John T Scurlock, a 46-year-old engineer from New Orleans, was inspired to create a life-saving inflatable cushion after a tragic fire broke out in the high-rise Rault Center in 1972. Five women trapped in a beauty salon on the 15th floor jumped to their deaths, aiming for the roof of a neighboring six-story building. This incident spurred Scurlock into action, and he began working on an inflatable cushion that could provide a safe landing for people plunging from great heights.
Scurlock involved his sons in the testing process, having them jump off the roof of their family home onto the inflatable cushion. “We were like 10, 12, 14 years old, and we were jumping off a building into a big airbag. It was a lot of fun,” recalls Jeff Scurlock, now 66.
However, Scurlock’s invention of the safety air cushion was preceded by his creation of the ubiquitous fair attraction known as the bouncy castle or moon bounce. In 1961, while working at a NASA facility, Scurlock sketched designs for and stitched his proto-space pillow, using a commercial sewing machine in his garage. The inflatable became a hit with local children, and Scurlock’s sons were popular kids in the neighborhood because they had one permanently in their backyard.
The Scurlocks started selling the invention to fairs around the country, but safety risks were a major concern. After a carnival worker broke his neck and died, the company was sued, and the design needed protective features. John set to work designing improvements, adding columns, cushioning walls, netting, and a roof to make the inflatable safer.
Today, the global bounce house market is worth $4 billion, driven by the popularity of rentals. The Scurlocks continue to produce safety air cushions, which have saved thousands of lives around the world. John’s legacy extends beyond his inventions, as his family continues to innovate and produce life-saving inflatables. His story is a testament to the power of creativity and innovation in solving real-world problems.