Abstract: A method for forming candles according to the invention includes four basic steps: providing a candle core; heating a working area on the outer surface of the candle core such that the working area is pliable; sculpturing a portion of the working area; and reheating the working area with a readily available household heating implement whenever the working area of the candle falls below a desired temperature. A candle core is comprised of multiple inner layers of distinct color and composition, an outer surface preferably having a pliable temperature range of about 120 to 125.degree. Fahrenheit, and a wick extending from a top end and wound into a loop. Because the pliable temperature range of the candle core is relatively low, the candle core need only to be preheated by submerging it a in hot water bath prior to sculpturing. Additionally, the outer surface of the candle core may be reheated anytime during sculpturing using a hair dryer or other readily available household heating source.

Abstract: A side evacuating balloon inflater includes a lower shell, an upper shell, a collar insert, and a check valve. The lower shell is sealed to the upper shell with a gasket. A collar insert is slid into an inner diameter of a bore that is disposed on the top of the upper shell. A plurality of nubs are spaced around the collar insert. A balloon is stretched over the nubs and is retained thereby. A tapered boss surrounds the check valve which is disposed in the shell structure. The tapered boss facilitates the sealing of different size vacuum tubes to the shell structure. A household vacuum cleaner or a shop vacuum is used to pull a vacuum on the shell structure. The vacuum causes the balloon to stretch to the inside wall of the shell structure. The vacuum tube is removed and the check valve retains the vacuum inside the shell structure. Novelty items may be inserted into the mouth of the balloon; the balloon is then be sealed with a clip.

Abstract: The manually-operated balloon stuffing device has a minimum number of parts and is inexpensive to manufacture. The device includes a manual pump consisting of inner and outer cylindrical tubes, and a check valve in each tube that permits the passage of air in only a single direction within its respective tube. In a first embodiment, a balloon stuffing item is placed in an end of the inner tube, and the open balloon end is stretched over that tube end. The outer tube is then reciprocated along the longitudinal axis of the inner tube to pump up the balloon. The outer tube is then removed and a push rod pushes the sliding check valve, which in turn pushes the stuffing item into the inflated balloon. In an alternate embodiment, a large hollow adapter tube is placed on the end of the inner tube, and the open end of the balloon is stretched over the open end of the adapter tube.

Abstract: The manually-operated balloon stuffing device has a minimum number of parts and is inexpensive to manufacture. The device includes a manual pump consisting of inner and outer cylindrical tubes, and a check valve in each tube that permits the passage of air in only a single direction within its respective tube. In a first embodiment, a balloon stuffing item is placed in an end of the inner tube, and the open balloon end is stretched over that tube end. The outer tube is then reciprocated along the longitudinal axis of the inner tube to pump up the balloon. The outer tube is then removed and a push rod pushes the sliding check valve, which in turn pushes the stuffing item into the inflated balloon. In an alternate embodiment, a large hollow adapter tube is placed on the end of the inner tube, and the open end of the balloon is stretched over the open end of the adapter tube.