Abstract: A unit is mounted directly on a tank of pressurized gas used to inflate a balloon and includes a supporting bracket having ribbon-accommodating holes defined through one end thereof and a support section on the other end. A ribbon supporting spool is rotatably mounted on the support section and ribbon drawn off the spool is threaded through the ribbon-accommodating holes to be captured in a knot formed in the neck of the balloon after that neck has been drawn around the supporting bracket and formed into a knot. A method of forming a knot in the balloon and capturing the ribbon therein is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for practicing knot tying (20) includes a base (22) to which is attached an inverted U-shaped member (24). A chain (44) is connected between the arms (40, 42) of the U-shaped member. A user then uses a rope (46) to practice tying knots about the U-shaped member and the chain. The chain can also be used to affix a rope for practicing the tying of bends. Knot-tying instruction cards (48) assist in the practice process.