AU2006296223A1

AU2006296223A1 - Method and device for support of an object freely in space

Info

Publication number: AU2006296223A1
Application number: AU2006296223A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Oz Shenhar
Original assignee: NEW CREATE Ltd
Current assignee: NEW CREATE Ltd
Priority date: 2005-09-29
Filing date: 2006-09-20
Publication date: 2007-04-05
Also published as: RU2421374C2; RU2008111894A; KR20080087079A; BRPI0617573A2; EP1933964B1; KR101422192B1; WO2007036930A3; CN101316639B; US20080268742A1; CA2624082A1; JP2009509803A; CN101316639A; CA2624082C; EP1933964A2; WO2007036930A2; GB0519849D0

Description

WO 2007/036930 PCT/IL2006/001097 -1 Method and device for free-standing support of objects in space FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to methods and attachments for anchoring objects in space. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 5 Relativity notwithstanding, we continue to live in a Newtonian world, where Newton's Third Law of Motion dictates our way of thinking and construction. Thus, the realization that a body in equilibrium subject to an action exhibits an equal and opposite reaction is not just a description of the Newtonian world, it is a blueprint for the creation of a safe and useful environment. Specifically, so far as the present invention is 10 concerned, any object that requires to be supported in space is generally assumed to require a support surface on which it rests. So, for example, lamps rest on tables or floors or are fitted to walls or to ceilings; pictures are hung via hooks; notices are pinned to walls or are hung from hooks in ceilings and so on. To be sure, electrical appliances operating on mains power require electrical connection to the electrical 15 supply; and typically the electrical connection serves also to effect mechanical connection to the support surface constituted by the wall or ceiling. But, in fact, the electrical connection need neither be mechanical supporting; nor need the mechanical support serve to connect to an electrical point. Thus, a portable, battery-operated electrical appliance such as a clock, for example, that requires no electrical connection 20 must nevertheless be supported on a suitable support surface such as a wall. To the extent that mechanical support surfaces are subject to friction, which is not always desirable, there have been attempts in the art to elevate objects above their supports. This is the principle of the hovercraft and later of magnetic levitation so championed by Prof. Eric Laithwaite of Imperial College, London UK, that eventually 25 found its realization in Maglev trains.

WO 2007/036930 PCT/IL2006/001097 -2 Some of these principles are disclosed in the patent literature, always to the same or similar ends. US Patent No. 4,693,695 (Cheng) published Sep. 15, 1987 discloses an ascending and descending balloon action toy that includes an envelope filled with a 5 lighter-than-air gas, the envelope repeatedly ascending and alternately descending a tether. US Patent No. 6,390,651 (Bertrand) published May 21, 2002 discloses a toy that simulates an illuminated overhead moon with a long-legged spacecraft under it. The toy includes a lighting apparatus secured to a balloon by string under tension. The lighting 10 apparatus, located wholly outside the balloon, illuminates the inside of the balloon so the balloon appears to glow. The lighting apparatus has at least three arms extending from a body having a locking fastener. The locking fastener is attached by string under tension to the neck of the balloon. Each arm terminates in a window for contacting the skin of the balloon and 15 for transmitting light through the skin to the interior of the balloon. In one embodiment, the lighting apparatus is of sufficiently low weight that the toy floats in air. US Patent Nos. 6,106, 135 and 6,371,638 (Zingale et al.) disclose an inflatable translucent balloon body that has a predetermined net lifting force upon inflation with a lighter than air gas. A light source is attached to the balloon upon inflation by a light 20 transmitting tether. To keep the buoyant balloon afloat while attached to the light trans mitting tether, the light transmitting tether has a net weight of less than the net lifting force of the balloon in an inflated state with lighter than air gas therein. US Patent No. 5,499,941 (Penjuke) published March 19, 1996 discloses a balloon inflation device having a light bulb attached to one end of a tube and 25 illuminated by an external power source connected at the other end of the light bulb. The tube fits light first into the neck of a balloon, a mechanical seal being formed that prevents gas from passing between the flange and the balloon stem. The power source of the light bulb can be removed from the tube and a gas stream can be projected into the balloon, inflating it, but the tube is arranged and configured such that the gas in the 30 balloon cannot flow out of the balloon through the tube. None of the above-mentioned references relates specifically to the need to anchor an object in space without attaching it to a support surface that serves as an WO 2007/036930 PCT/IL2006/001097 -3 anchoring point connected to ground. But support surfaces are not always available, for example when it is required to support an object outside without resorting to a support pillar; or when an available support surface is either fully used or inaccessible. To the extent that some of the above-mentioned references allow an object, such 5 as an electric lamp, to be supported in space it is a mere by-product of an illuminated toy balloon and the lamp is constrained to fit inside the balloon. Even in the specific case where the balloon thereby supports an electric lamp in space, this imposes severe limitations on the magnitude of the lamp and thus its intensity. The lamp must be physically sufficiently small to fit inside the balloon and to be inserted through its neck 10 without the risk of tearing the balloon. Moreover, it must not be too bright since the resulting heat would most likely cause the balloon to burst. These drawbacks appear to be avoided in above-mentioned US Patent No. 6,390,651, where a lamp is affixed externally to the balloon for illuminating through the translucent surface of the balloon. The balloon may be filled with helium so as to float, 15 but it must then be tethered with a string so as to prevent its floating away. Indeed, it is specifically recommended that when using an embodiment in which the balloon is filled with helium, the free end of the string be tied to a heavy object or to the user's wrist or arm to prevent the toy from floating away. Above-mentioned US Patent Nos. 6,106, 135 and 6,371,638 do relate to free 20 floating balloons but of very limited lifting capability. Thus, it is noted that conven tional freshly inflated helium filled party balloons measuring about 12 inches (30 cm) in height and 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter have a net lifting force of approximately 2 ounce (14 gram). These two patents employ an optical fiber whose length is such that its weight. is less than 14 gram and can thus be supported by an inflated helium party 25 balloon, while allowing light to be conducted inside the balloon via the optical fiber tether. Thus it is clear that these references make no suggestion to support objects in space. Moreover, such balloons are intended for one-time use only and are not adapted to support different objects and lack any method to control the buoyancy of the balloon. Generally, since such balloons are intended for one-time use only, they are formed of a 30 material such as Mylar@ that is very light so that sufficient buoyancy can be achieved with minimum volume. However, such materials are not adapted to withstand harsh treatment or knocks as required for non-disposable use.

WO 2007/036930 PCT/IL2006/001097 -4 US Patent No. 5,014,757 (Donaldson et al.) published May 14, 1991 discloses a balloon device includes an inner container and an outer container that are movable with respect to each other. The device includes a pressurized gas container mounted in the inner container and a firing mechanism that is operated by slamming the device against 5 a solid surface such as a table top or the like. The firing mechanism punctures the pressurized container and permits gas to escape into the device, and this gas is guided via orifices to the balloon that is sealingly held on the device by an O-ring type element. US Patent No. 6,099,376 (Singhal et al.) published August 8, 2000 discloses weightless toy objects where the upward buoyancy force of lighter than air gas inside 10 the toy object body is carefully balanced against the gravitational weight of the toy object using a system of balance weights and orientation weights enabling the toy object to stay at a height and orientation in a space where it is deposited. US 6,425,552 (Lee et al.) discloses a cyclical thermal management system for responding to diurnal heating and nocturnal cooling cycles to maintain a high altitude 15 platform in a geostatic position for long periods of time. US Patent No. 4,931,028 (Jaeger et al.) published June 5, 1990 discloses a toy blimp with at least one engine mounted on a top side of an inflatable helium balloon blimp like member, and an infrared control circuit and power supply mounted on a bottom side. The blimp operates from a self-contained power supply and is controlled 20 by the self-contained control system which receives control signals from a transmitter. In conclusion, none of the above-mentioned references relates to the floating support of objects, such as electric lights and other household or office accessories in a manner that even massive objects may be supported in space without requiring tethering or other ground-based supports. 25 Furthermore, the prior art does not appear to relate to a modular floating support whereby different objects can be supported by the same platform. Thus, prior art devices are designed to lift objects of a weight that corresponds to a fixed buoyancy of the device. Attempting to support heavier objects would cause the device to sink.

WO 2007/036930 PCT/IL2006/001097 -5 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a method and apparatus for supporting an object freely in space without requiring an anchorage such as a support surface or pillar. 5 It is a further object of the invention to provide such an apparatus that is amenable for multiple use. It is yet a further object of the invention to provide such an apparatus that is modular and allows different objects to be supported by the same buoyant platform. It is a still further object of the invention to provide such an apparatus that is fully contained 10 so as to allow the apparatus to float when required. These objects are realized in accordance with a first aspect of the invention by a method for supporting an object freely in space without requiring an anchoring point connected to ground, said method comprising: attaching the object to a hollow support structure that is adapted to float in air 15 when filled with a gas having lower specific gravity. than air; coupling a gas supply to the support structure via a pressure gauge that is set to a controlled pressure adapted to achieve a buoyancy force of the support structure that counteracts a combined weight of the support structure and attached object; filling the hollow in said support structure with a quantity of said gas at said 20 controlled pressure; and releasing the gas-filled support structure together with the attached object so as to reach an equilibrium position where said buoyancy force of the support structure counteracts a combined weight of the support structure and attached object. According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a hollow support 25 structure for supporting an object freely in space, said support structure being adapted to float in air when filled with a gas having lower specific gravity than air and being adapted to be filled prior to use via a gas fill mechanism with a quantity of said gas at a controlled pressure so as to ensure that a buoyancy force of the enclosure counteracts a combined weight of the support structure and attached object; 30 said gas fill mechanism being integral with the support structure and including an inlet for coupling to a gas supply and an adjustable pressure valve for regulating gas pressure.

WO 2007/036930 PCT/IL2006/001097 -6 In one embodiment of the invention, the support structure is a buoyant platform having an anchoring point for attaching an object to the buoyant platform, whereby in use the buoyant platform together with the attached object reaches an equilibrium position where a buoyancy force of the platform counteracts a combined weight of the 5 platform and attached object. In such an embodiment, the object may be integral with the buoyant platform and may be a self-powered electrical device operating on a battery or solar energy. More generally, the object may be separate from the support structure or integral therewith. It may also be part of the object, such as a hollow wall lining within a 10 housing of the object and dimensioned so that, when filled with a predetermined quantity of gas, the object floats in air. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be carried out in practice, some exemplary embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting 15 example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figs. la and lb show respectively pictorial wire-frame and solid representations of a buoyant platform for supporting an object freely in space according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figs. 2a and 2b show pictorial wire-frame representations of a self-powered 20 electrical lamp enclosed within an outer envelope accommodating a gas connector that couples to the buoyant platform; Fig. 3 shows pictorially a wire-frame representation of components of the lamp and gas connector shown in Figs. 2a and 2b; Fig. 4 is an exploded pictorial wire-frame representation of the buoyant platform 25 and the associated components of the gas connector in use; Figs. 5a and 5b show different perspective views of components of the gas connector; Figs. 6a and 6b show different perspective views of a gas canister according to a first embodiment adapted for filling the buoyant platform with helium gas; 30 Figs. 7a and 7b show different perspective views of the gas canister shown in Figs. 6a and 6b when connected to the gas connector during use; WO 2007/036930 PCT/IL2006/001097 -7 Figs. 8a and 8b show different perspective views of the buoyant platform and attached object in situ; Fig. 9 is a pictorial representation showing use of the buoyant platform to support objects in space; 5 Figs. 10a, 10b and 10c are pictorial representations showing a gas canister according to a second embodiment; Fig. 11a is a pictorial representation showing a device integral with a buoyant casing having a hollow wall section; Fig. 11b is pictorial representation of the device in Fig. 11 a showing a cut-away 10 view of the hollow wall section; Fig. 12a is a pictorial representation showing a disposable device that floats when a sealed gas unit is ruptured; and Fig. 12b is a pictorial exploded half-sectional view showing a detail of the device depicted in Fig. 12a. 15 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS In the following description, features that appear in more than one drawing will be identified by identical reference numerals. Figs. 1 a and lb show pictorial wire-frame and solid representations of a buoyant platform 10 according to the invention for freely supporting a portable self-powered 20 electric lamp 11 or other objects in space. The buoyant platform 10 constitutes a hollow support structure formed of a semi-rigid, gas-impermeable, plastic material that is sufficiently strong to withstand knocks and the like without bursting, while being sufficiently light that when filled with helium gas it is capable of floating in air while supporting the lamp 11. A valve seating 12 is formed at a lower surface of the buoyant 25 platform 10 for accommodating a corresponding valve seating 13 formed in the lamp 11 via an adapter 14 that allows different objects having different valve sittings to be sealingly connected to the buoyant platform 10. Figs. 2a and 2b show pictorial wire-frame representations of the lamp 11 enclosed within an outer envelope 15 accommodating a gas fill mechanism coupled via 30 a gas connector 16 that couples to the buoyant platform and is shown in Fig. lb and in greater detail in Figs. 5a and 5b. The outer envelope 15 also encloses an electric circuit WO 2007/036930 PCT/IL2006/001097 (not shown) for operating the lamp as well, of course, as the lamp itself (also not shown). A battery housing 17 for accommodating one or more batteries may be inserted into an axial bore 18 within the housing of the outer envelope 15, and which is then sealed at its lower end by means of a lower sealing cap 19. For the purpose of the 5 description and the appended claims, the envelope 15 and its associated components constitute an object that is to be supported by the buoyant platform 10. It will clearly be appreciated that other appliances may be accommodated within the envelope 15; and as noted above, different envelopes having different attachments may be provided for coupling to the buoyant platform 10 via appropriate adapters. In such an arrangement, 10 the lamp is mounted at the upper end of the axial bore 18 so as to illuminate the inside of the buoyant platform 10, which may be balloon-shaped as shown in the figures and whose surface may be formed of light-transmitting material. However, in accordance with an alternative embodiment, the lamp may be mounted at the lower end of the axial bore 18, so as to shine downwards when the buoyant platform 10 is set afloat. Such an 15 embodiment is described in more detail below with reference to Fig. 13. In yet another embodiment, electrical connections may be formed at opposite end of the axial bore 18 so as to allow connection of the lamp at either end. Figs. 3a and 3b illustrate in more detail the components of the battery housing 17 showing the lower sealing cap 19 that fits at a lower end of the battery housing 17 20 and an upper sealing cap 20 that fits at an upper end of the battery housing 17. The lower and upper sealing caps 20 both include respective electrical battery contacts (not shown) on internal surfaces thereof. The battery housing 17 may further include any electronics associated with the lamp as well as the lamp housing and the lamp itself. The upper sealing cap 20 is formed of light transparent material so as to allow light to 25 illuminate the inside of the buoyant platform 10. Fig. 4 is an exploded pictorial wire-frame representation of the buoyant platform 10 and the associated components of the gas fill mechanism shown in enlarged detail in Figs. 5a and 5b. In particular it is to be noted that the gas connector 16 is coupled via an adjustable pressure valve 21, whereby gas may be fed at a controlled pressure to the 30 buoyant platform 10. By such means the buoyancy of the platform may be adjusted so as to exactly counteract the combined weight of the buoyant platform 10 and the attached object, thereby allowing the buoyancy of the platform to be adjusted when WO 2007/036930 PCT/IL2006/001097 -9 different objects are attached. Preferably, the pressure valve 21 has a dial bearing a scale that is calibrated as a function of weight of the attached object, so that the dial may be set according to the weight of the attached object in order to supply gas to the buoyant platform 10 at exactly the right pressure to produce the desired buoyancy. The gas 5 connector 16 comprises a one-way valve seating similar to those used for filling vehicle tires, which open to allow the entry of gas when depressed by a gas supply nozzle and close automatically when the gas supply nozzle is withdrawn, thereby preventing escape of gas. The dial is calibrated based on the established physical principle that an object 10 including a hollow support filled with a gas that is less dense than air, such as helium, can float in air owing to the weight of the helium gas being less than that of the air that is displaced by the object. This requirement can be realized in practice providing that the pressure of the gas in the hollow support is properly adjusted and that the volatility of gas is negligible. There are also other factors that need to be taken into consideration, 15 such as ambient temperature and moisture content (humidity) of the air, since these affect the gas density and consequently the mass of gas required to achieve buoyancy. It is precisely owing to the indeterminacy of the support's buoyancy that dynamic adjustment of the gas pressure via the adjustable pressure valve 21 is essential if different objects are to be supported and/or buoyancy is to be achieved under variable 20 ambient conditions. Calibration of the adjustable pressure valve 21 is based on the following principles. Air density must be equal to the effective or average density of the support and object together: Pair = Ptotal 25 The effective or average density of the support structure and object together is given by: Potat = Mtotai MHE + MObject total total where: MHE = Mass of Helium 30 Mbject = Mass of Object VTotal = Total volume of support and object WO 2007/036930 PCT/IL2006/001097 -10 The mass of the helium MHE (or other light gas) in the hollow support structure is given by: MHE P Pair total - MObject The air density Pair is inversely proportional to absolute temperature in degree 5 K, i.e.: 1 Pair 273.15+ T It can be shown that the atmospheric pressure of helium the hollow support structure is given by: P+a nb =RT 10 where: a = 3.46 * 10 b = 23.71 * 10-6 R = Gas constant = 8.314472 n = 250*MKg 15 Mkg = Mass of helium in Kg The above explanations may be used to calibrate the adjustable pressure valve 21 so that the pressure is automatically set for a desired mass of object. If desired, a temperature sensor may be used to measure the ambient temperature and a compensa tion unit may be used to adjust the pressure of the helium (or other) gas so that the mass 20 of gas inside the hollow support structure will be exactly correct. In this way, an object of predetermined mass may be anchored to the support structure (or may be integral therewith) and the adjustable pressure valve 21 may be set to a pre-calibrated setting corresponding to the object's mass so as to ensure that the gas pressure is exactly correct to achieve buoyancy. 25 More simply, the adjustable pressure valve 21 may be set using trial and error so that the gas pressure is exactly correct to achieve buoyancy for an object anchored to the support structure or integral therewith. Alternatively, where objects such as lamps and so on are supplied specifically for attaching to a buoyant support structure according to WO 2007/036930 PCT/IL2006/001097 - 11 the invention, the user may be informed of a suitable gas pressure to supply to the buoyant support structure, based on the buoyant gas being used, expected ambient conditions, and the mass of the object to be supported. Likewise, in situations where the support structure is fixedly attached to the object and ambient conditions, such as 5 temperature, pressure and humidity are substantially constant, as is often the case in shopping centers and other enclosed areas, adjustment of the gas pressure may not be necessary. It will be appreciated that adjustment of the gas pressure in the hollow support structure using an adjustable pressure valve is only one approach. Another approach is 10 to provide a flexible diaphragm within the hollow support structure and to adjust the effective gas volume within the hollow support structure by displacement of the flexible diaphragm. It will be appreciated that, within the context of the appended claims, such a diaphragm constitutes a pressure gauge since by adjusting the effective volume of the hollow support structure, the gas pressure may be set to a controlled pressure adapted to 15 achieve a buoyancy force of the support structure. The gas connector 16 is fluidly coupled to a tube 22 whose upper end enters an aperture in the buoyant platform 10 so as to fluidly couple the gas fill mechanism to the buoyant platform 10. A removable sealing cap 23 is fixed to a lower end of the tube 22 and prevents gas leakage from the gas fill mechanism. It is to be noted that the figures 20 show the gas fill mechanism in exploded form with the tube 22 protruding through a lower portion of the outer envelope 15. However, in practice the tube 22 is fully contained within the outer envelope 15, only the sealing cap 23 being accessible from a lower surface of the envelope 15 so as to allow it to be removed when it is desired to purge gas from the buoyant platform 10. To this end, a release valve 24 allows for the 25 release of gas from the buoyant platform 10 via the open end of the tube 22 after removal of the sealing cap 23. The gas connector 16 extends through the outer envelope 15, so that on connecting the object 11 to the buoyant platform 10, the latter may be filled with gas, such as helium, at a controlled pressure so as to float and thereby suspend mid-air an attached object. The upper sealing cap 20 also serves to seal the gas 30 fill mechanism from the battery housing 17 and electronics associated with the lamp as well as the lamp housing and the lamp itself, thus avoiding danger of sparks contacting gas.

WO 2007/036930 PCT/IL2006/001097 -12 Figs. 6a and 6b show different perspective views of a dedicated gas canister 25 that is adapted for filling the buoyant platform 10 with helium gas. The gas canister 25 comprises a hollow housing 26 having substantially planar parallel upper and lower surfaces 27 and 28, respectively. An arcuate slot 29 is formed in the housing between 5 the upper and lower surfaces 27 and 28 and serves as a handle for gripping the gas canister 25 during use. A substantially semi-circular opening 30 is formed in an internal side-wall 31 of the housing and a sealed gas outlet 32 is formed at its mid-point for coupling to the gas connector 16 of the gas fill mechanism described above with reference to Figs. 4 and 5a. Likewise, a sealed gas inlet 33 is formed at a mid-point of 10 an external side-wall 34 of the housing for coupling a gas supply thereto so as to fill the gas canister 25 prior to use. Figs. 7a and 7b show different perspective views of the gas canister 25 when connected to the gas connector 16 during use. The gas outlet 32 has a protruding pin, which when inserted into the gas outlet 32 opens a one-way valve thereby allowing gas 15 in the canister to flow at high pressure into the gas mechanism via the gas connector 16 and the pressure valve 21. The pressure valve 21 reduces the gas pressure to a preset calibrated pressure, which is adjustable so as to fill the buoyant platform 10 with gas at a desired pressure, as explained above. Once sufficient gas has been injected, the gas canister 25 is removed whereupon the one-way valve closes automatically. The gas 20 canister 25 serves as a portable supply of gas and obviates the need to transport heavy gas cylinders. Figs. 8a and 8b show different perspective views of the buoyant platform and object in situ. In particular, opposite sides of the outer envelope 15 are seen in the two figures showing the gas inlet and release valves. 25 Fig. 9 is a pictorial representation showing use of the buoyant platform 10 to support objects 11a, 11b, 11c and 11d in space. It will be noted that the objects 11a, 11 b, 11 c and 11d float at different heights depending on their respective weights and the gas pressure in their respective floating platforms. The gas canister 25 described with reference to Figs. 6 and 7 is clearly subject to 30 changes that will be well within the competence of one of average skill in the art. As noted above, it serves as a portable supply of gas but is not an essential component since the support structure can be filled with gas via any other suitable source of gas.

WO 2007/036930 PCT/IL2006/001097 - 13 Figs. 10a, 10b and 1Oc are pictorial representations showing a gas canister 40 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention. The gas canister 40 has a replaceable gas cartridge 41, which is connected to a body portion 42 containing a gas fill mechanism having a trigger 43 that is depressed in order to release gas having lower 5 specific gravity than air, such as helium. A spent cartridge 41 may be removed from the body portion 42 and replaced with a full cartridge. A head portion 44 is equipped with a gas outlet 45 for engaging the gas connector 16 of the object 11 described above with reference to Figs. 4 and 5 of the drawings. Gas pressure may be regulated by means of a pressure valve 46, so that when the gas outlet 45 is inserted into the gas connector 16 of 10 the object 11, it opens a self-sealing valve and injects gas at a preset pressure into the floating platform 10. The gas canister 40 is particularly useful as a standalone unit that may be used with any configuration of floating object so long as there is provided a suitable gas connector 16 for engaging the gas outlet 44. Fig. 11 a is a pictorial representation showing a device having an exemplary form 15 of a clock 50 that is integral with a support structure 51 having a hollow wall section 52 shown in cut-away section in Fig. 1 lb. Gas may be injected using the gas canister 40 shown in Fig. 10, for example, into the hollow wall section 52 via a gas connector 53 at a pressure controlled by the pressure valve 46 of the gas canister and may be released from the hollow wall section 52 by a release valve 54. Alternatively, gas may be pre 20 stored within a sealed unit inside the hollow wall section 52 having a seal (not shown) that is accessible from an outer so as to release gas into the hollow wall section 52 by breaking the seal. Such a device thus constitutes a hollow support structure that is integral with an object and has an integral gas supply adapted to release gas at a preset pressure, depending on the quantity of gas in the sealed unit. 25 Fig. 12a is a pictorial representation and Fig. 12b is a pictorial exploded half sectional view showing a disposable device 60 according to an alternative embodiment that floats when a sealed gas unit is ruptured. In many respects, the device 60 is similar in construction to the device 10 described above with reference to Figs. 1, 4 and 8 and is provided with a buoyant balloon-shaped platform 61 to which an object 62 is attached. 30 However, unlike the first embodiment, the object 62 includes a sealed unit (not shown) containing a quantity of gas, which is released by breaking a gas seal 63 accessible from an outer surface of the object 62. As shown clearly in Fig. 12b, the object 62 is sealed at WO 2007/036930 PCT/IL2006/001097 -14 its lower end and includes a battery housing 17 shown in spatial relationship to an axial bore 18 within an outer envelope 64 of the object 62. Also shown more clearly is the gas connector 16 of the gas fill mechanism and the tube 22, which engages an aperture 35 in the buoyant platform 10. 5 It will be appreciated that while some specific embodiments have been described, these are by way of example only and many changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, in the embodiment described above, the gas fill mechanism is shown integral with the lamp housing. To this extent, the valve seating 12 in the buoyant platform 10 10 serves as an anchoring point for attaching the object to the buoyant platform via the valve seating 13 and adapter 14 in the object. But the object could also be coupled directly to the buoyant platform 10 or to other suitable gas-filled or gas-fillable support structures, either as an integral unit or via a suitable gas-sealed coupling. In this case, a hook or other equivalent attachment may be provided on the buoyant platform 10 or to 15 other suitable support structures serving as an anchoring point for supporting an object, such as a lamp, directly thus resulting in a simpler construction of the lamp and associated fixture. Furthermore, in the case where the support structure is configured to support different objects, the construction according to the invention allows for a modular approach where the different components are sold either separately or as a kit. 20 For example, a support structure such as the buoyant platform 10 may be sold as a separate item constructed to support a variety of objects that are also available separately. Likewise, the invention contemplates effecting suitable modification to existing objects so as to allow them to be attached to the buoyant platform 10 or other floating support structure. 25 It has already been noted that the gas canister 40 shown in Figs. 11 a, 11 b and 11 c requires only that gas connector be provided in the support structure that is complementary to the gas outlet 44 of the gas canister 40. Apart from this requirement, no special construction of the support structure is necessary. Thus, use of such a gas canister obviates the need for a gas fill mechanism in either the support structure or the 30 object and is particularly useful where a modular construction is required.

WO 2007/036930 PCT/IL2006/001097 - 15 Preferably helium gas is used to provide buoyancy to the support structure, since it is lighter than air and also inert and safe. However, the principles of the invention are applicable with other suitable gases that are lighter than air. Specific embodiments as described relate to use of a portable battery-operated 5 lamp or a clock. However, it is to be understood that no limitation is thereby implied and the invention will find use for free-support in air of many other objects, both electrical and non-electrical. It will also be appreciated that many portable electrical devices may be energized by means of suitable radiation such as solar energy and to this end one or more solar cells may be provided in addition to, or instead of, the battery. 10 Such objects can include hovering three dimensional toys and gadgets for children, interior design products, casings or displays for luxury consumer goods or for collectors' items or art pieces. Products for the advertising industry, such as billboards, flags, screens and the like, as well as emergency signaling products for rescue can likewise be supported using the principles of the invention. The invention may also find 15 application for supporting products such as cameras for surveillance and security, especially in very large spaces or in areas where access is limited and there is no infrastructure. Yet another application of the invention is for outside support of objects such as camping and emergency lighting or other temporary outdoor deployment, for instance for construction or maintenance work (e.g. car breakdown repair in a non-lit 20 area). It will also be appreciated that while the invention has been described with particular regard to completely free-standing structures, there may be occasions when a buoyant enclosure may be tethered to keep the supported object in the needed area. The embodiments as described are apt to wander unless tethered, owing to air 25 currents for example. In many cases this may be desired since it provides a measure of indeterminacy as to where the object is supported, which can add to the aesthetic appeal. If desired, a remote controlled propeller may be added to the object or to the support structure so as to allow controlled movement in space of the supported object.

Claims

1. A method for supporting an object freely in space without requiring an anchoring point connected to ground, said method comprising: attaching the object to a hollow support structure that is adapted to float in air 5 when filled with a gas having lower specific gravity than air; coupling a gas supply to the support structure via a pressure gauge that is set to a controlled pressure adapted to achieve a buoyancy force of the support structure that counteracts a combined weight of the support structure and attached object; filling the hollow in said support structure with a quantity of said gas at said 10 controlled pressure; and releasing the gas-filled support structure together with the attached object so as to reach an equilibrium position where said buoyancy force of the support structure counteracts a combined weight of the support structure and attached object.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the support structure is a buoyant 15 platform.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support structure is a gas sealable balloon.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the gas is helium.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pressure gauge 20 is calibrated as a function of weight of the attached object, so that the pressure gauge may be set according to the weight of the attached object in order to supply gas at an appropriate pressure to produce said buoyancy force.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein filling the support structure with a quantity of said gas includes releasing a predetermined quantity of gas 25 to the enclosure so as to achieve said buoyancy force.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the gas is pre-stored within the support structure. WO 2007/036930 PCT/IL2006/001097 -17

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein the gas is pre-stored within a sealed unit within the support structure and is released by breaking a seal.

9. A hollow support structure (10) for supporting freely in space an object (11) that is integral with the support structure, said support structure being adapted to float in 5 air when filled with a gas having lower specific gravity than air and being adapted to be filled prior to use via a gas fill mechanism with a quantity of said gas at a controlled pressure so as to ensure that a buoyancy force of the enclosure counteracts a combined weight of the support structure and attached object; said gas fill mechanism being integral with the support structure and including 10 an inlet (16) for coupling to a gas supply (25, 40) and an adjustable pressure valve (21, 45, 54) for regulating gas pressure.

10. The support structure (10) according to claim 9, being a buoyant platform adapted to float in air and having an attachment point for attaching an object to the buoyant platform, whereby in use the buoyant platform together with the attached object 15 reaches an equilibrium position where a controlled buoyancy force of the platform counteracts a combined weight of the platform and attached object.

11. The support structure according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the object and the gas fill mechanism are enclosed in a common envelope (15).

12. The support structure according to any one of claims 9 to11, wherein the object 20 is an electrical device (11).

13. The support structure according to claim 12, wherein electrical device is self powered by a battery contained therein.

14. The support structure according to claim 12, wherein electrical device is powered by radiation conveyed to the electrical device. 25

15. The support structure according to claim 14, wherein electrical device is solar powered. WO 2007/036930 PCT/IL2006/001097 - 18

16. The support structure according to any one of claims 9 to 15, further including a remote controlled propeller for allowing controlled movement in space of a supported object.

17. A portable gas canister (25) configured for supplying gas having lower specific 5 gravity than air to the support structure (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 15.

18. The portable gas canister (25) according to claim 17, comprising: a hollow housing (26) having a sealed gas outlet (32) for coupling to a gas fill mechanism associated with the buoyant platform (10) or with the object (11), and having a sealed gas inlet (33) for coupling a gas supply thereto. 10

19. The portable gas canister (25) according to claim 18, wherein the housing includes: a substantially planar upper surface (27), a substantially planar lower surfaces (28) parallel to the upper surface (27), an opening (30) shaped for accommodating an object (11), and 15 a sealed gas outlet (32) in said opening for coupling to a gas connector (16) accessible from an outer surface of said object.

20. The portable gas canister (25) according to claim 19 or 19, wherein the housing further includes a handle for gripping the gas canister during use.

21. The portable gas canister (25) according to claim 20, wherein the handle is an 20 arcuate slot (29) formed in the housing between the upper and lower surfaces (27, 28) thereof.

22. The portable gas canister (40) according to claim 17, comprising: a body portion (42) containing said gas, a gas outlet (45) fluidly coupled to the body portion (42) for engaging a gas 25 connector (16) coupled directly or indirectly to the support structure.

23. The portable gas canister (40) according to claim 22, wherein the gas outlet (45) is disposed within a head portion (44) coupled to the body portion (42).

24. The portable gas canister (40) according to claim 22 or 23, further including: WO 2007/036930 PCT/IL2006/001097 -19 a pressure valve (46) for regulating gas pressure so that when the gas outlet (45) is inserted into the gas connector (16), it opens a self-sealing valve and injects gas at a preset pressure into the support structure (10).

25. An object (11) adapted for attaching to the support structure (10) according to 5 any one of claims 10 to 15.

26. The object according to claim 25, having a gas fill mechanism integral therewith.

27. The object according to claim 26, wherein the gas fill mechanism includes an inlet (16) for coupling to a gas supply (25, 40). 10

28. The object according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the gas fill mechanism includes a pressure valve (21, 45, 54) for regulating gas pressure.

29. The object according to claim 28, wherein the pressure valve (21, 45, 54) is adjustable.

30. The object according to any one of claims 25 to29, wherein the object is an 15 electrical device (11).

31. The object according to claim 30, wherein electrical device is self-powered by a battery contained therein.

32. The object according to claim 31, wherein electrical device is powered by radiation conveyed to the electrical device. 20

33. The object according to claim 32, wherein electrical device is solar-powered.

34. An object (50, 60) being integral with the support structure (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 1.

35. The object according to claim 34, having a gas fill mechanism integral therewith. WO 2007/036930 PCT/IL2006/001097 -20

36. The object according to claim 35, wherein the gas fill mechanism includes an inlet (16) for coupling to a gas supply (25, 40).

37. The object according to claim 35 or36, wherein the gas fill mechanism includes a pressure valve (21, 45, 54) for regulating gas pressure. 5

38. The object according to claim 37, wherein the pressure valve (21, 45, 54) is adjustable.

39. The object (50) according to any one of claims 34 to 38, wherein the support structure serves as a casing (51) for said object.

40. The object according to any one of claims 34 to 39, wherein the support 10 structure has a hollow wall section (52) adapted to be filled with gas.

41. The object according to claim 39 or 40, further including a gas inlet (53) for coupling to an external source of gas.

42. The object according to claim 41, further including a pressure valve (54) coupled to the gas inlet (53) for adjusting gas pressure injected to the support structure. 15

43. The object (62) according to claim 35, wherein the gas fill mechanism includes a sealed unit containing a quantity of gas, which is released by breaking a gas seal (63) accessible from an outer surface of the object.

44. The object according to any one of claims 34 to43, wherein the object is an electrical device (11). 20

45. The object according to claim 44, wherein electrical device is self-powered by a battery contained therein.

46. The object according to claim 44, wherein electrical device is powered by radiation conveyed to the electrical device.

47. The object according to claim 46, wherein electrical device is solar-powered. WO 2007/036930 PCT/IL2006/001097 -21

48. The object according to any one of claims 25 to 47, further including a remote controlled propeller for allowing controlled movement in space of the object.

49. A kit comprising at least two modules in the group including: (i) a buoyant support structure (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 15; 5 (ii)an object (11) according to any one of claims 25 to 47; and (iii)a portable gas canister (26, 40) according to any one of claims 17 to 24.

50. A method for supporting an object (11, 50) freely in space without requiring an anchoring point connected to ground, substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. 10

51. A buoyant support structure (10, 50) for supporting an object (11) freely in space without requiring an anchoring point connected to ground, substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

52. A buoyant support structure (10, 50) for supporting an object (11) freely in space without requiring an anchoring point connected to ground and having an object 15 integrally attached thereto, substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

53. A portable gas canister (25, 40) for supplying gas to the buoyant support structure (10, 50), substantially as described herein with reference to Figs. 6a, 6b, 7a and 7b or with reference to Figs 1 la, 11 b and 11 c of the accompanying drawings.