Abstract: The technology relates to a telescoping support structure which can be suspended between two objects. The telescoping support structure uses projections between adjacent tubular sections in order to prevent the adjacent tubular sections from falling away from one another. Although the telescoping support structure may be utilized in various different environments and circumstances, it may be of particular usefulness in the field of high-altitude ballooning. For instance, when used in a balloon system, the telescoping support structure may be suspended between two objects such as an upper payload structure and a lower payload structure. As another example, the telescoping support structure may be suspended between a balloon envelope and a payload which, in some examples, may include an upper and a lower payload structure.

Abstract: Small volume, zero pressure balloon systems for remote sensing activities in the upper atmosphere. A balloon system includes an air ingestion clip proximate the nadir fitting to inhibit air ingestion during ascent, the clip releasing to allow air expulsion at a predetermined altitude. Another balloon system includes a parachute system having inflation guards that inhibit the parachute from inflating when inverted during ascent and float, the guards releasing to allow parachute inflation during descent.

Abstract: A holder for an inflatable balloon includes an elongate blank formed from cardboard or similar biodegradable yet resilient material that can be folded at its mid region and having an opening at a first end for receiving the inflation stem of an inflated balloon, and in one embodiment has at its other end portion a pressing element and slots formed in the end portions to be aligned when the elongate element is folded upon itself to pinch the stem of the inflated balloon. In another embodiment, a receptacle is provided by engaging tabs and slots at the respective end portions.

Abstract: The invention is an inflatable globe having a generally round shape and circumference of between 2 feet and 10 feet. An attachment pin, plug or other closure mechanism are coupled to the top of the inflatable globe. A topper is configured to fit over the attachment pin, plug or other closure mechanism. A hanger is threaded through the attachment pin, plug or closure mechanism and then through the topper. An electric light coupled to the plug is suspended inside the globe. The inflatable globe is made of a resilient polymer material and can be monochromatic or comprise a plurality of colors.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apple-shaped light-emitting balloon. The apple-shaped light-emitting balloon includes a balloon body and a connecting rod. The connecting rod is positioned in the balloon body. The upper part and the lower part of the balloon body are fixed to the connecting rod respectively. An air inlet and an air outlet are formed in the connecting rod. A light-emitting part is further arranged in the balloon body. When the balloon is blown up, the connecting rod keeps a fixed distance between the upper part and the lower part of the balloon, so that the balloon is similarly apple-shaped, and the balloon is able to emit light.

Abstract: There is provided a balloon holder having an elongate handle and a balloon-receiving portion. The balloon-receiving portion has a first aperture adapted to permit a neck of a balloon to pass through, and at least one slit for receiving and securely engaging a neck of a balloon. The elongate handle and balloon-receiving portion are folded from a single sheet of material, and the elongate handle comprises two plies of the single sheet of material.

Abstract: A closure clip for maintaining a bag closed is provided. The clip includes a planar body having a symmetry axis. The planar body defines a rear portion having a frontward border, a rearward border and lateral borders, a pair of shoulders, each extending outwardly and along one of the lateral borders and a pair of tabs projecting from the frontward border frontwardly and towards the symmetry axis, the tabs having free front extremities curving towards each other, the tabs and a portion of the frontward border delimiting an opening for receiving a portion of the bag. The planar body has a perimeter comprising an inflection point provided on each side of the symmetry axis, at a transition between one of the shoulders and a corresponding one of the tabs. The clip can include a displaying label projecting rearwardly from the rearward border. A strip of closure clips is also provided.

Abstract: The general inventive technology in this application includes methods and apparatus for producing a modular balloon cluster. Such modular balloon clusters may include a plurality of helium-free balloons coupled with a central modular adaptor forming a cluster. In certain cases, multiple modular adaptors may be positioned on a display pole and may even be positioned in an offset manner forming a continuous spiral balloon cluster display.

Abstract: A method for constructing a balloon assembly includes inserting balloon envelope material which will become an apex of a balloon envelope into a platen opening of a platen; flaring the balloon envelope material outward over the top surface of the platen; positioning a termination plate over the platen opening and within the apex opening; and folding at least some of the balloon envelope that overlies the platen onto the termination plate. The balloon envelope material further includes an apex opening.

Abstract: A tethered balloon assembly the balloon, to be inflated via the tether which is to be subsequently closed by a one way valve to keep the balloon inflated and allow additional inflation as desired, controllable by its tether.

Abstract: The current inventive technology includes methods and apparatus for a balloon display system. In one embodiment, the invention includes an balloon display apparatus having at least one mounting pole; at least one balloon cluster pole bracket secured to a mounting pole having at least one coupling; at least one flexible rod configured to be secured to a coupling; and at least one inflatable balloon configured to be secured to the upper portion of a flexible rod.

Abstract: A balloon arrangement comprises a base member. At least one stem unit is configured for removably engaging the base member. At least one balloon hoop unit is configured for removably engaging the stem unit. The balloon hoop unit comprises a hoop portion that is configured to rotate from a substantially flat position for storage to a substantially horizontal position for supporting a balloon. The balloon hoop unit further comprises a self-sealing balloon tie portion that is configured for sealing a tail of a balloon. At least one balloon is operable to be inflated by breathable air in which the self-sealing balloon tie portion seals a tail of the balloon inflated with the breathable air. The hoop portion, in the supporting position, supports the balloon inflated with the breathable air in a position for simulating being held up by helium inflation.

Abstract: A self-sealing balloon or bladder is fabricated of a flexible elastic material and defines a body to which a filler neck is secured. The filler neck is joined to the body to form a fill opening therebetween. The self-sealing structure is provided by bending the filler neck upon and against the surface of the balloon or bladder body. An attachment such as adhesive, tape or sonic welding is utilized to secure the filler neck against the inflatable body. The balloon or bladder may then be filled through the filler neck by the introduction of a flowable material such as a liquid, gas, or powder under pressure to fill and expand the body. Once the filling apparatus has been withdrawn, the elasticity and fill material within the body cooperate to maintain closure of the fill opening.

Abstract: A lightweight tubular housing is fabricated from the class of cotton, silk, lace, or combinations thereof. The housing materials are bunched or stretched to reduce or increase the coverage of the balloon strings. The balloon strings are transported through the interior of the housing and then tied to a balloon anchor.

Abstract: A balloon holder caddy system designed to simulate the look of Helium-filled balloons, to reduce the safety hazards associated with traveling with Helium-filled balloons in the passenger compartment of an automobile, and to eliminate repeated trips to a base location and back (a product use location such as is common with real estate agent's sign postings.) Balloon holder caddy system comprises a top gang-clip with multiple balloon neck receiving slots for creating a balloon cluster, a rod for elevating the balloon cluster simulating helium filled balloons, and an intermediate leg gripper and a base gripper for attaching to a sign-post leg using re-useable/releasable zip-ties. The system providing a unique and efficient balloon displaying means.

Abstract: An improved balloon cup for mounting and supporting a balloon with the valve tail on a stick includes a frustoconical top for supporting and holding a balloon with a first depending slot therethrough for passing the balloon tail therethrough. A stem depends from the top with an open inner channel circular in cross section extending the length of the stem. The channel is in open communication with the slot through an elongated channel opening for receiving the balloon tail therethrough. After the balloon tail is placed within the inner channel, the stick is transversely placed into the circular inner channel through the elongate channel opening and the stick and balloon tail are held in place by opposing bias flanges along the elongate channel opening.

Abstract: A seal for vent openings of inflatable structures is provided that includes an interior and an exterior component that can be affixed to each other and to the inflatable structure and allows for higher pressures to be maintained within the inflatable structure.

Abstract: An inflatable device having a bladder with an opening. A closure member at the opening of the bladder may be sealed by pinching the closure member upon inflation of the bladder. The inflatable device may be re-sealable wherein the seal created at the opening of the bladder by pinching the closure member upon inflation of the bladder, may be unsealed by pulling the closure member thereby deflating the bladder. The inflatable device may be sealed and re-sealed as desired.

Abstract: A balloon display that simulates motions of a lighter-than-air balloon includes a balloon holder and an inflated balloon. The balloon holder includes a neck fastening assembly, and the inflated balloon is secured to the balloon holder by the neck fastening assembly. A compression spring balloon support extends upwardly relative to the neck fastening assembly to support a majority of the inflated balloon above the neck fastening assembly. The inflated balloon is secured to the neck fastening assembly and supported by the compression spring balloon support such that the balloon slightly loads the compression spring balloon support and the balloon tends to move up and down, side to side, and front to back as the compression spring balloon support reacts to the load of the balloon.

Abstract: A balloon support assembly for holding balloons in an elevated position without the use of helium. The balloon support assembly has a mounting block with an adhesive layer on one side surface and an aperture in its top surface. A rod extends outwardly from the aperture and is defined on a second end by a sinusoidal or conical shape for holding balloons. The rod may be of any size or composed of any material, but is preferably of a size and material that will allow it to flex with ambient air currents, yet have the strength and resiliency to hold the balloons in an elevated position.

Abstract: A balloon lamp includes a holder base, a balloon shade affixed to the holder base at the top, a balloon connector mounted in the balloon shade to secure a balloon, a power supply unit mounted in the holder base, and one or more LEDs installed in the balloon shade or the holder base and electrically connected to the power supply unit to emit light toward the balloon, thus producing a lighting effect.

Abstract: A balloon support element can have a concave shape that preferably resembles a bowl or cup shape. A handle directly or indirectly attaches to the support element. The handle can have a linear and rectangular shape, with a hollow interior. A suction element can attach to an end of the handle away from the end that attaches to the support element to provide a means to secure the handle to permanent places when the product device is not in use. Contained with the hollow portion of the handle can be objects that serve to further stabilize the product when it is secured to a permanent place. The objects contained in the handle can serve a means to produce noise to demonstrate support when involved in an activity such as a sporting event.

Abstract: The present application relates to a cloth inflatable toy with high safety and convenience of carrying. The cloth inflatable toy includes a fan and a number of cloth pieces. The cloth inflatable toy further includes a tube bracket having two or more interlinked cloth tubes. An air outlet of the fan is connected with an air inlet of the tube bracket, and the sides of the cloth pieces used as the walls of the cloth inflatable toy are sewed on the corresponding cloth tubes respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus for illuminating the interior of a balloon includes a cylindrical plug with an integrally-formed radially extending integral flange insertable within the balloon neck. A light element is affixed to the plug and disposed within the neck. A battery is electrically connected to the light element and is typically mounted next to the light element, or includes the light element in a single assembly. Switching is provided to turn the lighting element on and off which, in the preferred embodiment is effected by inflating the balloon with the apparatus inserted into the balloon neck. The light element may be affixed to the head of the apparatus by magnetic means, by means of a screw-on cap, or by other well-known techniques.

Abstract: A water balloon clip that provides a quick, easy, and low-cost means for sealing a balloon orifice. For example, the water balloon clip may comprise a first slit and a second slit and together the slits comprise a substantially Z-like shape. A user may then seal a balloon by inserting the balloon neck in the first slit and then tucking the balloon neck into the second slit.

Abstract: A soft flat balloon neck closure disc formed of non-rigid, soft, flexible, and resilient material for safe use with fluid filled balloons, including water filled balloons that may be thrown at a person. The device is relatively thick and has a flat top surface, a flat bottom surface, and a peripheral outer surface defining its shape. A first small hole and second small hole are each disposed inwardly from first and second segments of the peripheral outer surface in diametrically spaced apart relation and a first and second slit extend outwardly from the holes to the first and second side segments, respectively, and each has a V-shaped entrance. The first side segment is pushed onto the balloon neck such that the neck passes through the first slit and snaps into the first hole, the disc is slid down on the neck, and the neck is wrapped over the top of the disk, pulled inwardly through the second slit to snap into the second hole, and then back under the disc and upwardly through the first slit and hole.

Abstract: A valve and retainer assembly particularly useful for latex balloons is provided consisting of a valve body and a disk valve. The valve body has a retainer portion where the neck and mouth of a latex balloon may be received to affix the balloon to the valve body. A hollow stem communicates with the retainer portion, and a one-way valve allows gas to be introduced through the stem portion into the balloon affixed to the retainer portion. Once the balloon is filled the pressure of the gas within the balloon seals the valve closed to prevent gas from exiting the balloon.

Abstract: Clips of this invention are capable of being held by other, like clips and are capable of holding items such as balloons. Hence decorative objects such as latex party balloons can be strung together in various forms by means of their clips. Preferred clips are moulded in a plastics material. Extenders (lacking the means to hold objects) are also included in the invention. Complex assemblies of party balloons can be assembled on these clips and interlinked. Hundreds of balloons can be reversibly assembled in festoons. Distended balloons are attached by their necks, twisted a few times around holding structures on the clips. The open mouths of the necks are intentionally left trapped in tension against the holding structures so that they cannot unravel. No other seals are needed.

Abstract: A balloon has an inflatable main body with a flexible extension. The extension is connected to the main body in such a manner that, when they are inflated, the extension forms a semirigid handle. The balloon therefore requires no separate holder. The balloon can be deflated for storage or shipment and reinflated when desirable or necessary.

Abstract: A balloon locking cup and securing system includes a cup having a latch interposed between a funnel shaped cup portion and a tube extension. The balloon cup is placed over a reciprocating needle hook rod in a securing system. The tail of the balloon is received by a hook at the end of the hook rod and a first pneumatic cylinder is actuated to pull the needle hook rod in such a manner as to pull the balloon into nesting engagement with the balloon cup. At the end of travel of the first pneumatic cylinder, a second pneumatic cylinder is automatically actuated, causing a knife blade to separate the end of the balloon tail just beneath the tubular member of the balloon cup assembly. The drawing of the balloon into the cup assembly actuates the latch which engages the balloon tail near the neck of the balloon and secures the balloon in the cup assembly.

Abstract: A balloon mechanism includes a closure that is one-piece and monolithic with a balloon neck. One form of the closure includes a snap closure, and another form of the closure includes a strap.

Abstract: A decorative topper is formed of a laminate of plastic and other suitable materials by RF energy which seals a major portion of a peripheral edge. At least one portion, e.g., one or more edges, is not sealed closed in the original forming of the product. The portion that remains open provides will slide over an object to be decorated. At the opening is a release paper, preferably on both surfaces of the topper, which release paper covers a pressure sensitive adhesive. The process is especially advantageous due to its ability to cut and seal the peripheral edge except at the opening where the material is cut but not sealed.

Abstract: A balloon inflation apparatus for inflating balloons is provided. A balloon plug having a resilient body with an outer perimeter designed to engage the inside of the neck of a balloon. The balloon plug is interconnected to a spool. A pierceable central portion is provided. The inflation apparatus includes an inflation station supported by a support frame. The inflation station includes an engagement opening for retaining a balloon plug with a balloon engaged therewith. The station also includes an inflation needle which has a retracted position and an inflation position that extends through the pierceable central portion of a balloon plug retained by the plug connector when the needle is in the inflation position. The inflation station also includes an actuator to move the needle between the retracted and inflation positions.

Abstract: A balloon locking cup and securing system includes a cup having a latch interposed between a funnel shaped cup portion and a tube extension. The balloon cup is placed over a reciprocating needle hook rod in a securing system. The tail of the balloon is received by a hook at the end of the hook rod and a first pneumatic cylinder is actuated to pull the needle hook rod in such a manner as to pull the balloon into nesting engagement with the balloon cup. At the end of travel of the first pneumatic cylinder, a second pneumatic cylinder is automatically actuated, causing a knife blade to separate the end of the balloon tail just beneath the tubular member of the balloon cup assembly. The drawing of the balloon into the cup assembly actuates the latch which engages the balloon tail near the neck of the balloon and secures the balloon in the cup assembly.

Abstract: A holder for novelty balloons has a conical plastic cup with a flanged open end. A tubular connector extends from a narrow closed end opposite the open end. A series of narrow longitudinal and narrow transverse slits in the cup receive the stem of a balloon and hold it in a tightly wrapped condition around the closed end of the cup. The holder prevents the stem from bulging with entrapped air or gas and maintains an associated balloon in the preferred upright position.

Abstract: A weight for toy and decorative balloons according to the invention enables a simple and convenient selection of the amount of ribbon extending between the balloon weight and the balloon, while being adaptive to exhibiting selectively variable ballast characteristics. The weight according to the invention consists of a container (1) receiving granular weight (8) such as sand, a cover (2) closing the container (1) and an ear (3) extending from the cover for receiving and holding a ribbon (4) of a balloon (5). The ear (3) contains a hole (9) that is conical and has ribs (1) about an inner wall. A plug (12) compressively fits into the hole (9) in such a manner that the ribbon (4) of the balloon (5) runs between and is secured by them.

Abstract: A noise-maker includes an enclosed membrane having an inlet and an outlet that is filled with porous material. The noise-maker is in an inflated state when the porous material is saturated with air and a compressed state when the air is forced out of the porous material. When pressure is applied to the noise-maker, the air inside the membrane is forced through the outlet and the noise-maker reaches the compressed state. When the pressure is released, the noise-maker changes from the compressed state to the inflated state as air flows through the inlet.

Abstract: A self-sealing, self-standing fluid container for displaying product comprises at least two inflatable cells, each cell comprising an outer and inner layer of fluid impermeable material sealed together by a first seal at the layers' periphery such that the seal between the outer and inner layers defines boundaries of each inflatable cell, and the inner layers of the first and second cells being sealed together by a second seal to form a pair of cells and a pouch between said pair of cells, the pouch having a sealable opening for receiving product for display.

Abstract: A balloon lighting device having both polar and equatorial supports for the light source inside the balloon. Equatorial caps provide connections for light source support and for tethering of the balloon. The light source may include an array of LED's and may be connected to a dimmer to provide a variety of light intensities and wavelengths. A shroud supported from a top cap may be used to further define the illumination effect. The dimmer may function as an anchor for flexible positioning of the light or it may be hung from the balloon to conserve lay-down space. A plurality of balloon lighting devices may be controlled from a single console having DMX control capability.

Abstract: A helium or air filled latex balloon includes a lamp in its interior connected to an external power source by an electrically conductive cable passing through the balloon inlet port and neck. The cable comprises wires encapsulated with Kynar, a polyvinylidene fluoride, a semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer that exhibits tacky surfaces and excellent properties for providing a weatherproof tight seal between the wire cable and the balloon. The neck is sealed with curling ribbon, by knotting or clips and the like. Air filled balloons may be supported by a stiff music wire or straw and helium filled balloons may be tethered by the cable. A power source illuminates the lamp via the cable.

Abstract: A coupling strip for connecting a plurality of balloons in adjacent sequential position to one another in fascial and inexpensive manner consisting of an elongate flexible strip, made from plastic, cloth or other lightweight flexible material and in which the length thereof is determined by the number of sequential adjacent balloons one wishes to couple together for decorative or for any other purpose of notice and in which the width thereof is sufficient only to carry an aperture between the edges, the coupling strip consisting of a sequence of such apertures, spaced from one another substantially throughout the length of the coupling strip, for receiving the neck of a balloon. The apertures may be spaced at any desired distance from one another so as to facilitate insertion of a balloon neck in either a budding relation to an adjacent balloon or at any desired distance therefrom throughout the length of the coupling strip.

Abstract: A fluid flow prevention device to be used with flexible conduits, and more particularly with toy balloons. The device is made of a resilient material and has a centrally and axially located normally closed slit through which a ring of a balloon's mouth may be inserted when the slit is forced open, whereby a neck of the balloon is maintained within the slit as the slit closes. After inflation of the balloon's body, the body and the ring are rotated in opposite directions, whereby the neck of the balloon is caused to twist. The resilient material of the device maintains closure of the slit whereby the wall defining the slit maintains the neck in its twisted position and prevents egress of fluid. In addition, the contractile force of the twisted neck draw the ring and the body of the balloon into frictional contact with the top and bottom surfaces of the device and further prevents untwisting of the neck and further prevents egress of fluid.

Abstract: A stick and cup assembly for receiving and securing a balloon includes an elongated stick with a cup maintained at one end thereof. The cup is formed integrally with the stick. A collar is slidingly received upon the stick for selective locking engagement with the cup for securing a balloon thereto. The stick is preferably formed of a composition of polyester and rubber such that the stick is capable of being manually formed into any desired configuration and which retains that configuration once so formed.

Abstract: Decorative structures comprising a flexible sheet-like member simulate universal conceptions of the appearance of floating and fixed ghosts. A structure for simulating a universal conception of the appearance of a floating ghost comprises a flexible sheet-like member draped over a support member, such as a balloon, to form a composite structure. The composite structure is suspended from a support structure to simulate the appearance of a floating ghost. A decorative structure for simulating a universal conception of a fixed ghost comprises a support bag member having a filling therein, and a flexible sheet-like member placed over the support bag member and having facial indicia simulating an appearance of a face of a ghost thereon. The free ends of the sheet-like member are secured to the ground at spaced apart positions, to provide a generally inverted conical shape, so that the resultant structure can flutter when subjected to wind or the like.

Abstract: A toy blimp (20) including a gas filled body (22), a plurality of fins (26), a propulsion system (28) attached to a lower surface of the body, and one or more small weight clips (80). A refill valve (30) may be located on the body surface. Various embodiments of the propulsion system are provided, including a rubberband powered system, a small wind-up spring-loaded motor, and a spool-type rubberband motor.

Abstract: An improved device for inflating and illuminating a balloon. The device includes a hollow tube having an air baffle structure integrally molded in its interior. The air baffle structure directs air flowing through the tube out through side openings and into a surrounding balloon. A small aperture also extends through the air baffle structure itself. The aperture is sized so that a double lead wire can pass though the aperture from one side of the air baffle structure to the other. The double lead wire extends past the air baffle structure and is directly coupled to an illumination source at the top end of the tube. A sealant is used to seal the aperture through which the double lead wire passes. As such, an air impervious air baffle structure is provided that allows for the direct electrical connection in between a light source on one side of the air baffle structure and a power supply on the opposite side of the air baffle structure.

Abstract: A balloon decoration enclosure apparatus includes a generally flat closure disk having first, second and third spaced-apart slots, each extending from the perimeter of the disk toward the center thereof, to allow threading the neck of an inflated balloon up through the first slot, over the top of the disk and down through a second slot, and then under the disk and up through the third slot. When so positioned, the inflated balloon extends downwardly of the disk, and the mouth of the balloon extends upwardly a short distance. The disk includes a nipple extending upwardly from near the center of the disk for insertion into a centrally disposed opening of a retainer disk which is pressed down upon the closure disk. A decorative sheet of resilient material is disposed between the closure disk and retainer disk when the retainer disk is in place on the closure disk, so that the material extends upwardly and outwardly from the closure disk and retainer disk in a decorative, generally conical shape.

Abstract: A balloon clamp apparatus seals an inflation passageway of an inflated balloon and includes a clip member which includes a central portion, a first extension portion connected to the central portion, and a second extension portion connected to the central portion. The first extension portion and the second extension portion extend in a common direction from the central portion. The clip member includes a gap between the first extension portion and the second extension portion. The gap is for receiving the inflation passageway of the balloon. A pliers assembly includes a pair of handle portions, a fulcrum portion to which the pair of handle portions are connected, and a pair of clamp members connected to the pair of handle portions. The first extension portion, the central portion, the second extension portion, and the gap of the clip member can be formed as a C-shaped clip member.

Abstract: The balloon closure device of the present invention includes an integrally formed flat seal portion and removable tab portion (made of biodegradable material) and a loop of string or other type of line. The loop of string may be wrapped neatly around the tab portion, which eases handling of the device before it is used to seal a balloon. Once the device is used to seal a balloon, the loop of string may be used to secure the sealed balloon to the user's wrist without requiring the user to tie a knot.

Abstract: An aerial toy includes a balloon that can be filled with a lighter-than-air gas. It has a pinwheel connected to the lower portion of the balloon, preferably by use of the elastic filling stem of the lower portion of the balloon. A kite string is secured to the upper portion of the balloon for tilting the aerial toy forwardly when aloft. Preferably, the toy balloon has an oblong cross section, and when tilted forwardly, the oblong cross section serves to provide aerodynamic lift.