Outdoor inflatable structures, such as inflatable slides and bounce houses are typically used during daylight hours when adequate sunlight is available and thus users of the inflatable structure can easily see their surroundings. During nighttime or evening hours when adequate sunlight is not available, access to outdoor inflatable structures is usually restricted or denied in order to ensure the safety of the users.
The inventor of the present invention recognized that conventional outdoor inflatable structures restrict access to users during nighttime or evening hours due to limited lighting. The inventor of the present invention also recognized that conventional lighting sources (e.g. street lights, etc.) do not adequately illuminate the external surface of the inflatable structure since many external surfaces inherently block the line of sight from such conventional lighting sources. For example, interior walls of a slide portion of the inflatable slide inherently block light from such lighting sources and thus the slide portion of the inflatable slide remains not adequately illuminated. This introduces inherent safety risk when users such as young children slide along this region at a fast speed which is not adequately illuminated. Additionally, the inventor noticed that conventional bounce houses do not feature a light source to illuminate the interior of the bounce house with an external surface of the bounce house where young children engage during use of the bounce house. The inventor of the present invention developed the apparatus and method described herein which provides a lighting assembly that adequately illuminates the external surface of the inflatable structures, including the slide portion of an inflatable slide.
Additionally, the inventor of the present invention recognized that conventional lighting sources used in conjunction with inflatable water slides introduce an inherent safety risk since they position an electrical source in close proximity to water. The inventor of the present invention developed the apparatus and method described herein which features waterproof connections and also permits the power source to be positioned remote from the inflatable water slide, to eliminate these inherent risks of conventional lighting sources.
In a first set of embodiments, a lighting assembly is provided for an inflatable structure with one or more substrates including first hook and loop fasteners disposed along an external surface of the inflatable structure. The lighting assembly includes a strip of light emitting diodes (LEDs), a backing including second hook and loop fasteners and a layer of transparent material to secure the strip of LEDs to the backing. The second hook and loop fasteners of the backing are configured to be attached to the first hook and loop fasteners of the substrate of the inflatable structure. The LEDs of the strip are configured to illuminate the external surface of the inflatable structure upon receiving electrical power.
In a second set of embodiments, a method is provided for illuminating an external surface of an inflatable structure. The method includes providing a lighting assembly including a strip of light emitting diodes (LEDs) secured to a backing including second hook and loop fasteners with a layer of transparent material. The method further includes attaching the second hook and loop fasteners of the backing to first hook and loop fasteners of a substrate along an external surface of the inflatable structure. The method further includes providing electrical power to the strip of LEDs to illuminate the external surface of the inflatable structure.
Still other aspects, features, and advantages are readily apparent from the following detailed description, simply by illustrating a number of particular embodiments and implementations, including the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention. Other embodiments are also capable of other and different features and advantages, and their several details can be modified in various obvious respects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.
Embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:
A method and apparatus are described for illuminating an external surface of an inflatable structure. In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention.
Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope are approximations, the numerical values set forth in specific non-limiting examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements at the time of this writing. Furthermore, unless otherwise clear from the context, a numerical value presented herein has an implied precision given by the least significant digit. Thus, a value 1.1 implies a value from 1.05 to 1.15. The term “about” is used to indicate a broader range centered on the given value, and unless otherwise clear from the context implies a broader range around the least significant digit, such as “about 1.1” implies a range from 1.0 to 1.2. If the least significant digit is unclear, then the term “about” implies a factor of two, e.g., “about X” implies a value in the range from 0.5× to 2×, for example, about 100 implies a value in a range from 50 to 200. Moreover, all ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass any and all sub-ranges subsumed therein. For example, a range of “less than 10” for a positive only parameter can include any and all sub-ranges between (and including) the minimum value of zero and the maximum value of 10, that is, any and all sub-ranges having a minimum value of equal to or greater than zero and a maximum value of equal to or less than 10, e.g., 1 to 4.
Some embodiments of the invention are described below in the context of an inflatable structure including an inflatable slide or other inflatable structure (e.g. bounce houses). In some embodiments, “inflatable structure” means any structure defined by an inflatable surface that is used for recreational purposes (e.g. playing, water sports, etc.). In other embodiments, “inflatable structure” means any structure defined by an inflatable surface with one or more pre-existing substrates that feature hook and loop fasteners (e.g. Velcro®) and/or that is capable of having hook and loop fasteners (e.g. Velcro®) detachably secured around an external surface thereof with an attachment and/or any connective layer that can be used to detachably secure another connective layer (e.g. with hook and loop fasteners such as a buckle and latch fastener). In still other embodiments, “inflatable structure” means any structure defined by an inflatable surface where one or more substrates with hook and loop fasteners are or can be secured or attached to an external surface of the structure during or after manufacturing of the structure. In an embodiment, during the assembly or use of the inflatable structure, a strip of hook and loop fasteners of a component of the inflatable structure (e.g. a liner) is affixed to the hook and loop fasteners of the substrate, to adhere the component to the substrate. In an example embodiment, a width of the substrate is less than a width of the strip of hook and loop fasteners so that an excess width of hook and loop fasteners on the substrate is exposed. In other embodiments, the invention is described in the context of any structure (e.g. inflatable or non-inflatable) that features one or more substrates (e.g. provided during or after manufacturing of the structure) with hook and loop fasteners. Thus, in some embodiments, the invention is directed to any non-inflatable structure with one or more substrates featuring hook and loop fasteners. In other embodiments, the invention is described in the context of any structure that includes a connective layer to which another connective layer can be detachably secured. In some embodiments, the invention is directed to a method for illuminating an external surface of the inflatable structure, where “external surface” means a surface of the inflatable structure that is engaged by a user and/or visible to a user during use of the inflatable structure. In some embodiments, the external surface of the inflatable structure is visible from an exterior of the inflatable structure (e.g. side walls of a slide portion of an inflatable slide). In other embodiments, some portions of the external surface of the inflatable structure is not visible from an exterior of the inflatable structure (e.g. interior of a bounce house where users engage the bounce house).
In an embodiment, a width 212 of the strip of LEDs 204 is less than a width 208 of the backing 202 and is also less than a width 210 of the layer of transparent material 206. In another embodiment, the width 208 of the backing 202 is about equal to the width 210 of the layer of transparent material 206. For purposes of this description, “about equal” means that the values are within ±20% of each other. In an example embodiment, the widths 208, 210 are about ½″ or in a range from about ¼″ to about 1″. In an example embodiment, the width 212 is about ⅛″ or in a range from about 1/32″ to about ½″. In some embodiments, a length of the assembly 200 including a length of the strip of LEDs 204, a length of the backing 202 and a length of the layer of transparent material 206 is based on a length of a substrate with hook and loop fasteners along an external surface of an inflatable structure. In an example embodiment, the length of the assembly 200 is based on a length of the substrate 310 (
In one embodiment, the strip of LEDs 204 is a strip of LEDs manufactured by Supernight® with one or more parameters including an input voltage of about 12 volts (V) direct current (DC) and about 12 watts (W) per meter (m); a 300 piece 5050 SMD LED chip; a life span of about 50,000 hours; a power requirement of about 60 watts per roll per 5 meters; red/green/blue/white colors; a beam angle of about 120 degrees; a waterproof rating of IP65 and dimensions of about 5000 mm (5m) length, about 10 mm width and about 8 mm thickness. In another embodiment, one or more variables of the strip of LEDs 204 include water resistance, color, adhesives, choice of surface mounted device (SMD), driving voltage, and whether the strip 204 is constant current or constant voltage layout. In another embodiment, the strip 204 is covered in a heat conducting epoxy or silicone to protect the circuitry from direct contact with water, and can be rated IP65, IP67, or with suitable sealed connections IP68. In an example embodiment, the strip 204 has a two sided adhesive backing to stick to the backing 202 or a surface of a structure or inflatable structure (e.g. walls, desks, doors, inflatable slide, etc.). In one embodiment, the LEDs of the strip 204 are multicolor, non-addressable such that each LED is capable of displaying red, green, blue, or all three (white), driven by three input power rails (e.g. three of the four prongs at outlet 402). In one example embodiment, all of the LEDs display the same color at any one time, but the color can be manipulated by varying the voltage applied to each of the three power inputs (e.g. three of the four prongs at outlet 402). In an example embodiment, a strip 204 uses LEDs that contain up to 5 colors in a single LED, such that red, green, blue, warm white and/or cool white can be achieved from a single strip 204. In an embodiment, LED strip 204 designs are available in different types of SMD, such as 3528, single color, non-addressable, very low power; 5050, containing three LEDs allowing for RGB (red green blue) and addressable strips as well as higher power levels; 2835, a newer single-color SMD having the same surface dimensions as the 3528 but a larger emitter area and a thinner design with an integrated heatsink allowing for higher power levels; 5630/5730, a newer replacement for single-color 5050 SMDs which can operate at slightly higher power levels and have high efficacy. In another embodiment, less common designs for the strip 204 include 3014, 4014, 7020, 8020, or other SMDs. In an example embodiment, the LED strip 204 operates on 12 or 24 volts of direct current from a power supply.
In an embodiment, after step 653 the strip of LEDs 204 is positioned on the front side of the backing 202, the method 650 then includes the step of securing 655 the layer of transparent material 206 to the backing 202 to secure the strip of LEDs 204 to the backing 202. In an embodiment, in step 655 the layer of transparent material 206 is secured to backing 202 on opposing sides of the strip of LEDs 204 after centering the strip of LEDs 204 on the front side of the backing 202 in step 653. In one embodiment, in step 655 the securing step involves sewing or stitching the layer of transparent material 206 to the backing 202 on the opposing sides of the strip of LEDs 204 and forming threads 214a, 214b on opposing sides of the strip of LEDs 204. In one embodiment, the threads 214a, 214b are formed with a linear density in a range from about 5 stitches per inch to about 20 stitches per inch. In an embodiment, the formed threads 214a, 214b are aligned about parallel with an edge of the backing 202 and/or with the strip of LEDs 204. In some embodiments, between step 653 and 655, the strip of LEDs 204 is adhered to the backing 202 using an adhesive (e.g. an adhesive provided on a back surface of the strip of LEDs 204). Although the method 650 discusses using the layer of transparent material 206 to secure the strip of LEDs 204 to the backing 202, in other embodiments the strip of LEDs 204 is secured to the backing 202 without the layer of transparent material 206 and thus in these embodiments the lighting assembly need not include the layer of transparent material 206. In one of these embodiments, the strip of LEDs 204 is directly adhered to the backing 202 using a glue or adhesive.
The waterproof connections advantageously provide safety when the lighting assembly 200 is used in conjunction with an inflatable structure that employs water (e.g. inflatable water slide). A length of the extension cord 420 advantageously permits the power source 430 and/or control panel 400 and/or controller 400′ to be positioned remote from an inflatable structure employing water (e.g. inflatable water slide). In one embodiment, where the extension cord 420 connects the lighting assembly 200 to the control panel 400 or controller 400′, the control panel 400 or controller 400′ and the power source 430 can be remotely positioned from the inflatable structure based on the length of the extension cord 420. In another embodiment, where the extension cord 420 connects the power source 430 to the control panel 400 or controller 400′, the power source 430 can be remotely positioned from the inflatable structure based on the length of the extension cord 420. In one example embodiment, the length of the extension cord 420 is adjustable from about 1′ to about 100′, based on the arrangement of the extension cord 420. In this example embodiment, when the length of the extension cord 420 is desired to be a shorter length, only a portion of a maximum length of the extension cord 420 is unwound whereas when the length of the extension cord 420 is desired to be a longer length, a greater portion of the maximum length of the extension cord 420 is unwound. In an example embodiment, the shorter length of the extension cord 420 is used when attaching the lighting assemblies 200 to inflatable structures where no water is used (e.g. bounce house) whereas a longer length of the extension cord 420 is used when attaching the lighting assemblies 200 to inflatable structures where water is used (e.g. inflatable water slides). In yet another example embodiment, the length of the extension cord 420 is adjustable from about 1′ to about 200′.
In another embodiment, the control panel 400 features one or more regions 404 that can be adjusted or selected to adjust a value of one or more parameters of light emitted from the strip of LEDs 204 of the lighting assembly 200. In one embodiment, the control panel 400 includes a color region 404d that can be selected to adjust a color of the light emitted from the strip of LEDs 204. In an example embodiment, the color region 404d is a circle with different colors around the circle and the user selects a desired color by touching the desired color on the perimeter of the circle. In another embodiment, the control panel 400 includes a mode region 404c that can be selected to adjust a mode of the light emitted from the strip of LEDs 204. In another embodiment, the control panel 400 includes a white light region 404a that can be selected to turn the color of light emitted from the strip of LEDs 204 to white. In one example embodiment, the modes include one or more of a flashing mode (e.g. where the LEDs flash), a static mode (e.g. where the LEDs remain on) and a rotation mode between a plurality of colors. In an example embodiment, the modes rotate as the user selects or touches the mode region 404c. In another embodiment, the control panel 400 includes an intensity region 404b that can be selected to adjust an intensity of the light emitted from the strip of LEDs 204. In an example embodiment, the intensity region 404b includes two regions where a first region (e.g. arrow in a first direction) increases an intensity of the light when it is selected and a second region (e.g. arrow in a second direction opposite to the first direction) decreases an intensity of the light when it is selected. In another embodiment, the control panel 400 includes a power region 404e that can be selected to facilitate or interrupt the transmission of electrical power from the power source 430 to the strip of LEDs 204. Selecting or touching the power region 404e a first time transmits electrical power from the power source 430 to the strip of LEDs 204 and illuminates the LEDs 204 whereas selecting or touching the power region 404e a second time interrupts the transmission of electrical power from the power source 430 to the strip of LEDs 204 and causes the strip of LEDs 204 to turn off.
In another embodiment, the remote control panel 401 features one or more regions that can be adjusted or selected to adjust a value of one or more parameters of light emitted from the strip of LEDs 204 of the lighting assembly 200. In one embodiment, the remote control panel 401 includes a color region 465 that can be selected to adjust a color of the light emitted from the strip of LEDs 204. In an example embodiment, the color region 465 is a plurality of buttons with different colors and the user selects a desired color by touching the button associated with the desired color. In another embodiment, the remote control panel 401 includes a mode region 467 that can be selected to adjust a mode of the light emitted from the strip of LEDs 204. In an example embodiment, the mode region 467 includes a button for auto mode (e.g. cycles the LEDs 204 through the colors); a button for flash mode (e.g. strobes the LEDs 204 in white color); jump 3 (e.g. LEDs 204 cycle through 3 colors such as red green blue or RGB); jump 7 (e.g. LEDs 204 cycle through 7 colors); fade 3 (e.g. LEDs 204 cycle and simultaneously fades the intensity through 3 colors); fade 7 (e.g. LEDs 204 cycle and simultaneously fades the intensity through 7 colors). In another embodiment, the remote control panel 401 includes a speed region 469 with an increase speed button and decrease speed button which respectively increase and decrease the cycling speed for the modes in the mode region 467. In another embodiment, the remote control panel 401 includes an intensity region 461 which includes an intensity up and intensity down button which respectively increase and decrease the intensity of the light from the LEDs 204 during any of the modes. In another embodiment, the remote control panel 401 includes a stop region 463 which includes a play/pause button that can be pressed to pause and recommence the emission of light from the LEDs 204 and a power button that can be pressed to turn the LEDs 204 on or off.
Although
In an embodiment, the attachment 700 includes a plurality of strips 710a, 710b, 710c, 710d that extend from a first end to a second end (e.g. over a length) of the attachment 700. In one embodiment, one or more of the strips 710a, 710b, 710c, 710d include hook and loop fasteners 760 (
In an embodiment, the attachment 700 also includes a plurality of connecting strips 712a, 712b, 712c, 712d, 712e that extend from a first side to a second side (e.g. over a width) of the attachment 700. In some embodiments, the length of the attachment (e.g. between the opposite ends of the strips 710) is greater than the width of the attachment (e.g. between the opposite ends of the connecting strips 712). In an example embodiment, a length of the attachment 700 (e.g. length of the straps 710) is in a range from about 2 feet to about 12 feet and a width of the attachment 700 (e.g. length of the straps 712) is about 3 feet or in a range from about 2 feet to about 4 feet. In an example embodiment, the length of the attachment is adjusted based on a length of a support tube (e.g. center support tube 755) of the bounce house 170 so that the straps 710 can secure along a length (e.g. in a range from about 2 feet to about 12 feet) of the support tube. In another example embodiment, the width of the attachment is adjusted based on a circumference (e.g. about 3 feet) of the support tube (e.g. center support tube 755) of the bounce house 170 so that the straps 712 can wrap around the circumference of the support tube. In one embodiment, the plurality of connecting strips 712a, 712b, 712c, 712d, 712e are oriented at an angle (e.g. about 90 degrees±10 degrees) with respect to the plurality of strips 710a, 710b, 710c, 710d. In another embodiment, one or more of the connecting strips 712a, 712b, 712c, 712d, 712e intersect or attach (e.g. sewn to, attached via adhesive, etc.) to each of the plurality of strips 710a, 710b, 710c, 710d so to connect the strips together. In one embodiment, each of the connecting strips 712a, 712b, 712c, 712d, 712e intersect with each of the plurality of strips 710a, 710b, 710c, 710d, to connect the strips 710 together.
In an embodiment, the attachment 700 also includes hook and loop fasteners at opposite ends of the connecting strips 712a, 712b, 712c, 712d, 712e. In an embodiment, the hook and loop fastener is a buckle and latch fastener 703 with an adjustable strap 705 (
In an embodiment, in step 603 hook and loop fasteners 216 of the backing 202 are attached to hook and loop fasteners 308 of the substrate 310 on the external surface of the inflatable structure. In one embodiment, in step 603 the hook and loop fasteners 216 are attached to the exposed width 306 of the hook and loop fasteners 308 of the substrate 310. In yet another embodiment, in step 603 the hook and loop fasteners 216 are attached along a length of the hook and loop fasteners 308 of the substrate 310 which extends about a length of the slide portion 151.
In an embodiment, in step 605 electrical power is provided to the strip of LEDs 204 of the lighting assembly 200 to illuminate the external surface of the inflatable structure. In an embodiment, step 605 is performed by providing the waterproof connections between the lighting assembly 200 and the control panel 400 and between the control panel 400 and the power source 430. Additionally, in one embodiment, step 605 is performed by selecting one or more of the regions 404 on the control panel 400, such as the power region 404e.
In one embodiment, the method 600 can be performed for illuminating the external surface of the inflatable structure using the attachment 700 of
In an embodiment, in step 603 the attachment 700 is secured to the external surface of the inflatable structure. In one embodiment, in the inflatable structure is the bounce house 170. In an embodiment, the bounce house 170 includes a center support tube 755 (
In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. Throughout this specification and the claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” and its variations, such as “comprises” and “comprising,” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated item, element or step or group of items, elements or steps but not the exclusion of any other item, element or step or group of items, elements or steps. Furthermore, the indefinite article “a” or “an” is meant to indicate one or more of the item, element or step modified by the article.
This application is a Non-Provisional Application which claims benefit of Provisional Appln. No. 62/703,977, filed Jul. 27, 2018, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e).
Number | Date | Country | |
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62703977 | Jul 2018 | US |