Abstract: This invention provides 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: Foils is adapted to be marked readily by having a water-soluble, water-based or other surface coating (22) applied thereto. The adapted surface (22) permits ink to mark the foil. Such foil may be used for manufacturing balloons (10) or wrapping materials. A method of manufacturing such a foil comprises the step of spraying onto the surface or otherwise adapting the surface (22) of the foil with a readily markable substance, such as a water-soluble coating, to permit printing of chosen designs (24) onto the foil. A method of imprinting a foil with a design (24) comprises the step of feeding a package (36) containing foil through a printer, the printer being arranged for printing the design (24) onto an adapted surface of the foil exposed by the package (36).

Abstract: A balloon weight assembly includes a spool having a cavity defined in a body portion thereof. The cavity is configured to securingly receive and retain a ballast weight of selectable mass therein. The cavity is further sized to receive more than one such ballast weight at a time in a press fit manner. Accordingly, a single weight housing may be adapted to provide retaining downforce to balloons of various sizes or “lift.

Abstract: A remote control car made of plastic sheet has an body with fixed wheels and a remotely controlled electromechanical drive unit with rotatable wheels in a cavity in the bottom of the inflatable body.

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: The invention provides a balloon and a method for heat tacking one side of an object to an interior of the balloon without the other side of the object becoming attached to the balloon. The balloon is formed from at least a top sheet and a bottom sheet of a substantially gas-impermeable, heat-sealable material such as BON. A portion of the object is chosen to be heat sealed to the interior of the balloon. The reverse side of the portion of the object is coated with a heat resistant barrier such as synthetic resinous fluorine-containing polymer, heat-resistant nitrocellulose ink or the like. The object is then placed between the two sheets that form the balloon. A heating element is applied to the sheet on which the object will be attached and a pressure plate is applied on the other sheet thus forming a sandwich. This sandwich heat stakes one side of the object to the balloon while the heat resistant barrier prevents the other side from attaching to the balloon.

Abstract: A display device for displaying lighter-than-air novelty balloons includes an elongated base with a rear wall and a front wall extending therefrom to form a channel for receiving and retaining balloon weights. The display device is formed from a plastic material and at least one of front or rear walls are flexible with respect to the other. A gap between the upper edge portion of the front wall and the upper edge portion of the rear wall, which has a smaller width that the base of the channel receives and retains balloon weights in a resilient manner. The outer side of the base is adapted to being attached to a display object by an adhesive, a magnetic member, or fasteners. A display rack for displaying lighter-than-air novelty balloons includes a pole for attaching a plurality of the display devices thereto in a vertical orientation. A support base provides support for the pole and maintains the pole in an upright position.

Abstract: A chin portion is provided for non-latex balloons to counterbalance the weight of a device such as one or more light or sound producing devices attached to the balloon. The chin may be integral with the balloon or it may be attached as a separate entity. The chin includes a neck portion that is open to allow the chin to be inflated.

Abstract: A balloon neck fitting includes a check valve section having a peripheral housing and a peripheral flange extended radially outward from the peripheral housing for engaging with a larger balloon. The housing includes a chamber for receiving a gas supplying nozzle, and one or more extensions engaged with the neck of the balloons. Another housing is formed on top of the housing and having an outer diameter smaller than that of the housing for engaging with a neck of a smaller balloon, and for allowing the smaller balloon to be inflated and received in the larger balloon.

Abstract: The remote-controlled air, land or water borne toy vehicle comprises: a body; a printed circuit board mounted in or to the body; a receiver connected to the printed circuit board for receiving commands; hardware on the printed circuit board including control circuitry for manipulating the toy vehicle in response to commands received by the receiver; and a motor drive mechanism mounted on or to the toy vehicle for moving or propelling the toy vehicle in response to control signals from the control circuitry. Preferably at least one of several infrared emitting simulated weapons are mounted on the toy vehicle and are selected from the group including a machine gun, a cannon and a missile.

Abstract: The invention provides a balloon and a method for heat tacking one side of an object to an interior of the balloon without the other side of the object becoming attached to the balloon. The balloon is formed from at least a top sheet and a bottom sheet of a substantially gas-impermeable, heat-sealable material such as BON. A portion of the object is chosen to be heat sealed to the interior of the balloon. The reverse side of the portion of the object is coated with a heat resistant barrier such as TEFLON, heat-resistant nitrocellulose ink or the like. The object is then placed between the two sheets that form the balloon. A heating element is applied to the sheet on which the object will be attached and a pressure plate is applied on the other sheet thus forming a sandwich. This sandwich heat stakes one side of the object to the balloon while the heat resistant barrier prevents the other side from attaching to the balloon.

Abstract: An inflatable article comprises a primary inflatable portion and at least one inflatable extension connected to the primary inflatable portion. The inflatable extension has a generally hook-shaped configuration adapted for interlocking engagement with a generally hook-shaped inflatable extension of another similar inflatable article in a manner to removably interlock the articles with one another when the articles are substantially inflated.

Abstract: A method and a device for fastening balloons to a fastening base, e.g. for sale. According to the invention, the balloons (2) are fastened, for example, to a relatively thick main cord (1) using a device (3) which is easily broken or by other means detachable from the main cord without the string (8) for handling the balloon participating in th eprocess. The string is pulled out only when detachment from the main cord takes place, and does not become entangled in the balloon bundle even in windy weather.

Abstract: A balloon illumination system, for illuminating a thin film balloon comprising a pair of thin film panels that are heat sealed together to define a balloon interior, the balloon having a balloon top and a balloon bottom, an apex at the balloon top, a mouth at the balloon bottom, and a flat film valve creating a sleeve having a sleeve width. The balloon illumination system comprises a tube having a tube circumference that is substantially equal to two times the sleeve width, a proximal end and a distal end. A light source is located in the tube midway between the proximal end and distal end. An electrical cable extends proximal through the tube from the light source. The distal end of the tube is inserted into the mouth of the tube and is extended through the sleeve until the distal end reaches the apex. Leakage is prevented by the tight fit between the tube and the sleeve. The light source is positioned in the balloon interior midway between the balloon top and balloon bottom.

Abstract: This invention provides 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 balloon weight and ribbon assembly includes a spool having a length of ribbon wound thereabout, the ribbon being secured at one end to the spool and at the other end to a lightweight breakaway tab which initially comprises a part and parcel of the spool. A slot in the tab accommodates receipt of a double knot at one end of the ribbon, while a slot in the spool accommodates receipt of a double knot of the ribbon at the opposite end. A piece of double backed adhesive tape is provided on the breakaway tab to allow for securement of the tab to the neck or tail of an inflated balloon.

Abstract: A balloon locking cup and securing system includes a cup having a latch interposed between a funnel shaped cup portion and a tube extension. The balloon cup is placed over a reciprocating needle hook rod in a securing system. The tail of the balloon is received by a hook at the end of the hook rod and a first pneumatic cylinder is actuated to pull the needle hook rod in such a manner as to pull the balloon into nesting engagement with the balloon cup. At the end of travel of the first pneumatic cylinder, a second pneumatic cylinder is automatically actuated, causing a knife blade to separate the end of the balloon tail just beneath the tubular member of the balloon cup assembly. The drawing of the balloon into the cup assembly actuates the latch which engages the balloon tail near the neck of the balloon and secures the balloon in the cup assembly.

Abstract: A non-latex balloon is shown and includes an inflatable inner portion. Inflatable outer portions communicate with the inner portion and are secured thereto in an assembled state to provide a substantially vertical message face.

Abstract: An inflatable play structure comprises at least one inflatable house defining a cavity for accommodating a child and an inflatable tunnel detachably attached to the house. The house includes two side walls and front and rear walls connected together to form a continuous wall, and support tubes placed at each corner of the two side walls and front and rear walls. The house has a first access opening and a first one flap extending from a lower portion of the wall having a pair of hook and loop fasteners. The inflatable tunnel has two arched tubes erected from and affixed to a bottom wall defining a first opening and a second opening. The tunnel includes at least one open window and a second flap extending along the bottom wall and having a pair of hook and loop fasteners aligned with corresponding hook and loop fasteners of the house.

Abstract: An inflatable toy apparatus has an elongated body that is provided with one or more of a number of other elements and features, including tails, nose pieces, grip pieces, winglets, removable bands, weights, additional inflatable pieces, and fabric covers, among others. Each of these features provides an enhancement in the play variety or amusement of the apparatus, or function to improve the aerodynamic properties of the apparatus.

Abstract: The inventive balloon comprises an inflatable pocket (2) and an end piece (4) provided with an opening (6) that enables the pocket (2) to be inflated. An elastic buckle-shaped fastener (10) is fixed onto the end piece (4).

Abstract: A children's baseball bat with a pressurizable, external hitting zone to selectively control the trampoline effect when a ball is struck by the bat. The hitting zone is provided by expandable tubing wrapped spirally around the barrel of the bat and connected to a manual air pump built into the handle of the bat to increase air pressure in the tubing. A pressure relief valve connected to the tubing allows the user to decrease air pressure in the hitting zone to control the trampoline effect or to decrease the circumference of the barrel.

Abstract: An inflatable or inflated ball comprising an outer chamber formed of an airtight flexible outer skin which, when properly inflated and fully expanded, defines an interior volume. A sealed inner chamber filled or fillable with a substance substantially heavier than air is positioned within and occupies a relatively small amount of the interior volume. A plurality of elongated radially extending and three-dimensionally spaced elastic members are each connected and radially extend between, the inner chamber and the inner surface of the outer chamber. The elastic members are cooperatively sized in length and suitably tensioned to support and hold the inner chamber centrally in an at-rest position within the interior volume.

Abstract: A pull activated novelty sound device includes a sound generating chip, a sound transducer, a switch, a pull device, a battery, and a housing. The sound generating chip is capable of playing a message, a song, or any other type of sound recording. The sound transducer converts the electrical signal from the sound generating chip into an audible sound. The sound generating chip is powered through the battery. The switch controls the electrical power supplied to the sound generating chip. The sound generating chip, sound transducer, battery, and spring switch are contained in the housing. One end of a pull device is withdrawn from the switch to enable electrical power to be supplied to said sound generating chip to emit audible sound through the sound transducer.

Abstract: A balloon mechanism includes a closure that is one-piece and monolithic with a balloon neck. One form of the closure includes a snap closure, and another form of the closure includes a strap.

Abstract: This invention provides 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 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 exercise ball has a bladder, a yarn lining wound on an outer face of the bladder, an air layer formed between the outer face of the bladder and the yarn lining, a cloth lining wrapped on the yarn lining, an adhesive layer applied on an outer surface of the cloth lining, a sponge lining securely attached to the cloth lining by the adhesive layer, and an outer surface securely engaged with the sponge lining. With the provision of the air lining and the sponge lining, the exercise ball is able to maintain its softness.

Abstract: An inflatable article comprises a primary inflatable portion and at least one inflatable extension connected to the primary inflatable portion. The inflatable extension has a generally hook-shaped configuration adapted for interlocking engagement with a generally hook-shaped inflatable extension of another similar inflatable article in a manner to removably interlock the articles with one another when the articles are substantially inflated.

Abstract: A balloon inflation apparatus for inflating balloons is provided. A balloon plug having a resilient body with an outer perimeter designed to engage the inside of the neck of a balloon. The balloon plug is interconnected to a spool. A pierceable central portion is provided. The inflation apparatus includes an inflation station supported by a support frame. The inflation station includes an engagement opening for retaining a balloon plug with a balloon engaged therewith. The station also includes an inflation needle which has a retracted position and an inflation position that extends through the pierceable central portion of a balloon plug retained by the plug connector when the needle is in the inflation position. The inflation station also includes an actuator to move the needle between the retracted and inflation positions.

Abstract: An inflatable object including an electronic module with a voice/music chip or an illumination device and at least one battery within confines of the inflatable object, an insulator being configured and arranged in a disabling position to prevent powering of the electronic module by the at least one battery, and an end of the insulator being secured to an inside surface of the inflatable object so that as opposite sides of the inflatable object spread apart in response to inflation of the inflatable object, forces are imposed on the insulating tab to force the insulating end to leave the disabling position to permit powering of the electronic module by the at least one battery.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a flower vase containing an inflatable balloon bouquet. The flower vase contains a source of air for inflating the balloons positioned near the bottom of the vase being connected to an upwardly standing air cylinder whereby the balloon bouquet stems are pushed upwardly through the air cylinder somewhat as an internal combustion piston passing through its cylinder. Means are provided for transferring gas from the gas canister through apertures in the wall of the air cylinder and thereafter through apertures in the hollow stems of the balloons and thereafter into the balloons themselves so that the balloons become inflated.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively inflating multiple balloons simultaneously, sequentially, or in random order include a housing for storing pneumatic and electrical control devices and gas conduits. Ports are formed through the housing and each having a nozzle secured thereon. One end of one gas conduit is connected to an external source of pressurized gas and another end is in communication with the ports. An actuator is associated with each port for selectively actuating the delivery of pressurized gas to the associated nozzle manually or automatically. Each port may be automatically closed when predetermined parameters are met in the automatic mode.

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: A balloon holder for retaining a plurality of balloon strings attached to balloons includes a base portion having a forward end, a back end, and lateral sides. The base has an aperture formed in the base portion while at least one slot is formed in the forward end of the base portion and at least one slot is formed in the back end of the base portion. The aperture is configured to receive the plurality of balloon strings therethrough, and the slots are configured to receive the plurality of balloon strings such that as the plurality of balloon strings are wrapped about the base, the balloon strings are releasably retained by the slots.

Abstract: A balloon holder for retaining a plurality of balloon strings attached to balloons includes a base portion having a forward end, a back end, and lateral sides. The base has an aperture formed in the base portion while at least one slot is formed in the forward end of the base portion and at least one slot is formed in the back end of the base portion. The aperture is configured to receive the plurality of balloon strings therethrough, and the slots are configured to receive the plurality of balloon strings such that as the plurality of balloon strings are wrapped about the base, the balloon strings are releasably retained by the slots.

Abstract: A novelty balloon having ultraviolet sensitive indicia and including a front wall and a rear wall. The ultraviolet sensitive indicia may be disposed on the outer surface of the front wall, the inner surface of the front wall, or the inner surface of the rear wall. The indicia is formed of ultraviolet sensitive ink which may either be visible or invisible under regular lighting conditions. Thus, an image may be visible under ultraviolet lighting conditions which is not visible under regular lighting conditions. The balloon optionally includes a transparent portion in the front wall, through which the ultraviolet sensitive indicia may be viewed. An object may be contained within the balloon having ultraviolet sensitive indicia on its surface. The object may include a panel, a three-dimensional object, or a third balloon film layer sealed between the front and rear walls.

Abstract: An inflatable toy comprises a simple and durable pump, comprising a bladder or other hand-operated source of air pressure, which inflates a balloon, typically shrouded in an expansible fabric, decorated with a character or the like, so that the character is distorted in an amusing manner when inflated. A first check valve allows air to pass from the bladder to the balloon when the bladder is squeezed, while a second check valve allows the bladder to refill itself while preventing air from being released from the balloon when hand pressure on the bladder is relaxed. A user-operated deflation valve allows pressure to be controllably released from the balloon. In one embodiment, the user-operated deflation valve is located such that the inflation bladder can be squeezed and the deflation valve operated without changing the position of the toy in one's hand, further increasing the user's enjoyment of the toy.

Abstract: A toy for creating visual and audial patterns that is activated by the agitation of chemiluminescent members or colored sticks within an inflated bladder. The light is generated by the chemiluminescent sticks or the color of the sticks is visible outside the bladder. The sticks are elongated cylinders 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 balloon which has first and second multilayered sheets superimposed together and melt-bonded at a peripheral portion thereof; on the outer surface of the first multilayered sheet, is formed a film being acceptable for ink supplied from a printer, so that a design can be arbitrarily printed with the aid of a printer used at home, i.e. ink jet type printer. A balloon is arranged such that the first multilayered sheet is lighter than the second multilayered sheet by a weight equivalent to that of the film formed on the first multilayered sheet, so that the balloon can keep its posture when Helium gas is injected thereinto.

Abstract: An inflatable, decorative article is provided that allows for versatility with regard to its seasonal usage. An inflatable form may be provided with alternative, easily removable appendages (such as alternative heads, alternative clothing, alternative facial features, and alternative hair) and other alternative decorative features without significant modification of the underlying inflatable structure. An underlying inflatable figure is provided with connecting systems that may be positioned or are positioned in strategic locations on the inflatable figure where the specific alternative or variable features may be attached. The user of the inflatable article may select the appropriate alternative features to attach to the inflatable article, and may add additional coverings, clothing, or add-on decorative features to have the appearance of the inflatable article correspond to the appropriate season or event.

Abstract: An inflatable balloon assembly comprises a balloon having a balloon inlet (1) and an inflatable portion (8), an inflating tube (3, 4) and a compressing device which has a small hole (5) through which the balloon inlet (1) is forcibly drawn thus forming a compressed area (11) in the balloon inlet (1). The inflating tube (3, 4) incorporates a larger external diameter part (3) which remains outside the compressed area (11) and which is adapted to be connected to a pump and, adjoining the larger external diameter part (3), a substantially smaller external diameter part (4) the free end of which is forcibly drawn through the inside of the balloon inlet (1) within the compressed area (11) into the inflatable portion (8) of the balloon.

Abstract: A dual-function balloon weight is provided having a base member that provides first and second attachment points for securing balloons to the base member. A first attachment point is provided at one position on the base member for tying individual balloons to the base member at this first position. The second attachment point is provided at a second position on the base member for securing a multitude of balloons thereto to provide a balloon bouquet. At the second attachment point, a multitude of balloons can be secured to a retention member that couples with the base member of the balloon weight. Thus, the balloon weight of the present invention is a dual-function balloon weight in that individual balloons may be secured thereto as with common balloon weights and, additionally or alternatively, a multitude of balloons can be attached thereto to provide a balloon bouquet.

Abstract: A structural and/or decorative balloon display is comprised of a plurality of connected, inflatable chambers formed by a plurality of die applications to a plurality of layers of film. In one preferred embodiment connected chambers have and maintain fluid communication. In another preferred embodiment, connected, inflatable chambers have no fluid communication. In other preferred embodiments fluid communication is terminated after inflation. Other embodiments take advantage of variations of numbers of layers, configurations of layers, and treatment of surfaces to create special balloon forms.

Abstract: A bulb shade includes a light-transmissible hood portion having a bottom opening, a horizontal flange surrounding the bottom opening and a stepped shoulder close to the bottom opening, and a bulb-mounting seat provided with a connecting hole and a plurality of radiating holes and adapted to locate in the hood portion and abut on the stepped shoulder. A bulb base is detachably connected to the connecting hole on the bulb-mounting seat with a bulb connected thereto upward extended into the hood portion. The bulb shade may be directly connected to individual bulb base included in a light string to protect the bulbs thereof, or be attached to and extended into an inflatable toy of other type of decorative articles to isolate a decorative bulb in the bulb shade from the toy or the article.

Abstract: Several systems for bursting amusement balloons are disclosed. The systems include a hinged lever carrying a puncturing element for bursting the balloon.

Abstract: An inflatable or inflated ball comprising an outer chamber formed of an airtight flexible outer skin which, when properly inflated and fully expanded, defines an interior volume. A sealed inner chamber filled or fillable with a substance substantially heavier than air is positioned within and occupies a relatively small amount of the interior volume. A plurality of elongated radially extending and three-dimensionally spaced elastic members are each connected and radially extend between, the inner chamber and the inner surface of the outer chamber. The elastic members are cooperatively sized in length and suitably tensioned to support and hold the inner chamber centrally in an at-rest position within the interior volume.

Abstract: A balloon suspension device for a plurality of air-filled balloons for simulating a cluster of lighter-than-air balloons. An elongated rod suspended vertically supports a plurality of horizontal brackets slidably mounted thereon, each bracket having a flange for attachment of a balloon. A weight tethered to the balloons gives the impression the balloons are floating.

Abstract: A religious balloons and storage device for lifting the user's spirits and providing hope in times of need. The religious balloons and storage device includes a storage container having an open top, a bottom wall, side walls, and end walls; and also includes a cover hingedly attached to the storage container and being closeable upon the open top of the storage container; and further includes at least one inflatable balloon removably disposed within the storage container; and also includes at least one cord for fastening at least one inflatable balloon to the storage container.

Abstract: A holder for novelty balloons has a conical plastic cup with a flanged open end. A tubular connector extends from a narrow closed end opposite the open end. A series of narrow longitudinal and narrow transverse slits in the cup receive the stem of a balloon and hold it in a tightly wrapped condition around the closed end of the cup. The holder prevents the stem from bulging with entrapped air or gas and maintains an associated balloon in the preferred upright position.