BALLOON SEALING SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Abstract

A balloon sealing system includes a housing having a top, a bottom, a front face, a back face, and two sides; a fill nozzle extending substantially through the housing, the fill nozzle including a fill nozzle inlet extending through the top of the housing, and a fill nozzle outlet extending through the bottom of the housing; a sealer, including a first sealing arm extending from a first side of the two sides, and a second sealing arm extending from a second side of the two sides, one of the first sealing arm and second sealing arm including a heating element that emits heat when activated; and an on/off control for activating the heating element. Furthermore, upon being activated by the on/off control, the heating element emits a sufficient quantity of heat to heat seal a balloon attached to the fill nozzle outlet.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a U.S. nonprovisional patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/325,121, filed Apr. 16, 2010, which provisional patent application is incorporated by reference herein. A copy of provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/325,121 is attached hereto as Appendix A.

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to water balloon sealing systems.

Playing with water balloons is a fun and exciting activity. However, filling and tying water balloons is difficult and time consuming The balloon must be stretched around a water source, held in place on the water source while it is filled with water, removed from the water source while maintaining the water therein, and finally, the neck of the water balloon must be tied.

Several solutions have been proposed to simplify this process. For instance, some water balloon packages include plastic fill nozzles that can be attached to the water source outlet. These fill nozzles attempt to reduce the circumference over which the mouth and neck of the water balloon needs to be stretched. U.S. Pat. No. 5,439,199 to Briggs et al. is directed to a water balloon filling valve that not only reduces the circumference, but also appears provide an easy “on/off” switch to selectively allow or disallow the flow of water from the filling valve. U.S. Pat. No. 7,322,073 to Cuisinier is directed to a Z-shaped water balloon clip. Cuisinier recognized and attempted to solve the difficulties accompanying tying knots in the neck of a water balloon by using a clip to seal off the water balloon.

A need exists for improvement in water balloon sealing systems. This, and other needs, are addressed by one or more aspects of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in, the context of balloon sealing systems and methods, the present invention is not limited to use only in balloon sealing systems and methods, as will become apparent from the following summaries and detailed descriptions of aspects, features, and one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention relates to balloon sealing system. An exemplary such system includes a fill nozzle having a fill nozzle inlet adapted to fit a fill source outlet and accept a fill and a fill nozzle outlet adapted to attach to an opening of a balloon and ejection the fill, and a sealer having a heating element. Furthermore, the heating element is adapted to heat seal the balloon proximate said opening while the balloon is attached to the fill nozzle outlet.

A feature of this aspect of the invention further includes a control valve for controlling flow of fill into the balloon. A variation of this feature further includes a fill sensor, wherein the fill sensor, upon sensing a trigger, activates the control valve.

Another feature includes a fill sensor. In a variation of this feature, the fill sensor senses when the balloon has acquired a predetermined quantity of fill. In another variation, the fill sensor, upon sensing a trigger, activates the sealer.

In yet another feature, the fill nozzle and the sealer are integrally formed.

In still another feature, the fill is water.

In another feature, the fill is air.

In yet another feature, the fill is helium.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a balloon sealing system. An exemplary such system includes a housing having a top, a bottom, a front face, a back face, and two sides; a fill nozzle extending substantially through the housing, the fill nozzle having a fill nozzle inlet extending through the top of the housing and a fill nozzle outlet extending through the bottom of the housing; a sealer, including a first sealing arm extending from a first side of the two sides, and a second sealing arm extending from a second side of the two sides, one of the first sealing arm and second sealing arm including a heating element that emits heat when activated; and an on/off control for activating the heating element. Furthermore, upon being activated by the on/off control, the heating element emits a sufficient quantity of heat to heat seal a balloon attached to the fill nozzle outlet.

In a feature of this aspect, the heating element includes an anti-stick covering.

In yet another feature, the other of the first sealing arm and the second sealing arm includes a narrow tip adapted to isolate a portion of the balloon to be heat sealed and push said portion against the heating element.

In a variation of this feature, the heating element is recessed in a safety guard.

In another variation, the heating element and narrow tip include an anti-stick covering.

In another feature of this aspect, the first sealing arm and the second sealing arm are joined at a hinge defining an axis of rotation about which the first sealing arm and the second sealing arm have limited rotation.

In still another feature, the first sealing arm and the second sealing arm each include an arm limiter.

In another feature, the system includes a programmable timer that deactivates the heating element after a predetermined amount of time.

In a variation of this feature, the system includes an adjustable timer switch to adjust the predetermined amount of time.

In another feature, the system includes an LED programmed to emit light while the heating element is activated.

In yet another feature, the heating element is powered by one or more batteries.

In still another feature, the system includes a fill nozzle attachment mechanism.

In another feature still, the system includes one or more removable face covers allowing access to internal components within the housing.

In another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of sealing a water balloon. An exemplary such method includes providing a water balloon sealing system, including a housing, a fill nozzle extending substantially through the housing, the fill nozzle having a fill nozzle inlet and a fill nozzle outlet, a sealer having a heating element, and an on/off control. Such a method further includes attaching the water balloon sealing system to a water source outlet via the fill nozzle inlet, attaching a balloon to the fill nozzle outlet, activating the water source outlet to cause water to flow from the water source outlet, through the fill nozzle, and into the balloon, deactivating the water source to sop water from flowing into the balloon, exposing a portion of the balloon proximate the fill nozzle outlet to the heating element, activatin the heating element via the on/off control, emitting heat from the heating element in sufficient quanity to heat seal the portion of the balloon proximate the fill nozzle, deactivating the heat element, and removing the balloon from the fill nozzle outlet.

In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of the present invention, it should be noted that the present invention further encompasses the various possible combinations and subcombinations of such aspects and features. Thus, for example, any aspect may be combined with an aforementioned feature in accordance with the present invention without requiring any other aspect or feature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more preferred embodiments of the present invention now will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same elements are referred to with the same reference numerals, and wherein,

FIG. 1 is a schematic of a first preferred embodiment of a balloon sealing system in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic of a second preferred embodiment of a balloon sealing system in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic of a third preferred embodiment of a balloon sealing system in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic of a fourth preferred embodiment of a balloon sealing system in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic of a fifth preferred embodiment of a balloon sealing system in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic of a sixth preferred embodiment of a balloon sealing system in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic of a seventh preferred embodiment of a balloon sealing system in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic of a eighth preferred embodiment of a balloon sealing system in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a ninth preferred embodiment of a balloon sealing system in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a front view of the balloon sealing system of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a back view of the balloon sealing system of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a front view of the interior of the balloon sealing system of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a schematic circuit diagram of the balloon sealing system of FIG. 9; and

FIGS. 14-19 are illustrations of a preferred method of using the balloon sealing system of FIG. 9 with a water source outlet and a water balloon in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the present invention has broad utility and application. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the invention and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the invention and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the appended claims rather than the description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.

Regarding applicability of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6, no claim element is intended to be read in accordance with this statutory provision unless the explicit phrase “means for” or “step for” is actually used in such claim element, whereupon this statutory provision is intended to apply in the interpretation of such claim element.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having at least one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” In contrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes “a picnic basket having only one apple.”

When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese without crackers”, “a picnic basket having crackers without cheese”, and “a picnic basket having both cheese and crackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well as describes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese.”

Referring now to the drawings, one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention are next described. The following description of one or more preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its implementations, or uses.

Turning now to FIG. 1, showing a schematic of a preferred embodiment of a balloon sealing system 10 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention. FIG. 1 illustrates the balloon sealing system 10 in use with a water balloon 12 and a water source outlet 14. The balloon sealing system 10 comprises a sealer 16, and a fill nozzle 18.

The sealer 16 is the central element of the balloon sealing system 10. The sealer 12 uses a heating element to melt the mouth and neck of a water balloon 12, creating a waterproof seal preventing the escape of liquid housed within the balloon 12. The sealer 16 eliminates the need for tying a knot in the neck of the water balloon 12. In one or more preferred embodiments, the sealer 16 comprises two movable leads that transition between an on position and an off position. While in the on position, an electrical circuit is closed causing each of the leads to emit heat in an amount suitable to melt the neck of a balloon 12 to create a waterproof seal, but not enough heat to destroy the balloon 12.

A fill nozzle 18 of the balloon sealing system 10 preferably includes an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is designed to mate with a water source outlet 14. It should be noted that the term “water source” is meant to include any source of water including, but not limited to hoses, spigots, or home faucets. As noted below, the balloon sealing system 10 may be adapted to be used with other fill sources. The outlet is designed to mate with a mouth and neck of the water balloon 12. Although only one fill nozzle 18 is shown, it should be noted that alternative embodiments of the balloon sealing system may use multiple fill nozzles or may have one inlet and multiple outlets.

The fill nozzle outlet preferably has a reduced circumference over which the mouth and neck of the water balloon 12 may be stretched. In one preferred embodiment the fill nozzle outlet is tapered.

Returning to FIG. 1, although the sealer 16 is shown as a two-sided arrow, it should be noted that one or both sides may contain heating elements. It should be noted that the sealer 16 and fill nozzle 18 are preferably integral. In use the mouth and neck of the water balloon 12 are stretched over the fill nozzle 18 that is attached to the water source outlet 14. Then the water source outlet 14 is activated causing water to enter the balloon 12. When the water balloon 12 is full of water, the water source outlet 14 is deactivated. The sealer 16 is then activated. In at least one preferred balloon sealing system 10 the activation includes pressing a button or squeezing two sides of the sealer 16 together so that one or more heating elements located thereon close on the mouth or neck of the water balloon 12 to seal it. The water balloon 12 may then be removed from the water source outlet 14.

FIG. 2 is a schematic depiction of a second preferred embodiment of a balloon sealing system 110 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention. The balloon sealing system 110 is shown in use with a water balloon 12 and a water source outlet 14. The balloon sealing system 110 comprises a sealer 16 and a fill nozzle 18, similar to balloon sealing system 10, and further comprises a control valve 20.

The control valve 20 may be a distinct component or it may be integral with the fill nozzle 18. The control valve 20 is able to easily stop and start the flow of water from the water source outlet 14 into the water balloon 12. The control valve 20 includes an activated configuration, which allows for the flow of water therethrough, and a deactivated configuration, which prevents the flow of water therethough. In use, the mouth and neck of the water balloon 12 are stretched over the fill nozzle 18 that is attached to the water source outlet 14. Even when the water source outlet 14 is activated, allowing water to flow therefrom, the control valve 20, when deactivated, will prevent water from escaping the water source outlet 14. When desired, the control valve 20 can be activated causing water to flow from the water source outlet 14 and into the balloon 12. When the water balloon 12 is full of water, the flow of water is stopped by deactivating the control valve 20. The sealer 16 is then activated to seal the mouth or neck of the water balloon 12. The water balloon 12 may then be removed from the water source outlet 14.

FIG. 3 is a schematic depiction of a third preferred embodiment of a balloon sealing system 210. The balloon sealing system 210 is shown in use with a water balloon 12 and a water source outlet 14. The balloon sealing system 210 comprises a sealer 16, a fill nozzle 18, and a fill sensor 222. The fill sensor 222 provides an indication that the water balloon 12 is full of water and, therefore, that the water source outlet 14 should be deactivated to prevent overfilling. The fill sensor 222 may be triggered by time, weight, size, or any other relevant factor. In at least one preferred embodiment, the fill sensor 222 is adjustable so that the user may determine, for example, how heavy or how big the water balloon 12 should be. The fill sensor 222 could be particularly useful to automate the balloon sealing system 210.

In use, the mouth and neck of the water balloon 12 are stretched over the fill nozzle 18 that is attached to the water source outlet 14. Then the water source outlet 14 is activated causing water to enter the balloon 12. When the water balloon 12 is full of water, the fill sensor 222 activates the sealer 16 to seal the mouth or neck of the water balloon 12. It should be noted that the fill sensor 222 may be triggered using weight or size. Furthermore, the fill sensor 222 may provide an audible or visible alarm to notify the user to deactivate the water source outlet 14 prior to the sealer 16 being activated. The water balloon 12 may then be removed from the water source outlet 14.

FIG. 4 is a schematic of a fourth preferred embodiment of a balloon sealing system 310 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention shown in use with a water balloon 12 and a water source outlet 14. The balloon sealing system 310 comprises a sealer 16, a fill nozzle 18, a control valve 20, and a fill sensor 322. The fill sensor 322 is adapted to automatically deactivate the control valve 20 in response to a trigger. Exemplary such triggers include time, balloon volume, and balloon weight.

In use, the mouth and neck of the water balloon 12 are stretched over the fill nozzle 18 attached to the water source outlet 14. Even when the water source outlet 14 is activated, allowing water to flow therefrom, the control valve 20, when deactivated, will prevent water from escaping the water source outlet 14. When desired, the control valve 20 can be activated causing water to flow from the water source outlet 14 and into the balloon 12. At some point while the balloon 12 is being filled, the fill sensor 322 triggers, deactivating the control valve 20 and stopping the flow of water into the balloon 12. The sealer 16 is then activated to seal the mouth or neck of the water balloon 12. The water balloon 12 may then be removed from the water source outlet 14.

FIG. 5 is a schematic of a fifth preferred embodiment of a balloon sealing system 410 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention, shown in use with a water balloon 12 and a water source outlet 14. The balloon sealing system 410 comprises a sealer 16, a fill nozzle 18, a control valve 20, and a fill sensor 422. The fill sensor 422 is adapted to automatically deactivate the control valve 20 in response to a trigger, and subsequently activate the sealer 16. Exemplary such triggers include time, balloon volume, and balloon weight.

In use, the mouth and neck of the water balloon 12 is stretched over the fill nozzle 18 attached to the water source outlet 14. Even when the water source outlet 14 is activated, allowing water to flow therefrom, the control valve 20, when deactivated, will prevent water from escaping the water source outlet 14. When desired, the control valve 20 can be activated causing water to flow from the water source outlet 14 and into the balloon 12. At some point while the balloon 12 is being filled, the fill sensor 422 triggers, deactivating the control valve 20 and stopping the flow of water into the balloon 12. Furthermore, the fill sensor 422 activates the sealer 16 to seal the mouth or neck of the water balloon 12. Finally, the water balloon 12 may then be removed from the water source outlet 14.

FIG. 6 is a schematic of a sixth preferred embodiment of a balloon sealing system 510 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention shown in use with a water balloon 12 and a water source outlet 14. The balloon sealing system 510 comprises various components, including a sealer 16, a fill nozzle 18, and a control valve 20. In the balloon sealing system 510, two or more of the components are in circuit connection.

FIG. 7 is a schematic of a seventh preferred embodiment of a balloon sealing system 610 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention. The balloon sealing system 610 comprises a multi-balloon sealer 616, a plurality of fill nozzles 618, and one or more control valves 620. The balloon sealing system 610 is adapted to simultaneously fill and seal multiple water balloons 12. The balloon sealing system 610 may include any of the features included in other disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a schematic of an eighth preferred embodiment of a balloon sealing system 710 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention. The balloon sealing system 710 comprises a sealer 16, a fill nozzle 18, and a fill adapter 720 at least partially disposed in the fill nozzle 18. In at least one preferred embodiment, the fill adapter 720 is a mouth piece adapted to allow a user to exhale air therethrough into the fill nozzle 18, and, ultimately, into a balloon 12 in order to fill the balloon 12 with air. In alternative embodiments, the fill adapter 720 is adapted to allow other gasses, such as helium, to enter the balloon 12.

In one or more alternative preferred embodiments, a balloon sealing system may include variations of one or more of the various components of the balloon sealing systems shown and described herein, as well as other components.

FIGS. 9-13 illustrate a ninth preferred embodiment of a balloon sealing system 810 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the balloon sealing system 810. FIG. 10 is a front view of the balloon sealing system 810 of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a back view of the balloon sealing system 810 of FIG. 9. FIG. 12 is a front view of the interior of the balloon sealing system 810 of FIG. 9. FIG. 13 is a schematic circuit diagram of the balloon sealing system 810 of FIG. 9.

As shown in FIG. 9, the balloon sealing system 810 comprises a housing 812, a fill nozzle 814 extending substantially through the housing 812 including a fill nozzle inlet 816 and a fill nozzle outlet 818, internal components stored within the housing 812, a first sealing arm 822, and a second sealing arm 824.

The housing 812 includes a top, a bottom, a front face, a back face, and two sides. It should be noted that the term “top” is meant to be relative to the term “bottom” and the term “front” is meant to be relative to the term “back.” As best seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, the front face includes a removable front face cover 826 that allows access to a printed circuit board 828 (hereinafter “PCB”). The removable front face cover 826 includes at least one LED opening 827 through which a light emitting diode 829 (hereinafter “LED”) is visible. As best seen in FIG. 11, the back face includes a removable back face cover 830 (shown removed) that allows access to the batteries 832. The removable back face cover 830 includes an opening therethrough 831 allowing access to an adjustable timer switch 833.

The fill nozzle inlet 816 is located at the top of the housing 812 and is adapted to accept a fluid substance or “fill” from a fill source. Exemplary fill include liquid and/or gaseous material including water, air, and helium. In one or more preferred embodiments, the fill nozzle inlet 816 includes a threaded interior annular periphery that mates with the threaded exterior annular periphery of standard outlets for water sources. This threaded interior of the fill nozzle inlet 816 can be twisted on and off the water source outlets. The fill nozzle outlet 818 is located at the bottom of the housing 812 and is adapted be inserted into the mouth of a balloon and output fill into the balloon.

In one or more embodiments, a fill nozzle inlet attachment mechanism 817 may be used between the fill nozzle inlet 816 and a fill source. In at least one preferred embodiment, the fill nozzle attachment mechanism 817 is a clamps, or similar clamp-like mechanism. It should be noted that alternative fill nozzle inlet attachment mechanisms may be easily attached and reattached, may be size adjustable, or have other advantages over the traditional threaded interior annular periphery. In one or more preferred embodiments, the fill nozzle inlet attachment mechanism is a flip-lock clamp or quick-release clamp such as those commonly used to secure bicycle seats to their posts. In at least one variation the fill nozzle inlet attachment mechanism is a specialized clamp that is larger than known water source outlets, but has some adjustability (e.g. by screws). The internal annular surface of this specialized clamp has rubber or other protective (and waterproof) thereon. A simple on/off releaser latch may be used to do a final adjustment that would reduce the interior circumference of the specialized clamp from just larger than the water source outlet to a secure fit on the water source outlet.

The balloon sealing system 810 further includes a first sealing arm 822 and a second sealing arm 824, together defining a sealer. Each of the sealing arms 822,824 extends from a respective side of the housing 812. As most clearly shown in FIG. 12, the sealing arms 822,824 are approximately C-shaped and are joined to each other at their respective top ends at a hinge 834 defining an axis of rotation about which the sealing arms 822,824 rotate. Each of the sealing arms 822,824 is capable of limited rotation ranging from an open position in which the bottom end of the arm is rotated away from the other arm and a closed position in which the bottom end of the arm is rotated toward the other arm. FIG. 9 illustrates both sealing arms 822,824 in the open position. FIGS. 10-12 illustrate the second sealing arm 824 in the open position and the first sealing arm 822 in the closed position. The hinge 834 and a top portion of each of the sealing arms 822,824 are concealed within the housing 812. The remainder of the sealing arms 822,824 are exterior the housing 812 and disposed along the sides of the housing 812.

Each of the arms 822,824 further includes an arm limiter 836. The arm limiter 836 extends from the interior of the arm 822,824 and follows the contours of the housing 812. The arm limiter 836 prevents the arms 822,824 from touching the housing 812 or otherwise mating in an improper position. More specifically, the arm limiters 836 are positioned rest against the fill nozzle outlet 818 when the arms 822,824 are in the closed position.

The bottom portion of the first sealing arm 822 includes a narrow tip 838 at the end thereof. The bottom portion of the second sealing arm 824 includes a heating element 840 at the end thereof. The heating element is surrounded by, and recessed in, a safety guard 842. The recessed position of the heating element 840 defines a receptacle, and the narrow tip 838 is adapted to penetrate the receptacle and make contact with the heating element 840. In at least one preferred embodiment, the heating element 840 includes a heating surface with dimensions of approximately 0.25 inches (0.63 centimeters) by 0.50 inches (1.27 centimeters). In at least one preferred embodiment, the narrow tip 838 and the heating element 840 include an anti-stick covering to prevent damage to the heating element 840 and a balloon during the sealing process. The absence of an anti-stick covering can cause the balloon to melt and stick to the narrow tip 838 and/or heating element 840. In one preferred embodiment, the anti-stick covering comprises Teflon tape.

The balloon sealing system 810 further includes an on/off control. In at least one preferred embodiment, the on/off control is a depressible activation button 844 on the side of the housing 812. The activation button 844 is located below the first sealing arm 822 and is oriented such that as the first sealing arm 822 rotates into the closed potion, the interior surface of the first sealing arm 822 presses the activation button 844 inward, activating the heat source 840. The activation button 844 is in electrical connection with one or more of the internal components.

As best shown in FIGS. 10-12, the balloon sealing system 810 includes internal components within the housing. Furthermore, FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating one or more preferred electronic circuits 852 used in the balloon sealing system 810. As seen in these figures, the internal components include one or more batteries 832 as a source of power, an LED 829 for indicating that electricity is flowing to the heating element 840, a PCB 828 including electrical circuitry, and an adjustable timer switch 833 to adjust the duration for which the heating element 840 is activated. As best seen in FIG. 13, two or more of these internal components are in circuit connection with one another. In addition to these internal components, the balloon sealing system 810 includes one or more wires connecting the various internal components. In at least one preferred embodiment, the adjustable time switch 833 is programmable to adjust the duration of the heating element 840 activation based on balloon thickness. In at least one contemplated embodiment, the one or more batteries 832 may be recharged with energy generated as water flows through the balloon sealing system 810.

FIGS. 14-19 illustrate a preferred method of using the balloon sealing system 810 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 14, such a method comprises providing the balloon sealing system 810 and a balloon 12. The mouth and neck of the balloon 12 are attached to the fill nozzle outlet 818 of the balloon sealing system 810 as illustrated in FIG. 15. Additionally, the fill nozzle inlet 816 and the fill nozzle attachment mechanism 817 are attached to a water source outlet 14 as shown in FIG. 16. It will be appreciated that the balloon sealing system 810 may be attached to a water source outlet 14 prior to attaching the balloon 12 to the fill nozzle outlet 818.

Once the balloon sealing system 810 is secured to the water source outlet 14, the water source outlet 14 may be activated allowing water to flow through the fill nozzle and into the balloon 12. FIG. 17 shows the balloon 12 filled with water. After the balloon 12 is full, the sealing arms 822,824 may then be lowered to the closed position as shown in FIG. 18. Lowering the first sealing arm 822 causes the inner surface of the first sealing arm 822 to press the activation button 844. As the activation button 844 presses inward, an electrical current begins to flow to the heating element 840 located at the bottom of the second sealing arm 824, causing the heating element 840 to emit heat. In one or more preferred embodiments, pressing the activation button 844 starts a timer programmed to deactivate the heating element 840 after a predetermined amount of time. Lowering both the sealing arms 822,824 also causes the narrow tip 838 to force at least a portion of the neck of the balloon 12 into the receptacle, exposing the neck of the balloon 12 to heat emitted from the heating element 840. This causes the neck of the balloon to partially melt and form a watertight seal 850 preventing the escape of water housed within the balloon 12. Finally, the sealing arms 822,824 may be returned to the open position and the balloon 12 may be removed from the fill nozzle outlet 818. FIG. 19 illustrates the balloon 12 with a watertight seal 850 after removal from the fizz nozzle outlet 818.

It should be noted that although the sealing systems described herein are discussed in terms of filling water balloons, alternative sealing systems could be adapted to function with air balloons and/or helium balloons. For example, the fill nozzle inlet could be adapted to attach to an outlet of an alternative fill source (e.g. an air supply or a helium supply). More specifically, the fill nozzle inlet could be adapted to mate with the outlet of an alternative fill source such as the hose outlet of a helium tank or the mouth outlet of a person blowing (i.e. a user's mouth). Alternatively, a unique fill nozzle may be provided that is designed to attach to a hose of a helium tank and/or designed to be directly blown into (e.g. using a user's mouth).

Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those specifically described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention. Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements, the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A balloon sealing system, comprising:

(a) a fill nozzle including (i) a fill nozzle inlet adapted to fit a fill source outlet and accept a fill, and (ii) a fill nozzle outlet adapted to attach to an opening of a balloon and ejection the fill; and

(b) a sealer including a heating element;

(c) wherein the heating element is adapted to heat seal the balloon proximate said opening while the balloon is attached to the fill nozzle outlet.

2. The balloon sealing system of claim 1, further comprising a control valve for controlling flow of fill into the balloon;

3. The balloon sealing system of claim 2, further comprising a fill sensor, wherein the fill sensor, upon sensing a trigger, activates the control valve.

4. The balloon sealing system of claim 1, further comprising a fill sensor.

5. The balloon sealing system of claim 4, wherein the fill sensor senses when the balloon has acquired a predetermined quantity of fill.

6. The balloon sealing system of claim 4, wherein the fill sensor, upon sensing a trigger, activates the sealer.

7. The balloon sealing system of claim 1, wherein the fill nozzle and the sealer are integrally formed.

8-10. (canceled)

11. A balloon sealing system, comprising:

(a) a housing having a top, a bottom, a front face, a back face, and two sides;

(b) a fill nozzle extending substantially through the housing, the fill nozzle including (i) a fill nozzle inlet extending through the top of the housing, and (ii) a fill nozzle outlet extending through the bottom of the housing;

(c) a sealer, including a first sealing arm extending from a first side of the two sides, and a second sealing arm extending from a second side of the two sides, one of the first sealing arm and second sealing arm including a heating element that emits heat when activated; and

(d) an on/off control for activating the heating element;

(e) wherein, upon being activated by the on/off control, the heating element emits a sufficient quantity of heat to heat seal a balloon attached to the fill nozzle outlet.

12. The balloon sealing system of claim 11, wherein the heating element includes an anti-stick covering.

13. The balloon sealing system of claim 11, wherein the other of the first sealing arm and the second sealing arm includes a narrow tip adapted to isolate a portion of the balloon to be heat sealed and push said portion against the heating element.

14. The balloon sealing system of claim 13, wherein the heating element is recessed in a safety guard.

15. The balloon sealing system of claim 13, wherein each of the heating element and the narrow tip includes an anti-stick covering.

16. The balloon sealing system of claim 11, wherein the first sealing arm and the second sealing arm are joined at a hinge defining an axis of rotation about which the first sealing arm and the second sealing arm have limited rotation.

17. The balloon sealing system of claim 11, wherein the first sealing arm and the second sealing arm each include an arm limiter.

18. The balloon sealing system of claim 11, further comprising a programmable timer that deactivates the heating element after a predetermined amount of time.

19. The balloon sealing system of claim 16, further comprising an adjustable timer switch to adjust the predetermined amount of time.

20. The balloon sealing system of claim 11, further comprising an LED programmed to emit light while the heating element is activated.

21. The balloon sealing system of claim 11, wherein the heating element is powered by one or more batteries.

22. The balloon sealing system of claim 11, further comprising a fill nozzle attachment mechanism.

23. The balloon sealing system of claim 11, further comprising one or more removable face covers allowing access to internal components within the housing.