Abstract: A mechanism is provided for unwinding ribbon from a supply spool, for rolling the ribbon to form a wound roll, and for cutting the roll free of the supply. The rolled ribbon segments resulting from this operation are transported to a conveyor for assembly with a toy balloon.

Abstract: A method of providing a toy balloon with a ribbon comprising the steps of providing a toy balloon, a roll of ribbon having a free end, and a conveyor having a table portion for supporting at least a portion of the toy balloon and an adjacent recess for receiving the ribbon roll and for orienting the ribbon free end to overlie the table portion. The toy balloon is placed on the table portion and the ribbon roll is placed in the recess so as to overlie the toy balloon with the ribbon free end and securing the ribbon free end to the toy balloon.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for the automatic folding of toy balloons. A series of folding plates are provided along a path of travel and a vacuum conveyor provides traction force for the balloon as it slides across the folding plates. The folding plates interfere with the path of travel of the balloon causing the balloon to fold side-to-side. Tucking blades fold the balloon lengthwise to complete the folding operation.