Balloon anchoring structure with light emitting functionality
Structures for use in restraining balloons, particularly balloons filled with helium, are provided that include one or more additional functionalities. In an exemplary embodiment, the structure includes an internal light source that is adapted to emit light through one or more faces of the structure, e.g., through translucent or transparent surfaces associated with one or more walls of the structure. Additional features and functionalities associated with embodiments of the structure include one or more sound emitting elements positioned within the structure, one or more power sources positioned within the structure for powering the light source and/or the sound emitting element(s), one or more handles/extensions/brackets for detachably receiving/securing a balloon string, and novelty appearances that may be theme-based, holiday-based and the like.
The present application claims the benefit of a co-pending provisional patent application entitled “Balloon Anchoring Structure with Light Emitting Functionality” which was filed on Oct. 17, 2005 and assigned Ser. No. 60/727,485. The entire contents of the foregoing provisional application are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND1. Technical Field
The present disclosure is directed to structures for use in restraining balloons, particularly balloons filled with helium, that provide one or more additional functionalities. In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the disclosed structures include an internal light source that is adapted to emit light through one or more faces of the structure, e.g., through translucent or transparent surfaces associated with one or more walls of the structure. Additional features and functionalities associated with exemplary embodiments of the disclosed structure include one or more sound emitting elements positioned within the structure, one or more power sources positioned within the structure for powering the light source and/or the sound emitting element(s), one or more handles/extensions/brackets for detachably receiving/securing a balloon string, and novelty appearances that may be theme-based, holiday-based and the like.
2. Background Art
Balloons are frequently used to mark festive occasions, e.g., birthdays, graduations, anniversaries and the like. Similarly, balloons have uses in connection with holiday-themed events, e.g., Christmas parties, Valentine parties, July 4th celebrations and the like. Increasingly, helium-filled balloons are used to mark such occasions. Many retail establishments offer a variety of helium balloons for purchase, and stock the necessary equipment/infrastructure to inflate the balloons on an as-needed basis, e.g., a helium canister with appropriate valving systems. Each balloon is generally secured to an elongated string/ribbon to facilitate handling by the purchaser and recipient(s), and to permit the balloon to float above the person or structure to which it is secured.
Generally, helium-filled balloons must be secured to a structure to prevent the balloon from escaping into the atmosphere. The patent literature reflects previous efforts aimed at structures for use with balloons and other members, e.g., umbrellas. Thus, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,296,693 to Archer describes a beach umbrella support formed from a collapsible container wherein a structure is provided to retain a beach umbrella shaft and the container is provided with handles and/or pockets to double as a beach bag. U.S. Pat. No. 5,520,364 to Bloxson et al. describes a detachable weight assembly for use in securing a blanket/towel in a desired location, e.g., on a beach.
In the field of balloon-retainer structures, numerous patents have disclosed various approaches to retaining a balloon, e.g., a helium-filled balloon, in a desired location. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,011,447 to Watanabe describes a balloon holder that includes an external cap having a slit through which a string is pulled out, and an internal cap to be fitted to the external cap. The total weight of the holder is greater than the buoyancy of the balloon, thereby preventing the balloon from flying away when the string is released. U.S. Pat. No. 5,016,848 to Metz discloses a pyramidal-shaped balloon holder that includes a base plate, a pyramidally shaped cap member mounted on the base plate, and an arch-shaped member secured thereto to enable balloon strings to be attached. A chamber is defined between the base plate and the cap member to receive a ballast. U.S. Pat. No. 5,024,011 to Collins discloses a decorative message display that is adapted to cooperate with a plurality of decorative appendages, e.g., balloons. The message display includes a front panel that defines an image area and a message area, and the front panel is adapted to cooperate with a horizontal base which maintains the front panel in a substantially upright position. A counterweight may be provided to offset the buoyancy of the balloons, and a pressure-sensitive sound producing device may be embedded in the panel to produce an audible message when the region is pressed.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,035,391 to Steele et al. discloses a weighted balloon anchor that includes a vertically extending bracket the is employed to anchor one or more inflated balloons. The weighted anchor may be color coded for the occasion and may include suitable identifying indicia thereon. A peripheral rim and appendage(s) serve to receive attached balloon tethers and receive/frictionally retain an announcement card. U.S. Pat. No. 5,074,510 to Metz discloses a balloon holder that includes a synthetic plastic base member, an upstanding arch-shaped ring member for securing a balloon tether, and an upstanding greeting card holder adjacent to the ring member. U.S. Pat. No. 5,755,419 to Gearhart et al. discloses a balloon holder apparatus that defines a hollow body and a weighted base. A slot extends along an edge and is adapted to receive/secure a knotted balloon tether. U.S. Pat. No. 5,662,510 to Wolens discloses a balloon anchor with a sounder and a display area. The device includes a housing that is adapted to be affixed to a balloon tether and that defines a graphical display portion. The housing also contains a sound emitting device that is capable of playing a preselected musical composition or a recorded message.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,411,427 to Nelson et al. discloses a balloon weight and latch assembly for securing balloon tether(s). The balloon weight has a plastic body of aesthetically pleasing appearance and a clip/latch assembly at the top thereof. U.S. Pat. No. 6,523,798 to Novak discloses a decorative balloon holder that includes a core of sufficient weight to counterbalance balloon buoyancy, and an attachment held directly to the core for securing the string of a balloon. A layer of decorative material is wrapped around the core.
Despite efforts to date, a need remains for innovative and functional balloon anchoring structures. More particularly, a need remains for balloon anchoring structures that are visually attractive and complementary to theme and/or holiday-related activities. These and other needs are satisfied by the balloon anchoring structures described herein and readily apparent extensions/modifications/enhancements thereto.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSUREAccording to the present disclosure, advantageous balloon anchoring structures are provided that are visually attractive and complementary to theme and/or holiday-related activities. The disclosed balloon anchoring structures have wide ranging applicability and offer enhanced value and/or impact when combined with conventional balloon-based activities. Thus, for example, the disclosed balloon anchoring structures are susceptible to an infinite variety of implementations to augment/complement theme-based events (e.g., birthdays, anniversaries, engagements, graduations, Christenings, wedding showers, baby showers, births, etc.), holiday-based events (e.g., New Year's activities/celebrations, St. Patrick's Day activities/celebrations, Easter activities/celebrations, July 4th activities/celebrations, Halloween activities/celebrations, Thanksgiving activities/celebrations, Christmas activities/celebrations, etc.), and other events/activities (e.g., sports-related events/activities, school-related events/activities, music events/activities, drama events/activities, fund-raising events/activities, family-related events/activities, etc.).
In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a balloon anchoring structure is provided that includes (i) a housing defining an internal region and including at least one transparent, translucent or window opening for light transmission, (ii) a structure/feature for facilitating interaction with one or more balloon tethers, and (iii) a light emitting device positioned in the internal region of the housing. Exemplary embodiments of the disclosed balloon anchoring structure include at least one power source for powering the light emitting device (e.g., one or more batteries) and a switching mechanism for manual control of the power fed to the light emitting device. In further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a printed circuit board (PCB) and/or other electronic control circuitry (e.g., one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs)) are provided within the internal region to control operation of the light emitting device (and/or other electronics associated with the disclosed balloon anchoring structure, e.g., sound emitting devices, vibratory devices, smoke emitting devices, and the like). Thus, in preferred implementations of the disclosed balloon anchoring structure, the light emitting device and associated electronic control circuitry are adapted to emit light in various colors and/or in various modes (e.g., flashing sequences, color/brightness sequences, and the like).
The disclosed transparent, translucent or window opening(s) for light transmission are generally selected so as to be consistent with and foster the theme/appearance of the balloon anchoring device. Thus, for example, the transparent, translucent or window opening may be advantageously selected so as to provide/convey a desire image or appearance, e.g., a graduation cap, a stork with delivery, a four leaf clover, a Valentine heart, a birthday cake with candles, a football helmet, a Christmas tree, a Menorah, etc. Exemplary implementations of the disclosed balloon anchoring device include a transparent or translucent plate/panel mounted with respect to wall of the housing such that the plate/panel covers the light-transmitting opening(s) associated with such wall. Appropriate internal mounting structures/features are typically defined in the inner face of such wall, e.g., mounting bracket(s), detents, channels or the like. The plate/panel may also include visually distinguishing features, e.g., a color, texture, variation in thickness, or the like.
In use, one or more balloon tethers are typically secured to the structure/feature associated with the housing that is adapted to interact with such tether(s). For example, the structure/feature for cooperating with balloon tether(s) may include one or more handles, hooks, brackets or extensions that extend from an upper face or side wall of the housing. Once the balloon tether(s) are secured to the structure/feature extending from the housing, the user may activate internal electronics associated with the disclosed balloon anchoring structure, e.g., a light emitting device and/or a sound emitting device. An activation button/switch is typically actuable from the housing exterior, e.g., along a wall thereof. According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, electronic circuitry positioned within the housing controls the nature/sequence of the electronic activity, e.g., causing a sequencing of light emissions that involve a plurality of colors (e.g., seven) based on light-emitting diodes (LEDs) positioned within the internal region. The light emissions are typically directed toward the transparent, translucent and/or window openings defined in one or more walls of the housing. Thus, the disclosed balloon anchoring structure offers an advantageous and complementary visual (and/or aural/sensorial) effect that adds to the impact of the balloons secured thereto.
Additional features, functions and benefits associated with the disclosed balloon anchoring structures will be apparent from the description of exemplary embodiments which follows, particularly when read in conjunction with the appended figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURESTo assist those of ordinary skill in the relevant field in making and using the disclosed balloon anchoring structures, reference is made to the appended figures, wherein:
As noted above, the present disclosure provides advantageous balloon anchoring structures that are visually attractive and complementary to, inter alia, theme and/or holiday-related activities. The disclosed balloon anchoring structures have wide ranging applicability and offer enhanced value and/or impact when combined with conventional balloon-based activities, e.g., implementations that augment/complement theme-based events (e.g., birthdays, anniversaries, engagements, graduations, Christenings, wedding showers, baby showers, births, etc.), holiday-based events (e.g., New Year's activities/celebrations, St. Patrick's Day activities/celebrations, Easter activities/celebrations, July 4th activities/celebrations, Halloween activities/celebrations, Thanksgiving activities/celebrations, Christmas activities/celebrations, etc.), and other events/activities (e.g., sports-related events/activities, school-related events/activities, music events/activities, drama events/activities, fund-raising events/activities, family-related events/activities, etc.).
Exemplary balloon anchoring structures according to the present disclosure include (i) a housing defining an internal region and including at least one transparent, translucent or window opening for light transmission, (ii) a structure/feature for facilitating interaction with one or more balloon tethers, and (iii) a light emitting device positioned in the internal region of the housing. At least one power source is generally provided for powering the light emitting device (e.g., one or more batteries) and a switching mechanism is also generally provided for manual control of the power fed to the light emitting device. In further exemplary embodiments, a printed circuit board (PCB) and/or other electronic control circuitry (e.g., one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs)) are provided within the internal region to control operation of the light emitting device (and/or other electronics associated with the disclosed balloon anchoring structure, e.g., sound emitting devices, vibratory devices, smoke emitting devices, and the like). Thus, in preferred implementations of the disclosed balloon anchoring structure, the light emitting device and associated electronic control circuitry are adapted to emit light in various colors and/or in various modes (e.g., flashing sequences, color/brightness sequences, etc.).
The disclosed transparent, translucent or window opening(s) for light transmission are generally selected so as to be consistent with and foster the theme/appearance of the balloon anchoring device. Thus, for example, the transparent, translucent or window opening may be advantageously selected so as to provide/convey a desire image or appearance, e.g., a graduation cap, a stork with delivery, a four leaf clover, a Valentine heart, a birthday cake with candles, a football helmet, a Christmas tree, a Menorah, etc. Exemplary implementations of the disclosed balloon anchoring device include a transparent or translucent plate/panel mounted with respect to wall of the housing such that the plate/panel covers the light-transmitting opening(s) associated with such wall. Appropriate internal mounting structures/features are typically defined in the inner face of such wall, e.g., mounting bracket(s), detents, channels or the like. The plate/panel may also include visually distinguishing features, e.g., a color, texture, variation in thickness, or the like.
With reference to
Turning with greater particularity to the exemplary embodiment of
A graduation cap cut-out 24 is formed in opposed side faces 26, 28 of the housing 12, and is backed by a pair of plates/panels or lenses 30, 32. Each of the plates/panels 30, 32 defines a plurality of mounting features 34, 36 at top and bottom ends thereof, respectively. The mounting features 34, 36 are adapted to cooperate with mounting notches/channels (not pictured) defined on the interior side of housing 12. In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the plates/panels or lenses 30, 32 is translucent and functions to further diffuse the light that is emitted from the balloon anchoring structure 10.
A light emitting device 38 is positioned within the housing 12, i.e., within an interior region defined by the housing 12. In the exemplary embodiment of
A switch mechanism is provided for controlling the powering of the LEDs 40. In the exemplary embodiment of
When fully assembled, balloons (not pictured) are tethered to the handles 18 and the light-emitting device 38 is actuated through interaction with the switch mechanism, i.e., tact switch 50 and/or switch knob 54. One or more of the disclosed balloon anchoring structures 10 may be positioned, as desired, to support/complement an activity, e.g., a graduation celebration. The light-emitting device 38 generates light that passes through the diffuser lens 44 and outward through the panels/lenses 30, 32 and the cut-outs 24. In this way, the disclosed balloon anchoring structure 10 advantageously emits light from the housing 12 and provides a desirable visual effect.
Turning to the alternative illustrative embodiment of
A light-emitting device 76 similar in design/operation to light-emitting device 38 described with reference to the illustrative embodiment of
Turning to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure,
A light-emitting device that includes a plurality (3) of LEDs 116 and a circular PCB module 118 is positioned within the housing 110. A switch mechanism is provided for actuating the LEDs 116 and PCB 118. A power source, e.g., batteries positioned within a battery compartment 120, supply power to the LEDs 116 and PCB 118 to cause light emission therefrom. A door 130 is typically provided in association with base 112 to facilitate access to batteries positioned within battery compartment 120. According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, various light-emitting sequences/patterns and colors may be initiated through interaction with the switch mechanism and the control circuitry associated with the PCB module 118 A tact switch 122, switch retainer 124 and switch knob 126 are typically associated with the switch mechanism, as with the previously disclosed embodiments.
Thus, a variety of exemplary embodiments of the disclosed balloon anchoring structure have been described herein. In use, one or more balloon tethers are typically secured to the structure/feature associated with the housing that is adapted to interact with such tether(s). For example, the structure/feature for cooperating with balloon tether(s) may include one or more handles, hooks, brackets or extensions that extend from an upper face or side wall of the housing. Once the balloon tether(s) are secured to the structure/feature extending from the housing, the user may activate internal electronics associated with the disclosed balloon anchoring structure, e.g., a light emitting device and/or a sound emitting device. An activation button/switch is typically actuable from the housing exterior, e.g., along a wall thereof. According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, electronic circuitry positioned within the housing controls the nature/sequence of the electronic activity, e.g., causing a sequencing of light emissions that involve a plurality of colors (e.g., seven) based on light-emitting diodes (LEDs) positioned within the internal region. The light emissions are typically directed toward the transparent, translucent and/or window openings defined in one or more walls of the housing. Thus, the disclosed balloon anchoring structure offers an advantageous and complementary visual (and/or aural/sensorial) effect that adds to the impact of the balloons secured thereto.
Although the present disclosure has been provided with reference to exemplary embodiments and implementations thereof, the present disclosure is not to be limited by such exemplary implementations. Rather, the disclosed balloon anchoring structures are susceptible to many variations, enhancements, modifications and/or alternatives without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure, as will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art. Accordingly, the present disclosure extends to and encompasses such variations, enhancements, modifications and/or alternatives within its scope.
Claims
1. A balloon anchoring structure comprising:
- (i) a housing defining an internal region and including at least one transparent, translucent or window opening for light transmission,
- (ii) a structure for facilitating interaction with one or more balloon tethers, and
- (iii) a light emitting device positioned in the internal region of the housing.
2. A balloon anchoring structure according to claim 1, further comprising at least one power source for powering the light emitting device.
3. A balloon anchoring structure according to claim 2, wherein said at least one power source includes one or more batteries.
4. A balloon anchoring structure according to claim 1, further comprising a switching mechanism for manual control of the power fed to the light emitting device.
5. A balloon anchoring structure according to claim 1, further comprising a printed circuit board (PCB) to control operation of the light emitting device.
6. A balloon anchoring structure according to claim 1, further comprising at least one additional electronic element positioned within said housing.
7. A balloon anchoring structure according to claim 6, wherein said at least one additional electronic structure is selected from the group consisting of a sound emitting device, a vibratory device, a smoke emitting device, and combinations thereof.
8. A balloon anchoring structure according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting device is adapted to emit light in various colors and in various modes.
9. A balloon anchoring structure according to claim 1, wherein the at least one transparent, translucent or window opening for light transmission is selected so as to be consistent with a predetermined theme or appearance.
10. A balloon anchoring structure according to claim 9, wherein the at least one transparent, translucent or window opening is selected so as to convey a desired image or appearance.
11. A balloon anchoring structure according to claim 10, wherein the desired image or appearance is selected from the group consisting of a graduation cap, a stork with delivery, a four leaf clover, a Valentine heart, a birthday cake with candles, a football helmet, a Christmas tree, and a Menorah.
12. A balloon anchoring structure according to claim 1, wherein further comprising at least one transparent or translucent plate or panel mounted with respect to a wall of the housing such that the plate or panel covers the at least one opening associated with such wall.
13. A balloon anchoring structure according to claim 12, wherein said transparent or translucent plate or panel includes internal mounting structures for mounting with respect to the housing.
14. A balloon anchoring structure according to claim 12, wherein the plate or panel includes at least one visually distinguishing feature.
15. A balloon anchoring structure according to claim 14, wherein the at least one visually distinguishing feature is selected from the group consisting of a color, texture, variation in thickness, and combinations thereof.
16. A balloon anchoring structure according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting device includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs).
17. A balloon anchoring structure according to claim 16, wherein the light emitting device further includes a diffusing lens.
18. A balloon anchoring structure according to claim 1, wherein the housing defines a shape selected from the group consisting of a square, a rectangle, a cone, a sphere, a pyramid and a polygon.
19. A balloon anchoring structure according to claim 1, further comprising a weight or ballast positioned within an interior region defined by the housing for countering the buoyancy of one or more balloons.
20. A balloon anchoring structure according to claim 1, further comprising one or more balloons tethered to the structure for facilitating interaction with one or more balloon tethers.
Type: Application
Filed: May 17, 2006
Publication Date: Apr 19, 2007
Inventor: Paul Cayton (Stratford, CT)
Application Number: 11/436,002
International Classification: A63H 3/06 (20060101);