Portable Inflatable Obstacle Course

Abstract

An inflatable obstacle course having a base and one or more inflatable side walls connected to the base and forming a housing. The obstacle course can include one or more obstacles positioned within the housing. The side walls can be adhered to the base to form a water seal. A layer of fluid can be positioned within at least a portion of the housing to provide resistance to participants moving through the obstacle course and to add to the fun of traversing the obstacle course.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to recreational games, and more particularly to a portable inflatable obstacle course.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Various types of recreational play structures are available to entertain children and adults. Inflatable playhouses, for example, have become very popular in recent years. For many of these inflatable structures, the primary means of providing entertainment is for children and adults to bounce on the air inflated mattresses. As such, the entertainment value of inflatable structures can be limited for older children or adults.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONS

[0005] In view of the foregoing, there is a need for an inflatable recreational play structure that provides added entertainment for older children and adults and is also cost efficient, easy to construct and disassemble. As used herein, the word "inflatable" has its plain and ordinary meaning as understood by one of skill in the art, including but not limited to the ability to internally receive and retain a fluid filler such as gases (e.g., air, nitrogen, hydrogen) and/or liquids (e.g., water, foam, gel). As used herein, the word "fluid" has its plain and ordinary meaning as understood by one of skill in the art, including but not limited to gases, liquids, plasmas, or any combination thereof.

[0006] Accordingly, disclosed herein is an inflatable obstacle water course having a housing comprising a base, one or more inflatable walls extending upwardly from the base, and a functional play feature comprising a shallow layer of water extending throughout the course such that the water's resistance to movement through the course further adds to the fun of the game. The obstacle water course may also include one or more functional play features and an inflatable mattress disposed below the base. In one embodiment, the inflatable walls extend upwardly from the base and form a water seal with the base; and the shallow layer of water is contained within the housing and extends axially along the course. In another embodiment, ground supports can temporarily affix the inflatable mattress and/or inflatable walls to the ground surface.

[0007] Also disclosed herein is a portable obstacle hydro course with inflatable features and methods of erecting the play structure. The method comprises placing a flooring in a desired location, placing one or more inflatable walls on top of the flooring to form a housing, adhering the flooring to the inflatable walls to form a sealed water barrier, inflating the walls with water first and then filling the flooring with water. In another embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of laying an inflatable mattress under the flooring. In another embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of staking the inflatable mattress to the ground with one or more ground supports. In yet another embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of staking the housing to the ground with one or more ground supports. In yet another embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of installing one or more panes into open spaces between the inflatable walls.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate isometric views of a fluid-filled obstacle course according to one embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of the fluid-filled obstacle course of FIGS. 1A-1C with an inflatable mattress detached.

[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the fluid-filled obstacle course of FIGS. 1A-1C.

[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the fluid-filled obstacle course of FIGS. 1A-1C.

[0012] FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate views of the fluid-filled obstacle course of FIGS. 1A-1C with outer sidewalls removed.

[0013] FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate another embodiment of a fluid-filled obstacle course.

[0014] FIGS. 7A-D illustrate an embodiment of a fluid-filled obstacle.

[0015] FIGS. 8A-D illustrate another embodiment of a fluid-filled obstacle.

[0016] FIGS. 9A-D illustrate another embodiment of a fluid-filled obstacle.

[0017] FIGS. 10A-D illustrate another embodiment of a fluid-filled obstacle.

[0018] FIGS. 11A-H illustrate another embodiment of a fluid-filled obstacle course.

[0019] FIGS. 12A-E illustrate another embodiment of a fluid-filled obstacle course.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Embodiments of the inventions will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals refer to like elements throughout. Although several embodiments, examples and illustrations are disclosed below, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the inventions described herein extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments, examples and illustrations, and can include other uses of the inventions and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. The terminology used in the description presented herein is not intended to be interpreted in any limited or restrictive manner simply because it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific embodiments of the inventions. In addition, embodiments of the inventions can comprise several novel features and no single feature is solely responsible for its desirable attributes or is essential to practicing the inventions herein described.

[0021] As will be described, the present application relates to a portable inflatable obstacle course that comprises a water component or other fluid-like substance as one of the obstacles throughout the course. The water or fluid-like substance may impede the movement of people moving through the course, which in turn adds to the fun and/or challenge of the experience.

[0022] FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate an embodiment of a portable inflatable obstacle course 10 which comprises a housing 12, inflatable mattress 14 and play features 16. In some embodiments, the obstacle course 10 can be constructed to be portable and modular. The obstacle course 10 can be inflated on-site at an event and deconstructed after the event has ended. In some embodiments, the obstacle course 10 may include one or more ground supports 13 extending from the housing 12 and/or inflatable mattresses 14 to temporarily secure the obstacle course 10 to the ground or other suitable structure. The ground supports 13 may include ropes, stakes, pegs and/or spikes to connect the obstacle course 10 to the ground or other suitable structure.

[0023] With reference to FIGS. 1A-1C, the obstacle course 10 can incorporate a housing 12 made of one or more inflatable walls 18. The inflatable walls 18 may have horizontal inflatable sides 20, vertical inflatable supports 22 and/or inflatable ceilings 24. The inflatable ceilings 24 may be used to add stability to the structure and for attachment points for one or more play features 16. The inflatable walls 18 may be made from a flexible, fluid-sealing material, such as vinyl, Mylar, rubber or other suitable material. The inflatable walls 18 may be inflated with a fluid (e.g., air, water, or some other fluid or combination of fluids). In some embodiments, upon inflation, the inflatable walls 18 may be cylindrical in shape 20 inches in diameter, or may be larger or smaller. For example, the inflatable walls 18 may be greater than 5 inches, greater than 10 inches, greater than 15 inches, greater than 20 inches, greater than 30 inches, and/or greater than 50 inches in diameter. Many variations are possible. In some cases, the inflatable walls 18 are non-cylindrical (e.g., rectangular, triangular, pentagonal, oval-shaped and/or some other shape).

[0024] In some embodiments, the housing 12 can also include one or more panes 26. The panes 26 can be used for external walls and/or internal walls to define one or more paths for the obstacle course 10. When water 30, or other fluid, is added to at least part of the obstacle course 10, as described in more detail below, the panes 26 may act to reduce the likelihood that water or fluid leaks out of the housing 12, or relocating within the obstacle course 10. The panes 26 may also be used as ceiling sections to create an environment that may be at least partially insulated from the outside elements. In some embodiments, the panes 26 may be made of a transparent material, a translucent material, or an opaque material. In some embodiments, the panes 26 can be painted or have a tinted color. The panes 26 may be constructed out of plastic, acrylic, thermoplastic materials, plexiglass, glass or other suitable material. In some embodiments, one or more of the panes 26, or some portion thereof, are formed in a lattice or screen pattern. The panes 26 may also include patterns, designs, logos or other function or decorative aspects. In some embodiments, at least part of the housing 12 may have an open-walled frame with few or no panes 26.

[0025] As further depicted in FIGS. 1A-1C, the housing 12 may include a continuous or semi-continuous base or flooring 28 that at least partially covers the ground in between the inflatable walls 18 such that at least some of the surface area between the walls 18 is covered. The flooring 28 can be made out of inflatable material, such as the same material as the inflatable walls 18, or can be a non-inflatable material, such as sheets of rubber or vinyl plastic. When water 30 is added to the obstacle course 10, as described in more detail below, the flooring 28 may act as a sealant to reduce the likelihood of fluid 30 leakages or may reduce the likelihood of relocation of the water 30 within the obstacle course 10 or between the obstacle course 10 and outside of the obstacle course 10.

[0026] In some embodiments, upon inflation, water 30 may be added to at least some parts of the housing 12. The fluid 30 may act as an obstacle or other impediment to be used in conjunction with one or more play features 16. The fluid 30 may be up to 45 inches deep, or may be deeper, or may be up to 15 inches deep, depending on the fluid used, the application, and the physical properties of the fluid's container. In some embodiments, the fluid 30 may be water, gelatin, foam, mud and other suitable fluids. The viscosity of the fluid 30 may vary greatly and it may be advantageous in different embodiments to use a fluid 30 with a higher or lower viscosity. In some embodiments, the fluid 30 may be initially added to the housing and then re-added as needed. In some embodiments, the fluid may be continuously or intermittently sprayed, e.g. by a sprinkler, hose or other fluid source. In some embodiments, the fluid may be sprayed so as to form a slick or slippery surface on slides or other play features 16. In some embodiments, the inflatable walls 18 of the housing 12 may comprise hoses suitable for transferring fluids (not illustrated) to continuously or intermittently spray the fluid 30. The fluid filled hoses can include one or more apertures extending from the inflatable walls 18 to spray the fluid 30. In such an embodiment, the apertures can protrude from the horizontal inflatable sides 20, the vertical inflatable sides 22, the ceilings 24, and/or other features. As described above, the fluid 30 may be retained within at least part of the housing 12 via the flooring 28 and the inflatable walls 18.

[0027] In some embodiments, the flooring 28 may include one or more drainage ports to allow evacuation of fluid from the housing 12 as needed. For example, drainage may be necessary at the conclusion of the use of the obstacle course 10 to facilitate disassembly, to change the type of fluid 30, or to alter fluid 30 levels for different obstacle environments. The one or more drainage ports may be left in a configuration during use allowing for constant or periodic recycling of fluid 30 in the obstacle course. In some embodiments, the one or more drainage ports may be closed during at least part of the use and opened at the user's discretion for disassembly or to facilitate fluid 30 disposal or change.

[0028] In one embodiment, the obstacle course 10 can include at least one inflatable mattress 14. As depicted in FIG. 2, the inflatable mattress 14 may be positioned below at least part of the flooring 28. The inflatable mattress 14 may provide additional cushioning and support to the flooring 28. The inflatable mattress 14 may also provide an entertaining and/or challenging bounce effect to the obstacle course 10. In one embodiment, viewable in at least FIGS. 3 and 4, the inflatable mattress 14 may be sized to have a width and/or length greater than at least part of the flooring 28 to provide a cushioning surface for slips or falls. In some embodiments, the inflatable mattress 14 may be designed as a run-off to provide a safe cushion for slides and other features that may include the risk of a participant landing on the ground or other structure. In some embodiments, the inflatable mattress 14 may include drainage channels to facilitate fluid evacuation, transfer, or relocation.

[0029] With continued reference to FIGS. 1A-C and FIG. 4, in some embodiments, one or more play features 16 may be incorporated into the obstacle course 10. The play features 16 may be used to provide obstacles for entertaining or challenging users. The play features 16 may include one or more slides, limbo poles, tunnels, pins, inflatable obstacles, rubber balls or hanging items. Other play features may be attached or attachable to at least part of the obstacle course 10. In some embodiments, the play features 16 may be permanently affixed to the housing 12, the flooring 28, and/or other portions of the obstacle course 10. In another embodiment, the play features 16 may be affixed temporarily and removed upon disassembly. In various embodiments, the one or more play features 16 can connect or orient with an interior or exterior surface of the obstacle course 10. For example, the interior play features 16 can be suspended from the ceiling 24 or extend from the vertical sides 22 or horizontal sides 20 at oblique or right angles. In some embodiments, a slide play feature may run off into or be adjacent a pool play feature or splash area 32, as depicted in at least FIGS. 6A-6B.

[0030] In some embodiments, the obstacle course 10 may be a portable building, such as a playhouse or track, for use in entertaining people, particularly children, for parties or events. The obstacle course 10 may take a variety of forms or configurations. As a non-limiting example, the form may be a straight away, a serpentine or curvy track, a geometric shape, a maze, racetrack, or a combination of these or other configurations. In some embodiments, the obstacle course may have an area as large as 100 feet long by 30 feet wide. In other embodiments, the structure can be larger or smaller as necessary to accommodate the desired number of occupants. In some embodiments, the size of the obstacle course 100, or parts of the obstacle course 100 may depend at least on the location and/or user preference. In some embodiments, the obstacle course 10 may comprise one or more discrete modular components that can be combined or joined together.

[0031] In some embodiments, not all of the components of the obstacle course 10 may be inflatable. The non-inflatable components may include one or more of the housing, mattress, play features, walls, sides, supports, and/or ceilings. In some embodiments, inflatable features may be integrated with, or adjacent non-inflatable features. Inflatable play features may be adjacent non-inflatable play features. Non-inflatable play features may comprise Styrofoam, plastics, rubber, wood, etc. In some embodiments, one or more components of the obstacle course 10 may be permanently inflated and may not be deflated upon end of use at the event. As a non-limiting example, one or more play features may be permanently inflated and may not be deflated upon end of use at the event.

[0032] Some embodiments of a portable obstacle course may comprise a housing comprising a floor and at least one inflatable wall, each of the inflatable walls comprising an interior and exterior surface, at least one play feature, and a layer of fluid. The floor may be disposed at least partially in the area defined by the interior surface of the inflatable walls and at least one of the inflatable walls may extend upwardly from the floor and form a substantially sealed fluid barrier with the floor. The layer of fluid may be substantially contained within the housing and extend axially along the obstacle course. The obstacle course may further comprise an inflatable mattress, wherein the inflatable mattress may be disposed below at least part of the floor. The obstacle course may further comprise ground supports, which may be securable to at least part of the floor and a ground surface, or may be securable to at least part of the inflatable mattress and a ground surface. The play features may comprise at least one of: slides, pins, tunnels, limbo poles, tire swings, rubber balls, and/or buoyant rafts. The obstacle course may further comprise an inflatable ceiling. The floor may further comprise at least one drainage feature. The layer of fluid may comprise water. One or more of the inflatable walls may at least partially comprise air.

[0033] FIGS. 5A-11H illustrate various embodiments of obstacle courses 10, at least some of which may comprise play features 16. Like numbers used in FIGS. 5A-11H can correspond to like features of the embodiment described above with respect to FIGS. 1A-4.

[0034] In some cases, an inflatable obstacle course 10 can be assembled in a modular manner. For example, a ramp obstacle 34 (see, e.g., FIGS. 7A-7D) may be inflated and installed on a ground surface before or after other obstacles and portions of the obstacle course 10. In some embodiments, a slide 36 (see, e.g., FIGS. 8A-8D) may be inflated and installed on a ground surface before or after other obstacles and portions of the obstacle course 10. One or more fluid-holding obstacles 38, 40 (see, e.g., FIGS. 9A-10D) may be inflated and installed on a ground surface before or after other obstacles and portions of the obstacle course 10. The one or more fluid-holding obstacles 38, 40 can include obstacles such as columns, large balls, horizontal bars, and/or other features. FIGS. 11A-12E illustrated assembled examples of obstacle courses 10.

[0035] In some embodiments, the features disclosed above can be used in a method of erecting an obstacle course. For example, a method of erecting an obstacle course may include laying an inflatable mattress 14 in a desired location. The method may also include placing a flooring 28 on top of the inflatable mattress 14. One or more inflatable walls 18 may be placed on top of the flooring 28 and secured to the flooring 28 at least part of which may form a substantially sealed fluid 30 barrier. Optionally, the method may include securing the inflatable mattress 14 to the ground or other suitable structure. The inflatable walls 18 may be placed at least partially on top of the flooring 28 and at least partially inflated with a first fluid. Inflatable play features 16 may be at least partially inflated along with the inflatable walls 18. Optionally, the inflatable walls 18 may be secured to the ground, or other suitable structure, for additional support. The obstacle course 10 may be used as an open-walled structure or, optionally, panes 26 may be installed. The method can further include at least partially filling the flooring 28 with a second fluid 30.

[0036] In some embodiments, a method of erecting an obstacle course 10 includes placing a flooring 28 at a desired location. One or more inflatable walls 18 may be placed on top of at least part of the flooring 28 and secured to at least part of the flooring 28 to form a substantially sealed fluid 30 barrier. The inflatable walls 18 may be placed on top of the flooring 28 and inflated with a first fluid. Any inflatable play features 16 may be inflated along with the inflatable walls 18. Optionally, the inflatable walls 18 may be secured to the ground, or other suitable structure, for additional support. The obstacle course 10 may be used as an open-walled structure or, optionally, panes 26 can be installed. The method may further include at least partially filling the flooring 28 with a second fluid 30.

[0037] In some embodiments of erecting an inflatable obstacle course, the method may comprise the steps of placing a floor in a desired location, placing at least one inflatable wall at least partially on top of the floor to form a housing, securing the floor to the inflatable walls to form a substantially sealed fluid barrier, at least partially inflating at least one of the inflatable walls with a first fluid, and at least partially filling the floor with a second fluid. There may be more than one order of the steps in which to accomplish the method. The method may further comprise the steps of disposing an inflatable mattress at least partially under the floor, securing at least part of the inflatable mattress to the ground with at least one ground support, securing at least part of the housing to the ground with at least one ground support, and/or installing at least one pane into at least one open space between the at least one inflatable walls. The first fluid may be air. The second fluid may be water.

[0038] Although these inventions have been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present inventions extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the inventions and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Additionally, the skilled artisan will recognize that any of the above-described methods can be carried out using any appropriate apparatus. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element, or the like in connection with an embodiment can be used in all other embodiments set forth herein. For all of the embodiments described herein the steps of the methods need not be performed sequentially. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.

Claims

1. An inflatable obstacle course configured to be installed on a ground surface and comprising: a housing including: a base; and one or more inflatable walls extending upwardly from the base; and a functional play feature positioned at least partially within the housing and including: a layer of fluid configured to resist the motion of a participant through the housing; and one or more obstacles.

2. The inflatable obstacle course of claim 1, comprising a mattress positioned below at least a portion of the base and providing a cushion between the base and a ground surface on which the base is installed.

3. The inflatable obstacle course of claim 2, wherein the mattress is inflatable.

4. The inflatable obstacle course of claim 1, wherein the base and the one or more inflatable walls form a basin configured to hold the layer of fluid.

5. The inflatable obstacle course of claim 1, wherein the one or more inflatable walls form a water seal with the base.

6. The inflatable obstacle course of claim 1, wherein the one or more inflatable walls are adhered to the base.

7. The inflatable obstacle course of claim 1, wherein the layer of fluid is contained within the housing and extends axially along a length of the obstacle course.

8. The inflatable obstacle course of claim 1, comprising one or more ground supports which temporarily affix the inflatable walls to the ground surface.

9. The inflatable obstacle course of claim 1, comprising one or more vertical inflatable supports extending vertically from one or more of the base and the one or more inflatable walls.

10. The inflatable obstacle course of claim 9, comprising one or more inflatable ceiling members connected to two or more of the vertical inflatable supports.

11. The inflatable obstacle course of claim 9, comprising one or more panes connected to one or more of the one or more inflatable walls, the one or more vertical inflatable supports, and the one or more inflatable ceiling members.

12. The inflatable obstacle course of claim 1, wherein the fluid is water.

13. The inflatable obstacle course of claim 1, wherein the fluid is a foam.

14. A method of assembling an inflatable obstacle course, the method comprising: positioning a base on a ground surface; connecting one or more inflatable walls to a top or side portion of the base to form a housing; inflating the inflatable walls with water; positioning at least one functional play feature in the housing; and filling at least a portion of the housing with a fluid.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of connecting one or more inflatable walls to a top or side portion of the base includes adhering the one or more inflatable walls to the base to form a sealed water barrier

16. The method of claim 14, comprising positioning a cushioned mattress between at least a portion of the base and the ground surface on which the base is positioned.

17. The method of claim 16, comprising staking the cushioned mattress to the ground surface with one or more ground supports.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the cushioned mattress is inflatable.

19. The method of claim 14, comprising installing one or more panes into open spaces between the one or more inflatable walls.