Patents by Inventor Gregg A. Wicken

Gregg A. Wicken has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9855511
    Abstract: The invention includes methods and apparatus for bisected and/or partially bisected helium-free balloons that may be secured over an extended stationary structure such as an extended pole and/or lamp-post such that the secured balloon gives the appearance of being whole or un-bisected. Some embodiments may include an continuous and/or continuous air-fed balloon system. Additional embodiments include improved methods for elevating and/or coupling a bisected and/or partially bisected helium-free balloon an extended stationary structure such as an extended pole and/or lamp-post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: BALLOON INNOVATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wicken, Gregg A. Wicken
  • Patent number: 9833722
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: BALLOON INNOVATIONS INC.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wicken, Gregg A. Wicken
  • Patent number: 9679504
    Abstract: The inventive technology disclosed herein includes methods and apparatus for novel and unique helium-free balloon support assemblies as well as complementary support systems that may be used to display one or more helium-free balloons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Balloon Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wicken, Gregg A. Wicken
  • Publication number: 20170144077
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to a modular balloon support system that may be used to generate customizable geometric balloon clusters and displays that may be used for marketing, promotional, advertising, and decorative displays among others.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wicken, Gregg A. Wicken
  • Publication number: 20170128850
    Abstract: The general inventive technology in this application includes methods and apparatus for producing a modular balloon cluster. Such modular balloon clusters may include a plurality of helium-free balloons coupled with a central modular adaptor forming a cluster. In certain cases, multiple modular adaptors may be positioned on a display pole and may even be positioned in an offset manner forming a continuous spiral balloon cluster display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Applicant: Balloon Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wicken, Gregg A. Wicken
  • Publication number: 20170028658
    Abstract: The inventive technology encompasses new and novel methods for manufacturing helium-free balloons using improved injection molding systems and techniques. The invention includes new and novel preform, as well as parison based methods and methods of manufacturing integrated helium-free balloons compatible with external support components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Publication date: February 2, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wicken, Gregg A. Wicken
  • Publication number: 20160220917
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wicken, Gregg A. Wicken
  • Publication number: 20160214023
    Abstract: The invention includes methods and apparatus for bisected and/or partially bisected helium-free balloons that may be secured over an extended stationary structure such as an extended pole and/or lamp-post such that the secured balloon gives the appearance of being whole or un-bisected. Some embodiments may include an continuous and/or continuous air-fed balloon system. Additional embodiments include improved methods for elevating and/or coupling a bisected and/or partially bisected helium-free balloon an extended stationary structure such as an extended pole and/or lamp-post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wicken, Gregg A. Wicken
  • Patent number: 9399176
    Abstract: The invention includes methods and apparatus for a balloon support bracket that may be secured to an attachment surface such as a light pole or fence and may further be coupled with one or more helium-free balloons through a balloon support. Additional embodiments include novel quick-release coupling and security features to enhance ease of use and deter theft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Balloon Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wicken, Gregg A. Wicken
  • Publication number: 20160189578
    Abstract: The inventive technology relates to an improved display support system that may be used to support elevated displays, and other promotional/marketing materials. The invention may be used to support, for example, helium-free balloons and/or other displays to one or more display fittings. Such display fittings may further be secured to an adjustable support such that an operator may position one or more fittings in a desired position, such as from a ceiling or other elevated surface. Additional embodiments may include an improved dual display support system that may support a plurality of support adapters each having one or more fitting supports coupled with fitting displays to more efficiently place, support, and/or retrieve elevated displays, and other promotional/marketing materials having multiple anchor positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wicken, Gregg A. Wicken
  • Patent number: 9352240
    Abstract: The current inventive technology includes methods and apparatus for a balloon display system. In one embodiment, the invention includes an balloon display apparatus having at least one mounting pole; at least one balloon cluster pole bracket secured to a mounting pole having at least one coupling; at least one flexible rod configured to be secured to a coupling; and at least one inflatable balloon configured to be secured to the upper portion of a flexible rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Balloon Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wicken, Gregg A. Wicken
  • Patent number: 9314706
    Abstract: The invention includes methods and apparatus for bisected and/or partially bisected helium-free balloon that may be secured over an extended stationary structure such as an extended pole and/or lamp-post such that the secured balloon gives the appearance of being whole or un-bisected. Additional embodiments include improved methods for elevating and/or coupling a bisected and/or partially bisected helium-free balloon an extended stationary structure such as an extended pole and/or lamp-post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Balloon Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wicken, Gregg A. Wicken
  • Patent number: 9132595
    Abstract: The current inventive technology includes improved methods, apparatus and material applications for the fabrication of seamless helium-free balloons and display systems. Specific embodiments of the invention include rotational molding techniques to produce seamless helium-free balloons having, in some cases seamless integral attachment supports that may secured to external displays. Additional embodiments of the invention include techniques for the fabrication of seamed, as well as seamless polyurethane (PU) and/or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) helium-free balloons that may be integrated with external display systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Balloon Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wicken, Gregg A. Wicken
  • Patent number: 8968047
    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 a weighted base stand or other upright objects. The system is designed to display one balloon or a plurality of balloons in a balloon cluster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Balloon Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wicken, Gregg A. Wicken
  • Patent number: D430243
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Impact Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Alberti, Gregg A. Wicken
  • Patent number: D754522
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventor: Gregg A. Wicken