Inflatable Patents (Class 446/220)
-
Patent number: 8328594Abstract: Infant accommodation apparatus supported in normal use on a flat horizontal surface. The apparatus includes a support device having, in a vertical plane, a constant circular or oval-shaped cross-section along its extent. The support device has an inner enclosure wall which is an inwardly facing upstanding enclosure wall which defines an infant accommodation region in which an infant may be positioned in use. The inner enclosure wall is endless and defines an endless non-circular enclosure around the infant accommodation region. The maximum diameter of the infant accommodation region is in the range 20 to 50cm, and the inner enclosure wall includes, when viewed from above, three curved apex regions separated by curved side regions. The support device further includes an outer enclosure wall which is an outwardly facing upstanding enclosure wall. The outer enclosure wall, when viewed from above, is non-circular and symmetrical about each of three vertical planes angled at 120° to each other.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2007Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: James Galt & Company Ltd.Inventor: Diana Hall
-
Patent number: 8303367Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2011Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: William Mark CorporationInventor: Blake English
-
Publication number: 20120244779Abstract: The present invention enhances the optical features of aerostats. The invention utilizes a barrier film having at least one layer containing optically enhancing elements. Aerostats formed from the barrier film possess unique aesthetic features.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2010Publication date: September 27, 2012Inventors: Jeffrey Jacob Cernohous, Neil R. Granlund, Kent Kaske, Adam R. Pawloski
-
Patent number: 8262430Abstract: A punch toy including an animal shaped body. The animal shaped body includes legs, a head portion having a mouth, a tail portion and a tube portion connected to an opening of the mouth portion. The animal shaped body is expandable and the tube portion is stretchable.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2006Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Imperial Toy, LLCInventors: Robert J. Ivanic, Christa S. Haratani
-
Patent number: 8257134Abstract: A game device that safely emulates a game of Russian Roulette using balloons and the method thereof. The game device resembles a revolver, but without a barrel, and with the muzzle adjacent the cylinder. The game device contains a protected pin instead of a bullet for puncturing a balloon. An expandable ring is rotatably mounted adjacent the muzzle of the device that allows exposure of the pin only when a fully blown balloon is positioned therein to be punctured. Upon actuation of the pin, it is only exposed for a very short period of time to further prevent unnecessary exposure and injury to the user.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2010Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Inventor: Steve Zuloff
-
Publication number: 20120129420Abstract: The present invention is to provide a light-emitting inflatable balloon, which comprises an inflatable balloon constructed by two first films sealed together to define an inflatable space and a through hole; a strip-like gas inlet constructed by two second films sealed together to define an air input channel, and having an end extended into the inflatable space and an outer surface sealed to the inner surface of the through hole. After the inflatable balloon is inflated, a light-emitting element is inserted into the air input channel and is electrically connected to a power module through wires. A holder is configured to hold the light-emitting element or wires while covering a part of the outer surface of the inflatable balloon that corresponds in position to the through hole, so that the light emitted by the light-emitting element can pass through the strip-like gas inlet and make the inflatable balloon glowing.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2010Publication date: May 24, 2012Inventor: Teng-Hui WU
-
Patent number: 8152588Abstract: A balloon holder for helium and air-filled balloons comprises: a base with adequate mass to hold down at least one helium balloon; a housing surrounding the base; a loop member comprised of a sunken portion submerged inside the base and a loop above the base wherein the loop fastens to a line attached to a helium balloon; and a stem comprised of a lower end submerged inside the base and a top end above the base wherein the top end is adapted to receive a balloon cup attached to an air-filled balloon. The loop member may be comprised of a metal wire, and the loop may secure one or multiple helium balloons. The balloon holder may also include a platform on top of the base that includes a central aperture through which the stem passes through and at least one additional aperture through which the loop member passes through.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2010Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Inventor: Adam Hua
-
Publication number: 20120015581Abstract: A support for retaining inflated balloons in an upright, uniform, and visually pleasing position is disclosed. The support includes lower and higher tie-down coils that are separated from one another to define a space therebetween wherein an inflated balloon may be situated in an upright position. Each coil is arranged for retaining an inflated balloon therein. A segment extends within the space between the tie-down coils and includes an arcuate portion shaped to enable the inflated balloon to be situated upright within said space.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2010Publication date: January 19, 2012Inventor: Ronald A. Feldstein
-
Patent number: 8096082Abstract: A portable changing room that is inflatable. The portable changing room includes an inflatable skeleton, a valve, and a removable cover. A pump is used to inflate the inflatable skeleton. The changing room is used for privacy in outdoor environments.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2010Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Inventor: Gabriella Veronica Moran
-
Publication number: 20110297247Abstract: A seal for vent openings of inflatable structures is provided that includes an interior and an exterior component that can be affixed to each other and to the inflatable structure and allows for higher pressures to be maintained within the inflatable structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2010Publication date: December 8, 2011Applicant: DEUTSCH INC.Inventors: Robert Deutsch, Shane Spruill
-
Publication number: 20110223828Abstract: The present invention relates to articles and methods for producing non-latex balloons with low surface electrical conductivities and an extended product life. In a preferred embodiment, a multilayer composite film having an exposed metallized layer is coated with an elastomeric sealant layer that increases electrical resistivity of the balloon product to greater than 1.08 Ohms/sq. The invention relates to articles and methods for producing needed bonds and seal strength required to manufacture non latex balloons. The balloons of this invention have an extended product life because they are more resistant to common defects like pin holing and stress cracks than conventional balloon systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2011Publication date: September 15, 2011Applicant: ANAGRAM INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Todd Sarnstrom, Paul Ansolabehere, Dean Borchardt, Andrew Swanson, Jeffrey J. Cernohous, Michael Fatica, Gianfranco Chicarella
-
Publication number: 20110212664Abstract: An inflatable recreational device includes a first member and a plurality of second members, wherein the first member be a cylinder with an inner side and an outer side, and wherein the second members may be attached to the outer side thereof. The second members may form closed air chambers. A user may place him or herself within the first member for protection during use of the device. In another embodiment, a plurality of second members may form a cavity, without needing a first member, to protect the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2009Publication date: September 1, 2011Inventor: Xing Chen
-
Publication number: 20110197896Abstract: An elastic seamed thin-walled article having a single opening consists of two halve pair-hand shape films made from thermoplastic material and bonded through a coupling portion. It has an opening formed with a lip portion in an integrated manner. The thin-walled article is formed by at least one layer of the thermoplastic material to provide desired elasticity and recyclable characteristics.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2010Publication date: August 18, 2011Inventor: Der-Lin LIOU
-
Publication number: 20110177749Abstract: A game device that safely emulates a game of Russian Roulette using balloons and the method thereof. The game device resembles a revolver, but without a barrel, and with the muzzle adjacent the cylinder. The game device contains a protected pin instead of a bullet for puncturing a balloon. An expandable ring is rotatably mounted adjacent the muzzle of the device that allows exposure of the pin only when a fully blown balloon is positioned therein to be punctured. Upon actuation of the pin, it is only exposed for a very short period of time to further prevent unnecessary exposure and injury to the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2010Publication date: July 21, 2011Inventor: Steve Zuloff
-
Publication number: 20110171874Abstract: According to one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide an ornamented inflatable device comprising a first layer of material and a second layer of material having an inflatable chamber therebetween, at least a portion of the first layer being transparent, a first decorative ornamentation applied to the transparent portion of the first layer, and a second decorative ornamentation applied to the second layer on the side of the second layer that faces the transparent portion of the first layer, wherein said first decorative ornamentation and said second decorative ornamentation share a common theme, and when viewed simultaneously by one looking through the transparent portion of the first layer into the inflated chamber, cooperate to form a three-dimensional depiction relating to that common theme.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2010Publication date: July 14, 2011Inventors: Steven M. Berenson, Ralph C. Marciano
-
Publication number: 20110171875Abstract: An inflatable balloon comprises a plurality of distinctly shaped inflatable chambers, one or more fluid passageways allowing fluid to flow through said passageways between adjacent chambers and at least one inlet for filling said balloon with fluid, wherein said chambers are integrally formed and at least one chamber is shaped, when inflated, in a form selected from the group comprising: letters and numbers.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2009Publication date: July 14, 2011Inventor: Aamer Shams
-
Patent number: 7972193Abstract: The present invention relates to articles and methods for producing non-latex balloons with low surface electrical conductivities and an extended product life. In a preferred embodiment, a multilayer composite film having an exposed metallized layer is coated with an elastomeric sealant layer that increases electrical resistivity of the balloon product to greater than 1.08 Ohms/sq. The invention relates to articles and methods for producing needed bonds and seal strength required to manufacture non latex balloons. The balloons of this invention have an extended product life because they are more resistant to common defects like pin holing and stress cracks than conventional balloon systems.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2008Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Anagram International , Inc.Inventors: Todd Sarnstrom, Paul Ansolabehere, Dean Borchardt, Andrew Swanson, Jeffrey J. Cernohous, Michael Fatica, Gianfranco Chicarella
-
Patent number: 7963820Abstract: A balloon with an attached magnetic speaker sound module. The sound module has a housing containing a magnetic speaker, a power source, and wiring connecting the magnetic speaker the power source. The magnetic speaker is mounted in the housing adjacent an aperture in the housing. The balloon may be constructed of two sides with different weights, with the magnetic speaker adhered to the side with lesser weight so that the balloon floats upright. Alternatively, a counter-weight may be attached to the side of the balloon opposite the magnetic speaker sound module. A method of manufacturing a balloon with an attached magnetic speaker sound module. The balloon is caused to float upright either by constructing the balloon of two sides with different weights and attaching the magnetic speaker sound module to the side with the lesser weight, or by attaching a counter-weight to the side of the balloon opposite the magnetic speaker sound module.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2006Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Anagram International, Inc.Inventor: Paul Ansolabehere
-
Patent number: 7938758Abstract: A hopping play ball has one or more water reservoirs in fluid communication with one or more squirt nozzles. The squirt nozzles are activated by a user.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2008Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Inventors: Mark W. Publicover, Jon P. Hylbert, Donald Strasser
-
Patent number: 7931540Abstract: An inflatable playland for a child is disclosed, as are different embodiments relating to same. The playland may be designed to emulate different objects, and preferably allows for a child to play on or within same. A module or other device is also included to allow the playland to play a sound and/or display a visual upon detection of a child or other object.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2007Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Moose Mountain Toymakers Ltd.Inventor: Ronald Lokos
-
Publication number: 20110086570Abstract: A novelty inflatable and/or spring loaded thumb and/or finger or fingers would be constructed in one of two (2) ways: 1) with an internally concealed air bladder or pouch, and elongated spring throughout the length of the thumb and/or finger(s), or 2) with just an internally concealed elongated spring. In both versions the air bladder/pouch and/or the spring would be molded within a soft, stretchable, rubber-like material comprising the thumb and/or finger(s). In the inflatable version, the thumb and/or finger(s) would be connected to a battery-operated mini air compressor that would fill the internal bladder to a limited pressure thereby extending the thumb and/or finger(s) to their maximum length and width. In the spring only version, the thumb and/or finger(s) would have a release button that would lock the compressed spring in place until the user presses it, thereby releasing the spring and projecting the thumb and/or finger(s) to their maximum height.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2010Publication date: April 14, 2011Inventor: Richard Brockley
-
Publication number: 20110079316Abstract: Currently the only way to fill water balloons on the market is with a device that you attach to a faucet or a water hose. My invention removes the limitation of having to be near either. My inventions allows for the conservation of water. When children are using the hose or the faucet they tend to leave it running, even walking away with it running. My invention allows water balloons to be filled anywhere. The container is housed with a compression pump that allows water that has been put into the container to be forced by pressure into a tube for dispersing through a nozzle tip to the balloon that has been attached to the nozzle. There is no waste of water.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2010Publication date: April 7, 2011Inventor: Donna A. Ramere
-
Publication number: 20110076911Abstract: An inflatable device, in particular a device that exhibits a desirable amount of air or gas impermeability for a suitable period of time, and yet is biodegradable upon exposure to the environment over time. The device can be utilized as a balloon for personal uses such as toys, gifts or balloon releases at events, or even as a medical device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Inventors: Frank Bona, David Schiraldi
-
Patent number: 7914360Abstract: A lighted assembly includes an inflated balloon, a light assembly affixed to a patch, and the patch affixed to the inflated balloon such that the light assembly is between the patch and the outer surface of the balloon.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2009Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Patch-N-Light, Inc.Inventors: Nathaniel C. Koonce, Jr., Jesse P. Ponder, Jr.
-
Publication number: 20110059676Abstract: An inflatable device designed to provide safety information to a plurality of people. The inflatable device includes at least one meeting venue and at least one at least one physical activity feature. The meeting includes an inflatable structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2010Publication date: March 10, 2011Inventor: Robert J. Scherba
-
Patent number: 7878877Abstract: An inflatable device designed to provide safety information to a plurality of people. The inflatable device includes at least one meeting venue and at least one at least one physical activity feature. The meeting includes an inflatable structure.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Scherba Industries, Inc.Inventor: Robert J. Scherba
-
Patent number: 7871036Abstract: A balloon launch unit produces lift gas to enable balloon launch or to allow the prolongation of balloon flight. A method of using the balloon launch unit can include reforming a fuel source by reaction with water to generate hydrogen-rich lift gas mixtures, and injecting the lift gas into a balloon. A reforming operation can include causing the combustion of a combustible material with ambient oxygen for the release of energy; and heating a reforming combination of reaction fuel and water with the energy released from the combustion of the combustible material, to a temperature above that required for the reforming reaction wherein the fuel and water sources are reformed into lift gas. The amount of the combustible material combusted is sufficient to result in the release of enough energy to heat an amount of the reforming reaction fuel and water sources to the temperature above that required for the reforming reaction.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2010Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Pioneer AstronauticsInventors: Robert M. Zubrin, Mark H. Berggren, Dan Harber, Heather Ann Rose
-
Patent number: 7854642Abstract: A balloon display that simulates motions of a lighter-than-air balloon includes a balloon holder and an inflated balloon. The balloon holder includes a neck fastening assembly, and the inflated balloon is secured to the balloon holder by the neck fastening assembly. A compression spring balloon support extends upwardly relative to the neck fastening assembly to support a majority of the inflated balloon above the neck fastening assembly. The inflated balloon is secured to the neck fastening assembly and supported by the compression spring balloon support such that the balloon slightly loads the compression spring balloon support and the balloon tends to move up and down, side to side, and front to back as the compression spring balloon support reacts to the load of the balloon.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2008Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Inventors: David C. Nelson, Wesley A. Schroeder
-
Patent number: 7850506Abstract: A balloon weight includes a display clip having first and second clip members biased to be in close proximity to each other at a clip end and separate from each other each other at a squeeze end. The display clip has a base mass. A first weight piece is adapted to be selectively affixed to one of the first and second clip members. This first weight piece has a first supplemental mass. A ribbon has a first end secured to either the first weight piece or display clip and a second end affixed to a lighter-than-air balloon. A second weight piece may also be selectively affixed to the other of the first and second clip members. This permits the creation of composite balloon weights with different masses.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2007Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Inventors: David C. Nelson, Martin A. Meluch, Valent L. Meluch, Dan Bertschi
-
Patent number: 7849646Abstract: A gymnastic floor structure includes an elastic collective floor substrate 30 having a given area formed by arranging a plurality of plywood unit floor panels 3 equipped with a plurality of elastically supporting leg members 2 provided on a bottom surface thereof on a floor surface of a building, and an elastic layer including a flat cushioning air mat 4 and a fiber mat 5 as essential structural elements provided on the floor substrate 30. The air mat 4 includes a linking body 41 in which a pair of textile inner sheets 41a and 41b are linked by a plurality of linking threads 43 and airtight external sheets 42 and 42a entirely covering the linking body 41, and has an airtight space 44 therein.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2008Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: NGC CorporationInventor: Atsushi Harinishi
-
Patent number: 7833142Abstract: An abdominal mat has a raised section which may be positioned to support the lumbar region of the user's back. At least one sensor is associated with the raised section for producing a signal in response to force applied to the raised section by the user. A feedback device is coupled to the sensor for providing feedback to the user based on the force applied to the raised section. A user may use the device to test the strength of his or her abdominal muscles, and/or to monitor the force applied to the raised section of the mat when the user is exercising his or her abdominal muscles. The raised section may comprise an inflatable bladder connected to be automatically inflated and deflated by an electronic pump to accommodate different body types, therefore establishing a consistent starting point.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2006Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Inventor: Shaun A. Karp
-
Patent number: 7811216Abstract: An inflatable exercise apparatus having inflatable bladder segments in fluid communication with each other. The inflatable exercise apparatus includes a valve control mechanism that may control the flow of a fluid between the bladder segments, thereby allowing for the adjustment of the pressure in each bladder segment. Adjusting the pressure in each bladder segment may allow the user to vary the levels of resistance during exercise. The bladder segments may be operably connected to bases. The bladder segments may have a plateau that is configured to accommodate each user's stance dimension, along with ridges to assist in securing the feet of the user in a neutral position. The apparatus may also include band brackets for the attachment of other exercise devices, for example exercise bands or balancing devices. The bases may be pivotably connected so as to allow the apparatus to fold to accommodate a storage state.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2009Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: KoreExtreme, LLCInventor: Shawn P. Babiarz
-
Patent number: 7799399Abstract: A process for fabricating a high barrier lamination suitable for the construction of lighter than air materials including providing a thin, two layer thermoplastic film consisting of an amorphous copolyester skin and a high crystalline polyester core; plasma treating the high crystalline polyester core layer to a surface energy of about 50 to about 68 dyne; depositing a metal barrier layer to an optical density of about 2.2 to about 3.2; and extrusion coating a linear low density polyethylene sealant layer on the amorphous copolyester skin layer.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2007Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Toray Plastics (America), Inc.Inventors: Steven Sargeant, Gianfranco Chicarella, John Medeiros, Joseph Anthony Bourgeault, Todd Richard Sarnstrom, Paul Andrew Ansolabehere, Todd Fayne
-
Publication number: 20100233935Abstract: The present invention is to provide the punching capable modeled objects with surface layers of forming material. They mainly use the forming material as the surface layers, and the inner layers are modeled objects used for entertainment composed of the non air-permissible and sealed thin material and set with a punching hole penetrating out through the surface layers. Through the hollow design, the said modeled objects can be air-punched into three-dimensional form while expecting to be used and can be stored or packaged delivery in a pressing-flat form to achieve the purposes of saving the required material in producing the modeled objects, reducing the volume required for storing and delivering the modeled objects, and largely reducing the production cost.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2009Publication date: September 16, 2010Inventor: Chia-Liang Chen
-
Publication number: 20100203494Abstract: An inflatable device designed to provide safety information to a plurality of people. The inflatable device includes at least one meeting venue and at least one at least one physical activity feature. The meeting includes an inflatable structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2010Publication date: August 12, 2010Inventor: Robert J. Scherba
-
Patent number: 7765727Abstract: This invention discloses a three-dimensional inflatable card including a card body having a containing space defined therein, an opening formed on each of two corresponding sides of the containing space, and a movable portion disposed on the card body at a position corresponding to a side of the containing space; an airbag adhered on the card body within the containing space, and containing a reacting powder and an acid solution pack; and a protective ring disposed around the periphery of the airbag, and having a thickness sufficient to contain the acid solution pack; wherein an acid solution in the acid solution pack is able to chemically react with the reacting powder to produce gas for enabling the airbag to expand to a predetermined volume, break the movable portion, and extend to the outside of the containing space, so as to form a three-dimensional inflatable object on the card body.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2008Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Inventor: Cheng-Wu Chen
-
Patent number: 7758400Abstract: Outer and inner inflatable members and a motor assembly including a fan are disposed on a base member. Air provided under pressure by the motor assembly including the fan passes through vents in the base member to inflate the inflatable members. Flakes are disposed in the space between the inflatable members. One vent, larger than the others, provides for the flakes to be lifted upwardly from the base member by the pressurized air. At least another vent in the base member provides for a movement of the flakes by the pressurized air in an annular direction in the space between the inflatable members. A permeable cap disposed on the outer inflatable member limits the pressure in the outer and inner inflatable members to a particular value.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2006Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Bergman Design CorporationInventor: David E. Moomaw
-
Publication number: 20100159796Abstract: A family combined ball pool structure is provided. The ball pool structure is formed by stacking a fence frame, an inflatable pad and an inflatable wall. The fence frame is an enclosed cloth screen frame having a bottom layer and a circumference side. The bottom and circumference side inside the fence frame are formed by the inflatable pad and the inflatable wall, respectively. Therefore, a child is placed in a safe space formed by the inflatable pad and the inflatable wall, which form a safe and fall-proof family ball pool with the enclosure of the fence frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2008Publication date: June 24, 2010Applicant: LI HSEN PLASTICS CO., LTD.Inventor: San-Lang CHIANG
-
Publication number: 20100159795Abstract: The present invention relates to articles and methods for producing non-latex balloons with low surface electrical conductivities and an extended product life. In a preferred embodiment, a multilayer composite film having an exposed metallized layer is coated with an elastomeric sealant layer that increases electrical resistivity of the balloon product to greater than 1.08 Ohms/sq. The invention relates to articles and methods for producing needed bonds and seal strength required to manufacture non latex balloons. The balloons of this invention have an extended product life because they are more resistant to common defects like pin holing and stress cracks than conventional balloon systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2008Publication date: June 24, 2010Inventors: Todd Sarnstrom, Paul Ansolabehere, Dean Borchardt, Andrew Swanson, Jeffrey J. Cernohous, Michael Fatica, Gianfranco Chicarella
-
Patent number: 7739817Abstract: An inflatable exhibition product includes a primary inflatable product, an auxiliary characteristic inflatable product received inside and communicating with the hollow body of the primary inflatable product and an air blower assembly mounted at the bottom of the hollow body and having a hollow casing provided therein an upper chamber to receive therein a top blade set and a lower chamber to receive therein a bottom blade set. Rotation of the bottom blade set is able to inflate the auxiliary characteristic inflatable product and the primary inflatable product and rotation of the top blade set is able to suck in the particles from the inlet and project them out to the interior of the hollow body from the outlet.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2007Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Gemmy Industries CorporationInventor: Sheng-Hung Hsu
-
Patent number: 7735777Abstract: A balloon launch unit produces lift gas to enable balloon launch or to allow the prolongation of balloon flight. A method of using the balloon launch unit includes reforming a fuel source by reaction with water to generate hydrogen-rich lift gas mixtures, and injecting the lift gas into a balloon. The reforming operation includes causing the combustion of a combustible material with ambient oxygen for the release of energy; and heating a reforming combination of reaction fuel and water with the energy released from the combustion of the combustible material, to a temperature above that required for the reforming reaction wherein the fuel and water sources are reformed into lift gas. The amount of the combustible material combusted is sufficient to result in the release of enough energy to heat an amount of the reforming reaction fuel and water sources to the temperature above that required for the reforming reaction.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2006Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Pioneer AstronauticsInventors: Robert M. Zubrin, Mark H. Berggren, Dan Harber, Heather Ann Rose
-
Publication number: 20100120323Abstract: An interactive inflatable amusement structure in the form of an obstacle course or play area which incorporates audio and visual electronics at various locations within the obstacle course through the use of a plurality of transmitter/receivers in radio frequency communication with a central control unit for transmitting data such as elapsed time and points, the central control unit positioned at the egress to the inflatable structure proximate the start of the obstacle course or inflatable game, bounce, etc., and the transmitter/receivers positioned within pockets or the like formed at various locations on the inflatable obstacle course structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2009Publication date: May 13, 2010Inventor: Steven M. Boretskin
-
Patent number: 7708616Abstract: A balloon is connected to a cylindrical tube, and the resulting assembly is mounted on a container to serve as a decorative balloon display system.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2006Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Inventor: Charles Phillips
-
Patent number: 7686668Abstract: A method of coating the interior surface of a latex balloon with a gaseous fragrance or scented formula, using a micro infusion injector.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2006Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Inventor: Sean W. Butler
-
Patent number: 7674152Abstract: The present invention provides a balloon weight system for an inflatable balloon having, singularly or in any combination, an electronic music producing device, a line distance adjusting device, to produce a descending and/or ascending of the balloon, and a fragrance distribution device.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2005Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: CTI Industries, Inc.Inventor: Brent Anderson
-
Patent number: 7674216Abstract: A fitness apparatus which allows for simultaneous strength training and core muscle building/strengthening, the apparatus incorporating an inflatable exercise ball. The apparatus includes a base which allows for selectively controlling the lateral movement and compressibility of the ball while performing various exercise routines. Also incorporated in the base are adjustable resistance training devices which allow for a variety of strength training, the resistance training devices allowing routines ranging from very light to sufficiently strenuous to challenge advanced users. The apparatus is collapsible and stowable, and may be used without the exercise ball to facilitate both strength/flexibility training, as well as aerobics.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2008Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Inventor: Todd Anthony Bolling
-
Publication number: 20100041303Abstract: A lighted assembly includes an inflated balloon, a light assembly affixed to a patch, and the patch affixed to the inflated balloon such that the light assembly is between the patch and the outer surface of the balloon.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2009Publication date: February 18, 2010Inventors: Nathaniel C. Koonce, JR., Jesse P. Ponder, JR.
-
Patent number: 7658661Abstract: An ornamental sound music module for a balloon has an ornamental suitably raised face with a peripheral lip or flange. A backer board is adhered to the rear of the ornamental face creating a housing. A central aperture is within the backer board with an annular support rim for supporting the outer disc portion of a piezoelectric buzzer in a firm manner to encourage the central regions of the buzzer to generate optimum music. A circuit board is contained within the housing and is connected to the buzzer by wires. The backer board suitably has an adhesive to allow the ornamental sound module to be affixed to a metalized nylon film balloon.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2006Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Anagram International, Inc.Inventor: Paul Ansolabehere
-
Publication number: 20100018879Abstract: An inflatable hand shaped body has a hand pocket and an external surface on which is located, one or more beverage receiving pockets.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2008Publication date: January 28, 2010Applicant: Creative Products Enterprises Pty LitmitedInventors: David Te, Jason Lee
-
Publication number: 20090318054Abstract: A ball having an inflatable ball shell within which is found an inflatable inner ball partially filled with an inner ball gas and partially filled with a liquid that is held in the center of the inflatable ball shell by an inflatable support when the inflatable inner ball, the inflatable ball shell and the inflatable support are inflated. The ball exhibits an eccentric and unpredictable motion unless a concomitant spin is appropriately applied to it and the motion of the ball is primarily determined by movement of the liquid within the inflatable inner ball. The inflatable support can be a donut-shaped chamber having an inner radius which is substantially the same as, and may be attached to, an outer radius of the inflatable inner ball. Alternatively, the inflatable support can be three or more elastic spherical shells attached to the inflatable inner ball.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2008Publication date: December 24, 2009Inventors: Jacob Y. Wong, Chi Wai Tse