Animated three-dimensional inflatable displays
AssigneeRobert K. Vicino
InventorsRobert K. Vicino, Calvin P. Owen
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A three-dimensional figure made from an inflatable, sculptured envelope of soft pliable material into which is blown a constant flow of ambient air wherein said flow of ambient air can be modulated or reversed to cause a lifelike movement of the sculptured figure. The inflatable envelope can be attached to the face of a billboard to create a three-dimensional display which can be quickly assembled or dismantled. The structure can tolerate substantial leakage of air from the envelope along seam lines, through the pliable material fabric or small puncture holes.
Claims9
A three-dimensional display suitable for outdoors, roadside advertising which comprises:
- a billboard having a generally vertical, planar message-carrying surface;
- a sculptured, collapsible envelope made of soft, pliable material in a plurality of sections sewn together, said sections being shaped and dimensioned to assume the outline of a predetermined item when said envelope is inflated;
- said envelope having an opening and at least one air-bleeding hole;
- means for attaching a portion of said envelope surrounding said opening to said planar surface;
- and
- means mounted on said billboard for continuously blowing ambient air into said envelope at a sufficient flow rate to keep said envelope inflated.
A three-dimensional display suitable for outdoors, roadside advertising which comprises:
- a billboard having a generally vertical, planar message-carrying surface;
- a first sculptured collapsible envelope made of soft, pliable material in a plurality of sections sewn together, said sections being shaped and dimensioned to assume the outline of a pre-determined item when said envelope is inflated;
- said envelope having an opening;
- means for attaching a portion of said envelope surrounding said opening to said planar surface;
- a motor-driven blower mounted against said planar surface within said envelope, continuously moving ambient air into said envelope;
- a second sculptured, collapsible envelope made of soft, pliable material having an intake orifice and at least one exhaust hole;
- means mounted against said planar surface, within said first envelope, for moving ambient air into said second envelope;
- means for attaching said second envelope to said first envelope;
- and
- means, associated with said means for moving ambient air into said second envelope, for modulating the flow of ambient air into said second envelope.
A three-dimensional display suitable for outdoors, roadside advertising which comprises:
- a billboard having a generally vertical planar message-carrying surface;
- a sculptured, collapsible envelope made of soft, pliable material in a plurality of sections sewn together, said sections being shaped and dimensioned to assume the outline of a predetermined item when said envelope is inflated;
- said envelope having an opening;
- means for attaching a portion of said envelope surrounding said opening to said planar surface;
- a motor driven blower mounted against said planar surface, within said envelope, continuously moving ambient air into said envelope;
- wherein said envelope comprises a zippered slot opening shaped and dimensioned to provide maintenance access to said motor-driven blower.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.