Abstract: The present invention provides a luminous balloon, including a balloon, a connection piece and a light-emitting assembly. The balloon has an inflation opening and a connection opening. The connection piece is fixed at the connection opening and connected with the light-emitting assembly. The light-emitting assembly includes a controller and a light-emitting lamp, the controller is exposed outside the balloon, and the light-emitting lamp passes through the connection piece to wholly or partially protrude into the balloon. In this design, the luminous balloon has an independent inflation opening, the controller exposed outside the balloon controls the light-emitting lamp, and the light-emitting lamp protrudes into the balloon to entirely illuminate the balloon or an irregularly-shaped balloon, thus achieving good decorative effect.

Abstract: Filling a balloon with a volume of material, the balloon having an adhesive staging segment formed about a peripheral surface of the moldable adhesive cross sectioned profile of the moldable adhesive ring. Retaining the volume of material within an expansion cavity of the balloon by applying a tensile force in a longitudinal direction between ends of the tubular balloon neck segment to expose the moldable adhesive ring from the adhesive staging segment and compressing the exposed moldable adhesive ring to form a seal. The material can be a gas, air, Helium, etc. A tether can be inserted into the balloon neck prior to filling and sealing, where the sealing step secures the tether to the balloon.

Abstract: A junction unit adapted for use in a lighting balloon apparatus is provided. The junction unit comprises a body, a first attachment region disposed on the body to couple to one or more lighting modules, and a second attachment region disposed on the body to couple to a header cable that provides power to the one or more lighting modules.

Abstract: A pneumatically switched balloon light comprises a balloon body which has an air inlet; a battery case located in the balloon body, wherein the battery case is provided with two adjacent batteries and an LED light connected with the batteries; a shield body located in the air inlet, wherein one end of the shield body is removably connected with the battery case, and the other end is made with a breather hole; a valve cover arranged in the shield body and separated from the breather hole; and an insulating piece, one end of which is fixedly connected with the valve cover, and the other end is inserted between the batteries; and the shield body is made with the breather hole for the air intake and discharge, and the shield body and the battery case can be directly fixed in the balloon body.

Abstract: An inflatable toy device is disclosed, the toy including a base portion, the base portion having an inlet and an outlet, the outlet covered by a removable surface; an inflatable object disposed within the base portion when not inflated, the inflatable object being fluidly connected to the inlet; a hand pump fluidly connected to the inlet, the hand pump configured to create air pressure to inflate the inflatable object; wherein the inflatable object protrudes from the base portion outlet, thereby removing the removable surface, upon inflation. The toy device also may include an injectable object fluidly filled such that the injectable object protrudes from the base portion outlet upon being filled.

Abstract: A liquid jet ejection device is provided. The liquid jet ejection device has a flexible lumen having an intake end positioned to be in fluid communication with a liquid source, and an output end distal from the intake end. A pump is coupled to the flexible lumen, the pump being actuatable to eject a liquid from the liquid source via the output end. A body structure extends from a handle and supports the output end of the flexible lumen, the body structure having a base form in which the output end of the flexible lumen is supported in a base pose relative to the handle, the body structure being deformable from the base form via contact with an object, the body structure returning to the base form upon withdrawal of contact.

Abstract: A screw type light-emitting device comprises a hollow mounting holder; a screw holder disposed over the mounting holder and threadedly connected with the same; a battery case disposed in the mounting holder and relatively fixed with the same; a battery pack removably disposed in the battery case 30; an LED light disposed at one end of the battery case and extending out of the mounting holder, wherein one of the electrodes of the LED light is electrically connected to the battery pack, and the other electrode extends to between the battery pack and the screw holder; both the LED light and the battery pack are mounted in the battery case, the battery case is mounted in the mounting holder, and the mounting holder is threadedly connected with the screw holder, and the LED light will emit light when the screw holder is rotated into a proper position.

Abstract: A toy kit and components for a floating illusion is presented in which a manipulator releaseably engages via a coupling element with a composite structure. Preferred composite structures include first and second, sheet-like portions in which at least one portion has a face or head feature in registration with a coupling element.

Abstract: A material joint connecting an internal spar or baffle to panel walls of inflatable structures. The material joint is formed by a folded center strip and a pair of side strips. The side edges of the center strip are folded to form an initial “T-shaped” cross-section having a middle section, two side sections formed by a first bend, and two overlapping end sections formed by a second bend. The middle section is fused directly to the facing surface of the panel wall and the overlapping end sections are fused together to extend perpendicularly from the middle section. The end strips overlap the center strip with part of the end strips fused to the side sections of the center strip and part fused directly to the panel wall. The spar or baffle is connected to the fused overlapping end sections of the center strip.

Abstract: A power unit for a toy or a system of toys that can removable receive the power unit. The power unit comprises a drive gear that can provide rotational power to one or more driven components of a toy with which the power unit is associated. The drive gear can comprise multiple drive portions. The toys can comprise a wide variety of toy types.

Abstract: The invention includes methods and apparatus for a balloon support bracket that may be secured to an attachment surface such as a light pole or fence and may further be coupled with one or more helium-free balloons through a balloon support. Additional embodiments include novel quick-release coupling and security features to enhance ease of use and deter theft.

Abstract: A tethered balloon assembly the balloon, to be inflated via the tether which is to be subsequently closed by a one way valve to keep the balloon inflated and allow additional inflation as desired, controllable by its tether.

Abstract: An example embodiment of an apparatus includes a fitting configured to couple to a pressurized supply of fluid. At least three branch assemblies extend from the fitting. Each branch assembly includes a tube coupled to the fitting at a first end, a balloon comprising a neck portion having a second end of the tube inserted therethrough, and a fastener removably coupling the balloon to the tube. The fastener is configured to permit fluid from the pressurized supply of fluid to pass through the tube and into the balloon and to automatically restrict the fluid from exiting the balloon through the neck portion upon decoupling the balloon and fastener from the tube.

Abstract: A self-sealing balloon comprising a tubular balloon neck segment extending from an opening of a balloon gas retaining expansion cavity. A bead of moldable adhesive material is applied in a ring about an interior circumference of a neck portion of the balloon forming a dispensed adhesive roll. The dispensed adhesive roll is at least partially encapsulated within an adhesive staging segment. The adhesive staging segment is encased within a rolled lip bead by any suitable process. The rolling process aids in forming the ring-shaped adhesive. In use, the balloon would be inflated. The lip bead would be unrolled, exposing the adhesive ring. The moldable adhesive would be compressed forming a seal, entrapping pressurized air within the balloon gas retaining expansion cavity. This provides a low cost, simple self-sealing solution for a balloon.

Abstract: A sports ball container suitable for resurfacing, storing, and carrying sports balls by abrading a surface of one or more sports balls by applying a reciprocating motion. The ball container includes a bottom wall, a cylindrical side, an open end top portion with screw threads thereon, and a cap. The inner surface of the cylindrical side wall is an abrasive surface configured to abrade one or more balls. A lanyard attached to the top portion of the container may be used for the efficient and convenient transportation and storage of sports balls.

Abstract: A shelter assembly has a frame having a plurality of fillable support members, each having a hollow portion for receiving a filling material. The support members are configured to form a structure wherein the support members form walls of the structure. The shelter assembly has a plurality of columns which form corner posts of a structure and a plurality of walls which are removably attached to a pair of adjacent columns. The walls have support members to which at least one panel is attached. The support members are secured to a pair of adjacent columns via fasteners. An upper portion forms a roof of the structure wherein the columns are attached to coupling members of the upper portion.

Abstract: A self-sealing balloon or bladder is fabricated of a flexible elastic material and defines a body to which a filler neck is secured. The filler neck is joined to the body to form a fill opening therebetween. The self-sealing structure is provided by bending the filler neck upon and against the surface of the balloon or bladder body. An attachment such as adhesive, tape or sonic welding is utilized to secure the filler neck against the inflatable body. The balloon or bladder may then be filled through the filler neck by the introduction of a flowable material such as a liquid, gas, or powder under pressure to fill and expand the body. Once the filling apparatus has been withdrawn, the elasticity and fill material within the body cooperate to maintain closure of the fill opening.

Abstract: A lighting system with adjustable wavelength output that may include a plurality of light sources, a controller positioned in electrical communication with the plurality of light sources, and an optical sensor system positioned in electrical communication with the controller. The controller may be configured to selectively operate each light source of the plurality of light sources to emit one or more source lights. The optical sensor system may be configured to sense a reflected light that is reflected by an object upon which the source lights are incident. The optical sensor system may be configured to sense a wavelength range of the reflected light defined as a measured wavelength range and may further be configured to transmit a signal to the controller responsive to the measured wavelength range. The controller may be configured to operate the plurality of light sources responsive to the signal received from the optical sensor system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a LED balloon which comprises a balloon, a filler, a locking device and a LED. Wherein the locking device is on the interior of the balloon, and said filler is on the exterior of the balloon. The locking device comprises two sides which define an internal a cavity within the locking device. The filler is secured within the cavity of the locking device, thereby securing the balloon to the locking device. A LED is connected to the locking device, providing illumination of the balloon from within.

Abstract: An example embodiment of an apparatus includes a housing with an opening at a first end and a plurality of holes at a second end, a plurality of hollow tubes attached to the plurality of holes, a plurality of containers removably attached to the hollow tubes, and a plurality of elastic fasteners, each elastic fastener clamping each container to a corresponding hollow tube, such that when the containers are filled with fluid and detached from the corresponding hollow tubes, each elastic fastener seals each container with the fluid inside.

Abstract: High-altitude balloons and apparatuses for filling such high-altitude balloons are provided. As an example, an apparatus for filling a high-altitude balloon includes a tube extending through envelope material of the balloon is provided. The apparatus also includes a flange connected to a first end of the tube. The flange is connected to an interior surface of the balloon. A fitting is connected to a second end of the tube. The fitting is configured for attachment with an apparatus for filling the balloon with lift gas. In addition, methods of filing high-altitude balloons with lift gas and methods of manufacturing balloons are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an inflatable lamp assembly a bladder and a light emitting apparatus that assembled together. The bladder includes a first bag portion, a second bag portion connected with an opening of the first bag portion, an air nozzle disposed on the firs bag portion, and a flange disposed at the opening of the second bag portion. The first bag portion and the second bag portion are co-formed an inflatable cell which is capable of being inflated and deflated by the air nozzle. The light emitting apparatus is received in a recess defined between the second bag portion and flange. As such, the light emitting apparatus can be firmly clamped in the recess when the inflatable cell is filled with air.

Abstract: A balloon assembly including a balloon pedestal having a cup attached to a collar and an air tube that can be fixedly attached to a one-way balloon valve. The balloon cup is configured with a plurality of creases that allow it to be folded or otherwise reduced in shape for more economical packaging. The collar and air stem are also oval in shape to further reduce the overall volume of the balloon assembly. The balloon cup can be placed over and secured to the air tube, with the cup supporting the base of the balloon. A rod or similar support can also be placed in the end of the air tube to allow the balloon to be more visible.

Abstract: The balloon display system used in indoor and outdoor show rooms and the like. The system includes a heavy plastic inflatable balloon. The balloon is mounted on top of a circular balloon holder cup. The cup and the balloon are attached to an upper end of a flexible rod. A lower end of a flexible rod can be attached to a flexible or a rigid, hollow mounting pole. A lower end of the mounting pole can be attached to an upper end of a ground stake. A lower end of the ground stake is inserted into a ground surface. Also the lower end of the mounting pole can be mounted on top of a weighted base stand or other upright objects. The system is designed to display one balloon or a plurality of balloons in a balloon cluster.

Abstract: Balloons and related components and manufacturing methods. Various embodiments provide balloons which define elastomeric balloon bodies and necks. The balloon bodies define body thicknesses and filled and unfilled internal volumes. Tension in the balloon bodies gives rise to internal pressures when the balloons are filled. The necks couple with the bodies and define neck thickness which differ from the body thicknesses. Various embodiments provide check valve for use with the balloons and/or various liquids. These check valves can comprise a ball that further comprises a generally spherical substrate of fine particles of a biodegradable material and a coating on the substrate. The coating can be made of another biodegradable material.

Abstract: An attachment device for attachment to a membrane without puncturing the membrane. It comprises two interengaging parts (10, 12) and an O-ring (50) held by the interengaging parts (10, 12) when the device is in use. The interengaging parts (10, 12) are movable relative to one another from a position in which they are able to receive the O-ring (50) to a position in which they trap the O-ring (50). As a result, when the device is attached to a membrane (52), the interengaging parts (10, 12) can be located on one side of the membrane (52) with the O-ring (50) on the other side of the membrane (52) adjacent to the interengaging parts (10, 12), and the O-ring (50) can be slipped over at least one of the interengaging parts (10, 12) with the membrane (52) extending between the O-ring (50) and at least one of the interengaging parts (10, 12).

Abstract: The present invention is a mat-like structure with three-dimensional, inflatable motifs attached thereto. The mat-like structure is comprised of a surface layer and base layer, with a system of air ducts positioned between the two layers. The air ducts receive air from an air pump or other source, and are connected to the three-dimensional, inflatable motifs. The mat-like structure may include electronic lights, sound-producing components and/or three-dimensional elements connected thereto.

Abstract: An inflatable rocket assembly is an apparatus that improves upon existing rocket shaped balloons. The apparatus is provided in a particular arrangement that enables said inflatable rocket assembly to traverse a fluid, in a particular manner, upon being thrown by human capable means. The inflatable rocket assembly is able to provide amusement and function as a teaching tool to a user through a plurality of interactions. The apparatus utilizes the combination of an inflatable body coupled with a plurality of front fins and a plurality of tail fins in order to achieve a particular flight characteristic while traversing through a fluid. The particular component arrangement allows the inflatable rocket assembly to be thrown through the air, achieving distances of 30? feet or more while requiring very little effort from the user. Furthermore, the inflatable rocket assembly is provided in manner that permits it to be easily inflated and deflated.

Abstract: A hand-held interactive entertainment device which winds and unwinds a lighter-than-air balloon on a tether by applying pressure to the device.

Abstract: An inertial exercise device includes a hollow outer ball and a weighted inner ball elastically suspended inside the outer ball by at least two opposing suspension members. The weighted inner ball may contain a fluid mass. The hollow outer ball, the weighted inner ball and the at least two opposing suspension members may all be integrally formed with each other. In one embodiment, the outer ball, the inner ball, and the suspension members are all formed from integral segments of a pliant tube. The hollow outer ball is formed by everting first and second end segments of the tube over the middle segment of the tube and joining the first and second end segments of the tube together at their openings. The weighted inner ball is formed from the middle segment of the tube which, in one embodiment, is a bulge in the tube.

Abstract: A device for inflating, illuminating and holding a balloon like a torch, without the use of helium. The device includes illumination means, a power supply and related circuitry, a pathway for inflating and sealing the balloon, an elongate handle, and a cap. The device further includes a switch with a trigger mechanism positioned so that the illumination means or lighting mode can be activated by the user. The device is also configured to meet child safety regulations and requirements.

Abstract: A holder for a floating balloon having a variety of protrusions or holes form to or through which a floating balloon can be tied, and a slit to allow a first end and a second and to be separated apart so that the holder can be attached to a variety of objects or human body parts.

Abstract: A balloon display unit is provided to display a single balloon on the end of a stick. These display units can be secured to display bases to provide a balloon display. A balloon display unit includes a balloon and a balloon pedestal, which includes a base and a balloon stick receiving structure extending from the base. The balloon stick receiving structure can received sticks of varying inner and outer diameters. The balloon display includes a display base that receives one or more of the balloon display units.

Abstract: A balloon with a lighting/sounding device includes a balloon body and a lighting/sounding device secured onto a wall of the balloon body, wherein the lighting/sounding device is secured onto the balloon wall via an external cover. The lighting/sounding device is secured via the external cover, which facilitates setting and installation of the lighting/sounding device and simplifies a configuration structure thereof so as to reduce manufacturing costs, and such a structure will not affect the inflation and use of the balloon but provides more convenient decoration and entertainment.

Abstract: An inflatable recreation device that provides an open rollable structure sized to receive at least one user (person) therein and to roll, with the user therein, along a surface, is formed by a plurality of joined inflatable tubular members. Inflatable cross members can be provided extending between individual inflatable tubular members or between different locations of the same inflatable tubular members to provide support for and holding surfaces for the user or users within the structure and to strengthen the structure itself. Handles to provide holding locations for a user's hands and/or feet can also be provided within the structure.

Abstract: An electronic unit incorporating an LED or a sound source, a battery power source, and a displaceable actuator to connect the LED or sound source to the power source, is mounted inside a non-latex balloon by firstly being bonded by means of a cover sheet to the exterior of one of the flexible strips of a self-sealing valve located in and through the neck of the balloon. This may take place by heat sealing and simultaneously with the bonding together by heat seal of the respective elongate strips of the valve. Thereafter, the combined unit and self-sealing valve are bonded, again preferably by heat sealing, between respective balloon sheets in the vicinity of the stem of the balloon. Winged portions on the inflation valve strips and the cover and corresponding bulges where the balloon body emerges to the balloon stem may be provided.

Abstract: An inflatable display having figurines that are selectively attached to a display base using a pneumatic coupling comprised of an inflating coupling having an annular groove that mates with an inflating port having a ring seal. The base and individual figurines are made of a breathable yet inflatable fabric material. Openings through the base allow air pressure supplied by an electric blower to inflate the figurines via the pneumatic couplings. The display is kept in place by a series of guy ropes and stakes placed around the perimeter of the base and some figurines can include an interior light.

Abstract: A hopping play ball comprises a pair of elongated grips or handles adjacent to each other and extending radially outward from the surface of the ball. The ball may also comprise an array of mammillated protrusions on the lower surface, opposite the handles, to improve the stability during bouncing on a soft or elastic surface, such as a trampoline rebounding mat. In other embodiments, the ball has one or more water reservoirs in fluid communication with squirt nozzles disposed on either the surface of the ball or an outward facing portion of the handles. The squirt nozzles are activated by the player via the handle grips, and may pump or squirt water in response to each bounce or may be triggered independent of the players bouncing movement. The mammillated surface aids in preventing slippage of the balls during such types of wet play with multiple players.

Abstract: A balloon sealing and display device comprises a disk-like body member that includes a first sealing slit formed therein, extending from an open mouth inwardly to a closed end. The disk-like body member also includes a second sealing slit formed therein extending from an open mouth inwardly to a closed end. The closed end of the first sealing slit and the closed end of the second sealing slit are spaced apart from one another to define a neck wrap portion of the body member. The disk-like body member also includes a ribbon wrap portion. The balloon sealing and display device also includes a ribbon, having a first end and a second end defining a length thereof, having the first end secured to the body member.

Abstract: A balloon toy includes a helium-filled balloon; a balloon string tethered to the balloon; and a balloon raising and lowering assembly including: a housing including a handle; a balloon string reel rotatably carried within the housing and carrying the balloon string; an electric motor carried within the housing; a power source carried within the housing for powering the electric motor; a gear assembly including a plurality of gears carried with the housing and operable coupling the electric motor to the balloon string reel for driving rotation of the balloon string reel; a biasing member including a biasing force that urges the gear assembly together so that the plurality of gears are engaged for driving rotation of the balloon string reel for drawing in the balloon string and helium-field balloon and allows the plurality of gears to slip relative to each other if tension on the balloon string is too high.

Abstract: An illuminated display assembly is provided with an article having an inner surface and an outer surface defining a body, said body constructed and arranged to have at least a portion thereof clear, transparent, translucent, or combinations thereof defining an interior, and a light patch placed on said article such that light illuminates said article and produces an illuminated article effect.

Abstract: An air swimming toy includes a toy body having a floating body and a tail body, a steering device including a motorized unit for generating a reciprocating power transmitting to the tail body so as to generate a wiggling motion thereof, and a remote controller remotely controlling the steering device to operate the motorized unit, wherein said motorized unit is activated to directly drive the tail body to move in order to steer and propel the toy body. In particular, the reciprocating power is directly transmitted from the motorized unit to the tail body via a gear unit to precisely and smooth drive the tail body moving in a wiggle motion.

Abstract: A clip-style balloon weight includes first and second clip members and a biasing member. The clip members are pivotally connected to one another, and the biasing member biases the clip members into contact at a clip end and away from one another at a squeeze end. The biasing member may be formed of a non-metallic material suitable to provide a biasing force. The biasing member may include projections at the ends of opposing arms, and the clip members may include recesses and ramped surfaces extending from the recesses, the projections engaging the ramped surfaces upon insertion of the biasing member to guide the projections into the recesses, thereby assembling the balloon weight.

Abstract: A valve and retainer assembly particularly useful for latex balloons includes a valve body and a band valve. The valve body has a radial shoulder where the neck and mouth of a latex balloon may be received to affix the balloon to the valve body. A hollow stem communicates with the radial shoulder, and a one-way valve allows gas to be introduced through the stem into the balloon affixed to the retainer portion. A valve and retainer for filling first and second balloons further includes a slide disk having a seal sleeve that intimately fits over the stem portion, such that the sealing slide disk selectively slides along the stem portion so that the seal sleeve can selectively cover the at least one second balloon fill aperture; and a flexible band covering the at least one fill aperture of the fill portion.

Abstract: A balloon toy includes a helium-filled balloon; a balloon string tethered to the balloon; and a balloon raising and lowering assembly including: a housing including a handle; a balloon string reel rotatably carried within the housing and carrying the balloon string; an electric motor carried within the housing; a power source carried within the housing for powering the electric motor; a gear assembly including a plurality of gears carried with the housing and operable coupling the electric motor to the balloon string reel for driving rotation of the balloon string reel; a biasing member including a biasing force that urges the gear assembly together so that the plurality of gears are engaged for driving rotation of the balloon string reel for drawing in the balloon string and helium-field balloon and allows the plurality of gears to slip relative to each other if tension on the balloon string is too high.

Abstract: An inertial exercise device includes a hollow outer ball and a weighted inner ball elastically suspended inside the outer ball by at least two opposing suspension members. The weighted innerball may contain a fluid mass. The hollow outer ball, the weighted inner ball and the at least two opposing suspension members may all be integrally formed with each other. In one embodiment, the outer ball, the inner ball, and the suspension members are all formed from integral segments of a pliant tube. The hollow outer ball is formed by everting first and second end segments of the tube over the middle segment of the tube and joining the first and second end segments of the tube together at their openings. The weighted inner ball is formed from the middle segment of the tube which, in one embodiment, is a bulge in the tube.

Abstract: Ballast modules for balancing neutrally buoyant or hovering amusement balloons formed from a sheet of transparent weight bearing material having score lines defining a plurality of individual ballast tabs with each of the tabs detachably attached to its adjacent tab by a set of tab ties and having an adhesive layer on one surface of the module for removable attachment to a balloon and a kit including instructions for attaching the ballast to a balloon.

Abstract: A balloon holder caddy system designed to simulate the look of Helium-filled balloons, to reduce the safety hazards associated with traveling with Helium-filled balloons in the passenger compartment of an automobile, and to eliminate repeated trips to a base location and back (a product use location such as is common with real estate agent's sign postings.) Balloon holder caddy system comprises a top gang-clip with multiple balloon neck receiving slots for creating a balloon cluster, a rod for elevating the balloon cluster simulating helium filled balloons, and an intermediate leg gripper and a base gripper for attaching to a sign-post leg using re-useable/releasable zip-ties. The system providing a unique and efficient balloon displaying means.

Abstract: A neutrally buoyant flying toy has a tail fin assembly and a movable weight element that are configured such that the toy moves forward and can be steered left and right by controlled motion of the tail fin, and such that the toy ascends or descends by controlled motion of the weight element. Most preferably, the toy is configured as a fish and is remote controlled.

Abstract: A self sealing inflatable article including an inflatable body portion and a neck portion having an opening, a ring member supporting the opening of the article and a plug member for sealing the opening wherein at least a portion of the body portion of the article is invaginated through the opening of the article with the plug member associated with the invaginated portion.