Abstract: A device and method for illuminating the interior of a balloon. The device includes an elongated tube that is between three inches and twelve inches in length. A light source, such as an incandescent bulb or an LED, is coupled to one end of the elongated tube. A wire passes through the center of the tube and provides power to the light source. The elongated tube is passed into the collapsible fill conduit of a mylar-type of balloon. The elongated tube supports the light source in the interior of the balloon. The collapsible fill tube collapses around the elongated tube, thereby creating a substantially air impervious seal in between the balloon and the elongated tube. The presence of the wire in the elongated tube enables the light source in the tube to be coupled to a power source outside of the balloon without allowing the air in the balloon from escaping.

Abstract: A balloon kit package is provided to facilitate erection of a balloon assembly in a desired manner so as to prevent unintentional loss of buoyant balloons. The kit package includes an uninflated balloon, a placard greeting card or other object of mass sufficient of mass to overcome the buoyancy of the balloon when inflated and articles such as a ribbon for joining the balloon to the placard. In an alternative embodiment, the neck of the balloon is inserted directly into the placard. In package form the balloon kit is sealed in a plastic overwrap.

Abstract: An inflated non-latex, portable balloon has an internal lamp or transducer connected to an external battery. The balloon is made from an open-necked balloon body formed from panels of balloon material having inner polyethylene layers heat sealed together along peripheries. A pair of flat, metal conductor leads are hermetically sealed in polyethylene to extend in parallel to provide a discrete integral elongate, strip form lead member which is located extending through the open neck with one end supportingly connecting the lamp within the body. The balloon body is inflated and the neck hermetically sealed with the lead member by heat/pressure or ultrasonics thereby fusing together polyethylene surfaces of the lead member and the balloon panels to provide a hermetic seal; and, a battery is connected to ends of the leads outside the balloon.

Abstract: The advertising support consists of a stowage space (3) with an opening top and an inflatable advertising support (11) stowed inside it which, when the top of the stowage space (3) is opened, can be inflated upwards from it. In the stowage space (3) there is a scissors structure (7,17) which can be erected by a motor and forms a stable-sided parallelogram which is free-standing and, in the expanded position, extends along the internal height of the inflated advertising support (11). It ensures that, when the scissors structure (7,17) is retracted and the advertising support (11) is deflated at the same time, said advertising support (11) is substantially folded down onto its original base area and prevented from tipping sideways by the lateral stability of the scissors structure.

Abstract: An illuminated inflatable balloon, with an envelope inflated with a gas, is connected to the ground by an elongate element. The envelope encloses an electrical bulb connected to an electrical power supply. Spring loaded filar elements are sensitive to the deformation of the envelope, as well as the internal pressure of the gas. The spring loaded filar elements cooperate with a control hairpin for actuating a switch interposed in the connection between the bulb and the electrical supply in order to make and break the connection on either side of a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The apparatus has an inflatable member attached to top and bottom members. A flexible sleeve shaped display wall is attached to the top and bottom members and surrounds the inflatable member. The display sleeve has hook and loop fasteners on its outside. Flexible strips of material are attached to the top and bottom members to limit stretching of the inflatable member between the top and bottom members when inflated to prevent the display wall from being damaged when the inflatable member is inflated.

Abstract: A latex balloon neck is pretreated by refreshing a region (18) of the inner surface (16) of the neck. The refreshed region extends substantially entirely around the inner circumference of the neck. The refreshing consists of cleaning the latex surface with a solvent e.g. isopropanol. The balloon neck is sealed by pressing (e.g. pinching and/or stretching) opposed areas of the refreshed surface (18) into direct contact with each other to form a latex-latex bond without requiring any additional adhesive coating. A removable protective tape (20) is placed over the refreshed region (18) to prevent the refreshed region from losing its bonding quality. An apparatus/method for preparing such balloons, and an apparatus/method for inflating and sealing the balloons (automatically) are also described.

Abstract: A detonator for exploding amusement balloons is disclosed in which the detonator comprises a pair of electrical lead wires electrically connected at their ends by a small-gage filament, which filament may be a standard office-type staple, and the detonator may be covered by an intermediate layer of material between the detonator and the balloon wall through which layer heat passes from the heated filament to the balloon wall to cause the balloon to explodes.

Abstract: A method of attaching a tether to a balloon is described. The method comprises pinching or flexing a metalized sheet balloon attached to one or more adhesive layers, or one more double-sided adhesive strips. The flexing causes outward-facing pressure sensitive adhesive layers disposed on the balloon, or on the strips, to oppose each other in a pincers movement, so as to surround and grip the tether. The strips themselves are previously attached to the balloon by inward-facing adhesive layers through a simple slapping motion. The removable sheet is easily peeled away prior to the flexing. The invention is also a fastener for attaching a balloon to a tether, and a balloon system including the fastener.

Abstract: A shielding device including an inflatable frame structure, and a covering covered over the inflatable frame structure, the inflatable frame structure including a plurality of inflatable purlins, and a plurality of inflatable rafters connected in parallel by the inflatable purlins, the inflatable purlins and the inflatable rafters having a respective air valve, each inflatable rafter having a plurality of coupling portions adapted for coupling to the inflatable purlins, each coupling portion defining a coupling hole through which one inflatable purlin is inserted.

Abstract: A balloon holder apparatus having a hollow body and weighted base. A slot in the body extends from a bottom edge to an opening in the center or top of the body. A slot in the base extends from an outer edge of the base to a central opening in the base. When the base and body are joined together, the slot in the body connects to and is generally aligned with the slot in the base. A knotted balloon tether is slipped through the aligned slots until the tether enters the opening in the body and the knot in the tether is adjacent the central opening in the base. The tether is then released and the knot is drawn into the hollow interior of the body and retained therein thereby holding the tethered balloon to the apparatus. A plurality of tethered balloons may be held by the apparatus in a like manner.

Abstract: Reduced allergenicity natural rubber latex articles having otherwise normal physical, mechanical, and chemical properties are produced by directly sequestering the antigenic components on one surface of the article followed by inducing the remaining antigenic components of the natural rubber latex to bloom onto and adjacent to the opposed surface of the article prior to treatment with a subsequent screening reagent to sequester the remaining antigenic compounds.

Abstract: A flag or banner is provided that has a balloon-like inflatable portion that can be made any shape or size to resemble a logo, basketball, football, decorative or ornamental shape or symbol, or any other symbol or three dimensional representation desired. The flag surface can have any desired accompanying indicia. The flag portion and inflatable portion can be integrally made as one piece. Alternately, the flag can have an opening sized and shaped to receive the inflatable portion. The inflatable portion can include an area of excess material for attaching to the flag portion adjacent the inner perimeter of the sized and shaped opening. The attachment of the inflatable portion to the flag portion can be by spot welding, and permits the flag portion to appear to emanate from the inflatable portion when the inflatable portion is fully inflated.

Abstract: A sound producing amusement device comprising an inflatable member made of an elastic resilient material, and a handle for supporting and manipulating the inflatable member. A member placed inside the inflatable member produces sound as it rolls or moves inside the inflatable member. The handle is provided with a slot for receiving the open end of the inflatable member for retention and sealing thereof within the handle. Different forms of members placed within the inflatable member produce different sounds, and can simulate different vehicles, animals, etc.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of attaching reversibly an inflatable three dimensional graphic to the exterior surface of an inflatable wall of an inflatable toy. The wall surface includes means for reversibly attaching the graphic in a leak tight manner while providing a method for fluid communication between the wall and the graphic so that the graphic can be inflated simultaneously with the wall.

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 toy formed as an inflatable football helmet which cannot be put on a person's head has first, second and third parts which are respectively an outer shell formed generally as a helmet with top, front and rear parts, a bottom closure part generally opposite said top part of the helmet, and a face mask overlying said front part of the helmet, these parts all formed of flexible, thin plastic sheet material, said first and second parts defining a first enclosed space, said third part formed a grid of tubes whose bores communicate with each other and define a second enclosed space, said first and second enclosed spaces communicating with each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novelty device for use in connection with inflatable balloons. The device includes a housing that has been adapted to be affixed to a balloon and which provides a graphical display portion. The housing also contains a sound emitting device that is capable of either playing a preselected musical composition or recorded message.

Abstract: An automated balloon inflation device which has a supply of pressurized gas, a nozzle for receiving a balloon, and an actuator for sequentially closing a clamp on the balloon and the nozzle and subsequently supplying the pressurized gas to the balloon for the inflation thereof. Furthermore, a key-weight device may be employed for the dual purpose of controlling the supply of pressurized gas to the nozzle and to prevent the inadvertent loss of an inflated balloon which is secured to the key-weight. Additionally, the automated balloon inflation device is constructed so that any consumer may inflate a balloon with pressurized gas.

Abstract: An automated balloon inflation device which has a supply of pressurized gas, a nozzle for receiving a balloon, and an actuator for sequentially closing a clamp on the balloon and the nozzle and subsequently supplying the pressurized gas to the balloon for the inflation thereof. Furthermore, a key-weight device may be employed for the dual purpose of controlling the supply of pressurized gas to the nozzle and to prevent the inadvertent loss of an inflated balloon which is secured to the key-weight. Additionally, the automated balloon inflation device is constructed so that any consumer may inflate a balloon with pressurized gas. In another embodiment, the automated balloon inflation device employs a connection block with a series of conduits therein to interconnect the pressurized gas supply with the clamping mechanism and the nozzle. This embodiment employs a clamping mechanism which uses a piston attached to a gear wherein the gears rotate clamping jaws onto the nozzle.

Abstract: A kickable toy having a base member and a means for increasing air resistance is provided. The base member has a flexible membrane defining a boundary confining a deformable material. The means for increasing air resistance is mounted on the base member for increasing air resistance of the kickable toy to decrease the speed of free fall of the toy in air.

Abstract: A permanently sealed, lighted, inflatable device comprises a permanently sealed outer shell, an inner inflatable bladder disposed within the outer shell, a valve for inflating the inner inflatable bladder, and a self-contained, non-replaceable illumination element disposed between and engagingly held in place by the inner inflatable translucent bladder and the outer translucent shell. The illumination element includes a control element for conserving battery life. The bladder and shell have translucent portions through which light from the illumination element passes.

Abstract: Disclosed is an inflatable water toy, which includes an elongate tubular body. An aperture is provided through a first end of the tubular body, and the aperture is dimensioned to slidably receive the second end of the tubular body therethrough. Advancing the second end of the tubular body through the aperture forms a continuous loop, which may be continuously adjusted such as by cinching to adjust the loop to any of a wide variety of loop diameters, such as for positioning about the waist of a user.

Abstract: An inflatable enclosure for amusement purposes and/or promoting physical activity comprising: inflatable means being formed of a plurality of interconnected panels of an inflatable material, taking the form of a chamber, when inflated, said chamber having, an interior, exterior, side walls, front wall, back wall , a floor and a ceiling whereon at least one panel thereof, there is a window of transparent material, blower means for supplying air at a predetermined rate and pressure to said inflatable means, blower aperture means disposed on one of said interconnected panels forming one of said side wall, to allow said blower means to be in contact with said inflatable means, at least one vent means located on each of said panels forming the side walls and the front walls, to provide venting of said air in said chamber of predetermined rate not causing substantial underinflation and/or overinflation, at least one amusement floating means disposed in the interior of said chamber, air actuated entrance/exit area s

Abstract: An aerial toy includes a balloon that can be filled with a lighter-than-air gas. It has a pinwheel connected to the lower portion of the balloon, preferably by use of the elastic filling stem of the lower portion of the balloon. A kite string is secured to the upper portion of the balloon for tilting the aerial toy forwardly when aloft. Preferably, the toy balloon has an oblong cross section, and when tilted forwardly, the oblong cross section serves to provide aerodynamic lift.

Abstract: A rocket launching pad-like device for inflating and ejecting toy balloons that permits a balloon to be mounted directly on the device, permits the balloon to be inflated while mounted on the device, shields a child's face and eyes during inflation of the balloon, and forcibly ejects the inflated balloon from the device on demand. An efficient ramming surface enables use of the device with balloons of a range of sizes. A docking station may be used to group a plurality of inflation and ejection devices to provide a multiple balloon launching toy.

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 hinged 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: A scented ink composition and method of printing are employed in applying a scented ink image to a novelty item. The scented ink composition comprises printing ink and concentrated fragrant oils mixed and used in flexographic printing of sheeting used to make balloons or to print images on novelty items.

Abstract: The invention is an inflatable balloon, having an inflatable chamber; a graphic design on at least a portion of the inflatable chamber; a flap member adjoining the inflatable chamber; the flap member having a first position and a second position, wherein the first position conceals at least a portion of the graphic design on the inflatable chamber; and the second position allows at least a portion of the concealed portion of the graphic design to be exposed.

Abstract: A packaged balloon and greeting card are disclosed comprising a balloon having an uninflated body, a filler neck extending from said body, and a first image displayed on said body; a greeting card having a face displaying a second image matching the first image; a tether line having a first end attached to the filler neck and a second end attached to the greeting card; and a packaging envelope receiving the uninflated balloon body, the greeting card, and at least a portion of the tether line. A third image, matching the first and second image, can be displayed on the envelope. The packaging envelope can also include an opening through which the balloon filler neck extends outside the envelope for communication to a source of inflating gas to permit in-situ inflation of the balloon body in the envelope. The envelope can also be constructed so as to be burst by inflation of the uninflated balloon body while it resides in the envelope to facilitate unpackaging of the balloon for use.

Abstract: A bulk balloon hanger for effectively supporting and displaying a plurality of noninflated mylar balloons. The bulk balloon hanger includes a hook for engaging a support rod or bar or other supporting structure, a curved bar having a permanent but slight bow effect along its length together with a straight channel along the length of the bar and a tension rod pivoted at one end of the bar and a hook-like clasp at the other end of the bar that engages the free end of the tension rod when the tension rod grips a plurality of noninflated mylar balloons between the tension rod and channel in the bowed or curved bar thereby providing an effective support for a plurality of noninflated mylar balloons.

Abstract: A balloon sculpturing apparatus is described which includes a support and a plurality of inverted receptacles with balloon receiving cavities disposed about the support. Balloons filled with lighter than air gas are retained by buoyancy in the balloon receiving cavities of the inverted receptacles. The balloon sculpturing apparatus produces a consistent bouquet in a time efficient manner.

Abstract: A toy balloon support assembly containing an elongated support and, attached to it, a heat-staked ribbon tether. One end of the ribbon tether is connected by heat-staking to the elongated support and is preferably parallel to its vertical axis. This end of the ribbon tether contains at least two heat-staked portions separated from each other by a non-heat-staked portion.

Abstract: A flexible, low friction, rideable sliding toy is disclosed that slides over relatively smooth, firm surfaces with very low friction. The toy is comprised of a bag of flexible, air impermeable material having one or more relatively large holes cut out of the bottom of the bag where the bag contacts the floor when in use. The bag is inflated by allowing it to drop onto the floor, trapping air inside it as it lands. The outer edges of the hole form a relatively airtight seal allowing the bag to retain its inflated state when laid upon by a user, thus permitting a user to propel himself over fiat surfaces in a low friction manner. A flap of material may be affixed inside the bag positioned so that it lies loosely over the large holes, providing a seal when the bag leaks unduly.

Abstract: A detonator for exploding toy balloons without the use of explosive or flammable materials is disclosed which comprises an electrically conductive filament which becomes electrically heated and explodes the balloon.

Abstract: A device for rupturing a balloon in response to an opening of a door. The inventive device includes a piercing assembly mountable over a door for supporting and selectively piercing a balloon. A trigger assembly coupled to the piercing assembly is responsive to an opening of the door to actuate the piercing assembly so as to rupture the balloon over an individual.

Abstract: An amusement device for use during sexual intercourse which can be used alone or with a condom. The device includes a ring portion and a contiguous housing. A circuit is positioned within the housing portion, including at least one sensory unit, such as a sound transducer or a light emitting diode, a power supply source, and an activator.

Abstract: An inflatable recreational ball with an outer covering formed of a stretchable, flexible fabric material, which when fully expanded assumes a desired ball configuration, said covering having a small opening therein to permit the insertion into the outer covering of an inflatable balloon in its uninflated state. The balloon is formed of a thin elastic material having an air passage stem which projects through the opening, and which permits inflation of the balloon within the outer covering to cause the balloon on full inflation to engage the inner surface and to stretch slightly the outer covering to a desired generally spherical configuration. The ball includes a band or loop on the covering to secure an elastic element to the ball and preferably an elastic loop element is secured to the band and adapted to be held with the hand of a recreational ball user.

Abstract: A balloon package is provided to facilitate erection of a balloon assembly, which prevents unintentional loss of buoyant balloons. The package includes an uninflated balloon, a placard or preferably planar object of a mass sufficient to overcome the buoyancy of the balloon when inflated and articles such as a ribbon for joining the balloon to the placard. In an alternative embodiment, the neck of the balloon is inserted directly into the placard. In package form the balloon kit is sealed in a plastic overwrap.

Abstract: The oxidation resistance of elastomeric balloons made from natural rubber is greatly improved by coating the exterior of the balloon with a film of uncured elastomer, preferably neoprene. The uncured elastomer coating maintains the clarity of the inflated balloons. These balloons are particularly useful as containers for gifts or in balloon sculpture.

Abstract: A portable, personal, manually-activated safety restraining gas bag shield is provided herein. It includes a bag formed solely of gas-impermeable non-expandable fabric which is adapted to be selectively provided either in a deflated condition or in an inflated condition. A pocket in the bag having access means to the interior of the bag and controlled by a manually-actuatable, one-way valve to provide for gas to the interior of the bag. A cylinder of compressed gas is disposed within the pocket the cylinder including a closed nozzle connected to the manually-controlled, one-way valve for inflating the bag. Manually actuatable structure is provided to operate the manually-actuatable valve, thereby to control the flow of gas released from the cylinder into the interior of the bag.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatically inflatable toy which mainly includes an inflatable toy made of multi-layered laminated material consisting of nylon, LLDPE, PET, etc., an adequate amount of powder type sodium bi-carbonate contained in a cloth bag and disposed inside the inflatable toy, an adequate amount of citric acid solution contained in a small and thin bag made of compound material of OPP and PP and disposed inside the powdered sodium bi-carbonate, and an outer package which can be designed with various shapes and patterns. When the package is squeezed, the small and thin bag is broken and the citric acid solution therein is let out to mix with the powdered sodium bi-carbonate to produce large amount of carbon dioxide which seeps through the pores of the cloth bag and inflates the inflatable toy and causes the same to burst out the outer package from a weakening line provided on the package.

Abstract: An inflatable enclosure for amusement purposes and/or promoting physical activity comprising:inflatable means forming a chamber when inflated,blower means for supplying air at a predetermined rate and at a predetermined pressure to inflate said inflatable means, to form a chamber,floating means located in said chamber, such that when said inflatable means is inflated by said blower means, said air supplied at a predetermined rate causes said floating means to float around in said chamber.

Abstract: The present invention teaches an inflatable body representative of at least the upper portion of a human form including a plastic inflatable exoskeleton with an inner side and an outer side molded to represent a torso, a head and appendages. Additionally, inserting members are located on either the inside or the outside of the plastic exoskeleton and are capable of receiving elongated inserts. These elongated inserts may be flexible wire, wooden dowels, plastic rods or any other suitable material. The invention also includes a device to inflate the exoskeleton. The inflation device can assume several different embodiments in which either a sealed exoskeleton is inflated, or an exoskeleton with an open release valve is continuously inflated.

Abstract: A male connector plug has an electrically insulative and resilient body having a first end and a plug end and first and second bores therebetween. Each of a pair of electrically conductive pins or tines are frictionally fitted in a respective bore and trap and contact a bare section of an electrical wire with that bore. A wiring segment includes a central parallel male connector or a series male connector and end connectors attached to each end of a wire pair. A lamp assembly is connected to the tines of the central male connector. A translucent sleeve surrounds the central male connector and lamp assembly. According to a further aspect of the invention, a balloon display includes a first inflated balloon having a tube therethrough, a second inflated balloon including-an internal lamp connected to an end connector and the wiring segment disposed through the tube of the first balloon such that the central male connector and lamp assembly are within the balloon within the tube.

Abstract: An inflatable flexible pouch having two inner webs positioned between two outer webs. The two inner webs are attached to each other so as to form a channel between both inner webs. Each outer web and each inner web forms a body portion and a neck portion or throat opening. A first outer web is sealably attached to a first inner web and a second outer web is sealably attached to a second inner web, both sealed attachments are positioned at least partially across the neck portion or throat opening of the aligned webs. At least one inner inflatable chamber is formed between both inner webs and positioned within the outer inflatable chamber for providing increased rigidity of the inflated pouch structure. When the flexible pouch is in an inflated condition, communication is preferably closed between each inner inflatable chamber and each outer inflatable chamber, and the inner inflatable chamber is at least partially inflated, for providing even more rigidity.

Abstract: A display for mounting and illuminating individual balloons, said display including a battery storage box and a battery mounted therein and a funnel-shaped mount attachable to the battery housing and sized to receive the stem end of a balloon. The balloon mount includes a light bulb, permanently affixed to the inside wall, and wires which proceed down into the battery housing, none of which are exposed when the balloon is mounted in place.

Abstract: A balloon weight for counterbalancing the lift of helium filled balloons and the like. The balloon weight has a molded plastic body of aesthetically pleasing appearance, with a clip or latch assembly at the top thereof. The latch assembly includes a pair of separated lobes which are adapted to be engaged within the aperture of a latch plate which is folded about a hinge and laid thereover. A receptacle is defined between the lobes for receiving a balloon ribbon or string which is then clinched between the side edges of the aperture and a base member upon which the aperture closes.

Abstract: An object that is selectively movable through a fluid in which the object is at least partially immersed and which is adapted to automatically change between different operating states without operator intervention. A movable object has a vessel / balloon with first means having first and second states for causing the vessel to move within the fluid. The first means in the first state thereof cause the vessel to move along a first travel path. The first means in the second state thereof cause the vessel to one of a) move along a second travel path within the fluid which is different from the first travel path and b) remain substantially in a static state within the fluid. Second means are provided on the vessel for automatically changing the first means from one of its first and second states to the other of its first and second states and back to its original state without intervention by an operator.

Abstract: A novelty item is provided comprising a balloon, a container adapted to contain the balloon in a deflated state, and an inflation device adapted to act on the balloon. The inflation device includes a high pressure gas container and a valve coupled to the gas container. The valve is adapted to self-regulate and control the flow of gas into the balloon upon actuation thereof.