Abstract: The present invention provides a balloon containment device comprising a central portion having a diameter larger than the diameter of the narrowest part of an expanded opening portion of a balloon. An elongate external retainer extends from the central portion toward a proximate end to the balloon opening portion and having a length enabled for placement of the central portion, extending through a neck portion of the balloon opening portion. An elongate internal retainer extends from the central portion, and toward a distal end from the balloon opening portion, and having a length designed for placement inside of the balloon. Wherein when the balloon is inflated, the central portion is held against the neck portion by manipulation of the external retainer.

Abstract: An inflatable globe has a generally round shape and an attachment pin, plug or other closure mechanism 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: A musical instrument includes a hollow and compressible body made of a flexible and elastic material, delimiting an internal cavity divided into two chambers by an internal wall through which a musical insert is mounted. The body is closed in a sealed manner such that the two chambers are hermetic and communicate only via the musical insert. Said musical insert is designed to emit a sound when passed through by an air flow generated by a mechanical pressure exerted on said body at the level of one of the chambers, which pushes some of the air volume from this chamber into the other chamber through said musical insert. Thus, this musical instrument is said to be “clean” because it does not need to communicate with the external environment in order to generate a sound, and is perfectly safe.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating bones, including, in one or more embodiments, methods and apparatus for treatment of vertebral fractures that include a containment assembly for cement containment and/or a balloon assembly for maintaining vertebral height. A containment assembly comprising a containment jacket adapted to be deployed inside bone; and a dividing wall that separates the interior of the containment jacket into a proximal region and a distal region, the dividing wall having an opening for providing access to the distal region from the proximal region.

Abstract: A nozzle includes an expansion portion and a coupling portion having an inner end, an outer end, and an air hole extending from the inner end through the outer end. A connecting portion is connected between the expansion portion and the inner end and includes an opening intercommunicating with the air hole. The nozzle is coupled with a neck of a balloon. The expansion portion spreads the neck. The opening is received in the neck. The air hole intercommunicates with an inflation space defined in the balloon when a gas with a sufficient pressure is filled into the air hole. The air hole does not intercommunicate with the inflation space when no gas with the sufficient pressure is filled into the air hole.

Abstract: A method includes providing an inflatable implant formed of a flexible polymer material suitable for residence in the body. The implant includes a slit valve provided in its wall. The slit valve includes an elastomeric valve body with an open internal chamber being in fluid communication with a proximal opening of the valve, a concave section at its distal end, and a normally closed slit in a solid portion of the valve body connecting the concave section and the distal end of the valve body. An inflation tube having an injection tip with a distal end and an insertion stop is provided. The injection tip is inserted into the internal chamber of the slit valve until the insertion stop positively engages the proximal opening. Then, the implant with the inflation tube is delivered to a body cavity. Once delivered, fluid is introduced through the inflation tube and into the implant.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for delivering a device assembly into a gastric or other space within the body, allowing the device to expand to occupy volume within the gastric space and, after an effective period of time, delivering a substance or stimulus to begin breakdown of the expanded device so that it may release from the body.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating bones, including, in one or more embodiments, methods and apparatus for treatment of vertebral fractures that include a containment assembly for cement containment and/or a balloon assembly for maintaining vertebral height. A containment assembly comprising a containment jacket adapted to be deployed inside bone; and a dividing wall that separates the interior of the containment jacket into a proximal region and a distal region, the dividing wall having an opening for providing access to the distal region from the proximal region.

Abstract: A balloon assembly including a balloon pedestal having a cup attached to a collar and an air tube that can be fixedly attached to a one-way balloon valve. The balloon cup is configured with a plurality of creases that allow it to be folded or otherwise reduced in shape for more economical packaging. The collar and air stem are also oval in shape to further reduce the overall volume of the balloon assembly. The balloon cup can be placed over and secured to the air tube, with the cup supporting the base of the balloon. A rod or similar support can also be placed in the end of the air tube to allow the balloon to be more visible.

Abstract: Balloons and related components and manufacturing methods. Various embodiments provide balloons which define elastomeric balloon bodies and necks. The balloon bodies define body thicknesses and filled and unfilled internal volumes. Tension in the balloon bodies gives rise to internal pressures when the balloons are filled. The necks couple with the bodies and define neck thickness which differ from the body thicknesses. Various embodiments provide check valve for use with the balloons and/or various liquids. These check valves can comprise a ball that further comprises a generally spherical substrate of fine particles of a biodegradable material and a coating on the substrate. The coating can be made of another biodegradable material.

Abstract: A nonlinear air stop valve of an air sealing body includes an inner member having left arcs on one side and right arcs on the other side, and both left and right arcs are asymmetrically arranged sideway, and a breach is formed at the bottom of the left and right arcs and on a concave arc surface, and left and right arcs are arranged from top to bottom, such that air entering from an air inlet at the top of the inner membrane flows along an upper arc of the left and right arcs to a lower arc and is blocked by the concave arc surface to flow to the breach and pass through the right arc, breach, left arc and breach in turn from right to left or from left to right into an air outlet at the bottom of the inner membrane and enter into the sealing body.

Abstract: An electronic unit incorporating an LED or a sound source, a battery power source, and a displaceable actuator to connect the LED or sound source to the power source, is mounted inside a non-latex balloon by firstly being bonded by means of a cover sheet to the exterior of one of the flexible strips of a self-sealing valve located in and through the neck of the balloon. This may take place by heat sealing and simultaneously with the bonding together by heat seal of the respective elongate strips of the valve. Thereafter, the combined unit and self-sealing valve are bonded, again preferably by heat sealing, between respective balloon sheets in the vicinity of the stem of the balloon. Winged portions on the inflation valve strips and the cover and corresponding bulges where the balloon body emerges to the balloon stem may be provided.

Abstract: A housing has an upper end, a lower end, and an opening extending between the upper and lower ends, the housing being sealingly attachable to an inflatable device. A check valve has a body member with an upper end, a lower end, an outer surface sized and shaped to be selectively matingly received in the opening of the housing, and an inner surface defining a passageway. The check valve is coupled to the housing by a first tether. A cap has an upper end, a lower end, and an outer surface sized and shaped to be selectively matingly received in the passageway of the check valve. The cap is coupled to the housing by a second tether.

Abstract: A valve and retainer assembly particularly useful for latex balloons includes a valve body and a band valve. The valve body has a radial shoulder 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 radial shoulder, and a one-way valve allows gas to be introduced through the stem into the balloon affixed to the retainer portion. A valve and retainer for filling first and second balloons further includes a slide disk having a seal sleeve that intimately fits over the stem portion, such that the sealing slide disk selectively slides along the stem portion so that the seal sleeve can selectively cover the at least one second balloon fill aperture; and a flexible band covering the at least one fill aperture of the fill portion.

Abstract: A valve and retainer assembly particularly useful for latex balloons includes a valve body and a band valve. The valve body has a radial shoulder where the neck and mouth of a latex balloon may be received to affix the balloon to the valve body. A hollow stem extends from a first open end to a second closed end, and a one-way valve allows gas to be introduced through a fill aperture in the stem and into the balloon affixed to the retainer portion. The stem includes a bell mouth at the open end to facilitate the creation of a hermetic seal with valves of gas storage tanks and to improve the efficiency of filling said balloons. The one-way valve includes a band valve positioned around the stem and covering the fill aperture. Fingers may be provided on a top surface of the radial shoulder to retain the band valve against movement under high pressure.

Abstract: A swimming hoop with a buoyancy member and flexible frame. By increasing or decreasing the buoyant force provided to the flexible frame by the buoyancy member, the user is able to position the swimming hoop at a desired vertical distance within a body of water. To increase or decrease the buoyant force, a pump is used to increase or decrease the level of air within an air chamber. The buoyancy member is adjustably secured to the flexible frame. The flexible frame may be generally circular, square, or any other shape, and is flexible such that other shapes can be further obtained by twisting or manipulating the flexible frame.

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: The present invention is to provide the punching capable modeled objects with surface layers of forming material. They mainly use the forming material as the surface layers, and the inner layers are modeled objects used for entertainment composed of the non air-permissible and sealed thin material and set with a punching hole penetrating out through the surface layers. Through the hollow design, the said modeled objects can be air-punched into three-dimensional form while expecting to be used and can be stored or packaged delivery in a pressing-flat form to achieve the purposes of saving the required material in producing the modeled objects, reducing the volume required for storing and delivering the modeled objects, and largely reducing the production cost.

Abstract: An inflatable exhibition product includes a primary inflatable product, an auxiliary characteristic inflatable product received inside and communicating with the hollow body of the primary inflatable product and an air blower assembly mounted at the bottom of the hollow body and having a hollow casing provided therein an upper chamber to receive therein a top blade set and a lower chamber to receive therein a bottom blade set. Rotation of the bottom blade set is able to inflate the auxiliary characteristic inflatable product and the primary inflatable product and rotation of the top blade set is able to suck in the particles from the inlet and project them out to the interior of the hollow body from the outlet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a balloon weight system for an inflatable balloon having, singularly or in any combination, an electronic music producing device, a line distance adjusting device, to produce a descending and/or ascending of the balloon, and a fragrance distribution device.

Abstract: A seesaw-typed inflatable puppet has an inflatable and seesaw-typed main body, a first envelope, a second envelope, a blower generating air and being connected to the main body and a valve assembly being connected between the first envelope and the second envelope. The air generated by the blower flows into the main body to inflate the main body, selectively flows into the first envelope to deflate the second envelope and flows into the second envelope to deflate the first through the valve assembly. Thus, the first envelope and the second envelope inflate and deflate alternatively. The main body swings back and forth like a seesaw and performs entertaining and novel movements.

Abstract: A balloon assembly including a pedestal portion having a mounting bracket for attachment to an upright support. A rod projects upwardly from the mounting bracket and carries a cup at its top with a pair of opposed slots. An inflatable portion is releasably connected to the pedestal portion and has an air-filled bladder to the bottom of which a cap is affixed. The cap is adapted for positioning within the cup and has a pair of resilient tabs extending downwardly therefrom for positioning within the slots in the cup. Each of the tabs has an outwardly projecting shoulder for releasably catching upon the cup.

Abstract: Toy balloons that have an internal surface coated with a barrier coating include a one-way valve. The one-way valve incorporates an inlet stem that is surrounded by an expandable elastomeric collar. The coating solution is an aqueous solution having a low concentration of polyvinyl alcohol and a carbohydrate. A minimal amount of coating composition is used. This allows preassembly and precoating of toy balloons with one-way valves that can be stored for up to one year without drying out.

Abstract: A device for inflating a balloon or other inflatable structure is disclosed. A neck of the inflatable structure fits through an annular mouthpiece of an oral inflator, and a check valve assembly is inserted therein, compressing the neck of the balloon between the check valve assembly and the mouthpiece and preventing air from exiting from the balloon. Air is orally introduced into the check valve to inflate the balloon. A housing may be included for containing the oral inflator and the balloon. In one embodiment, multiple balloons are fixed to multiple oral inflators, each of which is connected through an inflation manifold to an inflation tube. An flexible strap with a selectively releasable fastener on each end can be used to secure the device to a swimmer. In one embodiment, a pressurized inflation cartridge may be included that has a selectively openable valve for inflating each balloon.

Abstract: An inexpensive air valve-connector can enable the construction of inflatable structures having multiple inflatable components. In particular, an inflatable component can be connected to an inflated structure and inflate without deflating the structure. Specifically, positive air pressure generated by an air blower, i.e. a fan, is used to inflate a structure composed of one or more blocks that self-inflate upon connection to inflated blocks. The air valve-connector can be embodied in a low-cost building block toy. The air valve-connector can also be used to create other inflatable structures, such as decorations and signage. The air valve-connector comprises two light-weight connectors that can exist on opposite sides of the same block. The valve includes a compressible material, such as foam, that is actuated to open the valve. When two blocks are connected via the air valve, air is transferred from a first block to a second block.

Abstract: A check valve that reduces leakage caused by flapping is disclosed. The shape of the heat seals focus the flow of gas in the valve so that the flapping that results from using elongated parallel heat seals is reduced. Alternative embodiments also enable tying of balloons while reducing the risk of leaking. Balloons can also be inflated at a greater rate without risk of leakage thereby reducing labor costs and the reduction in leaks also reduces the return of faulty products.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enhancing an inflatable device. In one example, a first component adapted to generate at least one of light and sound is coupled to a second component that is adapted to facilitate insertion into an inflatable device. The first component may be an LED-based light source configured to generate single or multi-colored light in an interior space of the inflatable device once inserted into the inflatable device. The second component may be particularly configured with one or more valves or seals to facilitate a transfer of a substance (e.g., an inflating substance) into the inflatable device once the first and second components are inserted into the inflatable device. The second component also may be configured to conveniently facilitate an effective seal between the second component and the inflatable device.

Abstract: An inflatable device that includes a inflatable component and a base inflatable component. The inflatable component is releasably connected to the base inflatable component by a component connector. The component connector includes a base and a cap, wherein the cap releasably connected to the base.

Abstract: A valve is provided that includes a body portion defining a conduit and a control element coupled to the body portion and configured to selectively engage the body portion adjacent the conduit. The control element is configured to be axially repositioned based on axial movement of the body portion.

Abstract: A toy has an interior bag made of an airtight, flexible material, the configuration of which adapts closely to the shape of the toy in its final form. The bag includes an air valve, accessible from the outside and located in a place that is not easily visible, together with a closure cap, in order to facilitate the filling of the toy with air, or the expelling of the air, as desired.

Abstract: An inflatable device that includes a inflatable component and a base inflatable component. The inflatable component is releasably connected to the base inflatable component by a component connector. The component connector includes a base and a cap, wherein the cap releasably connected to the base.

Abstract: The invention provides a circuit embedded within a Mylar balloon for providing a desired effect such as sound, illumination, or both. The circuit includes a switch for preventing premature discharge of the power source and a tab for closing the switch when the balloon is inflated.

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: 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: The present invention is a self-acting valve, and it may specifically be used for air mattresses. This self-acting valve consists of a housing, a membrane and a base. After a quick inflation, the elastic airtight membrane positioned within the housing reverts to its original shape and instantly shuts off the outlets, which prevents air from leaking out. This valve is able to operate automatically to form a perfect airtight seal. The structure of this valve is simple, reliable, and practical, which makes it a new type of self-acting valve for an air mattress.

Abstract: This invention provides inflatable three-dimensional humanoid figures for use in background scenes associated with still photography, motion pictures and video productions which are low in cost, lightweight, easy to use, easy to store, easy to transport and provides a greater range of viewing angles. It is also envisioned that this invention can be used for corporate conventions requiring the illusion of a large number of participants, in advertising and other functions where the illusion of large numbers of people enhance the overall objective of the functions.

Abstract: An inflatable play structure is provided, comprising a plurality of inflatable tubular elements, each tubular element comprising an elongated flexible wall forming an enclosed gas chamber with a self-sealing nozzle and a plurality of external attachments, a plurality of wall brackets comprising base members and upwardly extending poles, a roof bracket comprising a peak member connected to two base members by poles, and a tent-shaped roof element. The inflatable play structure is ideal for educational play, in particular educational play regarding piece-by-piece construction similar to the building of a conventional log cabin or house.

Abstract: A balloon neck fitting includes a check valve section having a peripheral housing and a peripheral flange extended radially outward from the peripheral housing for engaging with a larger balloon. The housing includes a chamber for receiving a gas supplying nozzle, and one or more extensions engaged with the neck of the balloons. Another housing is formed on top of the housing and having an outer diameter smaller than that of the housing for engaging with a neck of a smaller balloon, and for allowing the smaller balloon to be inflated and received in the larger balloon.

Abstract: Inflatable figures are able to maintain an upright position without the necessity of external devices such as tethers. There are several ways to cause the inflatables to maintain the upright position. In one example, baffles inside the figure direct air into all areas and controls the air exhaust. In another example, the inflatable is provided with a single air exhaust at the top of the figure. As air travels from the air source, located at the base of the figure to the exhaust, the force of the air traveling through the figure keeps the figure upright. In another example, a tube receives air from the air source and is sewn to the inside of the figure. The tube bends temporarily. When the tube bends, air cannot be exhausted from the tube and the buildup of pressure causes the tube, and therefore the figure, to return to the upright position.

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 low profile inflation valve intended to be installed with an article to inflated with air, water or other fluid. The valve of the invention comprises a valve body which is sealed, such as by an adhesive, heat-sealing or RF sealing, to a corresponding opening in the article to be inflated. The body comprises a generally circular cylindrical configuration with internal threads for receiving a cap. The cap correspondingly comprises a circular cylindrical configuration having exterior threads for threaded engagement into the valve body. A flapper is affixed to the underside of the cap and functions as a one-way valve to prevent fluid from within the article from escaping therefrom when the cap is partially threaded within the body and yet which allows inflation of the article. Moreover, full tightening of the cap within the body sealingly entraps the flapper between the cap in a lower portion of the body so as to create an airtight seal and prevent further inflation (or deflation) of the article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bleed member provided in a bleed valve assembly having a wall member defining a fluid chamber for retaining a fluid therein. The bleed member has an aperture defined in the wall member and a flexible sealing member located inside the fluid chamber for selectively covering and sealing the aperture. According to the present invention, in a preloading state, the flexible sealing member covers and seals the aperture and, in a venting state, the sealing member is forced to be unseated from the aperture to vent fluid from the valve member. The wall member is preferably flexible and the sealing member may be formed of a material which is flexible and conforms to the shape and configuration of the wall member to seal the aperture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a balloon-shaped structure driving apparatus by which portions of a balloon-shaped structure can be caused to move easily and reliably and weight and cost can be reduced and a discharge/suction selector valve device. A rotating blade of the discharge/suction selector valve device is rotated to a suction operating position to connect an air outlet and an air flowing hole, to exhaust air from actuators toward a pump device, and to contract a bellows portion. At this time, the actuators pull acting portions of arm portions of a balloon robot main body, the balloon robot main body is bent at allowance portions which can be bent, and the arm portions are forcibly moved down.

Abstract: An inflatable toy comprises a simple and durable pump, comprising a bladder or other hand-operated source of air pressure, which inflates a balloon, typically shrouded in an expansible fabric, decorated with a character or the like, so that the character is distorted in an amusing manner when inflated. A first check valve allows air to pass from the bladder to the balloon when the bladder is squeezed, while a second check valve allows the bladder to refill itself while preventing air from being released from the balloon when hand pressure on the bladder is relaxed. A user-operated deflation valve allows pressure to be controllably released from the balloon. In one embodiment, the user-operated deflation valve is located such that the inflation bladder can be squeezed and the deflation valve operated without changing the position of the toy in one's hand, further increasing the user's enjoyment of the toy.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention is a dual speed air control valve including a first sheet having an aperture therein and a second sheet continuously secured to the first sheet along a periphery of the first and second sheets. Further, a third sheet in continuously secured to the second sheet along a periphery of the third and second sheets. The first sheet defines at least one aperture in fluid communication with the third sheet. The third sheet defines at least one aperture in fluid communication with the first sheet.

Abstract: Improved valve for cushions, of the type including a nipple threadable on a tubular body, the nipple showing a diaphragm or choking disc of an existing seat or toric joint on the end of the tube, the disc being joined to the nipple by a series of brackets separated from each other by windows, characterized because the nipple has an entering stepped surrounding up to the upper part where a rotary skirt is lodged with a truncated cone or cylindrical shape, supported by an inner rib in the part of the skirt and is lodged in an existing crack at the bottom of the stepped existing at the nipple.

Abstract: A device for scattering confetti includes an inverted pocket positioned within the interior of an envelope inflated by a gas inlet at an upper end region of the envelope. Confetti is contained within the pocket, and a break-away closure closes an open end of the pocket at the upper end region, and maintains the confetti within the pocket. Upon compressing the envelope, the pocket is reversed in position, the closure ruptured, and the confetti is suddenly expelled in an explosive manner with a concomitant popping sound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non return valve which is provided by welding two lines in two flat upon each other lying film surfaces, which are then folded towards each other and after that they are joined together around the outer edges except the opening channel so that over pressure is formed when the container is filled completely or partly and then the non return valve starts to operate with safe sealing. The opening channel is formed between two against each other lying sections of film material, which sections extend from the outside of the container into it and are joined together right up to the opening channel.

Abstract: A balloon including a balloon body composed of two sheets made of synthetic resin, a thin film-like nonreturn valve provided between the sheets, and a string made of synthetic resin; wherein the sheets and the thin film-like nonreturn valve are melt-bonded together, and the string is integrally connected to the balloon body or the nonreturn valve when the sheets and/or the thin film-like nonreturn valve are melt-bonded together.

Abstract: A self sealing inflatable article including an inflatable body portion and a neck portion having an opening, a ring member supporting the opening of the article and a plug member for sealing the opening wherein at least a portion of the body portion of the article is invaginated through the opening of the article with the plug member associated with the invaginated portion.