History of a Bounce House

Believe it or not the common Bounce House has been around for a really long time; since 1959 to be exact. It has only been in the past 2 decades that the cost to rent them has come down to where the average American Family can afford to rent them for their Birthday Party, Family Reunion, BBQ, Company Picnic’s, School; Carnival or Church event. Bounce Houses are a great way to entertain a large amount of children at a time, in a safe confined area. Bounce Houses provide endless hours of Fun.

In 1959 John Scurlock in Shreveport, Louisiana, a NASA engineer was attempting to solve a different problem. In the 50’s tennis courts were made of clay. This was problematic when it would rain. John had the task at trying to create a cover that was easily stored and could be pulled out and deployed quickly at the first hint of rain to protect the tennis courts. Upon completion of one of the prototype some of his workers were having a lot of fun jumping on the inflatable air mattress, and so the concept was born. John would later become the industry leader in anything inflatable. Most notably he invented the safety air cushion still used today for Fire and Rescue to catch people jumping from buildings or heights.

The first space walk manufactured them in New Orleans. In 1966 his wife , Frances opened the first Inflatable Rental Company and by 1976 they were building custom units for other rental companies. In 1967 a pressurised inflatable top was added, it required two fans and got hot in the summer like a greenhouse. That version was called "Space Walk" and was adopted as the company name.

The original inflatable’s were completely different then the “Bounce House” we have grown to love today. The first inflatable was an open top mattress with no sides, called a "Space Pillow". The original Space Walk / Space Pillow was just an air pillow with not safety features built in. It is a wonder that whole generation survived … they rode bikes with helmets, didn’t have GPS trackers or cell phones to receive text message on, they didn’t even have car seats for children mandatory in cars yet… ok back to Bounce Houses…lol

In 1974, to solve the heat problem, a new product line called "Jupiter Jump" was created that has inflated columns that supported netting walls which allowed the air to pass through. Further enhancements of this style were developed such as a line of castles and animals which are referred to as the "Inflatable Zoo". . In 1976 is when Space walks, Bounce Houses, Jump House, Jumpy House started to pick up in popularity. Bounce Houses were marketed children's events such as Birthday Parties, school fairs and company picnics

Their son Frank expanded their rental concept throughout the United States under the brand names "Space Walk" and "Inflatable Zoo". Frank also was the first person to open up a inflatable indoor play park called "Fun Factory" on Thanksgiving day in 1986, in Louisiana. In 1987 he opened a second indoor inflatable park called “Fun Plex” in Tennessee. Frank was also the creator behind the first commercial inflatable water slide called the "Aqua Tunnel". Space Walk was the first company to bring an inflatable to the IAAPA convention, one of the largest conventions in the world for amusement rides.

By 1975 Neiman Marcus included a closed inflatable trampoline “ The Moon Walk” and advertised and marketed for its increased safety features of it being enclosed.

It doesn’t matter what you call them, Bounce House, Bouncy House, Jumper, Jumpoline, Jumpy, Bouncy Castle, Water Slide, Slip n Slide, Obstacle Course, Inflatable, Moon Walk, Space Walk, Jumpy House they all mean the same thing… FUN! Fun is always a child’s objective. Parents enjoy watching their children have FUN renting a Bounce House makes everyone happy.. from young to old alike. Bounce House Rentals have been entertaining family’s for generations ever since they were stumbled on in 1959 by Frank Scurlock.

Now that we know where they came from lets explore what exactly is a Bounce House?

A bounce House Surface is typically composed of thick, strong PVC or vinyl, and the castle is inflated using an electric blower. Inflatable Bounce Houses are sewn together and there are a million tiny holes where it is sewn together. All these holes allow air to escape all over the unit, this is why a Bounce House must have a continuous flow of new air coming from the blower. The Bounce Houses of today in the US are typically supported by inflatable columns and enclosed with netting. The netting allows for supervision as adults can see in from all sides. Sometimes there is a cover of the top to protect from the sun. A roof is suggest if the unit is going to be in direct sunlight as the vinyl can get hot in direct sun light.

Bounce House, Bouncy House, Jumper, Jumpoline, Jumpy, Bouncy Castle, Water Slide, Slip n Slide, Combo Units, Obstacle Course, Inflatable Interactive Sports and Games, Inflatable, Moon Walk, Space Walk, Jumpy House all mean the same thing FUN. Let us help take care of your Fun for your next party. With one of the largest selections in Northern California of Inflatable Rentals, Bull Rental, Meltdown Rental, Coconut Tree Climb Rental, Rock Wall Rental, Laser Tag Rental, Spider Mountain, Bungee Jump Rental, and so much more. We have Fun covered so you and your guest can focus on enjoying your party or event.

Give Us a Call Today and let US help you with your next Party or Event! 916-688-3121