US5335436A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Animal prop using air bags
Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
•
Filing: 1993-01-27
•
Granted: 1994-08-09
•
Expires: 2013-01-27
Abstract
Abstract An animal prop having a body or appendages with rip-stop nylon air bags surrounding a support member. The air bags are attached to each other with zippers. A blower provides air to the air bags through air hoses. A liner surrounds the air bags. A fur cloth covering simulating animal skin or fur is placed over the liner. A life-like appearance and movement is provided as the air bags roll, billow or deform with movement of the prop.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert H. Gurr
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 20:32
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09F; G09F19/00; G09F19/02; G09F19/08; G09F19/008; G09F2019/086
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
83 words
An inflatable figure comprising: a fixed rigid frame; at least one frame extension articulated to the frame; a plurality of flexible air bags attached around the frame extension; means for supplying air at first pressure to at least one of the plurality of air bags, the means for supplying also connected and supplying air at a second pressure, different from the first pressure, to at least another of the plurality of air bags; and a flexible simulated skin supported on the air bags.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
83 words
An inflatable figure comprising: a fixed rigid frame; at least one frame extension articulated to the frame; a plurality of flexible air bags attached around the frame extension; means for supplying air at first pressure to at least one of the plurality of air bags, the means for supplying also connected and supplying air at a second pressure, different from the first pressure, to at least another of the plurality of air bags; and a flexible simulated skin supported on the air bags.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The inflatable figure of claim 1 further comprising a body panel shell supported on the frame extension.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The inflatable figure of claim 1 further comprising a body panel shell supported on the fixed rigid frame.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
122 words
An animal prop comprising: a fixed rigid frame; at least one frame extension articulated to the frame; a plurality of flexible air bags substantially enclosing the fixed frame and the frame extension; a low friction material flexible liner generally surrounding each air bag; means for supplying air at a first pressure to at least some of the plurality of air bags, the means for supplying also connected and supplying air at a second pressure, different from the first pressure, to at least some of the plurality of air bags not supplied with air at the first pressure; means for attaching the air bags to the fixed frame and to the frame extension; and a flexible simulated animal skin overlying the air bags.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
122 words
An animal prop comprising: a fixed rigid frame; at least one frame extension articulated to the frame; a plurality of flexible air bags substantially enclosing the fixed frame and the frame extension; a low friction material flexible liner generally surrounding each air bag; means for supplying air at a first pressure to at least some of the plurality of air bags, the means for supplying also connected and supplying air at a second pressure, different from the first pressure, to at least some of the plurality of air bags not supplied with air at the first pressure; means for attaching the air bags to the fixed frame and to the frame extension; and a flexible simulated animal skin overlying the air bags.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
The prop of claim 4 wherein the simulated animal skin comprises synthetic fur.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
The prop of claim 4 wherein the means for attaching the air bags to each other comprises zippers.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
12 words
The prop of claim 4 wherein the air bags comprise rip-stop Nylon.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The prop of claim 4 further comprising a second frame extension articulated to the frame extension.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
The prop of claim 4 wherein the simulated animal skin comprises woven modified acrylic fibers.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-08-08 | 1998-02-07 | 1998-08-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-08-08 | 2002-02-07 | 2002-08-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-08-08 | 2006-02-07 | 2006-08-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |