Party Like a Pro: The Ultimate Celebration Party Rental Experience
Bounce house rentals have become a popular activity for children and
adults alike, providing hours of entertainment and fun. However, the history of
bounce house rentals dates back several decades. In this blog post, we'll
explore the history of bounce house rentals, including their origins and how
they've evolved over time.
The Birth of the Bounce House
In 1968, Scurlock's wife decided to use the inflatable covers for their
son's birthday party. The kids loved it, and Space Walk, Scurlock's company,
started renting the inflatables out for parties. They were initially called
"Space Walks" and were a huge hit. Space Walk continued to grow and
expand, and soon other companies began renting bounce houses as well.
In the 1970s, the first commercial-grade inflatable was created, which
paved the way for the modern-day bounce house. These inflatables were designed
to withstand heavy use and were often rented out for large events and fairs.
The Origins of Bounce Houses
The first bounce house was invented in 1959 by John Scurlock, a
mechanical engineer from Louisiana. Scurlock was experimenting with inflatable
covers for tennis courts when he realized that the material he was working with
could be used to create inflatable play structures for children. He called his
invention the "Space Walk," and his company, also named Space Walk,
began renting them out for birthday parties and other events.
At the time, the Space Walk was a novelty and was only rented out
occasionally. However, as more people became aware of the inflatable
structures, demand increased. By the 1980s, bounce houses had become a popular
party rental item.
The Evolution of Bounce Houses
As the popularity of bounce houses grew, so did the variety of designs
and themes. Today, there are countless types of bounce houses available,
ranging from basic bounce houses to elaborate designs featuring slides,
obstacles, and other features.
The safety of bounce houses has also evolved over time. In the early
days of bounce houses, safety concerns were not as prevalent, and accidents
were not uncommon. However, as bounce houses became more popular, safety
regulations and standards were put in place to ensure that they were safe for use.
Today, bounce houses are designed with safety in mind. They are made
from durable materials and are designed to withstand the weight of multiple
users. Many bounce houses also feature safety features, such as safety nets and
anchor points.
Safety Concerns and Regulations
As bounce houses became more popular, safety concerns arose. Injuries
from improper use, overuse, and accidents caused some to question the safety of
bounce houses. In response, safety regulations were established to ensure that
bounce houses were safe for use. Guidelines were put in place to ensure that
bounce houses were anchored properly, and that users were limited to a certain
number at a time.
In recent years, some states have gone so far as to require bounce house
rental companies to obtain permits and follow strict safety guidelines. Today,
most rental companies have strict safety policies and procedures in place to
ensure that their bounce houses are safe for use.
The Future of Bounce House Rentals
As bounce houses continue to be a popular entertainment option, new
technologies and designs are being developed. Some rental companies offer
themed bounce houses, while others offer obstacle courses, water slides, and
interactive inflatables. As technology continues to advance, it's likely that
the bounce house industry will continue to grow and expand.
In conclusion, the history of bounce house rentals can be traced back to
the 1950s when John Scurlock created the first inflatable cover for tennis
courts. Over the years, bounce houses have become a popular entertainment
option for children's parties, community events, and more. While safety
concerns have led to regulations and guidelines, the industry continues to grow
and expand with new technologies and designs. Bounce houses have come a long
way since their humble beginnings, and it's clear that they will continue to be
a beloved entertainment option for years to come.
