Abstract: The disclosure provides inflatable attachments for attractions, in addition to attractions and attraction parks having such inflatable attachments. The inflatable attachments represent a significant advancement m safety, and include a central column configured for coupling to a motion base, at least one arm extending away from the central column, and at least one inflatable air chamber extending through the at least one arm.

Abstract: In an example, an insulation apparatus is described. The apparatus includes a battery pack comprising a plurality of battery cells, and an insulating bag disposed around, and attached to, a surface of the battery pack. The insulating bag is configured to expand at an altitude. The insulating bag includes an outer surface, and the outer surface includes a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film. The insulating bag is at least partially filled with a Noble gas.

Abstract: A lighter-than-air toy drone assembly that stays aloft using a balloon that is filled with a lighter-than-air gas. The balloon is inflated and deflated with the gas through a remote control vent valve. A ballast chamber can be provided that is filled with and drained of ballast through a purge valve. Controlled flight is achieved by selectively controlling motorized propellers, the vent valve and the optional purge valve. The motorized propeller provides horizontal movement. The purge valve and the vent valve change the buoyancy of the drone assembly and therefore control vertical movement.

Abstract: Recreational footballs with rotor assemblies are provided herein. An example football includes a plurality of struts forming a prolate spheroid frame; and one or more rotor assemblies each having a plurality of blades, the one or more rotor assemblies being disposed within the prolate spheroid frame, the one or more rotor assemblies changing at least one aerodynamic aspect of flight of the recreational device when air passes through the prolate spheroid frame and rotates the plurality of blades of the one or more rotor assemblies.

Abstract: A tethered passive wing system for the conversion of flow energy into electric energy which exhibits optimized aerodynamic and mechanical properties for reliable and efficient operation and is only connected through one or more tensile elements to a converter unit and comprises an optimized combination of rigid, non-flexural structural elements such as, for example, beams and shell structures and flexible fabric structures, such as, for example, membranes, films, laminates.

Abstract: A neutrally buoyant flying toy has a tail fin assembly and a movable weight element that are configured such that the toy moves forward and can be steered left and right by controlled motion of the tail fin, and such that the toy ascends or descends by controlled motion of the weight element. Most preferably, the toy is configured as a fish and is remote controlled.

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 launcher has programmable keys that activate a programming device to communicate with a flying toy to set up any one of multiple different motions of the toy. This is affected when the flying object and the launcher are connected together. Different combinations of program keys include changing of speed and landing procedures. The flying toy includes a receiver that operates a motor, and the flying object is clipped on the launcher and ejected after a user triggers the release button on the launcher.

Abstract: An object is supported freely in space without requiring an anchoring point connected to ground, by attaching the object to a support structure adapted to float in air when filed with a gas having lower specific gravity than air at a controlled pressure that provides sufficient buoyancy for different weight objects. The support structure is released together with the attached object so as to reach an equilibrium position where a buoyancy force of the support structure counteracts a combined weight of the enclosure and attached object. The object may be integral with the support structure and may be a self-powered electrical device operating on a battery or solar energy. The enclosure may be a floating platform or may be part of an object.

Abstract: An inflatable blimp replica formed of thin plastic sheet, includes: a. an inflatable main chamber having walls which define the perimeter of the air space within the main chamber, and a gondola extending downward from the bottom wall, b. an inner chamber having a central part an open top part, and a closed bottom part, wherein the top part intersects and is heat sealed in an air tight manner to the top wall, the central part extends downward through the main body, and the bottom part extends into the gondola, such that the main chamber can be closed and inflatable notwithstanding the intersection of the inner chamber through the top wall, and c. an illumination sub-assembly within the inner chamber including at least one LED, a replaceable electric battery at the top part, and control means for controlling when the LED is switched on and off.

Abstract: The rigid balloon has a chamber to hold lighter-than-air gas portions to retain a structural member or members and a separate light gas is filled into the chamber through a valve in the balloon. Structural members are inserted into the portion to help retain the desired shape of the balloon. The structural members also provide a counterbalancing weight which prevents the balloon from floating upward. Thus, the balloon, once released into the air, will retain its shape and remain floating at the height from which it was released unless repositioned.

Abstract: A remote-controlled toy skateboard device comprises a skateboard with a deck and front and rear truck assemblies pivotally connected to the deck. A toy figure has a lower body portion that is fixedly connected to the deck and an upper body portion that is connected for rotation with respect to the lower body portion. A torso drive mechanism is operably connected to the upper body portion of the toy figure to rotate the upper body portion with respect to the lower body portion. A steering mechanism is operably connected with one of the truck assemblies to tilt the deck with respect to the truck assemblies to thereby steer the skateboard. A drive mechanism is also operably connected to wheels of one truck assembly to propel the skateboard. A remote-control unit is configured to generate signals to remotely control movement of the toy figure, tilt between the deck and truck assemblies, and the speed and travel direction of the skateboard.

Abstract: The remote-controlled air, land or water borne toy vehicle comprises: a body; a printed circuit board mounted in or to the body; a receiver connected to the printed circuit board for receiving commands; hardware on the printed circuit board including control circuitry for manipulating the toy vehicle in response to commands received by the receiver; and a motor drive mechanism mounted on or to the toy vehicle for moving or propelling the toy vehicle in response to control signals from the control circuitry. Preferably at least one of several infrared emitting simulated weapons are mounted on the toy vehicle and are selected from the group including a machine gun, a cannon and a missile.

Abstract: A balloon toy vehicle is disclosed which has full direction control, altitude control and a motorized release feature that permits an object to be lifted and dropped remotely. Fixed tandem reversible thruster motors are positioned approximately perpendicular to the gondola body of the vehicle and work in tandem to provide forward, reverse, left turn and right turn movements. A third thruster motor is positioned along the length of the gondola body facing downward to provide lift. In a preferred embodiment, the lift thruster motor, is positioned slightly angularly from a vertical longitudinal plane passing through the gondola body and is attached to the gondola body by a bracket. This motor arrangement gives the vehicle both lift and anti-spin stability. An adjustment feature is provided to set the gondola body in a horizontal plane. This accommodates any variations in the fixed balloon connection. The vehicle is preferably operated by wireless remote control.

Abstract: A kit for assembly of an entertainment apparatus includes a party balloon for filling with gas which is buoyant in air at ambient pressure and temperature; a basket structure form sheet including interconnected first, second, third and fourth basket wall panels and a basket floor panel, all of the panels being separated from each other by fold lines, and a panel interconnecting mechanism for holding the side wall panels and floor panel juxtaposed in the configuration of a basket; and a suspension harness including at least one elongate flexible member wrapped around the inflated party balloon and extending downwardly to and engaging the basket structure. The panel interconnecting mechanism preferably includes several slots near the edges of the floor panel and dove tail tabs protruding from the edges of the wall panels which fit engagingly into the slots to hold the assembled basket in folded, assembled configuration.

Abstract: An inflatable flying toy made of plastic membrane. The flying toy is formed with several inflatable air passages communicated with each other. After inflated, the air passages are expanded to serve as a support frame for stretching and supporting the flying toy into a kite form. At predetermined positions of the air passages are disposed latch holes or wing holes connecting with a hook injection member or tied with a pull string. The hook injection member can be hooked with a catapult which is able to resiliently inject the flying toy as a glider. A pull string can be tied with the flying toy to control the flying or floating direction of the kite by pulling.

Abstract: Weightless Toy Objects where the upward buoyancy force of lighter than air gas inside the Toy Object body is carefully balanced against the gravitational weight of the Toy Object using a system of balance weights and orientation weights enabling the Toy Object to stay at a height and orientation in a space where it is deposited. The Toy Object can be in generic shapes, such as cube, cylinder and sphere for building larger weightless Toy Objects or in an identifiable shape such as cloud or airplane.

Abstract: A fluid engine for use in pneumatically operated toys such as wheeled vehicles or airplanes includes an engine having a fluid input cavity which is in continuous fluid communication with a source of compressed air, a fluid delivery cavity which is in continuous communication with a piston cavity bounded by a moveable piston mounted in a cylinder member and which is separated from the fluid input cavity by a wall having a valve opening, and exhaust apertures which are separated from the fluid delivery cavity. A valve rod is movably housed to open the valve opening and close the exhaust apertures during the piston's power stroke, and to close the valve opening and open the exhaust opening during the piston's exhaust stroke. The valve rod is operatively connected to a piston to act in synchronism with it by the use of a cam integrally secured to a propeller power shaft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the flight direction of a blimp. The blimp includes an elongate fuselage for containing a lighter-than-air gas, a movable rudder located toward a tail end of the fuselage, and at least one propeller mounted on a side of the fuselage. The propeller is attached to the blimp by a connection that provides two axes of movement. The propeller connection can be rotated or pivoted (1) about a first axis which is a horizontal axis that is perpendicular to a direction of the longitudinal axis of the elongate fuselage, and/or (2) about a second axis which is a vertical axis that is perpendicular to the direction of the longitudinal axis of the fuselage.

Abstract: An aerodynamic, neutrally bouyant, mylar toy, comprises itself of a helium filled, mylar brand balloon with its accompaning convenient, flexible one-way valve, which is specifically weighted at its perimeter to exhibit dynamic flight characteristics due primarily to its centrifugal properties.The aerodynamic toy is weighted with a variety of ballasts to achieve a horizontal, neutral buoyant, list-free, static equilibrium attitude. Such ballasts are ingeniously positioned to first offset the intrinsic weight of said fill valve to create a list-free horizontal attitude. Ballast is subsequently added to the perimeter until said toy is counter-ballanced against the forces of gravity. In the case of a round balloon weighted and positioned horizontally, some ballast is added at its southern most concentric axis in order to easily facilitate the return of a neutral buoyant attitude of said toy, due to the inevitable loss of helium,and without effecting its said static, list-free equilibrium.

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: A tethering system for a novelty balloon comprises a tether having a first portion of a contact type fastener secured thereto and a second portion of a contact type fastener secured to an outer surface of the balloon such that the tether is removably securable to the balloon by contacting the first portion of the contact type fastener on the tether to the second portion of contact type fastener on the balloon. In a preferred embodiment, the tethering system comprises a rod or post having a first portion of a hook and loop type fastener secured at one end and a base secured at an opposite end. A second portion of a hook and loop type fastener is secured to a surface of the balloon such that the tether may be secured to the balloon by pressing the end of the tether having the first portion of the hook and loop type fastener secured thereto against the second portion of hook and loop type fastener on the balloon.

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.

Abstract: A rocket launching pad-like device for inflating and ejecting toy balloons that permits a balloon to be mounted directly on the device, permits the balloon to be inflated while mounted on the device, shields a child's face and eyes during inflation of the balloon, and forcibly ejects the inflated balloon from the device on demand. An efficient ramming surface enables use of the device with balloons of a range of sizes. A docking station may be used to group a plurality of inflation and ejection devices to provide a multiple balloon launching toy.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for recovering and arresting an aircraft on a floating platform is disclosed. The aircraft has a fuselage, a wing, and a source of propulsion for propelling the aircraft in flight. During landing approach, an inflatable cushion attached to the fuselage is deployed below the fuselage via inflation. In the inflated condition, a fastening material disposed on a downward facing surface of the cushion is thereby adapted to adhesively contact the floating platform deck so that the forward motion of the aircraft is slowed and arrested. In the preferred embodiment, the fastening material is one of male or female VELCRO.RTM. which is adapted to mate with corresponding VELCRO.RTM. material covering the platform deck.

Abstract: This invention provides improvements to flying toy models of hot-air balloons which use helium instead of hot air for lift.An object in the shape of an inverted receptacle is inserted into the mouth of the lifting envelope and serves to accurately replicate the shape of the neck and the open mouth of a full-sized hot-air balloon lifting envelope. A novel method of assembly incorporates the inverted receptacle into the lifting envelope and provides for the efficient attachment and detachment of the gondola to the lifting envelope.

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: A helium-filled remote-controlled saucer toy comprising a hollow saucer having a central aperture disposed therethrough; a filling mechanism for allowing the saucer to be filled with helium gas for enabling the saucer to hover in air; a first fan having a fixed stator coupled within the aperture of the saucer, a rotatable rotor extended upwards therefrom, and fan blades coupled about the rotor for providing a propelling force for moving the saucer upwards or downwards when the rotor is rotated in one direction or in the opposite direction; a second fan having a fixed stator coupled within the aperture of the saucer, a rotatable rotor extended downwards therefrom, and fan blades coupled about the rotor for providing a propelling force for spinning the saucer clockwise or counter-clockwise when the rotor is rotated in one direction or in the opposite direction; a receiver mechanism adapted for receiving signals for controlling the direction of rotation of the fan blades; a power mechanism for energizing the fan

Abstract: An object that is selectively movable through a fluid in which the object is at least partially immersed and which is adapted to automatically change between different operating states without operator intervention. A movable object has a vessel / balloon with first means having first and second states for causing the vessel to move within the fluid. The first means in the first state thereof cause the vessel to move along a first travel path. The first means in the second state thereof cause the vessel to one of a) move along a second travel path within the fluid which is different from the first travel path and b) remain substantially in a static state within the fluid. Second means are provided on the vessel for automatically changing the first means from one of its first and second states to the other of its first and second states and back to its original state without intervention by an operator.

Abstract: An apparatus for simulating a lower gravity environment. The invention allows individuals to experience a simulated reduction in the gravity of Earth. A large balloon provides a buoyant upward force. The balloon is attached to a sturdy frame which is secured to a harness for anchoring the individual to the apparatus. The frame is attached to the balloon with a rotating hinge, allowing for horizontal rotation of the individual. The frame may also attach to the harness with a rotating hinge allowing for vertical rotation of the individual.

Abstract: A flying toy comprising an ordinary rubber balloon and a nozzle, the nozzle being provided with a wide inlet edge and with a narrow outlet throat, and being secured to the inflation appendage of the balloon. The nozzle is provided with studs suitable for receiving drinking straws that have themselves received fins, thereby constituting a trajectory stabilizer. The flying toy thus constitutes a rocket-balloon. It constitutes an educational toy and an advertising medium particularly suitable for fast-food restaurant chains.

Abstract: A radio controlled hot air balloon, particularly suitable for use by hobbyists, includes a balloon envelope, a burner assembly and a radio control system. The altitude of the balloon is remotely controlled by adjusting the amount of hot air produced by the burner assembly.

Abstract: An aerodynamic toy is arranged formed of a flexible web formed of memory retentent material, with the web of an annular configuration, including a continuous peripheral array of pockets about the web, with each pocket selectively mounting a weighted disk therewithin to accommodate removal of selective weights to effect flight and trajectory of the toy. The toy may further be provided in a modified construction to include essentially oriented and positionable a helium filled balloon.

Abstract: A pair of generally circular panels or sheets of suitable material such as silvered Mylar are sealed together along their edges to form an envelope for receiving a lighter-than-air gas to form an air-hovering toy and short, generally cylindrical, stems are attached to and extend outward from the center of each of the panels so that the stems can be grasped to spin the toy about an axis defined by a line between the centers of the stems to make it into an action toy.

Abstract: A balloon toy apparatus contains a lighter-than-air gas, causing it to rise. Wetting the toy with a controlled amount of a volatile liquid, such as water ejected from a water pistol, overcomes the tendency to rise and results in the toy descending or floating at or near neutral buoyancy. Evaporation of the liquid reestablishes the tendency to rise.

Abstract: A radio-controlled flying apparatus comprising an annular buoyant body and having an overall center of gravity below the center of buoyant force of the buoyant body. The annular buoyant body contains a gas of lighter weight than air. A main body is supported by the annular buoyant body by means of a dual-axis gimbal. The main body is provided with a pair of propellers which are rotatably supported by the main body and are driven by variable-speed motors into rotation in opposite directions. The main body is further provided with a rocking mechanism for causing said main body to rock about the dual-axis gimbal. An electric circuit resides in the main body for receiving a radio wave from an external transmitter to control the rocking mechanism and variable-speed motors. The electric components in the electric circuit are supplied their power from a battery carried on the main body.

Abstract: A flying balloon toy (10) having an inflatable balloon (14) frictionally engaged with an aerodynamic body (12) formed of lightweight material that gives additional drag without increasing the weight to yield increased flight time while being safe for use indoors. The body (12) has a disk-shaped portion (22) with a central opening (26) formed therein that is aligned with the rotational axis (36). The collar portion (24) includes concave sides (34) to frictionally engage the side wall (16) of the balloon (14).

Abstract: A game set for ceiling play composed of a shaped lighter-then-air master balloon tethered to a line to be held by the player, and a group of shaped lighter-then-air, free-floating slave balloons which when released rise to the ceiling of a play room. The respective balloon shapes and their number are appropriate to the game. Thus in a fishing game, the shapes of the slave balloons are those of different species of fish, and that of the master balloon is of a standard float at the end of a fishing line. Attached to the surface of the master balloon is a patch forming one element of a velcro fastener, and attached to the surface of each slave balloon is a patch forming the complementary element. In ceiling play, the player seeks by manipulating the tethered master balloon to position it so that the patch thereon engages the complementary patch on a selected slave balloon on the ceiling, at which point the caught slave balloon can be brought down from the ceiling.

Abstract: A spaceship type toy and game is disclosed employing a tube and a generally spherical toy space capsule received by the tube. A fan assembly beneath the spacecraft provided air pressure which, when sufficiently great, causes the space capsule to translate within the tube, thus stimulating space travel over a limited distance. By providing an adjustable electrical power supply to the fan assembly the position of the capsule within the tube can be controlled by the user. A pair of side thrust fans on the spherical toy capsule provide airflow in a horizontal direction to cause rotation of the space capsule about the vertical axis of the tube. In addition, a simulated laser cannon is provided in the space capsule which emits a light beam. A space city screen containing targets partially surrounds the spaceship toy. In use, the user will control the height and rotation of the space capsule and will fire the laser cannon at the targets in the space city screen.

Abstract: A child's toy which can also be used as a game. The game consists of a game board and a balloon launching device called a "balloon fly". The game board is made from a flat piece of paper or cardboard and is divided into 9 area, marked 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10. Next to the number 2 are the words "Free Fly" which gives an extra turn when the "balloon fly" lands on this space. To play the game, a child blows on the open end of the "balloon fly" until the balloon is expanded with sufficient air to reach the game board. The child then puts his finger over the open end of "balloon fly" to hold the air inside of the balloon. Next, the child adjusts the wing at a conjectured setting and then aims the "balloon fly" towards the game board. When the child feels that his settings and aim are completed, the child's finger is released from the "balloon fly" and exiting air causes the "balloon fly" to be launched toward the game board. Points are scored when the "balloon fly" lands on a game board number.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a remote control mylar toy aircraft and, more particularly to an inflatable mylar toy aircrat includes a remote receiver to control two motors, fitted with balance weights and a suspending balance strip. After having been inflated, the mylar toy aircraft is remote controlled to fly forward or backward, or to turn aside, or to move upward or downward. When the mylar toy aircraft stands still in the air at a certain height from the ground, it is controlled by the balance strip to prevent it from dropping to the ground or flying away. By means of relatively rise and fall adjustment between the balance weights and the balance strip, the flying height of the mylar toy aircraft is properly adjusted.

Abstract: A toy blimp with at least one engine, and preferably two, mounted on a top side of an inflatable helium balloon blimp like member, and an infrared control circuit and power supply mounted on a bottom side. The balloon can be aluminum coated mylar, or preferably of a material which retains helium. A remote control transmitter with push buttons transmits infrared control signals to the control circuitry on the balloon for horizontal and vertical directional control. The blimp operates from the self-contained power supply and is controlled by the self-contained control system which receives control signals from the transmitter. The blimp is intended for free flight and as an amusement.

Abstract: A remote control lighter-than-air toy apparatus has an inflatable container having a predetermined shape, such as the shape of a dirigible, for holding a lighter-than-air gas. A gondola is removably attached to the inflatable container and has a shaft extending therethrough and rotatably supported thereon. A reversible electric motor is attached to each end portion of the shaft passing through the gondola with each electric motor having a propeller attached thereto for rotation upon actuation of the electric motor. Each of the electric motors and propellers are rotatably attached to the shaft. A radio receiver is connected to each of the electric motors with a plurality of conductors. A control box has a radio transmitter therein and a plurality of controls thereon for transmitting to said receiver and remotely controlling each motor separately, so that a lighter than air toy can be remotely controlled with two propellers.

Abstract: The disclosed toy balloon-gondola combination has an improved gondola that has an open top and a peripheral sidewall with spaced upper and lower edges. The gondola also has a cross member with means formed therein adapted to cooperate with the balloon fill stem, extended from an upper side of the cross member to a lower side thereof, for holding the balloon relative to the cross member. Two types of cross members are disclosed. One type of cross member is formed integrally with the gondola, and the gondola itself is of a special design. The other type of cross member is formed on a separate plug, adapted to be inserted into the open top of a conventional lightweight disposable drinking cup, and to become fixed relative to the sidewall thereof.

Abstract: A toy hot air balloon effectively utilizes a cover positionable over an inflated toy balloon. The toy includes a suspended gondola, and the interiorly positioned toy balloon is substantially hidden from view within the balloon cover. An optional lightweight circular plate positioned on a topmost portion of the cover allows the toy to float against a ceiling structure. When a lighter-than-air gas is not used to inflate the toy balloon, the top circular plate may be constructed from a material which permits the balloon to be attached to ceiling structures, such as over-head lamps, drop ceiling supports, etc.

Abstract: A remote control lighter-than-air toy apparatus has an inflatable container having a predetermined shape, such as the shape of a dirigible, for holding a lighter-than-air gas. A gondola is removably attached to the inflatable container and has a shaft extending therethrough and rotably supported thereon. A reversible electric motor is attached to each end portion of the shaft passing through the gondola with each electric motor having a propeller attached thereto for rotation upon actuation of the electric motor. Each of the electric motors and propellers are fixedly attached to the shaft. A tether line is formed of a plurality of conductors, each connected at one end to one of the electric motors and connected at the other end to a control box having a plurality of controls thereon for remotely controlling each motor separately, so that a lighter than air toy can be remotely controlled with two propellers.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imitation lighter-than-air craft having an improved skirt and gondola. The skirt includes an attachment assembly to ensure that the skirt is snugly positioned against a conventional inflatable balloon, such that the skirt and balloon combine to imitate the envelope of a true lighter-than-air craft. Also provided is an improved gondola which utilizes elements similar or identical to those used in the skirt and attachment assemblies, resulting in savings in manufacturing costs in that a minimum number of different parts are required.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imitation lighter-than-air craft envelope assembly for use in conjunction with an attached imitation gondola. The assembly comprises an inflatable gas bag capable of containing a gas, and an imitation envelope which surrounds the gas bag. The imitation envelope simulates an actual lighter-than-air craft envelope when the gas bag is inflated within the envelope.

Abstract: A novel rubber band powered balloon is presented. No spine, frame, or other support member is used to resist the tension of the rubber band. Instead, the balloon, formed from a substantially non-elastomeric material, is sufficiently rigid when inflated such that supports for the rubber band can be directly connected to the balloon's outer skin. In addition, one embodiment of the present invention includes a novel flapping-vane propulsion system in which the rotational motion of the rubber band is converted into reciprocating motion of the vane.