U.S. patent application number 12/063995 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-02 for inflatable construction set.
Invention is credited to Roger Mitsuo Yanagita.
Application Number | 20080242188 12/063995 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37758198 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080242188 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yanagita; Roger Mitsuo |
October 2, 2008 |
Inflatable Construction Set
Abstract
An inflatable construction set comprising a plurality of
inflatable modular blocks in various shapes and sizes for easy
construction of various structures is provided. Each inflatable
modular block has substantially planar top and bottom surfaces and
an attachment means on each of the top and bottom surfaces so that
a plurality of inflatable modular blocks are capable of being
stably stacked in any orientation. Preferably, each inflatable
modular block has at least one interior rib inside the modular
block to reinforce the structure of the substantially planar top
and bottom surfaces of the modular block. An inflatable
construction set in accordance with the present invention may
further include various accessory modules such as inflatable doors,
windows, turrets, roof system, and other construction
components.
Inventors: |
Yanagita; Roger Mitsuo; (Los
Angeles, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TROJAN LAW OFFICES
9250 WILSHIRE BLVD, SUITE 325
BEVERLY HILLS
CA
90212
US
|
Family ID: |
37758198 |
Appl. No.: |
12/063995 |
Filed: |
August 11, 2006 |
PCT Filed: |
August 11, 2006 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US06/31370 |
371 Date: |
February 15, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60709188 |
Aug 17, 2005 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
446/85 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 33/048
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/85 |
International
Class: |
A63H 3/06 20060101
A63H003/06 |
Claims
1-3. (canceled)
4. An inflatable construction set comprising: a plurality of
inflatable modular blocks, each modular block having substantially
planar top and bottom surfaces, an interior rib located inside each
modular block, and an attachment means located on each of the top
and bottom surfaces of each modular block such that a bottom
surface of any modular block is capable of being placed on a top
surface of any other modular block in any orientation.
5. The inflatable construction set of claim 4, wherein each modular
block further comprises a top plastic film and a bottom plastic
film, peripheral edges of the top plastic film and the bottom
plastic film being adhered together to form an enclosed air
chamber.
6. The inflatable construction set of claim 5, wherein the top
plastic film and the bottom plastic film of each modular block are
transparent.
7. The inflatable construction set of claim 5, wherein the interior
rib comprises a main plane, side edges, a top longitudinal edge,
and a bottom longitudinal edge, the top longitudinal edge of the
interior rib adhered to the top plastic film of the modular block
and the bottom longitudinal edge of the interior rib adhered to the
bottom plastic film of the modular block.
8. The inflatable construction set of claim 7, wherein a space is
formed between at least one of the side edges of the interior rib
and the peripheral edges so that air can freely flow around the
side edge and be evenly distributed inside the modular block.
9-10. (canceled)
11. An inflatable construction set comprising: a plurality of
inflatable modular blocks, each modular block having substantially
planar top and bottom surfaces, an attachment means located on each
of the top and bottom surfaces of each modular block such that a
bottom surface of any modular block is capable of being placed on a
top surface of any other modular block in any orientation, and at
least one inflatable roof module, the roof module having a
substantially inverted-V shape and terminal surfaces, each terminal
surface being substantially flat so that the roof module is capable
of being placed on top of the modular blocks.
12. The inflatable construction set of claim 11, wherein the
inflatable roof module further comprises an attachment device, the
attachment device located on at least one of the flat terminal
surfaces of the roof module.
13. The inflatable construction set of claim 12, wherein the
attachment device is a hook and loop fastener.
14. An inflatable construction set comprising: a plurality of
inflatable modular blocks, each modular block having substantially
planar top and bottom surfaces, an attachment means located on each
of the top and bottom surfaces of each modular block such that a
bottom surface of any modular block is capable of being placed on a
top surface of any other modular block in any orientation, and a
plurality of inflatable roof modules, each roof module having a
substantially inverted-V shape and terminal surfaces, each terminal
surface of each roof module being substantially flat so that each
roof module is capable of being placed on top of the modular
blocks, each roof module having at least one attachment device
located on a side surface such that the roof modules can be stacked
in series.
15. An inflatable construction set comprising: a plurality of
inflatable modular blocks, each modular block having substantially
planar top and bottom surfaces, an attachment means located on each
of the top and bottom surfaces of each modular block such that a
bottom surface of any modular block is capable of being placed on a
top surface of any other modular block in any orientation, and a
door module, the door module comprising an inflatable door, an
extension, and a hinge, the extension having a first end and a
second end, the hinge joining the first end of the extension and
the inflatable door, the inflatable door being capable of rotating
about the hinge, an attachment device being located on the second
end of the extension.
16. The inflatable construction set of claim 15, the inflatable
door having an interior support member located inside the
inflatable door, a hole being formed in the interior support member
so that air can freely flow through the hole in order to be evenly
distributed inside the inflatable door.
17. An inflatable construction set comprising: a plurality of
inflatable modular blocks, each modular block having substantially
planar top and bottom surfaces, an attachment means located on each
of the top and bottom surfaces of each modular block such that a
bottom surface of any modular block is capable of being placed on a
top surface of any other modular block in any orientation, and a
turret module, the turret module comprising an inflatable turret
and an extension, the extension having a first end and a second
end, the first end of the extension being attached to the
inflatable turret, an attachment device being located on the second
end of the extension.
18. An inflatable construction set comprising: a plurality of
inflatable modular blocks, each modular block having substantially
planar top and bottom surfaces, an interior rib located inside each
modular block, a first attachment means located on the
substantially planar top surface of each modular block and a second
attachment means located on the substantially planar bottom surface
of each modular block so that the modular blocks are capable of
being stacked in any orientation.
19. The inflatable construction set of claim 18, wherein each
modular block further comprises a valve for allowing air in and out
of the modular block for inflation and deflation.
20. An inflatable construction set comprising: a plurality of
inflatable modular blocks, each modular block having substantially
planar top and bottom surfaces, a plurality of interior ribs
positioned at spaced intervals within each modular block, a first
attachment means located on the substantially planar top surface of
each modular block and a second attachment means located on the
substantially planar bottom surface of each modular block so that
the modular blocks are capable of being stacked in any orientation.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an educational device and
play structure and, more particularly, to an inflatable
construction set comprising a plurality of inflatable blocks or
modules in various shapes and sizes to form structures of different
configurations.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Inflatable construction toys are valuable tools for
educational play because children can develop creativity and
imagination while they have fun constructing various
structures.
[0003] There are different types of inflatable construction toys
known in the art. In particular, U.S. Pat. No. 6,679,007 B1 to
David Russell Minchew discloses a plurality of inflatable tubular
elements having a plurality of external attachments such as
Velcro.TM., wherein inflatable tubular elements are held together
by external attachments and stacked by a plurality of rigid
brackets. Since each inflatable tubular element in the U.S. Pat.
No. 6,679,007 B1 has a cylindrical shape, a plurality of rigid
brackets must be utilized to hold the stacks of tubular elements.
The use of such rigid brackets is complicated and cumbersome, and
thus is not suitable for little children. Moreover, the additional
element of rigid brackets in the inflatable play structure may
cause relatively high manufacturing costs.
[0004] In addition, the way of stacking the inflatable tubular
elements in U.S. Pat. No. 6,679,007 B1 is very limited. The
inflatable tubular elements can only be lined up and cannot be
stacked in any other way.
[0005] For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a new and
improved inflatable construction set for easy construction of
various structures.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an
inflatable construction set that can easily be constructed in a
variety of structures and overcomes the disadvantages of the prior
art.
[0007] An inflatable construction set in accordance with the
present invention comprises a plurality of inflatable modular
blocks. Each modular block has substantially planar top and bottom
surfaces and an attachment means located on each of the top and
bottom surfaces. The substantially planar top and bottom surfaces
of each modular block with the attachment means on each of the
substantially planar surfaces enable a plurality of inflatable
modular blocks to be stably stacked such that a bottom surface of
one modular block is placed on a top surface of another modular
block. Since the inflatable modular blocks can be stacked to be
lined up or stacked in any orientation, the present invention
allows a user to construct a variety of structures in various
ways.
[0008] Each inflatable modular block has also a valve for inflation
and deflation. An inflatable modular block can be easily stored or
transported in its deflated form.
[0009] In a preferred embodiment, each inflatable modular block has
at least one interior rib inside the modular block to reinforce the
structure of the substantially planar top and bottom surfaces of
the modular block. A top longitudinal edge of the interior rib is
adhered to a top plastic film of the modular block, and a bottom
longitudinal edge of the interior rib is adhered to a bottom
plastic film of the modular block, such that a main plane of the
interior rib is substantially perpendicular to the substantially
planar top and bottom surfaces of the modular block. At least one
of side edges of the interior rib does not extend to peripheral
edges of the top and bottom plastic films of the modular block so
that air can freely flow around the side edge and be evenly
distributed inside the modular block.
[0010] In an inflatable modular block having a plurality of
interior ribs, the interior ribs are positioned at spaced intervals
within the modular block to further reinforce the structure of the
modular block.
[0011] An inflatable construction set in accordance with the
present invention may also include various accessory modules such
as inflatable doors, windows, turrets, roof system, and other
construction components. Such accessory modules can be attached to
inflatable modular blocks by attachment devices such as hook and
loop fasteners.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the
present invention, reference should be made to the following
detailed description and accompanying drawings:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an inflatable construction
set comprising a plurality of inflatable modular blocks constructed
in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an inflatable modular block
of the inflatable construction set of FIG. 1, wherein the
inflatable modular block has an interior rib.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a top view of the inflatable modular block of FIG.
2.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a side view of the inflatable modular block of
FIG. 2.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a top view of another embodiment of an inflatable
modular block of FIG. 2.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a top view of another embodiment of an inflatable
modular block, wherein the inflatable modular block is
substantially round shaped.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an
inflatable modular block, wherein the inflatable modular block has
a plurality of interior ribs.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a top view of a plurality of inflatable modular
blocks, illustrating various modes of assembling the inflatable
modular blocks.
[0021] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an inflatable roof module of
an inflatable construction set of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a plurality of inflatable
roof modules and inflatable modular blocks, wherein the inflatable
roof modules are stacked in series on top of the inflatable modular
blocks.
[0023] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a door module of an
inflatable construction set of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a turret module of an
inflatable construction set of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 13 is a top view of another embodiment of an inflatable
modular block, wherein an attachment means is adhered to a planar
member located on a surface of an inflatable modular block.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates an inflatable construction set 10
comprising a plurality of inflatable modular blocks 20, 22
assembled to form a building structure. Each modular block in
accordance with the present invention has a substantially planar
top surface 30 and a substantially planar bottom surface 32. An
attachment means 50 is located on each of the top and bottom
surfaces 30, 32 of each modular block. The substantially planar top
and bottom surfaces 30, 32 of each modular block enable a plurality
of inflatable modular blocks to be stacked such that a bottom
surface 32 of one modular block is placed on a top surface 30 of
another modular block. When the inflatable modular blocks are
stacked in such a way, they can be held together by attachment
means 50 located on each of adjacent modular blocks. The inflatable
modular blocks can be stacked to be lined up as shown in FIG. 1 or
stacked in any orientation as shown in FIG. 8. The ability of
stacking the inflatable modular blocks in any orientation enables a
user to construct a variety of structures in various ways.
[0027] The attachment means 50 on the inflatable modular blocks 20,
22 are preferably hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro.TM. or any
other similar devices known in the art that are attachable to and
detachable from each other. Due to the attachable and detachable
property of the attachment means 50, the inflatable modular blocks
can be assembled and reassembled to form structures of different
configurations. The attachment means 50 may be adhered or heat
welded to a surface 30, 32 of an inflatable modular block.
Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 13, a planar member 300, such
as a cardboard or a light plastic material, may be attached to a
surface 30, 32 of an inflatable modular block, with an attachment
means 50 attached to the planar member 300. The size of the planar
member 300 may be similar to or slightly larger than that of the
attachment means 50. The number of attachment means 50 on each
surface 30, 32 of an inflatable modular block varies depending on
the size and/or the shape of the inflatable modular block or as for
any intended purpose. Generally, a bigger and/or longer inflatable
modular block may have more attachment means 50 than a smaller
and/or shorter inflatable modular block, in order to provide a more
stable structure.
[0028] Each inflatable modular block has a valve 60 for allowing
air in and out of the inflatable modular block for inflation and
deflation. Air can be blown in the modular block through the valve
60 by a user's mouth, an air pump, or any similar device. When an
inflatable modular block is deflated, it can be easily stored or
transported. Preferably, when a user depresses the valve 60, the
valve 60 is capable of being recessed so that the valve 60 does not
protrude from a surface of the inflatable modular block.
[0029] The inflatable modular blocks 20, 22 may be of various
shapes and sizes. For example, FIG. 6 shows an inflatable modular
block 22 that is substantially round shaped. FIGS. 2 through 4 show
an inflatable modular block 20 having an elongated form with curved
terminal ends 100. The elongated inflatable modular blocks 20 may
be any length. As an example, the inflatable modular block in FIG.
5 is longer than the inflatable modular block shown in FIGS. 2
through 4. The use of inflatable modular blocks of different shapes
and sizes allows a user to create a variety of features, such as a
tunnel or a window, in various constructions.
[0030] The inflatable modular blocks 20, 22 may be transparent
and/or of various colors. Also, the inflatable modular blocks 20,
22 may be decorated with flexible fabric or plastic sheets or any
other decoration.
[0031] Each inflatable modular block is preferably made of flexible
plastic. One of skill in the art would recognize that the same or
similar method of making conventional inflatable swimming pool
rafts or swim rings can be used in making the inflatable modular
blocks in the present invention. Preferably, each inflatable
modular block in the present invention comprises a top plastic film
70 and a corresponding bottom plastic film 80. Peripheral edge 90
of the top plastic film 70 and peripheral edge 95 of the bottom
plastic film 80 are adhered or heat welded together to form an
enclosed air chamber.
[0032] In a preferred embodiment, each inflatable modular block has
an interior rib 40 inside the inflatable modular block to reinforce
the structure of the inflatable modular block, particularly the
structure of the substantially planar top and bottom surfaces 30,
32 of the modular block. The interior rib 40 may be made of the
same material as those for the top and bottom plastic films 70, 80
of the inflatable modular block, and may be transparent. The
interior rib 40 comprises a main plane 42, side edges 44, a top
longitudinal edge 46, and a bottom longitudinal edge 48. The top
longitudinal edge 46 of the interior rib 40 is adhered to the top
plastic film 70 of the inflatable modular block, and the bottom
longitudinal edge 48 of the interior rib 40 is adhered to the
bottom plastic film 80 of the modular block, such that the main
plane 42 of the interior rib 40 is substantially perpendicular to
the top and bottom plastic films 70, 80 of the modular block. At
least one of the side edges 44 of the interior rib 40 does not
extend to the peripheral edges 90, 95 of the modular block such
that a space is formed between the side edge 44 of the interior rib
40 and the peripheral edges 90, 95 of the modular block. Due to the
space, air can freely flow around the side edge 44 and be evenly
distributed inside the modular block.
[0033] An inflatable modular block may have only one interior rib
40 as shown in FIG. 2 or a plurality of interior ribs 40 as
illustrated in FIG. 7. In an inflatable modular block having a
plurality of interior ribs 40, the interior ribs 40 are positioned
at spaced intervals within the modular block to further reinforce
the structure of the modular block.
[0034] An inflatable construction set in accordance with the
present invention may also include various accessory modules such
as inflatable doors, windows, turrets, roof system, and other
construction components. Examples of such accessory modules are
illustrated in FIGS. 9 through 12.
[0035] FIG. 9 shows an inflatable roof module 110. The inflatable
roof module 110 has a substantially inverted-V shape and terminal
surfaces 120. Each terminal surface 120 of the inflatable roof
module 110 is substantially flat such that the roof module 110 is
capable of being placed on top of the inflatable modular blocks as
shown in FIG. 10. An attachment device 52 is located on each
terminal surface 120 of the inflatable roof module 110 so that the
attachment device 52 of the roof module 110 engages the attachment
means 50 of an inflatable modular block, thereby providing a stable
construction. One or more attachment devices 52 may also be located
on a side surface 130 of each roof module 110 so that a plurality
of roof modules 110 can be stacked in series as illustrated in FIG.
10.
[0036] The attachment devices 52 on the inflatable roof module 110
are preferably hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro.TM. or any
other similar devices known in the art that are attachable to and
detachable from each other. The attachment device 52 may be adhered
or heat welded to a surface 120, 130 of the inflatable roof module
110. Alternatively, a planar member (not shown), such as a
cardboard or a light plastic material, may be attached to a surface
120, 130 of the inflatable roof module 110, and an attachment
device 52 attached to the planar member. The size of the planar
member may be similar to or slightly larger than that of the
attachment device 52.
[0037] The inflatable roof module 110 may have a valve for
inflation and deflation, which can be recessed by a user. The
inflatable roof module 110 is preferably made of flexible plastic
and may be transparent.
[0038] FIG. 11 illustrates a door module 140. The door module 140
comprises an inflatable door 150, at least one extension 160, and a
hinge 155. The extension 160 has a first end 162 and a second end
164. The first end 162 of the extension 160 is attached to the
inflatable door 150 by the hinge 155. The inflatable door 150 is
capable of rotating about the hinge 155. An attachment device 52 is
located on the second end 164 of the extension 160 for engaging an
attachment means 50 of an inflatable modular block so that the door
module 140 can be attached to inflatable modular blocks. In order
to provide a stable construction, the door module 140 may have a
pair of extensions 160, each if which is attached to the top and
bottom of the inflatable door 150 respectively as shown in FIG.
11.
[0039] The inflatable door 150 of the door module 140 may have an
interior support member 170 inside the inflatable door 150. The
configuration and arrangement of the interior support member 170 in
the inflatable door 150 can be substantially same as that of an
interior rib 40 in an inflatable modular block. Similar to the
interior rib 40 in an inflatable modular block, the interior
support member 170 in the inflatable door 150 may have at least one
side edge that does not extend to peripheral edges of the
inflatable door 150. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 11, the
interior support member 170 that extends to peripheral edges of the
inflatable door 150 may have a hole 180 so that air can freely flow
through the hole 180 in order to be evenly distributed inside the
inflatable door 150.
[0040] The inflatable door 150 may also have a valve 60 for
inflation and deflation, which can be depressed by a user. The
inflatable door 150 is preferably made of flexible plastic and may
be transparent. The extension 160 and the hinge 155 may be made of
somewhat rigid material such as rigid plastic. The attachment
device 52 on the extension 160 of the door module 140 is preferably
a hook and loop fastener such as Velcro.TM. or any other similar
device known in the art.
[0041] FIG. 12 illustrates a turret module 190. The turret module
190 comprises an inflatable turret 200 and at least one extension
160. The inflatable turret 200 has a conical top and a cylindrical
body. An interior support member 210 is located between the conical
top and the cylindrical body of the inflatable turret 200, and a
hole 180 is formed in the interior support member 210 to allow air
to flow freely through the hole 180 and be evenly distributed
inside the inflatable turret 200. The extension 160 has a first end
162 and a second end 164. The first end 162 of the extension 160 is
attached to the inflatable turret 200. An attachment device 52 is
located on the second end 164 of the extension 160 for engaging an
attachment means 50 of an inflatable modular block so that the
turret module 190 can be attached to inflatable modular blocks. In
order to provide a stable construction, the turret module 190 may
have a pair of extensions 160, each of which is attached to the top
and bottom of the cylindrical body of the inflatable turret 200
respectively as shown in FIG. 12.
[0042] The inflatable turret 200 may also have a valve 60 for
inflation and deflation, which can be depressed by a user. The
inflatable turret 200 is preferably made of flexible plastic and
may be transparent. The extension 160 may be made of somewhat rigid
material such as rigid plastic. The attachment device 52 on the
extension 160 of the turret module 190 is preferably a hook and
loop fastener such as Velcro.TM. or any other similar device known
in the art.
[0043] The present invention has been described in an illustrative
manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology used is
intended to be in the nature of description rather than of
limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present
invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore,
it is to be understood that within the scope of the appended
claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as
specifically described.
* * * * *