Captive Patents (Class 40/214)
  • Patent number: 11735074
    Abstract: In a particular illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a retractable safety banner system and method are disclosed having a retractable safety banner, a reel housing and a reel. The reel winds in and contains the wound up safety banner inside of the reel housing. The safety banner is reeled into and out of the reel housing through an organizing guide that is formed in the reel housing. The organizing guide forces the reeled out safety banner's flags and strap into longitudinal alignment on the reel so that the safety banner is restored to its original configuration when wound back into the reel housing after deployment. The safety banner includes but is not limited to longitudinal strap with a plurality of safety flags attached to the strap and so that the flags hang at a substantially perpendicular angle from the strap forming the safety banner when the safety banner is deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Fallswood, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Patrick Daly, Jeffrey Cole Sandel
  • Patent number: 11189200
    Abstract: Flying artefact for aerial advertising to be pulled from the surface or tied up to a fixed point, which includes an element of elevation and suspension in the air (1) with advertising medium function, built in a very light and resistant material, with the shape of an aerodynamic profile, which has an opening (4) at its front part reinforced with light and resistant tubes, and an opening (5) on its back, which has a curved upper surface (6), a flat lower surface (7), and two vertical lateral surfaces (9), which acquires its shape when the air passes through its four surfaces; a pulling or clamping line (3) which is tied up to the chosen pulling means or fixed point; at least two ropes (2) that connect the pulling or clamping line (3) with the front opening (4); the advertising message (10) being placed and directly exhibited on both sides and all along the element of elevation and suspension (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Inventors: Petrica Panainte, Aurora Díaz Ocaña
  • Patent number: 10933966
    Abstract: A flying robot (10) with projector, including a movable end (100) and a fixed end (200). A distributed working mode is used on the movable end (100) and the fixed end (200). The movable end (100) includes a top (110), a main body (120) and a bottom (130). The top (110) includes a lift system (112) and one or more proximity sensors (114); the main body (120) is a sealed hollow spherical body or spheroid body made of a film material capable of being used as a rear projection screen, and is filled with a gas of which the density is less than that of the air. The bottom (130) includes one or more rear projectors (131), a wireless communication module (132), a microcontroller (133), a battery (134), a direction and steering controlling device (135), a camera device (136), a sound capturing and reproduction device (137), a height sensor (138) and other sensors, etc. The fixed end (200) includes a wireless communication module (220), a control apparatus (240), a charging port (260), and other data interfaces, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: X-CONTROL SYSTEM CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Fan Yang
  • Patent number: 9829711
    Abstract: An inflatable headset system for virtual and augmented reality applications includes multiple inflatable segments that can be inflated or deflated with one or more valves. One inflatable segment either houses a dedicated display device or defines a receptacle for a mobile device. Another inflatable segment includes one or more lenses that are positioned to cooperate with the display of the display device or mobile device when the inflatable segments are at least partially inflated. Preferably, at least one of the inflatable segments has a shape that, when at least partially inflated, acts as a headset frame. The system may further include optional fasteners or straps, optional computer components, optional sensors, and optional input/output devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Inventors: Daniel Thurber, Michael Cornett
  • Patent number: 9635837
    Abstract: A pet toy comprises a flexible body having an exterior surface and a hollow interior chamber. A partial spherical shaped recess is formed on the exterior surface. A ball is received in the partial spherical shaped recess such that a first portion of an outer surface of the ball is covered by the recess, and a second portion of the outer surface is exposed and protrudes beyond the flexible body. A noise making module is disposed in the hollow interior chamber. The module has a noise making element mounted therein to produce sound when a force is applied to the flexible body to deflect the exterior surface of the flexible body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: The KONG Company, LLC
    Inventor: David F. Simon
  • Patent number: 8156669
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hot air outdoor advertising structure comprising an envelope (1) having at least one substantially flat surface and an opening for hot air supply in its lower part. The envelope (1) is secured to the ground by means at least two fixing ropes (8) and comprise at least one joining rope (7) having ends connected inside to the opposite side walls of the envelope (1), and at least four carrying ropes (6), having upper ends connected from inside to the upper wall of the envelope (1) and lower ends connected with at least one elastic coupler (5) being connected by means of at least four intermediate ropes (4) with a hot air supply device (2, 15, 17). The hot air supply device is preferably a basket (3) suspended to the intermediate ropes (4) and connected to a heating device placed on the ground. A source of light may be preferably installed in the interior of the envelope (1) and/or a projection screen sheet may be attached to the envelope (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Krysztof Maj
  • Publication number: 20100325925
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hot air outdoor advertising structure comprising an envelope (1) having at least one substantially flat surface and an opening for hot air supply in its lower part. The envelope (1) is secured to the ground by means at least two fixing ropes (8) and comprise at least one joining rope (7) having ends connected inside to the opposite side walls of the envelope (1), and at least four carrying ropes (6), having upper ends connected from inside to the upper wall of the envelope (1) and lower ends connected with at least one elastic coupler (5) being connected by means of at least four intermediate ropes (4) with a hot air supply device (2, 15, 17). The hot air supply device is preferably a basket (3) suspended to the intermediate ropes (4) and connected to a heating device placed on the ground. A source of light may be preferably installed in the interior of the envelope (1) and/or a projection screen sheet may be attached to the envelope (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2008
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Krysztof Maj
  • Publication number: 20100319226
    Abstract: A tethered airborne advertising system comprises a lifting element and a separate display structure. The lifting element includes, for example, one or more kites or lighter-than-air balloons. The display structure is lifted primarily by the lifting element, exhibits one or more advertising images and may have one or more attention-getting devices affixed to it. In certain embodiments, operation of these advertising images and attention-getting devices can be controlled remotely by way of a signal transmitter and signal receiver. Particular embodiments place the advertising images onto the display structure by way of a ground-based or onboard projector subsystem. The mounted attention-getting devises may include those capable of generating smoke, sound, music, dynamic images, or releasing environmentally friendly confetti or advertising fliers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: Demir Oral
  • Publication number: 20100276937
    Abstract: Among other things, a wind catching surface is supported to face an oncoming wind and not to rotate continuously in one direction under the influence of the oncoming wind, and an energy converter converts motion, caused by the surface catching the oncoming wind, into electricity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventor: MANFRED CLYNES
  • Publication number: 20100276939
    Abstract: Among other things, wind energy can be harnessed without using an outmoded rotational windmill model, which is inherently inefficient because much of the wind energy is bypassed; blade stresses are pronounced; and there is a danger to birds, animals, and in smaller models to people. Efficiency directs rotational devices to be quite large, unaesthetic, and a slur on the environment. Here, the quasi-random movements of hundreds of flexible flaps, called wixels, in an array generates electricity through neodymium magnets and wire coils which move relatively to one another in the wind. Each flap generates small amounts of electricity; the random-like contributions of the many flaps are added electronically using standard methods. The sum is fed negatively into the grid, as in solar panel arrays. Multiple arrays can be arranged as wind farms or can be used on rooftops or back yards without danger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventor: Manfred Clynes
  • Patent number: 7446937
    Abstract: An inflatable structure for viewing video images or projected images, the inflatable structure comprised of a plurality of panels sewn or heat welded together to form a desired shape, the interior of the structure being constructed of a series of honeycomb/baffles or tubes for stability, the inflatable structure having an inlet port in communication with a blower unit for inflation of the structure, the inflatable structure having an outlet port for release of air pressure within the inflatable structure when desired, one face of inflatable structure being formed with a fastening means in order to secure a flexible resilient panel of white pigment or silver pigment or other desired pigment to form a screen onto which the video or projected image is projected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Inventor: Steven M. Poretskin
  • Patent number: 7341351
    Abstract: The subject of the invention relates to an aerial advertising device for the presentation of pictures that change over time which contains an inflatable information-carrying body (90) that has a hollow internal space (92), a supporting structure (50) positioned in the internal space (92) of the information-carrying body (90), an image formation unit (10) connected to the supporting structure (50), as well as a power supply unit linked to the image formation unit (10) and a fixing unit (80) connected to the information-carrying body (90), the information-carrying body (90) has a filling opening (93) in connection with the internal space (92), furthermore, a group of markings (2) consisting of one or more characters and/or graphics is displayed on the information-carrying body (90), and at least a part of the group of markings (2) displayed on the information-carrying body (90) is formed by the virtual picture projected onto the internal surface (95) of the information-carrying body (90) with the assistance of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Inventors: Gergö Halmi, György Tóthfalusi
  • Patent number: 7204049
    Abstract: An emergency drop system allows ballasted advertising banner (14) if disconnected from an aircraft to descend slowly to the ground. Banner (14) is suspended below an aircraft by line (4) held taut by ballasted container (24). Static line (26) attached to the aircraft will, on release of loop (6) of line (4) from the aircraft, pull on closures (12) and release parachute (8) from its container (10). Drag of parachute (8) in the slipstream will slow the fall of banner (14) and also pull on lanyard (20) so that it activates 3-ring release (22) causing container (24) to invert and disperse the ballast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Heli-Banners Limited
    Inventor: Sean Patrick Herbert
  • Patent number: 6739725
    Abstract: An inflatable display includes an inflatable balloon, a projector having a projection lens, an internal support structure that supports the inflatable balloon and the projector so that the projection lens is eccentrically disposed inside the inflatable balloon. The inflatable display also includes an external support structure that supports the internal support structure. Also included is a method to control an inflatable display according to wind conditions. The method includes the steps of operating in a sensing mode, operating in a collapsing mode and operating in a recovery mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventor: Ronen Ben-Ari
  • Patent number: 6634123
    Abstract: A device for waving a banner which utilizes an electric motor mounted in a housing and having a simple attachment spring mechanism secured to an output shaft so that a flag staff or banner staff can be easily attached or detached therefrom. Accordingly when the flag is attached in this manner and the motor is energized the flag is rotated and appears to wave so that all may observe. A user accessible switch is provided so that the device can be easily activated and deactivated by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventors: William P. Bradley, William Z. Sloan
  • Publication number: 20030131507
    Abstract: A balloon-type advertising equipment includes a vehicle and a balloon mounted on the vehicle which is adapted to be inflated and deflated as occasion demands to display an image and/or a message on the balloon. The equipment further includes blowers and lights mounted on an upper part of the vehicle wherein the balloon is bottom-opened box shaped and made of a sheet displaying thereon an image and/or message and having its lower part fixed to the upper part of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventor: Masao Ohmuku
  • Patent number: 6575805
    Abstract: A non-latex balloon is shown and includes an inflatable inner portion. Inflatable outer portions communicate with the inner portion and are secured thereto in an assembled state to provide a substantially vertical message face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Anagram International, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Ansolabehere, Joseph A. Bourgeault, Robert E. Greenwald, Robert E. Yedowitz, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030056409
    Abstract: An emergency drop system allows ballasted advertising banner (14) if disconnected from an aircraft to descend slowly to the ground. Banner (14) is suspended below an aircraft by line (4) held taut by ballasted container (24). Static line (26) attached to the aircraft will, on release of loop (6) of line (4) from the aircraft, pull on closures (12) and release parachute (8) from its container (10). Drag of parachute (8) in the slipstream will slow the fall of banner (14) and also pull on lanyard (20) so that it activates 3-ring release (22) causing container (24) to invert and disperse the ballast.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Sean Patrick Herbert
  • Patent number: 6375534
    Abstract: A holder for novelty balloons has a conical plastic cup with a flanged open end. A tubular connector extends from a narrow closed end opposite the open end. A series of narrow longitudinal and narrow transverse slits in the cup receive the stem of a balloon and hold it in a tightly wrapped condition around the closed end of the cup. The holder prevents the stem from bulging with entrapped air or gas and maintains an associated balloon in the preferred upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Judy K. Burns
  • Patent number: 6318013
    Abstract: A self-sealing, self-standing fluid container for displaying product comprises at least two inflatable cells, each cell comprising an outer and inner layer of fluid impermeable material sealed together by a first seal at the layers' periphery such that the seal between the outer and inner layers defines boundaries of each inflatable cell, and the inner layers of the first and second cells being sealed together by a second seal to form a pair of cells and a pouch between said pair of cells, the pouch having a sealable opening for receiving product for display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Dennis Cope
  • Patent number: 6148551
    Abstract: A system for displaying a message, which includes a base portion, which is mounted on wheels and securable to a movable vehicle such as an automobile; an inflatable balloon mounted to a supporting circular base member configured to engage the constricted portion of the balloon, the circular base member further having a diameter and a height emanating from the base portion; a blower positioned within the base portion for blowing air through the circular base member and into the lower opening of the balloon and inflating the balloon to a point above the circular base member; a light mounted on the base portion, and within the circular base member within the opening in the lower end of the balloon for providing light into the interior of the inflated balloon and the light, in turn, lighting the exterior of the balloon; Velcro strips positioned on an outer surface of the inflated balloon, so that a message display banner may be mounted to the Velcro strips for displaying messages on the inflated lighted balloon,
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventor: Hilton J. Glass
  • Patent number: 5797783
    Abstract: A balloon kit package is provided to facilitate erection of a balloon assembly in a desired manner so as to prevent unintentional loss of buoyant balloons. The kit package includes an uninflated balloon, a placard greeting card or other object of mass sufficient of mass to overcome the buoyancy of the balloon when inflated and articles such as a ribbon for joining the balloon to the placard. In an alternative embodiment, the neck of the balloon is inserted directly into the placard. In package form the balloon kit is sealed in a plastic overwrap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: M & D Balloons, Inc.
    Inventor: Dale Alan Harris
  • Patent number: 5675922
    Abstract: A grid structure having openings of various shapes are utilized in a display using balloons. Balloons are inserted in openings in the grid structure and inflated. The pneumatic pressure of the inflated balloon holds the balloon in the grid opening. The balloons may arrayed to produce designs of animate and inanimate objects. The displays may be in a single two dimensional plane, or the grid structure may be bent and twisted in a desired shape to provide a three dimensional display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Inventor: James Skistimas
  • Patent number: 5531401
    Abstract: This invention provides improvements to flying toy models of hot-air balloons which use helium instead of hot air for lift.An object in the shape of an inverted receptacle is inserted into the mouth of the lifting envelope and serves to accurately replicate the shape of the neck and the open mouth of a full-sized hot-air balloon lifting envelope. A novel method of assembly incorporates the inverted receptacle into the lifting envelope and provides for the efficient attachment and detachment of the gondola to the lifting envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Inventor: Elliott S. Newcomb
  • Patent number: 5514022
    Abstract: A balloon package is provided to facilitate erection of a balloon assembly, which prevents unintentional loss of buoyant balloons. The package includes an uninflated balloon, a placard or preferably planar object of a mass sufficient to overcome the buoyancy of the balloon when inflated and articles such as a ribbon for joining the balloon to the placard. In an alternative embodiment, the neck of the balloon is inserted directly into the placard. In package form the balloon kit is sealed in a plastic overwrap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: M & D Balloons, Inc.
    Inventor: Dale A. Harris
  • Patent number: 5338243
    Abstract: A balloon product, including at least two sheets, has a background depiction on one sheet and a foreground depiction on the other. The foreground depiction has a complementary relationship to the background depiction so as to provide a three-dimensional animated image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Anagram International, Inc.
    Inventor: Garry Kieves
  • Patent number: 5293707
    Abstract: A self-inflatable balloon and motor-driven turbine assembly has a communication discernible on a surface of the balloon and has a pneumatically sealed enclosure for the turbine. The sealed enclosure has an outlet port and which, together with the inlet port, are positioned in relation to the turbine to permit efficient flow of air or other gas into the balloon when it is desired to inflate the balloon. The outlet port or the inlet port, depending upon the embodiment, seals an enclosure when selectively operated to a closed position to prevent leaking of the gas from the inflated balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Inventor: Henry W. Shaeffer
  • Patent number: 5254026
    Abstract: A display device, usually in the form of a balloon has at least transparent section capable of displaying an article within the balloon therethrough. The display device has a pocket within the balloon hold a removable item and display the item through the balloon. A removable sealing tape secures the pocket and a removable item within the balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Inventor: Frederick H. Kaiser
  • Patent number: 5226262
    Abstract: A continuous curtain for surrounding a stadium and to extend upwardly from the upper margin of the stadium so as to minimize lateral wind forces and thereby eliminate erratic wind currents on or above the playing field of the stadium. The curtain has a number of side-by-side panels with each panel being porous or having holes therethrough to permit limited flow of air through the panels. The panels are suspended from a location above the stadium and extend downwardly to ground level in generally vertical planes. The upper margins of the panels are spaced well above the upper margin of the stadium, and the curtain is open at the top of the wind barrier. Thus, the interior of the space surrounded by the curtain is not closed to the upper hemisphere. The suspending structure for the curtain is buoyant in air and is held down by cables extending downwardly from the buoyant structure to the ground. The buoyant structure can be helium-filled balloons which are supplied by helium from helium sources at ground level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Inventor: Richard R. Kelley
  • Patent number: 5117344
    Abstract: An illuminated balloon assembly including a balloon having a main body disposed in surrounding relation to an interior gas chamber and a neck portion integrally formed therewith to facilitate filling of gas within the interior chamber. An electric lamp is fixedly attached to an outer surface of the balloon body so as to direct light through the interior chamber effectively illuminating a translucent design on at least a portion of the balloon body. A power source is electrically interconnected with the electric lamp for energizing thereof and may be attached to the balloon body in a combined unit with the electric lamp or separately on the end of an interconnecting stick or cord connected to and extending from the neck portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Inventor: Rafael Perez
  • Patent number: 5102364
    Abstract: A combination of a toy balloon; an elongate member comprising a resiliently elastic portion adapted to extend transverse of the cavity in the inflated balloon from an inlet portion of the balloon; structures or ways for attaching one end of the elongate member to the wall of the balloon at a position generally opposite its inlet portion and for securing a portion of the elongate member at the inlet portion so that upon a predetermined amount of inflation of the balloon the elongate member can be tensioned with its resiliently elastic portion stretched and can extend transversely through the cavity; and a decorative structure supported on the elongate member in the cavity of the balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: Odyssey, Inc.
    Inventor: James F. Kubiatowicz
  • Patent number: 5041047
    Abstract: A balloon is disclosed, with additional interior display surfaces, useful in advertising and for novelties and toys and recreational equipment. The additional display surfaces are not curved like the outside of a balloon. A sheet of flexible material is adhesively connected at a plurality of points on its perimeter to the inside wall of the balloon, dividing the interior volume of the balloon into two chambers. The balloon and sheet may be substantially inelastic, such as a beach ball, or stretchable, such as a novelty latex balloon. In a preferred embodiment, the sheet is a porous, stretchable, floccose material which simulates having a spider web inside the balloon. This can be used as a Halloween decoration or inside fun houses or spook houses at amusement parks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Inventor: Angelo J. Casale
  • Patent number: 4997403
    Abstract: A novelty balloon lighting device involving an inflated balloon having a plug fitted inside the neck of the balloon the plug having a bore formed therethrough and containing therein at least one concentric constriction ring, an elongated hollow tube having spaced-apart terminal ends of an outside diameter such that the tube forms a sliding air-tight seal with the constriction ring when inserted in the bore, a light bulb sealed in one end of the tube for insertion into the interior of the inflated balloon and a pair of electric conductors extending from the bulb passing along the interior of the tube external the balloon and an electrical energy source for attaching the electrical conductors thereto for lighting the light bulb inside the balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Inventor: Alp T. Akman
  • Patent number: 4920674
    Abstract: A self-inflatable balloon has a communication discernible on its surface and has its mouth opening pneumatically sealed to a funnel through which air is selectively directed upon actuation of a triggering event. Audible communication may also be actuated by the same or a different triggering event. A method of communicating comprises a message which becomes cognizable upon inflation of a message carrying device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Inventor: Henry W. Shaeffer
  • Patent number: 4888836
    Abstract: Furniture which resides in one of a levitated position and a sunk position is disclosed. The furniture includes a bladder which is shaped to remain stable when placed on a floor and which is shaped to support a body. The bladder contains a lighter-than-air gaseous substance, such as helium, confined therein. The gaseous substance operates in conjunction with the bladder to define the furniture shape. The bladder is dimensioned to contain a sufficient quantity of the gaseous substance so that buoyancy in the atmosphere causes it to rise to a ceiling of a room when the furniture is out of use. The furniture additionally includes a tether attached to a bottom surface thereof. The furniture is moved from a levitated, out-of-use, position to a sunk, in-use, position by grasping the tether and pulling the furniture downward from the ceiling. The furniture may then be maintained in the sunk position, wherein it rests on a floor of the room, by using the furniture in a conventional manner to support a body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1989
    Inventor: William A. Calderwood
  • Patent number: 4885858
    Abstract: An inflatable plastic structure simulating a beverage can or bottle with a capped end. The upper end of the structure is provided with an annular lip projecting vertically from the peripheral edge thereof. The lip is adapted to be folded down over the end of the structure, and may be provided with a tubular ring inflatable separately from the structure to resemble the rim of a beverage can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1989
    Assignee: Strom International, Ltd.
    Inventor: David H. Strom
  • Patent number: 4876981
    Abstract: A combination bicycle safety flag and kite is disclosed which offers greater visibility than previous designs. As a bicycle safety flag, it is fastened atop a pole which is bolted to the bicycle. The flag may also be removed for use as a full-fledged small kite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Inventor: Jill P. Barnhart
  • Patent number: 4857029
    Abstract: A balloon storage and inflation assembly comprises a circular inflatable balloon containing a pair of chemical reactants separated from one another, one of the reactants being held in a burstable container. The balloon is placed between two plates of a support structure, the burstable container and a portion of the balloon being disposed in a recess formed by two aligned openings in the plates. The support structure is further provided with a pair of doors hingedly secured to respective ones of the plates along edges of the openings. The doors are swung into the openings to compress the burstable container and to facilitate a rupture thereof upon the striking of one of the doors by a fist or other object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: Enviro-Spray Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Tony F. J. Dierick, Nicholas J. Kite, Michael J. Moran
  • Patent number: 4837955
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for displaying a visual exhibit. The apparatus includes a display unit for housing an exhibit and a chamber unit for housing the display unit. The display unit includes a transparent envelope having a proximal portion configured to form an opening for receiving the exhibit and a distal portion to cover and protect the exhibit. The chamber unit includes a transparent, expandable compartment defined by an outer wall. The wall is formed to include an aperture for permitting the exhibit to be inserted into the display unit from outside the chamber unit. The aperture is coupled to the proximal portion of the display unit to suspend the display unit inside the chamber unit. An inflator extends through the wall of the compartment for filling the compartment with a gas. The inflator is coupled to the display unit to orient the display unit in a predetermined relation inside the chamber unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Assignee: Biodot International, Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert H. Grabhorn
  • Patent number: 4787575
    Abstract: A signal balloon (2, 2') has an inflated configuration that is horizontally elongated with opposite tapered ends (4, 6, 4', 6'). The balloon (2, 2') is shaped and dimensioned to cause it to ascend in response to an increase in wind speed. The sidewalls of the balloon (2, 2') have light transmitting portions (10, 10') and reflective portions (12, 12'). A light (40, 40') is positioned inside the balloon (2, 2'). The light may be an electric lamp (40) connected to a power source (64) on the ground via an electrically conductive tether (34). The light (40') may also be the upper end of a fiber optic conductor tether (34') which has a lower end connected to a light source (92') on the ground. The balloon (2') is provided with pivotable lower and upper lift members (22', 24') which are connected to the tether (34') and pivot in response to changes in orientation of the tether (34') to increase the lift of the balloon (2') when the tether (34') inclines away from a vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1988
    Assignee: David L. Huskey
    Inventor: Ronald R. Stewart
  • Patent number: 4624648
    Abstract: A rotary aerial toy comprising a tubular sleeve of flexible material and of circular cross section. In one form of the invention the tubular sleeve tapers from one end toward the other with air entering the larger head end and moving toward the tail end. The head end is adapted for a bridle connection for supporting the sleeve for wind passage therethrough. The sleeve comprises plural strips extending at least generally longitudinally of the sleeve with each strip being of substantially right triangular form, at least at the head end portion thereof. The strips are connected to one another with the hypotenuse leg of one strip being connected to the altitude leg of an adjacent strip and with the base leg being transverse. The strips are arranged at assembly with a step between the head ends of adjacent strips and the seams connecting any selected pair of strips stop short of the head end of the altitude leg of the strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1986
    Assignee: Catch the Wind Kite Shops, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Waters
  • Patent number: 4589854
    Abstract: A nested balloon holder comprising an inner balloon holder and an outer balloon holder. The inner balloon holder includes a generally frusto-conical, funnel-like balloon anchoring member, the balloon anchoring member having an upper perimeter and a lower perimeter, and an outwardly-extending perimetrical rim, the perimetrical rim being positioned adjacent the upper perimeter. The outer balloon holder is a generally frusto-conical, funnel-like member that is capable of securely receiving the inner balloon holder in a nested fashion. The frusto-conical outer member has an upper perimetrical rim and a lower perimeter, whereby the upper perimetrical rim of the inner holder is positioned adjacent the upper perimetrical rim of the outer holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1986
    Inventor: Billie D. Smith
  • Patent number: 4547167
    Abstract: An airborne, free floating, lift-weight, balanced balloon having a closed envelope encompassing a fixed volume of lighter-than-air gas has ballast means fixed on the bottom of the envelope to tend to balance the weight of the balloon to equal the lifting effect of the gas, and to tend to cause the balloon to float in a desired horizontal attitude. At least one ballast member or a pair of ballast members form part of the ballast means and are fixed to the bottom of the balloon in symmetrical relationship to a vertical plane passing through the central horizontal axis of the balloon, ballast member(s) being constituted as a plurality of pressure sensitive removable weight control modules also arranged symmetrically with respect to a vertical plane passing through the central horizontal axis of the balloon when the balloon is in its desired attitude. These weight control modules are removed one or two at a time in order to balance the weight of the balloon so that it will float at a desired altitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1985
    Inventor: David E. Bergmann
  • Patent number: 4447974
    Abstract: Means and method are provided for creating giant simulated soft drink bottles, with distinctive shapes more particularly the type having generally longitudinally extended ribs which serve as trade dress. The construction utilizes a series of side panels which are laid out and sewn edge to edge, subsequent to which chalk lines are marked onto the side panels, indicating where the furrows between the longitudinal ribs are to go, and gussets are sewn along each chalk line and centrally restrained with a strap or the like which runs longitudinally of the bottle, so that when the top and bottom portions are installed and the unit is inflated, the trade dress ribs and furrows are well defined in the outer surface of the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1984
    Inventors: Robert K. Vicino, Dale L. Cooper, Lauren M. Pembleton, Constance C. Allen
  • Patent number: 4416073
    Abstract: An inflatable display is adapted to be towed over the surface of a body of water and includes an inflatable body which in the disclosed embodiment has an elongated ballast along the bottom to provide a keel-like structure and a blower to continuously force air into the body to keep it inflated against the slight deflation that continuously occurs at seam lines, etc. A tether is extended from the body to a tow vehicle so that the float can be towed along lake surfaces, bays and beach fronts for promotional purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1983
    Assignee: Robert Keith & Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Robert K. Vicino, Mark S. Bachman
  • Patent number: 4369591
    Abstract: An inflatable billboard or other display structure utilizing an elongated inflated bag for its principal structural support, bag defining one or more display surfaces to which billboard-sized display facings are releasably mounted with snaps or the equivalent, the entire structure being anchored by water-filled bags in one embodiment so that the entire structure is easily drained, deflated, and transported to another site. An optional, continuously operable blower motor is provided in one embodiment to insure the continuous inflated state of the billboard despite the presence of leaks along the seams and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1983
    Inventor: Robert K. Vicino
  • Patent number: 4292999
    Abstract: The invention relates to a valve for toy balloons, this valve opening inwardly under very minor excess pressure and yet providing a tight seal by means of an additional cap. A container surrounding the valve and flaring conically serves for introducing the valve into the balloon aperture without the need for a special mounting or sealing means. The container is sealed by a removable lid containing the cap and simultaneously making it possible to introduce an internal illumination for the balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1981
    Inventor: Anton Szollmann
  • Patent number: 4145838
    Abstract: A lighter than air toy consisting of a basket gondola made of a light plastic or other material attached to the bottom of a toy balloon filled with a gas less dense than air, such as helium. The balloon, when inflated with a gas less dense than air, provides the buoyancy to lift the gondola into the air and allows it to rise freely or float at a predetermined level. Ballast weights can be added to the gondola to balance the buoyancy force so that the force of gravitation on the gondola and balloon is exactly balanced by the buoyant force whereby the gondola and balloon assembly together have a neutral buoyancy in the air. The basket gondola and balloon are held together by means of stretching the knot of the balloon through a keyhole slot made in the basket gondola. The knot is held in place by wedging it into the thin part of the keyhole slot. This invention is simple to make and put together. The basket gondola can be used as a childs toy or for advertising promotion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1979
    Inventor: Charles P. Mason