BOULDER BLIMP Inflatable Costume User manual

Inflatable Costume
INSTRUCTIONS
CARE AND
WARRANTY
BOULDER BLIMP COMPANY
505 Stacy Court
Suite A
Lafayette, CO 80026-2799
Phone: (303) 664-1122 Custom Inflatable Costume
Fax: (303) 664-1133 Revised: July 2003

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IMPORTANT!
MILDEW WARNING
Dear Inflatable Costume Owner,
Please make a note of this important maintenance tip concerning your inflatable costume
from Boulder Blimp Company.
DO NOT PACK UP YOUR INFLATABLE
COSTUME WET OR DAMP!
This has been a common error of many owners in the past. Three problems can occur:
1. In a new inflatable, before the colors have had a chance to settle and lock into
the fabric, packing up the inflatable wet could cause the colors to run onto
other fabric. This seldom occurs, but it can happen.
2. Mildew will certainly grow on the fabric when it is packed up wet and left for
any period of time. Once mildew has gotten on a fabric, almost nothing can
be done about it.
3. Moisture can damage the coating of the fabric over the long run.
Bleeding or mildew is not covered under warranty because fabric may bleed or mildew if
it is stored, folded or packed up when wet. This includes leaving the inflatable deflated
when wet. We buy the best fabric available, yet many fabrics will bleed when stored or
left wet. Since this is beyond our control, it is not covered under warranty.
The best way to dry an inflatable costume thoroughly is to totally inflate it for a long time
on a dry day. You may also need to temporarily stretch the inflatable out somewhere —
a garage, basement or wherever — this is still much better than packing it up wet.
Remember, damage from improper care or
mildew is not covered in the warranty.

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WARRANTY
Boulder Blimp Company inflatables are warranted for two years from date of
purchase against defects in materials and workmanship.
Replacement or repair, at the option of Boulder Blimp Company, will be performed by
Boulder Blimp Company in a reasonable amount of time at no charge, except shipping
costs, to the original owner. Warranty includes labor and parts.
Boulder Blimp Company must be notified immediately of anything that may be covered
under warranty. Failure to do so may void this warranty. Once reported, it is our policy
to correct any problem covered under warranty as soon as possible.
Items covered under warranty include: failure of fabric, webbing, stitching, and graphics.
This warranty does not cover color fading, bleeding or fabric wear associated with
normal use. This warranty is non-transferable; it extends only to the original owner.
Warranties provided by sub-assembly manufacturers, such as blower, lighting and
electrical systems, ropes etc. will be passed through to our customers and are subject to
the original manufacturers terms and limitations. Customer must contact these
manufacturers for warranty issues. Boulder Blimp does not warranty systems or sub-
systems built by other manufacturers.
All other causes of damage including, but not limited to, damage due to extreme weather,
abuse, mildew damage or stains, improper care, vandalism, theft, misuse or unusual use
(not following recommendations as set forth in the “General Use and Care Instructions”
section of this booklet) are not covered under this warranty.
Warranty does not cover banners and does not cover any item attached to the inflatable
by anyone other than Boulder Blimp Company.
Any alterations made to the electrical system, blower, inflatable, or lighting system
without authorized consent, will void this warranty.
Warranty does not cover shipping costs for repair or replacement. Warranty does not
include or cover loss of revenue, or any other consequential losses or damages, due to
failure of inflatable or parts of inflatable.
IMPORTANT: Please follow all recommendations as set forth in the “General Use and
Care Instructions”: Failure to adhere to instructions and warnings provided with this
product will invalidate this warranty.

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SAFETY TIPS
•Remember that inflatable costumes are tall! Be very attentive of
obstacles such as doorways, tree branches, light fixtures, or any
overhead protrusions.
•An assistant should accompany the inflatable costume at all times to
assist the wearer with moving through low clearance spaces,
ascending or descending stairs, crowd control, and general
supervision.
•DO NOT place fingers or foreign objects into the blower motor
openings, as this can result in serious personal injury and equipment
damage.
•DO NOT smoke cigarettes or cigars, or come into contact with open
flames or any hot surfaces.
•AVOID using the inflatable costume during times of inclement
weather such as strong winds, electrical storms, rainstorms, or
snowstorms.
•AVOID escalators, stairs, stadium bleachers, and any steep inclines.
•AVOID swimming pools and other open bodies of water.
•Exhaust fumes can be sucked into the costume through the blower air
intake so use caution when in parades or around any areas with heavy
vehicle traffic.
•Hot weather and/or prolonged physical activity (such as marching in
parades) can over-exert the costume wearer. Remember to drink
plenty of fluids and rotate wearers more often in hot temperatures.

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The rule is SAFETY FIRST!
Use common sense and good judgment.
GENERAL USE & CARE INSTRUCTIONS
INFLATABLE COSTUME
Congratulations! You now own the best-built inflatable costume available. By following
these instructions you will learn to quickly and safely get into your custom shape
inflatable costume. You will also learn how to keep it clean and in good working order
so that it will provide you with years of service.
We recommend that you do practice inflation before you arrive at your first real event to
ensure smooth operation.
Please read all instructions carefully before use. If there are any
questions, call Boulder Blimp Company at (303) 664-1122 for additional
service.
Choosing the costume wearer
A costume is a highly visible representative of your company. So you will want the
wearer to be polite, responsible, and someone who loves to have fun! Select an outgoing
“people-person” to perform in your costume. Almost any size person can wear an
inflatable costume, energetic performances in the costume usually requires the wearer to
have some level of physical fitness.
Choosing the costume assistant
Inflatable costumes are certain to draw a crowd!! For this reason, you should always have
an escort accompany your costume. The escort can provide valuable assistance in group
supervision, and crowd control, and can prevent problems created by the occasional
unruly person or child. The escort should be authoritative and maintain a safe
environment for both the crowd and the costume wearer. The assistant can help the
wearer get in and out of the costume and be a rotational wearer themselves. The assistant
also represents your company and should be responsible, polite, and friendly.
Costume material
The costume is constructed of 7.5 oz vinyl coated nylon fabric, and is very durable. It can
be cleaned with an all-purpose cleaner like 409 or soap and water. Always test a small

6
area of fabric on the inside of the inflatable to make sure it won’t discolor the fabric or
remove the painted artwork.
Putting on your inflatable costume
1. Chose a clear, clean area about 10’ x 10’ so you have ample room to maneuver. It
is helpful to have a chair. It is imperative that you have an assistant help you get
in the costume. It is handy to have a tarp or large towel to lie on the ground so
your costume will not get dirty.
2. First put on the waist belt with the blower on it and adjust the belt so it fit your
waist snug but comfortable. Take the belt off and set aside for the next few steps.
3. Slip a charged battery into the battery holster and velcro the top flap so it is secure
in the holster.
4. Slide the battery holster onto the left side of the waist belt.
5. Lay the costume out on the floor in front of you with the front of the costume
towards the floor. Open the zipper; the zipper will be in the back or on one of the
sides. Spread the costume open at the zipper and locate the shorts inside the
costume.
6. This step is easiest if you can sit down on a chair behind the costume on the floor.
Step into the shorts, and if your costume comes with inflatable legs and shoes put
your legs through the elastic leg bands too. Stand up and pull the shorts up to your
waist and cinch the belt on the shorts tight at your waist.

7
Torso
Cinch the waistband
tight at your waist
Costume
Shorts
7. The assistant can help you put the belt with the blower and the battery on it
around your waist over the shorts waistband and buckle it closed. If you have not
already adjusted the belt to fit your waist do so now. Position the shoulder strap
for the battery over your right shoulder and adjust the webbing strap so it is
comfortable and the weight of the battery is distributed between your shoulder
and your waist.

8
Shorts
Blower
on right
side.
Battery on
left side.
Adjustable shoulder
strap for battery
holster.
Pigtails to
attach to battery.
8. Insert the end of the blower intake air tube into the velcro holder in the bottom of
the costume. You may have to extend the tube in order to reach it to the velcro
connection.
Velcro on inside.
Velcro on outside
of tubeto connect
to costume opening.
Blower unit
9. Slide the battery “pig-tail” connectors from the blower onto the battery terminals,
black wire to black terminal and white wire to red terminal.
10. Flip the power switch on the blower to “On” so the blower is pumping air.
11. With your assistant’s help pull the costume over your head and zip it closed. You
will have to support the costume with your arms until it is nearly full of air. The
assistant should make sure the air intake for the blower, a small vented area on the

9
bottom of the costume, does not get obstructed with the loose fabric until the
costume is nearly inflated.
12. Put your hands out of the armholes, if your costume has open hands, otherwise
your costume may have inflatable hands and the wearer is free to do anything they
want with their hands inside the costume. Since the costume is basically a large
bubble of air around you and it cannot be balanced to fit a variety of body shapes
and sizes it may need to be balanced inside by the wearers hands or arms. Moving
around in the costume at first will feel awkward but after a little practice you will
get more accustomed to it.
13. The assistant should check the outside of the costume so that it is clean and you
are ready to perform.
Taking off your inflatable costume
1. Have your assistant help you unzip the costume and lower it over your head. Turn
the blower off and disconnect the “pigtails” from the battery.
2. Disconnect the blower intake tube from the velcro attachment at the bottom of the
costume.
3. Have the assistant help to support the belt as you unclip it at your waist. Set the
belt with the battery and blower aside for the moment. Be very careful with the
battery and blower and do not drop them.
4. Open the clasp on the shorts belt and loosen the shorts.
5. If a chair is available use it, otherwise sit down on the floor before you try pulling
your legs out of the costume.
6. Roll your costume up and store it in the carrying bag it came in, and pack away
your battery and blower in the carrying case it came in. The costume, in its bag,
should also fit in your carrying case to add more protective cushioning for the
batteries and the blower. If your costume is too big it will just have to accompany
the carry case.
Charging the batteries
1. Plug the battery charger into a proper 110-volt wall outlet before connecting it to
the battery. Check that the red switch on the back of the charger unit is on 115
(the 230 volt setting is for International voltage).

10
2. The indicator light on the front of the charger should always be green when the
unit is powered but not connected to a battery. Make sure the charger unit is
functioning properly before proceeding.
3. Connect the black wire clamp from the charger onto the black terminal on the
battery, and then connect the red wire clamp onto the red battery terminal.
4. If the battery is fully charged the indicator light will remain green. If the battery is
not fully charged the light will change to yellow. When the indicator light is
yellow a “fast-charge” will charge the battery to 90%. Once the battery charge has
reached 90% the indicator light will change to green. After the light changes to
green the battery should be left to charge for another three hours to ensure full
power.
5. Disconnect the power supply to the charger before disconnecting the batteries
from the charger.
6. Always use the charger on a hard surface with ample air circulation. When in use,
the charger will generate heat.
7. Keep all electrical equipment and cables away from water and flammable
materials.
8. NEVER DROP CHARGER UNIT or BATTERIES. Dropping the equipment
can cause serious internal damage. If the batteries or charger are dropped please
contact Boulder Blimp for replacements.
Batteries
•Boulder Blimp Company delivers all batteries fully charged. The batteries
are 12 volt sealed gel-cells and certified safe to check on airlines.
•Fully charged batteries provide power for up to 2 1/2 hours. Unlike other
types of batteries, these batteries will be damaged if they are fully depleted
of power. DO NOT use batteries for more than 2 1/2 hours without
recharging. It is important to always hook all device cables according to
the color codes, black-to-black and red or white to red.
•Do not expose the batteries to extreme heat (such as being left in a car
trunk on hot days, or stored next to a heater in a basement), as this will
shorten the life of your battery.
•Be careful not to bend the battery terminals during use, or during packing.
•Return any non-working batteries to Boulder Blimp for proper disposal.
Charger
•The charger is a 12-volt lead-acid sealed charging unit.
•INDOOR USE ONLY - Do not expose to rain.
•Disconnect the supply before making or breaking the connections to the battery.
•WARNING: Explosive gases- Prevent flames and sparks
•Provide adequate ventilation during charging.
Troubleshooting
The blower won’t turn on:

11
1. Check that the “pigtail” wires from the blower are securely connected to the
battery terminals. Also, make sure the plastic ends on the “pigtails” are solidly
attached to the black and white wires.
2. Try the other battery, because the one you are using may need to be charged.
The costume does not fill quickly, or has low pressure:
1. Have the assistant check on the outside of the costume that the area around the
blower intake vent is not covered by any folded over material.
2. Make sure the zipper is completely closed.
3. Check the blower tube connection to the velcro flaps at the air intake vent in the
bottom of the costume.
4. Make sure the shorts of the costume are cinched closed at the waist so no air is
lost in this area.
5. Have the assistant hold the costume up while the wearer puts their arms out
through the armholes to keep the air from escaping the costume.
6. It can take 30-45 seconds for a costume to fill up, depending on the air volume the
costume requires.
If a red light appears on the charger:
1. When the charger is plugged in and not connected to a battery, it should always
display a green indication light.
2. If the indicator light is red when the charger is not hooked to any batteries, there
is a problem with the charger unit.
3. If a battery is connected to the charger and the indication light is red there is a
problem with the battery and it should not be used.
Repairs
Use the repair fabric supplied for small holes. Apply small patches on the inside of the
costume, using vinyl cement that can be purchased at any local hardware store. We
recommend a local sewing repair service for repair of larger rips or tears. This will save
shipping costs and can be done by any business that uses industrial sewing machines
(upholsterer, hot air balloon repair, awning maker, etc.). Repairs can also be done at
Boulder Blimp Company.
Boulder Blimp Costume Accessories Price List

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!Carrying bag - small (for 8’-10’ inflatables)...................................................$60.00
!Instructions......................................................................................................$FREE
!Carrying case for blower & batteries ..............................................................$45.00
!Shipping container – extra small (MTL) ........................................................$190.00
!Shipping container – small (MTA) .................................................................$200.00
!Tarp – 8’ x 10’ ................................................................................................$ 8.00
!Costume Blower..............................................................................................$175.00
!Replacement battery........................................................................................$100.00
!Charger unit ....................................................................................................$125.00
!Belt for blower and battery .............................................................................$25.00
!Battery holster.................................................................................................$25.00
!Velcro – 1” white or black (per ft)..................................................................$ 1.50
!Velcro – 2” white or black (per ft)..................................................................$ 3.00
!Webbing – 1” white or black (per ft) ..............................................................$ 1.25
!Webbing – 2” white or black (per ft) ..............................................................$ 2.50
Please fax this sheet with items check-marked that you are interested in purchasing, to
Boulder Blimp at (303) 664-1133.
Name:__________________________________________________________________
Company Name: _________________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Phone: _________________________________________________________________
Fax: ___________________________________________________________________
Boulder Blimp Company
505 Stacy Court
Suite A
Lafayette, CO 80026
(303) 664-1122
(303) 664-1133 fax
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