초록 ▼

Apparatus and method for providing a dynamic gas-inflated object such as a figure with legs, a torso and head, and a pair of arms. The figure performs generally repetitive movements such as dance-like undulations in a manner that appears to keep time with music. The figure is hollow and connected to

Apparatus and method for providing a dynamic gas-inflated object such as a figure with legs, a torso and head, and a pair of arms. The figure performs generally repetitive movements such as dance-like undulations in a manner that appears to keep time with music. The figure is hollow and connected to a continuous generally constant input flow of air or other gas under pressure. The figure is provided with at least two spaced-apart outlets or vents to allow a continuous discharge of generally all of the air being introduced into the figure. In operation, the figure tends to cycle between extending generally upright, then, as more air is discharged, destabilizing and moving to a contorted or bent position, then, as more air flows in, to extending, etc. The figure may be designed for extensive movement e.g., dancing, or for a narrower range of movements. In a preferred form, the outlets are generally at the top of the head and at the ends of the arms. The dynamic figure movement is a result of the continuous generally constant input gas flow and does not depend upon any intentional intervention.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] Apparatus for providing a gas suspended bendable object that, in response to a continuous generally constant flow of gas in an outward direction into the object and without intentional intervention, inflates to a generally outwardly extended position and then automaticall

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] Apparatus for providing a gas suspended bendable object that, in response to a continuous generally constant flow of gas in an outward direction into the object and without intentional intervention, inflates to a generally outwardly extended position and then automatically and continuously performs a generally repetitive cycle of movements between the extended position and at least one bent position, and between the at least one bent position and another bent position, said apparatus comprising:a) a gas delivery means for providing a continuous generally constant flow of gas, andb) an erectable bendable hollow object comprised at least primarily of flexible sheet material, said object being connected to and in fluid communication with the gas delivery means to receive gas flow generally in the outward direction, said object having a hollow main section that has a generally central axis, said main section extending generally in the outward direction to an outwardly extended position by the flow of gas from the gas delivery means, said object also having at least one hollow ancillary section that is attached to and in fluid communication with the main section, said ancillary section extending away from the main section when filled with the gas,said object including at least two spaced apart gas outlets spaced remotely from the gas delivery means for release of the gas from within the object, said outlets being proportioned so that generally all of the gas being continuously provided to said object is continuously released from said object through said outlets without restriction by said outlets,said gas delivery means, said object and said outlets being constructed, proportioned and arranged so that, without significant change in said gas flow from said delivery means and without intentional intervention, the object automatically responds by initially inflating and erecting to the generally outwardly extended position due to gas flow and build-up of static pressure, then destabilizing and moving to a bent position due to relative decrease in static pressure caused by release of gas through said outlets, the bent position resulting from at least one bend in at least one of the main and the ancillary sections, each of said at least one bend creating at least a temporary partial restriction to gas flow thereby causing another build-up of the static pressure within the at least one of the respective sections and continuing to generally repeat this cycle of movements.