subject: The name given to such inflatable structures varies [print this page] The name given to such inflatable structures varies
Inflatable structures are structures made of a flexible outer membrane or fabric that is filled with gas, such as air or helium. The gas gives shape and strength to the structure.Uses include roofs and covers, mock castles and games, sails, airships, furniture, aerospace structures, boats, escape slides, security mattresses, swimming pools, coverings, buildings and pavilions, and air bags.
The name given to such structures varies. They have been marketed with such names as Bounce house, Moon Bounce, Astrojump, Moonwalk, Jolly jump and Spacewalk. It should also be noted that the term 'Jolly Jumps' is often used to describe the inflatable bouncer in rural areas and notably some areas in the Western US. Historically, names for inflatable structures, particularly in the United States, are composed of two, one syllable words. Thus, the popularity of terms such as Bounce house, Moon bounce, Astrojump, and Moonwalk can be seen. Typically names that are composed of two syllable words are obsolete and often shunned in certain communities such as the terms Jolly Jump, or Bouncy House. However, terms such as Bouncy castle or inflatable castle are used in Ireland, the UK, New Zealand and parts of Australia, and as jumping castles in Arizona, Australia, Canada and South Africa which deviate from the naming convention in the United States. The term moonwalk has become a generic term for enclosed inflatable trampolines in the US.
Inflatable structures are rented for functions, school and church festivals and village fetes. Although they are aimed at children, adult castles can be hired in the UK. Because of liability concerns, moonwalks are rarely rented to adults in the US.The growth in popularity of moonwalks has led to an inflatable rental industry which includes inflatable water slides , obstacle courses, games, and more. Inflatables are ideal for portable amusements because they are easy to transport and store.
In 2005 the most severe standards in the construction of an inflatable amusement were adopted nationally in Australia, forming Federal Standard AS3533.4. This was a landmark safety standard bringing the toughest design/construction/operation standards to the inflatable slide manufacturer of Australia. In 2006 the European Union (EU) followed and introduced similar Federal standards throughout Europe called EN14960:2006
In the US, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, require inflatables to pass engineering and safety standards before allowing the equipment to be rented out.
