Static inflatable figures

Abstract

Inflatable figures are able to maintain an upright position without the necessity of external devices such as tethers. There are several ways to cause the inflatables to maintain the upright position. In one example, baffles inside the figure direct air into all areas and controls the air exhaust. In another example, the inflatable is provided with a single air exhaust at the top of the figure. As air travels from the air source, located at the base of the figure to the exhaust, the force of the air traveling through the figure keeps the figure upright. In another example, a tube receives air from the air source and is sewn to the inside of the figure. The tube bends temporarily. When the tube bends, air cannot be exhausted from the tube and the buildup of pressure causes the tube, and therefore the figure, to return to the upright position.

I claim:  
     
         1 . An inflatable figure, comprising: 
 a tube having a bottom, a top and a diameter,    an air source located at the bottom of said tube, and    a single air outlet.    
     
     
         2 . The inflatable figure of  claim 1 , wherein said air outlet is at the top of the tube.  
     
     
         3 . The inflatable figure of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 an inflatable shell over said tube, and    bleed holes in said tube for supplying air to said shell.