a wheelchair-accessible entertainment pod. An opening enables a wheelchair to access an interior of the structure. An aperture is positioned on a top of the structure to enable a projector to be inserted therethrough. One or more removable surfaces display a background thereon, each of the one or more removable surfaces to form an interior surface and an exterior surface of the structure.

[0005] In some aspects, the one or more removable surfaces are connected to the frame using at least one of the following: one or more snaps, one or more hooks, one or more zippers, and one or more hook-and-loop systems. The removable surfaces may be constructed having various colors, textures, designs, or other ornamental features.

[0006] In some aspects, the background includes imagery to provide entertainment.

[0007] In some aspects, the aperture includes a net to support the projector, a tablet, a smartphone or another computing device capable of transmitting data to project the image media.

[0008] In some aspects, the inflatable pod includes a blower motor to inflate the inflatable pod prior to use.

[0009] In some aspects, the inflatable pod is constructed for indoor use and outdoor use.

[0010] In some aspects, the projector utilizes a computing device which may include a smartphone, computer, tablet, or other device capable of transmitting media data which is projected onto the removable surface.

[0011] The entertainment system may also be used to project games and movies as well as audio for the visual display. The audio may also be music or other audio-only and / or audio-video content. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] A complete understanding of the present embodiments and the advantages and features thereof will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the electric inflatable wheelchair-accessible entertainment pod, according to some embodiments; and

[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the electric inflatable wheelchair-accessible entertainment pod having a projected story on the removable surfaces of the entertainment pod, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are set forth in this application. Any specific details of the embodiments described herein are used for demonstration purposes only, and no unnecessary limitation(s) or inference(s) are to be understood or imputed therefrom.

[0016] Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of components related to particular devices and systems. Accordingly, the device components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0017] In general, the embodiments provided herein relate to an electric inflatable wheelchair-accessible entertainment pod accessible by handicap individuals using a wheelchair and other individuals. The entertainment pod is constructed of an inflatable frame constructed of any combination of materials suitable to allow for indoor and / or outdoor use.

[0018] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 illustrate the electric inflatable wheel-chair accessible entertainment pod 100 capable of being deployed indoors and outdoors. The electric inflatable wheel-chair accessible entertainment pod 100 includes a frame 101 constructed of inflatable materials capable of being used in indoor and outdoor settings. The frame 101 forms an inflatable pod 103 including an opening 105 which is capable of being accessed by a wheelchair 106 or similar device used by handicapped individuals. The frame 101 and pod 103 form an interior 107 which is large enough to house one or more individuals while interacting with the entertainment features provided by the embodiments described herein. One or more removable surfaces 109 are attached to the inflatable pod using hook-and-loop systems, hooks, snaps, zippers, buttons, or similar devices used to connected materials and textiles. The removable surfaces 109 allow for entertainment to be projected thereon using a projector 111 (or other computing device including smartphones, tablets, computers, etc.).

[0019] In reference to FIG. 2, the electric inflatable wheel-chair accessible entertainment pod 100 is illustrated having a background 200 which is used to display media content, imagery, patterns, designs, colors, audio-video content and the like. This allows the user to consume the media content displayed on the background as well as consume audio content played through speakers of the computing device used to stream the media content.

[0020] Referring to each of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the top 119 of the inflatable pod 103 includes an aperture 115 having a net 117 or similar support structure capable of supporting a projector 113.

[0021] The projector 115 (or other computing device such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc.) are in operable communication with a computing system. The computing system is connectable, via a network, to a webpage, application, software, or other source of data which can enable the user to download and / or stream the media content displayed on the entertainment pod. This can be used in tandem with the removable surfaces (i.e., the removable backgrounds).

[0022] In some embodiments, the entertainment pod can be used for downloading stories, games, movies, songs & or music, accessibility activities and accessibility access (for example: an eye gazing option which non-mobile and / or possibly vegetated children / person issues. The entertainment pod may also provide various sensory stimulus such as touch sensations, auditory sensations, visual sensation, smells, etc.

[0023] In some embodiments, the removable surfaces are removable backgrounds include printed or pre-displayed content which may be used in tandem with the media content. In another embodiment, the removable surfaces are used as projection surfaces used to receive the projected imagery.

[0024] In some embodiments, a blower motor is utilized to inflate the inflatable pod. The blower motor is in electrical communication with a battery or an electric power source which supplies power to the blower motor. In such, the blower motor is connectable to an inlet provided on the inflatable pod wherein air can be transferred into the inflatable frame of the inflatable pod. In some embodiments, the inlet may also be used to expel air from the inflatable pod to collapse the inflatable pod following use and / or for storage.

[0025] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law and regulations. The systems and methods described herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.

[0026] Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and / or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination.

[0027] The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating, explaining, and describing embodiments of this disclosure. Modifications and adaptations to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of this disclosure.

[0028] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0029] It should be noted that all features, elements, components, functions, and steps described with respect to any embodiment provided herein are intended to be freely combinable and substitutable with those from any other embodiment. If a certain feature, element, component, function, or step is described with respect to only one embodiment, then it should be understood that that feature, element, component, function, or step can be used with every other embodiment described herein unless explicitly stated otherwise. This paragraph therefore serves as antecedent basis and written support for the introduction of claims, at any time, that combine features, elements, components, functions, and steps from different embodiments, or that substitute features, elements, components, functions, and steps from one embodiment with those of another, even if the description does not explicitly state, in a particular instance, that such combinations or substitutions are possible. It is explicitly acknowledged that express recitation of every possible combination and substitution is overly burdensome, especially given that the permissibility of each and every such combination and substitution will be readily recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0030] In many instances entities are described herein as being coupled to other entities. It should be understood that the terms “coupled” and “connected” (or any of their forms) are used interchangeably herein and, in both cases, are generic to the direct coupling of two entities (without any non-negligible (e.g., parasitic intervening entities) and the indirect coupling of two entities (with one or more non-negligible intervening entities). Where entities are shown as being directly coupled together or described as coupled together without description of any intervening entity, it should be understood that those entities can be indirectly coupled together as well unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0031] While the embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific examples thereof have been shown in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that these embodiments are not to be limited to the particular form disclosed, but to the contrary, these embodiments are to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit of the disclosure. Furthermore, any features, functions, steps, or elements of the embodiments may be recited in or added to the claims, as well as negative limitations that define the inventive scope of the claims by features, functions, steps, or elements that are not within that scope.

[0032] An equivalent substitution of two or more elements can be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element can be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements can be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination can be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0033] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present embodiment is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the following claims.

Claims

1. A wheelchair-accessible entertainment pod, comprising:a frame formed by an inflatable pod to construct a wheelchair-accessible entertainment pod; an opening to enable a wheelchair to access an interior of the structure;an aperture positioned on a top of the structure to enable a projector to be inserted therethrough; andone or more removable surfaces to display a background thereon, each of the one or more removable surfaces to form an interior surface and an exterior surface of the structure.

2. The wheelchair-accessible entertainment pod of claim 1, wherein the one or more removable surfaces are connected to the frame using at least one of the following: one or more snaps, one or more hooks, one or more zippers, and one or more hook-and-loop systems.

3. The wheelchair-accessible entertainment pod of claim 1, wherein the background includes imagery to provide entertainment.

4. The wheelchair-accessible entertainment pod of claim 1, wherein the aperture includes a net to support the projector.

5. The wheelchair-accessible entertainment pod of claim 1, further comprising a blower motor to inflate the inflatable pod.

6. The wheelchair-accessible entertainment pod of claim 1, wherein the inflatable pod is constructed for indoor use and outdoor use.

7. A wheelchair-accessible entertainment pod, comprising:a frame formed by an inflatable pod to construct a wheelchair-accessible entertainment pod; an opening to enable a wheelchair to access an interior of the structure;an aperture positioned on a top of the structure to enable a projector to be inserted therethrough; one or more removable surfaces to display a background thereon, each of the one or more removable surfaces to form an interior surface and an exterior surface of the structure, wherein the projector is positioned to display a projected image onto the wheelchair-accessible entertainment pod, wherein the projected image corresponds to the background.

8. The wheel-chair accessible entertainment pod of claim 7, further comprising a computer system in operable communication with the projector.

9. The wheel-chair accessible entertainment pod of claim 8, wherein the computer system is in operable communication with an application program to enable a user to select from a plurality of stored media to be displayed via the projector.

10. The wheelchair-accessible entertainment pod of claim 7, wherein the one or more removable surfaces are connected to the frame using at least one of the following: one or more snaps, one or more hooks, one or more zippers, and one or more hook-and-loop systems.

11. The wheelchair-accessible entertainment pod of claim 7, wherein the background includes imagery to provide entertainment.

12. The wheelchair-accessible entertainment pod of claim 7, wherein the aperture includes a net to support the projector.

13. The wheelchair-accessible entertainment pod of claim 7, further comprising a blower motor to inflate the inflatable pod.

14. The wheelchair-accessible entertainment pod of claim 7, wherein the inflatable pod is constructed for indoor use and outdoor use.

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