Abstract: An inflatable translucent balloon body has a predetermined net lifting force upon inflation with a lighter than air gas. A light source is attached to the balloon upon inflation by a light transmitting tether. To keep the buoyant balloon afloat while attached to the light transmitting tether, the light transmitting tether has a net weight of less than the net lifting force of the balloon in an inflated state with lighter than air gas therein.

Abstract: A weight for toy and decorative balloons according to the invention enables a simple and convenient selection of the amount of ribbon extending between the balloon weight and the balloon, while being adaptive to exhibiting selectively variable ballast characteristics. The weight according to the invention consists of a container (1) receiving granular weight (8) such as sand, a cover (2) closing the container (1) and an ear (3) extending from the cover for receiving and holding a ribbon (4) of a balloon (5). The ear (3) contains a hole (9) that is conical and has ribs (1) about an inner wall. A plug (12) compressively fits into the hole (9) in such a manner that the ribbon (4) of the balloon (5) runs between and is secured by them.

Abstract: A NOVEL TOY BALLOON OR BAME BALL comprises a rubber balloon with a tube like structure that projects from the containing wall of the balloon opposite the neck. When this tube projects into the body of the balloon, the end of it can be held to one side of the mouthpiece during inflation then tied together with the neck to seal the balloon. The resultant balloon has a hollow core open at one end and is approximately spherical. This novel elastic structure has a multitude of uses some of which are in different fields. One particular use is that it provides a new type of rubber game ball.

Abstract: A structural and/or decorative display is made by connecting inflatable balloon chambers into a network. The network of inflatable chambers may be generated as a balloon system comprised of at least two essentially identical balloonlets each of which has at least two openings and is in fluid communication with at least one other identical balloonlet. The set of inflatable chambers may be framed into a network by a matrix of apertures expanded from a sheet of material with a pattern of overlapping cuts. The network of inflatable chambers may be comprised of a balloon system of balloonlets framed by an overlapping cut expandable matrix.

Abstract: A noise-maker includes an enclosed membrane having an inlet and an outlet that is filled with porous material. The noise-maker is in an inflated state when the porous material is saturated with air and a compressed state when the air is forced out of the porous material. When pressure is applied to the noise-maker, the air inside the membrane is forced through the outlet and the noise-maker reaches the compressed state. When the pressure is released, the noise-maker changes from the compressed state to the inflated state as air flows through the inlet.

Abstract: A fin of a balloon includes a frame constituted by a pair of opposite and spaced support rods having first and second ends and a cross rod connected between first ends of the support rods. A flexible sheet of material is attached to the frame by having edges thereof forming passage fit over the support rods and the cross rod. Two connectors are mounted to the balloon for receiving and releasably retaining the second ends of the support rods thereby mounting the fin to the balloon.

Abstract: A self-triggering inflatable balloon device. In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a cylinder of compressed gas having an actuating valve thereon. The other end of the actuating valve is coupled to a deflated balloon. The cylinder, valve and deflated balloon are secured to the interior of a box having a lid. An actuating member of the valve is coupled to the box lid such that the valve is opened when the box lid is raised. Upon opening of the box lid, therefore, the actuating valve is opened and the balloon is automatically inflated with the gas from the compressed gas cylinder. The device may be given as a gift wrapped present or mailed to a friend, and will produce a surprise when opened.

Abstract: An inflatable illuminating device comprising an inflatable body and illuminating devices. The inflatable body has a fixed shape made of transparent, semi-transparent, or colored soft plastic piece and is sealed as a hollow body, the inflatable body has an inflatable opening and open bags at its outer surface. The illuminating device is formed by an illuminating body, a protecting case and a fixing seat. The protecting case and the illuminating body are installed within a container at the outer surface of the body for being fixed. As the light from the illuminating devices pass through, reflected from or refracted through the inflatable body, the illuminating device will present the variation of illumination. As the inflatable opening is opened, and gas is released, the volume will be reduced.

Abstract: A balloon having a balloon body and pieces protruded from the balloon body; an adhering member is formed on the surface of each of the protruded pieces. Balloons according to the invention can be continuously connected to each other by means of the adhering member formed on the protruded pieces, so that a display constituted of balloons can be designed freely in shape and in size without using a frame member or a supporting member.

Abstract: A balloon including a balloon body composed of two sheets made of synthetic resin, a thin film-like nonreturn valve provided between the sheets, and a string made of synthetic resin; wherein the sheets and the thin film-like nonreturn valve are melt-bonded together, and the string is integrally connected to the balloon body or the nonreturn valve when the sheets and/or the thin film-like nonreturn valve are melt-bonded together.

Abstract: A display apparatus has a stationary base, a floating display member secured to the base by a first cord, and a balloon secured to the floating member by a second cord. The balloon is inflated with a gas which is lighter than air, and rises upwardly to suspend the floating member at a location spaced above the base member.

Abstract: A balloon lighting device having both polar and equatorial supports for the light source inside the balloon. Equatorial caps provide connections for light source support and for tethering of the balloon. The light source may include an array of LED's and may be connected to a dimmer to provide a variety of light intensities and wavelengths. A shroud supported from a top cap may be used to further define the illumination effect. The dimmer may function as an anchor for flexible positioning of the light or it may be hung from the balloon to conserve lay-down space. A plurality of balloon lighting devices may be controlled from a single console having DMX control capability.

Abstract: Apparatus for preparing a latex balloon neck for sealing includes a cleaner and a refresher for cleaning and refreshing the surface of latex material at a region of the inner surface of the neck of a balloon and extending substantially around an inner circumference of the neck so that the neck can be sealed by bring opposed areas of the refreshed surface into direct contact with each other to form a latex—latex bond.

Abstract: An inflatable bag includes a collapsible air-tight bag body and a collapsible air inlet device sealed to the collapsible air-tight bag body. The collapsible air inlet device being a flat tube formed of two rectangular flaps sealed together and having an inside wall coated with a layer of ink. And a blow pipe has an inner end inserted into the ink-coated inside wall inside the air inlet device and peripherally sealed to the collapsible air inlet device and an outer end extended out of the collapsible air-tight bag. Forced air is blown through the blow pipe into the air inlet device stretches open the air inlet device and inflates the air-tight bag body, and the air inlet device is compressed by air pressure to close its ink-coated inside wall to stop air from escaping out of the air-tight bag body after the air-tight bag body has been inflated.

Abstract: A balloon rotation apparatus includes a base; a rotator disk or plate rotatable on the base and having an air passage opening therethrough to a sealingly connectable balloon envelope; a motor drive including a plurality of resiliently tired wheels for supporting and rotating the rotator plate; a duct connected to the base and having a duct inlet for connection to a source of pressure gas, and a duct outlet located proximate rotator plate for feeding the pressure gas through the inlet passage for inflating the balloon and maintaining the inflation while the rotator plate is being rotated. The duct includes a flexible sheet enclosing at least a portion of the base having a ring rigidly supported proximate the rotator plate and having a portion of the sheet of the duct fastened thereto for forming the duct outlet, a plurality of leg supports being rigidly connected to the base and projecting outwardly from the sheet member of the duct.

Abstract: A hot air balloon toy 10 that consists of a helium or air filled balloon 12 and an attached gondola 14. The gondola 14 is formed from a sheet of flexible, lightweight, material and having a top portion 16, bottom portion 24, and intermediate portion 20. The top portion 16 is formed into an annulus shape, with the shape being maintained with the use of a fastening means 18. The bottom portion 24 is in the form of a container, with the container shape being maintained with the use of a fastening means 28. The gondola is attached to the balloon with the use of an adhesive stopper 42 that is placed on the balloon tether 40 underneath the floor flap 32 and next to a hole 38 in floor flap. The spring-like action of intermediate sides 20 helps to hold the gondola 14 firmly against the balloon 12.

Abstract: A toy water balloon dart system is disclosed comprising a dart tail that attaches to a water balloon before the water balloon dart is propelled over a distance for the amusement of children and adults.The toy water balloon, in one or more embodiments, also includes a pump for filling the balloon with fluid. The pump has a flexible housing with a reservoir with an inlet port and an outlet port. A first valve is associated with the inlet port to permit fluid to enter through the inlet port into the pump.

Abstract: Fluid decoration structure including a collar, a partitioning board, a base seat, a soft transparent film-like enclosing body, a fluid and multiple decorative articles. The fluid, decorative articles and partitioning board are enclosed in the enclosing body. The partitioning board is formed with at least one through hole. The collar is downward fitted from upper side of the enclosing body to the partitioning board. The collar is formed with an annular neck section for pressing the partitioning board in a receiving/locating space defined between the collar and the base seat. Also, an open end of the enclosing body is fixedly clamped in the receiving/locating space. The bound section of the open end of the enclosing body hidden between the partitioning board and the base seat. The base seat and the collar are tightly connected with each other so that no sealing track is revealed outside.

Abstract: A lighter than air lighting device is disclosed comprising a dual envelope balloon providing an inner, gastight, elastic, transparent, expandable polymeric envelope such as polyurethane, containing a lighter than air medium such as helium, and a replaceable lighting device such as a halogen or arc lamp. The helium thus functions to both elevate and cool the lighting device. The inner, transparent envelope is surrounded by an outer envelope such as a colored silk or nylon which functions as a diffuser to provide sufficient illumination without dazzling the user. The outer envelope may also be used to carry information and advertizing messages.

Abstract: An inflatable translucent balloon body has a predetermined net lifting force upon inflation with a lighter than air gas. A light source is attached to the balloon upon inflation by a light transmitting tether. To keep the buoyant balloon afloat while attached to the light transmitting tether, the light transmitting tether has a net weight of less than the net lifting force of the balloon in an inflated state with lighter than air gas therein.

Abstract: An elongated inflatable tubular device which is freely bendable, when inflated, in multiple directions about the longitudinal axis of the device. The device includes an elongated tubular member sealed at each end thereof to form a sealed inflatable air chamber. Spaced apart bendable folds are each formed generally transversely across said tubular member by attachment of one or more opposite points or areas of the side wall of the tubular member along a portion of the length of, and defining each fold. Air within said tubular member is thus free to flow past each fold to balance air pressure within the tubular member during inflation, deflation and bending thereof. The folds are rotationally oriented differently one to another, when viewed along a longitudinal axis of the tubular member, thereby allowing the flotation device to be freely bendable in multiple directions about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Weightless Toy Objects where the upward buoyancy force of lighter than air gas inside the Toy Object body is carefully balanced against the gravitational weight of the Toy Object using a system of balance weights and orientation weights enabling the Toy Object to stay at a height and orientation in a space where it is deposited. The Toy Object can be in generic shapes, such as cube, cylinder and sphere for building larger weightless Toy Objects or in an identifiable shape such as cloud or airplane.

Abstract: A weight for a lighter-than-air balloon is disclosed. The weight includes a spool, adapted to receive a ribbon for attachment to the balloon, and a hook, including a ribbon catch and adapted to facilitate display of the balloon.

Abstract: An exercise device comprises a relatively large diameter ball having a pair of handles projecting from opposite sides of the ball. To use the device, one may grasp one or both handles and manipulate the device following specific exercise routines.

Abstract: A coupling strip for connecting a plurality of balloons in adjacent sequential position to one another in fascial and inexpensive manner consisting of an elongate flexible strip, made from plastic, cloth or other lightweight flexible material and in which the length thereof is determined by the number of sequential adjacent balloons one wishes to couple together for decorative or for any other purpose of notice and in which the width thereof is sufficient only to carry an aperture between the edges, the coupling strip consisting of a sequence of such apertures, spaced from one another substantially throughout the length of the coupling strip, for receiving the neck of a balloon. The apertures may be spaced at any desired distance from one another so as to facilitate insertion of a balloon neck in either a budding relation to an adjacent balloon or at any desired distance therefrom throughout the length of the coupling strip.

Abstract: An ornament includes a collapsible housing constructed preferably of polyvinyl chloride and provided with an air valve allowing of selective inflation and deflation of the housing. Contained within the interior of the housing is a tethered figurine, along with a measured amount of particulate material simulating snowflakes. By employing foamed polystyrene as the particulate material, a composition is utilized which exhibits a natural affinity towards clinging to the inner wall of the housing. Upon inflation of the housing, which includes a hanger formation at its top, the figurine is displayed as a freely suspended member within the housing while the particles of foamed polystyrene are attracted to and cling to the wall of the housing in a scattered or random manner. The material of the housing may be transparent or alternatively, be translucent with a slight degree of opacity.

Abstract: An inventive valve member, and associated method of making, for use in a bag for holding a gas or liquid, the bag including a main body having a stem portion, the main body defining an interior space and formed from a front and back sheet sealed together about a peripheral edge. The stem defines an inlet aperture at a free end thereof. A valve member has a width dimension positioned in the stem for use in inflating the main body, the valve member including a flexible front layer and a flexible back layer. The front layer is adjacent to the front sheet, and the back layer is adjacent to the back sheet. Both the front and back layers define opposing elongated edges. The front and back layers are attached together along the elongated sides to form a seal. The valve member has an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end is adjacent to the inlet aperture, and the outlet end is positioned in communication with the interior chamber of the main body.

Abstract: The valve consists of a strip onto which two coplanar strips are welded separated by an opening. Production of the valve takes a strip onto which two strips are welded separated by a space. The valve obtained is welded onto a laminar, which forms part of the inflatable, with a hole which has to coincide with the valve opening. Next the first sheet is welded to a second laminar which forms the inflatable. The same process obtains a double valve with a single entry.

Abstract: A balloon for interlocking with another balloon that includes a body of an elastically expansible material formed into a substantially closed shape so as to define an expansible chamber therein, inflation apparatus for allowing a pressurized gas to enter and inflate the body, and interlocking apparatus for allowing one balloon to interlock with another balloon. The inflation apparatus includes a pair of tubes of an elastically expansible material and which extend axially and collinearly from, and are integrally formed with, opposing ends of the body and terminate in open ends with circumferential lips, and are in fluid communication with the expansible chamber for allowing the pressurized gas to enter and inflate the expansible chamber. The interlocking apparatus includes the inflation apparatus being tied by a string after the body is inflated, and with the string tying the inflation apparatus of one balloon also tying the inflation apparatus of an adjacent balloon so as to from a chain of balloons.

Abstract: Decorative structures comprising a flexible sheet-like member simulate universal conceptions of the appearance of floating and fixed ghosts. A structure for simulating a universal conception of the appearance of a floating ghost comprises a flexible sheet-like member draped over a support member, such as a balloon, to form a composite structure. The composite structure is suspended from a support structure to simulate the appearance of a floating ghost. A decorative structure for simulating a universal conception of a fixed ghost comprises a support bag member having a filling therein, and a flexible sheet-like member placed over the support bag member and having facial indicia simulating an appearance of a face of a ghost thereon. The free ends of the sheet-like member are secured to the ground at spaced apart positions, to provide a generally inverted conical shape, so that the resultant structure can flutter when subjected to wind or the like.

Abstract: Disclosed are aqueous polyurethane dispersions prepared from polyester polyols having 0.95 to 1.5 equivalents of carboxylic functionality thereon per equivalent of polyol, the dispersions also containing a nonionic surfactant component wherein the ratio by weight of said carboxylic functionality to said nonionic surfactant component is 1:2.5 to 1:0.5. The dispersions are particularly adapted to the formation of thin wall articles exhibiting greatly improved properties.

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 breakaway tab which initially comprises a part and parcel of the spool. A dimple 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 floating buoyant toy is made of one or more mylar, metallicized (coated) film, or elastomeric bladders, or closed envelopes, or balloons encompassing a fixed volume of matter that is lighter than the ambient surrounding matter, a like number of spindle and collar combinations or equivalent rotating structures for rotatably engaging each base or aperture of each balloon, each spindle and collar or each equivalent rotating structure being connected to the bottom of a balloon, each collar being adapted to spin around a spindle, and each spindle being connected at each end to a perimetric enclosure and forming a part thereof, the perimetric enclosure forming a circular ring having an inside diameter sufficient to allow each balloon to pass unencumberedly and repeatedly through the ring, one balloon at a time, as the ring is twirled between two aspects, for example, the right and left hands.

Abstract: A pneumatic bop bag which rests on the ground and simulates a humanoid figure having a head, the bag being normally erect. When a player punches the head, the bag is caused to swing to a degree that depend on the force of the punch, the bag then swinging back to resume its erect position. The bag is formed by a collapsible fabric casing having an upper head zone, an intermediate torso zone and a base zone that rests on the ground. The head and torso zones are occupied by an inflated balloon which conforms to the contours of these zones to cause the bag to assume a three-dimensional shape. Confined within the base zone is a weighted convex dish whose center pole which engages the ground is normally aligned with a vertical axis. When the bag is punched and swings away from this vertical axis, the gravitational force imposed on the dish causes the bag to return to its normal position whereby it is again erect.

Abstract: A method is provided for applying personalized indicia, such as a photograph, to a balloon. The method includes employing a commercially available copier to reproduce an image from a photograph onto a thin plastic film having a pressure sensitive adhesive backing. The plastic film is then adhered to a deflated balloon, and the balloon is subsequently inflated. The image applied to the plastic film conforms to the non-planar shape of the balloon without becoming separated therefrom.

Abstract: A stick and cup assembly for receiving and securing a balloon includes an elongated stick with a cup maintained at one end thereof. The cup is formed integrally with the stick. A collar is slidingly received upon the stick for selective locking engagement with the cup for securing a balloon thereto. The stick is preferably formed of a composition of polyester and rubber such that the stick is capable of being manually formed into any desired configuration and which retains that configuration once so formed.

Abstract: A self-inflating enclosure providing a fracturable first envelope; a first reactive component contained within the first envelope, the first reactive component being fluid; a second envelope having at least one self-sealing aperture therethrough, the first envelope being contained within the second envelope, the first envelope being in fluid communication with the second envelope upon fracturing of the first envelope, the first reactive component being dischargeable into the second envelope upon fracturing of the first envelope; a second reactive component contained within the second envelope, the second reactive component being reactable with the first reactive component to generate a gas; and, a third envelope, the second envelope being contained within the third envelope, the third envelope being in gas communication with the said second envelope only during the second envelope having a predetermined internal pressure, the gas being dischargeable into the third envelope only upon the second envelope having

Abstract: A balloon holding device comprises a dome-like body member attached to a base plate for anchoring a plurality of helium filled balloons for display as a balloon bouquet for festive occasions. A central bore vertically extends through the body member and base plate for receiving tethers from a plurality of balloons. The base plate includes slits suitable for receiving free ends of the balloon tethers. The bottom slits cooperate with vertically disposed slits in the exterior of the body member for frictionally securing free ends of the tethers therein. Balloons can be released from the holder simply by pulling the tethers out of the slits and back through the central bore, thereby making the holder immediately available for reuse.

Abstract: A ball, inflatable with a gas using an inflation needle, has a substantially hollow gas-impervious skin with an aperture to allow passage of inflation air. A valve member is selectively seatable in the aperture for retaining the gas and allowing insertion of the inflation needle threrethrough and removable from the aperture to allow rapid release of the inflation gas. A radial flange formed at one end of the valve member allows for easy insertion and removal of the valve member from the aperture.

Abstract: A hula-hoop adapted to be whirled around the body of a player by movement of the hips. The hoop includes an inflatable annular core formed of plastic film or other flexible material enclosed within an annular fabric casing to provide a hoop of high strength which when not in use can be collapsed and folded to assume a compact state for storage and shipment.

Abstract: An aerodynamic, neutrally bouyant, mylar toy, comprises itself of a helium filled, mylar brand balloon with its accompaning convenient, flexible one-way valve, which is specifically weighted at its perimeter to exhibit dynamic flight characteristics due primarily to its centrifugal properties.The aerodynamic toy is weighted with a variety of ballasts to achieve a horizontal, neutral buoyant, list-free, static equilibrium attitude. Such ballasts are ingeniously positioned to first offset the intrinsic weight of said fill valve to create a list-free horizontal attitude. Ballast is subsequently added to the perimeter until said toy is counter-ballanced against the forces of gravity. In the case of a round balloon weighted and positioned horizontally, some ballast is added at its southern most concentric axis in order to easily facilitate the return of a neutral buoyant attitude of said toy, due to the inevitable loss of helium,and without effecting its said static, list-free equilibrium.

Abstract: A letter card having a covering with a tear line on the inside, and a shaped inflatable device received inside the covering, the shaped inflatable device holding an acidic chemical means and a separating layer and a basic chemical means separated from the acidic chemical means by the separating layer, the acidic chemical means and the basic chemical means being mixed together to produce a chemical reaction and to release a gas when breaking the separating layer by force, thereby causing the shaped inflatable device to swell and to come out of the covering.

Abstract: Decorative structures comprising a flexible sheet-like member simulate universal conceptions of the appearance of floating and fixed ghosts. A structure for simulating a universal conception of the appearance of a floating ghost comprises a flexible sheet-like member draped over a support member, such as a balloon, to form a composite structure. The composite structure is suspended from a support structure to simulate the appearance of a floating ghost. A decorative structure for simulating a universal conception of a fixed ghost comprises a support bag member having a filling therein, and a flexible sheet-like member placed over the support bag member and having facial indicia simulating an appearance of a face of a ghost thereon. The free ends of the sheet-like member are secured to the ground at spaced apart positions, to provide a generally inverted conical shape, so that the resultant structure can flutter when subjected to wind or the like.

Abstract: A lighter than air balloon constructed from a flexible film material which has coated one or more of its interior or exterior surfaces thereon a barrier material which is not a pure metal and which has an oxygen transmission rate of less than 0.5 cm.sup.3 /100 in.sup.2 /24 hr. at 75.degree. F., 65% relative humidity, said balloon being able to float when inflated with a lighter than air gas and a process for producing the balloon is provided.

Abstract: A side evacuating balloon inflater includes a lower shell, an upper shell, a collar insert, and a check valve. The lower shell is sealed to the upper shell with a gasket. A collar insert is slid into an inner diameter of a bore that is disposed on the top of the upper shell. A plurality of nubs are spaced around the collar insert. A balloon is stretched over the nubs and is retained thereby. A tapered boss surrounds the check valve which is disposed in the shell structure. The tapered boss facilitates the sealing of different size vacuum tubes to the shell structure. A household vacuum cleaner or a shop vacuum is used to pull a vacuum on the shell structure. The vacuum causes the balloon to stretch to the inside wall of the shell structure. The vacuum tube is removed and the check valve retains the vacuum inside the shell structure. Novelty items may be inserted into the mouth of the balloon; the balloon is then be sealed with a clip.

Abstract: A toy consists of an inner balloon and a transparent outer balloon that define a chamber therebetween. The chamber is substantially filled by a first liquid and one or more fragile capsules containing a second liquid. The first liquid and the second liquid have the property that when they are mixed, a mixture is created that glows for several hours. The capsule(s) are broken, releasing the second liquid, and the toy is inflated, creating a balloon that glows in the dark.

Abstract: A greeting card is disclosed which has a self-inflating balloon contained therein, which balloon inflates either upon opening the greeting card, upon removing the greeting card from an envelope, or upon manual activation by the individual receiving the greeting card. A gas generator is provided with two reactants which are separated by a physical barrier until the device is activated, at which time the reactants mix to generate gas used to inflate the balloon. In the preferred embodiment, the physical barrier is a zipper-like fastener element which is pulled apart by a triggering mechanism to activate the gas generator to inflate the balloon.

Abstract: A portable luminous toy has a support rod and a hollow main body connected to the support rod. The main body has a lug. The lug has a through hole. The support rod has a distal end disposed on a first end of the support rod, and a first end cover and a second end cover disposed on a second end of the support rod. The first end cover couples with the second end cover. The first end cover has a post. The second end cover has a center hole. A hollow rivet is inserted in the center hole via the through hole. The post is inserted in the hollow rivet and the center hole. A plurality of baking soda troches are disposed in the main body. A film bag is disposed in the main body. The film bag contains an acidic solution. A plastic bag is disposed in the main body. The plastic bag has a transparent film. The plastic bag contains a luminous liquid.

Abstract: There is provided a self-sealing valve structure. The structure has a first sheet of thermoplastic material and a second sheet of thermoplastic material in face-to-face relationship with each other and are secured together along a portion of the longitudinal edges of the sheets and define a passageway therebetween. In one embodiment, the passageway has an air inlet end and an air outlet end. The air outlet end has at least a pair of air outlets located at each of the longitudinal edges of the valve and directing the incoming air through each of the longitudinal edges near the outlet end of said valve. The air outlets are formed by an air deflector blocking the end of the outlet which is preferably of a U-shape or a V-shape. In another embodiment, the passageway directs air through only one longitudinal edge of the valve.

Abstract: A card-and-balloon combination is disclosed wherein the inflatable stem portion of a non-latex balloon is pinched between a card half and an attachment band secured thereto, in close proximity to the inflated balloon body, to maintain the balloon body in a substantially upright position, whereby the designs on the card and balloon are readily visible.