Patent Publication Number: US-10323434-B2

Title: Inflatable cab for walk-behind device

Description:
This application claims priority on U.S. Provisional Patent Appl. No. 62/053,908, filed Sep. 23, 2014, entitled “INFLATABLE CAB FOR WALK-BEHIND DEVICE”, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     The present disclosure relates to a protective inflatable cab for an operator of a walk-behind or mechanical device, such as a snow-blower, ride-on tractor, lawn mower, or the like. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Heretofore others have suggested cabs for walk-behind tractors and the like. One such cab is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,333,888, wherein a partial enclosure for the operator of a walk-behind tractor includes transparent windows in a fabric cover draped over a skeleton frame releasably secured to the handlebars and the handlebar supports extending rearwardly from the walk-behind tractor. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,709,553 flexible transparent plastic curtains encompass the passenger compartment of a motorized golf cart. A transparent plastic tractor cab is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,667,379. 
     However, the prior art cabs are cumbersome and difficult to assemble. Therefore, a need exists for an apparatus to protect an operator of a walk-behind mechanical and/or power-driven device which can be easily and quickly assembled. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure provides a protective enclosure or cab for an operator of a walk-behind or mechanical device, such as a snow blower, engine-driven snow thrower, ride-on tractor, or the like. The protective enclosure or cab includes an inflatable frame structure which supports a plurality of transparent, flexible windows or similar sheet material, e.g., a curtain. When inflated, the protective cab is detachably coupled to the walk-behind device and surrounds an operator of the walk-behind device protecting the operator from environmental elements such wind, rain, snow or the like while providing an unobstructed view of the surrounding environment. When deflated, the protective cab can be folded into a small volume to be placed in a storage device which can be coupled to the walk-behind or mechanical device. 
     The protective enclosure, or cab, is deflatable and stored in a storage device, for example, a box or pouch, attached underneath handles of the walk-behind or mechanical device, e.g., a snow blower, tractor, lawn mower etc. When needed, the cab may be withdrawn from the storage device to be inflated, while the storage device remains coupled to the walk-behind or mechanical device. The cab may be inflated by various means, e.g., with a foot pump placed on the ground, automatic inflation system, etc., to create a frame with clear windows. Once inflated, the foot pump, automatic inflation system, etc., is placed back inside the storage device so the operator may operate the walk-behind or mechanical device unobstructed. 
     When assembled, the protective enclosure can be entered and exited through a gap or opening in a rear portion of the cab. While holding the handles of the walk-behind or mechanical device, the operator may insert their arms into two cuffs or armrests disposed on each side of an internal surface of the frame structure relative to the operator, to further increase the stability of the cab. Once an operator&#39;s arms are inserted into the cuffs, the left and right side of the cab is stabilized and the operator may operate the walk-behind device while being protected from the outside environment. 
     According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a protective apparatus is provided including an inflatable frame structure defining an interior volume; a plurality of flexible, transparent windows supported by the inflatable frame structure; and a coupling device that couples the inflatable frame structure to a mechanical device. 
     In another aspect, the plurality of flexible, transparent windows is a single sheet of material disposed over the inflatable frame structure. 
     According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus includes an inflatable frame structure defining an interior volume, the inflatable frame structure includes a plurality of inflatable tubes coupled to each other; a plurality of flexible, transparent windows supported by the inflatable frame structure; a storage device configured to house the inflatable frame structure, the storage device coupled to the inflatable structure and; a coupling device that couples the storage device to a mechanical device. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a protective enclosure includes an inflatable frame structure defining an interior volume, the inflatable frame structure includes a plurality of inflatable tubes coupled to each other; a sleeve arrangement configured to cover each tube of the plurality of inflatable tubes; a flexible, transparent curtain supported by and surrounding the inflatable frame structure, an interior surface of the curtain including at least one fastening member for fastening the curtain to the sleeve arrangement; and a coupling device that couples the inflatable frame structure to a mechanical device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is a pictorial view of an individual operating a push snow blower or walk-behind device with an inflatable cab installed thereon in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 1B  is a pictorial view of the push snow blower or walk-behind device with an inflatable cab as shown in  FIG. 1A  with the operator removed; 
         FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of an individual operating a push snow blower or walk-behind device with an inflatable cab installed thereon in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2B  is a perspective view of the push snow blower or walk-behind device with an inflatable cab as shown in  FIG. 2A  with the operator removed; 
         FIG. 2C  is a rear perspective view of the push snow blower or walk-behind device with an inflatable cab as shown in  FIG. 2A  with the operator removed; 
         FIG. 2D  is a rear perspective view of an inflatable cab in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of an individual operating a push snow blower or walk-behind device with an inflatable cab installed thereon in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of an individual operating a push snow blower or walk-behind device with an inflatable cab installed thereon in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a front view of an individual operating a push snow blower or walk-behind device with an inflatable cab installed thereon in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an individual operating a walk-behind device with an inflatable cab disposed in a storage device coupled to the walk-behind device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of an inflatable cab in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclsoure; 
         FIG. 7B  is a perspective view of a frame structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is a front view of the inflatable cab shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of the inflatable cab shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a top view of the inflatable cab shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded perspective view of an inflatable cab in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an inflatable cab coupled to a snow blower in accordance with the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     It should be understood that the drawing(s) is for purposes of illustrating the concepts of the disclosure and is not necessarily the only possible configuration for illustrating the disclosure. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described hereinbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail. Herein, the phrase “coupled” is defined to mean directly connected to or indirectly connected with through one or more intermediate components. 
     All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended for educational purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the disclosure and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. 
     Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the disclosure, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future, i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure. 
     Referring to the  FIGS. 1-6 , an inflatable cab  11  coupled to a walk-behind or mechanical device  13  is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. It is to be appreciated that a mechanical device can be any type of device used for outdoor work that includes a compartment or space for an operator to sit or stand to operate the device, i.e., a ride-on device or a walk-behind device. For example, a walk-behind device may include, but is not limited to, a lawn mower, a snow blower, etc. A ride-on device may include, but is not limited to, a ride-on tractor, ride-on lawn mover, an ice-resurfacing machine, etc. Furthermore, it is to be appreciated that the walk-behind device  13  shown in  FIGS. 1-6  may be manual (e.g., a push type) or powered (e.g., electric, gas, etc.). 
     The device  13  shown in  FIGS. 1-6  includes two handlebars  15 ,  17  extending rearwardly, which an operator  19  holds onto to drive or steer the device  13 . An operator&#39;s cab or enclosure  11  provides protection for the operator  19  from inclement weather, including blowing snow, winds, and the like. The cab  11  is stored in a storage device  21 , e.g., a box or pouch, which is attached to the walk-behind device  13 . As shown in  FIGS. 1-6 , the storage device  21  is supported between the handlebars  15 ,  17 , although it is to be appreciated that the storage device  21  may be coupled to the walk-behind device  13  in other ways and other locations. 
     In one embodiment, when the box or pouch  21  is opened, the operator  19  may remove or withdraw the deflated cab  11  along with a foot pump  23  for inflating the cab  11 . The storage device  21  could then be closed by the operator  19 . The foot pump  23  is placed on the floor and subsequently pressed repeatedly to push air through the hose  25  and into the cab  11 , resulting in its inflation. 
     The protective enclosure or cab  11  includes an inflatable frame structure  39  which supports a plurality of transparent, flexible windows or sheet material, as will be described below. It is to be appreciated that the flexible windows or sheet material may be made of any transparent, flexible material, such as, but not limited to, plastic, vinyl, nylon, etc. In one embodiment, the cab  11  is generally rectangular and includes a generally flat roof or top  31  (as seen in  FIG. 2A ) made of a transparent plastic window or sheet material, where the top  31  is coupled to posts  55 ,  56 ,  57 ,  58 . The transparent window allows light to penetrate through the cab  11  while still protecting the operator from inclement weather. It is to be appreciated that in an alternative embodiment, the top  31  may be different shapes. For example, top  31  may be a round or a cone shape as desired to decrease the buildup of snow or other weather elements that cab  11  may be exposed to. Furthermore, it is to be appreciated that in an alternative embodiment, top  31  may be made of an opaque material that does not allow light to pass into the interior of cab  11 . 
     When inflated, the inflatable tube mechanism or frame  39  of cab or enclosure  11  provides a strong semi-rigid structure. It is to be appreciated that inflatable frame structure  39  includes a plurality of inflatable tubes or posts that are coupled together to form inflatable frame structure  39 . In one embodiment, the inflatable tubes or posts are made from an extruded thermoplastic material; however, other materials are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure. The first front post  41  is coupled to the storage device  21  that houses the inflatable cab  11  when not in use. A first front post  41  is also connected to the first roof post  55  and second roof post  56 . A second front post  43  is coupled to the storage device  21 . The second front post  43  is also connected to the third roof post  57  and second roof post  56 . A first lower lateral post  59  connects a first lower post  67  and first rear post  47 . A second lower lateral post  61  connects the second lower post  69  and fourth rear post  53 . A first lateral post  63  connects the first lower lateral post  59  and the first rear post  47 . A second lateral post  65  connects to the second lower lateral post  61  and the fourth rear post  53 . The first lower post  67  connects to the storage device  21  and the first front post  41 . The second lower post  69  connects to the storage device  21  and the second front post  43 . 
     It is to be appreciated that all of the posts are coupled together such that air will pass through each post until the volume of the collective posts is filled to make the frame  39  semi-rigid. In other embodiments, the plurality of posts may be grouped into sections where each section is filled separately, for example, post  67  may provide air for inflation to a first section of coupled posts and post  69  may provide air for inflation to a second plurality of coupled posts. 
     The front of the cab  11  is made of a transparent window  27  providing a clear unobstructed view and protection from the elements. Transparent window  27  is coupled to posts  41 ,  43 ,  45 ,  56 . A first side of the cab  11  is made of a transparent window  29  providing a clear unobstructed view and protection from the elements. Transparent window  29  is coupled to posts  41 ,  47 ,  55 ,  59 ,  63 . A second side of the cab  11  is made of a transparent window  33  providing a clear and unobstructed view and protection from the elements. Transparent window  33  is coupled to posts  43 ,  53 ,  57 ,  61 ,  65 . The transparent windows  27 ,  29 ,  31 ,  33  provide an unencumbered line of sight of the operator to observe not only the operation of the mechanical device, but also the adjacent terrain. It is to be appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, transparent windows  29  and  33  may be made of opaque material to block out sunlight entering cab  11  from either side of operator  19 . 
     As shown most clearly in  FIG. 2C , the back or rear portion of the cab  11  has a gap or opening  12 , where, for example, in one embodiment, gap  12  may be a 12″ spacing. The length of gap  12  is chosen such that the operator  19  can enter and exit into the interior of cab  11 . It is to be appreciated that in some embodiments, the back of the cab  11  may also include one or more transparent windows. For example, turning to  FIG. 2D , cab  11  is shown, where cab  11  includes transparent windows  22 ,  24 , and  26 . Transparent window  22  is coupled to posts  51  and  53 , transparent window  24  is coupled to posts  47  and  49 , and transparent window  26  is coupled to posts  49 ,  51 ,  58 . In some embodiments, transparent window  26  may include a slit in the center of the transparent window  26  to allow easy entry and exit into and out of cab  11  by the operator  19 . The slit may be fastened together by fastening mechanism  28  including, but not limited to, a fabric hook and loop fastener, clasp locker, buckle, snap tape, hook and eye tape, button loops, frog closure or knot buttons. For example, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2D , transparent window  26  includes a clasp locker or zipper, that operator  19  can engage to fasten transparent window  26  together. In another embodiment, transparent window  26  may be a solid piece of transparent plastic or other flexible sheet material. 
     It is to be appreciated that in some embodiments, the storage device  21  contains an inflation mechanism, which inflates the tube mechanism or frame  39 . In one embodiment, the inflation mechanism is a foot pump  23  (shown in  FIGS. 1-5 ), which the operator  13  may press with his foot to send air through the hose  25  to the tube mechanism  39 . The foot pump  23  may be made of various materials, such as, but not limited to, PVC plastic, rubber, etc. To inflate cab  11 , the operator  19  pushes the pump  23  with his/her foot. When operator pushes pump  23  with his/her foot, air is sucked into the container through the air intake area. When the foot is lifted off of the pump  23  the air intake is closed off, and the only way for the air to escape is through the hose  25  and ultimately into the inflatable tube mechanism  39 . 
     In another embodiment, the inflation mechanism may be a valve or hole in which the operator  19  can blow air into the valve or hole and into the tube mechanism  39  until the tube mechanism  39  is full and firm. The operator  19  may then close the valve or hole as to prevent the air from leaking. 
     In yet another embodiment, the inflation mechanism may be a manual pump, electric pump, or the like. The operator  19  may insert the pump&#39;s nozzle into a hole or valve opening, and if using an automatic pump, turn it on. If the operator  19  is using a manual pump, the operator  19  may start pumping until the tube mechanism  39  is filled to the point that it is fully inflated and firm to the touch. Subsequently, the operator  19  may screw the valve or hole cap back on to trap the air inside. An electric pump may be powered by a vehicles battery, a house power outlet, etc. 
     In another embodiment, the inflation mechanism may be a reusable container or canister of compressed gas. For example, the container or canister of compressed gas will be stored in storage device  21 . When operator  19  desires to inflate tube mechanism  39 , operator  19  will connect the container or canister of compressed gas to a valve disposed on the tube mechanism  39 . Once connected, the container or canister of compressed gas will inflate the tube mechanism  39  as described above. After the tube mechanism  39  has been inflated, the container or canister will be disposed of and another container or canister of compressed will be used for the next time that operator  19  desires to inflate tube mechanism  39 . In certain embodiments, the contianer or canister may be refilled with compressed gas after each use. 
     The cab  11  may also contain a deflation mechanism, which may be in the form of a valve coupled to the tube mechanism or frame  39 . To deflate cab  11 , the operator  19  can pull out the valve cover and allow the air to escape. Once the tube mechanism  39  is fully deflated, the cab  11  can be rolled up and stored in the storage device  21 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     In another embodiment, the storage device  21  may contain an electric deflation mechanism. To deflate tube mechanism  39 , the operator can press a switch that vacuums the air out of the tube mechanism  39  and out through a hole or valve. Subsequently, the operator  19  could roll up the cab and place it back into the box or pouch  21 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , storage device  21  is coupled to walk-behind device  13 . It is to be appreciated that, as stated above, walk-behind device  13  may be one of many different types of walk-behind devices. For example, walk-behind device  13  may be a snow blower similar to the snow blower disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 9,032,650, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. Various walk-behind devices include a pair of drive wheels  70  with a driving motor situated over the axle interconnecting these wheels and at least one handle  15 ,  17  for controlling or steering the walk-behind device. It is to be appreciated that the teachings of the present disclosure may be applied to other devices such as tractors, ride-on mowers and the like. 
     In one embodiment, at least one cuff  35 ,  37  is provided to stabilize the frame structure  39 . The operator&#39;s cab  11  includes a cuff  37  on the first lateral post  63 , and a second cuff  35  on the second lateral post  65 . The cuff could be made of nylon, plastic, etc. The cuff may be hard, soft, etc. The cuff may be adjustable. In one embodiment, the cuff is closed by the use of a fabric hook and loop fastener. 
     In another embodiment, the cuff  35 ,  37  is inflatable. The cuff  35 ,  37  may be inflated using the operator&#39;s breath, a manual pump, an automatic pump, etc. The cuffs  35 ,  37  may be flattened by turning a valve, or a hole and deflating the cuff  35 ,  37 . An inflatable cuff facilitates repacking and storing the cab when not in use. 
     Upon entry into cab  11 , the operator  19  may dispose his right arm in the first cuff  37  and left arm in the second cuff  35 . The cuffs  37 ,  35  act as a stabilization mechanism for the cab  11 . In other words, the operator, via the cuffs  35 ,  37  and posts  63 ,  65  provide stability to the right and left side of the cab  11 . The operator may then grab the first handlebar  15  with his left hand, and second handlebar  17  with his right hand to control the walk-behind device  13 . It is to be appreciated that although in  FIGS. 1-6  walk-behind device  13  has been shown including handlebars  17  and  15 , in alternative embodiments, walk-behind device may include a single horizontal handlebar. It is to be appreciated that the cuffs  35 ,  37  may include various types of fasteners to secure an operator&#39;s arm including, but not limited to, a clasp locker, a buckle, snap tape, hook and eye tape, button loops, frog closures and knot buttons, etc. 
     In another embodiment, the bottom of the operator&#39;s cab  11  may contain a member or piece of plastic, rubber, etc., to enclose the lower portion of the cab. The member or plastic may include a slit with a zipper, similar to transparent window  26  shown in  FIG. 2D . Alternatively, this member or plastic may include an aperture located in the center of the member or plastic in which the operator  19  may stand in. The periphery of the aperture may include elastic or draw strings to vary the size of the aperture so that when operator  19  is standing in the aperture, operator  19  has a more enhanced protection from any exterior elements. The operator&#39;s  19  upper body will then be fully enclosed in the operator&#39;s cab  11 . It is to be appreciated that the elastic or draw strings will be configured such that the edges of the aperture will be biased towards operator  19 . 
     In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a cab or protective apparatus may be configured such that the cab or protective apparatus is not coupled to a storage device (as shown in  FIGS. 1-6 ). For example, turning to  FIGS. 7A-10 , a cab  111  is shown, where cab  111  may be coupled to a mechanical device or walk-behind device, such as walk-behind device  13 . Similar to cab  11 , cab  111  includes a plurality of inflatable tubes coupled together to form an inflatable structure for an operator  19  to enter. Furthermore, cab  111  includes a plurality of flexible transparent windows or sheet material to provide further protection to operator  19  when cab  111  is in use with a mechanical device or a walk-behind device such as walk-behind device  13 . In one embodiment, the tube structure is covered by a single sheet of material, e.g., a curtain, as will be described in more detail below in relation to  FIG. 11 . 
     Cab  111  includes an inflatable frame structure which includes posts  167 ,  141 ,  156 ,  143 ,  169 ,  145 ,  159 ,  163 ,  147 ,  155 ,  158 ,  157 ,  151 ,  153 ,  165 , and  161 . Specifically, post  167  is coupled to posts  141 ,  163 ,  159 , and  145 . Post  169  is coupled to posts  143 ,  165 ,  161 , and  145 . Posts  163  and  159  are each coupled to post  147 . Posts  165  and  161  are each coupled to post  153 . Posts  141  and  143  are each coupled to post  156 . Posts  147  and  153  are each coupled to post  158 . Posts  156  and  158  are each coupled to posts  155 ,  157 , and  151 . 
     The collective posts form the frame structure, which in certain embodiments, is covered with a sleeve arrangement  138 . The sleeve arrangement  138  is configured in substantially the same shape as the frame structure, where the sleeve arrangement  138  is configured to cover each tube or post. The sleeve arrangement  138  may be a cloth or woven fabric (e.g., cotton, polyester, nylon, canvas, etc.) sewn together in substantially the same shape as the frame structure to contain the frame structure therein. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7B , the frame structure  139  is shown with the cloth material or sleeve arrangement  138  removed. As can be seen from  FIG. 7B , the posts are coupled together via a plurality of coupling member, e.g., coupling members  202 ,  204 ,  206 ,  208 ,  210 ,  212 ,  214 ,  216 ,  218 ,  220 ,  222 ,  224  and  226 . While each posts is made from an inflatable material, e.g., plastic, the coupling members are generally rigid, for example, like a PVC piping coupling. It is to be appreciated that each tube or post may be joined or coupled to a particular coupling member by any various known means, e.g., bonding, gluing, welding, etc. It is further to be appreciated that the joining means or material for joining the tube or post to the coupling member may be removable or displaceble so a particular tube or post may be replaced if compromised, e.g., punctured or cannot hold air. 
     In certain embodiments, a particular post may be constructed from two small posts, e.g., post  156  shown in  FIG. 7A  may be configured as post  156 A coupled to post  156 B via coupling  208 ; post  158  shown in  FIG. 7A  may be configured as post  158 A coupled to post  158 B via coupling  222 ; post  153  shown in  FIG. 7A  may be configured as post  153 A coupled to post  153 B via a coupling (not shown); and post  147  shown in  FIG. 7A  may be configured as post  147 A coupled to post  147 B via coupling  214 . 
     Additionally, post  158 B is coupled to post  147 A via coupling  212 . Post  147 B is coupled to post  159  via coupling  216 . Post  159  is coupled to posts  163 ,  141 , and  167  via coupling  204 . Post  167  is coupled to post  145  via coupling  226 . Post  145  is coupled to post  169  via coupling  224 . Post  141  is coupled to posts  155  and  156 B via coupling  210 . Post  156 A is coupled to posts  143  and  151  via coupling  206 . Post  143  is coupling to posts  165 ,  161 , and  169  via coupling  202 . Post  161  is coupled to post  153 B via coupling  220 . 
     In certain embodiments, the sleeve arrangement  138  includes a slit or opening (with an appropriate fastener, e.g., a zipper, hook and loop fastener, etc.) to insert each tube or post into a corresponding portion of the sleeve arrangement  138 . In this manner, a particular post or tube may be replaced if the tube or post is compromised, e.g., punctured. It is to be appreciated that the sleeve arrangement  138  confines the frame structure to its intended shape and, in certain embodiments, is made from an inelastic material or fabric to constrain the frame structure to prevent the frame structure from coming apart, e.g., at a joint or coupling member, during inflation. Additionally, when an inelastic material or fabric is employed, the sleeve arrangement  138  restrains each tube or post to prevent exceeding the inflation limit of each tube or post. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 7A  and also referring to  FIGS. 8-10 , cab  111  includes transparent windows  127 ,  129 ,  131 , and  133 . Specifically, transparent window  127  is coupled to posts  145 ,  141 ,  156 , and  143 . Transparent window  129  is coupled to posts  159 ,  163 ,  141 ,  147 , and  155 . Transparent window  133  is coupled to posts  161 ,  165 ,  143 ,  151 , and  153 . Transparent window  131  is coupled to posts  156 ,  155 ,  157 ,  151 , and  158 . It is to be appreciated that, similar to cab  11 , the transparent windows in cab  111  may be made of any flexible transparent sheet material as described above. Furthermore, it is to be appreciated that, in some embodiments, one or more of transparent windows  127 ,  129 .  131 , and  133  may be made of an opaque material to block light from entering the interior of cab  111 . Furthermore, it is to be appreciated that the combination of transparent window  131  and posts  156 ,  155 ,  157 ,  151 , and  158  form a dome structure at the top of cab  111  that protects the operator  19  from any weather elements occurring exterior to cab  111 . 
     Additionally, in some embodiments of cab  111 , cab  111  includes a gap or opening disposed between posts  147  and  153 . The gap or opening disposed between posts  147  and  153  enables operator  19  to enter the interior of cab  111  when cab  111  has been inflated. It is to be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, cab  111  may include a transparent window coupled to posts  153 ,  158 , and  147  (similar to transparent window  26 ) with a slit and a zipper to enable operator  19  to seal the rear portion of cab  111  after operator  19  has entered cab  111 . 
     In some embodiments, cab  111  will include another transparent window or sheet material coupled to posts  159 ,  145 , and  161 . The transparent window or sheet material will include an aperture with an elastic band or draw strings to bias the periphery of the aperture towards the lower half of operator  19  to provide additional protection to operator  19  from any weather related elements occurring outside the interior of cab  111 . 
     In one embodiment, the inflatable cab or enclosure  111  may include a single sheet of material to cover the frame structure instead of employing a plurality of windows. Referring to  FIG. 11 , an exploded view of the cab  111  is shown. In this embodiment, a single sheet of transparent material or a curtain  140  is configured to be disposed over the frame structure  139 . In  FIG. 11 , the curtain or sheath  140  is generally rectangular with a curved, closed top portion, for example, similar to an inverted bag. However, other shapes for the curtain or sheath  140  are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the curtain or sheath  140  may include a gap or opening to align with a rear portion of the frame structure  139 , similar to gap  12  shown in  FIG. 2C . The curtain or sheath  140  may be made from any flexible, transparent material such as, but not limited to, plastic, vinyl, nylon cloth, etc., including other durable and water-proof material. 
     The curtain or sheath  140  further includes fastening members  250 ,  252 ,  254 ,  256 ,  258 ,  260 ,  262 ,  264 ,  266  disposed on an interior surface of the curtain or sheath  140  for securing the curtain or sheath to the frame members. For example, fastening members  250  and  252  secure the curtain  140  to post  143 , fastening members  254  and  256  secure the curtain  140  to post  141 , fastening members  258  and  260  secure the curtain  140  to post  153 , fastening members  262  and  264  secure the curtain  140  to post  147  and fastening member  266  secures the curtain  140  to post  157 . 
     In one embodiment, the fastening members are hook and loop fasteners, e.g., Velcro™ type fasteners, where the hook portion is placed on the interior surface of the curtain or sheath  140  and the loop portion is disposed on the corresponding post or vice versa. In one embodiment, the hook portion is placed on the interior surface of the curtain or sheath  140  which then couples to the material of the sleeve arrangement  138  (e.g., cloth, nylon, etc.) obviating the need for the loop portion to be disposed on the sleeve arrangement. 
     It is to be appreciated that the number of fastening members shown in  FIG. 11  are exemplary and more or less fastening members may be used. Additionally, more fastening members may be employed in other locations of the curtain or sheath  140  to couple with different posts. Furthermore, other types of fastening members are comtemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     To couple cab  111  to a walk-behind device, such as walk-behind device  13 , cab  111  also includes coupling or fastening mechanisms  107 , as shown in  FIG. 7A  and  FIGS. 8-10 . It is to be appreciated that coupling mechanisms  107  may be any fastening mechanism capable of fastening cab  111  to a walk-behind device after cab  111  has been inflated. It is further to be appreciated that the coupling mechanism  107  enables the cab  111  to be detachably installed on a mechanical device, that is, the cab  111  may be installed and removed from the mechanical device an unlimited amount of times. For example, fastening mechanisms  107  may be a fabric hook and loop fastener (as shown in  FIGS. 7-11 ), clasp locker, buckle, snap tape, hook and eye tape, button loops, frog closure or knot buttons. It is to be appreciated that in various embodiments, any number of fastening mechanisms  107  may be included with cab  111  so that cab  111  may be coupled to various types of walk-behind devices. Furthermore, in various embodiments, fastening mechanisms  107  may be disposed on various locations of various posts of cab  111  so that cab  111  may be coupled to various types of walk-behind devices. For example, in  FIGS. 7-11 , cab  111  includes eight fastening mechanisms  107 , where one fastening mechanism  107  is coupled to post  159 , two fastening mechanisms  107  are coupled to post  167 , two fastening mechanisms are coupled to post  145 , two fastening mechanisms are coupled to post  169 , and one fastening mechanisms are coupled to post  161 . 
     As an example, cab  111  may be coupled to the walk-behind device  13  shown in  FIGS. 1-6 , by coupling the fastening mechanisms disposed on posts  159  and  167  to handlebar  17  and coupling the fastening mechanisms disposed on posts  161  and  169  to handlebar  15 . It is to be appreciated that cab  111  is configured such that the fastening mechanisms may be used to couple cab  111  to walk-behind devices with various handlebar configurations. For example, the fastening mechanisms  107  disposed on post  145  may be used to coupled cab  111  to a walk-behind device with a horizontal handlebar. 
     In another example, the inflatable cab or enclosure  111  may be coupled to a snow blower similar to the snow blower disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 9,032,650, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. Refering to  FIG. 12 , snow blower  350  includes a housing  352  containing a rotating spiral blade  354 , driven by a small gasoline engine, which forces the snow into a chute  356  with sufficient force to cause it to be thrown a significant distance in a direction determined by the aiming of the chute  356 . The snow blower  350  further includes a par of drive wheels  358  with the driving motor situated over the axle interconnecting these wheels. The housing  352  and blade  354  is situated forward of the wheels  358  and with the blade  354  connected to the drive motor via a belt. In use, an operator  19  stands to the rear of the snow blower  350 , and via suitable controls, adjusts the speed of the rotor and the discharge direction of the chute  356  while steering the blower with the pair of rearwardly extending handles  360 ,  361 . The housing  352  has a front open portion  362  through which snow enters and contacts the blade  354 . The open portion  362  of the housing  352  is defined by a top peripheral edge  368  and two side peripheral edges  366 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 12 , cab  111  is coupled to snow blower or walk-behind device  350 . Specifically, fastening mechanisms  107 A and B couple handle  360  to cab  111  and fastening mechanisms  107 C and D couple handle  361  to cab  111 . Although only 4 fastening mechanisms are shown in  FIG. 12 , it is to be appreciated that, many more fastening mechanisms  107  may be included to coupled cab  111  to a mechanical device or a walk behind device, such as snow blower  350 . Furthermore, it is to be appreciated that fastening mechanisms  107  may be couple various posts of cab  111  to various components of snow blower  350 . 
     Cab  111  also includes valves  103  and  104  to deflate and inflate cab  111 , as shown in  FIGS. 7A-B  and  FIGS. 8-9 . Specifically, an inflation mechanism may be coupled to valve  104  to inflate cab  111 . Furthermore, a deflation mechanism may be coupled to valve  103  to deflate cab  111 . It is to be appreciated that valves  103  and  104  are configured such that various inflation and deflation mechanism may be coupled to valves  103  and  104 . Such inflation and deflation mechanisms have been described above herein, and therefore, in the interest of brevity, will not be described again. 
     It is to be appreciated that in some embodiments valve  104  may be configured such that, cab  111  may be inflated using the breath of operator  19  instead of an inflation mechanism (such as an electric air compressor). Furthermore, valve  103  may be configured such that cab  111  may be deflated by engaging a pin, button, or lever on valve  103  to deflate cab  111 . 
     It is also to be appreciated that in some embodiments, cab  111  may include cuffs, similar to cuffs  35 ,  37  shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , where each cuff is disposed on posts  163  and  165  of cab  111 . The cuffs may be used to stabilize cab  111  in a similar manner to that described above in reference to cab  11 . 
     It is to be appreciated that the various features shown and described are interchangeable, that is, a feature shown in one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment. 
     While the disclosure has been shown and described with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. 
     Furthermore, although the foregoing text sets forth a detailed description of numerous embodiments, it should be understood that the legal scope of the invention is defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of this patent. The detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment, as describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. One could implement numerous alternate embodiments, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims. 
     It should also be understood that, unless a term is expressly defined in this patent using the sentence “As used herein, the term ‘ —————— ’ is hereby defined to mean . . . ” or a similar sentence, there is no intent to limit the meaning of that term, either expressly or by implication, beyond its plain or ordinary meaning, and such term should not be interpreted to be limited in scope based on any statement made in any section of this patent (other than the language of the claims). To the extent that any term recited in the claims at the end of this patent is referred to in this patent in a manner consistent with a single meaning, that is done for sake of clarity only so as to not confuse the reader, and it is not intended that such claim term be limited, by implication or otherwise, to that single meaning. Finally, unless a claim element is defined by reciting the word “means” and a function without the recital of any structure, it is not intended that the scope of any claim element be interpreted based on the application of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph.