Abstract: A balloon inflation device for use with a keyed balloon weight associated with a balloon to be filled with gas includes a source of pressurized gas sending gas through gas lines and multiple valves associated with an inflation block, wherein each valve is opened by properly manipulating elements of the inflation block. A key weight valve is opened by placing a key weight into a key weight receptacle in the inflation block, and a clamp valve is opened by manipulating a clamp mechanism. The key weight is associated with a balloon having a open neck that is placed over an inflation nozzle of the inflation block, before placing the key weight into the key weight receptacle. The clamp mechanism clamps the neck of the balloon to the inflation nozzle as it opens the clamp valve. With both valves open, gas may flow to the inflation nozzle to fill 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: A balloon weight assembly includes a spool having a cavity defined in a body portion thereof. The cavity is configured to securingly receive and retain a ballast weight of selectable mass therein. The cavity is further sized to receive more than one such ballast weight at a time in a press fit manner. Accordingly, a single weight housing may be adapted to provide retaining downforce to balloons of various sizes or “lift.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inflation block for a balloon inflation device including an inflation nozzle that is operatively connected to a source of pressurized gas, and a trough that substantially encloses the inflation nozzle in order to prevent access thereto by an operator's mouth, yet allowing for the insertion of the neck of a balloon thereon. The inflation nozzle is operatively connected to a slide valve that has a closed position and an open position. The slide valve is located between a source of pressurized gas and the inflation nozzle such that, in its closed position, the slide valve blocks the flow of gas from the source of pressurized gas through the inflation nozzle, and, in its open position, the slide valve opens the flow of gas from the source of pressurized gas through the inflation nozzle, in order to allow for the inflation of a balloon having its neck placed over the inflation nozzle.

Abstract: A balloon weight and ribbon assembly includes a spool having a length of ribbon wound thereabout, the ribbon being secured at one end to the spool and at the other end to a lightweight breakaway tab which initially comprises a part and parcel of the spool. A slot in the tab accommodates receipt of a double knot at one end of the ribbon, while a slot in the spool accommodates receipt of a double knot of the ribbon at the opposite end. A piece of double backed adhesive tape is provided on the breakaway tab to allow for securement of the tab to the neck or tail of an inflated balloon.

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 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: An automated balloon inflation device which has a supply of pressurized gas, a nozzle for receiving a balloon, and an actuator for sequentially closing a clamp on the balloon and the nozzle and subsequently supplying the pressurized gas to the balloon for the inflation thereof. Furthermore, a key-weight device may be employed for the dual purpose of controlling the supply of pressurized gas to the nozzle and to prevent the inadvertent loss of an inflated balloon which is secured to the key-weight. Additionally, the automated balloon inflation device is constructed so that any consumer may inflate a balloon with pressurized gas.

Abstract: An automated balloon inflation device which has a supply of pressurized gas, a nozzle for receiving a balloon, and an actuator for sequentially closing a clamp on the balloon and the nozzle and subsequently supplying the pressurized gas to the balloon for the inflation thereof. Furthermore, a key-weight device may be employed for the dual purpose of controlling the supply of pressurized gas to the nozzle and to prevent the inadvertent loss of an inflated balloon which is secured to the key-weight. Additionally, the automated balloon inflation device is constructed so that any consumer may inflate a balloon with pressurized gas. In another embodiment, the automated balloon inflation device employs a connection block with a series of conduits therein to interconnect the pressurized gas supply with the clamping mechanism and the nozzle. This embodiment employs a clamping mechanism which uses a piston attached to a gear wherein the gears rotate clamping jaws onto the nozzle.

Abstract: A balloon weight for counterbalancing the lift of helium filled balloons and the like. The balloon weight has a molded plastic body of aesthetically pleasing appearance, with a clip or latch assembly at the top thereof. The latch assembly includes a pair of separated lobes which are adapted to be engaged within the aperture of a latch plate which is folded about a hinge and laid thereover. A receptacle is defined between the lobes for receiving a balloon ribbon or string which is then clinched between the side edges of the aperture and a base member upon which the aperture closes.

Abstract: A balloon inflator utilizes a bypass motor such that the inflation or working air is separate from the motor cooling air. The intake for the motor cooling and inflation air is separated from exhaust vents to limit any recirculation of the air, assuring that the inflation air be maintained as cool as possible. An impaler is maintained in an involute to achieve the requisiting inflation pressure. A free floating inflation nozzle is maintained within a collar and is adapted for engagement with an output of the involute when inflation activity is desired; otherwise the nozzle is disengaged from the involute allowing the air from the involute to otherwise be exhausted. The motor driving the impaler is selectively interconnected with a half wave rectifier for speed selectability.