Inflatable Play Structure

Abstract

An inflatable play structure that uses a household fan for inflation and to maintain rigidity is disclosed. Users may enter the inflatable play structure through an entrance flap and reside within the interior of the play structure. The inflatable play structure is attached to the household fan by magnets, hooks, or Velcro. A weighted hemline prevents excessive amounts of forced air from exiting the play structure and keeps the structure non-permanently anchored to the ground. The play structure may be used indoors or outdoors, and may be erected around household furniture to enhance user experience. When not in use, the inflatable play structure can be stored or transported in a convenient, easy-to-use storage bag.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An inflatable play structure that is inflated using a household fan comprising:
 a first section constructed of one or more flexible materials, the first section defining an interior play area when the inflatable play structure is inflated, the first section attaching to the household fan and capturing air from the household fan when the fan is switched on, the first section having a means for attaching to the household fan; an entrance flap connected to the first section that permits users to enter or exit the interior play area when the inflatable play structure is inflated, the entrance flap being constructed of a flexible sheet material; a weighted hemline that non-permanently anchors the inflatable play structure when the inflatable play structure is inflated, the weighted hemline being attached to the bottom of the first section and the entrance flap; and the inflatable play structure being capable of folding for storage or transport when not in use.   
     
     
         2 . The inflatable play structure of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible material is a grade of conventional cotton, a cotton blend, a non-cotton woven material, vinyl, or plastic. 
     
     
         3 . The inflatable play structure of  claim 1 , wherein the interior play area is of sufficient size to accommodate at least one user. 
     
     
         4 . The inflatable play structure of  claim 1 , wherein the interior play area is of sufficient size to accommodate one or more pieces of household furniture. 
     
     
         5 . The inflatable play structure of  claim 1 , wherein the means for attaching to the household fan is magnets, hooks, or Velcro. 
     
     
         6 . The inflatable play structure of  claim 1 , wherein the weighted hemline has at least one compartment filled with a ballast material. 
     
     
         7 . The inflatable play structure of  claim 1 , further comprising a device for supporting the household fan when it is attached to the first section. 
     
     
         8 . An apparatus comprising:
 a structure that is inflated using a household fan as its inflation blower; the structure forming an interior recreation area where users may engage in recreational or play activities; an entrance flap that allows users to exit and enter the interior recreation area;   the apparatus being weighted to the ground by a hemline that is attached to the bottom of the structure and the entrance flap; the structure, entrance flap, and hemline being constructed of a flexible material that is easily foldable yet does not allow excessive amounts of air to pass through; and attachment areas that attach the structure to the household fan.   
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the apparatus may be used indoors or outdoors. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein a portion of the flexible material is a transparent, semi-transparent, or colored vinyl or plastic. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the hemline is filled with ballast. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the attachment areas are sewn into the structure and are magnets, hooks, or Velcro. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the magnets are rare earth magnets. 
     
     
         14 . An inflatable play structure comprising:
 a plurality of sections that are attached together to form a structure that defines an interior play area when the structure is inflated, the structure being inflated by a household fan to which the structure is attached, each section being constructed from a sheet of flexible material that folds easily for storage or transport, a flap built into one of the sections that allows a user to enter or exit interior play area, a means for securing ballast to the plurality of sections and the entrance flap that non-permanently anchor the inflatable play structure to the ground when the inflatable play structure is inflated, and the interior play area being of sufficient dimensions to accommodate at least one user.   
     
     
         15 . The inflatable play structure of  claim 14 , wherein the plurality of sections are attached together by sewing, bonding, or gluing. 
     
     
         16 . The inflatable play structure of  claim 14 , wherein the structure is attached to the household fan by magnets, hooks, or Velcro. 
     
     
         17 . The inflatable play structure of  claim 14 , wherein the sheets of flexible material are a grade of conventional cotton, a cotton blend, a non-cotton woven material, vinyl, or plastic. 
     
     
         18 . The inflatable play structure of  claim 17 , wherein the sheets of flexible material are characterized by differing patterns, decorations, or material types. 
     
     
         19 . The inflatable play structure of  claim 14 , wherein the ballast is secured to the plurality of sections and the entrance flap by a weighted hemline that contains the ballast. 
     
     
         20 . The inflatable play structure of  claim 14 , wherein the interior play area is also of sufficient size to accommodate a piece of household furniture.