Abstract: A combination for performing work in a household environment includes a device with a performance unit for performing the work, a moving apparatus for moving the device on a surface, a control unit for controlling the moving apparatus for autonomous maneuvering on the surface, and a visualization component, wherein the visualization component includes a two-dimensional or three-dimensional visualization element in a shape of a human, an animal, a plant, a household object, a fantasy figure, a moving apparatus, in particular a vehicle, an airplane, or a ship, and wherein the visualization element is at least partially formed by a light projection and/or as an inflatable unit.

Abstract: A toy for a pet generally includes a housing defining an opening, and an insert configured to fit at least partly within the opening of the housing. The insert is expandable from a first configuration in which the insert is capable of freely moving into and/or out of the opening of the housing to a second configuration in which the insert is inhibited from moving out of the opening of the housing. In some aspects, the insert is configured to substantially fill the opening of the housing when in the second configuration. In some aspect, the housing may have multiple openings, each capable of receiving an insert. And, in some aspects, the insert is expandable from the first configuration to the second configuration by heating the insert or exposing the insert to microwave energy.

Abstract: A balloon (10) extending generally axially from an opening (14) at a first end. The balloon comprises an elastomeric film (11) having a first thickness and a plurality of intersecting ribs (12) of a second, greater thickness formed on the film. The ribs are adapted so as to be angled with respect to the axis (13) of the balloon and any axis perpendicular thereto. Such a balloon has increased tear resistance, and can be manufactured with conventional dipping techniques without compromising the integrity of the film. The ribs may comprise a plurality of helices. There is also a former for making such a balloon and a method of using such a former to make such a balloon.

Abstract: A balloon apparatus utilizing a lighter-than-air portion and an appurtenance attached to the lighter-than-air portion. A connector is selectively linked to the appurtenance and the lighter-than-air portion and manipulates the rotational position of the appurtenance relative to the lighter-than-air portion.

Abstract: An inflatable object has a curved section, and an improved valve featuring a flexible chute that has an inner edge connected to said inflatable object and is rollable and unrollable between a rolled-up closed position and an unrolled open position. The inner edge is connected to said inflatable object along said curved section at a location and orientation operable to use pressure inside said inflatable object to resist unrolling of said flexible chute from the rolled-up closed position, thereby imparting a self-locking functionality to the valve.

Abstract: A pillow is provided that includes a u-shaped section having opposing ends. Each of the ends has an extension section extending outward there from. One or more of the extension sections has an opening therein that provides access to a pocket located within the extension section. The pockets preferably contain blanket halves therein removably attachable to each other, which may be removed from the pockets and coupled together to form a larger blanket.

Abstract: A balloon can maintain a bent state even if a bent state-holding member is not used. A balloon includes two plastic films that are stacked and sealed at a peripheral edge. The balloon includes a first part, a second part, and a bending part that is situated between the first part and the second part. The bending part includes a gas passage through which the interior of the first part and the interior of the second part communicate with each other, and a bending sealed part that is formed by sealing the two plastic films situated opposite to each other in an inward area relative to the peripheral edge. An outer edge of the bending sealed part extends beyond the bending part so as to be situated within the first part and the second part.

Abstract: An inflatable game field system includes at least two inflatable modules, at least one connecting pipeline and one air inlet system connected to blower(s). The inflatable modules are connected by the connecting pipeline, and the air inlet connects to one of the module at one end and connects to a blower at the other end, so that the air flow coming from the blower can move freely between the modules. This game field system can be setup in various locations, formed different field sizes and provide a safe game field.

Abstract: A valve apparatus for an inflatable article, wherein the inflatable article includes a main body and a moveable portion. The valve includes a valve body and a baffle. The valve body includes first and second chambers and first, second and third openings. The baffle is moveable between first and second positions. The first chamber includes the first and second openings, while the first opening forms a first fluid communication between the main body and the first chamber. The second chamber includes the second and third openings, while the third opening forms a second fluid communication between the second chamber and an ambient atmosphere. When in the first position, the baffle seals the first opening and when in the second position, the baffle seals the third opening.

Abstract: A control device for a bipedal mobile robot generates a desired motion of a bipedal mobile robot. When causing the robot to perform a one-leg hopping operation, a desired motion of the robot is generated such that the proximal end portion of a free leg of the robot is positioned at a relatively higher level than the proximal end portion of a supporting leg thereof in the state wherein the supporting leg has landed on a floor after leaving from the floor and such that the horizontal distance between the total center-of-gravity point of the robot and the proximal end portion of the supporting leg in the aforesaid state is shorter than the horizontal distance therebetween in a state wherein the robot is standing in an upright posture.

Abstract: An automated process facilitates the fabrication-oriented design of a mold for an inflatable, deformable balloon. The automated process comprises a computational balloon design process that, given a desired shape of an inflated balloon, computes an optimal rest shape of the balloon that, when inflated, approximates the desired shape as closely as possible. In such a design process, the optimal rest shape of the balloon is solved for numerically using a physics-driven shape optimization method combining physical simulation of inflatable elastic membranes with a dedicated constrained optimization algorithm. Once the optimal rest shape is determined, a dip mold can be fabricated that is suitable for manufacturing balloons having such a rest shape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mannequin, and, more specifically, relates to a large-scale promotional mannequin capable of being manipulated while moving carried on a person's shoulders like a backpack at, for example, various venues or on the streets for the purpose of advertising or promotion. The backpack-type large-scale promotional mannequin according to the present design comprises: a main mannequin body fitted with a blower operated by means of a battery on one side such that air can be injected therein in tube fashion; a support for supporting the main mannequin body from the bottom so as to allow same to be upright; and a backpack means for strapping, onto the shoulders, the main mannequin body supported upright by means of the support.

Abstract: A rocking inflatable figure has a hollow inflatable body, a rocking mechanism and an air pump. The inflatable body has an air inlet, a movable portion and two partition diaphragms securely mounted on an inner wall inside the movable portion. The rocking mechanism is mounted between the two partition diaphragms and has a housing and an oscillating lever pivotally mounted on the housing. An electric motor and a transmission mechanism are mounted inside the housing. When the electric motor and the transmission mechanism drive the oscillating lever to keep oscillating, the two partition diaphragms on the movable portion rock relative to each other. Accordingly, the rocking inflatable figure can exhibit a continuously rocking form to increase the viewing fun and animated effect.

Abstract: A waving inflatable toy has a body and an opening alignment unit. The body has an opening alignment chamber, a first inflate and deflate chamber and a second inflate and deflate chamber. The opening alignment chamber has four openings respectively communicating with a main chamber, the first inflate and deflate chamber, the second inflate and deflate chamber and an air outlet. The opening alignment unit is mounted inside the opening alignment chamber and has a four-way valve assembly having four air vents and a guide vane and intermittently rotated an angle so that each air vent is sequentially aligned with the openings of the opening alignment chamber. The guide vane can be rotated to selectively guide inflated air into the first or second inflate and deflate chamber. Accordingly, the waving direction of the toy is constantly changing to demonstrate a vivid motion and provide an animated visual effect.

Abstract: An air swimming toy includes a toy body having a floating body and a tail body, a steering device including a motorized unit for generating a reciprocating power transmitting to the tail body so as to generate a wiggling motion thereof, and a remote controller remotely controlling the steering device to operate the motorized unit, wherein said motorized unit is activated to directly drive the tail body to move in order to steer and propel the toy body. In particular, the reciprocating power is directly transmitted from the motorized unit to the tail body via a gear unit to precisely and smooth drive the tail body moving in a wiggle motion.

Abstract: A neutrally buoyant flying toy has a tail fin assembly and a movable weight element that are configured such that the toy moves forward and can be steered left and right by controlled motion of the tail fin, and such that the toy ascends or descends by controlled motion of the weight element. Most preferably, the toy is configured as a fish and is remote controlled.

Abstract: A punch toy including an animal shaped body. The animal shaped body includes legs, a head portion having a mouth, a tail portion and a tube portion connected to an opening of the mouth portion. The animal shaped body is expandable and the tube portion is stretchable.

Abstract: An inflatable has an air inlet (5) and has, in inflated form, a height and a greatest base dimension, being the length of the longest straight line that can be contained within a base (2) of the inflatable, said height being greater than said greatest base dimension, and at least one substantially horizontal internal dividing wall (8, 13, 14), the at least one wall having an aperture (11) arranged to admit air therethrough.

Abstract: A gas-inflatable character aerostat or balloon with at least one gas-inflatable appendage comprising a linear and non-linear gas-inflatable connecting ladder structure connecting the gas-inflatable appendage to the gas-inflatable aerostat to permit free movement of the appendage in relation to the aerostat in three dimensions. The ladder structure includes two sheets of elongate polymeric material fused together with the ladder structure to be inflated with gas between the sheets. The ladder structure includes an elongate gas-inflatable main channel and gas-inflatable lateral extensions extending from and in flow communication with the main channel.

Abstract: A game system is provided that includes at least one game device and at least one game piece. The game piece includes game information, which is not readily legible to the naked eye, and is projected onto a game surface. A device is also provided for playing a game that is configured to receive a game piece that is at least semi-transparent and contains information thereon not readily legible to the naked eye. Also provided is a game piece that is at least semi-transparent that includes game information that is not readily legible by the human eye that is insertable in a game device for projecting or viewing the game information. A figurine is also provided that includes a plurality of semi-transparent game pieces containing indicia or images thereon. The figurine also includes a rotatable portion and an aperture configured for viewing or projecting the indicia or images.

Abstract: A neutrally buoyant flying toy has a tail fin assembly and a movable weight element that are configured such that the toy moves forward and can be steered left and right by controlled motion of the tail fin, and such that the toy ascends or descends by controlled motion of the weight element. Most preferably, the toy is configured as a fish and is remote controlled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to articles and methods for producing non-latex balloons with low surface electrical conductivities and an extended product life. In a preferred embodiment, a multilayer composite film having an exposed metallized layer is coated with an elastomeric sealant layer that increases electrical resistivity of the balloon product to greater than 1.08 Ohms/sq. The invention relates to articles and methods for producing needed bonds and seal strength required to manufacture non latex balloons. The balloons of this invention have an extended product life because they are more resistant to common defects like pin holing and stress cracks than conventional balloon systems.

Abstract: A balloon display that simulates motions of a lighter-than-air balloon includes a balloon holder and an inflated balloon. The balloon holder includes a neck fastening assembly, and the inflated balloon is secured to the balloon holder by the neck fastening assembly. A compression spring balloon support extends upwardly relative to the neck fastening assembly to support a majority of the inflated balloon above the neck fastening assembly. The inflated balloon is secured to the neck fastening assembly and supported by the compression spring balloon support such that the balloon slightly loads the compression spring balloon support and the balloon tends to move up and down, side to side, and front to back as the compression spring balloon support reacts to the load of the balloon.

Abstract: A wheeled inflatable toy includes an inflatable portion (20) having a body (22) with a nozzle (28) allowing inflation and deflation of the body (22). The body (22) includes an underside having an engaging section (200). The wheeled inflatable body further includes a base (30) having a plurality of pivotal portions (34). A wheel (38) is rotatably coupled to each pivotal portion (34). The base (30) further includes a coupling portion (36) engaged with the engaging section (200) to couple the inflatable portion (20) with the base (30).

Abstract: An inflatable exhibition product includes a primary inflatable product, an auxiliary characteristic inflatable product received inside and communicating with the hollow body of the primary inflatable product and an air blower assembly mounted at the bottom of the hollow body and having a hollow casing provided therein an upper chamber to receive therein a top blade set and a lower chamber to receive therein a bottom blade set. Rotation of the bottom blade set is able to inflate the auxiliary characteristic inflatable product and the primary inflatable product and rotation of the top blade set is able to suck in the particles from the inlet and project them out to the interior of the hollow body from the outlet.

Abstract: A balloon article is disclosed which includes a balloon doll and an air-blower. The air-blower is connected to a power source via an conduction wire. The article also includes a motion component that includes an anchoring element and a motion element. The motion component is fixed on the base of the balloon doll via the anchoring element. This component is also connected to a power source via a conduction wire. The motion element of the motion component is connected with a horizontal bar. Two pulling strings are fixed between the both ends of the horizontal bar and the both upper sides of the balloon doll. A heavy piece serves as a ballast and is fixed at the base of the balloon doll.

Abstract: The invention relates to outdoor lighting devices used mainly in emergency situations. The inventive light tower comprises an inflatable mast, including a flexible transparent shell, fixed to a support flange provided with an air intake vent for pumping compressed air into a shell chamber, an electric lamp fixed in the shell, an air pump driven with a motor, a working chamber connected to the vent, and power supply means substantially connected to the lamp and in some embodiments to the pump. The shell is divided into a lower and upper parts joined with an airtight coupling means. The mast is furnished with means for changing the length associated with the upper part. A control unit for the light tower and power means are mounted on the flange. The air supply into the shell chamber is manually/automatically adjustable. In several embodiments light reflectors and inflate modes are described.

Abstract: An inflatable, non-latex balloon with an attached bag for holding items. The balloon with attached bag has an inflatable portion and a non-inflatable portion. The inflatable portion or balloon is inflatable with air or gas, while the non-inflatable portion forms a bag for holding items. The balloon and bag are preferably constructed unitarily from sheets of heat-sealable film. The bag may be closed as for example by a tie. The bag may be either opaque, translucent, or transparent.

Abstract: A light show controller for an inflatable doll, which has at least lone light stream mounted inside of the body, has a processor having inner memory having multiple light show modes, at least one electronic switch driven by the processor, an input device used to select one light show mode of the processor and a power converter used to supply power to the above electronic unit and light stream. Since the light stream is mounted inside of the inflatable doll and driven by the processor through the electronic switch, a user uses the input device select different light show mode to light the inflatable doll. Therefore, the attraction of the inflatable doll is increasing by driving the light stream inside of the inflatable doll.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an inflatable display that has a plurality of inflation modules. The modules are inflated by a fan element. More specifically, a first inflation module is formed from a permeable material and configured to represent a predetermined shape or design when inflated, such as a snowman, Santa Claus, Easter Bunny, Uncle Sam or another seasonal or holiday character. The first inflation module is surrounded by a non-permeable material creating an enclosure around the first inflation module and forming a second inflation module. The first inflation module is formed with at least one exhaust port in its base, which has two purposes. First, the exhaust port acts to inflate the second inflation module.

Abstract: A punch toy including an animal shaped body. The animal shaped body includes legs, a head portion having a mouth, a tail portion and a tube portion connected to an opening of the mouth portion. The animal shaped body is expandable and the tube portion is stretchable.

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

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

Abstract: A toy has an interior bag made of an airtight, flexible material, the configuration of which adapts closely to the shape of the toy in its final form. The bag includes an air valve, accessible from the outside and located in a place that is not easily visible, together with a closure cap, in order to facilitate the filling of the toy with air, or the expelling of the air, as desired.

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

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

Abstract: A portable sign which includes a base member having a generally cylindrical rigid lateral wall with an air input opening and an upper opening. An air blower is positioned in the base member, and an elongated display member having a flexible generally cylindrical section extends upwardly from the generally cylindrical rigid lateral wall of the base member. The flexible cylindrical section has a lower open end connecting to a disc shaped cut out in the base member and has a closed top section having an air exit opening. Lettering will be displayed on the flexible cylindrical section.

Abstract: An inflatable doll action figure having a telescopically extendable endoskeleton surrounded by an inflatable skin, associated with a manually operated air pump and release valve for selectively expanding and contracting individual air chambers, which form the doll's torso and limbs to simulate growth into a physically developed figure, and return to its original undeveloped state. The doll and its individual parts are protected from over-expansion by limit stops on axial movement of individual limbs of the telescopic skeleton, and circumferential limits on the individual inflatable chambers forming the limbs and muscles of the doll. The limits can be either molded into the inflatable skin, or incorporated into a separate fabric covering simulating clothing for the doll.

Abstract: A motion-generating illuminated inflatable decoration includes an inflatable body with an inner space mounted on the mounting base, an air pump and a dynamic controlling device. The air pump is mounted in the inner space to pump ambient air into the inner space. The dynamic controlling device is mounted in the inflatable body and includes a pulling cord, a cord driving motor, multiple illuminating elements, a controller and a sensor. The pulling cord interconnects the inflatable body with the cord driving motor and will cause a motion of the inflatable body as the cord driving motor is rotated to change its length. The illuminating elements are mounted on the inflatable body to produce lights. The controller controls the cord driving motor and the illuminating elements to work as the sensor detects a person going through the inflatable decoration to attract the person's attention.

Abstract: An expandable toy having a plurality of fabric panels joined along their sides forming a desired shape and defining an interior space. These panels also define a single aperture at the top of the toy that provides access to the interior space. A plurality of elastic bands run along the interior surface of the fabric panels. An inflatable device is disposed within the interior space and the neck of the inflatable device is accessible through the single aperture at the top of the toy. Air is forced into the inflatable device, expanding the inflatable device and when large enough expanding the plurality of elastic bands so that the toy may achieve a desired size. The inflatable device is then sealed and a fabric lid is closed to cover the single aperture when the desired size is achieved.

Abstract: An inflatable figure assembly is disclosed that has an inflatable, semi-permeable body and a base unit with a continuously operating fan. The body is releasably secured to the base unit with a zipper that facilitates manufacture and interchangeability of a plurality of different bodies with the base unit. Internal lighting is optionally provided.

Abstract: A balloon device includes a plurality of aesthetically discrete balloon members, wherein at least a first one of the aesthetically discrete inflatable members defines a first aesthetic moiety, at least a second balloon member defines a second aesthetic moiety; and a connecting member connecting member that connects the balloon members has an appearance that maintains an aesthetic separation between the first and second aesthetic moieties. The connecting member may be transparent, translucent, or have a color that matches the color of a background where the balloon device is intended to be displayed.

Abstract: An inflatable display includes an inflatable balloon, a projector having a projection lens, an internal support structure that supports the inflatable balloon and the projector so that the projection lens is eccentrically disposed inside the inflatable balloon. The inflatable display also includes an external support structure that supports the internal support structure. Also included is a method to control an inflatable display according to wind conditions. The method includes the steps of operating in a sensing mode, operating in a collapsing mode and operating in a recovery mode.

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

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

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

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

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

Abstract: An infant mobile includes three units: a kicking unit containing a first infrared transmitter and a receiver, a mobile unit, and a remote control unit including a second transmitter, enabling remote activation by a parent or activation by the infant.

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