Abstract:
An inflatable obstacle course having a base and one or more inflatable side walls connected to the base and forming a housing. The obstacle course can include one or more obstacles positioned within the housing. The side walls can be adhered to the base to form a water seal. A layer of fluid can be positioned within at least a portion of the housing to provide resistance to participants moving through the obstacle course and to add to the fun of traversing the obstacle course.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Technical Field 
         [0002]    The present disclosure generally relates to recreational games, and more particularly to a portable inflatable obstacle course. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    Various types of recreational play structures are available to entertain children and adults. Inflatable playhouses, for example, have become very popular in recent years. For many of these inflatable structures, the primary means of providing entertainment is for children and adults to bounce on the air inflated mattresses. As such, the entertainment value of inflatable structures can be limited for older children or adults. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONS 
       [0005]    In view of the foregoing, there is a need for an inflatable recreational play structure that provides added entertainment for older children and adults and is also cost efficient, easy to construct and disassemble. As used herein, the word “inflatable” has its plain and ordinary meaning as understood by one of skill in the art, including but not limited to the ability to internally receive and retain a fluid filler such as gases (e.g., air, nitrogen, hydrogen) and/or liquids (e.g., water, foam, gel). As used herein, the word “fluid” has its plain and ordinary meaning as understood by one of skill in the art, including but not limited to gases, liquids, plasmas, or any combination thereof. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, disclosed herein is an inflatable obstacle water course having a housing comprising a base, one or more inflatable walls extending upwardly from the base, and a functional play feature comprising a shallow layer of water extending throughout the course such that the water&#39;s resistance to movement through the course further adds to the fun of the game. The obstacle water course may also include one or more functional play features and an inflatable mattress disposed below the base. In one embodiment, the inflatable walls extend upwardly from the base and form a water seal with the base; and the shallow layer of water is contained within the housing and extends axially along the course. In another embodiment, ground supports can temporarily affix the inflatable mattress and/or inflatable walls to the ground surface. 
         [0007]    Also disclosed herein is a portable obstacle hydro course with inflatable features and methods of erecting the play structure. The method comprises placing a flooring in a desired location, placing one or more inflatable walls on top of the flooring to form a housing, adhering the flooring to the inflatable walls to form a sealed water barrier, inflating the walls with water first and then filling the flooring with water. In another embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of laying an inflatable mattress under the flooring. In another embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of staking the inflatable mattress to the ground with one or more ground supports. In yet another embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of staking the housing to the ground with one or more ground supports. In yet another embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of installing one or more panes into open spaces between the inflatable walls. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIGS. 1A-1C  illustrate isometric views of a fluid-filled obstacle course according to one embodiment. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  illustrates an isometric view of the fluid-filled obstacle course of  FIGS. 1A-1C  with an inflatable mattress detached. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of the fluid-filled obstacle course of  FIGS. 1A-1C . 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  illustrates a top view of the fluid-filled obstacle course of  FIGS. 1A-1C . 
           [0012]      FIGS. 5A-5D  illustrate views of the fluid-filled obstacle course of  FIGS. 1A-1C  with outer sidewalls removed. 
           [0013]      FIGS. 6A-6B  illustrate another embodiment of a fluid-filled obstacle course. 
           [0014]      FIGS. 7A-D  illustrate an embodiment of a fluid-filled obstacle. 
           [0015]      FIGS. 8A-D  illustrate another embodiment of a fluid-filled obstacle. 
           [0016]      FIGS. 9A-D  illustrate another embodiment of a fluid-filled obstacle. 
           [0017]      FIGS. 10A-D  illustrate another embodiment of a fluid-filled obstacle. 
           [0018]      FIGS. 11A-H  illustrate another embodiment of a fluid-filled obstacle course. 
           [0019]      FIGS. 12A-E  illustrate another embodiment of a fluid-filled obstacle course. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0020]    Embodiments of the inventions will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals refer to like elements throughout. Although several embodiments, examples and illustrations are disclosed below, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the inventions described herein extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments, examples and illustrations, and can include other uses of the inventions and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. The terminology used in the description presented herein is not intended to be interpreted in any limited or restrictive manner simply because it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific embodiments of the inventions. In addition, embodiments of the inventions can comprise several novel features and no single feature is solely responsible for its desirable attributes or is essential to practicing the inventions herein described. 
         [0021]    As will be described, the present application relates to a portable inflatable obstacle course that comprises a water component or other fluid-like substance as one of the obstacles throughout the course. The water or fluid-like substance may impede the movement of people moving through the course, which in turn adds to the fun and/or challenge of the experience. 
         [0022]      FIGS. 1A-1C  illustrate an embodiment of a portable inflatable obstacle course  10  which comprises a housing  12 , inflatable mattress  14  and play features  16 . In some embodiments, the obstacle course  10  can be constructed to be portable and modular. The obstacle course  10  can be inflated on-site at an event and deconstructed after the event has ended. In some embodiments, the obstacle course  10  may include one or more ground supports  13  extending from the housing  12  and/or inflatable mattresses  14  to temporarily secure the obstacle course  10  to the ground or other suitable structure. The ground supports  13  may include ropes, stakes, pegs and/or spikes to connect the obstacle course  10  to the ground or other suitable structure. 
         [0023]    With reference to  FIGS. 1A-1C , the obstacle course  10  can incorporate a housing  12  made of one or more inflatable walls  18 . The inflatable walls  18  may have horizontal inflatable sides  20 , vertical inflatable supports  22  and/or inflatable ceilings  24 . The inflatable ceilings  24  may be used to add stability to the structure and for attachment points for one or more play features  16 . The inflatable walls  18  may be made from a flexible, fluid-sealing material, such as vinyl, Mylar, rubber or other suitable material. The inflatable walls  18  may be inflated with a fluid (e.g., air, water, or some other fluid or combination of fluids). In some embodiments, upon inflation, the inflatable walls  18  may be cylindrical in shape 20 inches in diameter, or may be larger or smaller. For example, the inflatable walls  18  may be greater than 5 inches, greater than 10 inches, greater than 15 inches, greater than 20 inches, greater than 30 inches, and/or greater than 50 inches in diameter. Many variations are possible. In some cases, the inflatable walls  18  are non-cylindrical (e.g., rectangular, triangular, pentagonal, oval-shaped and/or some other shape). 
         [0024]    In some embodiments, the housing  12  can also include one or more panes  26 . The panes  26  can be used for external walls and/or internal walls to define one or more paths for the obstacle course  10 . When water  30 , or other fluid, is added to at least part of the obstacle course  10 , as described in more detail below, the panes  26  may act to reduce the likelihood that water or fluid leaks out of the housing  12 , or relocating within the obstacle course  10 . The panes  26  may also be used as ceiling sections to create an environment that may be at least partially insulated from the outside elements. In some embodiments, the panes  26  may be made of a transparent material, a translucent material, or an opaque material. In some embodiments, the panes  26  can be painted or have a tinted color. The panes  26  may be constructed out of plastic, acrylic, thermoplastic materials, plexiglass, glass or other suitable material. In some embodiments, one or more of the panes  26 , or some portion thereof, are formed in a lattice or screen pattern. The panes  26  may also include patterns, designs, logos or other function or decorative aspects. In some embodiments, at least part of the housing  12  may have an open-walled frame with few or no panes  26 . 
         [0025]    As further depicted in  FIGS. 1A-1C , the housing  12  may include a continuous or semi-continuous base or flooring  28  that at least partially covers the ground in between the inflatable walls  18  such that at least some of the surface area between the walls  18  is covered. The flooring  28  can be made out of inflatable material, such as the same material as the inflatable walls  18 , or can be a non-inflatable material, such as sheets of rubber or vinyl plastic. When water  30  is added to the obstacle course  10 , as described in more detail below, the flooring  28  may act as a sealant to reduce the likelihood of fluid  30  leakages or may reduce the likelihood of relocation of the water  30  within the obstacle course  10  or between the obstacle course  10  and outside of the obstacle course  10 . 
         [0026]    In some embodiments, upon inflation, water  30  may be added to at least some parts of the housing  12 . The fluid  30  may act as an obstacle or other impediment to be used in conjunction with one or more play features  16 . The fluid  30  may be up to 45 inches deep, or may be deeper, or may be up to 15 inches deep, depending on the fluid used, the application, and the physical properties of the fluid&#39;s container. In some embodiments, the fluid  30  may be water, gelatin, foam, mud and other suitable fluids. The viscosity of the fluid  30  may vary greatly and it may be advantageous in different embodiments to use a fluid  30  with a higher or lower viscosity. In some embodiments, the fluid  30  may be initially added to the housing and then re-added as needed. In some embodiments, the fluid may be continuously or intermittently sprayed, e.g. by a sprinkler, hose or other fluid source. In some embodiments, the fluid may be sprayed so as to form a slick or slippery surface on slides or other play features  16 . In some embodiments, the inflatable walls  18  of the housing  12  may comprise hoses suitable for transferring fluids (not illustrated) to continuously or intermittently spray the fluid  30 . The fluid filled hoses can include one or more apertures extending from the inflatable walls  18  to spray the fluid  30 . In such an embodiment, the apertures can protrude from the horizontal inflatable sides  20 , the vertical inflatable sides  22 , the ceilings  24 , and/or other features. As described above, the fluid  30  may be retained within at least part of the housing  12  via the flooring  28  and the inflatable walls  18 . 
         [0027]    In some embodiments, the flooring  28  may include one or more drainage ports to allow evacuation of fluid from the housing  12  as needed. For example, drainage may be necessary at the conclusion of the use of the obstacle course  10  to facilitate disassembly, to change the type of fluid  30 , or to alter fluid  30  levels for different obstacle environments. The one or more drainage ports may be left in a configuration during use allowing for constant or periodic recycling of fluid  30  in the obstacle course. In some embodiments, the one or more drainage ports may be closed during at least part of the use and opened at the user&#39;s discretion for disassembly or to facilitate fluid  30  disposal or change. 
         [0028]    In one embodiment, the obstacle course  10  can include at least one inflatable mattress  14 . As depicted in  FIG. 2 , the inflatable mattress  14  may be positioned below at least part of the flooring  28 . The inflatable mattress  14  may provide additional cushioning and support to the flooring  28 . The inflatable mattress  14  may also provide an entertaining and/or challenging bounce effect to the obstacle course  10 . In one embodiment, viewable in at least  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the inflatable mattress  14  may be sized to have a width and/or length greater than at least part of the flooring  28  to provide a cushioning surface for slips or falls. In some embodiments, the inflatable mattress  14  may be designed as a run-off to provide a safe cushion for slides and other features that may include the risk of a participant landing on the ground or other structure. In some embodiments, the inflatable mattress  14  may include drainage channels to facilitate fluid evacuation, transfer, or relocation. 
         [0029]    With continued reference to  FIGS. 1A-C  and  FIG. 4 , in some embodiments, one or more play features  16  may be incorporated into the obstacle course  10 . The play features  16  may be used to provide obstacles for entertaining or challenging users. The play features  16  may include one or more slides, limbo poles, tunnels, pins, inflatable obstacles, rubber balls or hanging items. Other play features may be attached or attachable to at least part of the obstacle course  10 . In some embodiments, the play features  16  may be permanently affixed to the housing  12 , the flooring  28 , and/or other portions of the obstacle course  10 . In another embodiment, the play features  16  may be affixed temporarily and removed upon disassembly. In various embodiments, the one or more play features  16  can connect or orient with an interior or exterior surface of the obstacle course  10 . For example, the interior play features  16  can be suspended from the ceiling  24  or extend from the vertical sides  22  or horizontal sides  20  at oblique or right angles. In some embodiments, a slide play feature may run off into or be adjacent a pool play feature or splash area  32 , as depicted in at least  FIGS. 6A-6B . 
         [0030]    In some embodiments, the obstacle course  10  may be a portable building, such as a playhouse or track, for use in entertaining people, particularly children, for parties or events. The obstacle course  10  may take a variety of forms or configurations. As a non-limiting example, the form may be a straight away, a serpentine or curvy track, a geometric shape, a maze, racetrack, or a combination of these or other configurations. In some embodiments, the obstacle course may have an area as large as 100 feet long by 30 feet wide. In other embodiments, the structure can be larger or smaller as necessary to accommodate the desired number of occupants. In some embodiments, the size of the obstacle course  100 , or parts of the obstacle course  100  may depend at least on the location and/or user preference. In some embodiments, the obstacle course  10  may comprise one or more discrete modular components that can be combined or joined together. 
         [0031]    In some embodiments, not all of the components of the obstacle course  10  may be inflatable. The non-inflatable components may include one or more of the housing, mattress, play features, walls, sides, supports, and/or ceilings. In some embodiments, inflatable features may be integrated with, or adjacent non-inflatable features. Inflatable play features may be adjacent non-inflatable play features. Non-inflatable play features may comprise Styrofoam, plastics, rubber, wood, etc. In some embodiments, one or more components of the obstacle course  10  may be permanently inflated and may not be deflated upon end of use at the event. As a non-limiting example, one or more play features may be permanently inflated and may not be deflated upon end of use at the event. 
         [0032]    Some embodiments of a portable obstacle course may comprise a housing comprising a floor and at least one inflatable wall, each of the inflatable walls comprising an interior and exterior surface, at least one play feature, and a layer of fluid. The floor may be disposed at least partially in the area defined by the interior surface of the inflatable walls and at least one of the inflatable walls may extend upwardly from the floor and form a substantially sealed fluid barrier with the floor. The layer of fluid may be substantially contained within the housing and extend axially along the obstacle course. The obstacle course may further comprise an inflatable mattress, wherein the inflatable mattress may be disposed below at least part of the floor. The obstacle course may further comprise ground supports, which may be securable to at least part of the floor and a ground surface, or may be securable to at least part of the inflatable mattress and a ground surface. The play features may comprise at least one of: slides, pins, tunnels, limbo poles, tire swings, rubber balls, and/or buoyant rafts. The obstacle course may further comprise an inflatable ceiling. The floor may further comprise at least one drainage feature. The layer of fluid may comprise water. One or more of the inflatable walls may at least partially comprise air. 
         [0033]      FIGS. 5A-11H  illustrate various embodiments of obstacle courses  10 , at least some of which may comprise play features  16 . Like numbers used in  FIGS. 5A-11H  can correspond to like features of the embodiment described above with respect to  FIGS. 1A-4 . 
         [0034]    In some cases, an inflatable obstacle course  10  can be assembled in a modular manner. For example, a ramp obstacle  34  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 7A-7D ) may be inflated and installed on a ground surface before or after other obstacles and portions of the obstacle course  10 . In some embodiments, a slide  36  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 8A-8D ) may be inflated and installed on a ground surface before or after other obstacles and portions of the obstacle course  10 . One or more fluid-holding obstacles  38 ,  40  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 9A-10D ) may be inflated and installed on a ground surface before or after other obstacles and portions of the obstacle course  10 . The one or more fluid-holding obstacles  38 ,  40  can include obstacles such as columns, large balls, horizontal bars, and/or other features.  FIGS. 11A-12E  illustrated assembled examples of obstacle courses  10 . 
         [0035]    In some embodiments, the features disclosed above can be used in a method of erecting an obstacle course. For example, a method of erecting an obstacle course may include laying an inflatable mattress  14  in a desired location. The method may also include placing a flooring  28  on top of the inflatable mattress  14 . One or more inflatable walls  18  may be placed on top of the flooring  28  and secured to the flooring  28  at least part of which may form a substantially sealed fluid  30  barrier. Optionally, the method may include securing the inflatable mattress  14  to the ground or other suitable structure. The inflatable walls  18  may be placed at least partially on top of the flooring  28  and at least partially inflated with a first fluid. Inflatable play features  16  may be at least partially inflated along with the inflatable walls  18 . Optionally, the inflatable walls  18  may be secured to the ground, or other suitable structure, for additional support. The obstacle course  10  may be used as an open-walled structure or, optionally, panes  26  may be installed. The method can further include at least partially filling the flooring  28  with a second fluid  30 . 
         [0036]    In some embodiments, a method of erecting an obstacle course  10  includes placing a flooring  28  at a desired location. One or more inflatable walls  18  may be placed on top of at least part of the flooring  28  and secured to at least part of the flooring  28  to form a substantially sealed fluid  30  barrier. The inflatable walls  18  may be placed on top of the flooring  28  and inflated with a first fluid. Any inflatable play features  16  may be inflated along with the inflatable walls  18 . Optionally, the inflatable walls  18  may be secured to the ground, or other suitable structure, for additional support. The obstacle course  10  may be used as an open-walled structure or, optionally, panes  26  can be installed. The method may further include at least partially filling the flooring  28  with a second fluid  30 . 
         [0037]    In some embodiments of erecting an inflatable obstacle course, the method may comprise the steps of placing a floor in a desired location, placing at least one inflatable wall at least partially on top of the floor to form a housing, securing the floor to the inflatable walls to form a substantially sealed fluid barrier, at least partially inflating at least one of the inflatable walls with a first fluid, and at least partially filling the floor with a second fluid. There may be more than one order of the steps in which to accomplish the method. The method may further comprise the steps of disposing an inflatable mattress at least partially under the floor, securing at least part of the inflatable mattress to the ground with at least one ground support, securing at least part of the housing to the ground with at least one ground support, and/or installing at least one pane into at least one open space between the at least one inflatable walls. The first fluid may be air. The second fluid may be water. 
         [0038]    Although these inventions have been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present inventions extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the inventions and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Additionally, the skilled artisan will recognize that any of the above-described methods can be carried out using any appropriate apparatus. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element, or the like in connection with an embodiment can be used in all other embodiments set forth herein. For all of the embodiments described herein the steps of the methods need not be performed sequentially. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.