Communications: electrical – Condition responsive indicating system – Specific condition
Reexamination Certificate
2002-09-11
2003-11-18
Pham, Toan (Department: 2832)
Communications: electrical
Condition responsive indicating system
Specific condition
C340S663000, C472S134000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06650246
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to inflatable attractions and advertising displays, and more particularly to safety methods and systems for continuous air-fed inflatable devices.
BACKGROUND
Inflatable carnival attractions have grown increasingly popular in recent years for several reasons including their portability, ease of operation and fanciful shapes, colors and sizes that appeal to young children. These attractions are typically designed to inflate and provide crawl spaces, slides or trampoline jumping surfaces. Such attractions are often found at picnics, fairs, birthday parties, carnivals and other gatherings where children are present.
Referring to
FIG. 1
, there is illustrated one example embodiment of an inflatable carnival attraction
100
inflated using a blower device
110
. As illustrated, the example carnival attraction includes a stairway
112
, a first portion that forms a slide
115
for children and a second portion that forms a trampoline-like jumping surface
120
for children to jump up and down on. Such attractions are typically formed of vinyl or nylon material. Blower device
110
is adapted to inflate the carnival attraction and is coupled to an inlet conduit
125
of the attraction. Typically a strap
127
is used to couple the port of conduit
125
to the blower outlet. Pressurized air from the blower device continuously passes through conduit
125
and into the attraction, keeping it inflated at a level safe for use.
Unfortunately, like all such attractions, injuries will occur if they are used or operated improperly. Moreover, such attractions are largely unregulated in many states, increasing the possibility that untrained personnel are in a position to operate them.
In addition, the inflatable carnival attraction industry is highly fragmented due to rapid growth and low barriers to entry. There are many manufacturers of the devices and even more owner-operators. As such, the industry lacks the coherency and safety standards organizations and discipline that is found in more mature and concentrated industries. Accordingly, improvements in safety features in this industry have, from one point of view, been modest.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4707953 (1987-11-01), Anderson et al.
patent: 4818970 (1989-04-01), Natale et al.
patent: 4870393 (1989-09-01), Snuttjer et al.
patent: 5471797 (1995-12-01), Murphy
patent: 5603185 (1997-02-01), Murphy
patent: 5678357 (1997-10-01), Rubio et al.
patent: 5685122 (1997-11-01), Brisbane et al.
patent: 5906373 (1999-05-01), Sanders
Field Brian J.
Field Robert J.
Pham Toan
Safety Air Systems, LLC
Schwegman Lundberg Woessner & Kluth P.A.
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