Having Check Valve Patents (Class 446/224)
-
Patent number: 6238067Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1999Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Inventor: Eric Hirsch
-
Patent number: 6192917Abstract: This invention is related to a self-sealing valve for inflatable articles, including balloons, made of non-elastomeric material of the kind of valves formed by multiple layers of thermo-plastic film joined by heat which form three sections; a nozzle, main channel and a multi-valved section. This valve design permits the production of balloons or inflatable objects with a valve without requiring sophisticated machinery for the exact placement of the valve in the article or balloon. This is characterized in that the nozzle of the article consists of four films; two external films with an outer face that is compatible with heat fusion with the material of the inflated article in which the valve is to be placed and inner faces that are compatible with each other and the inner films with outer faces that are compatible with the outer films and inner faces that are incompatible with each other and outer films.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1999Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Inventor: Ernesto Antonio Ramos Loza
-
Patent number: 6176758Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1999Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Inventor: Teng-Hui Wu
-
Patent number: 6170513Abstract: An inflation nozzle structure of an infatable envelope. The inflatable envelope is formed by two envelope membranes the peripheries of which are adhered to each other. The inner membranes are adhered to an edge of the envelope membranes and inward extend from the edge. The two inner membranes are adhered to each other to define an air passage serving as the inflation nozzle. An isolating membrane is sandwiched between the inner membranes near an outer opening of the air passage. Two faces of the isolating membrane are formed by two kinds of membranes with different melting points. When thermally pressed, one face with lower melting point of the isolating membrane is thermally adhered to inner wall of the air passage, while the other face with higher melting point is not adhered. Therefore, when thermally pressing and forming the inflatable envelope and the inflation nozzle, the operation can be continued and speeded without complicated processing procedure.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Inventor: Luke Lo
-
Patent number: 6164314Abstract: An oversized air valve for use with inflatable devices typically in an above-the-ground swimming pool or an inflatable mattress is disclosed. In its most fundamental embodiment, the oversized air valve for use with inflatable devices includes a construction having an outer housing and a base flange connected to the outer housing for being secured to an inflatable device. A cylindrical passageway is formed through the outer housing for carrying pressurized air. A cap attached to the cylindrical passageway enables the air valve to be sealed against air leakage. Finally, a removable rigid member is insertable into the cylindrical passageway for preventing deformation to the air valve. The removable rigid member is force-fitted into the cylindrical passageway and is of a length sufficient to displace a back pressure flap hinged to the bottom of the cylindrical passageway.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2000Date of Patent: December 26, 2000Assignee: Intex Recreation Corp.Inventors: Richard A. Saputo, Hua Hsiang Lin
-
Patent number: 6155901Abstract: A light-emitting inflatable envelope structure equipped with a nozzle composed of at least two overlapped membranes. The lateral edges of the membranes are fused with or adhered to each other to define an air passage communicating an inner side of the envelope with an outer side. The air passage is formed with at least one receptacle for receiving a light emitting body. After the envelope is inflated through the nozzle, the air pressure in the envelope inwardly compresses the membranes of the air passage to achieve an air-tight state of the air passage. The light emitting body in the receptacle is directly enclosed by the two membranes of the air passage and firmly associated with the envelope without using any other clamping or connecting member.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 1999Date of Patent: December 5, 2000Inventor: David Chen
-
Patent number: 6138711Abstract: An air valve for an inflatable device, which includes a valve block having two downward locating plates, a valve cap detachably closed on the valve block, and a valve flap fastened to an inside annular flange inside the valve block and turned to close/open the air passage through the valve block, wherein the valve flap has a finger rod raised from a free flap portion thereof for the holding of the hand to turn the free flap portion of the valve flap downwards from a close position to an open position, enabling the free flap portion to be forced through the gap between the locating plates and then stopped at the locating plates in the open position.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 1999Date of Patent: October 31, 2000Assignee: Ho Lee Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tsai Lung-Po
-
Patent number: 6042448Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1999Date of Patent: March 28, 2000Assignee: Pro-Pak Industries, Inc.Inventor: Michael J. Littlehorn
-
Patent number: 6027394Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1998Date of Patent: February 22, 2000Inventor: Juan Jose Tarazaga Carrasco
-
Patent number: 5934310Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 1996Date of Patent: August 10, 1999Inventor: Michael J. Littlehorn
-
Patent number: 5915407Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1998Date of Patent: June 29, 1999Assignee: The National Latex Products CompanyInventor: John West
-
Patent number: 5888596Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 1997Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Assignee: Sun Hill Industries, Inc.Inventors: Benson Zinbarg, Nancy Mimoun, Alfred Pisano
-
Patent number: 5878768Abstract: The valve consists of a strip -1- onto which two coplanar strips -3, 4- are welded separated by an opening -5-. Production of the valve takes a strip -11- onto which two strips -12, 13- are welded separated by a space -5-. The valve obtained -16- is welded onto a laminar -17-, which forms part of the inflatable, with a hole -19- which has to coincide with the valve opening -5-. Next the first sheet is welded to a second laminar -21- which forms the inflatable. The same process obtains a double valve with a single entry.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1997Date of Patent: March 9, 1999Inventor: Juan Jose Tarazaga Carrasco
-
Patent number: 5860441Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-sealing flexible plastic valve for a non-latex balloon, to a balloon incorporating such a valve, to a method of manufacturing such a valve, and to a method of manufacturing a balloon incorporating such a valve. The valve is made from two flexible plastic strips, bonded together along the side edges to define a valve passageway or tube, and having an open inlet end and an open outlet end. The inlet end of one or both valve strips flares or otherwise curls outwardly to facilitate opening of the valve to insert a gas supply mechanism to inflate the balloon.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1995Date of Patent: January 19, 1999Assignee: Convertidora Industries S.A. de C.V.Inventor: Arturo Verduzco Garcia
-
Patent number: 5830780Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 1996Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Assignee: Sealed Air CorporationInventors: Timothy Scott Dennison, Michel Pozzo
-
Patent number: 5807157Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 1997Date of Patent: September 15, 1998Inventor: Daniel Penjuke
-
Patent number: 5733406Abstract: Valve making apparatus heat seals valve films together, and cools the resulting product web. Valves are preferably formed in two side-by-side serial arrays, with each operation of a valve die forming multiple balloon valves, including a portion of a balloon valve to be completed on a subsequent operation of the sealing die. A tension control and web conveyor are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 1995Date of Patent: March 31, 1998Assignee: M & D Balloons, Inc.Inventor: Karl Dean Knight
-
Patent number: 5613892Abstract: Inflatable plush toys are disclosed. The inflatable plush toys are made up of an outer cover and an inflatable inner bladder that is made of a substantially nonelastic film or sheet material. The inflatable bladder has substantially the same size and configuration of the outer cover whereby upon inflation the inner bladder fills substantially the entire interior of the outer cover. The outer cover and inflatable bladder can be made of a plurality of gores that are cut to desired size and then sealed together. The plush toys can have rather intricate shapes such as animal shapes, cartoon figure shapes and the like. A valve is disposed within the inflatable bladder whereby the bladder can be inflated with a suitable inflation gas such as air. In a preferred mode, the valve can be utilized to deflate the bladder whereby the object can be subjected to multiple inflation and deflation cycles.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1995Date of Patent: March 25, 1997Inventor: Leslie W. Barton
-
Patent number: 5595521Abstract: Balloon assemblies and valves for balloons have improved inflation capabilities. The inlet ends of the balloon valves are disrupted either with a slit or a portion of material removal to prevent the inlet end from being folded back into the valve passageway during insertion of an inflation probe. With the inlet end slit, the slit portions are readily folded back by the inflation probe, thus preventing potential blockage of the valve inlet.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: January 21, 1997Assignee: M & D Balloons, Inc.Inventor: Charles R. Becker
-
Patent number: 5538457Abstract: The present invention is a toy water gun with turreted multiple water bomb launchers. By the attachment of the turreted multiple water bomb launchers with water bomb devices to a toy gun the present invention provides new functionality of the toy gun by being able to simulate multiple water "explosions". A turret with a plurality of water bomb devices attached is incrementally rotated so as to align each one of the individual water bomb devices with the release trigger. The water bomb device has a main housing with a frontward and rearward portion rotatably connected to one another and a passageway through both portions for receiving a shut off valve. The shut off valve is located within the housing and connected to both portions.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1994Date of Patent: July 23, 1996Inventor: Jeffry T. Deal
-
Patent number: 5529525Abstract: The present invention is a toy water bomb--mounted water gun. By the attachment of the water bomb device to a toy gun the present invention provides new functionality of the toy gun by being able to simulate a water "explosion". The water bomb device has a main housing which includes a frontward and rearward portion rotatably connected to one another and a passageway through both the frontward and rearward portions for receiving a shut off valve. The shut off valve is located within the housing and connected to both the frontward and rearward portions and adapted so that when the frontward and rearward portions are rotated relative to one another, the shut off valve is moved from an open position to a closed position.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1994Date of Patent: June 25, 1996Inventor: Jeffry T. Deal
-
Patent number: 5514431Abstract: An air bag is made by bonding a pair of sheets to each other by heat-sealing with a releasing layer corresponding to a pattern of a number of cellular air chambers sandwiched therebetween. A check valve for air infusion, which is used for filling air in the air bag, is mounted in one of the air chambers. When air is infused into a space between either of a pair of sheets and the releasing layer through an air infusion port of the check valve, the releasing layer and the corresponding sheet are peeled from each other by the air pressure. As a result, the air chambers are formed between the two layers.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1993Date of Patent: May 7, 1996Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kyoichi Shimomura
-
Patent number: 5496203Abstract: A balloon valve assembly for use in inflating balloons which contains a tube portion with a passageway, and a head portion adapted for insertion into the neck of an inflatable balloon which has a bottom wall forming a flange, an orifice through the bottom wall, and a side wall extending from the bottom wall and defining a substantially non-circular outer surface of the head portion. A valve flap member is mounted to the bottom wall of the head portion for sealing the orifice in the bottom wall.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 1994Date of Patent: March 5, 1996Inventor: Robert H. Murray
-
Patent number: 5482492Abstract: Balloon assemblies and valves for balloons have improved inflation capabilities. The inlet ends of the balloon valves are disrupted either with a slit or a portion of material removal to prevent the inlet end from being folded back into the valve passageway during insertion of an inflation probe. With the inlet end slit, the slit portions are readily folded back by the inflation probe, thus preventing potential blockage of the valve inlet.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 1994Date of Patent: January 9, 1996Assignee: M & D Balloons, Inc.Inventor: Charles R. Becker
-
Patent number: 5460200Abstract: A reliable and economical one way fluid flow check valve fabricated from two thin sheets of plastic is described. One or more half cylindrically shaped depressions are vacuum formed across one or both sheets of plastic, and a 1/2 funnel shape fluid entrance can be simultaneously vacuum formed in one or both sheets. The two sheets are than heat sealed together at their longitudinal edges to form the complete check valve. The check valve is preferably in the form of a truncated V. The check valve can be heat sealed into a variety of devices such as toy balloons, cushions, mattresses, inflatable boats, and the like. Various modifications are described for light or heavier fluid pressure applications.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1994Date of Patent: October 24, 1995Assignee: Multi-Flex Seals, Inc.Inventor: Milton Glicksman
-
Patent number: 5451179Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1994Date of Patent: September 19, 1995Assignee: Vonco Products, Inc.Inventors: John L. LaRoi, Jr., Louis L. Laske
-
Patent number: 5433644Abstract: A device for scattering confetti includes an inverted pocket positioned within the interior of an inflated envelope. Confetti is contained within the pocket, and a break-away closure maintains the confetti within the pocket. Upon compressing the envelope, the pocket is reversed in position, the closure ruptured, and the confetti is suddenly expelled in an explosive manner with a concomitant popping sound.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 1994Date of Patent: July 18, 1995Inventor: Peter S. C. Cheng
-
Patent number: 5405479Abstract: An improved method for inserting valves between the front and back panels of inflatable bodies, such as novelty balloons or air-inflated dunnage bags, is disclosed. The method includes the steps of conveying an upper web through an upper roller assembly and conveying a lower web through a lower roller assembly positioned adjacent to and below, and pivotal relative to, the upper roller assembly. The valve is then inserted between the top and bottom webs as they pass through the roller assemblies and then the roller assemblies are pivotally clamped together to bring the top and bottom webs together and frictionally engage the valve between the webs. The webs are then conveyed, with the valve clamped therebetween, to a downstream die station without any attachment of the valve to either of the webs prior to reaching the die station. At the die station, the perimeter of the inflatable body shape is heat sealed into the webs which simultaneously heat seals the valve to both of the webs.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1993Date of Patent: April 11, 1995Assignee: CTI Industries CorporationInventor: Brent G. Anderson
-
Patent number: 5387147Abstract: A balloon is formed from a water-soluble film which mainly comprises a polyvinyl alcohol. Coloring agents as food additives are used for pigmenting the balloon. The balloon per se is soluble in water upon coming in contact with water and accordingly, it never becomes a cause of environmental pollution. The coloring agents used are those for use in foods and thus they do not become a cause of environmental pollution.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1993Date of Patent: February 7, 1995Assignees: Mitsui Co., Ltd., Mitsui Plastics, Inc., Aicello Chemical Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masatake Ohshima, Yasuhiro Ohsone, Masanori Satoh
-
Patent number: 5358001Abstract: An air valve for use in an inflatable bladder guards against accidental puncturing of the bladder by an inflating needle. The air valve comprises a main body member with a core which has a neck at one end and an inflating needle passageway extending through it. A chamber is interposed in the passageway. The air valve also includes an air sealing plug for positioning in the chamber and a protective bonnet positioned on the second end of the main body member. The main body member has an annular sealing flange extending radially from the first end and, in one embodiment, a snap-in retaining flange extending radially from the neck such that a bladder and an outer casing are trapped between the two flanges in a sealing relationship. The protective bonnet has at least one air escape opening to allow pressurized air from the inflating needle to pass into the bladder.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 1994Date of Patent: October 25, 1994Inventor: Eldon F. Smith
-
Patent number: 5351711Abstract: An automatic sealing valve having a cylindrical inflation nozzle, which has a cone-shaped wall section in its lower area, which a welding rim adjoins. The welding rim is connected by a peripheral joint with a foil of the inflatable body. A pressure membrane is peripherally welded at the peripheral joint at the lower end of the welding rim and forms an open air passage. The annular area formed in this way is the active pressure area with which the pressure membrane presses against the welding rim. The pressure membrane has a recess below the cone-shaped edge area which is sealingly closed by a cup-shaped receptacle. The inflation nozzle can be pushed into the receptacle with its cone-shaped edge area.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 1992Date of Patent: October 4, 1994Inventor: Arthur M. Peter
-
Patent number: 5343889Abstract: A nozzle for inflatable objects being made of a plastic material, including a nozzle body and a sealing element composed of a vertical sleeve body and an one-way membrane, in which the nozzle body is incorporated with an annular nozzle seat, a conical wall is extended upward from the annular nozzle seat, an annular horizontal wall is extended from the top of the conical wall, a vertical cylindrical body is extended from the annular horizontal wall, an air passage is formed in the vertical cylindrical body, a plug which can be inserted to the air passage to seal the air passage, the sealing element is tightly fitted to the lower cylindrical body, and an one-way membrane is secured to the inner wall of the sealing element to swing freely therein and to close the air passage tightly.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1992Date of Patent: September 6, 1994Inventor: Horng-Chang Jaw
-
Patent number: 5336123Abstract: 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. The outer webs and the inner webs are sealably attached about a general periphery of the body portion and along both side sections of the neck portion or throat opening. A throat opening is formed within the neck portion between both inner webs and such throat opening is in communication with the channel and with an ambient atmosphere which is external to or surrounds the inflatable flexible pouch.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 1992Date of Patent: August 9, 1994Assignee: Vonco Products, Inc.Inventors: Louis L. Laske, John L. LaRoi, Jr.
-
Patent number: 5334072Abstract: An inflatable body, such as a balloon, and holder assembly therfor is disclosed which is adapted for use with an optional straw as a handle by which the balloon may be both inflated and thereafter held. The inflatable body and an inflation port and inner conduit are formed from a plurality of overlying and peripherally sealable panels. A holder element, such as a straw, may be inserted within the conduit such that upon inflation of the balloon the walls of the conduit are pressed against the holder to provide support for the balloon.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 1992Date of Patent: August 2, 1994Inventor: Marc I. Epstein
-
Patent number: 5324045Abstract: A game apparatus including a pump carried in a housing and having a chamber with air inlet and air outlet and a piston sliding in the chamber, a release valve, an inflation nozzle for a balloon, and a pipeline in the housing connecting the chamber air outlet, the release valve, and the inflation nozzle. A release valve for the game apparatus including a valve seat, a deflate arm pivotally mounted on the housing, a valve carried on the deflate arm, and a spring engaging the deflate arm and housing for urging the valve onto the valve seat in sealing condition.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 1993Date of Patent: June 28, 1994Inventors: Phyllis A. Trawick, Charles V. Wysinger
-
Patent number: 5306194Abstract: An edge holder for an inflatable body such as a balloon is disclosed which is adapted for use with an optional straw as a holder by which the balloon may be both inflated with an suitable inflation medium and thereafter held. The inflatable body may be provided with an inflation conduit through which, for example, a straw can be inserted for communicating the inflation medium to the interior of the body. The handle is gripped by a plurality of pressure chambers spaced around the holder which, after inflation of the balloon, define a reinforced edge holder assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1991Date of Patent: April 26, 1994Inventor: Marc I. Epstein
-
Patent number: 5295892Abstract: A balloon comprising first and second balloon sheets and a self-sealing valve positioned between the balloon sheets. Each balloon sheet has a body portion and a stem portion extending outwardly from the body portion and terminating at a stem end. The balloon sheets are bonded together generally around their peripheries to define a balloon body and balloon stem. The stem portion of the first balloon sheet is shorter than the stem portion of the second balloon sheet so that the stem end of the second balloon sheet extends beyond the stem end of the first balloon sheet to define an extended portion of the second balloon sheet. The valve comprises first and second valve sheets each having an inlet end, an outlet end, and an intermediate region between the inlet and outlet ends. The inlet end of the second valve sheet extends outwardly beyond the inlet end of the first valve sheet to define an extended portion of the second valve sheet.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1992Date of Patent: March 22, 1994Assignee: Show-Me BalloonsInventor: Rick L. Felton
-
Patent number: 5248275Abstract: A balloon includes a pair of overlying valve film strips disposed between a pair of overlying balloon films, which include neck and body portions. The valve film strips extend at an angle to a central axis of the neck portions, and valve seals formed in the valve film strips direct incoming gas from an inlet adjacent the neck, to an outlet between the body portions. Methods of assembling the balloons by forming the valve seams and neck seams without moving the balloon films or valve film strips is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 1991Date of Patent: September 28, 1993Assignee: M & D Balloons, Inc.Inventors: John McGrath, Dennis Cope, Scott Harris, Charles Becker
-
Patent number: 5224863Abstract: An assembly for filling and emptying a liquid reservoir inside a doll, the assembly includes a valve for installation in an opening in the doll body that communicates with the reservoir, and a funnel adapted to cooperate with the valve member to allow liquid to be introduced into or removed from the reservoir. The the valve has a valve body with first and second ends, adapted to be installed in an opening in the doll body with the first end of the valve body extending into the reservoir. A valve passage extends through the valve body between the first and second ends. A valve member at the first end of the valve body is biased to close the valve passage. The funnel has a spout adapted to seat in the valve passage. The end of the spout is adapted to displace the valve member when the spout is seated in the valve passage to allow liquid to pass through the valve passage.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1991Date of Patent: July 6, 1993Assignee: Lauer Toys IncorporatedInventors: Daniel J. Lauer, Howard J. Hlina
-
Patent number: 5188558Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-sealing refillable plastic balloon valve produced from at least two sheets of plastic film of equal size and shape, cut and heat sealed to form an elongated plastic fill having an operable channel between an inlet and outlet end. The elongated plastic fill valve being affixed to a plastic balloon stem interior and being capable of cyclic self-sealing and reinflation operation of the balloon body. The plastic balloon valve which is capable of multiple self-sealing and refilling cycles, functions through the use of internal self-sealing means either singly or in combinatoin. The self-sealing refillable plastic balloon valve is mounted within a balloon neck with the outlet end extending into the body of the balloon. During assembly of the balloon, the valve can be mounted within the neck in a manner such that the heat bonding does not close the interconnecting channel from inlet to outlet ends of the valve.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1991Date of Patent: February 23, 1993Inventors: Leslie W. Barton, Andrew J. Barton
-
Patent number: 5167561Abstract: A doll system simulates weight gain and weight loss in a doll by the selective expansion and contraction of parts of the doll subject to simulated weight gain and weight loss by selectively coupling a chamber within the doll with a pressure-raising apparatus configured to simulate a weight gain object or a pressure-lowering apparatus configured to simulate a weight loss object and operating the coupled apparatus to either raise the pressure within the chamber to simulate weight gain or lower the pressure within the chamber to simulate weight loss.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1991Date of Patent: December 1, 1992Inventor: Frank D. Rizzo
-
Patent number: 5119842Abstract: An improved nozzle for inflatable objects including a nozzle seat, a first annular wall extending from which, a relatively thin ring portion on the first annular wall to serve as a bending position, a conical body defining an air inlet located on the ring portion, an one-way membrane beneath the air inlet, a tab and a plug arm carrying a plug and having a protuberance at an end for inserting to the air inlet to push away the one-way membrane for deflation purpose.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1991Date of Patent: June 9, 1992Inventor: Horng-Chang Jaw
-
Patent number: 5108337Abstract: An inflatable balloon system comprises an optional first container having an openable top and a collapsed balloon positioned within the first container. A compressed gas container having a gas release valve is provided, with the compressed gas container and release valve being sealed entirely within the collapsed balloon. The gas release valve faces the openable top. Upon opening of the top, one can actuate the gas release valve through the wall of the balloon, to release the compressed gas and to cause inflation of the balloon.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1990Date of Patent: April 28, 1992Inventors: John D. Sloan, Allan P. Newman, Stanley S. Budzinski
-
Patent number: 5108339Abstract: A non-latex inflatable toy is disclosed which includes a first inner balloon encompassed by a partially transparent second outer balloon. An inflation unbilical extends from the stem of the outer balloon to the inner balloon, thereby defining various inflation paths. In one preferred embodiment, the balloons are inflated through two separate passageways in the outer balloon stem. In another, the outer balloon is inflated via the umbilical and the inner balloon.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 1990Date of Patent: April 28, 1992Assignee: Anagram International, Inc.Inventor: Garry Kieves
-
Patent number: 5098095Abstract: An inflatable ball having a flexible wall defining an enclosure which can be thrown when inflated. A manually operated pump positioned on one side of the enclosure has an actuator which is contiguous with the flexible wall. The actuator can be pressed to inflate the enclosure. A release valve is positioned on an opposite side form the pump to balance the weight of the pump and provide for a manual release of air from inside the enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1991Date of Patent: March 24, 1992Assignee: Weiss Twice Toys, Inc.Inventor: John S. Weiss
-
Patent number: 5098329Abstract: A dual balloon comprising an outer sphere and an inner sphere with corresponding conduits placed in the surfaces of the spheres and a connecting trachea being releasable engageable between the conduits and providing an air path from the outside of the outer sphere to the inside of the inner sphere. The inner sphere being able to be free-floating in the outer sphere while remaining inflated and being releasably engageable directly with the outer sphere.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1990Date of Patent: March 24, 1992Inventor: Ming F. Tseng
-
Patent number: 5083581Abstract: A nozzle for inflatable objects, made of a plastic material, including a nozzle seat adapted to engage with the inflatable object, a first annular wall extending from the nozzle seat, a relatively thin ring portion formed at top end of the first annular wall, a second annular wall extending from the ring portion to define an air inlet, a plug for blocking air inlet, a plug arm extending from second annular wall and connecting the plug with second annular wall, a plug extension formed with a projection and extended from the plug at a position remote from plug arm, a tab formed with a hole and located at a side of air inlet opposite plug arm, and a one-way membrane extending from first annular wall, which during inflation allows air to blow through air inlet into the inflatable object, whereby after inflation, the plug is fitted into air inlet and the nozzle is retracted into the inflatable object with first bent portion bent downward, while when deflating, the plug is drawn out of air inlet and the nozzle is fType: GrantFiled: June 12, 1991Date of Patent: January 28, 1992Inventor: Horng-Chang Jaw
-
Patent number: 5033985Abstract: The devices are comprised of the figure of a male pig and a female pig with a written message at the base of the dolls.The dolls are attached to a refrigerator by magnetic strips on their backside. When a person presses the nose of the pig doll, a portion of the doll is inflated to a greater size. This expansion of the pig doll is to visually remind people that their own bodys will expand in size when they continually over-eat.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 1990Date of Patent: July 23, 1991Inventor: Gregory H. Nahas
-
Patent number: 5029851Abstract: A toy for inflating and bursting a plurality of ballons and the like comprises an elongated, rigid tube having multiple air-inlet and air-outlet orifices with elongated, flexible tubing connected to each of the orifices. Valves connect to the free ends of the flexible tubing such that balloons attached to the end of some of the flexible tubing may be inflated and burst by a player or players blowing into the other flexible tubing. The rigid tube may be connected in series with other like, rigid tubes such that a plurality of players may participate.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 1990Date of Patent: July 9, 1991Inventor: Elmer R. Hagen
-
Patent number: 4991617Abstract: A gas inlet valve assembly for inflatable boats includes valve structure having at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening. A valve member is positionable between the inlet opening and the outlet opening to control the flow of gas through the valve. A gas dispersion member, preferably made of a porous material, is provided with the valve and is substantially adjacent to the valve outlet opening, such that gas emanating from the valve outlet opening will be thrust into contact with the gas dispersion member. The expanding, cold gas jet is dispersed by the porous material of the gas dispersion member. Direct contact between the cold gas jet and raft surfaces, together with freezing and cracking associated therewith, will thereby be substantially prevented. In a preferred embodiment, a pluraity of radially-disposed outlet valve openings are provided, and the gas dispersion member is substantially annular.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 1989Date of Patent: February 12, 1991Assignee: Seaco, Inc.Inventor: James R. Butler