Actuated inflatable extension

Abstract

An inflation display device comprises an inflation module including an extension portion. An end of the extension portion is connected with the main body of the inflation module. The inflatable display also includes a partition formed where the extension portion is joined with the main body of the inflatable display. Advantageously, one or more aperture(s) are defined in the partition with a circumference smaller than that of the partition. The pressure associated with the air flowing through the extension portion can be varied. By varying the pressure of the air flowing through the aperture, it is possible to animate the extension portion as the air flow travels through the tapered extension portion and exits a free end of the extension portion.

1 . An inflatable display comprising: 
 an inflation module;    an extension portion connected with the inflation module;    a fan element, operatively connected to the inflation module; and    a partition between the inflation module and the extension portion including an air flow control mechanism.    
   
   
       2 . The inflatable display of  claim 1 , wherein the air flow control mechanism comprises an aperture in the partition.  
   
   
       3 . The inflatable display of  claim 2 , wherein the inflatable display is formed as a character with limbs.  
   
   
       5 . The inflatable display of claim  4 , wherein the partition is formed in a limb configured as an arm.  
   
   
       6 . The inflatable display of  claim 5 , wherein the partition is formed between a shoulder and distal end of the arm.  
   
   
       7 . The inflatable display of  claim 6 , wherein a fan element is situated outside of the inflatable display.  
   
   
       8 . The inflatable display of  claim 7 , wherein the inflatable display is capable of being unconnected from the fan element.  
   
   
       9 . The inflatable display of  claim 8 , wherein the inflation module and extension portion are made from a permeable material.  
   
   
       10 . The inflatable display of  claim 9 , wherein the partition is made from the same permeable material as the inflation module and extension portion.  
   
   
       11 . An inflatable display comprising: 
 an inflation module having a main body portion and an extension portion;    a partition between said main body portion and said extension portion having an air flow control mechanism; and    a fan element, operatively connected to said main body portion,    wherein air pressure/speed varies as air flow is driven by said fan element through said main body portion and said air flow control mechanism.    
   
   
       12 . The inflatable display of  claim 11 , wherein the flow control mechanism comprises an aperture.  
   
   
       13 . The inflatable display of  claim 11 , wherein the flow control mechanism comprises multiple apertures.  
   
   
       14 . A partition within an inflatable display comprising an actuation aperture and positioned between a main body and an extension portion of said inflatable display wherein air pressure and speed varies through said actuation aperture.  
   
   
       15 . A method for actuating an inflatable extension of an inflatable display comprising: 
 a first step of driving air through a main body of said inflatable display;    a second step of driving air through an actuation aperture of said inflatable extension;    a third step of driving air through said inflatable extension; and    a fourth step of driving air through said free end of said inflatable extension.