RELEASABLE BALLOON CLIP
At least one pair of opposed, congruent, transversely curved, longitudinally consistent, surfaces each presented by one of two portions hinged together at one end intended to traverse the stem of a balloon are brought into a close spaced apart parallel disposition tensioned between a pinion on one end and catch on the other. The spacing compresses the two walls of the stem of a conventional balloon together providing a tight seal that can be released manually for reuse if desired. An oval perimeter to at least one of the two portions, with the pinion and catch defining the longitudinal axis, is suggested including a band defining an aperture for securing a tether is suggested. Use of two adjacent pairs of opposed, congruent, transversely curved, longitudinally consistent, surfaces is also suggested to yield a rounded shape to avoid potential skin abrasion in manipulation or in being hit by a water filled balloon.
The present invention relates to devices intended to close inflated, or liquid distended, conventional, elastomeric walled, toy balloons.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTIONConventional toy balloons are considered to be well known and characterized by construction in thin wall elastomeric material with a slightly thicker wall neck or stem having a rolled annular termination about the orifice. Filling the balloon with pressurized gas, typically air or helium, or a fluid, typically water, distends the thin balloon wall opposite the orifice with closure commonly effected with manual tying of the stem in an simple overhand knot or with a length of string in a square knot that is generally considered, for all practical intents and purposes, irreversible. Conventional toy balloons are hence generally considered to be disposable, even if the size is enormous and the retail cost considerable.
The disposable aspect of conventional, elastomeric walled, toy balloons is considered to be exhibited by a variety of characteristics dependent upon the specific use. The delight of a child presented with a moderately large buoyant helium filled balloon tethered by a length of string is often matched by the wonder of its ascent out of sight upon accidental, if only momentary, release of the string, if not wails and tears attendant the loss. Only the disenchantment attendant the gradual escape of the helium, typically observed the next morning by a child who has secured the wonder to their bed or another piece of furniture in their room the night before, is a reliable alternative. Filling smaller, more common, conventional, elastomeric walled, toy balloons with water for the purpose of soaking an opponent in a game relies in its delight upon its fragile nature.
It is also noted, in further regard to the ephemeral nature of conventional, elastomeric walled, toy balloons, that metallic thin wall novelty balloons, often printed with graphics and characters expressing congratulations on the completion of another year in someone's life, i.e. ‘HAPPY BIRTHDAY’, have been developed in relatively recent years that withstand deflation, and hence loss of buoyancy if filled with helium, significantly longer than conventional elastomeric walled toy balloons. It is commented that these metallic novelty balloons are considerably more expensive than conventional elastomeric walled toy balloons and the development of the same is considered another indication of the assumption that conventional elastomeric walled toy balloons are essentially ephemeral and disposable.
The only balloon clip known to the present applicant is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,380,103. “It has two arms with coacting locking means comprising C-shaped flanges which retain and seal an object within an interior clamping area.” (quoted from U.S. Pat. No. 4,648,178). It is further noted that the ‘interior clamping area’ lies between two substantially flat opposed surfaces each presented by one of the ‘two arms’, that the ‘C-shaped flanges’ engage concentrically with the interior termination enclosed within the exterior without means of disengagement, that the structure is comprised of a uniform width of a substantially uniform thickness including the C-shaped hinge opposed to the two ‘C-shaped flanges’ when closed intended to facilitate locking of a number of clips upon a number of balloons quickly and easily with use of a device intended for this purpose, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,648,178: ‘Balloon Clip Stapler Device’; U.S. Pat. No. 4,694,554 ‘Method of Clamping Off A Tubular Member Such As The Neck Of A Balloon’; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,666,709 ‘Balloon Clip Fastening Device’.
It is first noted that the balloon clip disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,380,103 is designed to lock irreversibly and is consequently unsuited to repeated use. It secondly noted that this balloon clip is manufactured from an extrusion sheared to length and consequently possesses sharp edges unsuited to manual manipulation or use with water filled balloons thrown by children against others in what is considered to be a primary use today for conventional elastomeric walled toy balloons.
It is also noted that the balloon clip disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,380,103 relies upon two substantially flat opposed surfaces disposed adjacent to each other by locking one curled edge within the other with both surfaces necessarily, by result of extrusion, being transversely straight and hence inherently permissive of fluid leakage through the transverse stem. The sharp edges resulting from shearing, moreover, invites puncture of a highly inflated or water filled conventional elastomeric walled toy balloon.
It is further noted with regard to the balloon clip disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,380,103 that an open bend opposite the interlocking transverse involutions or curls is in communication with the space between the opposed clamping surfaces and that if the stem of the balloon extends into this open bend the balloon is not sealed. This is considered to be necessarily consequent to the very simple structure involved. The open bend is opposed to the locking involute terminations and the clamping surfaces pressed against each other by a positive closure at only one end; leaving the other end susceptible to leakage.
It is thus considered that a need exists for a balloon clip that is suited to repeated use, has smooth edges, does not permit leakage of fluid, and is wholly reliable in use with positive closure effected at both ends of the clamping areas involved.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The primary object of the present invention is to provide a balloon clip that does not permit leakage through the stem of an inflated or water filled conventional elastomeric walled toy balloon.
An auxiliary object of the present invention is to provide a balloon clip that is releasable in sealing the stem of an inflated or water filled conventional elastomeric walled toy balloon thereby permitting repeated use of the clip and, if desired, the balloon.
An ancillary object of the present invention is the provision of a balloon clip that does not present any sharp edges capable of puncturing the inflated or water filled conventional elastomeric walled toy balloon sealed thereby or the skin of anyone manipulating the clip or hit by the same sealing a water filled balloon.
In achievement of the primary object stated above it is suggested that two opposed congruent surfaces each curved transversely be utilized to trap the stem of a conventional elastomeric walled toy balloon and that the spacing between said surfaces be calibrated to compress said elastomeric walls thereby ensuring a tight seal of the stem prohibiting leakage there through.
In achievement of the ancillary objects stated above it is suggested that all of the edges be rounded. In achievement of the auxiliary objects stated above it is suggested that the closure be releasable and the area for transverse disposition of the stem of the balloon be longitudinally conformed between a catch at one end and a pinion interior to a reduced thickness hinge joining two substantially rigid portions. Appropriate dimensioning of the pinion and catch in an injection molding enable the precise spacing between the two opposed congruent transversely curved surfaces desired for compression while the male pinion member provides a physical limit for the stem confining the same within the desired clamping area. The hinge is thereby freed from any structural requirement other than maintaining the two main body parts in physical connection with each other and in appropriate, longitudinally aligned, position for closure when open.
Still other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following description wherein there is shown and described the embodiments of this invention, simply by way of illustration of the best modes suited to carry out the invention. As it will be realized, the invention is capable of other different embodiments and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects all without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawing and descriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.
Various exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, wherein like reference numerals refer to identical or similar components, with reference to the following figures, wherein:
10 releasable balloon clip
11 left hand portion
12 right hand portion
13 hinge
15 band
16 catch
17 pinion
19 perimeter
20 aperture
21 convex longitudinal surface
22 concave longitudinal surface
23 rib
25 post
26 lip
27 gathering post
29 gathering post socket
30 gap
31 guide tab
32 relief
33 substantially flat face
34 alignment post
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONThe claimed subject matter is now described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. It may be evident, however, that the claimed subject matter may be practiced with or without any combination of these specific details, without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention and the claims.
The releasable balloon clip 10 depicted in
One embodiment of the releasable balloon clip relating to the present invention is injection molded with a two part mold resulting in the configuration, depicted in
Closing of the releasable balloon clip 10 will exacerbate this curling considerably and a fully open position disposing the left and right hand portions 11, 12 approximately perpendicular to each other is expected if the releasable balloon clip 10 is left in the closed position for a day or more, especially if closed without the stem of a conventional toy balloon clamped thereby. The memory of the plastic, polypropylene, is still sufficient to return an open releasable balloon clip 10, once released, to a fully open position ready for unimpeded use again. The hinge 13 is noted to be of thinner wall thickness and width than either portion 11, 12 and that the former, particularly, provides its relative flexibility in comparison with either the left or right hand portions 11, 12 and the thickness of the hinge 13 is largely determinative of flexibility in inverse relation.
An arcuate band 15 is clearly seen in
In an alternate embodiment the catch 16 of the releasable balloon clip 10 depicted in the figures attached hereto is comprised of two parts each positioned opposite the hinge 13; a rib 23 extending from the right side of the right hand portion 12; and a post 25 extending upward from the left hand side of the left hand portion 11 with a lip 26 at its upward termination extending to the right. Closure of the releasable balloon clip 10 is effected by urging the right and left hand portions 12, 11 together forcing the rib 23 under the lip 26. This is best seen in
Similarly, the pinion 17 of the releasable balloon clip 10 depicted in the figures attached hereto is comprised of two parts each disposed on the same end as the hinge 13; a gathering post 27 extending upward from the right end of the left hand portion 11; and a gathering post socket 29 in the left end of the right hand portion 12. The placement of gathering post sockets 27 and 29 on their respective portions 11 and 12 can vary from the aforementioned locations as long as the gathering post sockets 27 and 29 interlock when the releasable balloon clip 10 is in a closed position. The most important aspect to both the mating elements the pinion 17 and the catch 16 is that each are dimensioned to engage in closure; that the distance from the hinge 13 of both constituent elements to these components is the same and that the distance between the pinion 17 and catch 16 components is sufficient to confine the neck of a conventional elastomeric toy balloon.
It is suggested, however, that the gathering post 27 be on the same portion 11, 12, left or right hand, as the post 25 so that these two elements provide physical barriers limiting the end to end extent of the neck of a conventional elastomeric toy balloon and ensuring that the same is wholly encompassed in closing by at least one pair of opposed convex and concave longitudinal surfaces 21, 22. And, as a further assistance to alignment of the right and left hand portions 12, 11 in closure ensuring engagement of the catch 16, a guide tab 31, seen in
Most importantly, the neck of a conventional elastomeric toy balloon is clamped between at least one pair of opposed convex and concave longitudinal surfaces 21, 22. The second set is not necessary, although it is recommended, and in this case one convex longitudinal surface 21 is adjacent one concave longitudinal surface 22 on either portion 11, 12. Similarly, if a third set is desired, concavity is alternated with convexity on the same portion 11, 12 while, most importantly, convex longitudinal surfaces 21 are opposed to concave longitudinal surfaces 22 in closure.
It is further noted that the designation longitudinal is arbitrary and but that this direction is perpendicular to the stem of a conventional elastomeric toy balloon clamped thereby which, for the sake of consistency in terminology, is disposed transversely with respect to the longitudinal aspect of the releasable balloon clip 10; i.e. the orientation given by the alignment of the catch 16, pinion 17, if utilized, and the hinge 13. And it is further considered of importance that the opposed pairs of convex and concave longitudinal surfaces 21, 22 each be uniform in the longitudinal direction, vary in elevation in the transverse direction, and this variation in elevation be smooth, so as to avoid puncture of the stem of a conventional elastomeric toy balloon disposed there between. But most importantly the gap 30, seen in
It is recommended that the gap 30 between opposed convex and concave longitudinal surfaces 21, 22 of a releasable balloon clip 10 be of a slightly lesser dimension than the combination of the two opposed elastomeric walls of the stem of a conventional toy balloon. Polypropylene, moreover, is recommended for moderate resilience characteristics obtaining a suitably flexible hinge 13 and comparatively rigid engaging portions 11, 12 necessary to ensure compression of the two walls of the stem of a conventional elastomeric, generally latex, toy balloon.
It is noted that the releasable balloon clip 10 depicted in
It is lastly noted, with regard to the gathering post socket 29 and gathering post 27, that although the shape of both are generally rectangular, parallel to the plane of the page in
In a final embodiment, as referenced in
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art can recognize that many further combinations and permutations of such matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
Claims
1. A releasable balloon clip comprising:
- two portions, connected by a hinge wherein each opposing portion comprises a releasable catch, a pinion, and at least one pair of opposed congruent longitudinally consistent surfaces.
2. The releasable balloon clip of claim 1 further having a band defining an aperture facilitating the fastening of a tether thereto.
3. The releasable balloon clip of claim 1 having a generally ovoid shape.
4. The releasable balloon clip of claim 1 having a substantially oval perimeter.
5. The releasable balloon clip of claim 1 having a pair of opposed congruent longitudinally consistent surfaces comprising a convex longitudinal surface and a concave longitudinal surface.
6. The releasable balloon clip of claim 1 having a plurality of pairs of opposed congruent longitudinally consistent surfaces.
7. The releasable balloon clip of claim 6 wherein said pairs of opposed congruent longitudinally consistent surfaces are comprised of a convex longitudinal surface and a concave longitudinal surface.
8. The releasable balloon clip of claim 1 having a substantially flat face on the back of said right and left hand portions opposed to each other when said right and left hand portions are biased into a closed position engaging said pinion and said catch.
9. The releasable balloon clip of claim 1 wherein said pinion is comprised of a gathering post and a gathering post socket.
10. The releasable balloon clip of claim 9 wherein said gathering post and gathering post socket possess a substantially rectangular shape aligned transversely, perpendicular to said longitudinal axis.
11. The releasable balloon clip of claim 1 possessing a guide tab extending longitudinally outward from said portion possessing said rib.
12. The releasable balloon clip of claim 11 wherein said guide tab is positioned below said longitudinal axis.
13. The releasable balloon clip of claim 1 wherein said catch is comprised of a rib extending from the end of one said portion opposite said hinge and a post with an elevated terminal lip on the end of the other said portion opposite said hinge.
14. The releasable balloon clip of claim 13 possessing a relief below said lip.
15. The releasable balloon clip of claim 14 wherein said relief below said lip extends through the portion on which said post is located.
17. The releasable balloon clip of claim 13 further possessing an alignment post.
18. The releasable balloon clip of claim 13 further having a band defining an aperture facilitating the fastening of a tether thereto.
19. The releasable balloon clip of claim 13 having a pair of opposed congruent longitudinally consistent surfaces comprising a convex longitudinal surface and a concave longitudinal surface.
20. The releasable balloon clip of claim 13 having a plurality of pairs of opposed congruent longitudinally consistent surfaces.
Type: Application
Filed: May 14, 2013
Publication Date: Nov 20, 2014
Inventor: Robert DeNyse, JR. (Buford, GA)
Application Number: 13/894,251
International Classification: A63H 27/10 (20060101);