U.S. patent application number 11/087495 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-09 for human-bearing inflatable device.
Invention is credited to Aaron Wolf Baum.
Application Number | 20060252601 11/087495 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37394715 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060252601 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Baum; Aaron Wolf |
November 9, 2006 |
Human-bearing inflatable device
Abstract
An inflatable device serving in one or more roles as furniture
and/or equipment for exercise, recreation, and/or therapeutic
equipment, or in some combination of these functions is disclosed.
The device consists of an inflatable base (2) with one or more
cavities or holes, with rounded inflatable spheroid(s) (1) in said
cavities or holes. The device may optionally include a system of
straps (3 and 4) or a form-fitting covering around the base, which
may serve to correct an asymmetry in said base. The device may
include a weighted base (11). The device may also include means for
generating lights, sound, and/or video (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, and/or
13) responsive to the actions of users on or around the device.
Inventors: |
Baum; Aaron Wolf; (San
Francisco, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Aaron W. Baum
960 Natoma Street #3
San Francisco
CA
94103
US
|
Family ID: |
37394715 |
Appl. No.: |
11/087495 |
Filed: |
March 24, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/9 ;
482/55 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 23/0211 20130101;
A63B 2225/62 20130101; A47C 20/021 20130101; A63B 2071/0625
20130101; A63B 41/00 20130101; A63B 43/06 20130101; A47C 4/54
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/009 ;
482/055 |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/00 20060101
A63B071/00; A63B 31/00 20060101 A63B031/00 |
Claims
1. An inflatable device serving in one or more roles as furniture,
exercise device, amusement device, recreational device, and/or
therapeutic device, comprising: (a) an inflated form of
substantially toroidal shape with a center cavity or hole; and (b)
an inflated form of substantially rounded shape, with a bottom
portion fitting securely in said center cavity or hole, placed in
said center cavity or hole.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein a plurality of straps or other
covering surrounds said toroid.
3. The device of claim 1 wherein a plurality of straps or other
covering surrounds said toroid, whereby some deviation in said
inflated toroidal form from the ideal toroid shape is at least
partially corrected.
4. The device of claim 2 wherein handles are affixed to said straps
or other covering.
5. The device of claim 1 incorporating means to control one or more
light, sound, and/or video sources in a way responsive to users'
actions on and/or around the device.
6. The device of claim 1 incorporating a weighted bottom.
7. An inflatable device serving in one or more roles as furniture,
exercise device, amusement device, recreational device, and/or
therapeutic device, comprising: (a) an inflated form of
substantially toroidal shape with a center cavity or hole; and (b)
an inflated form of substantially rounded shape, with a bottom
portion fitting securely in said center cavity or hole, placed in
said center cavity or hole; and (c) a plurality of straps or other
covering surrounding said toroid.
8. The device of claim 5 incorporating means to control one or more
light, sound, and/or video sources in a way responsive to users'
actions on and/or around the device.
9. The device of claim 5 wherein said straps or other covering
serve to at least partially correct some deviation from the ideal
toroid shape in said inflated toroidal form.
10. The device of claim 2 wherein handles are affixed to said
straps or other covering.
11. The device of claim 5 incorporating a weighted bottom.
12. An inflatable device capable of bearing the weight of a human
being, serving in one or more roles as furniture, exercise device,
amusement device, recreational device, and/or therapeutic device,
comprising: (a) an inflated form with one or more cavities or
holes; and (b) one or more inflated forms of substantially rounded
shape, each with a bottom portion fitting securely in one of said
cavities or holes, placed in said cavities or holes.
13. The device of claim 1 2 wherein straps or other covering
surrounds said toroid.
14. The device of claim 1 2 wherein a plurality of straps or other
covering surrounds said toroid, whereby some deviation in said
inflated toroidal form from the ideal toroid shape is at least
partially corrected.
15. The device of claim 1 3 wherein handles are affixed to said
straps or other covering.
16. The device of claim 12 incorporating means to control one or
more light, sound, and/or video sources in a way responsive to
users' actions on and/or around the device.
17. The device of claim 12 incorporating a weighted bottom.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED R & D
[0002] Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM
LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX
[0003] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention relates to human-bearing inflatables
and more particularly pertains to multi-function inflatables
serving in one or more roles as furniture or as
exercise/recreation/therapy equipment.
[0005] Human-bearing inflatables are used as furniture as well as
exercise, recreational, and therapy devices. However, few devices
of the prior art are significantly multi-function, and none combine
the benefits of low cost, robustness, and multi-functionality.
Simple, rounded shapes with minimal seams and seals offer the
highest robustness and lowest manufacturing costs, but generally
lack multifunctionality. For example, large rubber and PVC balls
("Swiss balls", "Pilates balls", etc.) are widely used for exercise
and therapy, but their tendency to roll makes them unsafe for
inexperienced users and limits their usefulness as furniture. Ball
chairs and ball supports, which hold a ball in a shallow plastic or
metal ring, require non-inflatable and costly additional components
and do not support intensive recreational-exercise activities.
Inner tubes, which, like balls, are also a low-cost and robust
shape, are limited by their shape to a few recreational uses, even
with added handles, tow points, etc. (E.g. U.S. Pat. No.
5,476,404.) Furthermore, mass-produced inner tubes are often
unattractively asymmetrical when inflated outside of tires.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In accordance with the present invention, an inflatable
device comprises an inflated spheroid and an inflated base sized so
as to fit together to form a stable form suitable for seating,
recreation and/or exercise. These can consist of mass-produced
molded components (i.e. an exercise ball and a mass-produced inner
tube), providing a high degree of robustness at low cost.
[0007] The device may include one or more additional options. It
may include a system of straps or a form-fitting covering for
correcting some asymmetry in the base form. It may include
equipment for controlling and-or generating sound, lights and-or
video responsive to the actions of person(s)on or around the
device. It may also incorporate a weighted bottom to prevent
excessive movement during use.
Objects and Advantages
[0008] Accordingly, besides the objects and advantages of the
human-bearing inflatable described in my above patent, several
objects and advantages of the present invention are:
[0009] (a) to form a human-bearing inflatable device capable of
serving as furniture and/or equipment for exercise, recreation,
and/or therapy;
[0010] (b) to reduce the cost of manufacturing by employing
mass-produced components;
[0011] (c) to form a highly portable human-bearing inflatable
device;
[0012] (d) to form a highly robust human-bearing inflatable
device;
[0013] (e) to provide, optionally, a simple means for correcting
any asymmetry in the base component;
[0014] (f) to provide, optionally, a sound, lights, and/or video
show responsive to users' movements; and
[0015] (g) to incorporate, optionally, a weighted bottom to prevent
excessive movement during use.
[0016] Still further objects and advantages will become apparent
from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] In the drawings, drawings relating to the same embodiment
have the same number but different alphabetic suffixes.
[0018] FIG. 1A is a top view of the simplest embodiment of the
invention.
[0019] FIG. 1B is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
1A.
[0020] FIG. 1C is a bottom view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
1A.
[0021] FIG. 1D is a sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
1A.
[0022] FIG. 2A is a top view of an embodiment of the invention
incorporating a means for correcting some asymmetry in the base
component.
[0023] FIG. 2B is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
2A.
[0024] FIG. 2C is a bottom view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
2A.
[0025] FIG. 2D is a sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
2A.
[0026] FIG. 3A is a top view of an embodiment of the invention
incorporating a means for generating a sound, lights, and/or video
show responsive to users' movements using sensors and DSP.
[0027] FIG. 3B is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
3A.
[0028] FIG. 3C is a bottom view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
3A.
[0029] FIG. 3D is a sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
3A.
[0030] FIG. 3E is a detail view of the sectional view shown in FIG.
3D.
[0031] FIG. 3F is a schematic illustration of the functional
relationships between the interactive components of this
embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 4A is a top view of an embodiment of the invention
incorporating a means for generating a sound, lights, and/or video
show responsive to users' movements using switches.
[0033] FIG. 4B is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
4A.
[0034] FIG. 4C is a bottom view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
4A.
[0035] FIG. 4D is a sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
4A.
[0036] FIG. 4E is a detail view of the sectional view shown in FIG.
4D.
[0037] FIG. 4F is a schematic illustration of the functional
relationships between the interactive components of this
embodiment.
[0038] FIG. 5A is a top view of an embodiment of the invention
incorporating a means for weighting the bottom of the device to
prevent excessive movement.
[0039] FIG. 5B is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
5A.
[0040] FIG. 5C is a bottom view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
5A.
[0041] FIG. 5D is a sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
5A.
[0042] Although the drawings show a scale and suggest certain
proportions between elements of the illustrated embodiments, the
invention is intended to encompass a range of sizes and proportions
appropriate for the multiple functions described and users of all
sizes.
REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS
[0043] 1 inflatable spheroid [0044] 2 inflatable base [0045] 3
straps surrounding base [0046] 4 inside diameter-defining strap
[0047] 5 straps crossing underside of device [0048] 6 light source
[0049] 7 sound generator [0050] 8 video generator [0051] 9 analog
to digital converter [0052] 10 sensor [0053] 11 weight [0054] 12
digital signal processor [0055] 13 switch
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIGS. 1A-1D: Preferred Embodiment
[0056] FIGS. 1A-1D depict a preferred embodiment of the invention.
In this embodiment, the device is composed of an inflatable
spheroid 1 and an inflatable base 2 with a center hole, sized so
that said spheroid sits securely in said hole. In a preferred
embodiment, the spheroid is made of rubber or PVC, similar to any
large exercise or "Pilates" ball. Alternatively, it may be made of
any material forming a rounded shape that can support the weight of
a person. In additional preferred embodiments, said spheroid is an
ellipsoid, egg-shape, rounded-end cylinder, or another generally
rounded shape fitting securely into the opening of base 2.
[0057] In a preferred embodiment, said base 2 comprises an inner
tube, such as those used in car, truck, and tractor tires. In
additional embodiments, said base comprises an inflatable form with
one or more cavities or holes in which one or more spheroid(s) of
said type may sit securely. Said base can be made from rubber, PVC,
neoprene, or other material appropriate for a human-bearing
inflatable. In an additional embodiment, the spheroid and/or base
incorporate handles.
[0058] In accordance with the present invention, alternative
embodiments may use proportions between the base form and the
spheroid form different from those shown in the figures to optimize
the device for a particular mode of use. The spheroid 1 and base 2
may be sized to seat individuals of a particular size on the base 2
with the spheroid 1 as a back rest. In this application, an
ellipsoidal or cylindrical spheroid may be employed to provide a
better back rest. Alternatively, the spheroid 1 and base 2 may be
sized to seat individuals of a particular size on the spheroid 1
with the base 2 as a foot rest. For other uses, the optimal
proportions will be apparent to anyone skilled in the art.
[0059] A pad may be placed around the device (or incorporated into
the device) in any of the described embodiments to prevent injury
in case a user falls off of the device.
FIGS. 2A-2D: Additional Embodiment
[0060] FIGS. 2A-2D depict an embodiment similar to that of FIGS. 1A
and 1B, with the addition of a system of straps 3 and 4 surrounding
the base 2. In a preferred embodiment, this system consists of a
set of straps encircling the base in several places as shown in the
figures. The base-surrounding straps 3 can be kept in their proper
positions by fixing them to an additional strap 4 encircling the
base's inner diameter. The straps 3 and 4 may consist of nylon,
polypropylene, fabric, rubber, or any other material strong and
flexible enough to surround the base while deflated, inflated, and
under use. The pictures show four base-surrounding straps 3. In
accordance with the invention, however, the system could include
any number of such straps.
[0061] In a preferred embodiment, each base-surrounding strap 3 may
include a buckle, snap, velcro, or other closure device to allow
the system to be easily installed and removed. Said closure devices
may allow the lengths of the straps to be changed individually. In
an alternative embodiment, each of these straps 3 is sewn together
around the base. In either case the base-surrounding straps 3 can
correct for asymmetry in the base by constraining its expansion as
it inflates. This system may serve additional or alternative
purposes, such as to provide attachment points for a decorative or
protective covering, handles, head rest(s), foot rest(s), sensors,
switches, lights, speakers, etc. An example of such use is shown in
FIGS. 3A-3F and FIGS. 4A-4F.
[0062] As an alternative embodiment, the system around the base
consists of a form-fitting covering, rather than, or in addition to
straps. This covering may serve to correct asymmetry by
constraining the expansion of the base as it is inflated; it may
also provide attachment points for an additional
decorative/protective covering as mentioned above. This
form-fitting covering may consist of fabric, mesh, neoprene,
rubber, or some combination of these or other materials capable of
serving one or more of the above-mentioned purposes.
[0063] Additional embodiments include having a head rest on top of
the spheroid, an injury-preventing pad extending around the edge of
the base, handles attached to the straps, or some combination of
these additional elements.
[0064] It will be evident to those skilled in the art that the
above-described straps, covering(s), handles, etc. may be employed
on any of the following embodiments as well.
FIGS. 3A-3F: Additional Embodiment
[0065] FIGS. 3A-3F illustrate an embodiment of the present
invention incorporating components to generate some combination of
sound, lights, and/or video responsive to user(s) actions on and/or
around the device. Components 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 1 2 are attached
to additional straps 5 which run across the bottom of the device
and are anchored to the base itself or to the straps/covering. FIG.
3F shows the functional relationship of these components.
[0066] As shown in FIG. 3E, one or more sensor elements 10 can be
positioned between a strap 5 and spheroid 1 to detect and/or
measure users' activity on spheroid 1. The sensor 10 may be a
pressure sensor such as piezoresistors, or a quantum-tunneling
composite (such as those available from Peratech Ltd.). It may
incorporate voltage sources and/or voltage dividers to generate a
signal measurable by analog to digital converter 9. Such pressure
sensors may also be placed under various parts of the device (such
as under the base 2, or off-center under spheroid 1) to sense the
weight and movement of users on various parts of the device. In
further additional embodiments, other types of sensors may be
placed on or around the device to sense user activity in those
areas. These may be accelerometers, proximity sensors
(electromagnetic-, IR-, or ultrasound-based), photosensors,
piezoelectric sensors, microphones, temperature gauges, or other
type(s) which can detect or measure the activity of users on or
around the device.
[0067] The functional connections of the interactive components are
illustrated in FIG. 3F. The sensors' output attaches to the input
of the analog to digital converters 9. The digital output of said
converters is connected to the digital signal processor (DSP) 12,
the output of which connects to some combination of light source(s)
6, sound generators 7, and/or video generators 8. The digital
signal processor 1 2 consists of computer(s) and/or circuitry
capable of translating digital sensor data into analog voltages
and/or digital data to control the actuators 6-8. In a preferred
embodiment, said DSP 12 consists of a digital computer with
appropriate ports and programming. The output of DSP 12 is some
combination of analog audio (e.g. mono, stereo, Dolby 5.1, etc.),
analog video (e.g. composite, S-video, RGB, HD, VGA, etc.), other
voltage output (e.g. control signals), digital audio (e.g. SPDIF,
Firewire audio, digital Dolby surround, etc.), digital video (e.g.
DV, DVI, etc.), and/or digital control signals (e.g. MIDI, RS-232,
USB, Firewire, etc.).
[0068] The light sources 6 are some combination of light bulbs,
rope lights, LEDs, electroluminescent material, or other light
source (with any necessary power supply or control circuitry) whose
output can be controlled by control signals (analog or digital)
output by DSP 12. FIGS. 3C and 3D show such a light source
underneath the device; however, they may also be on or around the
device.
[0069] In a preferred embodiment, the sound generator(s) 7 consist
of one or more amplifiers connected to one or more speakers. In
additional embodiments, said sound generators include audio
synthesis capabilities controlled by the DSP 12 (e.g. by MIDI
signals). Portions of sound generator 7 may be incorporated in the
device (e.g. FIG. 3C) while other portions (such as speakers) may
be external to the device.
[0070] In a preferred embodiment, the video generator 8 comprises
one or more computers programmed to create video output in response
to control signals from DSP 12. Alternatively it may comprise a
dedicated video synthesizer/generator operating in response to
control signals from the DSP 12. In either case the video generator
8 may be connected (using an analog or digital signal) to one or
more display devices such as a CRT, video projector, plasma screen
display, LCD, etc. The DSP 12 may also feed video directly to such
display device(s) without use of a video generator 8.
FIGS. 4A-4F: Additional Preferred Embodiment
[0071] FIGS. 4A-4F illustrate an embodiment of the present
invention allowing for switches 13 to control the interactive
components 6, 7, and/or 8, without requiring a DSP 12. Additional
straps 5 across the bottom of the device provide anchor points for
components 6, 7, 8, and 13.
[0072] FIG. 4F shows the functional relationship of these
components. In this embodiment, user(s) actions actuate switches 13
which directly control the output of some combination of light
sources 6, sound generators 7, and/or video generators 8. In a
preferred embodiment, the switches 13 consist of mechanical
switches or quantum tunneling composite switches. In this
embodiment, the switches 13 vary in resistance according to user(s)
actions, controlling the flow of current to components 6, 7, and/or
8. In an alternative embodiment, the switches 13 incorporate
circuits, such as voltage dividers, to generate voltages which
control components 6, 7, and/or 8. The switches 13 may include
sensors such as piezoresistors, quantum-tunneling composites,
accelerometers, proximity sensors (electromagnetic-, IR-, or
ultrasound-based), photosensors, piezoelectric sensors,
microphones, temperature gauges, or any other sensor which can
control current flow or generate a voltage in response to the
presence and/or activity of users.
FIGS. 5A and 5B: Additional Preferred Embodiment
[0073] In this embodiment, a weight 11 is incorporated into the
device by attaching it to the system of straps 3 and 4. In a
preferred embodiment, the weight 11 is a hollow container of
plastic, fabric, rubber, or other appropriate material, filled with
a dense material such as water, sand, or lead shot. Alternately it
may consist of any shape fitting below the device weighing enough
to substantially limit displacement of the device when used. The
weight may also be incorporated into the spheroid 1 and/or the base
2, either as an additional fillable compartment in one or both
inflatables or by placing a dense material in one or both
inflatables. Weighting of the device as described may be
incorporated into any of the previously described embodiments.
Advantages
[0074] From the description above, a number of advantages of the
described inflatable device become apparent:
[0075] (a) The device can be used as furniture and/or as equipment
for exercise, recreation, and/or therapy.
[0076] (b) The device can be formed from inexpensive mass-produced
components.
[0077] (c) The device can be highly compact and portable when
deflated.
[0078] (d) The device can be robust enough for vigorous use.
[0079] (e) Asymmetry in inflated components can be easily
corrected.
[0080] (f) The device can provide a sound, lights, and/or video
show responsive to users' activity.
[0081] (g) The device can be weighted to prevent excessive
displacement during use.
Operation of Preferred Embodiment
[0082] In its most basic preferred embodiment (shown in FIGS. 1A
and 1B), the device has multiple potential uses as furniture and as
equipment for exercise, recreation, and/or therapy. One or more
users may sit, and/or bounce on the base 2, using the spheroid 1 as
a back rest. A user may sit on the spheroid 1, placing feet on the
base 2 or on the ground. An additional, smaller form of the device
can be used as a foot rest. Users can also lie on the spheroid 1 or
the base 2, stand on the base 2, lean on the base 2, kneel on the
base 2, or position themselves on the device in a variety of ways.
In an embodiment including handles, users may grasp the handles
while lying supine or prone on the spheroid 1 for an upper body
stretch or workout.
[0083] For exercise, recreation, or therapy, users can bounce or
stretch in any of the above positions, perform stretches over the
spheroid 1, perform floor exercises with parts of their bodies on
the device, or enjoy any number of other positions and activities.
Most ball-based exercises can be performed on the device, with the
added safety of the stability provided by the base 2. New exercises
are also made possible, such as balancing on the stabilized
spheroid 1. The spheroid 1 can also be removed from the base 2 to
perform conventional ball exercises.
[0084] The addition of straps or a form-fitting covering on the
base 2 (e.g. FIGS. 2A and 2B) allows for the correction of some
asymmetry in the base 2, as well as providing attachment points for
additional decorative/protective coverings or interactive
components. The correction may be achieved by selective tightening
of the straps 3 surrounding the base 2, or the straps/covering may
be manufactured in a form that will enforce symmetry as the base 2
is inflated. A covering of the base 2 may protect from sharp
objects, abrasion, sunlight, and/or excessive temperature.
[0085] In the interactive embodiments (e.g. FIGS. 3A-3F and 4A-4F),
users may interact with the device in any of the above-described
ways, with the device providing lights, sound, and/or video
responsive to user(s) activity. In the DSP-based embodiment (i.e.
FIGS. 3A-3F), sensors 10 detect and/or measure the presence,
movement, and/or weight of users. The sensor signals are digitized
by the A/D converters 9; this digital data is then used by the DSP
12 (which may include digital and/or analog outputs) to drive some
combination of light sources 6, sound generators 7, and/or video
generators 8. A multimedia show controlled by the user(s) is thus
created. In a preferred embodiment, the sensors 10 are pressure
sensors generating a waveform representing a user's bouncing on the
device. In this preferred embodiment the DSP 12 converts the
pressure data into music, flashing lights, and/or a video show (by
driving corresponding components 7, 6, and 8), with a rhythm
matching that of the user's bouncing, encouraging further use.
[0086] In the switch-based embodiment (i.e. FIGS. 4A-4F), the
presence, movement, and/or weight of users affects the output of
switches 13. The switch output directly controls some combination
of light sources 6, sound generators 7, and/or video generators 8.
A multimedia show controlled by the user(s) is thus created. In a
preferred embodiment, the rhythm of the generated show matches that
of a user's activity.
[0087] In the additional embodiment incorporating a weight 11, the
mass of the device is increased and its center of gravity lowered,
reducing the device's movement during intensive use. In a preferred
embodiment, the weight 11 is hollow, so that it may be shipped or
transported empty.
Conclusion, Ramifications, and Scope
[0088] Accordingly, the reader will see that the inflatable device
of this invention can be used as furniture and as
exercise/recreational/therapeutic equipment. It can be constructed
from inexpensive components (i.e. exercise balls and inner tubes).
Asymmetry in the base can be corrected easily, ensuring the
device's attractive appearance. The device can respond
interactively to user(s) actions by generating lights, sound,
and/or video responsive to their actions, enriching the experience
of using the device and making it an audio-visual instrument. It
can also be weighted to prevent excessive movement during intensive
use.
[0089] Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the
appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the
examples given.
* * * * *