Patent Application
20240252939
The present invention relates generally to the field of lawn decorations. More specifically, the present invention relates to an automatic inflatable lawn decoration device comprised of an inflatable member that may be deflated and stored within a base that may resemble any theme, character, holiday, season, text, image, etc., to decorate the lawn in front of a house. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.
Individuals across various communities take pleasure in embellishing their homes and lawns with a diverse array of ornaments and outdoor decorations. This tradition is not exclusive to any particular celebration but spans Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and numerous other holidays and special events. The act of decorating is often seen as an expression of joy, a celebration of tradition, and a way to foster a sense of community and togetherness during festive times.
While the enthusiasm for decorating is widespread, preferences regarding the timing of display can vary significantly. Some individuals may choose to showcase their festive adornments exclusively at specific times, perhaps to achieve a particular visual effect or to align with the theme of the celebration. For instance, the glow of Halloween decorations can appear more haunting and atmospheric in the evening, while the sparkle of Christmas lights can bring warmth to a cold night, thus enhancing the festive ambiance.
Conversely, others might prefer the subtlety of daytime displays when the true colors and details of the decorations can be appreciated under the natural light. It's also possible that practical considerations, such as energy conservation or neighborhood regulations, influence the decision to restrict the display of decorations to certain hours.
However, displaying decorations comes with its own set of challenges, particularly concerning weather conditions. Decorations left outside are vulnerable to the elements, and inclement weather can have detrimental effects. Rain can lead to color fading and material erosion, strong winds can displace or damage items, and prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause wear and tear. The resulting damage can not only diminish the aesthetic appeal of the decorations but also lead to additional costs for repair or replacement.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a device that automatically inflates to decorate the lawn of a house. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an automatic inflatable lawn decoration device that does not require long extension cords to run across the lawn to provide power to the device. Furthermore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an automatic inflatable lawn decoration device that may be stored in a protective covering during storage, transportation, and inclement weather conditions.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an automatic inflatable lawn decoration device. The device is comprised of an inflatable member and a base that may resemble any theme, character, holiday, season, text, image, etc., to decorate the lawn in front of a house. The base may be anchored to the ground surface to provide support and stability for the device. A sensor that detects light engages a pump of the device to automatically inflate and/or deflate the inflatable member as needed. In one embodiment, the pump is powered by a solar panel.
In this manner, the automatic inflatable lawn decoration device of the present invention accomplishes all the foregoing objectives and provides a device that automatically inflates into a lawn decoration. More specifically, the automatic inflatable lawn decoration device omits the need for long extension cords to power the device as a result of the solar panel. Furthermore, the automatic inflatable lawn decoration device is supported by a base in which the decoration may be stored in during storage, transportation, or inclement weather conditions.
The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an automatic inflatable lawn decoration device primarily comprised of an inflatable member, a base, and a solar panel. The device is designed to automatically inflate and deflate during specific hours of the day or night to decorate the lawn of a house during any holiday, season, event, or time.
The device is comprised of an inflatable member that may resemble any character, image, text, etc., preferably from a specific holiday, season, event, or time. The inflatable member may resemble a Santa Claus for Christmas, a witch for Halloween, an Easter Bunny for Easter, or any other decoration for any holiday or season. The inflatable member is further attached to a base that may match the theme of the inflatable member by being a present for Christmas, a cauldron for Halloween, etc.
The base may be anchored to the ground surface via at least one anchoring structure. The base is further comprised of an interior space in which the inflatable member is stored when not inflated and a lid that may be locked to protect the inflatable member from damage during inclement weather conditions. Also stored in the interior space of the base is a battery and at least one pump. The battery may be supplied power via a solar panel located on the surface of either the inflatable member or the base. The battery may then supply power to the pump to either inflate or deflate the inflatable member.
The inflatable member may be inflated either manually or automatically. To inflate the inflatable member manually, a button on the base may be pressed. To inflate the inflatable member automatically, a sensor of the base may detect a level of light. By detecting the amount of light around the device, the sensor may cause the pump to inflate and/or deflate the inflatable member.
The present invention is also comprised of a method of using the device. First, a device is provided comprised of an inflatable member, a base, and a solar panel. Then, the base of the device may be placed into the ground surface such that it is anchored to the ground surface via the anchoring structure. Then, a user may manually inflate or deflate the inflatable member as needed by pressing the button of the base to activate the pump. Next, the lid of the base may be closed and locked via a locking member to transport and store the device as needed.
Accordingly, the automatic inflatable lawn decoration device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a device that automatically inflates and deflates to decorate the lawn of a house. More specifically, the automatic inflatable lawn decoration device is supported by a base in which the decoration may be stored in during storage, transportation, or inclement weather conditions. Furthermore, the automatic inflatable lawn decoration device does not require running extension cords across the lawn as the device may convert energy from the sun to power the device. In this manner, the automatic inflatable lawn decoration device overcomes the limitations of existing lawn decorations known in the art.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that automatically inflates and deflates to decorate the lawn of a house. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an automatic inflatable lawn decoration device that does not require long extension cords to run across the lawn to provide power to the device. Furthermore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an automatic inflatable lawn decoration device that may be stored in a protective covering during storage, transportation, and inclement weather conditions.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of an automatic inflatable lawn decoration device. The device is primarily comprised of an inflatable member, a base, and a solar panel. The device is designed to automatically inflate and deflate depending on lighting conditions to decorate the lawn of a house during any holiday, season, event, or time.
More specifically, the device is comprised of at least one inflatable member that may resemble any character or theme from any season. In differing embodiments, the inflatable member may be a Santa Claus, reindeer, Christmas tree, present, etc., for the Christmas holiday season, a skeleton, zombie, pumpkin, spider, witch, etc., for the Halloween season, or a Cupid, bouquet of flowers, heart, etc., for the Valentine's holiday. The inflatable member may further be any text, image, character, display, etc., for any holiday, event, season, time period, etc., not previously mentioned. In one potential embodiment, the inflatable member may be comprised of multiple inflatable members to decorate a wider span of the lawn of a house.
The inflatable member, when inflated during use, may extend out of a base. An anchoring structure may secure the base to the ground surface of a lawn such that high winds or other weather conditions may not knock the device over or blow it away. When the inflatable member is not inflated, such as during the day, storage, or transportation, the inflatable member may reside in an interior space of the base. During the day, a solar panel may take energy from the sun and power a battery that allows at least one pump to inflate the inflatable member.
The base may be further comprised of at least one lid and a locking member. The lid may be attached to the base via at least one hinge that allows the lid to rotate off the top of the base when the inflatable member is inflating. The locking member may be used to prevent theft and to keep the lid closed to protect the device during inclement weather conditions.
The inflatable member may be inflated or deflated via two methods. The base of the device may be further comprised of a button that may be pressed to manually engage the pump to cither inflate or deflate the inflatable member. The button may be a switch, toggle, button, dial, etc., such that there is an indication to inflate the inflatable member, deflate the inflatable member, or do nothing. In addition, a sensor may read the light such that when a certain amount of light is detected, the pump will either inflate or deflate the inflatable member. In one potential embodiment, the button may further be used to determine if the inflatable member should be automatically inflated during the day when the sensor is detecting light or during the night when the sensor is detecting low levels of light.
The present invention is also comprised of a method of using the device. First, a device is provided comprised of an inflatable member, a base, and a solar panel. Then, the base of the device may be placed into the ground surface such that it is anchored to the ground surface via the anchoring structure. Then, a user may manually inflate or deflate the inflatable member as needed by pressing the button of the base to activate the pump. Next, the lid of the base may be closed and locked via the locking member to transport and store the device as needed.
Accordingly, the automatic inflatable lawn decoration device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a device that automatically inflates at a set time to decorate the lawn of a house. More specifically, the inflatable lawn decoration device may be powered by solar energy, omitting the need for long extension cords tracked throughout the lawn though it can also be powered by a traditional electrical outlet. Furthermore, the automatic inflatable lawn decoration device is supported by a base in which the decoration may be stored in to protect the inflatable member from inclement weather conditions as well as store the device during periods of unuse and transportation. In this manner, the automatic inflatable lawn decoration device overcomes the limitations of existing lawn decorations known in the art.
Referring initially to the drawings,
The inflatable member 110 may be made from any durable, waterproof material, such as nylon or other synthetic materials. The inflatable member 110 may resemble any text, image, character, symbol, object, or theme from any holiday, season, event, time period, etc. In differing embodiments, the inflatable member 110 may be used to decorate for holidays such as, but not limited to, Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Easter, Valentine's Day, Fall, Winter, etc. Specific examples of the member 110 may include, but are not limited to, Christmas, the inflatable member 110 may be a Santa Claus, reindeer, Christmas tree, present, snowman, etc. For Halloween, the inflatable member 110 may be a skeleton, zombie, pumpkin, spider, witch, etc. The inflatable member 110 may also be a turkey, an Easter bunny, a Heart, a football, a snowman, or any other design that could be related to any holiday, season, or event. Further, the inflatable member 110 may be comprised of multiple individual inflatable members 110, such as a Santa Claus and a reindeer, that come out of the same base 120.
The interior space 122 of the base 120 may be further comprised of at least one battery 140 and at least one pump 142. At least one solar panel 124, which may be located on the surface of the inflatable member 110 and/or the base 120, supplies power to the battery 140. The battery 140 may then supply power to the pump 142 to either inflate or deflate the inflatable member 110.
The inflatable member 110 may be inflated and deflated cither manually or automatically. To manually inflate or deflate the inflatable member 110, at least one button 160 of the base may be pressed or toggled to either inflate or deflate the inflatable member 110. To automatically inflate or deflate the inflatable member 110, at least one sensor 162 of the base 120 may detect the amount of light surrounding the device 100 to determine when to inflate and/or deflate the inflatable member 110. The sensor 162 may be, but is not limited to, a photocell or photodiode.
In one embodiment, the sensor 162 may be comprised of a threshold level of light. A user can use the button 160 to program the threshold amount such that when the threshold is met (i.e., during the day) the member 110 is inflated or deflated and when the threshold is not met (i.e., during the night) the member 110 is inflated or deflated. The inflation or deflation of the member 110 can be configured by the user to inflate or deflate during the day or night as the user desires. In another embodiment, the exposure of the sensor 162 to sunlight increases or decreases the resistance of the sensor 162 which in turn supplies a corresponding level of current and power to the pump 142.
In one potential embodiment, the button 160 may be used to program what time of day the inflatable member 110 is inflated and/or deflated. For example, the member 110 may be inflated between the hours of 8 AM-8 PM and programed to be deflated from 8 PM-8 AM. However, the user may configure the inflation/deflation to occur at whichever hours of the day they should desire.
The present invention is also comprised of a method 200 of using the device 100. First, a device 100 is provided comprised of an inflatable member 110, a base 120, and a pump 142 [Step 202]. Then, the base 120 of the device 100 may be secured into a ground surface 10 such that it is anchored to the ground surface 10 via the anchoring structure 150 [Step 204]. Then, A user may configure and manually inflate or deflate the inflatable member 110 as needed by pressing the button 160 of the base 120 to activate the pump 142 [Step 206]. Next, the lid 130 of the base 120 may be closed and locked via the locking member 134 to transport and store the device 100 as needed [Step 208].
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “automatic inflatable lawn decoration device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the automatic inflatable lawn decoration device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the automatic inflatable lawn decoration device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the automatic inflatable lawn decoration device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the automatic inflatable lawn decoration device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the automatic inflatable lawn decoration device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the automatic inflatable lawn decoration device 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/442,554, which was filed on Feb. 1, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63442554 | Feb 2023 | US |
