Abstract:
A device for collecting, storing and deploying inflatable slides and play structures. In general, the device comprises an elongated barrel, an end cap immediately adjacent to each end of the elongated barrel, a ratchet device removably connected to each end of the elongated barrel, a handle connected to each ratchet device, and a slot running along the length of the elongated barrel. The device is used to collect an inflatable by attaching ratchet devices which are attached to handles to each end of the elongated barrel, inserting a portion of an inflatable into the slot of the elongated barrel; and alternatively pulling and pushing each handle to incrementally wind the inflatable around the elongated barrel.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     I. Field 
     The present invention relates to a device for collecting, storing and deploying inflatable slides and play structures. 
     II. Background 
     Inflatables, such as inflatable slides and play structures, are air-inflated devices that are typically used for children&#39;s amusement. Inflatables are usually erected for short periods of time, and not left up permanently. In preparing an inflatable for use, the slide or structure is laid out at the desired location, and then blowers are used, along with aid from the person deploying the inflatable, to inflate the slide or structure and to maintain inflation during use. After the inflatable is no longer being used, and it is desired for the inflatable to be taken down, the blowers are turned off and, along with aid from the person collecting the inflatable, the inflatable deflates. Once deflation is complete, the inflatable is collected and stored until the next use. Because inflatables are generally used only for short periods of time, the process of deploying, inflating, deflating, collecting, and storing the inflatable is repeated many times during the life of the inflatable. 
     Inflatables are often quite large, and thus are bulky and heavy even when deflated. As such, the collection and deployment of inflatables can be quite burdensome. Thus, there is a need for a device to collect and deploy inflatables in a less onerous manner. Additionally, it is not uncommon for water to be used to cover the inflatable&#39;s surface during the use of the inflatable. However, in order to preserve the integrity of the inflatable, it is advisable to remove any water from the surface of the inflatable before storage. This water removal step creates an additional obstacle in collecting the inflatable. Accordingly, there is a need for a collection device that will remove much or all of the water from the inflatable during the course of collection. 
     Furthermore, in many instances a company will own multiple inflatables which it rents out to users. Thus, it is beneficial for the inflatables to be collected and stored in a manner that allows the inflatables to be stacked or otherwise stored in an organized fashion. Thus, there is a need for a device that allows the inflatable to be collected so that it results in a compact, uniform shape for ease of storage. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the aforementioned problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a collection and deployment device for collecting and deploying inflatables, tents, tarps, signs, awnings or other similar objects. The device comprises an elongated barrel with a slot, end caps immediately adjacent to the ends of the elongated barrel, ratchet devices removably connected the end caps, and handles connected the ratchet devices. 
     The present invention also contemplates a method of using the device to collect an inflatable. To use the device to collect the inflatable, a user inserts a first end of a ratchet insert into a recess of an end cap of the elongated barrel, and then places the second end the ratchet insert into a ratchet clutch where the ratchet clutch is also connected to a handle. The user then inserts a first end of a second ratchet insert into a recess of the other end cap of the elongated barrel, and then places the second end of the second ratchet insert into a second ratchet clutch where the second ratchet clutch is connected to a second handle. Next, the user inserts a portion of an inflatable into a slot in the elongated barrel wherein the slot has a length shorter than the length of the elongated barrel, and places the shifters of each of the ratchet clutches in an initial position. The user then pulls the first handle towards the user, pushes the first handle away from the user, pulls the second handle towards the user, pushes the second handle away from the user, and alternatively repeats the pushing and pulling of the handles to incrementally wind said inflatable around said elongated barrel. In using the device, the portion of the inflatable can either be inserted into the slot directly or via an opening in either of the end caps. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for deploying an inflatable wound around an elongated barrel. To deploy the inflatable, the user first inserts a first end of a ratchet insert into a recess of an end cap of the elongated barrel, and then places the second end of the ratchet insert into a ratchet clutch where the ratchet clutch is attached to a handle. The user then inserts a first end of a second ratchet insert into a recess of the other end cap of the elongated barrel, and then places the second end of the second ratchet into a second ratchet clutch where the second ratchet clutch is connected to a second handle. Next, the user places the shifters of each of the ratchet clutches in an alternate position. The user then pulls the handles towards the user while the user walks away from the elongated barrel so that the inflatable unwinds from the elongated barrel. 
     Additional aspects will become readily more apparent from the detailed description, particularly when taken together with the appended drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a further understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference should be had to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like parts are given like reference numerals. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention as it appears before collection of an inflatable. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an elevational view of the elongated barrel of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an exploded view of the elongated barrel of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an elevational view of the handle and ratchet device of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an elevational view of the flange. 
         FIG. 5   a  illustrates an elevational view of the flange including a window. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an exterior view of the ratchet clutch. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an exploded view of the interior of the ratchet clutch. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an elevational view of the invention after collection of an inflatable and prior to deployment. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an elevational view of the invention with the inflatable partially collected. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates the use of the device to collect an inflatable. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates an embodiment of the invention including lifting hooks. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates an embodiment of the invention with the ratchet clutch on the outer side of the flange. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the invention with the slot extending to the outer edges of the elongated barrel and including an opening in the end caps. 
       The images in the drawings are simplified for illustrative purposes and are not depicted to scale. Within the descriptions of the figures, similar elements are provided similar names and reference numerals as those of the previous figure(s). The specific numerals assigned to the elements are provided solely to aid in the description and are not meant to imply any limitations (structural or functional) on the invention. 
       The appended drawings illustrate exemplary configurations of the invention and, as such, should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention that may admit to other equally effective configurations. It is contemplated that features of one configuration may be beneficially incorporated in other configurations without further recitation. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Turning now to the figures,  FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the device  10  for collecting and deploying inflatables  28 . For the purpose of this application the term inflatable  28  includes without limitation inflatable objects, tents, tarps, signs, awnings, and other similar objects. The device  10  is shown as it would appear immediately before collection of the inflatable  28  would commence. The device  10  includes an elongated barrel  11 . The elongated barrel  11  includes a slot  13  that runs along a portion of the length of the elongated barrel  11 , and where the length of the slot  13  is shorter than the length of the elongated barrel  11 . The slot  13  allows for a portion of the inflatable  28  to be inserted into the slot  13  and at least partially into the interior of the elongated barrel  11 . At each end of the elongated barrel  11  are end caps  32 . Each end cap  32  is solid with a recess  15 . Additionally, removably connected to each end cap  32  is a ratchet device  29 . Connected to each ratchet device  29  is a handle  12 . 
       FIG. 2  depicts the elongated barrel  11  without the ratchet devices  29  or handles  12  connected. As can be seen in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the elongated barrel  11  is hollow, and inside of the elongated barrel  11  a length of tubing  31  runs parallel to an axial length of, and is the same length as, the elongated barrel  11 . The tubing  31  is square in circumference. In the exemplary embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the recesses  15  of the end caps  32  are square shaped to match the square tubing  31  running inside the elongated barrel  11 . However, in alternative embodiments the tubing  31  and end caps  32  may be rectangular, circular, or may take another shape. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates an alternate embodiment of the device  10  where the slot  13  extends to the outer edges of the end caps  32 . Additionally, in this embodiment the end caps  32  are not fully circular in shape, rather the end caps  32  include an opening  37 . An end cap  32  with an opening  37  takes the form of a partial disc with an outer circumferential arc length of at least 180°. This embodiment allows the user to slide a portion of the inflatable  28  into the slot  13  through the opening  37  of either end cap  32 . 
     In order to provide structural integrity, in one embodiment the end caps  32  are immediately adjacent to and secured to the elongated barrel  11 . Additionally, each end of the tubing  31  is attached to each of the end caps  32 . The end caps  32  and the tubing  31  can be attached by welding, screws, adhesive, or any other known attachment method. Furthermore, as can be seen in  FIG. 3 , inside the elongated barrel  11  are multiple baffles  30  that provide additional stability. The baffles  30  are placed perpendicular to the axes of the tubing  31  and elongated barrel  11 , and are placed on the opposite side of the elongated barrel  11  from the slot  13 . Placement of the baffles  30  opposite from the slot  13  allows a user to insert a portion of the inflatable  28  through the slot  13  and into the area between the tubing  31  and the elongated barrel  11 . The baffles  30  extend from the exterior of the tubing  31  outwardly to the elongated barrel  11 , and are substantially quarter circle in shape. An exemplary embodiment of the device  10  uses three baffles  30  that are evenly spaced along the length of the tubing  31 . However, more baffles  30  may be used if additional support is desired. Also, fewer or no baffles  30  may be used if less or no additional support is required. 
     As previously mentioned, inflatables  28  are often very heavy. When the inflatable  28  is collected using the device  10 , and therefore is wrapped around the elongated barrel  11 , the hollow nature of the tubing  31  will allow a fork of a forklift to be inserted inside the tubing  31  of the elongated barrel  11 . Once the fork is inserted inside the tubing  31 , the forklift can lift and move the inflatable  28 . In an alternate embodiment, the device  10  may include lifting hooks  27  on each end cap  32  of the elongated barrel  11  as shown in  FIG. 9 . The lifting hooks  27  allow the collected inflatable  28  to be lifted and/or moved by use of a handle, hoist, crane, or other lifting device. In another embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 13 , the end caps  32  may include a hole  35  that, similarly to the lifting hooks  27 , will allow the collected inflatable  28  to be more easily lifted and moved. The structural support provided by the end caps  32  and the baffles  30  allows the collected inflatable  28  to be moved by the forklift, handle, hoist, crane or other lifting device without deforming the elongated barrel  11 . 
     Also, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in the exemplary embodiment the slot  13  of the elongated barrel  11  is bordered with a rim  14 , where the rim  14  is made of rubber, vinyl, or similar material to prevent any damage to the inflatable  28 . In the exemplary embodiment, the rim  14  is made of rubber, and protects the inflatable  28  from tearing or ripping. 
       FIG. 4  depicts a ratchet device  29  and a handle  12  of the device  10 . In the exemplary device  10 , each handle  12  is made up of a J-shaped hollow pipe with a gripping portion  16  near the end of the pipe distal from the ratchet device  29 . In an alternative embodiment, the handles  12  may be shaped differently, with additional or fewer bends, to minimize the user&#39;s effort. As can also be seen in  FIG. 4 , the handles  12  include a gripping portion  16  that allows the user to maintain better control and grip of the device. The gripping portion  16  may be made of rubber, foam or a similar material. 
     As can be seen in  FIGS. 4 ,  5  and  5   a , at the opposite end of the handle  12  from the gripping portion  16  is a flange  33 . The flange  33  allows the handle to be connected to the ratchet device  29  using bolts  34  or other attachment means. Each ratchet device  29  comprises a ratchet clutch  18  and a ratchet insert  17 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the ratchet clutch  18  comprises a gear  19  comprising a plurality of teeth  20  along its outer periphery, two pawls  21 , two pawl springs  23 , a shifter  22  and a ratchet housing  24 . Each pawl  21  is contained within and attached to the ratchet housing  24  such that each pawl spring  23  is capable of engaging with each pawl  21  and further capable of forcing each pawl  21  to engage with the teeth  20  of the gear  19 . The shifter  22  has three positions, an initial position, a neutral position and an alternate position. When the shifter  22  is in an initial position, it results in only one of the pawls  21  engaging the teeth  20  of the gear  19 . When the shifter  22  is in the alternate position, it results in only the other pawl  21  engaging the teeth  20  of the gear  19 . When the shifter  22  is in the neutral position, it results in neither pawl being engaged with the teeth  20  of the gear  19 . When a pawl  21  is engaged with the teeth  20  of the gear  19 , the pawl  21  passes over the teeth  20  of the gear  19  as the gear  19  rotates in a forward direction, but cannot pass over the teeth  20  of the gear  19  if the gear  19  is rotated in the opposite direction. The ratchet housing  24  is held together using at least one housing screw  25 . 
     The gear  19  is contained within the ratchet housing  24  so that it is able to rotate. In the center of the gear  19  is a socket  26 . One end of the ratchet insert  17  is placed into the socket  26 . The ratchet insert  17  may further be secured to the socket  26  by welding. Alternatively, the ratchet insert  17  may be secured inside of the socket  26  using bolts, screws or any other form of attachment. The opposite end of the ratchet insert  17  is placed into the recess  15  of the elongated barrel  11  to removably connect the ratchet device  29  to the elongated barrel  11 . Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, the ratchet insert  17  is inserted into the recess  15  of the elongated barrel  11  so that the ratchet insert  17  and attached handle  12  are easily removable from the elongated barrel  11 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the ratchet clutch  18  is secured to the interior side of the flange  33 . The ratchet clutch  18  may be attached to the flange using bolts  34  or various other methods, including using screws or permanently welding the elements together. In an alternative embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 12 , the ratchet clutch  18  is attached to the outer side of the flange  33 . In this embodiment, the flange  33  includes a window  36  in the flange  33 , as shown in  FIG. 5   a , to allow the ratchet insert  17  to pass through the flange  33  and into the socket  26  of the ratchet clutch  18 . The ratchet clutch  18  may be attached to the flange  33  using the housing screws  25  of the ratchet clutch  18 , using additional bolts, or other similar methods. 
     As can be appreciated, the length of the elongated barrel  11  and the length of the handles  12  may vary in size as to accommodate various sizes of inflatables. Furthermore, the elements of the device may be made of a variety of materials, including aluminum, steel, galvanized steel, or a plastic such as polyethylene, as long as the materials provide sufficient structural integrity to the device. In one embodiment, the elongated tube  11  is made of polyethylene and the remaining elements are made of aluminum to provide a structurally stable but lighter weight design. When a plastic such as polyethylene is used for the elongated tube  11  of the device  10 , it may be required to use a method other than welding to attach the end caps  32  to the elongated tube  11 , such as using bolts, adhesive or another method known to those skilled in the art. 
     Another aspect of the invention is a method of using the device  10  to collect an inflatable  28  that has been substantially or completely deflated as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . The method comprises first inserting the ratchet insert  17  into the recess  15  of each end cap  32  of the elongated barrel  11  thereby attaching the handles  12  and ratcheting device  29  to the elongated barrel  11 . 
     Next, a portion of the inflatable  28  is inserted into the slot  13  of the device  10 . The inflatable  28  may be inserted either directly into the slot  13  or into the slot  13  through an opening  37  of either end cap  32 . The portion of the inflatable  28  inserted into the slot  13  will reside between the outside of the tubing  31  and the inside of the elongated barrel  11 . Inserting the portion of the inflatable  28  through the slot  13  allows the device  10  to engage with the inflatable  28  so the inflatable  28  can be wound, or incrementally gathered, around the elongated barrel  11  wherein the elongated barrel  11  further supports the inflatable  28 . 
     With the shifter  22  in the initial position, the user pulls one of the handles  12  towards the user to engage and operate the device  10 . When the handle  12  is pulled towards the user, the force rotates the socket  26  and the gear  19 . When the socket  26  and gear  19  rotate, it allows the pawl  21  to pass over the teeth  20  of the gear  19 . The user then pushes the same handle  12  away from the user. When the user pushes the handle  12  away, the pawl  21  engages with the teeth  20  of the gear  19  so that pawl  21  cannot pass over the teeth  20 . Thus, when the handle  12  is pushed away, it forces the elongated barrel  11  to roll forward over the inflatable  28 . The user then pulls the other handle  12  towards the user to repeat the method on the other side of the device  10 . As the user alternatively pulls and pushes the handles  12 , the elongated barrel  11  is forced to roll over the extended inflatable  28  and incrementally winds or gathers the inflatable  28  around the elongated barrel  11 . Additionally, the incremental winding or gathering of the inflatable  28  around the elongated barrel  11  forces out much of the excess water from inside and on the inflatable  28 . After the inflatable  28  is substantially wound around the barrel  11 , the user removes the handles  12  and ratchet devices  29  by removing the ratchet inserts  17  from of the recesses  15  of the elongated barrel  11 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the inflatable  28  is wound around the elongated barrel  11  and is ready for storage. 
     To deploy the inflatable  28 , the user connects the handles  12  and ratchet devices  29  to the elongated barrel  11  by placing the ratchet inserts  17  into the recesses  15  of the end caps  32 . The user then places the shifter  22  in the alternate position, and pulls the device  10  towards the user. As the user pulls the device  10 , the inflatable  28  will unroll from the elongated barrel  11 . The user will then continue to walk with the device  10 , and further unroll the inflatable  28  until completely unwound from the elongated barrel  11 . 
     The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the invention. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 
     This invention is susceptible to considerable variation in its practice. Therefore the foregoing description is not intended to limit, and should not be construed as limiting, the invention to the particular exemplifications presented hereinabove. Rather, what is intended to be covered is as set forth in the ensuing claims and the equivalents thereof as permitted as a matter of law.