GB2492376A - Inflatable advertising assembly, e.g. air guy. - Google Patents

Abstract

An inflatable advertising assembly, in particular an inflatable "air guyâ , comprises an inflatable sock 1 and a base unit 2 with an integrated blower. An internal telescopic support pole may be provided to provide additional support for the inflatable sock. The base unit may be provided with pivotally attached stabilisers 4. The inflatable sock is preferably attached to a collar on the base unit by means of hook and loop fasteners. The base unit may also have a light source for illuminating the inflated sock. The inflatable sock may be constructed in a modular form from a number of sleeve pieces (101, 102, Fig. 8) and a number of sock pieces (103, 104, 105, Fig. 8), each sleeve piece having at least two open ends and each sock piece having a single open end. The sock and sleeve pieces may be connected via hook and loop fasteners to form the completed inflatable sock.

Description

INFLATABLE ASSEMBLY

The present invention relates to an inflatable assembly, more particularly, to inflatable "air guy" assemblies which are typically used as tools for prominent marketing, publicity and/or promotion.

Two distinct types of inflatable assembly are currently used as marketing tools: "air dancers" and "air guys".

Typically, when these inflatables are inflated, they stand at from about 2 to about 6 metres tall.

"Air dancers" include a nylon sleeve which is placed on a base and inflated by a fan. Air from the fan is blown up through the sleeve to inflate it. The air blown into the sleeve at a first end leaves from a second end of the sleeve, causing the second end of the sleeve to wave about. Such air dancers are attention-grabbing, but they are limited in design and it can be difficult to see logos or branding messages placed on them. The waving motion of the sleeve also causes it to wear out quickly, meaning that it needs to be replaced.

"Air guys" include an inflatable sock which is attached to a floor-standing base. Air is blown up through the base and into the sock by a separate fan unit which is connected to the base via a hose. A typical air guy uses a fan which is more powerful than the fan used for an air dancer of a similar inflated volume. Inflation is achieved and maintained by blowing air into the sock so that it re-circulates within the sock. A degree of air leakage from and/or through the sock is tolerated whilst inflation and air re-circulation are maintained.

Nonetheless, since air does not need to leave at an end of the sock, the inflated sock does not wave about as a result of the air flow through it. Thus, air guys provide a more stable platform for clear marketing logos S and branding than air dancers. However, it is necessary to use a heavy base, which can require at least two people to lift, to anchor and support the sock when it is inflated. A typical base weighs about 33 kg. It is also necessary to connect a powerful fan unit to the base so that the sock is kept inflated by re-circulating air.

Typically, an upstanding support pole is also connected to the base and positioned to provide structural support for the sock from the inside thereof.

An air guy sock can have a wide range of shapes. Each sock is typically handmade to a custom design specification, which is a time consuming and expensive process (it can take 16-20 hours to make one custom sock) . If a sock is badly damaged or ripped, a whole new sock must be commissioned, at significant further expense.

The present inventors identified that existing air guy assemblies could be significantly improved by making it easier to transport the heavy components of the assembly and easier for a user to handle and assemble them.

Accordingly, in a general aspect, the present invention provides improved air guy assemblies and components which solve these problems.

In a first preferred aspect, the present invention provides an inflatable assembly including: an inflatable sock having an open end for air input and a floor-standing base unit to which the open end of the inflatable sock is attachable, wherein the base unit includes an integrated blower for blowing air into the open end of the sock to inflate the sock, such that when the sock is inflated, air re-circulates within the sock and the base unit grounds the sock.

In this way, the assembly is much more portable and rnoveable, easier to transport and easier to set up than known air guy assemblies. Also, the blower contributes to the weighting of the base unit, which grounds the inflated sock. Thus, the combined weight of the base unit and blower may be reduced compared to known air guy assemblies.

The inflatable assembly may be referred to as an "inflatable air guy assembly". A base unit including the integrated blower as described herein may be referred to as an "integrated base unit".

Preferred and/or optional features of the invention described below may be applied either independently or in any combination to either the first or the second aspect.

Preferably, the blower is housed and/or mounted within the base unit. More preferably, the base unit encloses the blower. Air may be blown directly from the air output of the blower into the sock. Accordingly, the blower is preferably arranged such that its air output directs air into a sock attached to the base unit.

Preferably, the air output from the base unit (e.g. the blower air output) is arranged in the base unit such that1 in use, the air output directs air substantially vertically into the sock. The base unit may include a vent which allows air to pass from the integrated blower to the sock.

The integrated base unit provides a number of additional advantages. For example, the blower can be protected from the weather. There is also a reduced risk of the blower being tampered with or removed from the base unit and stolen.

Generally, an inflatable sock is upstanding from the base unit when it is inflated. Accordingly, the open end of the sock is generally attached on a substantially upward-facing surface (in use) of the base unit, from which air may be blown.

The base unit may have one or more walls, for example, one or more side walls, which enclose the blower.

Preferably, the base unit has one or more air inlets for delivering air to the blower, For example, one or more air inlets may be provided in one or more walls of the base unit which enclose the blower.

Walls may be formed of a metal mesh, for example a steel mesh. Preferably, the base unit comprises a solid outer casing (i.e. one or more walls), which encloses the blower, and has one or more air inlets in the outer casing for delivering air to the enclosed blower. One or more air inlets may be slatted air inlets.

A base unit, for example an integrated base unit as disclosed herein, is typically heavy enough to ground the inflated sock to be attached to it. For example, such a base unit may weigh from about 20 kg to about 50kg, about 25-45 kg, about 30-40 kg or about 30-35 kg. In some embodiments, the weight of the integrated base unit which S includes the integrated blower is 40 kg or less, 35 kg or less, 30 kg or less or 25 kg or less.

Preferably, the blower is a fan. More preferably, the blower is a centrifugal fan.

The blower may be mounted on or fixed to an inside wall of the base unit. The base unit may be provided with a removable panel, a door or a hatch for allowing a user to access or inspect a blower within the base unit.

Support means, such as a support pole, may be connected or connectable to the base unit to project inside an inflatable sock attached to the base unit. Preferably, the support means is connected to the base unit so that it is centrally located inside the inflated sock.

Preferably, the connected support means will not contact the inside of the fully inflated sock in still conditions. The support means may assist inflation and may prevent the sock from blocking the blown air output during inflation. Furthermore, the support means may prevent the sock or even the whole assembly from tipping over when it is inflated.

Preferably, the support means is a pole. More preferably the support means or support pole is hollow andjor is constructed from a lightweight material such as plastic, fibreglass, aluminium or a metal alloy. A lightweight material may be a material having a density of about 6000 kg/rn3 or less, for example, a density of less than 5500,

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5000, 4500, 4000, 3500, 2000, 2500, 2000, 1500, 1000, or 500 kg/rn3.

Preferably, the support means has adjustable length. For example, the support means or support pole may be retractable or telescopic, or may have a retractable or telescopic portion.

The base unit may have a connector for connecting the support means to the base unit. For example, the connector may be a socket for inserting an end of the support means (e.g. support pole) into. The connector may further include a securing pin for securing the support means to the connector. For example, a securing pin may be screwable into and out of a connector socket to respectively secure the support means in the socket, or release it.

The base unit may have wheels, for example casters, on which the base unit may be moved. The wheels may be lockable.

The base unit may have one or more handles on an outer surface thereof for handling and moving the base unit.

Preferably, the base unit has one or more stabilisers connected to it, for example stabiliser legs or leg supports. In this way, one or more stabilisers may stabilise and/or support the base unit when they are in a stabilising position, for example by abutting the ground surface surrounding the base unit, and can therefore prevent the assembly from tipping or tilting.

Preferably, a stabiliser is moveably connected to the base unit. For example, a stabiliser may be pivotally connected to the base unit, preferably through a hinged connection. Alternatively, a stabiliser may be retractably connected to the base unit.

Preferably, a stabiliser is moveable between a stowed and a stabilising position. For example, a stabiliser may pivot between a stowed and a stabilising position.

Alternatively a retractable stabiliser may be slidable in and out from the base unit.

In a stowed position, a stabiliser is stowed alongside or inside the base unit so that It does not substantially protrude from the base unit. In a stabilising position, a stabiliser protrudes from the base unit to abut the ground surface surrounding the base unit.

Preferably, a stabiliser is lockable or fixable in a stabilising position. For example, a hinged stabiliser may be locked In a stabilising position by a locking pin.

A stabiliser may be lockable or fixable in a stowed position. For example, a hinged stabiliser may be fixed to the base unit in a stowed position via hook and loop fastening means (e.g. Velcro fastening means) An end of a stabiliser may be adapted with a foot, for example at an end which abuts the ground surface when the stabiliser is in a stabilising position. The foot may be adapted with an eye hole for receiving a ground peg. For example, the foot may be fixable to the ground by inserting a ground peg through the eye hole and into the ground.

The open end of the inflatable sock may be attachable to the base unit via an upstanding collar on the base unit.

Preferably, the collar is provided on an upward-facing (in use) surface of the base unit. Preferably, the open end of the sock is fitted over the upstanding collar.

The open end is preferably removably attachable to the base unit, for example to the upstanding collar. The open end may be removably attachable via fastening means such as hook and loop fastening means (e.g. Velcro®) Preferably, attachment means is provided around an outer surface of the collar. Where the attachment means is a male-female fastening means, such as hook and loop fastening means, the male portion (the hooked portion) may be provided on the collar, for example on the outer surface of the collar, and the corresponding female portion (the looped portion) may be provided on the open end of the sock, for example on an inner surface of the sock at the open end thereof. Alternatively, the opposite male-female arrangement may be used.

When a sock is fitted over the collar, air may be blown from an air output (e.g. directly from the blower air output, or indirectly from the blower to an air output or vent in the base unit), through the collar and thus into the open end of the sock. The air output may be offset from the centre of the collar. The air output or vent may include a grille, for example a grille cover, across or over the air output or vent to prevent debris from entering the base unit and/or blower.

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Preferably, the collar is substantially ring-shaped.

Preferably, a central axis of the (ring-shaped) collar is substantially vertical when the assembly is in use.

The support means (e.g. support pole) may be connected to the base unit at a position within the collar. For example, the connected support means or pole may be coincident or coaxial with the central axis of the collar. Accordingly, a support means connector, as described above, may be centrally positioned within the (ring-shaped) collar on the base unit.

Alternatively or in addition, the support means may be directly or indirectly connected to the collar. For example the support means and/or support means connector may be indirectly connected to the collar via one or more brackets. In this way, the support means may be braced against the collar.

The base unit may include a light source for illuminating the inflated sock. The light source may be a light bulb, such as a halogen lamp, or an LED light source.

Preferably, the light source is mounted in a position on the base unit so that ±t can shine inside an attached inflated sock, for example by mounting the light source within the collar. A light source may, for example, be connected to the collar, or to a bracket within the collar, such as a bracket connecting the collar and the support means and/or support means connector.

Preferably, the base unit includes control means (e.g. one or more switches) for controlling the blower and/or light source. For example, the control means may allow a user to switch the blower and/or light on or off, and/or control the speed and/or power of the blower.

Preferably, control means are mounted on an outside face S of the base unit. More preferably, control means are weather proof, for example, water proof and/or splash proof. The control means may have a weather proof cover.

More preferably still, the base unit has weather proof control means comprising a blower control switch and a light source control switch.

The control means may be connected to the blower via a control unit for controlling the blower and/or light source. For example, the blower may include a control unit which may be connected to the control means on the base unit. The control unit of the blower may be mounted on or fixed to the inside of the base unit.

An inflatable sock is generally custom made and may have a variety of shapes. Typically, an inflatable sock has one open end (which is generally at the base of the sock when it is inflated) for air input. However, it is envisaged that a sock may have more than one open end for air input. Accordingly, a sock having more than one open end may have a blower and base unit connected to each open end to keep it inflated with re-circulating air. For example, a sock may have two connected legs, each having an integrated base unit attached to an open end thereof.

Preferably, an inflatable sock may be constructed from a woven fabric or PVC sheet. Preferably, the sock is weather proof (e.g. water proof and/or splash proof), resistant to rips and tears, and/or resistant to UV damage (e.g. fading) . The fabric may be a ripstop fabric and/or may include nylon (e.g. ripstop nylon). The sock may be fire-retardant and/or may be coated, for example with a PVC coating, and/or a fire-retardant coating.

An "inflatable sock", as described herein, is inflated by air re-circulating within the sock when it is blown into the sock through its open end(s) Conversely, an "inflatable sleeve", such as an air dancer sleeve, has more than one open end and air is blown through the sleeve, i.e. into one open end and out of another.

An inflated sock for an air guy may have a height of up to about 6 metres, for example up to about 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 metres. In some embodiments, the sock may have an inflated height of between about 2 and about 6 metres, for example, about 4-5 metres. A typical sock may have an inflated volume (at room temperature) of up to about 50 m3, for example up to about 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or SO in3. In some embodiments, the inflated volume is from about 0.1- 20, about 1-20, about 2-15, about 4-15, or about 4-10 in3.

An inflatable sock of the present invention may be constructed as one piece. Alternatively, an inflatable sock may be modular, for example, it may comprise a plurality, for example at least 2,3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 interchangeable pieces. A piece may have a single open end or more than one open end. A piece having a single open end is referred to herein as a "sock piece".

A piece having more than one open end, for example, 2, 3, 4 or more open ends, is referred to as a "sleeve piece".

For example, a sleeve piece has a first open end and one or more further open ends. Each further open end (e.g. a second, third or fourth open end) may in turn be attached to an open end of a further sleeve or sock piece, for example a first open end of a further sleeve piece.

When attached together, the pieces form an inflatable sock. Accordingly, each open end is attachable to a base unit for air input and/or attachable to an open end of another piece. The open ends of the interchangeable pieces may be removably attachable to each other using fastening means, such as a hook and ioop fastening means (e.g. Velcro®) . For example, open ends which are attached or attachable to each other, or to a base, may have corresponding male or female (e.g. hook or loop) fastening means.

Accordingly, in a second aspect, the present invention provides a modular inflatable sock for an air guy, the modular sock having an open end which is attachable to an air input from a blower and including a plurality of pieces (e.g. interchangeable pieces) selected from one or more sleeve pieces and optionally one or more sock pieces, wherein each sleeve piece has a first open end and one or more further open ends, each sock piece has a single open end, and the open ends of the pieces are removably attached together by fastening means to form the modular sock, wherein the modular sock includes a first sleeve piece which has a first open end and at least one further open end, the first open end of the first sleeve piece forming the open end of the modular sock which is attachable to an air input from a blower, and wherein each further open end of the first sleeve piece is attached to the open end of a sock piece, or to an open end of a further sleeve piece.

In this way, if one piece of the inflatable sock is damaged or ripped, that piece may be removed and repaired or replaced, without needing to remove and repair or replace the entire sock. Accordingly, the modular sock dramatically reduces the cost of sock repairs.

Furthermore, the design of a modular sock may be modified by replacing one or more pieces with one or more pieces with an alternative design. Individual replacement or alternative parts may be held in stock and swapped as or when they are wanted. Thus, the invention provides greater flexibility for a user to change the design. For example, a modular sock made to the design of a person (e.g. having leg(s), a torso, a head and arms) holding a tyre but may easily be changed to a person holding an exhaust pipe by removing a sock or sleeve piece in the shape of a tyre and attaching a corresponding sock or sleeve piece in the shape of an exhaust pipe piece.

The modular sock includes a first sleeve piece having a first open end and one or more further open ends. The first open end of the first sleeve piece is attachable to an air input from a blower. For example, the first open end may be attachable to a floor-standing base, such as a typical known base through which air is blown from a separate blower unit, or an integrated base unit as described herein. For example, the first open end may be attachable to an upstanding collar on the base unit. The first open end of the first sleeve piece may be connected to a base in the same, or a similar manner to that described above for attaching an inflatable sock to an integrated base unit of the invention -e.g. via fastening means as described herein.

A further open end (e.g. a second end) of the first sleeve piece is attached or attachable to a second piece, which may be a sleeve piece or a sock piece. The second sleeve piece is attached or attachable to one or more S further pieces, for example a third and/or a fourth piece, via a corresponding further open end thereof (e.g. a second and/or third open end thereof) . A sleeve piece, for example a second sleeve piece, may have at least one, two, three, four, or five further open ends, which are each attached or attachable to a further sleeve or sock piece. For example, a second sleeve piece may have three further open ends (i.e. the second, third and fourth open ends) which are each attached to an open end of a sleeve or sock piece. Where a sleeve piece has two or more further open ends, (e.g. second and third open ends) those open ends may each be attached to one or more further pieces to complete the modular sock. For example, the further open ends may be attached to the open ends of one or more sock pieces to complete the modular sock, two or more further open ends may each be attached to the open ends of a further sleeve piece (i.e. forming a loop) to complete the modular sock, or one or more sock pieces and one or more sleeve pieces may be attached to the one or more further open ends of a sleeve piece to complete the modular sock.

An inflatable sock as described herein, which may be a modular inflatable sock as described herein may take the form of a person having a leg, a torso, a head and one or more arms (e.g. left and right arms) . The arms may individually, or together, hold an object. A modular sock may comprise or consist of leg, torso, head and arm pieces.

Pieces may be interchangeable. For example, a first sleeve piece may be in the form of a leg. A second sleeve piece attached thereto may be in the form of a torso. Said second sleeve piece may have three further open ends. One of said further open ends may be attached to a sock piece which is in the form of a head. The remaining two further ends may each be attached to an open end of a corresponding further sock piece which is in the form of an arm. For example, one open end may be attached to a left arm sock piece and another open end may be attached to a right arm sock piece.

Alternatively, both arms may be formed out of a third sleeve piece, the open ends of which are each connected to a corresponding further open end of the second sleeve piece -i.e. forming a loop. Accordingly, the left and right arms may be formed out of one sleeve piece. A portion of the sleeve comprising two arms which connects the arms may be in the form of an object such as a car battery, a spanner, a tyre or an exhaust pipe, giving the appearance that the arms are holding the object. In this way, the overall appearance of an inflatable formed out of the modular sock may be altered by replacing one or more pieces, for example by replacing head, arm, torso and/or legs formed out of sleeve and/or sock pieces.

Further combinations of sleeve and/or sock pieces which attach together to form a modular sock will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the present

disclosure.

A first open end of an inflatable sock or a sleeve or sock piece as described herein may be attached or fastened to a further open end of another piece, or to a floor-standing base (e.g. to an upstanding collar on a base or integrated base unit) by overlapping at least a portion of the first end over at least a portion of the further open end or the collar, or vice versa. The overlapping portions may be attached together by fastening means. Fastening means, as referred to herein may for example be hook and loop fastening means (e.g. Velcro®) , snap-fit fastening means (e.g. poppers) or zip fasteners.

An open end may be expandable so that it can be overlapped around and attached to another open end. For example, an open end may include an expandable cuff, which may for example include a cut and flap, which allow the end to be expanded and overlapped around another open end or around a part of a base unit such as an upstanding collar as described herein.

Accordingly, the present invention also provides a method of constructing an inflatable assembly including a modular inflatable sock as described herein, the method comprising: providing a first sleeve piece which has a first open end and at least one further open end, the first open end of the first sleeve piece forming the open end of a modular sock which is attachable to an air input from a blower, attaching the first open end of the first sleeve piece to an air input from a blower (e.g. to an integrated base unit) by fastening means, providing one or more further sleeve and/or sock attaching each further open end of the first sleeve piece to one or more further sock and/or sleeve pieces by fastening means to form the modular sock.

The method may further include attaching each further open end of each further sleeve piece to an open end of another sleeve or sock piece by fastening means to form the modular sock. The modular sock and/or inflatable assembly of the method may have any individual feature or combination of features as defined herein.

As will be apparent to the skilled person, the method is not limited to a particular order in which the pieces are attached to one another and to the air input or base.

Rather, the pieces may be attached to one another and to the air input or base in any order to form the modular sock.

Brief tescription of the Figures Aspects and embodiments of the present invention will now be illustrated, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Fig. 1 is a side view of an inflatable assembly.

Fig. 2a is a cross sectional side view of an integrated base unit taken along section line A-A of Fig 2d.

Fig. 2b is a sectional view showing the blower in perspective inside the base unit.

Fig. 2c is a sectional side view from the opposite side to Fig. 2b showing the blower in perspective inside the base unit, the blower attachment to the inside of the base unit and the control means.

Fig. 2d is a top view of the base unit showing the light source and air output.

Fig. 3a is a side view of an integrated base unit including stabilisers in a stowed position.

Fig. 3b is a side view of the integrated base unit showing the stabilisers in a stabilising position.

Fig. 3c is a side view of the integrated base unit showing the control means and air inlet.

S Fig. 4a is a side view of an integrated base unit including stowed stabilisers, control means, handles, wheels and slatted air inlets.

Fig. 4b is a perspective view of the integrated base unit showing the upstanding collar.

Fig. Sa is a side view of an integrated base unit including wheels and stabilisers.

Fig. Sb is a side view of the integrated base unit showing a stabiliser in a stabilising position.

Fig. Ga is a side view of a telescopic support pole in a retracted position.

Fig. Gb is a side view of the telescopic support pole in an extended position.

Fig. Gc is a perspective view showing the support pole being inserted into the open end of a sock.

Fig. Gd is a perspective view showing a support pole connected to an integrated base unit via a connector with a securing pin.

Fig. 7 shows a side view of an inflatable sock being attached to an integrated base unit.

Fig. 8a shows a modular inflatable sock attached to a base unit.

Fig. Sb shows an expanded side view of the modular

inflatable sock.

Fig. Sc shows a side view of a sleeve piece in the form of arms holding a tyre.

Fig. 8d shows a side view of a pair of sock pieces in the form of left and right arms.

Fig. 9a shows an expanded side view of a modular sock.

Fig. 9b shows an enlarged side view of an attachment between two pieces of a modular sock.

Detailed Description of the invention

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An inflatable assembly and a modular sock incorporating features of the present invention are illustrated in the drawings. Although the present invention will be described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention may have many alternate forms. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used.

A side view of an embodiment of an inflatable air guy assembly of the invention is shown in Fig. 1. The assembly includes an inflatable sock 1 in the shape of a person which is attached to a floor-standing base unit 2 which includes an integrated blower 12 (not shown) for blowing air into the open end 3 of the inflatable sock 1 to inflate it. The open end 3 of the inflatable sock 1 is attached to the base unit 2 (see also Fig. 7) . The base unit 2 includes stabilisers 4 which are pivotally connected to a wall 7 of the base unit 2 through a hinged connection 8. The stabilisers 4 are shown in the stabilising position. Each stabiliser 4 is adapted at an end thereof with a foot 9 which abuts the ground surface around the base unit 2. An air inlet B is provided in a wall 7 of the base unit 2 to deliver air to the integrated blower 12. Control means 6 are mounted on an outside face of the base unit 2 for controlling the integrated blower 12 and optionally a light source (not shown). The control means 6 may be weather proof (e.g. water proof and/or splash proof) or have a weather proof cover. The control means may include controls (e.g. switches) for independently controlling a light source and/or the blower.

Fig. 7 shows the open end 3 of the inflatable sock 1 being attached over an upstanding collar 13 on an upward facing surface of the base unit 2.

When a sock is attached to the base unit and the blower is switched on to blow air into the sock, the air pressure increases because air cannot easily escape from the sock, because the open end of the sock is attached to the integrated base through which air is delivered by the blower. As a result, when a constant supply of air is delivered by blower, the bulk flow of air re-circulates inside the sock, keeping it inflated.

The position of a blower 12 enclosed in the base unit 2 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in Fig. 2. In this embodiment the blower 12 is a centrifugal fan. A blower as described herein may, for example, be an FJ2-35 centrifugal fan. The blower or fan may have a power of 680W, a weight of about 9kg, and/or may provide an air flow of 600 m3/hr, and/or a static pressure of 2100 Pa. In some embodiments, a blower may provide an air flow of at least about 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, or 600 m3/hr and/or may provide air at a static pressure of at least about 500, 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500 or 3000 Pa.

Fig. 2a shows the blower 12 mounted on an inside wall of the base unit 2 via a control unit 10. The blower 12 is fixed via its base 11 to the control unit 10. The control means S is connected to the control unit 10 to control the blower 12. The blower 12 is arranged so that the blower air output 14 directs air up into an inflatable sock 1 (not shown) which can be attached over the upstanding collar 13 on the base unit 2.

The upstanding collar 13 on the base unit 2 is shown in Fig. 2d. The blower air output 14 which, in this embodiment, is covered with a grille 17 to prevent debris from entering the base unit 2 and/or blower 12, is positioned off-centre inside the collar 13 to blow air up inside an attached inflatable sock 1. A light source 15 is attached to a bracket 16 inside the collar so that it can shine up inside an attached inflatable sock 1. In this particular embodiment, the light source 15 is a halogen lamp, for example a 230v -50Hz halogen lamp.

The light source 15 may also be connected to the control means 6 to control the light, optionally via a control unit 10.

Fig. 3 shows an integrated base unit 2 with stabilisers 4 connected to it and air inlets 5 in the walls thereof.

In this particular embodiment, the stabilisers 4 are leg stabilisers which are pivotally connected to the base unit 2 via a hinged connection 8. The stabilisers are pivotable between a stowed position (Fig. 3a) and a stabilising position (Figs. 3b and c). The ends of the stabiliser legs 4 are each adapted with a foot 9 having an eye hole 18 through which a ground peg may be inserted to fix the stabilising leg 4, and thus the base unit 2 to the ground for additional stability.

As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the integrated base unit 2 may comprise a solid, reinforced outer casing and may have handles 19 and (caster) wheels 20 for moving the unit, and slatted air inlets 5. Stabilisers 4, which in this embodiment are stabiliser legs, may be lockable in a stowed and/or a stabilising position by a locking pin 21.

Figs. 4a and b show the stabilising legs 4 in a stowed position. Fig. 5a shows a stabilising leg 4 moving to a stabilising position and Fig. Sb shows the stabilising leg in a stabilising position where an end of the stabiliser 4 abuts the ground surface 50 around the base unit 2.

As shown in Fig. 4b, the upstanding collar 13 on the base unit 2 may have a ring shape with reinforcing brackets 16 inside, to which a light source 15 may be connected. Air may be blown up through the collar from the air output 14. The brackets 16 may connect the collar and a connector 22, in this embodiment a connector socket, for connecting support means 23 (not shown) to the base unit 2. Attachment means (not shown), such as the hook portion of hook and loop fastening means, for attaching the open end of an inflatable sock 1, may be provided on an outer surface 24 of the collar.

Fig. 6 shows a support means 23, in this embodiment, a telescopic support pole, in a retracted position (Fig. 6a) and a fully extended position (Fig. Gb) . The support pole 23 may be attached to the assembly by inserting it into the open end 3 of the sock 1, as shown in Fig. Gc, and by inserting an end of the pole 23 into a connector socket 22 within the collar 13, and securing the pole 23 by screwing a securing pin 25 into the connector socket 22.

An embodiment of a modular sock 100 as described herein is shown in Fig. 8. Fig. 8a shows the modular sock attached via its open end 3 to an integrated base unit 2, although it is envisaged that the modular sock may be attached to any suitable base unit which grounds the sock and allows air to be blown into the open end of the modular sock.

As shown in Fig. 8b, the modular sock 100 includes a plurality of sleeve pieces 101, 102 and sock pieces 103, 104, 105. Each piece has a first open end 110 and each sleeve piece has a further open end 120. The pieces are attachable together via their open ends using fastening means, such as hook and loop fastening means, f or example as shown in Fig. 9b. In Fig. Sb for example, fastening means located at the open ends of the sleeve pieces are indicated with dark shading. Lines between pieces on Fig. 9a indicate potential attachments.

The first sleeve piece 101, which in this embodiment is in the form of a leg, has a first open end 110 and a second open end 120a. The first open end 110 of the first sleeve piece 101 forms the open end 3 of the modular sock 100 which is attachable to an air input from a blower, for example as shown in Fig. Sa. The first open end 110 may include female fastening means (e.g. loop fastening means) for attachment to male fastening means (e.g. hook fastening means) on the base unit 2.

The first sleeve piece 101 has a second open end 120a which is attachable to the first open end 110 of a. second sleeve piece 102, which in this embodiment is in the form of a torso. The second sleeve piece has three further open ends 120a, 120b and 12Cc. The open end 110 of a sock piece 105 which, in this embodiment, is in the form of a head, is attachable to a second open end l2Oa of the second sleeve piece 102. The open end 110 of a sock piece 103 which, in this embodiment is in the form of a right arm, is attachable to a third open end 12Gb of the second sleeve piece 102. A sock piece 104 which, in this embodiment is in the form of a left arm, is similarly attachable to a fourth open end l2Oc of the second sleeve piece 102. In this embodiment, the combination of a plurality of sleeve and sock pieces completes the modular sock 100 which is attachable to an air input via its open end 3.

As shown in Fig. 8c and d, different designs and constructions of arm pieces may be provided. For example, one or more of the right and left arm sock pieces 103, 104 such as those shown in Fig. Sb may be removed and replaced by right and/or left arm sock pieces 106, 107 such as those shown in Fig. ad. For example, a sock piece 106 may be in the form of an arm holding a spanner. Alternatively, the right and left arm sock pieces 103, 104 such as those shown in Fig. Sb may be removed and replaced with a sleeve piece 108 having two open ends llOa. and 11Db as shown in Fig. 8c which, in this embodiment takes the form of a pair of arms holding a tyre.

In other embodiments, for example, as shown in Fig. 9a, a sleeve piece 109 having two open ends llOa, ilOb may take the form of a pair of arms holding a banner.

As shown in Figs. 8 and 9b, an open end 110 of a sleeve or sock piece may include an expandable cuff 115, for example in the form of a cut and flap, which allow the open end 110 of the sleeve or sock (e.g. including fastening means) to be overlapped around a further open end 120 of a sleeve piece (e.g. including corresponding fastening means) . For example, Fig. 9b shows a second open end 120 of a first leg piece 101 and a first open end 110 of a further torso piece 102 which are attachable together. The second open end 120 has an expandable cuff including a cut 116 and flap 117. The inner surface of the cuff 115 and flap 117 include hook fastening means 118 which allows the first open end 110 of the torso piece 102 to be attached over loop fastening means 119 around the second open end 120 of the leg piece 101.

In some embodiments, fastening means is male on the base unit, female on a first open end of a piece, and male on a further open end of a piece. In some embodiments, fastening means is male on the base unit, female on the first and further open ends of a first sleeve piece, male on a first open end of a further piece and female of a further open end of a further piece.

It should be understood that the above description is only illustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art with out departing from the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances.

Claims (1)

1. <claim-text>CLAIMS1. An inflatable assembly including: an inflatable sock having an open end for air input S and a floor-standing base unit to which the open end of the inflatable sock is attachable, wherein the base unit includes an integrated blower for blowing air into the open end of the sock to inflate the sock, such that when the sock is inflated, air re-circulates within the sock and the base unit grounds the sock.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. The inflatable assembly of claim 1 wherein the blower is a centrifugal fan.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. The inflatable assembly of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the base unit has one or more walls which enclose the blower.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. The inflatable assembly of claim 3 wherein the blower is mounted on an inside wall of the base unit.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. The inflatable assembly of any preceding claim wherein the base unit has one or more air inlets for delivering air to the blower.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. The inflatable assembly of any preceding claim further including support means which are connectable to the base unit to project inside an inflatable sock attached thereto.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. The inflatable assembly of claim 6 wherein the support means is retractable or telescopic.</claim-text> <claim-text>8. The inflatable assembly of claim 6 or claim 7 wherein the support means is constructed from lightweight material such as plastic, fibreglass or aluminium.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. The inflatable assembly of any one of claims 6 to 8 wherein the support means is a pole.</claim-text> <claim-text>10. The inflatable assembly of any preceding claim further including one or more stabilisers which are connected to the base unit.</claim-text> <claim-text>11. The inflatable assembly of claim 10 wherein the stabilisers are pivotally connected to the base unit.</claim-text> <claim-text>12. The inflatable assembly of claim 10 wherein the stabilisers are retractably connected to the base unit.</claim-text> <claim-text>13. The inflatable assembly of any preceding claim wherein the open end of the inflatable sock is attachable over an upstanding collar on the base unit and air is blown through the collar.</claim-text> <claim-text>14. The inflatable assembly of claim 13 wherein the collar includes attachment means for fastening the sock thereto.</claim-text> <claim-text>15. The inflatable assembly of any preceding claim wherein the inflatable sock is attachable to the base unit via hook and loop fastening means.</claim-text> <claim-text>16. The inflatable assembly of any preceding claim further comprising a light source which is connected to the base unit for illuminating the inflated sock.</claim-text> <claim-text>17. The inflatable assembly of any preceding claim wherein the base unit has control means for controlling the blower and/or a light source.</claim-text> <claim-text>18. The inflatable assembly of claim 17 wherein the control means is weather proof.</claim-text> <claim-text>19. A modular inflatable sock for an air guy, the modular sock having an open end which is attachable to an air input from a blower and including a plurality of pieces selected from one or more sleeve pieces and optionally one or more sock pieces, wherein each sleeve piece has a first open end and one or more further open ends, each sock piece has a single open end, and the open ends of the pieces are removably attached together by fastening means to form the modular sock, wherein the modular sock includes a first sleeve piece which has a first open end and at least one further open end, the first open end of the first sleeve piece forming the open end of the modular sock which is attachable to an air input from a blower, and wherein each further open end of the first sleeve piece is attached to the open end of a sock piece, or to an open end of a further sleeve piece.</claim-text> <claim-text>20. The modular inflatable sock of claim 19 including a first sleeve piece, which is attached via a second open end thereof to the first open end of a second sleeve piece, wherein the second sleeve piece has second, third and fourth further open ends, which in turn are each attached to an open end of a further sleeve or sock piece.</claim-text> <claim-text>21. The modular inflatable sock of claim 19 or claim 20 S wherein a third piece which is a sock piece is attached to the second piece.</claim-text> <claim-text>22. The modular inflatable sock of any one of claims 19 to 21 wherein the pieces are removably attachable together via hook and loop fastening means.</claim-text> <claim-text>23. The modular inflatable sock of any one of claims 19 to 22 wherein the open end of the modular sock is attached to a floor-standing base unit for grounding the modular sock when inflated.</claim-text> <claim-text>24. The inflatable assembly of any one of claims 1 to 18 wherein the inflatable sock is a modular inflatable sock according to any one of claims 19 to 23.</claim-text> <claim-text>25. An inflatable assembly substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1-7.</claim-text> <claim-text>26. A modular inflatable sock for an air guy substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 8 and 9.</claim-text>