Abstract: A flexible auxiliary handle having an elongate member having a hand grip portion associated with a first end and an attaching portion associated with a second end wherein the elongate member provides for torsion or bending or both in response to motions and forces applied to the grip portion. The elongate member is typically advantageously comprised of one or more segments having characteristics enabling such action. The flexible handle ergonomically allows the gripping hand to move freely while the implement's tool maintains orientation to the ground without undue need for balancing, or for avoiding or performing certain undesirable movements customary with auxiliary handles. Such auxiliary handle is attractive, lightweight, cost effective to manufacture, has many configurations, conserves implement storage and retail space, installs and adjusts without tools, fits a wide variety of implements, enables conventional implement use, remains within easy grasp of the user, and is pleasurable to own.

Abstract: A safe toy balloon closure and sealing device is provided that includes (a) a generally flat member having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first side edge and a second side edge opposite the first side edge, (b) a balloon neck receiving aperture formed through the generally flat member and between the first end and the second end, (c) an inserting passage for inserting a balloon neck from the first end into the balloon neck receiving aperture, and (d) at least one non-aligned stretched neck retaining device formed on at least one of the second end, the first side edge and the second side edge at a location that is not aligned with the inserting passage, for creating at least one angled sharp bend and seal in a balloon neck being stretched from the balloon neck receiving aperture for reinsertion through the inserting passage and the balloon neck receiving aperture; thereby effectively closing and sealing the stretched balloon neck without tying and without a risk of the balloon neck unravel

Abstract: A toy balloon valve adapter is provided for mounting over an existing balloon valve and for enabling the existing balloon valve to mate sealingly with different size balloons. The toy balloon valve adapter includes a continuous wall defining a balloon neck supporting member having a perimeter relatively different in size from a perimeter of the balloon neck supporting valve head of the toy balloon valve. The balloon neck supporting member includes a first end and a second end, wherein one of the first end and the second end is a relatively larger end and the other is a relatively smaller end. The toy balloon valve adapter also includes a cavity defined by the continuous wall and located between the first end and the second end for receiving and containing the valve head of a toy balloon valve.

Abstract: A safe toy balloon and a method for making same are provided. The safe toy balloon includes an elastomeric inflatable member having an exterior surface, an interior surface, a neck portion and a body portion; and a safety coating formed on portions of the one or more of the surfaces of the inflatable member, the safety coating consisting essentially of repulsive taste agent for making uninflated and inflated balloons safer from risk of ingestion injuries or possible death from asphyxiation.

Abstract: The invention is a portable swing apparatus having triangular support frame members with a top horizontal bar that provides a rotary axis for a swing assembly that carries a rider. The swing has two bar members extending from the horizontal bar to each side of a foot rest with a counter weight extending in opposition to the foot rest, above the horizontal bar. The rider stands on the foot rest, with feet fastened thereto, and is enclosed in an upper-body safety bracket. A safety belt restraint is also provided. The rider pumps the swing and can safely perform front and back loops in a standing position. The device is adjustable to accommodate various sized riders.

Abstract: A toy balloon support assembly containing an elongated support and, attached to it, a heat-staked ribbon tether. One end of the ribbon tether is connected by heat-staking to the elongated support and is preferably parallel to its vertical axis. This end of the ribbon tether contains at least two heat-staked portions separated from each other by a non-heat-staked portion.

Abstract: A balloon valve assembly for use in inflating balloons which contains a tube portion with a passageway, and a head portion adapted for insertion into the neck of an inflatable balloon which has a bottom wall forming a flange, an orifice through the bottom wall, and a side wall extending from the bottom wall and defining a substantially non-circular outer surface of the head portion. A valve flap member is mounted to the bottom wall of the head portion for sealing the orifice in the bottom wall.

Abstract: A low pressure air pump includes an outer flexible envelope which encloses an articulate frame. When the envelope is manually compressed against a smooth surface, an intake aperture on the bottom side of the envelope is sealed and air is forced out of the pump. When pressure is released from the pump, the frame returns the envelope to its uncompressed state and, in so doing, opens the intake aperture to take in more air.