Multi-seasonal inflatable decoration

Abstract

An inflatable, decorative article is provided that allows for versatility with regard to its seasonal usage. An inflatable form may be provided with alternative, easily removable appendages (such as alternative heads, alternative clothing, alternative facial features, and alternative hair) and other alternative decorative features without significant modification of the underlying inflatable structure. An underlying inflatable figure is provided with connecting systems that may be positioned or are positioned in strategic locations on the inflatable figure where the specific alternative or variable features may be attached. The user of the inflatable article may select the appropriate alternative features to attach to the inflatable article, and may add additional coverings, clothing, or add-on decorative features to have the appearance of the inflatable article correspond to the appropriate season or event. In this manner, a single inflatable article may be used to provide decorations for a variety of seasons at a minimum additional cost as compared to a single season decoration.

What is claimed:  
     
         1 . An inflatable article that may have additional features applied on its surface comprising: 
 an inflatable core section that will retain a fluid,    at least one connector on a surface of the inflatable core section for attachment of an appendage or decorative component, the inflatable core having a predetermined shape when inflated.    
     
     
         2 . The inflatable article of  claim 1  wherein the predetermined shape is the shape of an animal's torso.  
     
     
         3 . The inflatable article of  claim 1  wherein the predetermined shape is the shape of a humaniform torso.  
     
     
         4 . The inflatable article of  claim 2  wherein there are at least two symmetrical connectors on the inflatable core.  
     
     
         5 . The inflatable article of  claim 4  wherein the at least two symmetrical connectors approximate a position of attachment of arms to the torso.  
     
     
         6 . The inflatable article of  claim 2  wherein the core is positioned within a cover that is form fit to the shape of an inflated inflatable core.  
     
     
         7 . The inflatable article of  claim 6  wherein the cover represents a seasonal theme.  
     
     
         8 . The inflatable article of  claim 7  wherein the cover representing a seasonal theme is a cover with an appearance of a character selected from the group consisting of a snowman, Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, New Year Dragon, New Year baby, scarecrow, Pilgrim and soldier.  
     
     
         9 . The inflatable article of  claim 2  wherein the connectors are elongate elements that can be received in a receptor on a feature that can be added onto the inflatable article.  
     
     
         10 . The inflatable article of  claim 9  wherein the feature is an imitation feature selected from the group consisting of an arm, leg, head, hat, hair piece, tail, horns, halo, ears, mouth, nose and tool.  
     
     
         11 . The inflatable article of  claim 1  wherein the connectors will allow a feature to freely rotate about the connector.  
     
     
         12 . An inflated article comprising an inflated core, at least one connector attached to the inflated core, and at least one appendage removably attached to the connector.  
     
     
         13 . The inflated article of  claim 12  wherein a decorative cover is present over the inflated core.  
     
     
         14 . The inflated article of  claim 13  wherein the decorative cover comprises apparel or natural covering indicative of a character selected from the group consisting of a snowman, Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, New Year Dragon, New Year baby, scarecrow, Pilgrim and soldier.  
     
     
         15 . The inflated article of  claim 12  wherein the at least one appendage is selected from the group consisting of an arm, leg, head, tail, horns, halo, ears, mouth and nose.  
     
     
         16 . The inflated article of  claim 15  wherein the decorative cover comprises apparel or natural covering indicative of a character selected from the group consisting of a snowman, Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, New Year Dragon, New Year baby, scarecrow, Pilgrim and soldier.  
     
     
         17 . The inflated article of  claim 12  wherein the connector comprises a stiff elongate member that is received into a recess in the appendage.  
     
     
         18 . The inflated article of  claim 13  wherein the predetermined shape is a humaniform body with at least a torso and an attached head section.  
     
     
         19 . The inflated article of  claim 14  wherein there is a support element to connect a rear portion of the head section to a rear surface on the torso to prevent the head portion from falling forward.  
     
     
         20 . The inflated article of  claim 12  having a ballasting weight in a lower portion of the inflatable core so that the article performs as a bop bag.