Inflatable object and method of inflating

Abstract

A self-inflating object (10, 110, 210) includes an expandable body (12, 112) and an inflating mechanism (14, 114) at least partially disposed within the body. The inflating mechanism includes a canister (15, 116) of compressed propellant. The inflating mechanism is actuable to release propellant from the canister in a controlled manner to inhibit freezing of the inflating mechanism and/or the expandable body as the propellant expands thereby to inflate the expandable body.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to generally to inflatable objects and more specifically to inflatable consumer objects such as for example balloons, toys, displays and flotation devices.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Consumers and companies purchase a wide variety of objects that require inflation. In some instances these objects are inflated using an external gas supply and are purchased by consumers in an inflated condition. In other instances, these objects are purchased by consumers in a deflated condition and are typically inflated by consumers who must physically blow into the objects to inflate them. Having to inflate these objects in either of the above-mentioned manners causes an inconvenience to the consumer.

[0003] For example, helium-filled balloons are, by necessity, sold to consumers in an inflated condition. A consumer purchasing such a pre-inflated balloon for a party or other event must transport the pre-inflated balloon from the store where it is purchased to the party or event. If a number of pre-inflated balloons are purchased by the consumer, transporting the pre-inflated balloons either in a vehicle or by hand can be difficult and problematic.

[0004] Another problem associated with pre-inflated balloons is that many balloons have a limited life in an inflated condition. As a result, it is preferred to purchase pre-inflated balloons just before the party or event so that the pre-inflated balloons remain inflated for the required period of time. This often requires consumers to scramble at the last-minute to locate a store where such balloons may be purchased, organize their schedules to accommodate the trip to the store, travel to the store, find parking, if necessary, and purchase the pre-inflated balloons.

[0005] In contrast to the above, inflatable objects such as children's toys and flotation devices are usually sold to consumers in a deflated condition. A consumer purchasing an inflatable object of this nature typically must physically blow into the object to inflate it. Depending on the nature of the inflatable object, a large effort on the part of the consumer may be required to inflate fully the object. This is particularly the case for large objects such as for example air mattresses.

[0006] Companies and stores sometimes use large inflatable objects to advertise their products and services. Unfortunately, these,large inflatable objects often require an external source of gas to inflate them. Moreover, these large inflatable objects tend to leak gas and therefore, there is a consequent need for constant supervision to regulate gas flow gas into the inflatable object to maintain the inflatable object in an upright and inflated condition.

[0007] In an attempt to overcome the above-described disadvantages, self-inflating objects have been designed. Self-inflating objects avoid the need for pre-inflation as well as the need for consumers to blow physically into the objects to inflate them. Different types of self-inflating objects have been considered. For example, Australian Patent No. 714,394 discloses a self-inflating balloon that uses a gas-producing chemical reaction, such as the reaction of carbonates with an aqueous solution of succinic acid and acetic acid to inflate the balloon. Separate pouches of these various chemical components are placed within the deflated balloon. In order to inflate the balloon, the user squeezes the pouches together to mix the chemical components. Mixing of the chemical components initiates a chemical reaction that produces gas as a by-product. The gas produced by the chemical reaction in turn inflates the balloon.

[0008] Unfortunately, using chemical reactions to produce gas in order to inflate balloons has several disadvantages. For safety reasons, the chemical reaction must be controlled so that the balloons inflate slowly. Also, the use of certain chemicals to inflate balloons can be hazardous on a large scale. Further, when the chemicals react to produce gas, heat is produced. This heat generation can be extremely hazardous or inconvenient especially in cases where large inflatable objects, such as those used by companies and consumers during advertising, are being inflated. In addition, when transporting self-inflating balloons that use the gas by-product of chemical reactions to inflate the balloons, the chemicals contained within the balloons may accidentally be mixed during shipment, resulting in undesired inflation of the balloons, the potential for the destruction of the inflatable balloons and spillage of the reacting chemicals.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,049,106 discloses a self-inflating balloon including a canister of compressed gas slidably accommodated within a sleeve. The sleeve and canister are positioned within the neck of the balloon with the canister being disposed in an upright orientation. The sleeve has a pin formed thereon for rupturing the canister of compressed gas. To inflate the balloon, the canister is slid within the sleeve towards the pin until the pin ruptures the canister. Once ruptured, the compressed gas within the canister is released into the balloon and expands thereby to inflate the balloon.

[0010] Unfortunately, when the canister is ruptured, the compressed gas escapes from canister quickly. During expansion of the compressed gas, the compressed gas undergoes phase changes and therefore, creates significant cooling within the balloon. This cooling tends to cause freezing and blocking of the canister nozzle thereby inhibiting inflation of the balloon. The significant cooling also tends to cause freezing of the balloon adjacent the canister resulting in the integrity of the balloon being compromised.

[0011] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a novel inflatable object and method of inflating an object that obviates or mitigates at least one of the disadvantages set forth above.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Accordingly, in one aspect of the present invention there is provided a self-inflating object comprising:

[0013] an expandable body; and

[0014] an inflating mechanism at least partially disposed within said body, said inflating mechanism including a canister of compressed propellant, said inflating mechanism being actuable to release the propellant from said canister in a controlled manner to inhibit freezing of said inflating mechanism and/or expandable body as said released propellant expands thereby to inflate said expandable body.

[0015] Preferably, the inflating mechanism is fully disposed within the body. It is also preferred that the canister is in an inverted orientation so that the propellant is released from the canister in liquid form. Further, it is preferred that the inflating mechanism releases the propellant from the canister in response to an impact.

[0016] In one embodiment, the inflating mechanism further includes a piercing element to rupture the canister in response to the impact. An impact sleeve carries the piercing element and slidably receives one end of the canister. The sleeve and canister move axially with respect to one another upon the impact to bring the piercing element into contact with the canister and thereby rupture the canister to enable the propellant to be released from the canister. The sleeve includes a base and at least one upstanding sidewall about the periphery of the base. The at least one sidewall and canister are sized to define a flow path therebetween that allows propellant released from the canister to warm prior to exiting the flow path and thereby inhibit freezing of the expandable body.

[0017] The exterior surface of the expandable body may be decorated and may have a novelty shape.

[0018] In another embodiment, the self-inflating object further comprises a valve on the body to provide for deflation or inflation of the body. The inflating mechanism further includes a re-filling valve extending between the canister and the expandable body to permit re-filling of the canister. A regulator maintains the pressure in the expandable body when the self-inflating object is in an inflated condition.

[0019] In yet another embodiment, the self-inflating object further comprises a support within the expandable body to maintain the body in an upright orientation when the self-inflating object is in an inflated condition.

[0020] According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an inflating mechanism to release compressed propellant comprising:

[0021] a canister of compressed propellant; and

[0022] a trigger coupled to one end of said canister, said trigger being actuable to release the propellant from said canister in a controlled manner to inhibit freezing of said canister as said released propellant expands.

[0023] According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of inflating an object including an expandable body and an inflating mechanism at least partially disposed within said body, said method comprising the steps of:

[0024] actuating said inflating mechanism to release compressed propellant contained by a canister of said inflating mechanism into said body; and

[0025] controlling the direction of the release the propellant from said canister to inhibit freezing of said canister and/or body as said released propellant expands.

[0026] According to still yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided an inflatable consumer object, the inflatable consumer object being inflated with a fluorocarbon propellant.

[0027] Preferably, the inflatable consumer object is selected from balloons, toys, displays and flotation devices. It is also preferred that the fluorocarbon propellant is selected from hydrofluorocarbons and perfluorocarbons.

[0028] In one embodiment, the fluorocarbon propellant is preferably selected from the group consisting of 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane (HFC 227ea), trifluoromethane (HFC 23), difluoromethane (HFC 32), pentafluoroethane (HFC 125), 1,1,1,2-tetra-fluoroethane (HFC 134a), 1,1-difluoroethane (HFC 152a), perfluoropropane and perfluorobutane.

[0029] In another embodiment, the fluorocarbon propellant is a blend of at least two of the propellants of the above group of propellants.

[0030] The present invention provides advantages in that the self-inflating object is compact and readily stored in a deflated condition but can be quickly and easily inflated by a consumer. Also, the inflating mechanism provides for consistent and rapid inflation of the self-inflating object while maintaining the integrity of the expandable body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0032] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a self-inflating object in an inflated condition in accordance with the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of an inflating mechanism forming part of the self-inflating object of FIG. 1;

[0034] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the inflating mechanism of FIG. 2;

[0035] FIGS. 4a to 4g are side elevational views of alternative self-inflating objects in inflated conditions in accordance with the present invention;

[0036] FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a self-inflating object in a deflated condition in accordance with the present invention;

[0037] FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the self-inflating object of FIG. 5 during inflation; and

[0038] FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of yet another embodiment of a self-inflating object in an inflated condition in accordance with the invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0039] The present invention relates generally to an inflatable object including an expandable body and an inflating mechanism within the body. The inflating mechanism is actuable to release propellant into the body to inflate the body. The inflating mechanism releases the propellant in a controlled manner to ensure consistent and rapid inflation of the body while avoiding freezing, of the inflating mechanism and/or body. Further specifics of the self-inflating object will now be described.

[0040] Turning to FIG. 1, a self-inflating object in accordance with the present invention is shown in an inflated condition and is generally identified by reference numeral 10. In this embodiment, the self-inflating object 10 is in the form of a balloon shaped to resemble the male genitals. As can be seen, the self-inflating balloon 10 includes an expandable body 12 having an outer exterior surface 12a. The outer exterior surface 12a of the body 12 is decorated to give the balloon the general overall appearance of a “Boy Scout” character. The expandable body 12 may be made from a variety of rubbers or plastics, although a thin-plastic film of Mylar™ polyester or vinyl is preferred. It is noted, however, that some rubbers and plastics may be dangerous for use in certain inflatable objects used by children, because when these particular rubbers and plastics break, split or burst, they have a tendency to break into pieces that can be swallowed by a child.

[0041] An inflating mechanism 14 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is disposed within the expandable body 12 and is secured to the interior surface of the body by adhesive tape (not shown). As can be seen, the inflating mechanism 14 includes an inverted metal canister, vessel or other suitable container (herein referred to as “canister”) 16 containing compressed propellant. A trigger 17 surrounds the bottom end of the canister 16. In this particular example, the compressed propellant is C02 and is in liquid form within the canister.

[0042] Trigger 17 includes an impact sleeve 18 formed of lightweight impact-resistant plastic having a circular base 20 and an upstanding sidewall 22 about the periphery of the base 20. The sidewall 22 defines a stepped passage 24 that slidably accommodates the canister 16. A piercing element in the form of a lance 26 is centrally positioned within the sleeve 18 at the bottom of the passage 24 and extends upwardly towards the canister 16. A groove is formed in the body of the lance 26 and accommodates a waist 30 within the sleeve 18 to maintain the lance 26 in position. A shock-absorbing ring 32 surrounds the lance 26 and acts between the sleeve 18 and the distal end of the canister 16. A retaining ring 34 is spaced above the lance 26 and rests on an annular ledge 36 within the sleeve 18. A pair of diametrically positioned pins 38 extend through the sidewall 22 of the sleeve 18 and into the passage 24 slightly above retaining ring to inhibit longitudinal movement of the retaining ring 34.

[0043] Canister 16 narrows at its distal end to define a neck 50 that is accommodated within passage 24 of sleeve 18. A rupturable surface 52 seals the neck of canister and is spaced from the lance 26 by the shock-absorbing ring 32. A retaining ring 54 surrounds the neck 50 of the canister 16 and is positioned below the retaining ring 34. The retaining rings 34 and 54 abut when the canister 16 is moved axially away from the lance 26 to inhibit the canister 16 and the sleeve 18 from being separated. The passage 24 and canister 16 are sized so that a gap 56 exists between the canister 16 and the sleeve 18. Gap 56 defines a controlled flow path for propellant released from the canister 16. If desired, a sleeve formed of spongy material such as neoprene may surround the inflating mechanism 14.

[0044] To inflate the self-inflating object 10, with the canister 16 of the inflating mechanism 14 within the grasp of the consumer, the self-inflating object 10 is brought downwardly against a surface such as a table top so that the base 20 of the impact sleeve 18 sharply impacts the surface. The force of the impact causes the canister 16 to move axially into the sleeve 18 and compress the shock-absorbing ring 32. As a result, the rupturable surface 52 of the canister 16 is forced onto the lance 26 causing the surface 52 to rupture.

[0045] With the surface 52 ruptured, the compressed C02 propellant in the canister 16 escapes and expands thereby to inflate the expandable body 12. Since, the canister 16 is inverted, the compressed C02 propellant is expelled from the canister 16 as a liquid, cools to dry ice within the passage 24, sublimates to a gas and escapes the inflating mechanism 14 via gap 56. By having the compressed C02 propellant exit the canister 16 in liquid form, freezing at the neck 52 of the canister 16, which may impede the flow of propellant, is avoided. Also, the gap 56 between canister 16 and the sleeve 18 provides a controlled flow path so that the gas does not come into immediate direct contact with the expandable body 12 after escaping from the canister 16. Therefore, the gas has a chance to warm before the gas escapes into the expandable body 12. This inhibits the gas from freezing the expandable body 12, which may compromise the integrity of the body. As a result, the inflating mechanism 14 provides for a consistent and rapid inflation of the body without the occurrence of freezing of the canister 16 and/or body 12.

[0046] Although the inflating mechanism 14 is described as being secured to the inside of the expandable body 12 by adhesive tape, other techniques can be used to secure the inflating mechanism to the body 12. Also, the inflating mechanism 14 need not be secured to the body. Instead, the inflating mechanism 14 can be free to move within the expandable body 12. In this case, it is desired to ensure that the expandable body has no confined areas in which the inflating mechanism 14 can be located thereby to avoid the possibility of freezing of the expandable body when the canister 16 is ruptured and the propellant exits the inflating mechanism 14.

[0047] Although FIG. 1 shows the expandable body as being decorated to resemble a Boy Scout character, other designs are possible. For example, FIGS. 4a to 4g show other decorative designs that can be applied to the body 12. It should also be appreciated that the body need not take the shape as shown. The body may in fact take any desired shape.

[0048] Although the compressed propellant is described as being C02, which sublimates quickly at ambient temperature when the canister 16 is ruptured, those of skill in the art will appreciate that other propellants can be used. For example, the propellant may be a lighter-than-air gas such as helium or a liquid that sublimates quickly at ambient temperature.

[0049] Alternatively, the canister 16 may contain a fluorocarbon propellant commonly referred as a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC). CFCs are non-flammable, non-toxic and safe to use in proximity to humans. Since some CFCs have harmful effects on the ozone layer in the atmosphere, in this case it is preferred that the canister contain either a hydrofluorocarbon (HCFC) propellant or a perfluorocarbon propellant. These fluorocarbon propellants have a substantially less detrimental effect than CFCs on the ozone layer.

[0050] Some examples of HCFCs and perfluorocarbons are: chlorodifluoromethane or HFC 22; 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane or HFC 227ea; trifluoromethane or HFC 23; difluoromethane or HFC 32; pentafluoroethane or HFC 125; 1,1,1,2-tetra-fluoroethane or HFC 134a; 1,1-difluoroethane or HFC 152a; perfluoropropane; and perfluorobutane. These propellants may be used alone or in blend combinations. Some of these propellants blend to form azeotropic mixtures, where the vapour pressure of the blend is either above or below that of the pure components. As an example, HFC 152a is flammable, but it is known that blends of HFC 152a and HFC 227ea may be prepared that are non-flammable and have vapour pressures that are within regulatory specifications for pressures for aerosol containers. The preferred fluorocarbon propellant is HFC 134a.

[0051] Turning now to FIGS. 5 and 6, another embodiment of a self-inflating object in accordance with the present invention is shown and is generally identified by reference numeral 110. Similar to the previous embodiment, self-inflating object 110 includes an expandable body 112 in the form of a balloon and an inflating mechanism 114 disposed within the body 112 near its base 12b. Inflating mechanism 114 includes a canister 116 of compressed propellant. A trigger valve 160 extends between the canister 116 and the base 112b of the body 112. Trigger valve 160 is actuable to cause the release of propellant from the canister 116 into the body 112.

[0052] A regulator 162 communicates with an outlet 163 provided on the canister 116. The regulator 162 controls the amount of propellant released into the body 112 to inhibit over and under inflation, and maintain a constant pressure within the body 112. This obviates the need for constant supervision of the self-inflating object 110 to ensure proper inflation is maintained over time. The regulator 162 may be a typical regulator found on various types of gas and/or liquid cylinders or a pressure control valve, and is particularly intended to be self-regulating i.e. to operate in an automatic mode and not a manual mode.

[0053] A one-way re-filling valve 164 extends between the canister 116 and the base 112b of the body 112 to permit refilling of the canister. A deflate/refill valve 166 is also provided on the body 112 for easy deflation or inflation of the body.

[0054] In order to inflate the self-inflating object 110, the trigger valve 160 is actuated resulting in compressed propellant being released from the canister 116 via the outlet 163. Actuating the trigger valve is achieved either by manually pressing the trigger valve 160 or by giving the trigger valve a sharp knock. As the compressed propellant exits the canister 116, the propellant expands to inflate the body 112. If a propellant feed line is coupled to the one-way re-filling valve 164 to refill the canister 116, the regulator 162 controls the escape of propellant from the canister 116 via the outlet 163 to maintain the pressure within the body 112.

[0055] Similar to the first embodiment, as can be seen, the canister 116 is inverted and preferably discharges compressed propellant in liquid form instead of as a gas. As a result, the liquid boils off in the body 112 rather than boiling off in the canister 116, which of course may result in freezing in the canister and block the flow of propellant into the body 112.

[0056] Turning now to FIG. 7, yet another embodiment of a self-inflating object in accordance with the present invention is shown and is generally identified by reference numeral 210. Self-inflating object 210 is very similar to that of the previous embodiment. However, in this case, a collar 270 is also provided in the body 112. As can be seen, collar 270 includes an upper ring 272 fitted to the canister 116 and a lower ring 274 that accommodates the trigger valve 160, regulator 162 and one-way re-filling valve 164. The outlet 163 is provided between the two rings 272 and 274 respectively. The collar 270 provides support and acts as a base for the self-inflating object 210 when the self-inflating object is in an inflated condition.

[0057] Although the canisters are shown inverted, those of skill in the art will appreciate that the canisters need not take this orientation. The canisters may be upright. Also, although the inflating mechanisms are shown fully disposed in the expandable bodies, the inflating mechanisms need only be partially disposed within the expandable bodies.

[0058] As will be appreciated, the present invention provides self-inflating objects that are compact and readily stored while in the deflated condition. The self-inflating objects can be easily transported to their desired destination in deflated conditions and then rapidly inflated.

[0059] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, those of skill in the art will appreciate that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A self-inflating object comprising:

an expandable body; and

an inflating mechanism at least partially disposed within said body, said inflating mechanism including a canister of compressed propellant, said inflating mechanism being actuable to release the propellant from said canister in a controlled manner to inhibit freezing of said inflating mechanism and/or expandable body as said released propellant expands thereby to inflate said expandable body.

2. A self-inflating object according to claim 1 wherein said inflating mechanism is fully disposed within said body.

3. A self-inflating object according to claim 2 wherein said canister is in an inverted orientation and wherein said propellant is released from said canister in liquid form.

4. A self-inflating object according to claim 3 wherein said inflating mechanism releases the propellant from said canister in response to an impact.

5. A self-inflating object according to claim 4 wherein said inflating mechanism further includes a piercing element to rupture said canister in response to said impact.

6. A self-inflating object according to claim 5 wherein said inflating mechanism further includes an impact sleeve carrying said piercing element and slidably receiving one end of said canister, said sleeve and canister moving axially with respect to one another upon said impact to bring said piercing element into contact with said canister and thereby rupture said canister to enable the propellant to be released from said canister.

7. A self-inflating object according to claim 6 wherein said sleeve includes a base and at least one upstanding sidewall about the periphery of said base, said at least one sidewall and canister being sized to define a flow path therebetween that allows propellant released from said canister to warm prior to exiting said flow path and thereby inhibit freezing of said expandable body.

8. A self-inflating object according to claim 7 wherein said piercing element is a lance centrally disposed within said sleeve and wherein said inflating mechanism further includes a shock-absorbing element acting between said sleeve and a distal end of said canister, said shock-absorbing element compressing during said impact as said canister and lance move towards one another.

9. A self-inflating object according to claim 2 wherein said inflating mechanism is secured to an inner surface of said body.

10. A self-inflating object according to claim 2 wherein said inflating mechanism is free-floating within said body.

11. A self-inflating object according to claim 1 wherein an exterior surface of said expandable body is decorated.

12. A self-inflating object according to claim 11 wherein said expandable body has a novelty shape.

13. A self-inflating object according to claim 12 wherein said novelty shape resembles the male genitals.

14. A self-inflating object according to any one of claims 9 to 13 wherein said self-inflating object is a balloon.

15. A self-inflating object according to any one of claims 1 to 4 further comprising a valve on said body to provide for deflation or inflation of said body.

16. A self-inflating object according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein said inflating mechanism further includes a re-filling valve extending between said canister and said expandable body to permit refilling of said canister.

17. A self-inflating object according to claim 16 wherein said inflating mechanism further includes a regulator to maintain the pressure in said expandable body when said self-inflating object is in an inflated condition.

18. A self-inflating object according to any one of the preceding claims further including a support within said expandable body to maintain said body in an upright orientation when said self-inflating object is in an inflated condition.

19. A self-inflating object according to claim 18 wherein said support is in the form of a collar coupled to said inflating mechanism.

20. A self-inflating object according to any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein said self-inflating object is selected from balloons, toys, displays and flotation devices.

21. A self-inflating object according to claim 1 wherein said propellant is a fluorocarbon propellant.

22. A self-inflating object according to claim 21 in which the fluorocarbon propellant is selected from hydrofluorocarbons and perfluorocarbons.

23. A self-inflating object according to claim 22 in which the fluorocarbon propellant is selected from the group consisting of 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane (HFC 227ea), trifluoromethane (HFC 23), difluoromethane (HFC 32), pentafluoroethane (HFC 125), 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC 134a), 1,1-difluoroethane (HFC 152a), perfluoropropane and perfluorobutane.

24. A self-inflating object according to claim 23 in which the fluorocarbon propellant is a blend of at least two of the propellant of said group of propellants.

25. A self-inflating object according to claim 24 in which the fluorocarbon propellant is 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane.

26. A self-inflating object according to claim 1 wherein said inflating mechanism provides a flow path for released propellant that avoids immediate direct contact of said propellant with said expandable body.

27. A self-inflating object according to claim 26 wherein said flow path allows released propellant to warm prior to contacting said expandable body.

28. An inflating mechanism to release compressed propellant comprising:

a canister of compressed propellant; and

a trigger coupled to one end of said canister, said trigger being actuable to release the propellant from said canister in a controlled manner to inhibit freezing of said canister as said released propellant expands.

29. An inflating mechanism according to claim 28 wherein said canister is in an inverted orientation and wherein said propellant is released from said canister in liquid form.

30. An inflating mechanism according to claim 29 wherein said trigger is actuated in response to an impact.

31. An inflating mechanism according to claim 30 wherein said trigger includes a piercing element to rupture said canister in response to said impact.

32. An inflating mechanism according to claim 31 wherein said trigger further includes an impact sleeve carrying said piercing element and slidably receiving one end of said canister, said sleeve and canister moving axially with respect to one another upon said impact to bring said piercing element into contact with said canister and thereby rupture said canister to enable the propellant to be released from said canister.

33. An inflating mechanism according to claim 32 wherein said sleeve includes a base and at least one upstanding sidewall about the periphery of said base, said at least one sidewall and canister being sized to define a flow path therebetween that allows propellant released from said canister to warm prior to exiting said flow path.

34. An inflating mechanism according to claim 33 wherein said piercing element is a lance centrally disposed within said sleeve and wherein said inflating mechanism further includes a shock-absorbing element acting between said sleeve and a distal end of said canister, said shock-absorbing element compressing during said impact as said canister and lance move towards one another.

35. A method of inflating an object including an expandable body and an inflating mechanism at least partially disposed within said body, said method comprising the steps of:

actuating said inflating mechanism to release compressed propellant contained by a canister of said inflating mechanism into said body; and

controlling the direction of the release the propellant from said canister to inhibit freezing of said canister and/or body as said released propellant expands.

36. The method of claim 35 wherein the propellant is released from said canister in liquid form.

37. The method of claim 36 further comprising the step of confining the propellant to a flow path to enable said propellant to warm prior to releasing the propellant into said expandable body.

38. An inflatable consumer object, said inflatable consumer object being inflated with a fluorocarbon propellant.

39. An inflatable consumer object according to claim 38 in which said inflatable consumer object is selected from balloons, toys, displays and flotation devices.

40. An inflatable consumer object according to claim 39 in which the fluorocarbon propellant is selected from hydrofluorocarbons and perfluorocarbons.

41. An inflatable consumer object according to claim 40 in which the fluorocarbon propellant is selected from the group consisting of 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane (HFC 227ea), trifluoromethane (HFC 23), difluoromethane (HFC 32), pentafluoroethane (HFC 125), 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC 134a), 1,1-difluoroethane (HFC 152a), perfluoropropane and perfluorobutane.

42. An inflatable consumer object according to claim 41 in which the fluorocarbon propellant is a blend of at least two of the propellant of said group of propellants.

43. An inflatable consumer object according to claim 42 in which the fluorocarbon propellant is 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane.