WO2013123067A1 - Method and system for automatically filling bladder members - Google Patents
Method and system for automatically filling bladder members Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2013123067A1 WO2013123067A1 PCT/US2013/025959 US2013025959W WO2013123067A1 WO 2013123067 A1 WO2013123067 A1 WO 2013123067A1 US 2013025959 W US2013025959 W US 2013025959W WO 2013123067 A1 WO2013123067 A1 WO 2013123067A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- web
- bladder
- bladders
- balloon
- opening
- Prior art date
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
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B3/00—Packaging plastic material, semiliquids, liquids or mixed solids and liquids, in individual containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, or jars
- B65B3/26—Methods or devices for controlling the quantity of the material fed or filled
- B65B3/28—Methods or devices for controlling the quantity of the material fed or filled by weighing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B51/00—Devices for, or methods of, sealing or securing package folds or closures; Devices for gathering or twisting wrappers, or necks of bags
- B65B51/04—Applying separate sealing or securing members, e.g. clips
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
-
- 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
- A63H2027/1025—Fabrication methods or special materials therefor
-
- 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
- A63H2027/1041—Holding or sealing means, e.g. handling rods, clamps or plugs
Definitions
- the field of the invention relates generally to water amusement devices, and more specifically, to a method and system for filling a sequential stream of bladders, such as, but not limited to, water balloons automatically.
- Water balloon "fights" are a popular outdoor summer activity. Typically, balloons are filled with water from a hose or spigot and the neck is tied off after sufficient filling to create the water balloon. The water balloons are used to bombard opposing players with the intent being scoring a hit on the opposing player such that the balloon breaks on impact, thereby soaking the opposing player.
- the water balloon fight is limited by a number of water balloons that can be generated during the time period the water balloon fight is being played. However, because the speed at which the water balloons can be deployed against the opposing players is much greater than the speed at which they can be produced, the game winds down relatively quickly as players lose interest in the slower paced game.
- a system for automatic filling includes a drive assembly and a source of bladders to be filled wherein the bladders are joined in serial arrangement to a feeding web.
- the web is configured to be moved through the system using the drive assembly.
- the system further includes a nozzle configured to receive a flow of filling fluid and direct the flow of fluid into each bladder in turn and a closure device positioned proximate the nozzle wherein the closure device is configured to secure each bladder when filled such that each bladder remains filled after discharge from the system.
- the system also includes a trigger assembly configured to activate the closure device at a predetermined level of filling of each bladder.
- a method of automatically supplying sealed fluid filled bladders includes feeding a plurality of bladders sequentially arranged along a web or matrix, aligning an opening of each of the plurality of bladders with a nozzle, directing a stream of pressurized fluid through the opening into an interior of the plurality of bladders, securing the opening after a predetermined amount of pressurized fluid has entered the interior, and disengaging each of the plurality of bladders from the web or matrix upon the securing.
- FIGS. 1-8 show exemplary embodiments of the method and system described herein.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an automatic water balloon filling system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a power unit for generating and distributing mechanical power used to operate the automatic features of system.
- FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of another power unit for generating and distributing mechanical power used to operate the automatic features of system.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a web in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the web shown in FIG. 4 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a plan view of a web in accordance with an another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of automatic water balloon filling system.
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of automatic water balloon filling system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
- FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an automatic water balloon filling system 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- system 100 includes a power unit 102 for generating and distributing mechanical power used to operate the automatic features of system 100.
- power unit 102 includes a water turbine 104 configured to receive a stream 106 of pressurized water from a water source 108 through a hose 1 10 and a quick-release coupling pair 112.
- Water turbine 104 rotates under the force of stream 106 about an axis of rotation 1 14 to drive a turbine shaft 1 16.
- Exhaust 120 from water turbine 104 which still has sufficient pressure for filling water balloons, is channeled to a nozzle 122.
- a balloon cartridge 124 includes a plurality of balloons 126 coupled to a matrix or web 128 for handling, conveying, supporting, and guiding balloons 126 from cartridge 124.
- a distributor 130 distributes mechanical power received from shaft 1 16 to cartridge 124 for feeding web 128 from cartridge 124.
- Distributor 130 also distributes mechanical power to a balloon closure device 132, which upon signal from a trip device 134, applies a closure tie 136 to a throat 138 of each balloon 126 after balloon 126 has filled sufficiently, for example, to a predetermined diameter or weight as indicated by trip device 134.
- closure ties 136 are mounted within or outside web 128 in a position associated with a respective balloon 126.
- closure ties 136 are supplied in a magazine 140, which may supply closure ties 136 through a bias mechanism 142 on-board magazine 140, or magazine 140 may also receive mechanical power from distributor 130 for feeding and/or closing closure ties 136.
- water pressure operates water turbine 104, which supplies power to automatically feed balloons 126 on web 128 into position opposite nozzle 122. Residual water pressure is directed into throat 138 to fill balloon 126, which at a predetermined diameter or weight, initiates trip device 134 to cause closure tie 136 to be applied to throat 138, balloon 126 to be dislodged from web 128, so that the filled balloon 126 can fall away clear of system 100.
- the operation repeats for each balloon that is fed from cartridge 124 until, for example, water pressure is removed.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a power unit 202 for generating and distributing mechanical power used to operate the automatic features of system 100.
- power unit 202 includes an electric motor 204 and a battery 206 or other suitable power source to supply electrical power to motor 204.
- FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a power unit 302 for generating and distributing mechanical power used to operate the automatic features of system 100.
- power unit 302 includes a biasing member 304, for example, a windable spring to supply mechanical power to shaft 1 16.
- Biasing member 304 may be charged manually using a key 306 or winding handle.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a web 128 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- web 128 is an elongate, thin flat ribbon-like matrix comprising a plurality of apertures 402 spaced evenly along a centerline 404 of web 128. Apertures 402 are configured to receive and maintain a respective balloon 126.
- balloon 126 is rolled to a condensed configuration.
- Web 128 and balloons 126 may be covered in a sheath 408, which may take the form of a membrane surrounding web 128 and balloons 126 to maintain balloons in their condensed configuration and to protect the balloon from abrasion and moisture until ready for use.
- FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of web 128 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- throat 138 of balloon 126 is fed through one of the plurality of apertures 402 formed in web 128.
- a lip 502 formed about a distal end 504 of throat 138 extends away from web 128 on a side opposite from balloon 126.
- a seal 506 may positioned between an underside of lip 504 and web 128. Seal 506 may also serve to secure throat 138 in web 128 by adhesion, interference, compression, or other method.
- FIG. 6 is a plan view of a web 602 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- web 602 includes three columns 604 of pluralities of apertures 606. Each aperture 606 is configured to receive throat 138 of a respective balloon, as described above.
- Web 602 may perforated along perforated lines 608 cut into web 602 to facilitate separating web 602 into three separate web portions, a first web portion 610, a second web portion 612, and a third web portion.
- web 602 tears along perforations 608 and/or is cut by an edge 614.
- Web 602 is directed toward nozzles 612 by a common power unit 616 or by separate power units 618 associated with each nozzle 612.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of automatic water balloon filling system 100.
- automatic water balloon filling system 100 includes a housing 700 surrounding most components of automatic water balloon filling system 100.
- Housing 700 is ergonomic for grasping with a human hand and facilitates the operation of automatic water balloon filling system 100.
- Housing 700 includes a collapsible stand 702, a water balloon multi-dispenser tip 704, a cartridge feed receptacle 706, and a water supply connection 708.
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of automatic water balloon filling system 100.
- automatic water balloon filling system 100 includes a housing 800 surrounding most components of automatic water balloon filling system 100. Housing 800 is also ergonomic for grasping with a human hand and facilitates the operation of automatic water balloon filling system 100. Housing 800 includes a water balloon dispenser chute 804, a cartridge feed receptacle 806, and a water supply connection 808.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2013221678A AU2013221678A1 (en) | 2012-02-13 | 2013-02-13 | Method and system for automatically filling bladder members |
BR112014020005A BR112014020005A2 (en) | 2012-02-13 | 2013-02-13 | automatic filling system, rechargeable balloon cartridge, and method for automatically supplying sealed fluid filled bladders |
CN201380019635.XA CN104428043A (en) | 2012-02-13 | 2013-02-13 | Method and system for automatically filling bladder members |
MX2014009695A MX2014009695A (en) | 2012-02-13 | 2013-02-13 | Method and system for automatically filling bladder members. |
US14/378,483 US20150020480A1 (en) | 2012-02-13 | 2013-02-13 | Method and system for filling bladder members |
EP13748901.9A EP2814586A4 (en) | 2012-02-13 | 2013-02-13 | Method and system for automatically filling bladder members |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201261598119P | 2012-02-13 | 2012-02-13 | |
US61/598,119 | 2012-02-13 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2013123067A1 true WO2013123067A1 (en) | 2013-08-22 |
Family
ID=48984664
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2013/025959 WO2013123067A1 (en) | 2012-02-13 | 2013-02-13 | Method and system for automatically filling bladder members |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20150020480A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2814586A4 (en) |
CN (1) | CN104428043A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2013221678A1 (en) |
BR (1) | BR112014020005A2 (en) |
MX (1) | MX2014009695A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2013123067A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10065754B2 (en) | 2015-06-19 | 2018-09-04 | Telebrands Corp. | Container sealing device |
US10227146B2 (en) | 2015-06-19 | 2019-03-12 | Telebrands Corp. | Container sealing device |
US10279936B2 (en) | 2015-06-19 | 2019-05-07 | Telebrands Corp. | System, device, and method for filling at least one balloon |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9051066B1 (en) | 2014-02-07 | 2015-06-09 | Tinnus Enterprises, Llc | System and method for filling containers with fluids |
DE17778759T1 (en) * | 2016-04-04 | 2019-04-18 | Creative Impact Inc. | Gas-inflatable balloons |
US10493370B2 (en) | 2016-06-21 | 2019-12-03 | Tinnus Enterprises, Llc | System and method for filling containers with fluids and sealing the filled containers |
CN108506187A (en) * | 2018-05-30 | 2018-09-07 | 肖楚君 | A kind of balloon air charging system |
Citations (6)
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US4386636A (en) * | 1981-03-19 | 1983-06-07 | Scholle Corporation | Container conveyor for flexible container filling machine |
US5370161A (en) * | 1993-07-06 | 1994-12-06 | Shafer; Erik J. | Balloon vending machine |
US5573048A (en) * | 1994-12-05 | 1996-11-12 | Abco Automation, Inc. | Liquid filling device and method |
US6488557B1 (en) * | 2000-03-31 | 2002-12-03 | Argo Consulting, Inc. | Balloon inflation apparatus and plug therefor |
WO2009105025A1 (en) * | 2008-02-20 | 2009-08-27 | Abbey Sonko | Water balloon pistol |
US20110253256A1 (en) * | 2010-04-16 | 2011-10-20 | Finley Michael S | Balloon sealing systems and methods |
Family Cites Families (12)
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US3380490A (en) * | 1966-01-11 | 1968-04-30 | Miner Ind Inc | Balloon vending machine |
US3536110A (en) * | 1968-07-19 | 1970-10-27 | Miner Ind Inc | Balloon vending machine |
US3616823A (en) * | 1970-05-27 | 1971-11-02 | Miner Ind Inc | Balloon vending machine |
US4417607A (en) * | 1981-06-29 | 1983-11-29 | Scholle Corporation | Apparatus and method for aseptically filling flexible containers |
US4676285A (en) * | 1985-04-01 | 1987-06-30 | Liqui-Box Corporation | Uncapper for containers having friction caps carrying flexible tubes |
US5282930A (en) * | 1988-07-11 | 1994-02-01 | Lang Philip E | Process and apparatus for the preparation of balloons |
US5067301A (en) * | 1989-08-15 | 1991-11-26 | The Commonwealth Industrial Gases Ltd. | Balloon inflating machine |
CN2224646Y (en) * | 1994-12-15 | 1996-04-17 | 力城玩具实业有限公司 | Blowing ball toy |
US5651402A (en) * | 1995-02-02 | 1997-07-29 | David C. Nelson Of Premium Balloon Accessories | Automated balloon inflation device |
US6892770B2 (en) * | 2003-10-14 | 2005-05-17 | George W. Ratermann | System and method for inflating balloons |
WO2007142541A2 (en) * | 2006-06-09 | 2007-12-13 | Newco Projects Limited | Device and method for tying a knot |
US8132599B2 (en) * | 2008-03-07 | 2012-03-13 | Conray, Inc. | Automated balloon inflator system |
-
2013
- 2013-02-13 US US14/378,483 patent/US20150020480A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2013-02-13 EP EP13748901.9A patent/EP2814586A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2013-02-13 MX MX2014009695A patent/MX2014009695A/en unknown
- 2013-02-13 WO PCT/US2013/025959 patent/WO2013123067A1/en active Application Filing
- 2013-02-13 CN CN201380019635.XA patent/CN104428043A/en active Pending
- 2013-02-13 BR BR112014020005A patent/BR112014020005A2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2013-02-13 AU AU2013221678A patent/AU2013221678A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US4386636A (en) * | 1981-03-19 | 1983-06-07 | Scholle Corporation | Container conveyor for flexible container filling machine |
US5370161A (en) * | 1993-07-06 | 1994-12-06 | Shafer; Erik J. | Balloon vending machine |
US5573048A (en) * | 1994-12-05 | 1996-11-12 | Abco Automation, Inc. | Liquid filling device and method |
US6488557B1 (en) * | 2000-03-31 | 2002-12-03 | Argo Consulting, Inc. | Balloon inflation apparatus and plug therefor |
WO2009105025A1 (en) * | 2008-02-20 | 2009-08-27 | Abbey Sonko | Water balloon pistol |
US20110253256A1 (en) * | 2010-04-16 | 2011-10-20 | Finley Michael S | Balloon sealing systems and methods |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
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Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10065754B2 (en) | 2015-06-19 | 2018-09-04 | Telebrands Corp. | Container sealing device |
US10227146B2 (en) | 2015-06-19 | 2019-03-12 | Telebrands Corp. | Container sealing device |
US10259600B2 (en) | 2015-06-19 | 2019-04-16 | Telebrands Corp. | Container sealing device |
US10279936B2 (en) | 2015-06-19 | 2019-05-07 | Telebrands Corp. | System, device, and method for filling at least one balloon |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2814586A4 (en) | 2015-11-18 |
CN104428043A (en) | 2015-03-18 |
EP2814586A1 (en) | 2014-12-24 |
AU2013221678A1 (en) | 2014-10-02 |
MX2014009695A (en) | 2015-06-04 |
US20150020480A1 (en) | 2015-01-22 |
BR112014020005A2 (en) | 2019-09-24 |
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