Inflatable Decoration Expansion and Protection Device

Abstract

An inflatable holiday decoration storage and expansion device designed to automate the management and display of yard ornaments while enhancing aesthetic appeal and protecting decorations/inflatables from environmental elements is disclosed. The device features a durable, lightweight, waterproof weather resistant box or container-shaped main body and includes walls and a bottom surface. At least one aperture is disposed in the bottom surface for accommodating ground-securing spikes, and an automatically/autonomously opening pivotable lid transitions the box or container from a closed state to an open state. A motor inflates a stored decoration and is operable via a remote control which triggers the lid to open as the decoration inflates. The device is equipped with LED lights for enhanced display and ambient lighting and the device also has sensors to detect weather or wind conditions.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of yard decorations. More specifically, the present invention relates to a novel inflatable holiday decoration storage and expansion device configured to inflate an inflatable decoration using a motor. The device can be operated using a remote device or control for remote inflation of the decoration. The device securely stores the deflated decoration and is collapsible for easy storage and transport. The device can be secured to the ground using spikes and includes an electrical cord for power supply for the motor. 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.

BACKGROUND

By way of background, individuals decorate their lawns and gardens with different ornaments to celebrate occasions such as Christmas, Easter, Halloween, and other special events. Commonly, individuals use inflatable balloons/inflatables as they have prominent visibility and festive appeal. The inflatables have become an integral part of holiday celebrations as they create a thematic and visually engaging space.

However, maintaining the inflatables in a visually appealing state throughout the day is challenging. Inflatables require a continuous supply of air to remain erect which is not always possible and therefore, they deflate easily and cannot hold their intended shape. Repeatedly inflating and deflating the inflatable decorations is a laborious and time-consuming task. Homeowners manually operate pumps or integrated inflation systems which is an inconvenience. Moreover, when conventional decorations deflate, they often sit directly on the ground and become dirty and wet, which can lead to wear and tear over time. This shortens the lifespan of the decorations but also requires additional cleaning and maintenance. Furthermore, deflated lawn ornaments can create an unsightly and cluttered appearance in the yard. Individuals desire a decoration cover system that can inflate and display yard ornaments while securely storing them when they are deflated.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a system that can neatly store, protect, and manage the inflation and display of yard ornaments. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a multifunctional device that significantly enhances the usability and enjoyment of inflatable decorations. Additionally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a yard decoration storage device that maintains the aesthetic appeal of outdoor decorations while minimizing the manual effort involved in their upkeep. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a system that resembles an oversized weather resistant box or container that holds the deflated lawn ornament or balloon until the inflation mechanism is activated via a remote control. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art of a decoration storage weather resistant box or container that keeps the deflated balloon clean and dry and protects it from harsh elements such as wind, rain, hail, and snow. Furthermore, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that stores and inflates decorative balloons/inflatables and that can be operated remotely. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a novel box or container for inflating and storing decorations which keeps balloon decorations from cluttering the lawn and making the yard look unsightly.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an inflatable holiday decoration storage and expansion device. The device features a main body in the form of a designer weather resistant box or container, a plurality of walls, and a bottom surface forming the main body, wherein the bottom surface includes a plurality of apertures adapted to receive spikes for securing the device to the ground. A pivotable lid is hinged to the top edge of one of the walls and is adapted to open automatically/autonomously to extend an inflatable holiday decoration stored within the device. A motor is disposed within one of the walls for inflating the inflatable holiday decoration stored within the device wherein the motor is remotely activated using a remote device or control. The deflated decoration is stored inside the device for a secure and safe storage.

In this manner, the inflatable holiday decoration storage and expansion device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides users with a novel device that reduces the manual labor to inflate decoration balloons/inflatables. The inflatable decorations are secured inside the device and is protected from environmental factors such as rain, hail, snow, and wind. The housing device helps extend the lifespan of the decorations by keeping them clean and dry while stored. The device enhances the aesthetic appeal of the outdoor space, eliminating the cluttered look of deflated decorations lying on the ground. The device is easy to use using a remote control for wireless operation enabling users to inflate and deflate the decorations easily.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order 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 inflatable holiday decoration storage and expansion device. The device comprises a main body configured as a designer weather resistant box or container and having a geometric shape, a plurality of walls, and a bottom surface forming the main body, wherein the bottom surface includes a plurality of apertures adapted to receive spikes for securing the device to the ground. A pivotable lid is hinged to the top edge of one of the walls and is adapted to open automatically/autonomously to extend an inflatable holiday decoration stored within the device. A motor is disposed within one of the walls for inflating the inflatable holiday decoration stored within the device and an electrical cord is operatively connected to the motor for connection to a power supply.

In yet another embodiment, an aesthetic enhancement and protection device for yard decorations is disclosed. The device includes a main body configured as a decoratively designed weather resistant box or container made of a durable, lightweight, and waterproof material, having a geometric shape and customizable outer surface. A plurality of LED lights are disposed on the outer surface of the main body for enhancing both the display of an inflatable decoration within the device and providing ambient lighting when the decoration is not in use. A motor is disposed within one of the walls for inflating an inflatable holiday decoration stored within the device and a remote control is adapted to operate the motor to inflate the decoration, wherein the lid automatically/autonomously opens upon inflation of the decoration.

In another aspect, a method for storing and expanding an inflatable holiday decoration is described. The method comprises the steps of providing a storage and expansion device having a main body with a plurality of walls, a bottom surface with apertures, and a pivotable lid, securing the device to the ground using spikes inserted through the apertures in the bottom surface, storing an inflatable holiday decoration within the device, operatively connecting the decoration to a motor disposed within one of the walls of the device, inflating the decoration using the motor in response to a command from a remote control, wherein inflating the decoration causes the pivotable lid to automatically/autonomously open, enabling the decoration to expand outwardly from the device. The method also includes the step of deactivating the motor and closing the lid using the remote control when the decoration is not required, thereby deflating the decoration, and concealing it within the device.

In yet another aspect, the motor is configured to be operated wirelessly via a low-energy Bluetooth communication channel established between the device and a remote device or control.

In yet another embodiment, the LEDs are configured to automatically/autonomously deactivate in the presence of ambient light to conserve power.

In yet another aspect, the device includes at least one sensor for detecting environmental conditions and automatically/autonomously adjusting the state of the device to protect the stored decoration.

Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.

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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of inflatable holiday decorations storage and expansion device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view showing communication of the holiday decorations storage and expansion device with an accompanying remote device or control in accordance with the disclosed structure;

FIG. 3 illustrates an enlarged view of the internal ground stakes used for securing the decoration cover device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the inflatable yard decorations cover and protection device in an open position with the inflatable decoration extending out of the device in accordance with the disclosed structure; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart depicting a process of using the inflatable decorations cover and protection device of the present invention in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

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 in order 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 in order 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 system that can neatly store, protect, and manage the inflation and display of yard ornaments. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a multifunctional device that significantly enhances the usability and enjoyment of inflatable decorations. Additionally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a yard decoration storage device that maintains the aesthetic appeal of outdoor decorations while minimizing the manual effort involved in their upkeep. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a system that resembles an oversized weather resistant box or container that holds the deflated lawn ornament or balloon until the inflation mechanism is activated via a remote control. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art of a decoration storage weather resistant box or container that keeps the deflated balloon clean and dry and protects it from harsh elements such as wind, rain, hail, and snow. Furthermore, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that stores and inflates decorative balloons/inflatables and can be operated remotely. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a novel box or container for inflating and storing decorations which keeps balloon decorations from cluttering the lawn and making the yard look unsightly.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is an aesthetic enhancement and protection device for yard decorations. The device includes a main body configured as a decoratively designed weather resistant box or container made of a durable, lightweight, and waterproof material, having a geometric shape and customizable outer surface. A plurality of LED lights are disposed on the outer surface of the main body for enhancing both the display of an inflatable decoration within the device and providing ambient lighting when the decoration is not in use. A motor is disposed within one of the walls for inflating an inflatable holiday decoration stored within the device and a remote control is adapted to operate the motor to inflate the decoration.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of inflatable holiday decorations storage and expansion device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The inflatable holiday decorations storage and expansion device 100 of the present invention is designed as a designer box or container made of durable, tough, lightweight, and waterproof material such as plastic. The device 100 is preferably in the form of a weather resistant box or container and includes a main body 102 which can be of any geometric shape and is preferably cuboid or cubic. The main body 102 includes a plurality of walls 104, 106, 108, 110 and a bottom surface 112. A pivotable lid 114 is hinged to top edge 116 of the wall 108 using at least one hinge 115 and the lid 114 can be manually opened or is preferably automatically/autonomously opened (as described later in the disclosure) enabling access of the internal housing 118 of the weather resistant box or container 100. The lid 114 in open state as illustrated in FIG. 1 enables access of the decoration or inflatable 124.

The weather resistant box or container 100 includes a plurality of apertures 120 disposed in the bottom surface 112 thereof. Each aperture 120 is adapted to receive a spike (shown in FIG. 3) for securing the weather resistant box or container device 100 to the ground such as a homeowner's yard. A motor 122 is disposed in one of the walls (preferably rear wall 108) and is adapted to inflate an inflatable holiday decoration or inflatable 124 which is stored inside the holiday decorations storage and expansion device 100. The motor 122 generates air to inflate the decoration or inflatable 124 and can be operated remotely as well using a remote control as illustrated in FIG. 2. When the decoration or inflatable 124 is inflated, the lid 114 is automatically or autonomously opened enabling the decoration or inflatable 124 to expand. The holiday decoration or inflatable 124 can be of different types and represent including, but not limited to, Christmas, Halloween, Easter, and other holidays and special events.

The outer surface 126 of the main body 102 can also be customized in different colors, shapes, and sizes based on the holiday season. The inflatable holiday decoration or inflatable 124 is operatively coupled with the motor 122 enabling the motor 122 to easily inflate the inflatable holiday decoration or inflatable 124. An electric cord 128 is operatively connected to the motor 122 and can be connected to any conventional electrical supply for providing electric power for functioning of the motor 122.

The holiday decoration or inflatable 124 when deflated such as during a day is stored inside the box or container 100 and therefore, the box or container 100 prevents the decoration or inflatable 124 from being left lying around on the ground. Furthermore, the bottom surface 112 prevents the decoration or inflatable 124 from touching the ground, therefore, keeping the deflated balloon or inflatable 124 clean and dry and protects from harsh elements such as wind, rain, hail, and snow.

The box or container device 100 is collapsible and can be easily stored and transported. The decoration cover box or container 100 conceals the deflated decoration and adds a decorative element to the yard. A plurality of LEDs 130 or other illumination sources are disposed on the outer surface 126 for enhancing the display of the inflatable decoration or inflatable 124 and for providing ambient lighting when the inflatable decoration is not in use. In some embodiments, the LEDs 130 can be automatically/autonomously deactivated when ambient light is present, therefore saving power required to operate the LEDs 130. A wind sensor 132 is integrated into the box or container device 100 that detects weather or wind conditions, and automatically/autonomously deflates the inflatable 124 and closes the lid 114 to protect the inflatable decoration or inflatable 124 when adverse wind conditions are present (i.e., when wind speed is above a predetermined threshold).

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view showing communication of the holiday decorations storage and expansion device with an accompanying remote device or control in accordance with the disclosed structure. As illustrated, the holiday decorations storage and expansion device 100 is communicatively coupled to the remote device or control 202. A wireless module 204 is embedded in the device 100 and is configured to provide a communication channel 206 for communication with the remote device or control 202. A single remote device or control 202 can be configured to monitor and control one or more weather resistant box or container devices 100. The communication channel 206 can be any short-range or long-range communication channel and is preferably low low-energy Bluetooth channel.

The remote device or control 202 is preferably a physical device but can also be in the form of a standard smartphone with an installed mobile application. The remote device or control 202 provides an inflate option 208 which can be a physical button or a soft option for enabling the lid 114 to automatically/autonomously open and inflate the decoration or inflatable 124. When the inflate option 208 is activated, a wireless instruction is sent from the remote device or control 202 to the decoration cover box or container 100, and the lid 114 is opened and the decoration or inflatable 124 is inflated. A deflate option 210 deflates the decoration or inflatable 124 and closes the lid 114. This is useful in cases when the decoration is not required or can be during daytime.

FIG. 3 illustrates an enlarged view of the internal ground stakes used for securing the decoration cover device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure. Each aperture 120 receives a spike 302 therethrough which can be easily secured to the ground such as the yard for securing the cover device 100. The spikes 302 do not have pointed ends and therefore are safe for the holiday decoration or inflatable 124. The spikes 302 can be easily removed for displacing or moving the inflatable yard decorations cover and protection device 100 between different places and are preferably corrosion-resistant and weatherproof.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the inflatable yard decorations cover and protection device in an open position with the inflatable decoration extending out of the device in accordance with the disclosed structure. As illustrated, the inflatable decoration or inflatable 124 in the inflated position 402 extends out of the box or container device 100 and is supported by box or container device 100. The decoration or inflatable 124 is supported by such that the decoration or inflatable 124 does not require any additional support. The lid 114 supports the movement of the decoration or inflatable 124 and helps prevent the decoration or inflatable 124 from falling down.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart depicting a process of using the inflatable decorations cover and protection device of the present invention in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Initially, the box or container device 100 is secured to a surface using spikes for preventing unintentional displacement or movement of the box or container device 100 (Step 502). Then, a desired decoration is stored inside the box or container device 100 and is operatively coupled to the motor of the box or container device 100 (Step 504). The box or container device 100 is wirelessly coupled to the device 100 using the wireless channel (Step 506). Thereafter, the decoration is inflated by the motor and the lid is opened to extend the decoration out of the box or container device (Step 508).

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 “inflatable holiday decorations storage and expansion device”, “inflatable decorations cover and protection device”, “decoration cover device”, “box or container device”, “weather resistant box or container”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the inflatable decoration expansion and protection device 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the inflatable decoration expansion and protection device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the inflatable decoration expansion and protection device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the inflatable decoration expansion and protection device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the inflatable decoration expansion and protection device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the inflatable decoration expansion and protection device 100 may be of any size 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 of 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.

Claims

1. A weather resistant housing for retaining an inflatable, the weather resistant housing comprising: a weather resistant container having a main body, a plurality of walls, a bottom surface, and a pivotable lid forming an internal housing;an inflatable;a plurality of spikes; anda motor;wherein said plurality of walls having a front wall, a rear wall, and a pair of opposing side walls;wherein said pivotable lid hinged to a top edge of said rear wall;wherein said pivotable lid in an open state provides access to said inflatable;wherein said bottom surface having a plurality of apertures; andfurther wherein said plurality of apertures each having one spike of said plurality of spikes therethrough for anchoring said weather resistant container to the ground.

2. A weather resistant housing for retaining an inflatable of claim 1, wherein said motor disposed inside said internal housing for inflating said inflatable.

3. The weather resistant housing for retaining an inflatable of claim 2 further comprising a remote control wherein said remote control selectively actuates said motor.

4. The weather resistant housing for retaining an inflatable of claim 3, wherein said pivotable lid autonomously opens upon inflation of said inflatable.

5. The weather resistant housing for retaining an inflatable of claim 4, wherein said pivotable lid autonomously closes upon deflation of said inflatable for housing said inflatable inside said weather resistant container.

6. The weather resistant housing for retaining an inflatable of claim 5 further comprising an electric cord wherein said electric cord connecting said motor to a power supply.

7. The weather resistant housing for retaining an inflatable of claim 1, wherein said main body is cuboidal.

8. The weather resistant housing for retaining an inflatable of claim 1, wherein said weather resistant container is collapsible.

9. The weather resistant housing for retaining an inflatable of claim 8 wherein an outer surface of said weather resistant container comprises a plurality of LEDs for illuminating said weather resistant container.

10. The weather resistant housing for retaining an inflatable of claim 9, wherein said plurality of LEDs autonomously deactivated upon the presence of ambient light.

11. The weather resistant housing for retaining an inflatable of claim 1 further comprising a wind sensor for detecting present wind speed wherein said wind sensor deactivates said motor to deflate said inflatable and close said pivotable lid upon detecting the present wind speed is greater than a predetermined wind speed.

12. A weather resistant housing for retaining an inflatable, the weather resistant housing comprising: a weather resistant container having a main body, a plurality of walls, a bottom surface, and a pivotable lid forming an internal housing;an inflatable;a plurality of spikes;a motor;a remote control; anda wireless channel;wherein said plurality of walls having a front wall, a rear wall, and a pair of opposing side walls;wherein said pivotable lid hinged to a top edge of said rear wall;wherein said pivotable lid in an open state provides access to said inflatable;wherein said bottom surface having a plurality of apertures;wherein said plurality of apertures each having one spike of said plurality of spikes therethrough for anchoring said weather resistant container to the ground;wherein said motor disposed inside said internal housing for inflating said inflatable; andfurther wherein said remote control communicates to said motor through said wireless channel for selectively actuating said motor.

13. The weather resistant housing for retaining an inflatable of claim 12, wherein said pivotable lid autonomously opens upon inflation of said inflatable.

14. The weather resistant housing for retaining an inflatable of claim 13, wherein said pivotable lid autonomously closes upon deflation of said inflatable for housing said inflatable inside said weather resistant container.

15. The weather resistant housing for retaining an inflatable of claim 14 further comprising an electric cord wherein said electric cord connecting said motor to a power supply.

16. The weather resistant housing for retaining an inflatable of claim 15, wherein said main body is cuboidal.

17. The weather resistant housing for retaining an inflatable of claim 16, wherein said weather resistant container is collapsible.

18. The weather resistant housing for retaining an inflatable of claim 17, wherein an outer surface of said weather resistant container having a plurality of LEDs for illuminating said weather resistant container.

19. The weather resistant housing for retaining an inflatable of claim 18, wherein said plurality of LEDs autonomously deactivated upon the presence of ambient light.

20. A method of housing and actuating an inflatable, the method comprising the steps of: providing a weather resistant container having a main body, a plurality of walls, a bottom surface, and a pivotable lid forming an internal housing, an inflatable, a plurality of anchors, and a motor, wherein said plurality of walls having a front wall, a rear wall, and a pair of opposing side walls, wherein said pivotable lid hinged to a top edge of said rear wall;