WO2004082773A2 - Dispositif ludique a ballon eclaire - Google Patents

Dispositif ludique a ballon eclaire Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2004082773A2
WO2004082773A2 PCT/US2004/008125 US2004008125W WO2004082773A2 WO 2004082773 A2 WO2004082773 A2 WO 2004082773A2 US 2004008125 W US2004008125 W US 2004008125W WO 2004082773 A2 WO2004082773 A2 WO 2004082773A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
balloon
tube
air
assembly
supporter
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2004/008125
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2004082773A3 (fr
Inventor
Woo Wah Ma
Original Assignee
Buzz Bee Toys Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Buzz Bee Toys Inc filed Critical Buzz Bee Toys Inc
Publication of WO2004082773A2 publication Critical patent/WO2004082773A2/fr
Publication of WO2004082773A3 publication Critical patent/WO2004082773A3/fr

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
    • A63H27/00—Toy aircraft; Other flying toys
    • A63H27/10—Balloons
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
    • A63H27/00—Toy aircraft; Other flying toys
    • A63H27/10—Balloons
    • A63H2027/1033—Inflation devices or methods for inflating balloons
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
    • A63H27/00—Toy aircraft; Other flying toys
    • A63H27/10—Balloons
    • A63H2027/1058—Balloons associated with light or sound

Definitions

  • Balloons are simple and traditional entertainment items for young children.
  • inflating a balloon is not a simple task because air has a tendency to escape though the mouth of the balloon between bursts of inflation air or after inflation and prior to sealing the mouth. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a device which eases balloon inflation.
  • balloons are typically novelty items, any features which provide added distinction are desirable. Providing lights within an otherwise plain balloon would be effective to add interest to the balloon. It would be desirable to provide an efficient, cost effective device for adding light to a balloon.
  • the invention provides a balloon inflation and air containment device.
  • the device includes a first tube with a first end for receiving an air supply and a second end for receiving a mouth of a balloon.
  • a collapsible second tube is connected to the first tube in a substantially airtight manner and extends away from the first tube.
  • a lighting device may be positioned inside the balloon.
  • the method includes providing a tube assembly including a first tube and a collapsible second tube, axially connected to the first tube, which extends away from the first tube.
  • a balloon is provided, and the tube assembly is axially inserted into a mouth of the balloon with the second tube leading into the balloon.
  • the method includes providing an air supply at a first end of the first tube and inflating the balloon with the air supply.
  • a lighting device having an extension rod and a lighting element connected to the extension rod is provided. The lighting device is inserted through the tube assembly into an interior of the balloon.
  • Figure la is a top perspective view of an air filling pipe of an air filling device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure lb is an elevational view of the air filling pipe of Figure 1.
  • Figure lc is a cross-sectional view of the air filling pipe of Figure
  • Figure Id is a top plan view of the air filling pipe of Figure 1.
  • Figure le is a bottom plan view of the air filling pipe of Figure 1.
  • Figure 2a is a top perspective view of a tube assembly of the air filling device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 2b is a top perspective view of the tube assembly of Figure
  • Figure 3a is a top perspective view of a balloon supporter of the device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 3b is a top plan view of the balloon supporter of Figure 3a.
  • Figure 3c is a cross-sectional view of the balloon supporter taken along lines 3c-3c of Figure 3b.
  • Figure 4 is a perspective view illustrating a method of inserting the air filling pipe into a balloon in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 5 is a perspective view illustrating a method of manually fitting the balloon onto the air filling pipe according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 6 is a perspective view illustrating a method of press fitting the balloon supporter onto the filling pipe according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a balloon assembly after installation of the air filling device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 8 is a perspective view illustrating one method of inflating a balloon using the air filling device.
  • Figure 9a is a cross-sectional view of a partially-inflated balloon assembly during inflation using the air filling device.
  • Figure 9b is a cross-sectional view of a partially-inflated balloon assembly during an interruption of inflation.
  • Figure 10 is a perspective view illustrating a method of inserting a lighting device into an inflated balloon according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 11 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a condition of the air filling device immediately after a lighting device has been inserted into the balloon.
  • Figure 12a is a cross-sectional view of an air filling pipe illustrating air seals in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 12b is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view of
  • FIG. 12a showing the air seals in greater detail.
  • Figure 13a illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which a rod extends through the center of a sealing plug.
  • Figure 13b illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which a plug is connected on end to a supporting rod, and on another end to a lighting device.
  • Figure 13c illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which a balloon assembly is mounted using a plug that is connected on end to an outer surface of a filling pipe, and on another end to a supporting rod.
  • the air filling pipe 10 comprises a first tube with a hollow, tube-like object with a circular cross- section having a step 36 on its outer surface to provide a seat for a balloon supporter 12, as shown in Figure 7.
  • the pipe 10 may have an elliptical cross-section or even a polygonal cross-section.
  • the pipe 10 may have an elliptical cross-section or even a polygonal cross-section.
  • the pipe 10 may have an elliptical cross-section or even a polygonal cross-section.
  • 10 is formed of a polymeric material; however, any suitable material may be used including metal or wood.
  • a sealing film tube 11 is connected to the air filling pipe 10 to form a tube assembly 50.
  • the sealing film tube 11 comprises a second tube formed of a collapsible plastic thin-wall material.
  • the sealing film tube 11 is also preferably constructed of a polymeric material, and may be molded or woven. However, any suitable collapsible material and fabrication method may be used. A longer sealing film tube 11 may provide better air sealing. However, if the sealing film tube
  • Figure 2b shows how the sealing film tube 11 is mounted on the air filling pipe 10.
  • the tube 11 is first slid onto a smaller-diameter end of the air filling pipe 10.
  • an adhesive tape 13 is wrapped around the surface of the pipe 10 with half of the tape applied to an outer surface of the pipe 10 and the other half applied to an edge of the tube 11.
  • Any suitable adhesive tape may be used.
  • the tape provides a very strong mounting joint between the tube 11 and the pipe 10.
  • the length of the adhesive tape 13 should be greater than the circumference of the film tube 11 so that one end of the tape 13 overlaps with another end. This will ensure no air leakage.
  • a shorter tape 13 can be used without affecting the seal because the connection between the film tube 11 and the filling pipe 10 will be tight enough to stop any leakage.
  • the balloon supporter 12 provides a seat for the inflated balloon 20.
  • the balloon supporter 12 is constructed as a molded polymeric material, but may be formed in any suitable manner of any material. The balloon supporter 12 will prevent the balloon 20 from excessive swaying while the assembly is in motion.
  • the aperture is sized to mate securely with the filing pipe 10 and prevent leakage of air from the balloon. Once the balloon is inflated, the lower part of the balloon surface pushes downwardly on the balloon supporter 12 and makes the supporter sit more securely on the pipe 10.
  • the balloon 20 is first inserted through the circular aperture of the supporter 12.
  • the tube assembly 50 is subsequently inserted into the balloon 20.
  • a correct size balloon should preferably have a mouth diameter slightly smaller than the outside diameter of the air filling pipe 10.
  • a small rubbing force by fingers pushes the balloon skin towards an opposite end of the pipe 10 as shown in Figure 5.
  • the balloon supporter 12 is then slid onto the seat of the pipe 10, forming a part of the device 70, as seen in Figure 6. Therefore, the device 70, when completely assembled, includes the tube assembly 50 and the supporter 12. Friction between the balloon skin and the perimeter of the aperture of the balloon supporter 12 holds the supporter 12 in place before inflating the balloon 20.
  • Figure 7 shows the cross-section layout of a complete, assembled balloon assembly 80 which includes the inflation and air containment device 70 and the balloon 20. The next step is to blow air into the balloon.
  • the sealing film tube 11 on the air filling pipe 10 acts as a unidirectional valve which allows air to enter the balloon 20 during inflation, but prevents air from being expelled from the balloon when inflation is stopped.
  • Figure 8 shows a method of inflating the balloon using a foot pump 40 and tube 41.
  • the balloon may be inflated using any method including orally blowing into the filing pipe 10, or using other air filling apparatuses.
  • FIGs 9a and 9b show how the sealing film tube 11 works as a uni-directional valve.
  • air pressure PI on the mouth of the air filling pipe 10 is higher than the air pressure P2 inside the balloon 20
  • air will flow into the balloon by passing through the center of the filling pipe 10 and the center of the sealing film tube 11.
  • the balloon 20 expands.
  • the pressurized air inside the balloon 20 tends to escape to the outside environment through the center hole of both the sealing film tube 11 and the air filling pipe 10.
  • pressurized air will simultaneously compress the sealing film tube 11 until the thin walls of the sealing film tube 11 contact one another.
  • the collapsed film tube 11 prevents any further air from flowing outwardly through the sealing film tube 11. Therefore, the inflation process can be stopped anytime, and the process can be resumed anytime.
  • inflation is stopped and pressure PI returns to atmospheric pressure, a small amount of air inside the balloon escapes through the pipe 10. However, the escape rate is not fast enough to allow a significant size reduction in the balloon.
  • the pressure PI becomes greater than P2, air will flow into the balloon once again.
  • a lighting device 30 may be added to the device 70.
  • the lighting device 30 is preferably inserted into the balloon through the tube assembly 50 to provide lighting to the balloon assembly 80. Also, if desired, the lighting device 30 may be inserted prior to inflation.
  • the lighting device 30 includes an extension rod 38 and a lighting element 31.
  • the lighting device 30 is first inserted through the air filling pipe 10. As the lighting device 30 passes through the sealing film tube 11, a small amount of air leaks out of the balloon due to gaps between the sealing film tube 11 and the lighting device 30.
  • the air leakage will stop as soon as a plug 14 is inserted into the air filling pipe 10.
  • the plug 14 contacts and is slightly deformed by or deforms seals 101 and 102 located on the inner wall of the air filling pipe 10, thereby sealing the pipe.
  • one of the seals is sufficient to keep air inside the balloon.
  • the two seals 101 and 102 provide a more secure double sealing joint.
  • the plug 14 additionally seals against a surface of the extension rod 38, as shown.
  • the plug 14 may be formed integral with the extension rod 38.
  • the lighting device 30 inside the balloon transforms a traditional balloon into an attractive, illuminated object. Children carrying the balloon will attract the attention of others, especially at night.
  • the balloon inflation and air containment device 70 can be provided with a variety of different mounting devices so that the complete, inflated balloon assembly 80 can be mounted in different places.
  • Figures 13a, 13b and 13c show three different ways of mounting the balloon assembly 80.
  • Figure 13a shows a mounting method using a carrying rod 32 that extends through the center of the sealing plug 14 tightly and is secured thereto with or without glue.
  • Figure 13b shows another way to hold the balloon assembly 80 using an alternative sealing plug 15 that connects to a supporting rod 34 on one end, and connects at the other end to a support rod 33 of a lighting source.
  • Figure 13c shows another way to hold the assembly using a different sealing plug 35 that connects to a supporting rod 39 on one end and connects to the filling pipe 10 on the other end.

Landscapes

  • Toys (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur un dispositif de gonflage d'un ballon et de confinement d'air comportant: un premier tube dont une première extrémité reçoit une alimentation en air et la deuxième comporte l'embouchure du ballon; et un deuxième tube rétractable, coaxialement et hermétiquement relié au premier et le prolongeant. L'invention porte également sur un procédé de réalisation d'un ballon à l'aide d'un tel dispositif.
PCT/US2004/008125 2003-03-17 2004-03-17 Dispositif ludique a ballon eclaire WO2004082773A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US45568303P 2003-03-17 2003-03-17
US60/455,683 2003-03-17

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2004082773A2 true WO2004082773A2 (fr) 2004-09-30
WO2004082773A3 WO2004082773A3 (fr) 2005-05-12

Family

ID=33030041

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2004/008125 WO2004082773A2 (fr) 2003-03-17 2004-03-17 Dispositif ludique a ballon eclaire

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US20050054262A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2004082773A2 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN102366675A (zh) * 2011-10-14 2012-03-07 深圳概念贸易有限公司 具有照明/发声装置的气球

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7641351B2 (en) * 2006-06-22 2010-01-05 Sourcemaker, Inc. Lighting balloon apparatus
US9908607B1 (en) * 2015-11-30 2018-03-06 X Development Llc Method for sealing the apex of a balloon directly to a rigid plate
US11649956B2 (en) * 2018-09-21 2023-05-16 Pulse Llc Sound synchronized light device for balloons

Citations (2)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3871422A (en) * 1973-02-14 1975-03-18 Automatic Helium Balloon Syste Dual balloon valve
US5322101A (en) * 1992-06-26 1994-06-21 Scherr Mark J Balloon stuffing device

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EP0170181A3 (en) * 1984-08-01 1986-11-12 Veca S.R.L. Valvular device for the inflation of balloons, particularly balloons supported by tubular shafts
US4701148A (en) * 1986-07-02 1987-10-20 John Cotey Filling valve for use in filling balloons
US4949718B1 (en) * 1988-09-09 1998-11-10 Gynelab Products Intrauterine cauterizing apparatus
ES2053205T3 (es) * 1989-10-12 1994-07-16 Alfons Schalk Dispositivo fijador para globos hinchables.
US5119281A (en) * 1989-12-26 1992-06-02 Akman Alp T Balloon lighting device and method
US5295892A (en) * 1992-11-04 1994-03-22 Show-Me Balloons Balloon having a self sealing valve and method of making same
US5449380A (en) * 1993-09-17 1995-09-12 Origin Medsystems, Inc. Apparatus and method for organ ablation
US5860441A (en) * 1995-11-29 1999-01-19 Convertidora Industries S.A. De C.V. Self-sealing flexible plastic valve with curled inlet
US5925038A (en) * 1996-01-19 1999-07-20 Ep Technologies, Inc. Expandable-collapsible electrode structures for capacitive coupling to tissue
US5807157A (en) * 1997-01-07 1998-09-15 Penjuke; Daniel Device and method for internally lighting a mylar balloon
US6051019A (en) * 1998-01-23 2000-04-18 Del Mar Medical Technologies, Inc. Selective organ hypothermia method and apparatus
US6064914A (en) * 1998-04-01 2000-05-16 Trachtenberg; John R. Thermotherapy method
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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3871422A (en) * 1973-02-14 1975-03-18 Automatic Helium Balloon Syste Dual balloon valve
US5322101A (en) * 1992-06-26 1994-06-21 Scherr Mark J Balloon stuffing device

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN102366675A (zh) * 2011-10-14 2012-03-07 深圳概念贸易有限公司 具有照明/发声装置的气球

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2004082773A3 (fr) 2005-05-12
US20050054262A1 (en) 2005-03-10

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