Abstract: An inflatable Ferris wheel that can be rotated by a motor has a base having a pedestal chamber connected to two sidewall chambers, and an inflatable wheel having two end-plate chambers connected to a central hub chamber. A major hollow shaft is located through the end-plate chambers of the inflatable wheel to rotatably mount the wheel in the open space defined by the sidewalls of the base. Multiple ornaments are attached to minor hollow shafts and rotatably mounted to the inflatable wheel. A blower-fan mounted on a seat is connected to an intake pipe at one of the sidewall chambers to inflate the Ferris wheel. A motor with an arbor is located inside one of the sidewall chambers and is attached to the major hollow shaft. The motor rotates the inflatable wheel and the ornaments to create a dynamic sight and an exciting atmosphere.

Abstract: A rotating inflatable ornament has a main chamber, a bottom chamber, a rotating chamber, a rotating device, a joint tube and a blower. The bottom chamber is attached to a bottom of the main chamber. The rotating chamber is mounted in the main chamber and has a main air-entering tube, multiple jet tubes and multiple inflatable adornments. The main air-entering tube communicates with the bottom chamber. The rotating device is attached rotatably to the main chamber. The joint tube is attached to the main air-entering tube and is mounted rotatably in the bottom chamber. The blower is mounted in the bottom chamber and fills air into the bottom chamber. The air coming out of the jet tubes makes the rotating chamber rotate.

Abstract: A soft flat balloon neck closure disc formed of non-rigid, soft, flexible, and resilient material for safe use with fluid filled balloons, including water filled balloons that may be thrown at a person. The device is relatively thick and has a flat top surface, a flat bottom surface, and a peripheral outer surface defining its shape. A first small hole and second small hole are each disposed inwardly from first and second segments of the peripheral outer surface in diametrically spaced apart relation and a first and second slit extend outwardly from the holes to the first and second side segments, respectively, and each has a V-shaped entrance. The first side segment is pushed onto the balloon neck such that the neck passes through the first slit and snaps into the first hole, the disc is slid down on the neck, and the neck is wrapped over the top of the disk, pulled inwardly through the second slit to snap into the second hole, and then back under the disc and upwardly through the first slit and hole.

Abstract: The rigid balloon has a chamber to hold lighter-than-air gas portions to retain a structural member or members and a separate light gas is filled into the chamber through a valve in the balloon. Structural members are inserted into the portion to help retain the desired shape of the balloon. The structural members also provide a counterbalancing weight which prevents the balloon from floating upward. Thus, the balloon, once released into the air, will retain its shape and remain floating at the height from which it was released unless repositioned.

Abstract: An inflatable remote control vehicle having a wheel-less inflatable vehicle body attached to a remotely controlled base unit and fully functional chassis having a plurality of visually functional wheels. The inflatable vehicle body includes a plurality of wheel well areas for accommodating the functional wheels of the base unit and allowing the functionality of wheels to be seen by a viewer. The remote control vehicle preferably includes a rigid support structure connected to a bottom surface of the inflatable vehicle body, where the rigid support structure is then attached to the remotely controlled base unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for illuminating a balloon from within includes an illumination assembly mounted on a power supply unit. The assembly includes a hollow cylindrical body having a light source (e.g., LED) disposed at one end and electrical inputs protruding from another end. The body of the power supply unit is provided at one end thereof with a shoulder flange and cylindrical spacer to facilitate sealing of the balloon against the assembly. The power supply unit receives power from a power source (e.g., battery), and supplies power to circuitry for controlling the light source. Preferably, the assembly, made of light-weight plastic materials, together with the power source, weighs less than the lift of a helium-filled balloon in which it may be installed.

Abstract: A displayable inflatable figure has a main hollow body that is of a soft and air-permeable fabric. An extended part at the bottom includes a fan assembly to force air flow into the main body. An internally attached lighting system is fastened to provide illumination without external lighting. When connected with power, the fan continuously pumps air into the body. When air is filled in the body, excessive air leaks out from the fabric so that the figure can keep a good shape.

Abstract: A pool decorating system includes a selectively inflatable member that has a bottom side. A light assembly includes a housing having a top wall, a bottom wall and a peripheral wall that is attached to and extends between the top and bottom walls. The housing has a plurality of substantially transparent windows therein. A light emitter is mounted within the housing. A power supply is electrically coupled to the light emitter. An actuator is electrically coupled to the light emitter for selectively turning the light emitter on or off. A coupler is adapted for removably attaching the light assembly to the bottom side.

Abstract: A therapeutic device (10) is formed to have an area (11,12,13) upon which marking instruments (26) may be used to form a design. A subject (25) may use the area to form a design of a person that causes stress to the subject. The subject can express internal feelings toward the design. The design may be removed and the area used by another subject to form a different design.

Abstract: A generally pyramid shaped sound module is provided that is attachable to a balloon for producing hi-fidelity sound effects. The sound module includes a piezoelectric element connected at the top of the pyramid shaped piezo amplification device. An electric circuit is connected to the piezoelectric element by wires. The electric circuit includes a power supply, such as one or more batteries, and the circuitry necessary for producing or reproducing a desired sound (e.g. musical notes, voices, sounds, prerecorded sound, a combination of the aforementioned, etc.). The pyramid shape allows the piezoelectric element to be coupled to the balloon without physically touching the balloon surface. Thus, even when the balloon begins to deflate, the sound quality of the sound module can be maintained.

Abstract: The rigid helium balloon has a helium compartment and a separate, channel portion. Helium gas is filled into the helium compartment through a valve in the balloon. Fiberglass rod members are inserted into the channel portion to help retain the desired shape of the balloon. The rod members also provide a counterbalancing weight which prevents the balloon from floating upward. Thus, the balloon, once released into the air, will retain its shape and remain floating at the height from which it was released unless repositioned. No additional weights or tethering devices are required to prevent the balloon from floating upwards.

Abstract: A balloon illumination and inflation device has a tubular housing assembly comprising a balloon neck attachment at one end, an inflation mouthpiece at an opposite end; an air valve adjacent the mouthpiece, a lamp mount adjacent the one end to direct light into the attached balloon; an internal battery mount and a switch to connect the lamp to the battery circuit for illumination of the balloon interior. The switch is formed by first and second tubular housing members relative rotatable to close the air valve means and simultaneously to connect the battery circuit to the lamp.

Abstract: Hand-operable implements include a plurality of inflatable gloves that are sized and shaped for protruding beyond a user's metacarpals. The gloves are formed from air-impermeable material, have rear sides including a plurality of auxiliary support bands attached thereto, and have substantially smooth and planar front surfaces such that when a user engages the gloves during operating conditions, an elevated acoustic sound is generated therefrom. Each auxiliary support band extends upwardly and away from the rear sides of the gloves. The implements further include a mechanism for allowing a user to selectively inflate the gloves to a desired pressure level such that the user may enjoy use of the gloves during recreational activities as well as fold and store the gloves during non-operating conditions.

Abstract: Balls, balloons and other inflatable objects made from a plastic material with an improved resistance to tearing, suitable for use in gymnastic activities, for rehabilitation and physiotherapy comprise as stiffening material an inert mineral charge having a granulometry between 0.02 ? and 500 ?, in an amount between 0.50% and 20% by weight.

Abstract: A physio-ball including a shell and a support member attached to the shell. The support member is sufficiently rigid so as to support at least a portion of a user's body when the portion of the user's body is in contact with the support member.

Abstract: An inflated non-latex balloon includes at least two latex films that are sealed together at their edges to define an encapsulation member; and an inlet connected to the encapsulation member, wherein the encapsulation member is inflated to a pressure substantially higher than a normal inflating pressure recommended for a typical non-latex balloon and wherein shape of the inflated non-latex balloon is substantially different in comparison with the shape of the balloon if the balloon is inflated to the normal inflating pressure. A method of inflating a non-latex balloon involves over-inflating the non-latex balloon to a pressure substantially higher than a normal inflating pressure recommended for a typical non-latex balloon to achieve a desired shape.

Abstract: A balloon display generally having decorative, informative and/or structural value. The display is comprised of an aperture framework, inflated chambers and connector members that join inflated chambers through apertures small enough to resist the passage of the inflated chambers. There is generally a plurality of connector members associated with each inflated chamber. Connector members from a given inflated chamber start from different locations, go to different locations and do not intersect.

Abstract: A balloon apparatus includes a balloon having an inflation opening that can be closed for keeping the balloon inflated. The apparatus also includes a light source inside the balloon, wiring connecting a power source to the light source, and a tube through which the wiring extends. The tube may be entirely enclosed in the balloon. This balloon can be inexpensive to fabricate and can provide an attractive advertising medium.

Abstract: This invention relates to health and fitness, and more particularly to exercise methods and devices. More particularly, the invention is directed to stretching exercises and physical therapy, for example an apparatus and exercises for lower back pain. The exercise apparatus comprises at least three cells abutting each other on a common base or frame. Each cell can be independently inflated and deflated to provide an adjustable support cushion having a range of shapes and firmness. An articulated frame is optionally provided for additional independent movement of the cells. Users lie down on the cushion and produce precise stretches and exercises by controlling the rate and degree of inflation or deflation of each cell or group of cells, and optionally, articulated movement of the frame. Stretching can occur passively, as when the body conforms to the shape of the cushion, or actively by exercising in concert with the conformation of the cushion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a swivel air-passing joint mechanism for connecting the limbs to the torso of an inflatable mannequin. The swivel air-passing joint comprises a ball and socket joint arrangement with a flexible tubular passageway element traversing through the ball and socket joint that provides a constant passageway for fluid communication between the limbs and the torso irrespective of the particular limb orientation to the torso.

Abstract: A balloon pedestal including a mounting bracket for attachment to a land vehicle. The mounting bracket has a hook portion for grasping the top of a window of a land vehicle and a base portion secured to the hook portion. The base portion is provided with a keyhole. A balloon support is releasably joined to the mounting bracket. The balloon support has a mount with a key for selective insertion into, and rotation within, the keyhole and a handle for manipulating the key. Rotation of the key within the keyhole selectively locks the balloon support to the mounting bracket. A rod extends upwardly from the handle. A cup is positioned atop the rod for carrying a balloon.

Abstract: A rotating inflatable device includes a base having an outlet a top thereof and an inlet in a side of the base. A blower is received in the base and driven by a motor. A drive part is received in the base and includes a rotating rod which is driven by another motor via a speed reduction unit. A drum to which a lower opening is mounted includes an annular ring and a central part which is located at a center of the drum by a plurality of ribs connected between the annular ring and the central part. A top end of the rotating rod is co-axially connected to the central part. A central shaft composed of a plurality of sections has its a lower end connected to the central part. A top end of the central shaft extends through a top opening of the balloon and is connected to a plate which seals on the top opening of the balloon.

Abstract: A balloon holder simulating a small gift bag comprises a decorative bag, a core held within the decorative bag and having sufficient weight to hold at least one buoyant balloon in place, and decorative material secured to the core in a position to conceal the core from casual view. The decorative material preferably is formed from a length of decorative sheet material having its upper portion cut into a series of strips adapted to extend outwardly from the decorative bag. In one embodiment useful for a larger size decorative gift bag, an inner liner is fitted within the decorative bag with the core being held to the interior of the lower portion of the inner liner and the decorative material being held to the interior of the upper periphery of the inner liner.

Abstract: An inflatable toy comprises an inflatable volume and an expandable figurine that is attached to the inflatable volume such that the figurine is stretched as the volume is inflated. The expandable figurine assumes a first predetermined shape when the inflatable volume is in a deflated state, and assumes a second predetermined shape representing a distortion of the first predetermined shape when the inflatable volume is substantially inflated. The figurine can be removably attached to an outer surface of the inflatable volume. The figurine can comprise a body portion having multiple limbs, such that the limbs are attached to the inflatable volume outer surface and are pulled away from the figurine body portion as the volume is inflated.

Abstract: The invention provides a circuit embedded within a Mylar balloon for providing a desired effect such as sound, illumination, or both. The circuit includes a switch for preventing premature discharge of the power source and a tab for closing the switch when the balloon is inflated.

Abstract: Buoyant balloons are provided with a texturizing layer which is operated upon with embossing or other techniques to provide interesting visual effects. The texturizing is formed on the outer surface of the texturizing layer, which is located on the outer surface of the balloon film. One or more ink coatings may be used in conjunction with the texturized balloon film to augment visual interest.

Abstract: An inflatable sport ball, such as a basketball, a football, a soccer ball, a volleyball or a playground ball, is provided with a self-contained inflation mechanism, or multiple self-contained inflation mechanisms, for inflating or adding pressure to the ball. The mechanism is a pump which is positioned and retained inside of the ball and which is operable from outside of the ball to pump ambient air into the ball. The pump is a dual action pump allowing air to be added to the ball on both a forward stroke and a reverse stroke.

Abstract: A safe toy balloon closure and sealing device is provided that includes (a) a generally flat member having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first side edge and a second side edge opposite the first side edge, (b) a balloon neck receiving aperture formed through the generally flat member and between the first end and the second end, (c) an inserting passage for inserting a balloon neck from the first end into the balloon neck receiving aperture, and (d) at least one non-aligned stretched neck retaining device formed on at least one of the second end, the first side edge and the second side edge at a location that is not aligned with the inserting passage, for creating at least one angled sharp bend and seal in a balloon neck being stretched from the balloon neck receiving aperture for reinsertion through the inserting passage and the balloon neck receiving aperture; thereby effectively closing and sealing the stretched balloon neck without tying and without a risk of the balloon neck unravel

Abstract: The balloon comprises at least two balloon sheets (1) sealed to one another along a peripheral edge (2) to form an inflatable body (4) and an inflatable stem (5) connected by its proximal end to the body. In order to be able to hold the balloon the stem comprises a handle portion (17) which has, in an uninflated flat state of the balloon, an inner width (w) comprised between 30 and 80 mm and a length of at least 80 mm. The stem (5) further comprises a proximal portion (18) which widens in such a manner towards the body (4) that, when holding the balloon in its inflated state upright by the handle portion (17), the body (4) of the balloon returns to one single stable position after having bent the balloon in a transverse direction. Since the balloon can be held by the inflated handle portion, no cups or sticks have to be attached to the balloon.

Abstract: A toy for creating visual and audial patterns that employs chemiluminescent members, colored sticks or rollers, or light tubes within an inflated bladder. The light may be generated by the chemiluminescent sticks, rollers, or the light tubes or by the reflected color of the hollow or solid sticks, balls, or rollers visible outside the bladder. The rolling members are generally elongated and have outer side walls which roll along the inner walls of the inflated bladder creating unique audial perceptions and visual designs. A sealing closure is used to prevent deflation of the inflated bladder containing the members.

Abstract: A self-inflating object (10, 110, 210) includes an expandable body (12, 112) and an inflating mechanism (14, 114) at least partially disposed within the body. The inflating mechanism includes a canister (15, 116) of compressed propellant. The inflating mechanism is actuable to release propellant from the canister in a controlled manner to inhibit freezing of the inflating mechanism and/or the expandable body as the propellant expands thereby to inflate the expandable body.

Abstract: A displayable inflatable figure has a main hollow body that is of a soft and air-permeable fabric. An extended part at the bottom includes a fan assembly to force air flow into the main body. An internally attached lighting system is fastened to provide illumination without external lighting. When connected with power, the fan continuously pumps air into the body. When air is filled in the body, excessive air leaks out from the fabric so that the figure can keep a good shape.

Abstract: A toy balloon valve adapter is provided for mounting over an existing balloon valve and for enabling the existing balloon valve to mate sealingly with different size balloons. The toy balloon valve adapter includes a continuous wall defining a balloon neck supporting member having a perimeter relatively different in size from a perimeter of the balloon neck supporting valve head of the toy balloon valve. The balloon neck supporting member includes a first end and a second end, wherein one of the first end and the second end is a relatively larger end and the other is a relatively smaller end. The toy balloon valve adapter also includes a cavity defined by the continuous wall and located between the first end and the second end for receiving and containing the valve head of a toy balloon valve.

Abstract: The rigid helium balloon has a helium compartment and a separate, channel portion. Helium gas is filled into the helium compartment through a valve in the balloon. Fiberglass rod members are inserted into the channel portion to help retain the desired shape of the balloon. The rod members also provide a counterbalancing weight which prevents the balloon from floating upward. Thus, the balloon, once released into the air, will retain its shape and remain floating at the height from which it was released unless repositioned. No additional weights or tethering devices are required to prevent the balloon from floating upwards.

Abstract: An inflatable noisemaker has a flexible envelope and a multiplicity of pellets contained within the envelope. The pellets can be made of wood, glass, plastic, metal, dry beans or dry peas and are free to bounce around in response to an impact on the envelope and the envelope is constructed to be grasped manually and to enclose a gas under pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inflatable bag having a device for emitting light comprising bag means made of a plastic material being hollow, airtight; at least one light emitting assembly disposed in the bag means, each assembly having a body, at least one cell and one light emitting element (e.g., bulb or light emitting diode (LED)) both disposed on the body; and a first connecting member made of a plastic material having one end coupled to the light emitting assembly and the other end fixed to a first portion of the inner surface of the bag means, wherein the cell and the light emitting element are actuable to conduct and emit light by activating a switch while the bag means being inflated to a predetermined shape.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enhancing an inflatable device. In one example, a first component adapted to generate at least one of light and sound is coupled to a second component that is adapted to facilitate insertion into an inflatable device. The first component may be an LED-based light source configured to generate single or multi-colored light in an interior space of the inflatable device once inserted into the inflatable device. The second component may be particularly configured with one or more valves or seals to facilitate a transfer of a substance (e.g., an inflating substance) into the inflatable device once the first and second components are inserted into the inflatable device. The second component also may be configured to conveniently facilitate an effective seal between the second component and the inflatable device.

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.

Abstract: A ball positioning structure on which a ball is placed comprises a lower body including a round disk with a through-hole in the center thereof, an upper body covered on the lower body and having a bore provided in the center thereof which is in alignment with the through-hole; a bearing disposed in the bore of the upper body such that the upper body and the slide device are mutually rotatable, and a frame, on which a ball is placed, disposed on the surface of the upper body. A user may sit on the ball, press the ball, or lean on the ball and make fixed-point rotation to enhance enjoyment of playing.

Abstract: A method for using one or more inflatable three-dimensional humanoid figures for use in background scenes associated with still photography, motion pictures and video productions which are low in cost, lightweight, easy to use, easy to store, easy to transport and provides a greater range of viewing angles. It is also envisioned that this invention can be used for corporate conventions requiring the illusion of a large number of participants, in advertising and other functions where the illusion of large numbers of people enhance the overall objective of the functions.

Abstract: A tent is provided with an inflatable support structure having a manually operated inflation pump associated with the inflatable support structure and the tent. The pump is fixedly attached to the tent such that the tent and the pump form a single, integrated unit. The pump is preferably movable between a storage position and a use position. While in the storage position, the pump is also preferably is hidden or camouflaged by the tent environment. The tent structure may also be enhanced with sound capabilities for increasing enjoyment and use of the tent.

Abstract: An inflatable elastic exercising device includes a deflatable collapsible elastic body and a base seat composed of assembled outer frames and reinforcing boards. The elastic body is formed with a fixing flange. The thickness of the fixing flange plus the thickness of the reinforcing board is just the height of a restricting channel of the outer frame, so that the reinforcing boards and the elastic body can be firmly fixed and enclosed by the outer frames. A user can stably and safely stand on it for doing balance exercise. After the elastic body is deflated and collapsed and the reinforcing boards and the outer frames are disassembled and stacked, it can be stored in a narrow space and conveniently transported.

Abstract: The present invention provides a balloon assembly including a balloon, and a balloon weight. The balloon weight has a plate having a perimeter, and an annular outer flange disposed on the plate. The outer flange has an outer surface. The invention also includes a cup rotatably connected to the plate. The cup has a bottom opposite the plate, and an annular side wall. The side wall encompasses the outer flange. The side wall also includes a first opening. An umbrella-shaped hook extends from the plate perimeter. A ribbon is wrapped around the outer surface of the outer flange, and extends through the first opening in the side wall. The ribbon has a length including a distal end. A peg is attached to the distal end of the ribbon. The peg is insertable through a portion of the balloon to secure the distal end of the ribbon to the balloon.

Abstract: A magnetic-connected inflatable toy mainly includes inflatable building blocks and magnets. The inflatable building blocks are geometric pipes with various lengths having an air valve and a magnet on the side connected with another building lock. By the magnetic force between two magnets, the inflatable building blocks are connected with each other to form various models of toys.

Abstract: The present invention is a cover device for covering an exercise fitness ball. The cover device comprises a fabric cover having a perimeter. The fabric cover is positionable over at least one-half of the exercise fitness ball. A fastening mechanism is positioned about the perimeter of the fabric cover for releasably securing the fabric cover to the exercise fitness ball.

Abstract: A compliant body-pressing exerciser is adapted to be detachably coupled to a seat frame, and includes a bowl-shaped lower member and a dome-shaped upper member formed respectively with upper and lower surrounding edge portions that engage each other and adapted to contact the ground and compliantly press against a user's body. A height of the upper member is larger than that of the lower member. A shortest one of radial distances measured from a central point to the lower surrounding edge portion is not less than the height of the upper member so as to lower the gravity center of the exerciser.

Abstract: An inflated non-latex balloon includes at least two latex films that are sealed together at their edges to define an encapsulation member; and an inlet connected to the encapsulation member, wherein the encapsulation member is inflated to a pressure substantially higher than a normal inflating pressure recommended for a typical non-latex balloon and wherein shape of the inflated non-latex balloon is substantially different in comparison with the shape of the balloon if the balloon is inflated to the normal inflating pressure. A method of inflating a non-latex balloon involves over-inflating the non-latex balloon to a pressure substantially higher than a normal inflating pressure recommended for a typical non-latex balloon to achieve a desired shape.

Abstract: A decorative balloon holder has a core having sufficient weight to hold a buoyant balloon in position on a tabletop or the like. The balloon holder has an attachment held directly to the core for securing the string of the balloon, and has a layer of decorative material wrapped around the core.

Abstract: An abdominal exercise device that allows the exerciser to do sit-up type exercises to stress the exerciser's abdominal muscles. The device has a frame assembly made of several members. A deformable seat for the exerciser is connected to frame assembly. The deformable seat is a fillable container. Footholds are positioned on the frame assembly to allow an exerciser to sit on the deformable seat and place the exerciser's feet in the footholds while performing an exercise. Additionally, there are handholds that an exerciser may hold so that an exerciser may stabilize himself while getting on and off the exercise device and during performance of exercise.

Abstract: Abstract A lower-body exercising device and method including a three-dimensional platform with a resilient means for providing a resistance-based workout while sitting at work, home or traveling is disclosed. Preferably, the invention is manufactured from a single piece of material, is designed to be wedge-like in shape, is compact in size so as to fit under a desk or table or airplane seat, and is constructed from polyurethane foam that provides resistance to a pushing force by the user during manipulation. The invention can be manipulated by pressing the soles of the feet alternately into the device, or together in a “pumping” motion. Optionally, the device is covered it in a plush, washable upholstery material, has textured s, and/or includes heating elements.