U.S. patent application number 09/764471 was filed with the patent office on 2001-05-31 for apparatus and method for providing inflated undulating figures.
This patent application is currently assigned to AIR DIMENSIONAL DESIGN, INC.. Invention is credited to Dranger, Arieh Leon, Gazit, Doron.
Application Number | 20010002354 09/764471 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21805508 |
Filed Date | 2001-05-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010002354 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gazit, Doron ; et
al. |
May 31, 2001 |
Apparatus and method for providing inflated undulating figures
Abstract
Apparatus and method for providing a dynamic gas-inflated object
such as a figure with legs, a torso and head, and a pair of arms.
The figure performs generally repetitive movements such as
dance-like undulations in a manner that appears to keep time with
music. The figure is hollow and connected to a continuous generally
constant input flow of air or other gas under pressure. The figure
is provided with at least two spaced-apart outlets or vents to
allow a continuous discharge of generally all of the air being
introduced into the figure. In operation, the figure tends to cycle
between extending generally upright, then, as more air is
discharged, destabilizing and moving to a contorted or bent
position, then, as more air flows in, to extending, etc. The figure
may be designed for extensive movement e.g., dancing or for a
narrower range of movements. In a preferred form, the outlets are
generally at the top of the head and at the ends of the arms. The
dynamic figure movement is a result of the continuous generally
constant input gas flow and does not depend upon any intentional
intervention.
Inventors: |
Gazit, Doron; (Los Angeles,
CA) ; Dranger, Arieh Leon; (Los Angeles, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Robert M. Ashen
ASHEN & LIPPMAN
1737 Franklin Canyon Drive
Beverly Hills
CA
90210-1622
US
|
Assignee: |
AIR DIMENSIONAL DESIGN,
INC.
|
Family ID: |
21805508 |
Appl. No.: |
09/764471 |
Filed: |
January 16, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09764471 |
Jan 16, 2001 |
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09225787 |
Jan 5, 1999 |
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09764471 |
Jan 16, 2001 |
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PCT/US97/12929 |
Jul 3, 1997 |
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60021671 |
Jul 5, 1996 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
446/268 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09F 15/0025 20130101;
G09F 19/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/268 |
International
Class: |
A63H 001/28 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. Apparatus for providing a gas suspended bendable object that, in
response to a continuous generally constant flow of gas in an
outward direction into the object and without intentional
intervention, inflates to a generally outwardly extended position
and then automatically and continuously performs movements between
observably significantly different positions, said apparatus
comprising: a) a gas delivery means for providing a continuous
generally constant input flow of gas, and b) an erectable hollow
object comprised at least primarily of flexible sheet material,
said object being connected to and in fluid communication with the
gas delivery means to receive gas flow generally in the outward
direction, said object having a hollow main section that has a
generally central axis, said main section extending generally in
the outwardly direction to an outward extended position by the flow
of gas from the gas delivery means, said object also having at
least one hollow ancillary section that is attached to and in fluid
communication with the main section, said ancillary section
extending away from the main section when generally filled with the
gas, said object including at least two spaced apart gas outlets
spaced remotely from the gas delivery means for release of the gas
from within the object, said outlets being proportioned so that
generally all of the gas being continuously provided to said object
is continuously released from said object through said outlets,
said gas delivery means, said object and said outlets being
constructed, proportioned and arranged so that, without significant
change in said gas flow from said delivery means or other
intentional intervention, the object, after initially inflating to
the generally outwardly extended position, automatically and
continuously moves between observably significantly different
positions.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein there are at least two of said
ancillary sections.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of said outlets is
located on said ancillary section.
4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein at least one of said outlets is
located on each of said ancillary sections.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the combined cross-section of
said outlets approximate the cross-section of the main section when
the object is erected.
6. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the main section includes
subsections that represent a torso and a head of a figure, the main
section having an outward end and the head being at said outward
end, the ancillary sections each representing an arm of the
figure.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the portion of the main section
opposite the head is bifurcated to form a separate pair of
subsections each representing one leg of the figure.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the arm sections and the leg
sections are each about twice the length of the torso section.
9. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the head and arm sections each
have one of said outlets, and the cross-section of the torso
section is equal to or larger than the combined cross section of
said outlets from the head and arm sections.
10. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein each of said leg subsections
has an inward portion and the gas delivery means comprises a pair
of spaced apart fans each connected to and in fluid communication
with the inward portion of one of said leg subsections.
11. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the gas delivery means
comprises a single fan having a bifurcated output to a pair of
spaced apart ports, each port being connected to and in fluid
communication with the inward portion of one of said leg
subsections.
12. A method for providing an object that, in response to a
continuous generally constant flow of gas in an outward direction
into the object and without other intentional intervention, is
inflated to a generally outwardly extended position and then
automatically and continuously moves between observably
significantly different positions, said method comprising: a)
providing a continuous generally constant flow of gas, b) providing
a hollow object comprised at least primarily of flexible material,
the object having a main section that has a generally central axis,
said object also having at least one ancillary hollow section that
is attached to the main section remotely from where the main
section receives the flow of gas, the ancillary section being in
fluid communication with the main section, and when generally
filled with the gas extending generally away from the main section,
c) directing the flow of gas in the outward direction into the
object so as to generally fill the object and inflate it to the
outwardly extended position with said central axis extending
generally in said outward direction, d) then generally continuously
releasing gas from the filled object from at least two
substantially spaced apart locations, the quantity of the gas being
continuously released generally equaling the quantity of the gas
being continuously delivered to the object, and e) arranging and
configuring the sections of the object, the locations and amount of
the gas being released, and the rate of gas flow delivered into the
object, so that, without significant change in said gas flow into
the object or other intentional intervention, the object initially
generally fills-up and assumes the generally outwardly extended
position, and then automatically moves between observably
significantly different positions.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein there is at least one discharge
from the main section and at least one discharge from the ancillary
section.
14. The method of claim 12 wherein the generally continuous flow of
the gas into the object is selectively changeable to different
generally constant rates to accommodate different conditions.
15. A hollow figure that, in response to a continuous generally
constant flow of gas in an outward direction into the figure and
without other intentional intervention, inflates to a generally
outwardly extended position and then automatically and continuously
moves between generally outwardly extended positions and observably
significantly different positions, said figure being comprised at
least primarily of flexible sheet material, said figure, when at
least substantially inflated to the extended position, having: a)
at least one elongated leg section having an inner portion for
connecting to a generally continuous flow of gas to receive the
flow generally in the outward direction, said leg section also
having an outer portion, b) a torso section extending generally in
the outward direction, said torso section having an inner portion
and an outer portion, said torso inner portion connected to and in
fluid communication with the outer portion of said leg section, c)
a pair of arm sections each having an inner portion connected to
and in fluid communication with the outer portion of said torso
section, each arm section also having an outer portion that has a
generally outwardly directed gas outlet, and d) a head section that
has a inner portion connected to and in fluid communication with
the outer portion of the torso section, said head section being in
general alignment with said torso axis, said head section also
having an upper portion that has a generally outwardly directed gas
outlet, said outlets being proportioned so that generally all of
the gas being continuously provided to the figure is continuously
released from the figure through said outlets, said figure and said
outlets being constructed, proportioned and arranged so that, when
the figure is connected to a source of gas that delivers into the
figure a continuous generally constant flow of gas in an outward
direction, without any intentional intervention, the figure, after
initially generally inflating to a generally outwardly extended
position, then automatically moves between generally outwardly
extended positions and observably significantly different bent
positions.
16. The figure of claim 15 wherein the arm sections and the leg
sections are each about twice the length of the torso section.
17. The figure of claim 15 wherein the combined cross-section of
the leg sections is generally equal to the cross-section of the
torso section.
18. The figure of claim 15 wherein the cross-section of the torso
section is generally equal to the combined cross section of the
outlets from the head and arm sections.
19. The figure of claim 15 wherein said outwardly extended position
is generally vertical.
20. The figure of claim 19 being generally unstable in its inflated
upright position by virtue of its dimensions and configuration so
as to tend to tilt to a bent position when it reaches a generally
extended upright position.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation and claims the benefit of
prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/225,787, filed on Jan. 5,
1999, which claims the benefit of prior U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/021,671 filed on Jul. 5, 1996, and of prior PCT
Application No. PCT/US9712929, filed on Jul. 3, 1997.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Dynamically inflatable decorative devices which provide
their own cyclical movement.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] There is a long history of the use of inflatable objects,
particulary in the form of static figures to provide visual
displays. Often such figures depicted human, animal or humanoid
characters that might be utilized at openings or events or at
places such as amusement parks. Such inflatable figures provided an
easy and economical way to provide relatively large figures which
could be deflated for easy shipment and storage.
[0004] Such figures might be mounted or supported in such a way
that desired movement might be imparted to the figure as for
example by attached guide wires or by fan-produced transverse wind
currents. They did not have the inherent ability within themselves
to provide movement.
[0005] Similarly, applicant and others have provided large
decorative displays in the form of arrays or inflatable colored
tubing arranged and supported in a variety of configurations on
buildings or similar large structures.
[0006] One relatively recent development has been a product known
as the "Vertitube" which essentially comprises a single upright
inflatable tube which is secured at its lower end to an air blower
or pump. The tube is open at its upper end so that air pumped in to
the lower end is discharged through the open upper end. In
operation, as the tube inflates and extends upwardly, various
destabilizing forces act on the tube, including forces of gravity,
shifts in dynamic and static pressure produced by the air flow into
and out of the tube, external wind currents, etc. These combined
forces tend to cause the upwardly extended tube to bend or deform
temporarily. Such deformation, and the resultant increase in
internal static pressure, primarily in the upward direction, tend
to return the tube to its upright extended position, where it is
again subject to the destabilizing forces. Such tubes tend to
provide random or apparently random cycling movement between the
extended position and a destabilized bent or deformed position.
Because of the simple structure of this tube the cycle of movement
tends to be generally simple and repetitive, and therefore of
somewhat limited variety and interest.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,186,675 to STODDARD discloses an inflatable
balloon mountable over an air vent and operable to (I) be inflated
by air from the vent, and (II) to collapse when air from the vent
stops. It depicts, in its main embodiment, an inflatable ghost
figure with a body, a head, and a pair of arms that extend
generally outwardly to the sides. There are a series of small
"exhaust ports 18" that are disposed along the underside of each
arm 14. The primary stated function of these small ports is to
"direct air flow over streamers 17 to cause them to move" (column 4
lines 30-31). This reference patent also refers to the ports
allowing "a portion of the entering air in the balloon to escape
causing the balloon to shimmer and move" (claim 2 and Column 2,
line 17). This prior art reference does not teach creating
continuous and automatic repetitive bending and unbending of the
figure in response to a continuous flow of gas into and out of the
figure without intentional intervention. As noted above there is
intentional intervention, i.e., turning the gas flow on and off so
that it is not continuous. Even while the flow is on, there is only
a "partial" release through the ports and no resultant bending.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 2,348,250 to GARDNER shows a an animated
inflatable display figure that is made to move by intentionally
changing the air pressure in the figure through a cam and valve
arrangement.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 3,346,978 to LETSINGER shows an inflatable
advertising device which is "air supported", i.e., intended to
inflate and stay up. The inflated device has a small opening at the
top for emission of colored "smoke" and to allow lamp heat to be
dissipated. Thus, this reference does not disclose an inflatable
object that moves as by extending and bending, and does not teach
the use of a central opening or openings to implement or contribute
to such movement.
SUMMARY OF THE ILLUSTRATED APPARATUS AND METHOD
[0010] In the presently preferred illustrated form, the apparatus
includes an inflatable bendable figure that, in response to a
continuous generally constant input flow of gas in a generally
outward direction into the figure and without intentional
intervention, inflates to a generally outwardly extended position
and that automatically and continuously performs a generally
repetitive cycle of movements between the extended position and at
least one bent position.
[0011] As used in this application a "generally constant input flow
of gas" means that there is an input source that provides a gas
flow that is generally fixed or constant in terms of what the
source itself provides to the object or figure, without regard to
how that flow may be altered by the interaction of the flow with
the object. For example, as described in detail below, the
structure of the figure cooperates with the flow so that
periodically a shift between static and dynamic pressure in the
expanded figure allows the figure to bend, which results in a
buildup of static pressure that temporarily reduces flow through
the figure.
[0012] As used in this application, flow "without intentional
intervention" means without action by the user or any control
mechanism aside from the direct response of the apparatus to the
flow. There is no change made by the user or a control mechanism to
the flow into or out of the figure, as distinguished from any
change in flow through the figure which results from the
interaction between flow and figure such as just described above.
The volume, pressure, etc. of input flow into or out of the figure
is not changed or adjusted as by a valves or other means manually
controlled by the operator or automatically controlled as by a
timer or sensing control mechanism. There are no mechanical or
physical members, lines, etc. attached to the figure to alter its
movement. Unintentional forces such as a wind may impact figure
movement, but that is not intentional intervention. In other words,
the flow is introduced into the figure, and the operator and the
apparatus, in effect, stand back and let the flow and figure simply
interact and produce figure movement as they will.
[0013] The illustrated figure has a pair spaced apart legs, a
torso, a head and a pair of outwardly and upwardly extending arms.
Vents or outlets are provided at a plurality of spaced apart
locations, preferably at the top of the head and at the ends of the
arms, allowing for the continuous release of generally all of the
gas being introduced into the figure. The outlets not only provide
the outflow from the inflated figure, but the configuration and
location of the outlets determines the magnitude and direction of
reactive destabilizing forces produced by outflow from the outlets.
This helps define and determine the particular movement pattern for
the undulating inflated figure. Thus, the multiplicity of outlet
vents, their locations, and the addition of ancillary sections of
the figure provided by the arms produces a much more complex and
sophisticated pattern of movement of the figure.
[0014] Preferably, the outlets provide a release of gas generally
symmetrically with reference to the torso central axis. While it is
desirable to have this symmetrical release of gas, the ancillary
sections need not be symmetrical to achieve this result. For
example, a figure might have one arm on one side with one large
outlet and a plurality of arms on the other side with a plurality
of small outlets.
[0015] For many applications, the extended object will be generally
upright. This arrangement is simple and effective. On some
occasions however, it may be desired that the object extend at an
incline from the vertical. This could be done for visual aesthetic
purposes or might simply be the convenient result of using the
apparatus on an inclined surface such as a hillside.
[0016] Music may be provided to create the impression that the
figure is dancing to the music. While the movement of the figure is
random or apparently random, normally the illusion is nevertheless
created that the figure is in fact dancing in the rhythm to the
music. Similarly lighting, particularly intermittent or strobe type
lighting, may also be provided to enhance the overall effect.
[0017] In the preferred form of illustrated apparatus and method, a
pair of fans are provided, each connected to the lower end of one
of the legs of the figure. The fans provide a generally constant or
fixed input airflow, which may be adjustable to different constant
flow levels to accommodate different figures and different
environmental conditions such as ambient wind.
[0018] Alternately, a single fan may be provided with a bifurcated
outflow, with each outflow going to one of the legs. Similarly the
figure might be provided with a single structural leg connected to
a single fan.
IN THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of an apparatus that
embodies a presently preferred form of the invention and
incorporates a gas-inflated object.
[0020] FIG. 1A is a schematic perspective view of a typical fan of
the apparatus of FIG. 1 mounted in a support box.
[0021] FIG. 1B is a schematic perspective view of a modified form
of fan having a barrel-shaped housing.
[0022] FIG. 1C is a schematic perspective view of the fan and
support box of FIG. 1A with a tall set of spoilers mounted at the
fan outlet.
[0023] FIG. 1D is like FIG. 1C but with a short set of
spoilers.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus of
FIG. 1 in it's fully deflated condition with the fans off.
[0025] FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 6A are a series of schematic perspective
views of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in a progressively further
inflated conditions.
[0026] FIGS. 6B through 6F are a series of schematic perspective
views of the apparatus of FIG. 1 illustrating a typical series of
movements by the inflated figure.
[0027] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a modified
embodiment of the apparatus of the invention, having a single fan
with a bifurcated output.
[0028] FIG. 8 is another modified embodiment having three legs and
a large number of ancillary sections.
[0029] FIG. 9 is a still further modified embodiment of the
invention depicting a palm tree.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] FIGS. 1-6 illustrate a presently preferred embodiment 20 of
the present invention As noted above, in general, the illustrated
apparatus 20 includes a pair of fans 30 and an inflatable bendable
figure 40 that includes a spaced apart pair of leg sections 42, a
torso section 44, a head section 46, and a pair of arm sections 48.
All of the figure sections are in fluid communication with one
another. The figure 40 is desirably made from an ultra-light, thin,
generally non-porous, non-expandable tear-resistant fabric or sheet
material that is sewn or otherwise formed into tubular sections
that are connected together to form the full figure.
[0031] FIG. 1 shows the figure 40 in a hypothetical fully-extended
fully-inflated condition wherein each of the leg sections 42
extends upwardly and inwardly from one of the fans 30, to where the
leg sections join the lower end of the torso section 44. The torso
section 44 then extends upwardly to where it joins with the lower
end of a neck section 45. The upper end of the neck section 45
connects to the lower end of a head section 46. The torso section
44 also connects to the lower inward ends of the arm sections 48.
The head section 46 extends upwardly, with the arm sections 48
extending upwardly and outwardly in either direction in a generally
symmetrical manner. The lower ends of the leg sections 42 are
connected to and in fluid communication with the air fans 30, which
are spaced-apart a substantial distance to provide stability to the
inflated figure 40.
[0032] The illustrated head section 46 is open to the ambient
atmosphere at its upper end to provide an air vent or outlet 46a.
Each of the arm sections 48 is also open to the ambient atmosphere
at its outer end to provide an air vent 48b.
[0033] It will be noted that to provide an extensive or wide range
of movement, the arm sections 48 and leg sections 42 of the figure
40 can be designed so that they are longer and out of proportion to
the length of the torso section 44 when compared to the normal
proportioning of a human torso. If such extensive or exaggerated
movement of the figure 40 is desired, such proportioning will
produce exaggerated bending and movement of the arm and leg
sections. The arrangement and proportioning of the elements of the
figures could be modified to vary the range of movements, as for
example to produce a lesser range of movements.
DESCRIPTION OF A WORKING PROTOTYPE MODEL
[0034] Following is a detailed description of a typical working
prototype model which embodies the preferred form of the apparatus
and method, and which has performed satisfactorily.
[0035] A pair of high capacity commercial exhaust air fans: The
details to the fan are determined by the size and shape of the
dynamic figure. For the configuration of the figure described
below, fans with the following specifications operated
successfully:
[0036] Blade Diameter: 24"
[0037] Air Delivery: +/-7,000 CFM with free air
[0038] RPM: 1,750
[0039] HP: 3/4
[0040] Voltage: 100 A.C.
[0041] The illustrated fans 30 are each mounted in a support
housing or casing 31 such as shown in FIG. 1A with the fan outlet
34 facing upwardly. In the prototype, each fan had the following
general dimensions:
1 ABOUT Height: 33" Width: 29" Depth: 29" Clearance from ground:
14" Air outlet: 26" Spoiler: 6"
[0042] In order to reduce undesirable turbulent air flow, a
multi-section spoiler 32 may be mounted at the outlet 34 of each of
the fans 30 as shown in FIG. 1C. The spoiler may be omitted if
desired.
[0043] The prototype figure with the following specifications
performed satisfactorily:
[0044] Fabric:
[0045] Ultra-light nylon or polyester
[0046] Typical weight is between about 0.5 to about 1.5 oz per
square-yard
[0047] Strong rip-stop Near zero porosity, water repellent
finish
[0048] Dimensional Characteristics of figure: Very good overall
movement and stability was achieved with the following approximate
dimensions for a figure having a height of about 60 feet and
receiving a combined total air flow of about 14,000 CFM, generated
by both fans:
2 Approximate Approximate Approximate Diameter Length Cross Section
(Inches) (Inches) (Feet) (Square-inches) Leg section: 24.00"
312.00" (26') 904.32 Sq-in (Both) Torso section: 32.00" 120.00"
(10') 803.84 Sq-in Arm section 18.00" (outlet) 264.00" (22') 508.68
Sq-in (Both) Head section: 33.00" (2.75') Top: 16.00" (outlet)
200.96 Sq-in Middle: 25.00" 490.63 Sq-in Neck section: 15.00"
15.00" (1.25')
[0049] Applicant believes that these dimensions may be varied
somewhat, as for example, by about 10 to about 15 percent, plus or
minus, and that the figure will still provide good performance.
[0050] Certain dimensional relationships appear to be significant
for good performance.
[0051] To achieve an extended range of bending movement, it is
desirable that the combined cross section of the two leg sections
be larger than the cross-section of the torso section. In this
prototype the combined cross-section of the leg sections is about
900 square inches, while the torso cross-section is about 800
square inches.
[0052] This concept of progressively reducing the cross-section as
you proceed upwardly along the figure must be balanced with the
need to allow flexibility in the movement of the arm sections. In
other words, too greatly reduced cross-section or constriction of
the arm sections would limit their ability to flex and bend as
desired. Nevertheless, in this prototype, good results were
achieved with the combined cross-sections of air outlets of the
head section and the two arm sections, being about 700 square
inches versus the torso cross-section of about 800 square inches.
If less movement is desired, the legs could be made shorter or
other components could be varied.
[0053] With regard to relative lengths, in this prototype the leg
and arm sections are each about twice the length of the torso
section. This facilitated the desired flexing of arm and leg
sections. At the same time, it is desirable that the proportioning
of the figure still provide an esthetically pleasing
appearance.
[0054] Air vent adjustments: In order to achieve proper balance in
the alternating mode of dominating static and dynamic air pressure,
the air vents can be adjusted for direction and air flow capacity.
Based on the previously described dimensions of the dynamic figure
the following results are being obtained:
[0055] In the head section: The single air vent at the top of the
head section was about 16 inches in diameter. Reducing the diameter
of that air vent destabilized the prototype model figure, with a
resulting effect characterized by the leaning forward of the figure
and lack of strength to straighten-up in full upright position. The
opposite effect occurred when the top head air vent was made
larger, resulting in lack of desired cyclical movement with the
prototype model figure standing generally straight up, yet, prone
to bending in the direction of blowing wind gusts.
[0056] In the arm sections: The angular direction, length, and air
vent openings of the arm sections are important characteristics,
which contribute to the overall performance of the dynamic
figure:
[0057] Direction: Good performance angles of the longitudinal axis
of each arm section, as measured from an upward extension of the
vertical axis of the dynamic prototype figure, range between about
5 to about 30 degrees. The arm section orientation is symmetrical
in all three axis. For angles of less than about 5 degrees, the
figure tended to be pushed forcefully downwards when reaching
upright position, with arm sections almost straight up. For angles
exceeding about 30 degrees, the motion of the figure tended to
often move sideways with little upward motion.
[0058] Length: In the present configuration, good performance, as
well as esthetic look, is achieved with arm sections about 18 feet
in length. Longer arm sections tend to slow down the motion, while
shorter ones induce the opposite effect.
[0059] Air vent diameter: A vent diameter of the arm sections of
about 18" seemed to maintain sufficient static pressure to maintain
generally fall volume of the torso and arm sections as well as
sufficient dynamic pressure needed for desired movement.
[0060] In order to secure the leg sections of the figure to the air
fans, various connecting means such as metal rings or velcro straps
may be used. By way of example, in the working prototype, metal
rings, each with a diameter of about 27 inches, were sewn into the
lower end of each leg section. These enabled easy connection.
Typically the figure was folded in an accordion fold, with the top
up. The metal rings were pulled out and each one pulled over one of
the air vents or baffles of one of the air fan units. The
connections desirable provide general air tight fits between the
fans and the figure.
[0061] Applicant's have also created a generally half size working
prototype figure about 30 feet high, which provided good overall
movement and stability. That figure had the following approximate
dimensions:
3 Approximate Approximate Approximate Diameter Length Cross Section
(Inches) (Inches) (Feet) (Square-inches) Leg section: 15.00"
155.00" (13') 353.25 Sq-in (Both) Torso section: 21.00" 70.00"
(5.75') 346.19 Sq-in Arm section 11.25" 130.00" (10.75') 198.70
Sq-in (Both) (outlet) Head section: 17.50" (1.50') Top (outlet):
10.00" 78.50 Sq-in Middle: 15.70" 193.49 Sq-in Neck section: 10.00"
10.00" (.75')
OPERATION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0062] FIGS. 2 through 6A illustrate in sequential detail the
initial inflation of the figure 40.
[0063] FIG. 2 shows the fully deflated figure 40 connected at the
lower ends of its leg sections 42 to the pair of spaced apart fans
30. The fans 30 are off.
[0064] FIG. 3 illustrates the condition when the fans 30 begin to
provide a generally constant input flow of air under pressure into
the lower portions 42a of the leg sections 42. This flow is in an
outward direction into the figure. The figure is beginning to
extend in that outward direction. It will continue to extend in
that outward direction until it reaches its extended position as
described below. The apparatus 20 is illustrated with the outward
direction being generally vertical or upright, as noted above. This
orientation is desirable but not necessary in all cases.
[0065] FIG. 4 shows continued inflation of the figure 40 where it
is generally inflated up past the waist into the lower portion 44a
of the torso section 44, but not yet into the upper portion of the
torso section or into the head or arm sections 46, 48.
[0066] FIG. 5 shows yet further inflation of the figure 40 which
has extended through leg sections 42 and the torso section 44, and
into the head section 46 and the inward portions 48a of the arm
sections 48.
[0067] FIG. 6A shows a schematic generally idealized inflation of
the full figure 40 with all of the sections extending generally
upwardly toward the sky, and just beginning to move.
[0068] FIGS. 6B through 6F show a sequential series of schematic
views of the figure 40 as it goes through a representative series
of cyclical movements typical of the operation of the preferred
embodiment apparatus.
[0069] More particularly, in FIG. 6B, the figure 40 has begun to
destabilize and collapse by virtue of gravity, the loss of internal
static pressure from discharge of air through the outlets 46b, 48b
in the head and arm sections 46, 48, the reactive forces from the
air discharge through those outlets, and possible additional forces
such as external wind, somewhat non-symmetrical distribution of the
portions and thus the weight of the figure, etc. As shown in FIG.
6B, this has caused bending of the leg sections 42 outwardly as
well as certain bending of the arm sections 48. Note the
non-symmetrical bending of the arm and leg sections which adds a
lifelike appearance to the motion of the figure 40.
[0070] In FIG. 6C the figure 40 has further destabilized and
collapsed, and in particular has produced a deep knee bend and
lowering of the torso section 44. This tends to block air flow
through the figure and to build up primarily upwardly directed
internal static pressure.
[0071] In FIG. 6D the primarily upwardly directed increased static
pressure has pushed the FIG. 40 back up. This upward movement is
also assisted by upward reactive forces produced by the outward
generally downward flow of air from the outlets 48b at the ends of
the downwardly extending arm sections 48. This downward flow is
indicated by small arrows.
[0072] In FIG. 6E, the figure 40 is again generally fully inflated
and at generally maximum height.
[0073] In FIG. 6F the figure 40 is again losing static pressure and
starting to collapse to begin a new cycle.
[0074] The figure 40 thus oscillates or cycles between more
upwardly extending positions and more destabilized collapsed, bent
or contorted positions. As noted above, the arrangement of
proportioning of the components of the figure could be modified to
provide a smaller range of movement. It will be noted that movement
of the figure is accomplished without imposing external control or
constraint on the figure, or changing the generated airflow into
the figure.
ALTERNATIVE CONSTRUCTIONS
[0075] FIG. 1B shows an alternative fan 130 with a barrel shaped
housing 131.
[0076] FIG. 1C shows a fan 30 with a tall 4-blade spoiler 32.
[0077] FIG. 1D shows a fan 30 with a short 8-blade spoiler 32a.
[0078] FIG. 7 illustrates an alternate construction 120 having a
FIG. 140 wherein a single fan 130 has a bifurcated outflow leading
to a pair of spaced-apart ports 150. Each of these ports 150 is
connected to the lower end of one of the leg sections 142 of the
figure 140.
[0079] FIG. 8 illustrates another alternative version of the
apparatus 220 wherein the figure 240 has three spaced apart leg
sections 242 and a bulbous or potato-like torso section 244. There
are a large number (eleven in the illustrated figure 240) of
ancillary or arm sections 248 that extend generally upwardly and
outwardly from the torso section 244. Each ancillary section 248
has an outlet 248b at its outer end.
[0080] FIG. 9 illustrates another alternative form of apparatus 320
where the inflatable object 340 represents a non-figure such as a
palm tree having a plurality of outwardly extending ancillary
sections 348 which each represent a palm leaf or frond. Each
ancillary section 348 has a vent or outlet 348b at its outer end.
The main section 344 represents the upright trunk of the palm tree.
Thus, this form of the apparatus illustrates a non-character form
of object, and also illustrates a plurality of greater than two
outwardly extending ancillary sections.
SUMMARY
[0081] Thus, the present invention features a new way to
dynamically display inflatable objects, particularly figures. In
the preferred form, the inflatable figure is designed to inflate
quickly into a generally vertical position and subsequently
generate movement within its own structure. Once fully inflated,
the dynamic figure moves constantly in a random (or apparently
random) and continuous mode. The figure's motion is produced by
various factors, particularly by a combined build-up of, both,
dynamic and static air pressures, which contribute to the shape as
well as the movements of the figure. Such motion is in response to
a continuous generally constant input of gas into the figure and
without intentional intervention.
[0082] Various modifications and changes may be made in the
illustrated structures without departing from the spirit and scope
of the present invention as set forth in the following claims.
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