Abstract: A support structure for a toy character including a base, an expandable housing, a cap assembly, and at least one appendage is provided. The cap assembly includes at least two straps and a band for securing the cap assembly to the expandable housing. The at least one appendage extends from the cap assembly and includes a puncture surface. A rotation mechanism may be mounted to the base and have a receiving aperture sized to receive a portion of the expandable housing and include a lever to direct rotation of the rotation mechanism. The rotation mechanism may further include a rotation member having one or more hooks located adjacent the receiving aperture for securing the expandable housing thereto. The rotation member may be removeable from the base to provide access to the one or more hooks.

Abstract: The current inventive technology includes methods and apparatus for a balloon display system. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a modular balloon cluster display system that may be used to support and display one or more helium-free inflatable balloons.

Abstract: The balloon display system used in indoor and outdoor show rooms and the like. The system includes a heavy plastic inflatable balloon. The balloon is mounted on top of a circular balloon holder cup. The cup and the balloon are attached to an upper end of a flexible rod. A lower end of a flexible rod can be attached to a flexible or a rigid, hollow mounting pole. A lower end of the mounting pole can be attached to an upper end of a ground stake. A lower end of the ground stake is inserted into a ground surface. Also the lower end of the mounting pole can be mounted on top of weighted base or stand or other upright objects. The system is designed to display one balloon or a plurality of balloons in a balloon cluster.

Abstract: A holder for a floating balloon having a variety of protrusions or holes form to or through which a floating balloon can be tied, and a slit to allow a first end and a second and to be separated apart so that the holder can be attached to a variety of objects or human body parts.

Abstract: A decorative balloon display device includes a first large outer elastic envelope and a second small inner elastic envelope. A mechanism is for centrally retaining the second small inner elastic envelope within the first large outer elastic envelope. Another mechanism is for filling the first large outer elastic envelope and the second small inner elastic envelope with a lifting gas.

Abstract: A light-weight toy is attached to a player via a near-invisible fixed-length tether, typically using a low-tack adhesive at the ends of the tether. In especially preferred embodiments, the toy has a mechanism that creates an appearance of plausible possibility of flight without actually providing sufficient lift and/or propulsion for flight. Imaginary flight is achieved by manual lifting and moving the toy via the tether. Thus, the tether forms an integral part of the imaginary play for the player and is not used as an implement of a ‘magic trick’ for an audience.

Abstract: A composite structure based from an inflated balloon and a chenille stem. The composite structure has the chenille stem attached to the inflated balloon to create enhancements to replicate real-world or fantasy items. A method for assembling the composite structure. A kit for assembling the composite structure.

Abstract: A balloon holder for helium and air-filled balloons comprises: a base with adequate mass to hold down at least one helium balloon; a housing surrounding the base; a loop member comprised of a sunken portion submerged inside the base and a loop above the base wherein the loop fastens to a line attached to a helium balloon; and a stem comprised of a lower end submerged inside the base and a top end above the base wherein the top end is adapted to receive a balloon cup attached to an air-filled balloon. The loop member may be comprised of a metal wire, and the loop may secure one or multiple helium balloons. The balloon holder may also include a platform on top of the base that includes a central aperture through which the stem passes through and at least one additional aperture through which the loop member passes through.

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: An inflatable tree that may be used as an indoor or outdoor decoration, particularly during the Christmas holiday season. In one embodiment, the inflatable tree comprises an inflatable bladder having a substantially conical or cylindrical prism shape, wherein the axial direction of the bladder is oriented along a vertical axis, and a plurality of conical skirts attached to the bladder, wherein the plurality of conical skirts are attached at different points along the vertical axis.

Abstract: A balloon display comprised of at least one or at least two frameworks as specified in different embodiments. Each framework has apertures that circumscribe inflatable chambers. The inflatable chambers are arranged in at least one or at least two layers as specified in different embodiments. The inflatable chambers are secured in the apertures by any of a variety of means specified. Elements of the display may be arranged in a variety of relationships to one another as specified. Elements of the display are connected by any of a variety of means specified. The display is designed for viewing in any of a variety of directions specified in different embodiments.

Abstract: A rotating inflatable ornament has a main chamber, a bottom chamber, a blower, a rotating chamber, a rotating device and a joint tube. The bottom chamber is attached to the main chamber. The blower is mounted in the bottom chamber and fills the bottom chamber with air. The rotating chamber is mounted in the main chamber and has a main air tube and multiple inflatable adornments. The main air tube communicates with the bottom chamber. The rotating device is attached rotatably to the main chamber. The joint tube has an outer tube, an inner tube and a motor. The outer tube is attached to the bottom chamber. The inner tube is mounted rotatably in the outer tube and is attached to the main air tube. The motor rotates the rotating chamber to give a lively impression.

Abstract: A rotating inflatable ornament has a main chamber, a bottom chamber, a rotating chamber, a rotating device, a joint tube and a blower. The bottom chamber is attached to a bottom of the main chamber. The rotating chamber is mounted in the main chamber and has a main air-entering tube, multiple jet tubes and multiple inflatable adornments. The main air-entering tube communicates with the bottom chamber. The rotating device is attached rotatably to the main chamber. The joint tube is attached to the main air-entering tube and is mounted rotatably in the bottom chamber. The blower is mounted in the bottom chamber and fills air into the bottom chamber. The air coming out of the jet tubes makes the rotating chamber rotate.

Abstract: A system for the construction of life size play structures includes a multiplicity of inflatable building blocks, each being a member of a finite set of different multi-sided block types. Each such type is a cylinder having the cross section of a regular polyhedron, and the length of each side of each polyhedron is identical. The blocks are attached to each other by means of a rotating joint which aligns each contiguous side of each block with the contiguous side of the adjoining block, but which does not allow each such to translate relative to the adjoining block. The joints are constructed at fixed locations along the sides according to specific dimensional ratios. Stiffening means are used to maintain the dimensional integrity of each block, and to maintain the uniformity of the system from block to block.

Abstract: A balloon having a balloon body and pieces protruded from the balloon body; an adhering member is formed on the surface of each of the protruded pieces. Balloons according to the invention can be continuously connected to each other by means of the adhering member formed on the protruded pieces, so that a display constituted of balloons can be designed freely in shape and in size without using a frame member or a supporting member.

Abstract: A balloon for interlocking with another balloon that includes a body of an elastically expansible material formed into a substantially closed shape so as to define an expansible chamber therein, inflation apparatus for allowing a pressurized gas to enter and inflate the body, and interlocking apparatus for allowing one balloon to interlock with another balloon. The inflation apparatus includes a pair of tubes of an elastically expansible material and which extend axially and collinearly from, and are integrally formed with, opposing ends of the body and terminate in open ends with circumferential lips, and are in fluid communication with the expansible chamber for allowing the pressurized gas to enter and inflate the expansible chamber. The interlocking apparatus includes the inflation apparatus being tied by a string after the body is inflated, and with the string tying the inflation apparatus of one balloon also tying the inflation apparatus of an adjacent balloon so as to from a chain of balloons.

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 decorative combination of component bags representing the head, torso, two arms, and two legs of a festive, seasonal, holiday, or non-holiday figure is provided. Each of the bags is comprised of a bag member formed of a flexible waterproof material and has an initially open end. The initially open end is for receiving filler material. A closing means is provided for closing the initially open ends of the component bags. The bags may have fanciful indicia for representing festive, seasonal, holiday, or non-holiday figures. Once assembled, the figure resembles a costumed male or female human, is substantially human-proportioned, and preferably has articulable appendages. The components of the figure may also be supplied in a kit.

Abstract: A pneumatic bop bag which rests on the ground and simulates a humanoid figure having a head, the bag being normally erect. When a player punches the head, the bag is caused to swing to a degree that depend on the force of the punch, the bag then swinging back to resume its erect position. The bag is formed by a collapsible fabric casing having an upper head zone, an intermediate torso zone and a base zone that rests on the ground. The head and torso zones are occupied by an inflated balloon which conforms to the contours of these zones to cause the bag to assume a three-dimensional shape. Confined within the base zone is a weighted convex dish whose center pole which engages the ground is normally aligned with a vertical axis. When the bag is punched and swings away from this vertical axis, the gravitational force imposed on the dish causes the bag to return to its normal position whereby it is again erect.

Abstract: A method is provided for applying personalized indicia, such as a photograph, to a balloon. The method includes employing a commercially available copier to reproduce an image from a photograph onto a thin plastic film having a pressure sensitive adhesive backing. The plastic film is then adhered to a deflated balloon, and the balloon is subsequently inflated. The image applied to the plastic film conforms to the non-planar shape of the balloon without becoming separated therefrom.

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 decorative combination of component bags representing the torso, head, two arms and two legs of a festive, seasonal, holiday, or non-holiday figure is provided. Each of the bags is comprised of a bag member formed of a flexible waterproof material and preferably formed having a presealed end and an initially open end opposite the presealed end. The initially open end is for receiving filler material. The pre-sealed end of the head bag is shaped such that the head bag assumes a generally spherical shape once filled with filler material. The pre-sealed end of the torso bag is shaped such that the torso bag assumes a generally cylindrical shape once filled with filler material. The pre-sealed ends of the two arm bags and two leg bags are shaped such that the arm bags and leg bags assume a generally elongate cylindrical shape once filled with filler material. A closing means is provided for closing the initially open ends of the component bags.

Abstract: A non-latex inflatable toy in the form of a hand puppet is disclosed. The puppet includes three sheets defining an inflatable chamber and a pocket for the hand of the user.

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: An inflatable racing car is formed of a plurality of separate air chambers which are combined in fixed relationship to each other to form the vehicle which is suitable as a display or toy or sculptural work of art. For each left/right wheel-set there is a cylindrical air chamber terminating at each end in the form of a tire. A third air chamber is formed somewhat like a partially flattened egg which represents the passenger compartment situated above and between the two wheel-sets. A fourth inflatable chamber is the remainder of the car body which generally encompasses the wheel-sets and supports the passenger compartment. Within the car body are numerous webs formed as flat sheets of plastic positioned transversely with respect to various outside walls so that when the body is inflated these webs prevent these opposite walls from extending excessively outward and leading to an improper shape. The four air chambers cooperate to provide strength, realism and economy of manufacture.

Abstract: An inflatable and deflatable combatant action toy includes a rigid support base, a flexible body having an inflatable and deflatable bladder therein, a pair of pivotal arms manually actuatable for delivering an impact force to another similar combatant action toy, and an air inflation support system. The bladder of the flexible body is inflatable and deflatable respectively upon supply therein and discharge therefrom of a gas under pressure. The flexible body is attached upon the rigid support base.

Abstract: A balloon of at least two balloons is facilitated by a connecting tab on one balloon joined to a collar on another balloon. The collar wraps around the connecting tab to contribute to the aesthetic appearance of the balloon assembly by hiding the balloon joinder.

Abstract: An appendage for novelty balloon products is disclosed. A pair of heat-sealable strips are secured relative to one another to provide oppositely extending loops, having a predetermined loop configuration upon full extension of the appendage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interconnection between two non-latex balloons. The stem of one balloon engages a slot in the periphery of the other, and the ballons are then secured in a predetermined orientation.

Abstract: A novelty balloon lighting device involving an inflated balloon having a plug fitted inside the neck of the balloon the plug having a bore formed therethrough and containing therein at least one concentric constriction ring, an elongated hollow tube having spaced-apart terminal ends of an outside diameter such that the tube forms a sliding air-tight seal with the constriction ring when inserted in the bore, a light bulb sealed in one end of the tube for insertion into the interior of the inflated balloon and a pair of electric conductors extending from the bulb passing along the interior of the tube external the balloon and an electrical energy source for attaching the electrical conductors thereto for lighting the light bulb inside the balloon.

Abstract: A balloon positioning device that is used in forming balloon clusters including a supporting base structure and an upstanding support member having a plurality of vertically spaced attachment points thereon to which a plurality of balloon ribbons, strings or the like are connected so that balloons can be arranged in various patterns with desired numbers of balloons located at selected vertical orientations to form desired arrangements of a plurality of balloons so that once the balloons have been arranged, the ribbons, strings or the like can be separated from the attachment points and tied or otherwise connected together in order to maintain the balloons in a desired cluster.

Abstract: Three-dimensional balloon sculptures (50, 56, 66, 86, 88, 89, 90, 99, 125, 136, 137, 159, 160, 178, 186) and methods of forming same from one or more basic balloon building blocks (106, 106', 106", 126, 159) each including at least one rigid lineal rod-like balloon former (100, 100',138a, 138b, 149, 162, 174, 181, 182, 184) defining one or more lineal barrier(s) precluding distension of a portion of the sidewall of a conventional balloon of the type having a constricted neck portion (111) terminating at one end in an inflation aperture (112) and at the other end in an imperforate inflatable sidewall (108).

Abstract: A toy including an expandable article together with a device which punctures the article at random or predetermined time intervals. The toy of the invention can be tossed so as to actuate a device for puncturing an expandable article retained in the toy. The actuation of the device for puncturing the expandable article imparts a highly exciting and amusing aspect to play with the toy. In one embodiment, a motor diven wheel having at least one teeth thereon is rotated to puncture the article.

Abstract: A balloon containing a volume of lighter than air gas sufficient to render it buoyant has attached to it self-adjusting expandable or collapsible spring-like member in order to counteract the buoyancy of the balloon and retain it at an essentially stationary vertical position.

Abstract: A nested balloon holder comprising an inner balloon holder and an outer balloon holder. The inner balloon holder includes a generally frusto-conical, funnel-like balloon anchoring member, the balloon anchoring member having an upper perimeter and a lower perimeter, and an outwardly-extending perimetrical rim, the perimetrical rim being positioned adjacent the upper perimeter. The outer balloon holder is a generally frusto-conical, funnel-like member that is capable of securely receiving the inner balloon holder in a nested fashion. The frusto-conical outer member has an upper perimetrical rim and a lower perimeter, whereby the upper perimetrical rim of the inner holder is positioned adjacent the upper perimetrical rim of the outer holder.

Abstract: A balloon containing a volume of lighter than air gas sufficient to render it buoyant has attached to it self-adjusting expandable or collapsible spring-like member in order to counteract the buoyancy of the balloon and retain it at an essentially stationary vertical position.