Inflatable apparatus for striking and propelling an object

Abstract

An inflatable apparatus for striking and propelling an object when affixed to a limb of a body preferably includes first and second oppositely facing walls, the first wall defining a striking surface for striking and propelling the object therefrom; and one or more sidewalls extending between and connecting the first and second oppositely facing walls, wherein the one or more sidewalls define an opening configured to permit passage of the limb from an exterior of the apparatus into an interstitial space of the apparatus for affixing the apparatus on the limb. The inflatable apparatus further includes one or more fluid-impermeable, expandable chambers in fluid communication with one or more ports whereby fluid introduced through the one or more ports enters into the one or more chambers for expanding the one or more chambers and tensioning the first wall defining the striking surface. A paddle-type game preferably uses such inflatable apparatus.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . An inflatable apparatus for striking an object when affixed to a limb of a body, comprising:
 (a) first and second oppositely facing walls, each wall defining a striking surface for striking and propelling the object therefrom; and   (b) one or more sidewalls extending between and connecting the first and second oppositely facing walls, wherein the one or more sidewalls define an opening configured to permit passage of the limb from an exterior of the apparatus into an interstitial space of the apparatus for affixing the apparatus on the limb;   (c) wherein the inflatable apparatus comprises one or more fluid-impermeable, expandable chambers in fluid communication with one or more ports whereby fluid introduced through the one or more ports enters into the one or more chambers for expanding the one or more chambers and tensioning the first and second walls defining the striking surfaces.   
     
     
         3 . An inflatable apparatus for striking an object when affixed to a limb of a body, comprising:
 (a) first and second oppositely facing walls, each wall having an oval perimeter and defining a striking surface for striking and propelling the object therefrom; and   (b) a single sidewall extending between and connecting the first and second oppositely facing walls, wherein the single sidewall defines an opening configured to permit passage of the limb from an exterior of the apparatus into an interstitial space of the apparatus for affixing the apparatus on the limb;   (c) wherein the inflatable apparatus comprises one or more fluid-impermeable, expandable chambers in fluid communication with one or more ports whereby fluid introduced through the one or more ports enters into the one or more chambers for expanding the one or more chambers and tensioning the first and second walls defining the striking surfaces.   
     
     
         4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . The inflatable apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the first and second oppositely facing walls have a circular perimeter. 
     
     
         6 . The inflatable apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the first wall is defined by one or more walls of the one or more chambers. 
     
     
         7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . The inflatable apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the one or more sidewalls are defined by one or more walls of the one or more chambers. 
     
     
         9 - 10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . The inflatable apparatus of  claim 3 , further comprising an envelope extending from the opening in the one or more sidewalls into the interstitial space, the envelope being shaped and dimensioned to accommodate in a snug engagement the limb of the body to which the apparatus is affixed. 
     
     
         12 . The inflatable apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the one or more ports each has a cap or valve. 
     
     
         13 . The inflatable apparatus of  claim 3 , further comprising a strap configured to extend across the opening for fastening the inflatable apparatus to a limb. 
     
     
         14 . The inflatable apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the apparatus is configured to permit passage of the limb completely through the interstitial space back out to the exterior of the apparatus through another opening for affixing the apparatus on the limb. 
     
     
         15 - 16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . A method for playing a game that includes striking and propelling an object from an inflatable apparatus affixed to a limb of a body, the apparatus comprising first and second oppositely facing walls, with the first wall defining a striking surface for striking and propelling the object therefrom, and one or more sidewalls extending between and connecting the first and second oppositely facing walls, the method comprising:
 (a) inflating the apparatus by pumping a fluid through one or more ports that are in fluid communication with one or more fluid-impermeable, expandable chambers such that the fluid introduced through the one or more ports enters into the one or more chambers causing the one or more chambers to expand and tension the first wall defining the striking surface;   (b) inserting a limb into an opening defined by the one or more sidewalls into an interstitial space of the apparatus to affix the apparatus on the limb in a snug engagement; and   (c) propelling the object by moving the limb so as to forcibly strike the object with the striking surface of the first wall of the inflatable apparatus.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising propelling the object by moving the limb so as to forcibly strike the object with the second wall of the inflatable apparatus, the second wall defining a further striking surface and the expanded chambers further tensioning the second wall. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the fluid comprises air. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the fluid comprises a liquid. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the fluid comprises water. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the fluid comprises a gel. 
     
     
         23 - 29 . (canceled) 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the limb comprises a hand. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the limb comprises an elbow. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the limb comprises a foot. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the limb comprises a knee. 
     
     
         34 - 35 . (canceled) 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the limb comprises a shoulder. 
     
     
         37 . (canceled)