CA1192048A - Balloon type structure and methods for inflating same - Google Patents
Balloon type structure and methods for inflating sameInfo
- Publication number
- CA1192048A CA1192048A CA000413342A CA413342A CA1192048A CA 1192048 A CA1192048 A CA 1192048A CA 000413342 A CA000413342 A CA 000413342A CA 413342 A CA413342 A CA 413342A CA 1192048 A CA1192048 A CA 1192048A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- tube
- air
- tubes
- inflated
- constructed
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
- Expired
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
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- 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
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- 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
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- 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
- A63H2027/1075—Special shapes or constructions
Landscapes
- Toys (AREA)
- Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)
- Fats And Perfumes (AREA)
- Catching Or Destruction (AREA)
- Walking Sticks, Umbrellas, And Fans (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
A new use of industrially available, relatively long, thin, flexible, air-impermeable plastic tubes as balloon-type structures, and methods for inflating the same are disclosed. The tubes of plastic material may be inflated by operatively sealing one end, maintaining the other end open to ambient atmosphere, and by running with the open end; or by rapidly moving the open end up and down to thereby facilitate the flow of air into the tube, whereupon the open end is sealed. The inflated or partially inflated plastic tube may be twisted and tied into knot-type forms, alone or with other tubes. The tubes readily lend themselves to use in children's games, as an art medium, decoration, advertising medium or a floating device upon which people can rest or float in shallow water.
A new use of industrially available, relatively long, thin, flexible, air-impermeable plastic tubes as balloon-type structures, and methods for inflating the same are disclosed. The tubes of plastic material may be inflated by operatively sealing one end, maintaining the other end open to ambient atmosphere, and by running with the open end; or by rapidly moving the open end up and down to thereby facilitate the flow of air into the tube, whereupon the open end is sealed. The inflated or partially inflated plastic tube may be twisted and tied into knot-type forms, alone or with other tubes. The tubes readily lend themselves to use in children's games, as an art medium, decoration, advertising medium or a floating device upon which people can rest or float in shallow water.
Description
The present invention i9 related to a new use of long tubes of thin plastic material as balloon-type devices and methods of inflating such devices.
Industrial uses of large tubes of thin, flexible, gas-impermeable, non-elastic plastic material such as poly--ethylene, polyvinyl chloride (P.V.C.), polypropylene include use in agricultural hot-houses, packaginy, and the produc-tion of bags. The raw plastic material is many times available in long tube-like forms having diameters of anywhere from six inches to several feet and lengths of up to 50 or more feet. These tubes of industrial plastic may be translucent, typically available in a wide range of pastel colors, and are very inexpensive.
The plastic material is usually very durable and can be twisted and flexed over long periods of time without tearing. The material is very lightweight~ tubes of up to 50 feet weighing only a few ounces.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a new use of such industrial product as an amusement device, children's game, advertising medium, flotation device for use in shallow water, sculpture medium or decorative medium.
It i5 a further object of the present invention to provide a simple method of inflating the plastic tubes to thereby employ the plastic tubes for the above~mentioned new uses~
In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, an article comprisi~g a relatively long tube of thin, flexible gas~impermeable and substantially non-elastic material i5 adapted for use as a recreational device. The tube of plastic material is adapted to be at least partially inflated and operatively sealed at both ends thereof and is capable of being bent and tied into knot-type forms when so par-tially inflated. In accordance with specific en~odiments of the invention, the inflated tube may be used as a flotation device for supporting a person in shallow water, as an amusement device, an advertising device or as an art medium.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method of manually inflating the relatively long tube of thin, flexible~ g~s-impermeable and substantially non-elastic plastic material includes operatively sealing one end of the tube, manually maintaining the other end of the tube open to the ambient atmosphere to allow air to flow into the tube from a given direction, moving the tube toward the given direction to facilitate the flow of air into the tube, and operatively sealing the other end of the tube when the tuhe i5 at least partially filled with air. The step of moving the tube toward the given direction may specifically be accomplished by simpl.y running with the tube.
In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, a second method of manu.lly inflating the relatively long tube of thin, flexible, gas-impermeable and substantially non-elastic material includes operatively sealing one end of the tube, manually inflating the other end of the tube open to the ambient atmosphere, repeatedly moving the other end of the tube up and down while orienting that end of the tube to faciliate the flow of air into the tube during a-t least a portion of the up and down mo-tion, and operatively sealing the othe.r end of the tube when -the tube is at least partially filled with air. The step of orienting the end of the tube to facilitate the flow of air into the air may include selectively changing the orientation of the end of the tube as a function of the up and down motion to facilitate the flow of air into the tube during both the upon and down motions, thereby "sccoping" air into the tube.
The foregoing objects and embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the following drawing figures o which:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a compact packaged plastic tube in accordance with the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a partial, diagrammatic view illustrating one technique of operativPly sealing an end of the plastic tube;
Fig. 3 is a partial, diagrammatic view which illustrates one technique of manually maintaining an end of the plastic tuke open to the ambient atmosphere to facilitate the flow of air into the tube;
Fig. 4 is a reduced-size diagrammatic view which illustrates a technique of running with the tube to facilitate the flow of air into the tube;
Fig. 5 is a reduced-size diagrammatic view which illustrates a technique of moving the open end of the tube up and down to facilitate the flow of air into the tube;
Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the plastic tube taken along the lines 6 6 of Figure 5 and looking in the direction of the arrows;
Fig. 7 is a partial diagrammatic view which illustrates a paix of partially inflated plastic tubes operatively tied to one another;
Fig.8 is a reduced-size diagrammatic illustration of a plurality of the partially inflated plastic tubes twisted together and tied into knot-type forms to provide a water flotation device;
Fig. 9 is a reduced-size diagrammatic view which illustrates the use of a plurality of inflated tubes as a sculpture or are medium;
Fig.10 is a partial diagrammatic view illustrating a technique for further facilitating the inflation of the plastic tube by air already trapped therein;
Figs. 11A and 11B are partial cross-sectional views illustrating the technique of interconnecting two or moire plastic tubes by means of cylindrical conduits; and Fig. 12 is a reduced-size diagrammatic view of an inflated tuve used as a lighter than air, byoyant body.
With general reference to the Figures, industrially availale thin, flixible, gas-impermeable and substantilly non-elastic plastic material 2 is provided in the form of a long tube. According to the present invention, such material may be formed of any plastic having such properties including polyethylened, polyvinyl chloride or polypropylene. Typical uses of such plasti c material include use in agricultural hot-houses, packing asn plastic bags. Howefer, upon the inflation thereof and the sealing of the ends, a large balloon-tupe structure is produced which readily lends itself to use in childreen's games, as an art or advertising medium, decoration, or a flotation device upon which people can resst and float in shallow water.
With specific reference to Figure 1, the thin plastic material 2 is very lightweight and flexibvle such that when deflated, the material may be folded into a very compact form and placed in a small plastic carrying case 4 or any other convenient carrying means.
Two methods of inflating the plastic tube ~ in accordance with the present invention will be described with reference to FicJures 2 throuyh 5 and 10. As shown in Figure
Industrial uses of large tubes of thin, flexible, gas-impermeable, non-elastic plastic material such as poly--ethylene, polyvinyl chloride (P.V.C.), polypropylene include use in agricultural hot-houses, packaginy, and the produc-tion of bags. The raw plastic material is many times available in long tube-like forms having diameters of anywhere from six inches to several feet and lengths of up to 50 or more feet. These tubes of industrial plastic may be translucent, typically available in a wide range of pastel colors, and are very inexpensive.
The plastic material is usually very durable and can be twisted and flexed over long periods of time without tearing. The material is very lightweight~ tubes of up to 50 feet weighing only a few ounces.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a new use of such industrial product as an amusement device, children's game, advertising medium, flotation device for use in shallow water, sculpture medium or decorative medium.
It i5 a further object of the present invention to provide a simple method of inflating the plastic tubes to thereby employ the plastic tubes for the above~mentioned new uses~
In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, an article comprisi~g a relatively long tube of thin, flexible gas~impermeable and substantially non-elastic material i5 adapted for use as a recreational device. The tube of plastic material is adapted to be at least partially inflated and operatively sealed at both ends thereof and is capable of being bent and tied into knot-type forms when so par-tially inflated. In accordance with specific en~odiments of the invention, the inflated tube may be used as a flotation device for supporting a person in shallow water, as an amusement device, an advertising device or as an art medium.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method of manually inflating the relatively long tube of thin, flexible~ g~s-impermeable and substantially non-elastic plastic material includes operatively sealing one end of the tube, manually maintaining the other end of the tube open to the ambient atmosphere to allow air to flow into the tube from a given direction, moving the tube toward the given direction to facilitate the flow of air into the tube, and operatively sealing the other end of the tube when the tuhe i5 at least partially filled with air. The step of moving the tube toward the given direction may specifically be accomplished by simpl.y running with the tube.
In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, a second method of manu.lly inflating the relatively long tube of thin, flexible, gas-impermeable and substantially non-elastic material includes operatively sealing one end of the tube, manually inflating the other end of the tube open to the ambient atmosphere, repeatedly moving the other end of the tube up and down while orienting that end of the tube to faciliate the flow of air into the tube during a-t least a portion of the up and down mo-tion, and operatively sealing the othe.r end of the tube when -the tube is at least partially filled with air. The step of orienting the end of the tube to facilitate the flow of air into the air may include selectively changing the orientation of the end of the tube as a function of the up and down motion to facilitate the flow of air into the tube during both the upon and down motions, thereby "sccoping" air into the tube.
The foregoing objects and embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the following drawing figures o which:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a compact packaged plastic tube in accordance with the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a partial, diagrammatic view illustrating one technique of operativPly sealing an end of the plastic tube;
Fig. 3 is a partial, diagrammatic view which illustrates one technique of manually maintaining an end of the plastic tuke open to the ambient atmosphere to facilitate the flow of air into the tube;
Fig. 4 is a reduced-size diagrammatic view which illustrates a technique of running with the tube to facilitate the flow of air into the tube;
Fig. 5 is a reduced-size diagrammatic view which illustrates a technique of moving the open end of the tube up and down to facilitate the flow of air into the tube;
Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the plastic tube taken along the lines 6 6 of Figure 5 and looking in the direction of the arrows;
Fig. 7 is a partial diagrammatic view which illustrates a paix of partially inflated plastic tubes operatively tied to one another;
Fig.8 is a reduced-size diagrammatic illustration of a plurality of the partially inflated plastic tubes twisted together and tied into knot-type forms to provide a water flotation device;
Fig. 9 is a reduced-size diagrammatic view which illustrates the use of a plurality of inflated tubes as a sculpture or are medium;
Fig.10 is a partial diagrammatic view illustrating a technique for further facilitating the inflation of the plastic tube by air already trapped therein;
Figs. 11A and 11B are partial cross-sectional views illustrating the technique of interconnecting two or moire plastic tubes by means of cylindrical conduits; and Fig. 12 is a reduced-size diagrammatic view of an inflated tuve used as a lighter than air, byoyant body.
With general reference to the Figures, industrially availale thin, flixible, gas-impermeable and substantilly non-elastic plastic material 2 is provided in the form of a long tube. According to the present invention, such material may be formed of any plastic having such properties including polyethylened, polyvinyl chloride or polypropylene. Typical uses of such plasti c material include use in agricultural hot-houses, packing asn plastic bags. Howefer, upon the inflation thereof and the sealing of the ends, a large balloon-tupe structure is produced which readily lends itself to use in childreen's games, as an art or advertising medium, decoration, or a flotation device upon which people can resst and float in shallow water.
With specific reference to Figure 1, the thin plastic material 2 is very lightweight and flexibvle such that when deflated, the material may be folded into a very compact form and placed in a small plastic carrying case 4 or any other convenient carrying means.
Two methods of inflating the plastic tube ~ in accordance with the present invention will be described with reference to FicJures 2 throuyh 5 and 10. As shown in Figure
2, one of the ends of the plastic tube 2 is operatively sealed by means of a knot 8 or by any other convenient means such as by twisting a paper-covered wire over the end of -the tube in a well known manner, or by any other suitable means. A5 shown in Figure 3~ -the user manually maintains the o-ther end of the tube 6 open -to the ambient atmosphere to thereby facilitate the flow of air into the tube. While Figure 3 illustrates the use of both hands to maintain end 6 of the tube open to the ambient atmosphere, only a single h~nd may be required under many circumstances, especially when larger-diameter tubes are beinq used, as illustrated in Figure 4, for example~ While maintaining end 6 of the tube open to the am~ient atmosphere, the user, if outdoors, may simple run with the tube while holding open the unsealed end 6 so that the movement through the atmosphere is used to force air to enter the tube 2. Since the plastic rna~erial is very lightweight, the en-tire tube will thus be easily inflated, and the unsealed end 6 may then be sealed in a manner similar -to that employed for the other end, thereby preventing escap~ of air Erom the gas-impermeab]e tube.
~ he second method of inflating the tu~e is illustrated in Figure 5. Again maintaining end 6 of the tube open to the ~nbient atmosphere, the user, if indoors or confined within a small area, rapidly moves the open end of the tube up and down, the opening of the tube facing the direction o~ upward or downward ~ravel. Air will thus be forced into the tube, allowing the -tube to be inflated without running.
Figure 10 illustrates a techrlique for further facilltatlng -the flow of air into a plastic -tube, especially for relatively l~ng tubes. Upon the initial flow of air into the open end of the tube, the air inside the tube may be forced toward the tied end of the tube in the following manner. First, the user grasps the open end of the tul^e to prevent the escape of air from the tube, the user's hands being in positions "A" and "B" as shown. The air at the open end of the tube ~ay be forced toward the sealed end of the tube by the user sliding his hand toward the sealed end of tube by the user sliding his hand toward the sealed end of the tube while constricting the tube to keep as little air as possible from escaptiny at the open end. As the user moves his hand to position "C" to force the air toward the sealed end, the user's other hand is kept at the open end in position "A". Thus, by repeatedly scooping air into the open end of the tube as shown in Figures 4 or 51 and by repeatedly forcins the air toward the sealed end of the tube, extremely long tubes may be easily inflated, or a single shorter tube may be tightly inflated. A knot may then be formed at position "C" to thereby seal the end of the tube.
Figure 6 illustrates a cross-section view of the plastic tube taken along line 6-6 of Figure 5. The plastic material is typically very thin such as polye~hylene or P.V.C. or polypropylene. The material is typically translucent and available in a wide range of pastel colors. Additionally, such plastic material is usually very durable and can be twis-ted and flexed over long periods of time without -tearing.
The material is also very lightweight, tubes of up to 50 feet weighing only a few ounces.
~ he second method of inflating the tu~e is illustrated in Figure 5. Again maintaining end 6 of the tube open to the ~nbient atmosphere, the user, if indoors or confined within a small area, rapidly moves the open end of the tube up and down, the opening of the tube facing the direction o~ upward or downward ~ravel. Air will thus be forced into the tube, allowing the -tube to be inflated without running.
Figure 10 illustrates a techrlique for further facilltatlng -the flow of air into a plastic -tube, especially for relatively l~ng tubes. Upon the initial flow of air into the open end of the tube, the air inside the tube may be forced toward the tied end of the tube in the following manner. First, the user grasps the open end of the tul^e to prevent the escape of air from the tube, the user's hands being in positions "A" and "B" as shown. The air at the open end of the tube ~ay be forced toward the sealed end of the tube by the user sliding his hand toward the sealed end of tube by the user sliding his hand toward the sealed end of the tube while constricting the tube to keep as little air as possible from escaptiny at the open end. As the user moves his hand to position "C" to force the air toward the sealed end, the user's other hand is kept at the open end in position "A". Thus, by repeatedly scooping air into the open end of the tube as shown in Figures 4 or 51 and by repeatedly forcins the air toward the sealed end of the tube, extremely long tubes may be easily inflated, or a single shorter tube may be tightly inflated. A knot may then be formed at position "C" to thereby seal the end of the tube.
Figure 6 illustrates a cross-section view of the plastic tube taken along line 6-6 of Figure 5. The plastic material is typically very thin such as polye~hylene or P.V.C. or polypropylene. The material is typically translucent and available in a wide range of pastel colors. Additionally, such plastic material is usually very durable and can be twis-ted and flexed over long periods of time without -tearing.
The material is also very lightweight, tubes of up to 50 feet weighing only a few ounces.
3'~&~
While the inflated tu~es may be used by children simply as a balloon type amusement device, Figures 7-9, llA, lls and 12 illustrate further uses of -the inflated tube.
Figure 7 illustrates a pair of tubes 2 and 2' being tied to one another at their ends by a common knot 8'. Additional inflated tubes may further be tied to the common knot 8' or may be tied to other parts of the tubes 2 or 2' or to the other end of tubes 2 or 2' to form large structures of arbitrary shapes and configurations.
Figure 8 illustrates a plurality of inflated tubes twisted together and tied in knot-type fo~ns which may be used as a flotation device in a shallow body of water 10. In accordance with this specific embodiment of the inventi~n, a plurality of tubes may be used as a "free-form" water raft.
It should be noted, however, that the tubes should not be usea as a safety device or flotation device in deep water 7 since the thin plastic material is subject to punctures.
The tubes are thus rendered safe as fl-tation devices only ir~ shallow water where the user can otherwise comfortably stand with his upper body well above the water level.
Figure 9 illustrates the use of a plurality of inflated tubes as an art medium, specifically a sculpture medium. Tube 14 is shown as beins partially inflated and disposed in an arc or "rainbow" configuration, while tube 16 is vertically oriented, a knot being formed at the top 18 thereoE. By painting or printing messages or slogans on the surface of the tubes, the tubes may be used as an advertising medium as well as an art or sculpture medium If it is clesired to bend and shape the tube at a ~lurality of locations, the tube should not be fully inflated since the plastic material is substantlally non-elastic.
~ J~ 8 Figures lLA and llB illustrate a techn:ique of interconnecting two or more plastic tubes using cylindrical conduits as an alternative to the technique described by reference to Figure 7. Specifically, Figure llA illustrates the technique of providing a straight cylindrical conduit 20 disposed withi.n one end oE t-~e 2a ~nd ~ithin one end of tube 2b. The end of tube 2a is sealed around conduit 20 by means of a s-tring or wire 22a, while the end of tube 2b is s milarly sealed about conduit 20 by means of a string or wire 2?b. In Figure llB, the cylindrical conduit 24 is "Y" shaped, thus interconnecting three tubes 2a, 2b and 2c~
The ends of tubes 2a~ ~b and 2c are sealed around conduit 24 by means of strings or wires 26a, 26b and 26c, respectively.
Conduits 20 and 24 may be made of lightweight plastic or other suitable material, and are hollo~ to thereby allow -the flow of air from one tube to another, as shown in the figures. More than one tube at a time may be inflated in this manner, especially by utilizing the technique illustrated in Figure lO for facilitating the flow of air into the far end of the furthes- tube from the opening of the inflating tube.
Still ano-ther use of the tubes is as a lighter than-air body which will naturally rise in the ambient atmosphere, yet which re~uires no special gas such as helium or the like.
Speclfically, b~ i.nflating a large tube ~hich is colored black or ano-ther dark color, the air within the tube, when expected to direct sunlight over a given period of time, wil.l rise significantly in temperature since the black or dark material of the tube will react to the sunlight and produce heat thereby heating the air within the tube. As the air within the tube increases in temperature it expands; and the tube will eventually become bouyant in the a~losphere and will naturall~ rise, as illustrated in Figure 12.
Unlike other balloon-type amusement clevices, the present invention is readily available in almost unlimited lengths. The balloon-type structures may be as large as 50 feet in length or more, yet fold up to a very compact size when not inflated. The plastic material is tough and durable and is fully reusable. However, should small holes or rips in the material occur, such can easily be repaired by simply using an adhesive, cellulose or plastic tape to cover any holes or rips. Finally, while the plastic tube may be inElated using conventional means such as an air compressor, the tube in accordance with the present invention readily lends itself to inflation by the above describea methods which require no mechanical equipment and which may easily be accomplished by children.
~ ihile the pxeferred embodiments have been described in the specification, the scope of the invention shall be defined wi-th reference to the following claims.
While the inflated tu~es may be used by children simply as a balloon type amusement device, Figures 7-9, llA, lls and 12 illustrate further uses of -the inflated tube.
Figure 7 illustrates a pair of tubes 2 and 2' being tied to one another at their ends by a common knot 8'. Additional inflated tubes may further be tied to the common knot 8' or may be tied to other parts of the tubes 2 or 2' or to the other end of tubes 2 or 2' to form large structures of arbitrary shapes and configurations.
Figure 8 illustrates a plurality of inflated tubes twisted together and tied in knot-type fo~ns which may be used as a flotation device in a shallow body of water 10. In accordance with this specific embodiment of the inventi~n, a plurality of tubes may be used as a "free-form" water raft.
It should be noted, however, that the tubes should not be usea as a safety device or flotation device in deep water 7 since the thin plastic material is subject to punctures.
The tubes are thus rendered safe as fl-tation devices only ir~ shallow water where the user can otherwise comfortably stand with his upper body well above the water level.
Figure 9 illustrates the use of a plurality of inflated tubes as an art medium, specifically a sculpture medium. Tube 14 is shown as beins partially inflated and disposed in an arc or "rainbow" configuration, while tube 16 is vertically oriented, a knot being formed at the top 18 thereoE. By painting or printing messages or slogans on the surface of the tubes, the tubes may be used as an advertising medium as well as an art or sculpture medium If it is clesired to bend and shape the tube at a ~lurality of locations, the tube should not be fully inflated since the plastic material is substantlally non-elastic.
~ J~ 8 Figures lLA and llB illustrate a techn:ique of interconnecting two or more plastic tubes using cylindrical conduits as an alternative to the technique described by reference to Figure 7. Specifically, Figure llA illustrates the technique of providing a straight cylindrical conduit 20 disposed withi.n one end oE t-~e 2a ~nd ~ithin one end of tube 2b. The end of tube 2a is sealed around conduit 20 by means of a s-tring or wire 22a, while the end of tube 2b is s milarly sealed about conduit 20 by means of a string or wire 2?b. In Figure llB, the cylindrical conduit 24 is "Y" shaped, thus interconnecting three tubes 2a, 2b and 2c~
The ends of tubes 2a~ ~b and 2c are sealed around conduit 24 by means of strings or wires 26a, 26b and 26c, respectively.
Conduits 20 and 24 may be made of lightweight plastic or other suitable material, and are hollo~ to thereby allow -the flow of air from one tube to another, as shown in the figures. More than one tube at a time may be inflated in this manner, especially by utilizing the technique illustrated in Figure lO for facilitating the flow of air into the far end of the furthes- tube from the opening of the inflating tube.
Still ano-ther use of the tubes is as a lighter than-air body which will naturally rise in the ambient atmosphere, yet which re~uires no special gas such as helium or the like.
Speclfically, b~ i.nflating a large tube ~hich is colored black or ano-ther dark color, the air within the tube, when expected to direct sunlight over a given period of time, wil.l rise significantly in temperature since the black or dark material of the tube will react to the sunlight and produce heat thereby heating the air within the tube. As the air within the tube increases in temperature it expands; and the tube will eventually become bouyant in the a~losphere and will naturall~ rise, as illustrated in Figure 12.
Unlike other balloon-type amusement clevices, the present invention is readily available in almost unlimited lengths. The balloon-type structures may be as large as 50 feet in length or more, yet fold up to a very compact size when not inflated. The plastic material is tough and durable and is fully reusable. However, should small holes or rips in the material occur, such can easily be repaired by simply using an adhesive, cellulose or plastic tape to cover any holes or rips. Finally, while the plastic tube may be inElated using conventional means such as an air compressor, the tube in accordance with the present invention readily lends itself to inflation by the above describea methods which require no mechanical equipment and which may easily be accomplished by children.
~ ihile the pxeferred embodiments have been described in the specification, the scope of the invention shall be defined wi-th reference to the following claims.
Claims (13)
1. An article adapted for use as a recreational device comprising a relatively long tube of thin, flexible, gas-impermeable and substantially non-elastic plastic material adapted to be at least partially inflated, operatively sealed at both ends thereof and constructed and arranged to be capable of being bent and tied into knot-type forms when partially inflated.
2. The recreational device of Claim 1, wherein said tube is constructed and arranged to be used as a flotation device for supporting a person in shallow water.
3. The recreational device of Claim 1, wherein said tube is constructed and arranged to be used as an amusement device.
4. The recreational device of Claim 1, wherein said tube is constructed and arranged to be used as an art medium.
5. The recreational device of Claim 1, wherein said tube has printing thereon and is constructed and arranged to be used as an advertising medium.
6. The recreational device of Claim 1, wherein said tube is substantially black or a dark color such that said tube acts as a lighter-than-air body when exposed to sunlight.
7. The recreational device of Claims 1, 2 or 3 , wherein said plastic material includes one of polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride and polypropylene.
8. An article adapted for use as a recreational device comprising first and second relatively long tubes of thin, flexible, gas-impermeable and substantially non-elastic plastic material adapted to be at least partially inflated, said first and second tubes each having first and second ends, said first ends of said first and second tubes being sealed,said second ends of said first and second tubes being interconnected by conduit means allowing the passage of air from said first tube to said second tube, said first and second tubes constructed and arranged to be capable of being bent and tied into knot-type forms when partially inflated.
9. A method of manually inflating a relatively long tube of thin, flexible, gas-impermeable and substantially non-elastic plastic material comprising:
operatively sealing one end of said tube;
manually maintaining the other end of said tube open to the ambient atmosphere to allow air to flow into said tube from a given direction;
moving said tube toward given direction to facilitate the flow of air into said tube; and operatively sealing said other end of said tube when said tube is at least partially filled with air.
operatively sealing one end of said tube;
manually maintaining the other end of said tube open to the ambient atmosphere to allow air to flow into said tube from a given direction;
moving said tube toward given direction to facilitate the flow of air into said tube; and operatively sealing said other end of said tube when said tube is at least partially filled with air.
10. The method of Claim 9, wherein the step of moving said tube includes running with said tube toward said given direction.
11. A method of manually inflating a relatively long tube of thin, flexible, gas-impermeable and substantially non-elastic material comprising:
operatively sealing one end of said tube;
manually maintaining the other end of said tube open to the ambient atmosphere;
repeatedly moving said other open end of said tube up and down;
orienting said other open end of said tube to facilitate the flow of air into said tube during at least a portion of the up and down motion; and operatively sealing said other end of said tube when said tube is at least partially filled with air.
operatively sealing one end of said tube;
manually maintaining the other end of said tube open to the ambient atmosphere;
repeatedly moving said other open end of said tube up and down;
orienting said other open end of said tube to facilitate the flow of air into said tube during at least a portion of the up and down motion; and operatively sealing said other end of said tube when said tube is at least partially filled with air.
12. The method of Claim 11 further comprising selectively changing the orientation of said other end of said tube as a function of said up and down motion to facilitate the flow of air into said tube during both said up and said down motions thereby scooping air into said tube.
13. The method of Claims 9, 10, or 11 further comprising:
grasping said other end of said tube with both hands at first positions after air has entered said tube and constricting said tube;
moving the one hand which is closer to said one end from its first position to a second position toward said one end;
maintaining said constriction of said tube as said one hand moves along the tube from said first to said second position while maintaining the other end of said tube closed with the other hand to thereby further facilitate the movement of air toward said one end; and thereafter operatively sealing said other end of said tube substantially at the location of said one hand while maintaining said one hand at said second position until said other end has been sealed.
grasping said other end of said tube with both hands at first positions after air has entered said tube and constricting said tube;
moving the one hand which is closer to said one end from its first position to a second position toward said one end;
maintaining said constriction of said tube as said one hand moves along the tube from said first to said second position while maintaining the other end of said tube closed with the other hand to thereby further facilitate the movement of air toward said one end; and thereafter operatively sealing said other end of said tube substantially at the location of said one hand while maintaining said one hand at said second position until said other end has been sealed.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US31208481A | 1981-10-16 | 1981-10-16 | |
| US312,084 | 1981-10-16 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1192048A true CA1192048A (en) | 1985-08-20 |
Family
ID=23209805
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000413342A Expired CA1192048A (en) | 1981-10-16 | 1982-10-13 | Balloon type structure and methods for inflating same |
Country Status (8)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0081899B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS5899979A (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE25589T1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU557904B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1192048A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3275502D1 (en) |
| DK (1) | DK452582A (en) |
| ZA (1) | ZA827475B (en) |
Families Citing this family (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4693695A (en) * | 1986-03-31 | 1987-09-15 | Cheng Peter S C | Ascending and descending balloon action toy |
| US5186675A (en) * | 1991-11-19 | 1993-02-16 | Stoddard Robert D D | Air vent toy |
| EP0784310A3 (en) * | 1996-01-11 | 1999-07-14 | Guy Laufer | Amusement device |
| JP2004520136A (en) * | 2001-02-23 | 2004-07-08 | ヘルナンデス フラビオ ブイ マリン | Inflatable toys |
| AU2002246443A1 (en) * | 2002-03-13 | 2003-09-22 | Flavio Valerio Marin Hernandez | Inflatable toy and production method thereof |
Family Cites Families (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR1317787A (en) * | 1963-05-08 | |||
| US2688207A (en) * | 1950-12-12 | 1954-09-07 | Us Rubber Co | Ridable water toy |
| US2731768A (en) * | 1952-09-11 | 1956-01-24 | Ideal Toy Corp | Inflatable toy device |
| US3071892A (en) * | 1960-04-07 | 1963-01-08 | Gadget Of The Month Club Inc | Inflatable travel toy |
| US3153878A (en) * | 1960-04-11 | 1964-10-27 | Jr Bonne Smith | Flying solarthermic toy airship |
| DE1495730B2 (en) * | 1963-07-24 | 1971-03-18 | Farbenfabriken Bayer AG, 5090 Le verkusen | PROCESS FOR MANUFACTURING THERMOPLASTIC POLYCONDENSATION PRODUCTS |
| US3671350A (en) * | 1969-12-24 | 1972-06-20 | Edward B Westlake Jr | Method of producing a plastic shopping bag |
| JPS4820598B1 (en) * | 1970-02-16 | 1973-06-22 | ||
| US4053376A (en) * | 1976-10-27 | 1977-10-11 | Ppg Industries, Inc. | Electrolytic production of hydrogen iodide |
| DE7734838U1 (en) * | 1977-11-14 | 1978-04-20 | Heimann, Alexander, 3000 Hannover | DRAGONS |
| US4213267A (en) * | 1979-01-02 | 1980-07-22 | Curtis Eugene E | Composite balloon figure and method of making the same |
-
1982
- 1982-10-07 AU AU89186/82A patent/AU557904B2/en not_active Expired
- 1982-10-13 ZA ZA827475A patent/ZA827475B/en unknown
- 1982-10-13 DK DK452582A patent/DK452582A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1982-10-13 CA CA000413342A patent/CA1192048A/en not_active Expired
- 1982-10-15 DE DE8282305503T patent/DE3275502D1/en not_active Expired
- 1982-10-15 AT AT82305503T patent/ATE25589T1/en active
- 1982-10-15 EP EP82305503A patent/EP0081899B1/en not_active Expired
- 1982-10-16 JP JP57182028A patent/JPS5899979A/en active Pending
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| ZA827475B (en) | 1983-09-28 |
| AU557904B2 (en) | 1987-01-15 |
| DK452582A (en) | 1983-04-17 |
| AU8918682A (en) | 1983-04-21 |
| DE3275502D1 (en) | 1987-04-09 |
| EP0081899B1 (en) | 1987-03-04 |
| ATE25589T1 (en) | 1987-03-15 |
| JPS5899979A (en) | 1983-06-14 |
| EP0081899A1 (en) | 1983-06-22 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEC | Expiry (correction) | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |