Abstract:
The lamp includes an inflatable balloon-like enclosure composed of translucent or transparent material. When the lamp is not in use, the enclosure may be deflated and stowed within a receptacle which serves as a base for the lamp. The lamp is illuminated by a strip of one or more rings of light emitting diodes suspended within the enclosure. Alternatively. The lamp may be illuminated by incandescent or fluorescent bulbs or white or black halide lights suspended within the enclosure.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates to portable lamps and more particularly to a inflatable lamp which inflates for use as a source of illumination and deflates for storage or transport. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Special events staged in the evenings in the out-of-doors are conventionally illuminated by spotlights mounted on tripods. Such spotlights are also used for illuminating a construction site where work is carried on around the clock and where the location of work is changing. Spotlights mounted on tripods are particularly useful for this purpose because they are portable and because they are capable of giving off a great deal of light. 
         [0003]    Spotlights have, however, a number of shortcomings. They are relatively heavy and are usually so large that a trailer is required to transport them. Another shortcoming is that spotlights direct all their illumination in one direction. The illumination is frequently so bright that it is blinding to persons who face the spotlights. 
         [0004]    I have invented an inflatable lamp which obviates many of the shortcomings of conventional spotlights. My lamp has an illuminated inflatable enclosure which is less directional than a spotlight and provides a less intense illumination over a broader area. As a result, it is not blinding to persons who face it. In addition, the enclosure, when not in use, deflates to a very compact size and fits into a rectangular-sided receptacle. The receptacle can be carried by one or two persons and is small enough to fit into a compact car. 
         [0005]    A further advantage of my lamp is that it is easy to assemble. Once the receptacle in which the inflatable enclosure is stowed is placed in position, the enclosure is prepared for use simply by connecting the lamp to an electrical outlet and inflating the enclosure by means of a blows located within the receptacle. When the enclosure is fully inflated, it is braced by means of guys or other meals to prevent it from moving excessively in a wind. There are no heavy parts to lift unlike a conventional spotlight. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    Briefly the inflatable lamp of my invention includes a receptacle and an inflatable enclosure which is composed of translucent or transparent material. When the enclosure is deflated, it is adapted to be stowed in the receptacle and when it is inflated it extends upwardly from the receptacle. The lamp also includes a source of illumination, disposed within the enclosure and means for causing the column to inflate. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    The inflatable lamp of the invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the lamp; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is an elevation of the lamp showing the interior of the receptacle; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is an elevation of a second embodiment of the lamp; and 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is an elevation of a third embodiment of the lamp. 
       
    
    
       [0012]    Like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the description of the drawings. 
       DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0013]    With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the lamp of the invention includes a receptacle, generally  10 , and an inflatable enclosure, generally  12  disposed above the receptacle. Mounted within the receptacle is a blower  14  and a ballast  16  for stabilizing the current in the electrical circuit which extends through the lamp. 
         [0014]    Blower  14  is conventional and functions to draw air from outside the receptacle and to drive it under pressure through a duct  17  to an opening in the upper wall of the receptacle. 
         [0015]    The inflatable enclosure is preferably composed of rip stop nylon coated by a layer of polyurethane. Other flexible strong polymeric material, preferably coated with a fire resistant coating, is suitable as long as it is either translucent or transparent. 
         [0016]    The inflatable enclosure is airtight except for an opening in its lower wall which communicates with duct  17  and a vent in its upper wall described below. Air from the blower is driven under pressure through duct  17  and into the interior of the inflatable enclosure. A conventional seal prevents the air from the duct from escaping to the atmosphere. 
         [0017]    Velcro is used to removably attach the enclosure to the receptacle. In this regard, a ring  18  is attached by loops  12   a  which are stitched to the lower end of the enclosure. Surrounding the ring is a strip of looped fabric of Velcro, generally  19 . The complementary burred fabric of Velcro is attached to the lid  10   a  of the receptacle. 
         [0018]    A vent  22  in the upper wall of the inflatable enclosure allows hot air within the interior to escape. 
         [0019]    Before air is introduced into the interior of the inflatable enclosure, the enclosure is substantially flat and may be stowed in the receptacle. When air from the blower is introduced into the interior of the inflatable enclosure, the enclosure inflates to a generally frusto-conical configuration as illustrated in the Figures. 
         [0020]    Mounted within the upper portion of the inflatable enclosure is a ring  22  along which a number light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is mounted. The ring is connected to the interior wall of the inflatable enclosure by conventional means such as by Velcro or other adhesive material. An electric wire  24  extends from ballast  16  upwardly along the interior wall of the inflatable enclosure to the LEDs. 
         [0021]    Above the ring of LEDs is a band  26  of conventional reflective material for reflecting light emitted from the LEDs downward into the interior of the inflatable enclosure. 
         [0022]    A second ring  30  of LEDs is attached to the interior wall of the inflatable enclosure adjacent to its lower wall and it too is electrically connected to ballast  16 . A band  32  of reflective material is mounted beneath ring  30  for reflecting light emitted from the LEDs upward into the interior of the inflatable enclosure. 
         [0023]    Thee or four guy wires  36  extend from the upper portion of the inflatable enclosure to pegs  38  in the ground for anchoring the inflatable enclosure and stabilizing the lamp against excessive movement should the lamp be exposed to a wind where it is located. 
         [0024]    A latch  42  is provided for fastening the lid. When the inflatable enclosure is not it use it folds flat within the receptacle. The LEDs, reflectors as well as the blower and ballast are all accommodated within the receptacle where they are protected from rain and snow should the receptacle be out-of-doors. 
         [0025]    With reference to  FIG. 3 , the lamp is the same as that illustrated in  FIG. 1  except that a strip of flexible material  50  is substituted for rings  22 ,  30  of  FIG. 1 . The strip extends upwardly from slightly above the receptacle to just short of the upper wall of the inflatable enclosure. LEDs are attached to the entire front face of the strip. 
         [0026]    Upper and lower bands  52 ,  54  of reflective material are attached to or are adjacent to the upper and lower walls, respectively, of the inflatable enclosure. 
         [0027]    In  FIG. 3 , the LED&#39;s are all attached to the front face of the strip and illuminate one side of the lamp. Additional LEDs may be attached to the back face of the strip for illumination of the rear of the lamp. 
         [0028]    With reference to  FIG. 4 , a conventional light bulb  60  is substituted for the rings or strips of LEDs illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 . The bulb is located adjacent to the upper wall  62  of the inflatable enclosure and is mounted within a light-weight metallic cage  64  to protect it in the event that the enclosure is accidentally struck while it is being inflated or while the lamp is in use and the enclosure is fully inflated. 
         [0029]    The light bulb of  FIG. 4  can be incandescent, high energy or white or black halide lights. White light is preferred for illuminating large areas for maximum visibility while a black light is preferred for special events, bars, dances and so on. Both black and white lights are suitable for promotional or advertising events. 
         [0030]    The size and shape of the inflatable enclosure can be altered and customized to suit the particular application. For example, the inflatable enclosure can be columnar or fully conical. 
         [0031]    It will be understood, of course that modifications can be made in the structure of the lamp of tie invention as described herein without departing from the scope and purview of the invention as defined in the appended claims.