U.S. patent application number 11/191928 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-29 for system and apparatus for propelling and carrying a user within a confined interior.
Invention is credited to Meadows, Joseph Stephen.
Application Number | 20050288114 11/191928 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37709135 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050288114 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Meadows, Joseph Stephen |
December 29, 2005 |
System and apparatus for propelling and carrying a user within a
confined interior
Abstract
The present invention comprises an inflatable balloon of
sufficient volume and buoyancy to allow a human pilot to float
above the ground and to glide over the ground within an enclosed
area. The balloon incorporates several safety features that permit
it to be used for recreation, including a prop-bike to enable the
user to propel the balloon. Various structures, including a
portable structure and a retaining structure in a stadium are
described for use with the inflatable balloon.
Inventors: |
Meadows, Joseph Stephen;
(Los Angeles, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCGUIREWOODS, LLP
1750 TYSONS BLVD
SUITE 1800
MCLEAN
VA
22102
US
|
Family ID: |
37709135 |
Appl. No.: |
11/191928 |
Filed: |
July 29, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11191928 |
Jul 29, 2005 |
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10430676 |
May 7, 2003 |
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6935963 |
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60377976 |
May 7, 2002 |
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60448141 |
Feb 20, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
472/134 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B64B 1/02 20130101; A63G
2031/005 20130101; B64C 31/04 20130101; A63G 31/00 20130101; B64B
1/50 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
472/134 |
International
Class: |
A63G 031/00 |
Claims
1. A system for allowing a user to float and glide for
entertainment, the system comprising: a portable structure
enclosing a predetermined space; a device for allowing a user to
move in three dimensions within the predetermined space, wherein
said device includes: an inflatable balloon; a plurality of lines
secured to one another at one end and operatively connected to said
balloon; a parachute harness; and a fastener for securing said
parachute harness to a free end of at least one of said plurality
of lines.
2. The system according to claim 1, wherein said balloon comprises
a layer of polyurethane-coated nylon.
3. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a deflation
zipper operates to deflate said balloon.
4. The system according to claim 1, wherein said lines are secured
to one another at one end by at least one ring.
5. The system according to claim 1, wherein said fastener comprises
a locking carabiner.
6. The system according to claim 1, wherein said portable structure
comprises a netting.
7. The system according to claim 1, wherein said portable structure
is supported by at least one support balloon.
8. The system according to claim 1, wherein said portable structure
further comprises: a retaining structure for retaining said balloon
in the predetermined space; and at least one support for supporting
said retaining structure.
9. The system according to claim 8, wherein said retaining
structure comprises a netting.
10. The system according to claim 8, wherein said at least one
support comprises at least one support balloon.
11. The system according to claim 10, wherein said portable
structure further comprises at least one anchor for securing said
at least one support balloon.
12. A system for allowing a user to float and glide for
entertainment, the system comprising: a retaining structure
enclosing a predetermined space and connected to a permanent
structure having at least one side; a device for allowing a user to
move in three dimensions within the predetermined space, wherein
said device includes: an inflatable balloon; a plurality of lines
secured to one another at one end and operatively connected to said
balloon; a parachute harness; and a fastener for securing said
harness to a free end of at least one of said plurality of
lines.
13. The system according to claim 12, wherein said balloon
comprises a layer of polyurethane-coated nylon.
14. The system according to claim 12, wherein said lines are
secured to one another at one end by at least one ring.
15. The system according to claim 12, further comprising a
deflation zipper operates to deflate said balloon.
16. The system according to claim 12, wherein said permanent
structure is a stadium.
17. The system according to claim 16, wherein said stadium further
includes at least one seating section, and wherein said retaining
structure further comprising a protective barrier located between
said at least one seating section and the predetermined space.
18. The system according to claim 17, wherein said protective
barrier comprises a netting.
19. The system according to claim 16, wherein said stadium further
comprises a roof having an opening, and wherein said retaining
structure further comprises a protective barrier located across
said roof opening to prevent said balloon from moving through the
roof opening.
20. The system according to claim 19, wherein said protective
barrier comprises a netting.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.120 as a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 10/430,676, filed on May 7, 2003, which claims priority to
Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/377,976, filed on May 7, 2002,
and Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/448,141, filed on Feb. 20,
2003, the disclosures of which all are expressly incorporated by
reference herein in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates generally to using balloons filled
with helium gas, and more specifically, this invention relates to
using helium balloons designed to carry and propel a single person
aloft within a confined interior.
[0004] 2. Related Art
[0005] People have used gas-filled balloons for transportation
since the Montgolfier brothers, Joseph Michel and Jacques Etienne,
invented the first hot air balloon in 1783. There have been hot air
balloons designed to carry a single person. Such a device typically
includes a compressed flammable gas tank strapped to the pilot's
back and a burner above the pilot's head. The open flame needed for
heating the air makes such a device relatively dangerous to use,
however. Additionally, the burning gas pollutes the atmosphere, and
the burner is quite noisy when in use. Moreover, the equipment
associated with a single-person hot air balloon is prohibitively
expensive to acquire and requires a truck to transport. And the
diameter of a balloon needed to carry a single person is nearly 40
feet, making the balloon difficult to maneuver, especially in more
crowded airspace. All of these disadvantages make such a device
relatively undesirable and wholly impractical for widespread use by
the public.
[0006] A helium-filled balloon overcomes these disadvantages.
Helium gas is plentiful, non-flammable (and therefore safe) and
environmentally friendly. Without a gas tank and a burner, a helium
balloon is less expensive to acquire, and a deflated balloon can be
transported by the pilot inside a passenger car. Finally, a helium
balloon one-eighth the volume of a hot air balloon will lift the
same weight so the diameter of the balloon for carrying a single
person needs only to be 18-20 feet.
[0007] Even with these comparative advantages, however, helium
balloons designed to carry a single person have seen only limited
and obscure use in the past. In the early 1900s, people began using
rubber balloons filled with helium gas for recreation. In this
sport, men would hang precariously from nets strung over several
helium balloons and race each other across large open areas as
spectators placed bets on which pilot would be the winner. Perhaps
because of the potential danger associated with a balloon puncture
or a loss of grip, this sport never gained much popularity.
[0008] As recently as 1985, the movie "Leap of Faith" starring
Steve Martin featured an untethered, one-man helium balloon. In the
movie, the character played by Martin "flew" the balloon to rescue
a small child from a dangerous balloon. What the movie does not
show is the fact that an accident occurred during the filming. The
balloon used in the production was not made from a rip-stop
material. Rather, it consisted of a single layer of fabric and the
attachment points for the harness used by the pilot were
essentially glued to the underside of the balloon. As a result, the
balloon tore as it hit the wall of the rock quarry where the girl
in the film was to be rescued, and the stuntman piloting the
balloon suffered a broken back. The production company destroyed
the unsafe, poorly constructed balloon after the filming had
concluded.
[0009] In 1995, U.S. Pat. No. 5,391,115 issued for an invention
entitled "Low Gravity Jumping Apparatus." This invention discloses
a helium balloon for providing a buoyant upward force but it does
not provide any features for making the balloon safe for
recreational use. Instead, the invention focuses on the design of a
special harness and frame combination that allows the rider to
rotate his or her body in a horizontal or vertical axis. The use of
such a device only increases the risk associated with the
activity.
[0010] Moreover, use of helium balloons is typically subject to the
conditions of the weather. High winds, rain and other conditions
may prevent the use of a helium balloon, or may curtail the
enjoyment of the experience for the riders. Further, the dependence
upon wind for the movement of the helium balloon may limit its use,
as appropriate landing areas may not be available due to the
direction of the wind. Further, structures to allow use of balloons
may be expensive.
[0011] Other drawbacks may also be present.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The invention avoids the disadvantages and drawbacks of the
prior art.
[0013] The invention thus provides a system and process for a user
to float and glide for entertainment in various venues. The
advantages of the invention may include fitting existing structures
to allow use of a balloon. Advantages may also be achieved by
providing temporary structures to allow use of a balloon. An aspect
of the invention may provides a system for allowing a user to float
and glide for entertainment includes a portable structure enclosing
a predetermined space and a device for allowing a user move in
three dimensions within the enclosed space. The device includes an
inflatable balloon, a plurality of lines secured to one another at
one end and operatively connected to said balloon, a parachute
harness and a fastener for securing said parachute harness to a
free end of at least one of said plurality of lines. The balloon
may include a layer of polyurethane-coated nylon and may have a
deflation zipper that operates to deflate said balloon. The lines
may be secured to one another at one end by at least one ring. The
fastener may include a locking carabiner.
[0014] Further, the portable structure may include a retaining
structure for retaining the balloon in the predetermined space and
at least one support for supporting said retaining structure. The
portable structure may include a netting. The portable structure
also may be supported by at least one support balloon. The
retaining structure may include a netting. The portable structure
may further include at least one anchor for securing the support
balloon.
[0015] Another aspect of the invention provides a system for
allowing a user to float and glide for entertainment including a
retaining structure enclosing a predetermined space and connected
to a permanent structure having at least one side and a device for
allowing a user to move in three dimensions within the enclosed
space. The device includes an inflatable balloon, a plurality of
lines secured to one another at one end and operatively connected
to the balloon, a parachute harness, and a fastener for securing
said harness to a free end of at least one of the plurality of
lines. The balloon may include a layer of polyurethane-coated nylon
and may have a deflation zipper that operates to deflate the
balloon. The lines may be secured to one another at one end by at
least one ring.
[0016] The permanent structure may be a stadium. The stadium may
further include at least one seating section, wherein the retaining
structure further includes a protective barrier located between the
at least one seating section and the predetermined space. The
protective barrier may include a netting. The stadium may further
include a roof having an opening, wherein the retaining structure
further include s a protective barrier located across the roof
opening to prevent the balloon from moving through the roof
opening. The protective barrier may include a netting.
[0017] Additional features, advantages and embodiments of the
invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the
following detailed description, drawings and claims. Moreover, it
is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the
invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and
intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope
of the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the invention, are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of
the invention and together with the detailed description serve to
explain the principles of the invention. No attempt is made to show
structural details of the invention in more detail than may be
necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention and the
various ways in which it may be practiced. In the drawings:
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates is an view of a helium balloon according
to an embodiment of the invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a partial cut-away view of the balloon according
to an embodiment of the invention;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a side view of another embodiment of the balloon
according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a top view of the balloon according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the balloon according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0024] FIG. 6 is an illustration of a dome using a balloon
according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0025] FIG. 7 illustrates a head on view of a prop-bike according
to an embodiment of the invention;
[0026] FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a prop-bike according to
an embodiment of the invention;
[0027] FIG. 9 illustrates a partial view of a bottom fairing of a
prop-bike according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0028] FIG. 10 illustrates a gear configuration for a prop-bike
according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0029] FIG. 11 illustrates a conventional stadium configured for
using a balloon according to an embodiment of the invention;
and
[0030] FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate top and side views,
respectively, of a portable enclosure for using a balloon according
to an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] The embodiments of the invention and the various features
and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with
reference to the non-limiting embodiments and examples that are
described and/or illustrated in the accompanying drawings and
detailed in the following description. It should be noted that the
features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to
scale, and features of one embodiment may be employed with other
embodiments as the skilled artisan would recognize, even if not
explicitly stated herein. Descriptions of well-known components and
processing techniques may be omitted so as to not unnecessarily
obscure the embodiments of the invention. The examples used herein
are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which
the invention may be practiced and to further enable those of skill
in the art to practice the embodiments of the invention.
Accordingly, the examples and embodiments herein should not be
construed as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined
solely by the appended claims and applicable law. Moreover, it is
noted that like reference numerals represent similar parts
throughout the several views of the drawings.
[0032] A system and apparatus process for carrying and propelling a
single person aloft in a helium balloon within a confined interior.
Various aspects and components of this system and process are
described below. While the present invention is described in terms
of a helium balloon (hereinafter also referred to as a "balloon"),
a propeller driven device and an inflated dome, it is recognized
that other apparatus that achieve these results may also be
used.
[0033] According to an embodiment of the invention, a dome and
prop-bike provide a recreational area for using a helium balloon.
The dome provides an enclosure for using the helium balloon,
thereby preventing the balloon from flying off. FIG. 6 illustrates
a dome providing a recreational area for using a helium balloon
according to an embodiment of the invention. A dome 100 provides an
interior for gas filled balloons 102, such as helium filled
balloons, to carry riders 104. As illustrated in FIG. 6, a
plurality of balloon 102 with riders 104 may be used within dome
100. Balloons 102 and riders 104 may be equipped to allow contact
with other balloons 102 and riders 104, such as padding, reinforced
materials, and the like. Although an embodiment of the dome 100
provides the use of an air supported structure, such as by positive
air pressure, other embodiments may also be used. The dome 100
provides an enclosure to allow users 104 of the helium balloon 102
to bounce off the walls and ceilings of the structure, as well as
bounce their balloon off the balloons of other users. The materials
used in dome 100 should enable the balloons 102 to bounce without
damaging the balloons 102. By way of example, for balloons 102 made
of nylon or similar type material, the inner walls and ceiling of
the dome 100 may require padding and the like, with sharp points
and edges covered to prevent the balloons from snagging and/or
ripping on them. Stronger material used for the balloons 100 may
require less padding on the interior of the dome. According to an
embodiment of the invention, the interior of the dome is padded
sufficiently to prevent damage and snagging of the balloon.
[0034] The dome may also be of sufficient size to enable one or
more users to operate a balloon within the dome. By way of example,
a dome may cover approximately 40,000 square feet or more, with a
height of about 100 feet. Such a structure would enable a number of
users to jump within the dome, bouncing off walls and each other's
balloon. By way of this example, existing domes, such as those used
for football, baseball and other sports, may be used. Other
structure sizes may also be used.
[0035] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a system for
providing an enclosure according to an embodiment of the invention.
Manned balloons 1110, such as those described above, are provided
in a stadium or other permanent structure 1120. According to an
embodiment of the invention, stadium 1120 is a permanent structure
that is used for various sporting events, such as football, soccer,
baseball, or the like. As illustrated in FIG. 11, stadium 1120 has
stands 1130, a floor 1180, a roof 1150 and an opening 1160 in the
roof.
[0036] For the manned balloons 1110, such as parabounce balloons
(as shown) or balloons having a bicycle-propeller attached (not
shown and described in greater detail below), it may be necessary
to provide a structure between the stands 1130 and the users of the
manned balloons 1110 using the floor 1180 of the stadium 1120 to
avoid injury to the person and/or damage to the balloon. To achieve
this, a stand barrier 1140 may be located between the stands 1130
and the floor 1180. According to an embodiment of the invention,
stand barrier 1140 may be in the form of a net.
[0037] As will be understood by one skilled in the art, the stand
barrier 1140 must be of sufficient strength to prevent the manned
balloons 1110 from coming into contact with the stands 1130, 1130A
and 1130B. The stand barrier 1140 may be made of ropes, nylon
strands, wires, strips of cloth, netting or other material. The
spacing in the net need only be small enough to prevent the manned
balloons 1110 from reaching the stands 1130, 1130A and 1130B. Thus,
if the manned balloon has, for example, a diameter of twenty (20)
feet, it may only be necessary for a rope netting to be ten (10)
feet between parallel ropes.
[0038] According to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIG. 1, stands 1130 comprise lower stands 1130A and upper stands
11301B. In this embodiment, a stand barrier 1140 is attached to the
base of the lower stands 1130A and to a portion of upper stands
1130B. For example, where upper stands 1130B is part of a deck
overhanging lower stands 1130A, the stand barrier 1140 may be
connected to the deck. The connection may be a hard connection,
such as the stand barrier 1140 tied to a portion upper stands
1130B. Alternatively, the connection may be a moveable connection.
For example, a pulley may be attached to the deck portion of the
upper stands 1130. A rope is attached to the stand barrier 1140 and
operably connected to the pulley to allow the stand barrier to be
raised and lowered. Thus, according to an embodiment of the
invention, a stadium 1120 may be used for standard events
(football, baseball, etc.) at some times and may then be fitted to
allow users to operate manned balloons 1110 at other times.
Further, a stand barrier 1140 may also be placed between the deck
of upper stands 11301B and roof 1150 in a similar manner.
[0039] As described above, in some embodiments, the stadium 1120
may have a roof 1150 with a roof opening 1160. As will be apparent
to one skilled in the art, it may be necessary for a roof barrier
1170 to be placed across the roof opening 1160 to prevent manned
balloons 1110 from escaping the confines of the stadium 1120. For
example, if the manned balloon 1110 is a parabounce balloon as
described above, a roof barrier 1170 may be necessary to ensure
that if the person riding in the manned balloon jumps with enough
force, or if the manned balloon is too light to descend properly
the manned balloon does not leave the stadium 1120. According to an
embodiment of the invention, roof barrier 1170 may be made of the
same material and construction as stand barrier 1140. By way of
example, if stand barrier 1140 is in the form of colored cloth
strips having advertising located on the cloth strips, it may be
desirable to have the roof barrier 1170 also made of colored cloth
strips to match those in stand barrier 1140. Alternatively if
netting is used as the stand barrier 1140 for example, it may be
desirable to have the rod barrier 1170 made of netting as well. It
is understood that if stadium 1120 does not have a roof opening
1160, it still may be desirable or necessary to use a roof barrier
1170 to prevent a balloon, such as a manned balloon 1110, from
contacting the roof 1150.
[0040] In addition, roof barrier 1170 may be connected to the roof
1150 by a hard connection or by a moveable connection. For a hard
connection, the roof barrier 1170, such as netting, may be attached
directly, such as by tying, to portions of the 1150. For a moveable
connection, pulleys with ropes may be used to stretch a roof
barrier 1170 across the opening 1160 of roof 1150. Other methods
will also be apparent to those skilled in the art. According to
another embodiment of the invention, balloons such as parabounce
balloons described herein, may be used to support one or more parts
of roof barrier 1170. While roof 1150 is shown with an opening
1160, it is understood that some stadiums 1120 have a roof 1150
without an opening. Therefore, the roof barrier 1170 may not be
necessary for such stadiums 1120. However, in some buildings, a
roof will have a hard surface that requires some type of
covering.
[0041] FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate top and side views of a
portable system for providing an enclosure 1210 according to an
embodiment of the invention. Support balloons 1220 are shown
located above the enclosure 1210 and each are connected to the
enclosure 1210 via balloon attachment lines 1240. Support balloons
1220 hold the enclosure 1210 aloft, thereby providing temporary
support.
[0042] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 12A and 12B,
enclosure 1210 comprises four horizontal main lines 1250 attached
in a square configuration. At each corner of the square created by
the horizontal main lines 1250, a vertical main line 1260 is
attached at one end. The other end of each vertical main line 1260
is attached to an anchor device 1230. The anchor device may be a
weight, a stake driven into the ground, a stationary object (e.g.,
tree, rock), a large movable object (e.g., secured to the bumper or
to a trailer hitch of a car or truck), or any device that would
prevent the support balloons 1220, and thus the enclosure 1210,
from floating away.
[0043] In addition to horizontal main lines 1250 and vertical main
lines 1260, a plurality of netting lines 1270 are provided to
complete the enclosure 1210. As illustrated, netting lines 1270 are
provided both horizontally and vertically between vertical main
lines 1260. Further, netting lines 1270 are attached at each end to
horizontal main lines 1250 to form a net on the top of enclosure
1210. The netting lines 1270 may be arranged so that a manned
balloon 1280 cannot escape through either the top or the side of
the enclosure 1210. For example, if the diameter of the manned
balloons 1280 is twenty (20) feet across, the netting lines 1270
may be arranged so that parallel lines are no more than about ten
(10) feet apart.
[0044] While the temporary enclosure 1210 has been described in
terms of a netting, it is understood that other materials and
configurations may be used without departing from the principles of
the invention. By way of example, the enclosure 1210 may be made of
nylon rope, cloth or other material that functions to enclose the
manned balloons 1280.
[0045] According to another embodiment of the invention, a
mechanical device may be used to propel users of a balloon. This
device may be used to propel users of a balloon within a dome, as
opposed to just propulsion from the user jumping. According to an
embodiment of the invention, a bicycle type mechanism, such as the
prop-bike, may be used to propel a user. According to an embodiment
of the invention, a prop-bike 202 is illustrated in FIGS. 7-10.
Prop-bike 202 is attached to a helium balloon 200 through lines 216
attached to a line mount structure, such as ring 214. A swivel
suspension 218 attaches ring 214 to a support mount, such as bottom
fairing 210 through attachment bar 219. Swivel suspension 218
allows the user to rotate the prop-bike 202 relative to ring 214
and balloon 200. Swivel suspension 218 may be any conventional
device for rotating, such as a ball bearing joint, or the like.
[0046] One or more propellers 204 located with in a shroud 206 are
used to propel the prop-bike 202. The user sits on a bicycle type
seat 224, where the mechanism has a control column 208, such as a
steering wheel or bicycle handles: A bottom fairing 210 is attached
at the bottom. According to an embodiment of the invention, bottom
fairing 210 may used to protect moving parts, as well as to provide
a platform for landing the prop-bike 202 and enabling the rider to
get on and off. Control column 208 is operatively connected to a
ruder 220 and elevators 222.
[0047] Pedals 212 are attached to gear 226 which is operatively
connected to one or more propellers 204. As the user pedals the
mechanism, the propellers 204 turn, thereby moving the balloon 200
and the user. The user may then steer with the rudder 220 and
elevators 222, directing the path of the balloon 200. Other
mechanisms for propelling the balloon, such as compressed gas,
fans, or other propulsion mechanisms may also be used. As will be
apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, it will be necessary
to adjust the size of the balloon and the amount of the lift
required to account for the weight of the prop bike or other
propelling mechanism (e.g., compressed gas, electric fan, motorized
fan, etc.) as well as the weight of the user. Further, it is
understood that light weight materials, such as plastic, aluminum,
or other light weight material.
[0048] In the embodiment of the prop bike, a seat 224 for a user is
provided with pedals 212 in a recumbent position. As illustrated in
FIG. 10, chain 232 is interacts with gear 226, which is connected
to pedals 212. According to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10,
chain 232 interacts to turn gear 228 which is attached to gear 230.
Chain 236 interacts with gear 230 to turn gear 234. Gear 234 is
connected to and rotates drive 238, which is connected to propeller
206 for moving the prop bike. According to an embodiment of the
invention, a propeller tilt and turn control is provided to the
user for to control the direction of the prop bike. The control
enables the user to tilt the propeller up or down a predetermined
amount (e.g. plus or minus ten degrees), as well as tilting the
propeller left or right a predetermined amount (e.g. plus or minus
ten degrees). This allows the user to control the direction of the
flight, either up, down, right, left or some combination thereof.
Based on the pedal to gear ratio on the propeller, it may necessary
for the prop bike to be used only within a dome, or to be used
outside with little or no wind.
[0049] According to an embodiment of the invention, the chain
assembly and propeller control are surrounded by a protective
casing, such as a light-weight plastic shell. As illustrated in
FIG. 9, the protective casing, such as bottom fairing 210, serves
to support gear 226 and pedal 212 in the front, where the user can
operate the pedal 212. Seat 224 is further supported by bottom
fairing 210, while gear 228 and gear 230 are supported at the rear
of bottom fairing 210. According to an embodiment of the invention,
a shock 225 is attached at one end to bottom fairing 210 and
attached at the other end to landing pad 227. When the prop-bike is
landed, shock 225 absorbs the ground impact when landing pad 227
contacts the ground or other landing surface. Other devices for
landing, such as skid pads, or wheels may also be used.
[0050] As described above, the prop bike 202 is connected to the
balloon 200 by a tether system. For purposes of balance, it may be
desirable to use at least three tethers or lines 216 to attach the
prop bike to the balloon. Other configurations for the prop bike
may also be used.
[0051] According to an embodiment of the invention, one or more
balloons with a user (or users) for each balloon, may be used
within a dome 100 as described in FIG. 6. FIG. 1 illustrates device
for a user and a balloon to be used within a dome 100 according to
an embodiment of the present invention. Device 10 comprises a
balloon 12 with a plurality of test lines 14 secured to one another
at one end and longitudinally disposed over the balloon 12. In an
embodiment of the invention, there may be 16 continuous, 2000-lb
test Spectra.RTM. lines, but the number used may vary with
depending on the strength of the lines used. The test lines 14 are
connected at the free end to a conventional parachute harness 16 by
suitable fastening means 18, such as for example, locking
carabiners.
[0052] According to an embodiment of the invention tether lines 20
may be used which are also secured to the fastening means 18 at one
end. These tether lines will be of sufficient length to permit the
balloon to float up to a desired gliding height, and yet keep the
balloon moored to the ground. It is recognized that use of device
10 in a dome may be done without use of tether lines 20.
[0053] A release valve 22 at the top of the balloon permits rapid
deflation of the balloon after use. The balloon also has a
plurality of fill valves 24, preferably two, and bleed-off valves
26, preferably three. The bleed-off valves 26 permit a pilot to
effect a controlled release of helium gas in the event the balloon
floats away or uncontrollably. The pilot operates the bleed-off
valves 26 using a tug line 28 operatively connected to the
valves.
[0054] FIG. 1 shows the invention 10 in use, with a pilot 30
strapped in the harness and two "ground crew" members 32 holding on
to the tether lines. To ascend in the balloon (also referred to as
a parabounce balloon), the pilot pushes off the ground with his or
her legs, thereby propelling himself or herself upward. The
resulting force, coupled with the buoyancy of the balloon, is
sufficient to overcome the effects of gravity on the balloon and
the pilot. Both the ascension and descension are gradual,
however.
[0055] As seen in FIG. 2, the balloon 12 is preferably constructed
from two layers of rip-stop nylon 40 and 42. The individual panels
are seamed together using heat. The balloon 12 is preferably about
20 feet in diameter and holds approximately 5,500 cubic feet of
helium. According to an embodiment of the invention, the device,
when deflated, weighs about 80 pounds. The entire rig for the
invention may then be stowed away in a three-foot by three-foot
sail bag.
[0056] FIGS. 3-5 illustrate another embodiment of the invention.
Looking at FIG. 3 first, the invention 10 again comprises a balloon
12 with a plurality of test lines 14 longitudinally disposed over
the balloon 12. The skin of the balloon 12 may be made from a
polyurethane-coated nylon with overlapping seams 13. Again, there
are may be 16 continuous, 2000-lb test Spectra.RTM. lines, but the
number used may vary with depending on the strength of the lines
used. Test lines 14 may be attached to load patches on the balloon,
where the load patches may be attached by glue or other manner of
attachment. By way of example, the test lines 14 are attached via
load patches which are glues and/or heat-seamed over each test
lines 14. In this example, there sixteen test lines 14 are used.
However, it is understood that more or fewer test lines 14 may be
used, such as eight test lines 14. By way of another example, half
of the test lines 14 longitudinally disposed over one hemisphere of
the balloon 12 are stitched together at their free ends around a
steel ring 50. The other half of the test lines 14 are stitched
together at their free ends around another steel ring 50, as seen
in FIG. 5.
[0057] Alternatively, the interior of the balloon 12 is reinforced
with a plurality of nylon battens 52 that latitudinally encircle
the balloon 12. There are preferably three battens 52, as seen in
FIG. 3. On the exterior of the balloon 12 and distributed along the
latitudinal positions of the battens 52 are a plurality of guides
54 for keeping the test lines 14 positioned in even distribution
around the balloon 12. The number of guides 54 will depend upon the
number of test lines 14 and the number of battens 52; if there are
16 test lines 14 and three battens 52, as in the preferred
embodiment, then there will be 48 guides 54. The test lines 14 are
secured together at the top of the balloon 12 with two steel rings
56, as also seen in FIG. 4. The rings 56 are stacked one on top of
the other. Half of the test lines 14 are secured to one ring 56 and
the other half of the lines 14 to the other ring 56, in alternating
order. In other words, the two test lines 14 to the immediate right
and left of a third test line 14 will be secured to a different
ring 56 from that for the third test line. The rings 56 are secured
to the balloon 12 with nylon line or webbing (not shown).
[0058] The balloon 12 has a deflation zipper 58, as seen in FIG. 3,
for complete deflation. There is a hose 60 for assisting with
inflation and deflation of the balloon. The balloon has two intake
ports 62, each with rubber stopper and cap, and two purge valves
64, each with a pull line, as seen in FIG. 5. There is also an
emergency peel-off patch 66 covering a grommet (not shown). When
the invention is in use, a pull line is secured to the grommet. The
pilot can deflate the balloon quickly by pulling out the grommet.
Alternatively, monsun values may be used in place of rubber
stoppers and one peel-off zipper is used for deflation.
[0059] If the invention will be used by more than one pilot, then
canvas bags 68 of varying weights may be attached to a metal ring
or belt attached to the test lines 14, as seen in FIG. 3, to
compensate for the difference in weight between pilots. The tether
lines 20 are attached to the test lines 14 through the use of steel
rings and locking carabiners (not shown). If a "ground crew" is
used to hold on to the tether lines 20, the tether lines can be
strapped to them using harnesses (not shown).
[0060] Various additional modifications of the invention described
herein will occur to those skilled in the art. All such variations
and deviations which basically rely on the teachings through which
this invention has advanced the art are properly considered within
the scope of this invention and equivalents thereof, as described
herein and claimed in the appended claims.
[0061] Other embodiments, uses and advantages of the present
invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from
consideration of the specification and practice of the invention
disclosed herein. The specification and examples should be
considered exemplary only. The intended scope of the invention is
only limited by the claims appended hereto.
[0062] While the invention has been particularly shown and
described within the framework of a helium balloon it will be
appreciated that variations and modifications can be effected by a
person of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the
scope of the invention. For example, one of ordinary skill in the
art will recognize that other gas filled balloons may be used to
effectuate the present invention. Further, any device which is
lighter than the surrounding air may be used.
* * * * *