Abstract:
An inflatable bunker obstacle field kit. The kit comprises a container sized and shaped to hold a plurality of inflatable bunkers with a plurality of inflatable bunkers within the container having a plurality of shapes and sizes for creating a paintball, airsoft or projectile field. A pluarlity of impact dampeners are attached to each of the plurality of inflatable bunkers. A plurality of anchor adapters moveably connected to the plurality of impact dampeners provide access for a plurality of weight bags to be connected to the impact dampeners. The anchor adapters each have an aperture sized and shaped to receive a stake. The kit includes a portable blower for cumulatively inflating the plurality of inflatable bunkers prior to use of the inflatable bunkers.

Description:
PRIOR HISTORY  
       [0001]    This is a continuation-in-part patent application of U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 09/684,288 filed on Oct. 6, 2000. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates to an inflatable bunker and anchoring system, and, more particularly, to a stand-alone inflatable bunker in combination with an impact dampening anchor system for improved shock absorption during a collision.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Simulated war games have been carried out by military personnel and civilians for many years for training and entertainment purposes. In order to carry out these simulations safely and effectively, players engage one another while donning protective gear and equipped with paint pellet guns. These games or simulations may be carried out in a variety of settings or arenas.  
           [0004]    Often times, such exercises are performed in heavily wooded areas or forests where players can hide behind trees and camouflage themselves to blend in and not be detected by their enemies. The exercises are also carried out on outdoor or indoor fields or arenas designed with artificial bunkers to provide cover for players to avoid being hit by paint pellets.  
           [0005]    One design that has been used to create these artificial bunkers comprises a manifold structure along the entire periphery of a playing field having feed tubes extending out therefrom and into various inflatable objects or bunkers. Air is fed into the manifold and supplied to the bunkers through the feed tubes by a remotely placed fan or blower. This design has proven to be cumbersome to setup, noisy, and inconvenient. The manifold, feed tubes, and bunkers have to be connected to one another, for example, by zippers. Players would often trip over the feed tubes while carrying out combat exercises. Moreover, the noise from the fan and generator is a constant nuisance. Also, the bunkers tend to deflate upon deactivating the fan, or becoming accidentally disconnected from the manifold.  
           [0006]    Another drawback associated with this and other inflatable bunker designs is that the bunkers are secured to the ground by way of steel cables or ropes. The cables or ropes are threaded about the inflatable bunker, and then extended downward towards an anchor. The anchor may be in the form of a stake or eyelet that has been firmly secured to the ground. The cables are then secured to the stakes or eyelets. In this manner, the inflatable bunkers are rigidly affixed to the ground.  
           [0007]    Rigidly affixing the inflatable bunkers to the ground has proven to be a hazard. For example, when players collide with the stationary bunkers, most of the force is not absorbed by the stationary object. Upon impact, the aforementioned anchoring system holds the inflatable bunker completely stationary without any give. This absolute resistance to movement does not allow the force to be distributed upon impact thereby causing great bodily harm.  
           [0008]    Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a self-contained manifold-free inflatable bunker for use in a paintball, airsoft or projectile sports arena or playing field to provide a safe hiding place for players.  
           [0009]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an inflatable bunker and impact dampening anchor system that is portable, easy to use and does not require a constant supply of air to remain inflated.  
           [0010]    It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an inflatable bunker and impact dampening anchor system combination to absorb the forces of an impact during a collision to minimize bodily injury.  
           [0011]    It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an inflatable bunker system kit that provides all of the necessary equipment to erect a playing field in one package.  
           [0012]    Other objects and features will become readily apparent when the disclosure is read in combination with the drawings and appended claims.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0013]    What is disclosed is, in combination, a stand-alone inflatable bunker and impact dampening anchor system to provide cover for athletes on a paintball, airsoft or projectile field comprising, an impact dampener having a first and second end, an inflatable bunker having an inner and outer surface, the inner surface defining a bunker cavity for air containment, a two-way valve extending through the inner and outer surface for inflation and deflation of the cavity, and a handle attached to and extending outwardly from the outer surface of the bunker affixed to the first end of the impact dampener, and an anchor adapter connecting the second end of the impact dampener to a stationary ground anchor.  
           [0014]    In the preferred embodiment, the impact dampener comprises a bungee cord. It is contemplated, however, that the impact dampener may also comprise a spring, an elastic band, a rubber band or any combination thereof.  
           [0015]    In one embodiment, the inflatable bunker further comprises a pressure relief valve extending through the inner and outer surfaces for releasing air when the internal pressure of the bunker cavity exceeds a predetermined setpoint.  
           [0016]    In yet another embodiment, the inflatable bunker further comprises a removably affixed weighted base by mating fasteners, the weighted base having an inner and outer surface, the inner surface defining a base cavity for containing weighting material, a fill/drain port extending through the inner and outer surface for filling and draining the base cavity.  
           [0017]    In a preferred embodiment, the weighting material comprises sand. However, the weighting material may comprise water or a combination of sand and water.  
           [0018]    In the preferred embodiment, the mating fasteners comprise mating Velcro® fasteners to removably affix the inflatable bunker to the weighted base. The mating fasteners, however, may also comprise a plurality of mating snaps, buckles and corresponding straps, or buttons and slots.  
           [0019]    In one embodiment, the stationary ground anchor comprises a metal stake having an elongated shaft and a head, and the anchor adapter comprises an adapter body having proximal and distal ends. A connector on the proximal end of the tab attaches to the second end of the impact dampener, and a grommet provides opening on the distal end of the tab. The grommet has a diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the stake shaft and smaller than the diameter of the stake head to prevent the anchor adapter from disengaging the stationary ground anchor.  
           [0020]    In another embodiment, the stationary ground anchor comprises a weighted base having an inner and outer surface, the inner surface defining a base cavity for containing weighting material, a fill/drain port extending through the inner and outer surface for filling and draining the base cavity, and wherein the anchor adapter comprises a base handle affixed to and outwardly extending from the outer surface of the weighted base, the base handle affixed to the second end of the impact dampener.  
           [0021]    In yet another embodiment, the stand-alone inflatable bunker and impact dampening anchor system to provide cover for athletes on a paintball, airsoft or projectile field comprises, an inflatable bunker having an inner and outer surface, the inner surface defining a bunker cavity for air containment, a two-way valve extending through the inner and outer surface for inflation and deflation of the bunker cavity, a pressure relief valve extending through the inner and outer surfaces for releasing air when the internal pressure of the cavity exceeds a predetermined setpoint, and a weighted base having an inner and outer surface, the inner surface defining a base cavity for containing sand, a fill/drain port extending through the inner and outer surface for filling and draining the base cavity, wherein the weighted base is removably affixed to the inflatable bunker by mating fasteners.  
           [0022]    As another aspect of the invention, a plurality of inflatable bunkers can be combined to provide an inflatable bunker obstacle field kit. The kit comprises a container sized and shaped to hold a plurality of inflatable bunkers with a plurality of inflatable bunkers within the container having a plurality of shapes and sizes for creating a paintball, airsoft or projectile field. A pluarlity of impact dampeners are attached to each of the plurality of inflatable bunkers. A plurality of anchor adapters moveably connected to the plurality of impact dampeners provide access for a plurality of weight bags to be connected to the impact dampeners. The anchor adapters each have an aperture sized and shaped to receive a stake. The kit includes a portable blower for cumulatively inflating the plurality of inflatable bunkers prior to use of the inflatable bunkers.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0023]    The invention is illustrated in the figures of the accompanying drawings which are meant to be exemplary and not limiting, in which like references refer to like or corresponding parts, and in which:  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an inflatable bunker and impact dampening anchor system of the present invention.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the impact dampening anchor system shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the inflatable bunker and impact dampening system of the present invention.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the inflatable bunker and impact dampening anchor system of the present invention.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the inflatable bunker and impact dampening anchor system of the present invention; present invention.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of yet another embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 7 is a partial exploded view of the impact dampening anchor system of the present invention.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a bunker with a plurality of weighting bags attached to the impact dampening anchor system  30 .  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a kit for making an inflatable bunker playing field.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0034]    Turning now to the drawings, and more particularly, to FIGS.  1 - 4 , a bunker and anchor system combination is shown generally at  10 . Bunker and anchor system combination  10  is comprised of an inflatable bunker  20  and an impact dampening anchor system  30 .  
         [0035]    Inflatable bunker  20  has an outer surface  21  and an inner surface  23 , inner surface  23  further defining bunker cavity  27 . Bunker  20  further comprises two-way valve  100  extending through outer surface  21  and inner surface  23  for inflation and deflation of cavity  27  such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,478,587. Additionally, bunker  20  may comprise a pressure relief valve (not shown) extending through outer surface  21  and inner surface  23 , also disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,478,587, to prevent bunker cavity  27  from over inflation, that is, for releasing air when the internal air pressure of the bunker cavity exceeds a predetermined setpoint.  
         [0036]    Bunker  20  may be constructed of any flexible, resilient, and airtight material such as plastic, rubber and the like so that once it is filled with air, it remains inflated for extended periods of time. In a preferred embodiment, bunker  20  is constructed from a polyurethane-coated material. Panels of various shapes are heat-sealed together to form the aforementioned three-dimensional shaped bunkers.  
         [0037]    It must be understood that while Bunker  20  is shown in cylindrical form for illustrative purposes, inflatable bunker  20  may be constructed in a variety of shapes. Such shapes may includes, but are not limited to, spherical, conical, pyramidal, rectangular, cubical or any combination thereof.  
         [0038]    Bunker  20  is anchored to the ground or other surface impact dampening anchor system  30 . Anchoring system  30  is comprised of bunker handle  40 , impact dampener  50 , and anchor adapter  60 .  
         [0039]    Bunker handle  40  attaches to and extends outwardly from outer surface  21 , and may either be integrally formed during the construction of bunker  20 , or affixed thereto after bunker  20  has been partially or fully constructed. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, bunker handle  40  is comprised of strap  43  and ring  45 . Strap  43  and ring  45  are heat welded, bonded, glued, or stitched to outer surface  21  of bunker  20 . Ends  43   a  and  43   b  of strap  43  are heat welded, bonded, glued or stitched to bunker  20  between outer surface  21  and the underside surface (not shown) of ring  45 . Central portion  43 c of strap  43  extends outwardly from outer surface  21  of bunker  20 , and extends through aperture  45   a  of ring  45  to form handle loop  47 .  
         [0040]    Anchor adapter  60  comprises adapter body  62  having a proximal end region  62   a  and distal end region  62   b . Proximal end region  62   a  further comprises a connector  64  to secure one end of impact dampener  50 . In a preferred embodiment, connector  64  comprises an adapter loop  64   a . Distal end region  62   b  further comprises grommet  66  through which a stake may pass as it is driven into the ground. The diameter  66   a  of the grommet is slightly larger than the diameter of the stake shaft, yet smaller than the diameter of the stake head to prevent the stake from fully passing therethrough.  
         [0041]    Impact dampener  50  is constructed from a stretchable material to absorb energy from an impact. In a preferred embodiment, impact dampener  50  comprises a bungee cord  52 . Bungee cord  52  passes through bunker handle loop  47 , and is secured to connector  64  of anchor adapter  60  to form the impact dampening anchor system of the present invention. Alternatively, impact dampener  50  may comprise a rubber band, an elastic band, or spring that is secured between bunker handle loop  47  and connector  64 .  
         [0042]    In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 5, bunker  20  is comprised of an upper inflatable portion  22 , and a lower weighted base  24 . Weighted base  24  may be constructed in the same manner as the inflatable bunker having an outer surface  31  and inner surface  33 , inner surface  33  further defining base cavity  35 . It is contemplated that weighted base  24  can be constructed using the same materials as inflatable bunker  20 , or different materials such as canvas, leather, or other resilient material that is water-proof and puncture resistant. To add weight, base  24  may be filled with water, sand or the like through fill/drain port  200  which extends through outer surface  31  and inner surface  33 .  
         [0043]    Upper portion  22  and lower portion  24  may be permanently or removably affixed to one another. In a preferred embodiment, the upper and lower portions stacked upon and removably affixed to one another using mating Velcro® fasteners  25 . It is contemplated, however, that other means may also be used to removably affix the upper and lower bunker portions together. These alternative affixing means may include, but are not limited to, buckles and corresponding straps, snaps, buttons and slotted tabs, and the like.  
         [0044]    Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6, upper bunker portion  22  and lower bunker portion  24  may be formed as one unit comprising two chambers separated by a dividing wall or internal diaphragm  35 . The upper chamber may be air filled, while the lower chamber may be filled by a weighting material such as sand, water, wood chips, rubber, plastic shavings, top soil or like.  
         [0045]    Alternatively, bunker  20  may be anchored directly to weighted base  70  as shown in FIG. 8. Impact dampener  50  extends from bunker handle  40  to weighted base handle  80 . Weighted base handle  80  may either be integrally formed during the construction of weighted base  70 , or affixed thereto after weighted base  70  has been partially or fully constructed in like fashion as bunker handle  40 .  
         [0046]    In operation, the first step in preparing the stand-alone inflatable bunker system of the present invention is to inflate bunker  20 . Two-way valve  100  is opened, and a motorized or manually operated air pump is directed thereto either directly or indirectly. Air is then introduced into bunker cavity  27  until it is fully inflated to a predetermined pressure setting. In one embodiment, bunker  20  further comprises a pressure relief valve to avoid over-inflation and damage to the bunker. The air pump is the disconnected from two-way valve  100  and the two-way valve capped to prevent air from escaping out to the atmosphere.  
         [0047]    Once fully inflated, bunker  20  can either be used in an indoor arena or outdoor playing field. When used outdoors on a paintball, airsoft or projectile playing field, bunker  20  is strategically placed on the field, and anchored to the ground by impact dampening anchor system  30 .  
         [0048]    Impact dampener  50  connects bunker handle  40  to anchor adapter  60 . In a preferred embodiment, impact dampener  50  comprises bungee cord  52 . Bungee cord  52  passes through bunker handle loop  47  and adapter loop  64   a  elastically connecting bunker  20  and anchor adapter  60  together. A metal stake is threaded through grommet  66  of anchor adapter  60  and then driven into the ground.  
         [0049]    During a paint pellet match, players dodging bullets on the playing field can seek cover behind the bunkers. Because the bunkers are of stand-alone construction, players no longer have the danger of tripping over feed tubes extending out from a manifold to continuously inflate the bunkers.  
         [0050]    In the event that a player runs into a bunker inadvertently, bunker  20  will travel a given distance depending on the elasticity of bungee cord  52 . The stretching motion of the impact dampener absorbs much, if not all, of the force from the impact between the player and the bunker. Once the player moves away from the bunker, the bunker is then pulled into place by the recovering action of the bungee cord. In this manner, players can avoid serious bodily injury and focus their attention on playing the paint pellet war games.  
         [0051]    In one embodiment, bunker  20  may be anchored in place by weighted base  24 . Weighted base  24  is constructed in similar fashion as bunker  20 . Weighting material such as sand, water or the like is introduced into weighted base portion  24  through fill/drain port  200 . Bunker  20  is then stacked on top of weighted base  24 , and may be removably affixed thereto by mating Velcro® fasteners  25  located on the bottom of bunker  20  and the top of weighted base  24  respectively. Alternatively, bunker  20  may be fastened to weighted base  24  using buckles and corresponding straps, mating snaps, buttons and slotted tabs and the like. In an alternative embodiment, bunker  20  and weighted base  24  may be permanently affixed to one another as shown in FIG. 6.  
         [0052]    As yet a further embodiment of the invention, bunker  20  is anchored by a plurality of weighting bags  85  that can be connected to the impact dampening anchor systems  30  as shown in FIG. 10. In this embodiment of the invention, a bunker  20  that is fitted to be anchored to the ground by stakes can be retrofitted with weighting bags  85  attached to the impact dampening anchor systems  30  where it is more desirable to use weighting bags  85  as a means of securing the bunker  20  in a stationary place. This enables a bunker  20  of this type to be used in more situations.  
         [0053]    In another embodiment, bunker  20  is anchored to weighted base  70  by impact dampening anchor system  30 . Impact dampener  50  connects bunker handle  40  to base handle  80  as shown in FIG. 8. In a preferred embodiment, impact dampener  50  comprises bungee cord  52 . Bungee cord  52  passes through bunker handle loop  47  and base loop  70   a  elastically connecting inflatable bunker  20  and weighted base  70  together.  
         [0054]    In this embodiment, player running into the indoor stand-alone bunker inadvertently can avoid serious bodily injury because, as discussed above, bunker  20  will travel a given distance depending on the elasticity of bungee cord  52 . The stretching motion of the impact dampener absorbs much, if not all, of the force from the impact between the player and the bunker.  
         [0055]    Once the game is completed, players may disassemble the stand-alone bunkers. The fill drain ports are opened to deflate the air filled bunker portion, and the empty out the weighting material from the weighted base portion. Once emptied, the bunker and base portions are folded and packed into their respective containers for storage.  
         [0056]    As another aspect of the invention a plurality of bunkers can be used as an inflatable bunker playing field kit  300 . In a kit  300  of the claimed invention, a container  310  such as the one shown in FIG. 9 can be used to hold a plurality of bunkers  20  each having anchoring systems  30 , a plurality of stakes or weighting bags  85 , and a blower  320  for inflating the plurality of bunkers  20 .  
         [0057]    As various possible embodiments may be made in the above invention for use for different purposes and as various changes might be made in the embodiments and methods above set forth, it is understood that all of the above matters here set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.