INFLATABLE PAD

Abstract

An inflatable pad includes a cover member, at least one inflatable member, and at least one fastening member configured to releasably secure the inflatable pad to a stand or pole. The cover member includes an outer pad layer, an inner pad layer, and a cavity defined between the outer and inner pad layers where the at least one inflatable member is positioned.

Claims

1. An inflatable pad, comprising: a cover member, comprising: an outer pad layer; an inner pad layer; a cavity defined between the outer and inner pad layers; at least one inflatable member positioned in the cavity; at least one fastening member configured to releasably secure the inflatable pad to a stand or pole.

2. The inflatable pad of claim 1, wherein the at least one inflatable member has a circular cross-sectional shape.

3. The inflatable pad of claim 1, wherein the at least one inflatable member has a non-circular cross-sectional shape when deflated and a circular cross-sectional shape when inflated.

4. The inflatable pad of claim 1, wherein the cover member comprises a vinyl material.

5. The inflatable pad of claim 1, wherein the cover member has a rectangular outer perimeter shape when mounted to the stand or pole.

6. The inflatable pad of claim 1, wherein the cover member has a circular outer perimeter shape when mounted to the stand or pole.

7. The inflatable pad of claim 1, wherein the at least one inflatable member includes multiple rows of inflatable members positioned between the inner and outer layers.

8. The inflatable pad of claim 1, wherein the cover member has at least three sections, wherein each section is connected to an adjacent section with a living hinge.

9. The inflatable pad of claim 8, wherein the living hinge includes portions of at least one of the inner and outer pad layers.

10. The inflatable pad of claim 1, wherein the at least one fastening member comprises at least one of straps and hook and loop fasteners.

11. The inflatable pad of claim 1, wherein the at least one inflatable member includes a plurality of inflatable members, at least some of the plurality of inflatable members being separately inflatable and deflatable.

12. The inflatable pad of claim 1, wherein the at least one inflatable member includes a plurality of inflatable members connected in flow communication with each other.

13. The inflatable pad of claim 1, wherein the at least one inflatable member has a tubular shape and extends from a top end to a bottom end of the cover member when the inflatable pad oriented upright and is secured to the stand or pole.

14. A method of covering an outer surface of a stand or pole, comprising: providing an inflatable pad that includes a cover member, at least one inflatable member positioned internal the cover member, and at least one fastening member; wrapping the inflatable pad around at least a portion of the stand or pole; releasably connecting the inflatable pad to the stand or pole using the at least one fastening member; inflating the at least one inflatable member to change at least one of a size and a shape of the at least one inflatable member.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the at least one inflatable member comprises a plurality of inflatable members, the method comprising concurrently inflating all of the plurality of inflatable members.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the at least one inflatable member comprises a plurality of inflatable members, the method comprising concurrently separately inflating at least some of the plurality of inflatable members.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the at least one fastening member comprises at least one of a strap and hook and loop fasteners that provide releasable connection of the inflatable pad to the stand or pole.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein wrapping the inflatable pad includes wrapping the inflatable pad around less than an entire perimeter of the stand or pole, or wrapping the inflatable pad around an entire perimeter of the stand or pole.

19. The method of claim 14, further comprising at least partially deflating or further inflating the at least one inflatable member to adjust an amount of shack absorption provided by the inflatable pad.

20. An inflatable pad, comprising: an outer cover defining an internal cavity, the outer cover being adjustable between an open, planar arrangement when disconnected from a structure to be protected, and a mounted, non-planar arrangement when mounted to the structure to be protected, the outer cover comprising inner and outer cover layers that are spaced apart to define the cavity; at least one inflatable member positioned in the cavity and configured to be inflated and deflated to adjust a thickness of the inflatable pad, the at least one inflatable member extends from a top end to a bottom end of the outer cover; at least one fastening member configured to releasably secure the inflatable pad to the structure.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The accompanying drawings and figures illustrate a number of exemplary embodiments and are part of the specification. Together with the present description, these drawings demonstrate and explain various principles of this disclosure. A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention may be realized by reference to the following drawings. In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example inflatable pad mounted to a pole in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 2 is an end view of the inflatable pad shown in FIG. 1.

[0015] FIGS. 3A-3C show the inflatable pad of FIG. 1 in various inflated states with the inflatable pad opened and in a dismounted position.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another example inflatable pad in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0017] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate end views of another example inflatable pad in accordance with the present disclosure in various inflated states.

[0018] FIG. 6 is an end view of another example inflatable pad in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates another example inflatable pad in an alternative mounted position on a pole.

[0020] FIG. 8 is perspective view of another example inflatable pad mounted to a sports stand in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the inflatable pad shown in FIG. 8.

[0022] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another example inflatable pad in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 11 is an end view of the inflatable pad shown in FIG. 10.

[0024] FIGS. 12A and 12B are end views of the inflatable pad shown in FIG. 10 in various inflated states and in an opened, dismounted state.

[0025] FIG. 13 is an end view of another example inflatable pad in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 14 is an end view of another example inflatable pad in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a portion of another example inflatable pad in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0028] FIGS. 16A and 16B are end views of the inflatable pad shown in FIG. 15 in various inflated states and in an opened, dismounted state.

[0029] FIGS. 17A-17C are end view of another example inflatable pad in various inflated states.

[0030] FIGS. 18A and 18B are end views of another example inflatable pad in various inflated states.

[0031] FIG. 19 is an end view of another example inflatable pad having multiple sections, with each section having a separate inflatable member.

[0032] While the embodiments described herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, the exemplary embodiments described herein are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the instant disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The present disclosure generally relates to inflatable pads and inflatable padding systems for use with poles, stands, and other structural members, particularly structures used in sports environments. The inflatable pads disclosed herein may provide for improved portability, safety, and/or function for a multitude of pole and structural shapes and sizes. Inflatable padding structures may include a plurality of individual, variable-shaped air bladders (also referred to as inflatable members, or the like). The air bladders may have predetermined sizes and/or shapes for the inflated and deflated states of the air bladders. The air bladders may have adjustable inflation levels to adjust, for example, size, shock absorption capability, and fit for the inflatable pads when mounted to a particular pole or other structural member.

[0034] The inflatable pads disclosed herein may include a durable outer covering such as a vinyl cover. Other types of cover materials may be used including, for example, pliable fabric, plastic materials or natural materials such as leather. The inflatable padding structures may be secured to a pole or other structural member using, for example, hook and loop fasteners, zippers, ropes, webbing, buckles, tie-down structures, and the like.

[0035] The inflatable padding structures disclosed herein may have the advantage of a reduced size and/or shape for purposes of, for example, storage and shipping. The inflatable pads may take on a larger or expanded size and/or shape when put in use covering a pole or other structural member by inflating one or more of the inflatable bladders.

[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates an example inflatable pad 10 mounted to a sports structure in the form of a volleyball pole 18. The inflatable pad 10 wraps around the pole 18, and the inflatable pad 10 is secured to itself and/or directly to pole 18 to maintain the attached or mounted state shown in FIG. 1. The inflatable pad 10 may include a cover member 12, a plurality of inflatable members 14, and one or more fastening members 16. The inflatable members 14 are positioned within the cover member 12. Fastening members 16 provide a connection of the inflatable pad 10 to a structure such as the pole 18. Typically, the fastening members provide a releasable attachment of the inflatable pad 10 to a structure.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 2, the cover member 12 includes an outer layer 20, an inner layer 22 and a cavity 24 formed between the outer and inner layers 20, 22. FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate first and second side edges 26, 28 of the cover member 12. FIG. 1 illustrates top and bottom edges 30, 32 of the cover member 12. In at least some embodiments, the cavity 24 is accessible along the first and second side edges 26, 28 and/or along the top and bottom edges 30, 32. In other embodiments, the cover member 12 is closed or sealed along one or more of the first and second side edges 26, 28 and/or the top and bottom edges 30, 32 to enclose the cavity 24. In at least some embodiments, the cavity 24 is open and/or accessible along one or more of the edges 26, 28, 30, 32 in order to access the inflatable members 14 for the purpose of inflating and deflating the inflatable members 14. In other embodiments, one or more access points are provided through the outer or inner layers 20, 22 to gain access to an inflation/deflation port for the inflatable members 14.

[0038] When the inflatable pad 10 is mounted to a pole 18 or other structure, the first and second side edges 26, 28 may abut against each other as shown in FIG. 2 such that there is a continuous arrangement of inflatable members 14 within the cavity 24 and around a perimeter of the pole 18. The inflatable pad 10 may form a center opening 36 (see FIG. 2) within which the pole 18 is positioned when the inflatable pad 10 is in a mounted state or position as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The pole 18 may have a diameter D.sub.1 as shown in FIG. 4. The center opening 36 may also has a diameter D.sub.1 such that the inflatable pad 10 wraps completely around the pole 18.

[0039] The fastening member 16 may include a flap 50 that overlaps a portion of the outer layer 20 to secure the inflatable pad 10 to the pole 18. The flap 50 may include hook and/or loop fasteners 52B that connect with hook and/or loop fasteners 52A positioned on the outer surface of outer layer 20 as shown in FIG. 2.

[0040] FIG. 4 shows an alternative attachment arrangement in which the fastening members 16 include a plurality of straps 54 that wrap around an exterior of the cover member 12 and are releasably secured together (e.g., using hook and loop fasteners, buckles, or the like) to releasably secure the inflatable pad 10 to the pole 18. The fastening members 16 may have other configurations and functionality in other embodiments, most of which provide a releasable attachment of the inflatable pad 10 to pole 18 or other structure.

[0041] The inflatable members 14 may each have the same cross-sectional shape as shown in at least FIG. 2. The inflatable members 14 may extend from the top edge 30 to the bottom edge 32 of the cover member 12. The inflatable members 14 may be inflated and deflated through an inflation stem and/or valve 40. As discussed above, the inflation stem 40 may extend through the cover member 12 (e.g., through one of outer or inner layers 20, 22). Alternatively, the inflation stem 40 may be accessible at an openings into cavity 24 via, for example, along one of the first and second side edges 26, 28 and/or along one of the top and bottom edges 30, 32. In some embodiments, separate inflation and deflation valves are provided to inflate and deflate, respectively, one or more of the inflatable members. In some embodiments, the inflatable members 14 are only inflatable and not deflatable (e.g., via a one-way valve that is not reversible or replaceable).

[0042] The inflatable members 14 may be connected in flow communication with each other via a plurality of flow connections 42 (e.g., see FIG. 3A). The flow connections 42 may be positioned at any location along the length of the inflatable members 14. In embodiments in which all of the inflatable members 14 are in flow communication with each other via the flow connections 42, the inflation stem 40 may be positioned on any one of the inflatable members 14, or a plurality of the inflatable members 14.

[0043] In other embodiments, the inflatable members 14 are separately inflatable. For example, less than all of the inflatable members 14 may be connected in flow communication with each other (e.g., using one or more of the flow connections 42). In at least some arrangements, none of the inflatable members 14 are connected in flow communication with the other inflatable members. FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment in which a plurality of inflatable members 614a are connected in flow communication via flow connections 642, and a second plurality of inflatable members 614B are connected via separate flow connections 642b. By providing flow communication amongst inflatable members 14 of different sets of inflatable members in the inflatable pad, the user may provide customized changes in size, shape and/or shock absorption capability for various portions and/or sections of the inflatable pad. FIG. 13 shows the sets of inflatable members 614A, 614B arranged side by side within a cavity 624 of the cover member 612. The inflatable members are shown in a fully inflated state in FIG. 13 that provides a thickness T.sub.1 for the cover member 12. By deflating one or both of these sets of inflatable members 614A, 614B, the thickness T.sub.1 may be decreased a desired amount, and may provide a modified and/or customized shock absorption capability for the inflatable pad 610.

[0044] The inflatable members 14 shown in FIGS. 1-4 have a generally circular cross-sectional shape when in a fully inflated state (e.g., see FIG. 3A). FIG. 3B shows the inflatable members 14 in a partially deflated state and having a non-circular, generally oval cross-sectional shape. FIG. 3C shows the inflatable members 14 in a fully deflated state and having a further elongated oval cross-sectional shape. The thickness for the cover member 12 (e.g., a width of the cavity 24) may change from a thickness T.sub.1 in FIG. 3A when inflatable members are fully inflated, to a reduced thickness T.sub.2 in a partially deflated state as shown in FIG. 3B, and have a thickness T.sub.3 in a fully deflated state as shown in FIG. 3C.

[0045] FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate how the inflatable members 14 may change cross-sectional shape between various stages of inflation. In other embodiments, the inflatable members 14 may maintain the same cross-sectional shape in one or more of the inflated states, wherein the outer perimeter size (e.g., diameter) may vary for the inflatable members between various inflated states.

[0046] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate other cross-sectional shapes for inflatable members 214A, 214B and 214C. The inflatable members 214A, 214B and 214C may have different cross-sectional shapes when the inflated state shown in FIG. 5A as compared to the at least partially deflated state shown in FIG. 5B. For example, the generally unilateral triangular shape of inflation members 214A may change to an isosceles triangular shape in FIG. 2B. The square cross-sectional shape of the inflatable members 214B may change from the inflated state shown in FIG. 5A to a rectangular shape shown in FIG. 5B. The rectangular shape of the inflatable members 214C shown in FIG. 5A may change to a generally square cross-sectional shape when at least partially deflated as shown in FIG. 5B. The various cross-sectional shapes shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B are exemplary of the many cross-sectional shapes that may be possible for the inflatable members disclosed herein. Other example cross-sectional shapes may include, for example, hexagonal, trapezoidal, hemispherical, spherical, and the like.

[0047] The inflatable members 14 may have a generally cylindrical shape with a greater length than maximum cross-sectional shape, as shown in at least FIG. 1. In other embodiments, the inflatable members 14 may have a varying cross-sectional shape and/or size along its length rather than a constant cross-sectional shape and size along its length. In still further embodiments, the inflatable members include a plurality of interconnected bubble or hemispherical-shaped structures similar to bubble wrap rather than having cylindrical shaped inflatable members.

[0048] FIGS. 15-16B illustrate an example inflatable pad 810 that includes a plurality of interconnected bulbous-shaped inflatable members 814. FIG. 15 shows the inflatable pad 810 without the inner layer 822 of the cover 812 in order to better illustrate the inflatable members 814. The inflatable members 814 are interconnected with flow connections 842. Although the inflatable members 814 are shown spaced apart, other arrangements may provide for the inflatable members to be positioned adjacent to and/or in contact with each other. The inflatable pad 810 may provide a thickness T.sub.1 when the inflatable members 814 are fully inflated as shown in FIG. 16A. FIG. 16B shows the inflatable members 814 at least partially deflated so as to provide a thickness T.sub.2. One or more inflation stems 840 may provide inflation and deflation of the inflatable members 814 within the cavity 824. While the fully inflated inflatable members 814 have a generally hemispherical shape as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16A, other shapes are possible including the generally flattened shape shown in FIG. 16B, or outer perimeter shapes that are non-circular. For example, the flattened shape shown in FIG. 16B may be the fully inflated state for the inflatable members.

[0049] Referring now to FIG. 6, another example inflatable pad 310 is shown including a plurality of inflatable members 14 positioned within separate cavities 324. The cavities 324 are defined by connection points between the outer and inner layers 320, 322 at locations between the inflatable members 314. Each of the inflatable members 314 may have a separate inflation stem 340 to provide inflation and deflation of the inflatable members 14. In other embodiments, the inflatable members 14 are interconnected with flow connections, or at least some of the inflatable members 14 are interconnected with flow connections. The connection points between the outer and inner layers 320, 322 may be referred to as hinge points, living hinges, or connection points 334. The hinge points 334 may provide a plurality of locations where the inflatable pad 310 may bend to create, for example, a corner, curve or other deformation that may assist in adapting the shape of the inflatable pad 310 to a particular shape for a given structure to which the inflatable pad 310 is mounted. For example, the inflatable pad 310 with multiple hinge points 334 may more easily wrap around a plurality of 90 corners on a structure, or may more easily bend to wrap around an oval or circular-shaped structure such as pole 18.

[0050] The size and shape of the cavities 324 may vary depending on the inflated state of the inflatable members 14. In at least some arrangements, the size and shape of the cavities 324 may substantially match the outer perimeter size and shape of the inflatable members 14 (e.g., when the inflatable members 14 are in a fully inflated state). In other embodiments, the cavities 324 may maintain a generally constant cross-sectional area, but may change cross-sectional shape as the inflatable members 14 are inflated and deflated. Alternatively, the cavities 324 may maintain a generally constant cross-sectional shape that may change cross-sectional area as the inflatable members 14 are inflated and deflated.

[0051] As mentioned above, the inflatable pads disclosed herein may be adaptable to structures of different sizes and/or shapes. FIG. 7 illustrates another arrangement for the inflatable pad 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3C. The inflatable pad 10 is shown wrapped around a pole 18A having a smaller diameter D.sub.2 than the pole 18 shown in at least FIGS. 1 and 4. Because of the smaller diameter D.sub.2, the second side edge 28 extends over or wraps around and beyond the first side edge 26 so that there is at least some overlap of the inflatable pad 10 upon itself around the circumference of the pole 18A. The flap 50 may be used to secure the inflatable pad to the pole 18A using a releasable connection such as, for example, the hook and loop fasteners 52A, 52B. In other arrangements, straps 54 (e.g., see FIG. 4) may be used in place of or in addition to the flap 50 to releasably secure the inflatable pad 10 to a structure (e.g., pole 18A). Due to the overlap of the inflatable pad 10 upon itself as shown in FIG. 7, at least some of the inflatable members 14 may have different inflated cross-sectional sizes and/or shapes. In at least some embodiments, the inflatable pad 10 may be at least partially wrapped around and then secured to a structure (e.g., pole 18A) and then the inflatable members are inflated or further inflated to provide a desired amount of padding, shock absorption, size or shape for the inflatable pad 10. In still further embodiments, the amount of air within each of the inflatable members 14 may self-adjust depending on the amount of force being applied to specific ones of the inflatable members. For example, the inflatable members 14 that are overlapping each other in FIG. 7 may have a reduced amount of air and thereby have a reduced cross-sectional area/size while the remaining inflatable members may have a generally constant cross-section of size and shape due to self-regulation of pressure and/or volume of air within the inflatable members 14.

[0052] Referring now to FIGS. 8-9, another example inflatable pad 410 is shown and described in use with a stand 19. The stand 19 has a frame 15 and steps 17. The inflatable pad 410 is configured to wrap around a portion of the frame 15 while still providing open access to the steps 17.

[0053] The inflatable pad 410 includes outer and inner layers 420, 422 and a cavity 424 as shown in at least FIG. 9. The cover 412 may include a plurality of sections 438A-438C that separately extend along a primary surface of the stand 19. A plurality of inflatable members 414 are positioned within the cavity 424. The inflatable members 414 may extend from a top end 430 to a bottom end 432. The inflatable pad 410 has side edges 426, 428 that are arranged at an angle .sub.1 relative to a vertical direction. The angle .sub.1 may be in the range of, for example, about 5 to about 60, and more particularly in the range of about 15 to about 30. The angled side edges 426, 428 may extend along an entire height of the inflatable pad 410. Alternatively, the angled orientation for the side edges 426, 428 may extend along only a portion of the length of the side edges 426, 428 between the top and bottom edges 430, 432. The angled side edges 426, 428 may match the shape and/or size of the stand 19 or other structure to which the inflatable pad 410 is mounted.

[0054] FIGS. 10-12B illustrate another example cover 512, which may have some features that are similar to cover 412 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The cover 512 may include a plurality of sections 538A-538C that separately extend along a primary surface of the stand 19. A plurality of inflatable members 514 are positioned within the cavity 524. The inflatable members 514 may change from one cross-sectional shape in a fully inflated state (see FIGS. 11 and 12A) to another cross-sectional shape when in an at least partially deflated state as shown in FIG. 12B. In other embodiments, such as the deflatable pad 610 shown in FIG. 13, the inflatable members may have a generally circular cross-sectional shape when in a fully inflated state.

[0055] The inflatable members 514 may be inflatable and deflatable using one or more inflation stems 540 and associated valves. The inflatable members 514 may be interconnected with flow connections, such as the flow connections 42 described above. The flow connections may provide concurrent inflation and deflation of some or all of the inflatable members 514.

[0056] The inflatable pads 410, 510 may be configured to extend around and/or cover only portions of the stand 19. For example, the inflatable pads 410, 510 may extend from a bottom end of the stand 19 (e.g., the end position resting upon a support surface) to a platform portion 11 of the frame 15. This arrangement provides for exposure of a handrail 13 of the frame 15 for access by a user. Typically, the handrail 13 is out of reach or generally removed from where people standing on the support surface would require padding during normal activities around the stand 19. However, in other examples the inflatable pads 410, 510 may extend vertically from the support surface to cover at least portions of the handrail that extend vertically above the platform portion 11. A plurality of straps 54 may be used to secure the inflatable pads 410, 510 at any desired location on the stand 19 to provide adequate connection there between. Although the straps 54 are shown positioned only along the first and second side edges 426, 428 and 526, 528, and only two sets of straps 54 are shown on each of the first and second side edges 426, 428 and 526, 528, many other arrangements are possible for the straps 54 as well as various numbers of straps for a given inflatable pad.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 13, another example inflatable pad 610 includes hinge points 634 between the sections 638A-638C. Each of the sections 638A-638C includes a portion of the cover member 612 with outer and inner layers 620, 622 and cavity 624. A separate inflation stem 640 may be provided for each set of inflatable members 614 positioned within each section 638A-638C. The inflatable members 614 may be in flow communication via flow connections 642. Alternatively, each of the inflatable members 614 may be separately inflatable.

[0058] The location of the hinge points 634 may align with corners of the stand 19 so as to provide improved fit of the inflatable pad 610 to the stand 19. The hinge points 634 may provide relative positioning of the sections 638A-638C about an angle .sub.2 in the range of about 10 to about 150 such that the inflatable pad 610 is reversibly positioned on stand with either the outer layer 620 or inner layer 622 of the cover member 612 facing outward. In other embodiments, more or fewer hinge points 634 may be provided on the inflatable pad to provide customized fits for stands 19 of various sizes and shapes. In still further embodiments, hinge points may be provided along the height of the inflatable pad between top and bottom edges 630, 632 (e.g., hinge points that extend horizontally when the inflatable pad 610 is mounted in an upright position to the stand 19).

[0059] The first and second side edges 626, 628 may be arranged substantially vertically and aligned with a vertical plane and/or line as shown in at least FIG. 10. In some arrangements, it may be possible to modify the orientation of the first and/or second side edge 626, 628 to match the shape of the stand 19 as shown in FIG. 8.

[0060] The inflatable pads 410, 510, 610 are configured for wrapping around three sides of stand 19. Many other configurations and designs are possible for the inflatable pads disclosed herein in order to wrap around and/or cover more or fewer sides of a stand or other structure. For example, an inflatable pad such as the pad 510 may wrap around four sides of a stand structure, two sides of a stand structure, or even a single side or portions of a side of a stand structure or other support. The stand 19 shown in FIG. 8 has a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape when viewed from above. Other stands may include a triangular, hexagonal, rectangular, or even circular stand shape. The inflatable pads disclosed herein may be adapted for use on any sized or shaped structure. The use of hinge points (e.g., hinge points 334, 634) may provide increased adaptability and customization of a given inflatable pad for various sized or shaped structures.

[0061] The inflatable pad 710 described with reference to FIG. 14 may provide increased customization of the thickness T.sub.1 of the inflatable pad 710, the shock absorption capabilities, the collapsibility properties (e.g., maximum change in thickness possible) and other properties for the inflatable pad. In other embodiments, more than two sets of inflatable members 714A, 714B may be used with a single inflatable pad. The different groups or sections of inflatable members may be arranged side-by-side across a width dimension as shown in FIG. 14, or may be positioned side-by-side in a length dimension or height dimension of the inflatable pad.

[0062] FIGS. 17A-17C show end views of another example inflatable pad 910 in various inflated states. The inflatable pad 910 shown in FIG. 17A is mounted to a pole 18 have a diameter D.sub.1. An inflatable member 914 positioned in the cover member 12 has a single chamber construction and may be inflated/deflated using an inflation stems 40. The inflatable member 914 may have a pre-formed shape. This pre-formed shape may be maintained at a plurality of inflated states. For example, FIG. 17A shows the inflatable member 914 having a first inflated state and an associated shape that wraps around the pole 18. FIG. 17B shows the inflatable member 914 in a second inflated state and having the same shape general shape as FIG. 17A, but in a reduced size (e.g., to wrap around a pole 18 having a smaller diameter D.sub.2). The inflatable member 914 may comprise elastic materials that facilitate expansion and contraction in the size of the inflatable member 914 between different inflated states while maintaining a similar shape. The cover member 12 may also comprise elastic materials that expand and contact in size as the inflatable member 914 expands and contracts in size. The shape of the cover member 12 may also maintain a relatively constant shape as the inflatable member 914 expands and contracts as shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B.

[0063] In another embodiment, the inflatable member 914 and/or cover member 12 may comprise inelastic materials, as illustrated in FIG. 17C. The material of the inflatable member 914 and/or cover member 12 may fold, bend or distort in shape when at least partially deflated from the inflated state shown in FIG. 17A. The inflatable pad 910 shown in FIG. 17C may be adaptable to different sized poles 18 or other structures to which the inflatable pad 910 may be mounted.

[0064] The inflatable pad 910 may maintain the generally circular cross-sectional shape shown in FIGS. 17A-17C in a plurality of inflated states. Alternatively, the inflatable pad 910 may take on different shapes at various inflated states, such as the generally liner cross-sectional shape of the inflatable pad 1010 shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B.

[0065] The inflatable pad 1010 may have at least some features that are similar to the inflatable pads 410, 510, 610 described above. The inflatable pad 1010 may have a single inflatable member 1014 and/or an inflatable member 1014 that has as single inflation chamber. The inflatable member 1014 may be expandable between at least thicknesses T.sub.1, T.sub.2 as shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B.

[0066] FIG. 19 shows another inflatable pad 1110 having a plurality of sections 1138A-1138C that are separated by hinge or connection points 1134. Each section 1138A-1138C may include a single inflatable member 1114A-1114C, respectively. A separate inflation stem 1140 may be provided for each of the inflatable members 1114A-1114C. Other embodiments may include more or fewer than three sections 1138A-1138C, two connection points 1134, and three inflatable members 1114A-1114C. The inflatable pads 1010, 1110 may be adapted to have pairs of inflatable members 1114 positioned side-by-side like the sets of inflatable members 714A, 714B shown in FIG. 14.

[0067] The use of inflatable/deflatable members as part of a protected pad may have advantages related to compactness for storage and shipping when the inflatable members are completely deflated, while still providing the desired amount of cushioning, shock absorption, fit adaptability, etc. during use (e.g., when mounted to a structure such as a volleyball referee stand, volleyball pole, basketball standard support pole, soccer goal post, hockey goal post, baseball dugout barriers, football goal posts, practice equipment for a variety of sports, and the like). The inflated size and/or shape of the inflatable pad may be significantly greater than the deflated size and/or shape (e.g., about 10% to about 100% greater in thickness when inflated). In one example, the inflatable pad when in a deflated state may be generally planar with a minimum thickness. However, when the deflatable pad is inflated, it may take on a different shape such as a curved or domed shape, a cylindrical shape, or the like. By inflating the inflatable members of the inflatable pad, the inflatable pad may be adapted to provide an improved fit for the particular structure to which it is mounted.

[0068] The materials used for the various components of the inflatable pad may vary depending on, for example, environmental conditions, uses, durability properties, expandability, flexibility, elasticity, and other desired and/or necessary properties. In one example, the cover members described herein may comprise a vinyl material. However, other types of material may be used such as, for example, pliable fabric, plastic or other synthetic materials, or natural materials such as leather. The inflatable members may comprise a flexible material, and may also include a material that provides elasticity. Some example materials for the inflatable members include, for example, rubber, polyethylene, nylon, polyester, urethane coated fabrics, and the like.

[0069] In addition to the hook and loop type fasteners described herein for the flap, straps, and other fastening members, a zipper, rope, webbing ties, shock cord, buckles, and other types of fastening members may be used individually or in combination.

[0070] Generally, the inflatable pads disclosed herein provide advantages related to portability, safety, and function for a multitude of applications. The inflatable pads disclosed herein may include a plurality of components. The components may be secured together to provide a single assembly that is movable together in unison. At least some of the features may be formed on or permanently connected to each other. For example, the inflatable members may be bonded to, connected to, or even formed on one or more of the layers of the cover member. The fastening members (e.g., flap 50) may be integrally formed with the cover member 12 (such as being an extension of one of the outer and inner layers 20, 22. The inflatable members may be integrally formed as a single piece. In at least one example, a webbing may interconnect a plurality of inflatable members. The webbing may provide flow communication between the inflatable members.

[0071] The detailed description set forth above in connection with the appended drawings describes examples and does not represent the only instances that may be implemented or that are within the scope of the claims. The terms example and exemplary, when used in this description, mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration, and not preferred or advantageous over other examples. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of the described techniques. These techniques, however, may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, known structures and apparatuses are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described examples.

[0072] As used herein, including in the claims, the term and/or, when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itself, or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be employed. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and/or C, the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination. Also, as used herein, including in the claims, or as used in a list of items (for example, a list of items prefaced by a phrase such as at least one of or one or more of) indicates a disjunctive list such that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C).

[0073] In addition, any disclosure of components contained within other components or separate from other components should be considered exemplary because multiple other architectures may potentially be implemented to achieve the same functionality, including incorporating all, most, and/or some elements as part of one or more unitary structures and/or separate structures.

[0074] The previous description of the disclosure is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not to be limited to the examples and designs described herein but is to be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed.

[0075] The process parameters, actions, and steps described and/or illustrated in this disclosure are given by way of example only and can be varied as desired. For example, while the steps illustrated and/or described may be shown or discussed in a particular order, these steps do not necessarily need to be performed in the order illustrated or discussed. The various exemplary methods described and/or illustrated here may also omit one or more of the steps described or illustrated here or include additional steps in addition to those disclosed.

[0076] This description, for purposes of explanation, has been described with reference to specific embodiments. The illustrative discussions above, however, are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the present systems and methods to the precise forms discussed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the present systems and methods and their practical applications, to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the present systems, apparatus, and methods and various embodiments with various modifications as may be suited to the particular use contemplated.