INTERNALLY LIGHTED INFLATABLE FIGURES

摘要

Inflatable figures and other decorative articles (10) are disclosed that are made primarily of a foldable, translucent, polymeric material and are provided with a detachable lighting assembly (14) that illuminates the interior of the figure or article (10) with a multiple point light source (14). Each figure has an inflatable, airtight vinyl body (12) provided with a plurality of substantially transparent, airtight light wells (20) extending into the body cavity (32). Each light well is configured to receive and support a decorative bulb and socket assembly (44) connectable to an external electrical power supply. The lighting assembly includes a plurality of decorative bulb and socket assemblies linked together in a decorative light string having the same number of bulbs (53) as the number of light wells in the article. The spacing between the decorative bulb and socket assemblies is such that a decorative bulb and socket assembly is cooperatively alignable with each light well. Each bulb and socket assembly is releasably attachable to a retainer ring (54) disposed inside each light well. Each light well is vented to control heat buildup.