Method and apparatus for improving the safety of inflatable attractions and other inflatable devices

#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.

#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.

#FIG. 1 illustrates an inflatable attraction;

#FIG. 2 illustrates a blower having an alarm monitor according to one embodiment;

#FIG. 3 illustrates a blower having an alarm monitor according to one embodiment;

#In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

#FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a blower 200 attached to an alarm monitor 220 according to one embodiment of the present invention. According to one example embodiment of the invention there is provided a method wherein blower device 200 is used to maintain an inflatable carnival attraction at a level of inflation safe for using the inflatable attraction, and wherein the blower device 200 operates on electrical energy received from an external source 210. The electrical energy is monitored by monitor 220, and an audible alarm 230 is sounded if the electrical energy is insufficient for the blower device 200 to maintain the level of inflation safe for using the inflatable attraction, and wherein the alarm is of sufficient loudness to be heard by personnel operating the attraction at a location distant from the blower device.

#A typical blower device used for inflatables has a power consumption of 110V or 220 V (50 or 60 Hz) and 20 Amps or less. Electrical source 210 can be a household or commercial power supply or can be a stand-alone generator. In this example, monitor 220 is plugged into electrical source 210 and blower 200 is plugged into monitor 220 at a 20 Amp GFI outlet 212. Blowers can have oval, round, or other shaped outlets.