DK2898935T3

DK2898935T3 - balloon Unit

Info

Publication number: DK2898935T3
Application number: DK15151486.6T
Authority: DK
Inventors: Reiko Denisz
Original assignee: Reiko Denisz
Priority date: 2014-01-22
Filing date: 2015-01-16
Publication date: 2016-09-12
Also published as: DE202014100254U1; EP2898935B1; EP2898935A1

Description

The present invention relates to a balloon unit comprising a balloon with an expendable balloon envelope, at least one balloon opening for inflating the balloon and at least one illuminating device comprising at least one illuminant provided in the balloon envelope. A supporting element with a flange head and a flange neck between the flange head and the illuminating device is provided at or around the illuminating device. The balloon envelope encloses the flange head and the flange neck and is fixed to the flange neck by at least one fastening material provided from a balloon outside around the balloon envelope, so that the flange head enclosed by the balloon envelope forms a projection at the balloon and the illuminating device is held inside of the balloon envelope. A balloon unit of this type is known from the document EP 2 136 891 Bl. In the known balloon unit, a small LED-unit is installed inside the balloon. The LED-unit comprises a casing, in which three coin-cell batteries with a high-intensity LED are provided. The casing comprises a protrusion by which the casing can be fixed inside the balloon by an 0-ring, which is led over the protrusion along the outer surface of the balloon .

Between the LED and the batteries, a stripe of isolating material is provided in the condition of delivery. Starting from the illuminating device, this stripe extends through the entire balloon up through the inlet opening of the balloon. In the cross section reduced air inlet area of the balloon, the stripe has an area of extended width, whereby the stripe is held in the balloon and thus between the batteries and the LED, if the stripe is not being pulled with appropriate force. In addition, the stripe comprises another enlarged area outside of the balloon, which serves as a means to pull the stripe out of the balloon, thus establishing an electrical contact between the batteries and the LED.

If the stripe is removed between the batteries and the LED, a permanent electrical contact is provided between the batteries and the LED, which will lead to an exhaustion of the batteries after some time and the balloon no longer being brought to light. Hence, the balloon will lose its functional properties after a certain amount of time.

Furthermore, the commissioning of the balloon by pulling the strip contains the risk of tearing the strip without the strip being removed from between the LED and the batteries. In this case, the balloon cannot be brought to light at all.

In case of the known balloon, there is also no possibility to intermediately turn off the lighting if it is perceived as bothersome. The known balloon is therefore only suitable for singular use, has an unsafe handling and a severely impaired functionality and is not energy-efficient.

The document WO 01/83067 A2 discloses an air balloon which provides an OLED-arrangement on the inside surface, outside surface or between two layers. The OLED-arrangement is, for example, applied to the surface of the balloon by inkjet print. The OLED-arrangement is linked to a microprocessor, an electric control mechanism and a power source. The OLED-arrangement is controlled by a control unit, which is energized by an energy source. The control unit comprises a microprocessor and a memory device. The receiver, which is also comprised by the control unit, is provided as a RF, optical or infrared detector and receives instructions to control the OLED-arrangement. A switch of the energy source can be provided as a pressure switch, RF, light, voice, movement or a capacitive sensor.

The document WO 02/02401 A1 describes an illuminated balloon and a device for an installation of the inflated, illuminated balloon. The balloon can either be illuminated by a chemiluminescent light source or by a battery powered light source. The battery powered light source is connected to the balloon, wherein it is tied to the gas inlet opening, protruding the balloon. To activate the battery powered light source, a tag has to be removed from between the batteries.

The document WO 2008/008980 A2 discloses a balloon containing a light source. The light source is attached to the end of a tube, which extends into the balloon, wherein the other end of the tube is fixed to an opening of the balloon. The light source is connected to a power source outside the balloon through electric lines. The electric lines are being lead out of the balloon through the tube by the light source in the balloon. The tube can be connected to the balloon using a clamp, a sleeve or a sealing ring. The light source of the device can also be formed as a chemi-luminescent light source or a glow stick.

The document WO 2012/175945 A1 discloses an illuminating device to install inside a balloon, whereby the illuminating device comprises a casing in which a light source and batteries for activating the light source are provided. An LED is preferably used as a light source. The casing is formed with a neck and an enhanced head. By attaching an elastic strap to the outside of the balloon around the neck of the casing inside the balloon, the casing is held inside the balloon. Between the batteries and the light source, an isolating strip is provided, which protrudes the balloon and has to be removed to close the circuit and thus activate the light source.

The document WO 2013/053208 A1 describes a balloon with a light/sound device. In this case, an LED-lamp, batteries, a contact piece with a curved end piece as well as a push-button mechanism for closing or opening the circuit and thus activating or deactivating the LED-lamp are provided in a casing of the illuminating device, which is formed from casing parts. For activating the LED lamp, switches are used which are activated by exerting pressure towards the balloon. The illuminating device is being kept inside the balloon by attaching an external locking cap to the casing placed inside the balloon. For reliably connecting the casing and the locking cap, bulges on the casing parts and opposing indentations on the locking cap are provided.

The function of the present invention is therefore to provide a balloon unit of the mentioned type, which can be handled in a safer way and can be used in a more energy saving way.

The object is solved by a balloon unit of the above mentioned type, in which the illuminating device comprises an electric circuit, which is electrically connected to a switch being on or in the flange head and which is provided with a switch-off module and at least one switch-on module for the at least one illuminant, whereby the flange head is formed in laminar fashion and extends flag-like or shield-like from the flange neck, so that the opposing surfaces of the flange head are accessible over the entire surface, and on at least one of the surfaces of the flange head, a field of actuation of the switch is provided.

By the switch provided in or on the flange head and the connected electric circuit, the at least one illuminant can optionally be switched on and off again in one option of the invention. Furthermore, since the on or in the flange head placed switch is provided on the projection of the balloon envelope, it is easily accessible for an operator from the outside and can be operated without difficulty. Because the at least one illuminant can be switched on or off, it can be put in or out of operation, if this should be desired during the use of the balloon unit. Thus, the applied power supply or another internal energy source of the at least one illuminant can be used efficiently. Thereby, the balloon unit according to the invention is not only particularly practical, but also environmentally friendly. Furthermore, the on or in the flange head provided switch, forms an additional counter-support towards the fastening element which is fixed on the flange neck, thereby securing the illuminating device safely in the balloon envelope.

Particularly advantageous with the present invention is that the flange head is formed in a laminar fashion and extends flag-like or shield-like from the flange neck, so that the opposing surfaces of the flange head are accessible over the entire surface. In this embodiment, the flange head forms a good counter-support towards the fastening element provided on the flange neck. In this design, both surfaces of the flange head can furthermore be held comfortably, for example with the index finger and the thumb of the balloon unit's user.

Thereby, it is particularly convenient that on at least one of the surfaces of the flange head, a field of actuation of the switch is provided. Because the surfaces of said flange head are accessible over the entire surface and at least one of the surfaces in this form of the flange head is provided with a field of actuation of the switch, the switch can be operated easily, for example by gripping the laminar flange head with thumb and index finger. The same works when one field of actuation on one of the surfaces of the flange head is operated with only one finger. For operating, auxiliary elements such as specially developed buttons or lasting clamps can be used as well.

With the switch used according to the invention, which can be operated for example by gripping the laminar flange head with thumb and index finger, the pressure load when pressing the switch is exerted towards the surface of the flange head and not in the direction of the balloon. The advantage in this case is, that the fastener of the illuminating device on the balloon is not impaired by the switch actuation and that switching the illuminant on and off can be reliably done with only one hand.

In the favored embodiment of the balloon unit according to the invention, the switch can be mechanically operated. That means, the on or in the flange head provided switch can be easily gripped with the fingers of the balloon unit's user so that the switching status can be changed for example by simply keying or by pushing the switch.

The fastening means has a particularly reliable hold on the flange neck when the flange neck is reducing between the illuminating device and the flange head.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the flange neck and the flange head are formed by the illuminating device pushed against the balloon envelope, and the fastening means is formed by at least one socket, provided on the outside over the balloon envelope stretched by the illuminating device. This formation is particularly advantageous if the illuminating device is a bend light stick. In this case, the illuminating device, the flange neck and the flange head continuously have the same external diameter, so that the socket can be pressed tightly over the bend light stick covered by the balloon envelope, thus a permanent attachment of the bend light stick inside the balloon is ensured. In this case, the socket has an internal diameter which is adjusted to the external diameter of the bend light stick in which the socket and the bend light stick are conjoined with each other by counter-pressure.

In another exhibition of the balloon unit according to the invention, the electric circuit is provided on a circuit board and the supporting element is part of the circuit board or is connected with the circuit board. Further components of the illuminating device, such as at least one battery and/or at least one LED can preferably also be provided on or at the circuit board. The circuit board can be prefabricated with a correspondent nose serving as a flange head or another projection, so that a simple and inexpensively illuminated balloon unit can be provided.

According to another elective option of embodiment of the balloon unit according to the invention, a sleeve is provided around the illuminating device and the supporting element is part of the sleeve or is connected with the sleeve. The sleeve preferably forms a casing inside the balloon, containing the illuminating device, in which the components for the illuminating device can be easily placed. The sleeve can be fabricated in such a way that it is for example provided with a nose serving as a supporting element or another suitable projection. Thus, a well working and furthermore inexpensive fastener of the illuminating device in the balloon-envelope can be provided as well. In doing so, the elements of the illuminating device can be placed tightly inside the sleeve.

It has proven to be particularly advantageous if the electric circuit comprises at least one interval switching module for alternately switching on and off the at least one illuminant and/or colour switching module for adjusting and/or changing at least one emitting colour of the at least one illuminant and/or a luminous intensity switching module for adjusting and/or changing at least one luminous intensity of the at least one illuminant. Through this, a high functionality of the balloon unit according to the invention is produced. Thus, the at least one illuminant can for example be brought to a continuous illuminating state according to the first option, an illuminating state, which can be switched on or off in short intervals in a second option, an illuminating state, which can be switched on or off in long intervals in a third option and/or switched off completely in a fourth option. By means of the colour switching module, the illuminating colour of the illuminant can be adjusted or, when using several illuminants, be varied for the individual illuminants. By using the luminous intensity switching module, the brightness of the illuminant can be increased or reduced. The luminous intensity switching module provides the possibility to dim the at least one illuminant.

Particularly advantageous lighting effects can be achieved, if the illuminating device comprises at least two illuminants in at least two different colours in one variation of the balloon unit according to the invention. similarly advantageous lighting effects can be achieved if the illuminating device comprises at least one illuminant emitting different colours.

If at least one light emitting diode (LED) is used as an illuminant, the balloon unit according to the invention can be provided with low energy consumption and in different variations .

Favorably, the balloon unit comprises at least one voltage supply means in form of at least one battery and/or at least one accumulator. Through this, a sufficiently long functional operation of the illuminating device can be provided.

Generally, batteries with an inferior quality can be used. If this is the case, it is recommended that, should the at least one voltage supply means comprise at least two batteries, at least one isolating means which is connected to a strap and can be removed from this position by the strap, should be provided, wherein the strap is led through the balloon opening. Should one or several of the used batteries run out, a short circuit and the glowing of the balloon before the balloon device is put into operation can be prevented by using the isolating means. For operating the balloon unit, the isolating means can be removed by simply pulling the strap between the batteries. If batteries with a higher quality or accumulators are being used with the balloon unit according to the invention, the use of the isolating means and the corresponding strap are not necessary.

The fastening material of the balloon unit according to the invention can be at least one strap winded around the flange neck, at least one rubber provided around the flange neck, at least one clamp clamped at the flange neck, at least one 0-ring provided around the flange neck, at least one snap ring provided around the flange neck, at least one clamping sleeve compressed at the flange neck and/or at least one weld or bond connecting the material of the balloon envelope at and/or with the flange neck. Other suitable fastening materials can be used as well, to enable a reliable connection of the balloon envelope, which is pulled over the flange head, to the flange neck.

In another embodiment of the invention, the balloon unit comprises at least one remote control device with a sending device for sending functional signals for the at least one illuminant, and the illuminating device comprises at least one receiver, which is coupled with the electric circuit of the illuminating device, for these functional signals. The at least one illuminant of the balloon unit according to the invention can be brought to light by means of the remote control device only if it is desired. By means of the remote control device an optional switching on or off of the illuminant can be carried out in an easy way. The emitted functional signals of the remote control device, however are not restricted to the switching on or off of the at least one illuminant. Thus, numerous other functional signals of the at least one illuminant can be emitted through the sending device of the remote control device. For these functional signals, one or several receivers of the electric circuit of the illuminating device can be provided. This results in a high functionality of the balloon unit according to the invention, combined with the possibility to energy-efficiently use the respectively utilized voltage supply means for the at least one illuminant.

Preferable embodiments of the present invention, including their structure, function and advantages explained in more detail in the following using figures, wherein

Figure 1 schematically shows an embodiment of the balloon unit according to the invention with a not yet inflated balloon in a side cross-sectional view;

Figure 2 shows the balloon unit from figure 1 with an inflated balloon;

Figure 3 schematically shows another embodiment of the balloon unit according to the invention with an extractable isolating means provided between the batteries in a side cross-sectional view;

Figure 4 shows another embodiment of the balloon unit according to the invention with a remote control in a side cross-sectional view; and

Figure 5 schematically shows another embodiment of the balloon unit according to the invention, in which the components of the illuminating device are provided in an envelope, in a side cross-sectional view.

Figure 1 schematically shows an embodiment of a balloon unit according to the invention 1 in a side cross-sectional view. The balloon unit 1 comprises a balloon 10 with a deployable and/or expandable balloon envelope 2. The balloon envelope 2 can for example be formed of rubber or another elastic material. In principle, the balloon envelope 2 can also be formed from an airtight material which is expandable by means of unfolding. Furthermore, the balloon 10 includes a balloon opening 3 for inflating the balloon 10. In the depiction of figure 1, the balloon 10 is not yet inflated.

In the balloon envelope 2, an illuminating device 5 is provided. The components of the illuminating device 5 are provided on and/or at a circuit board 15 in the embodiment of balloon unit 1. In the shown example, an illuminant 4 is installed at the circuit board 15, which, in case of the balloon unit 1, is a light emitting diode (LED) . In other, not depicted embodiments of the present invention, more than one illuminant 4 can also be provided in or at the illuminating device 5. Thus, at least two or more than two illuminants 4, which emit at least two different colours, can be provided. It is also possible that the illuminant 4 is an illuminant emitting different colors.

In lieu of a light emitting diode, a glow stick can be used as an illuminant 4' in other embodiments.

The components of the illuminating device 5 can be provided in different ways on or at the circuit board 15. It is also possible, as the embodiment in figure 6 shows, to place the components of the illuminating device 5 in a sleeve 16. In this case, the components of the illuminating device 5 can be appropriately provided in a sleeve 16 or another suitable casing without previously arranging and fastening them on a circuit board 15.

In the embodiment of figure 1 an electric circuit 9 and a voltage supply means 17, which are electrically connected with each other and with the illuminant 4, are placed on the circuit board 15. For electrically connecting the components of the illuminating device 5 of the balloon unit 1, conductor tracks 25, which are printed on the circuit board 15, are used.

The electric circuit 9 comprises a switch-off module and at least one switch-on module for the illuminant 4. The at least one switch-on module can for example produce a continuous illuminating state of the illuminant 4. The at least one switch-on module can produce further functions of the illuminant 4 instead of or in addition to the permanent light function. Thus, the electric circuit 9 can for example provide at least one interval switching module for alternately switching on and/or off the illuminant. In this case, the switchable intervals are selectable in extensive limits by forming analogue component parts of the electric circuit 9 and/or by programming digital modules of the electric circuit 9.

Furthermore, the electric circuit 9 can provide a colour switching module for adjusting and/or changing at least one illuminating colour of the illuminant 4. Moreover, the electric circuit 9 can provide a luminous intensity switching module for adjusting and/or changing at least one luminous intensity of the illuminant 4. The switch-on module and/or the switch-off module and/or the interval switching module and/or the colour switching module and/or the luminous intensity switching module can be used in conjunction with one or several illuminants 4.

The balloon unit 1 from figure 1 uses voltage supply means 17 in the form of at least two batteries. In other, not depicted embodiments, only one battery or more than two batteries can be used as a voltage supply means 17. Instead of batteries, accumulators can also be used as a voltage supply means 17 for embodiments of the balloon unit according to the invention.

At the illuminating device 5 of the balloon unit 1, a supporting element is provided which is used to keep the illuminating device 5 inside the balloon envelope 2. The supporting element provides a flange head 6, which protrudes the balloon unit 1 nose-like or drop-shaped from the circuit board 15. Between the flange head 6 and the circuit board 15 carrying the illuminating device 5, a flange neck 7 is provided, which is reducing compared to the cross section of the flange head 6 and the illuminating device 5.

The balloon envelope 2 extends around the flange neck 7 and the flange head 6. In the embodiment of figure 1, the balloon envelope 2 is tightly pulled over the flange head 6 so that it fits on the outside. In order to connect the balloon envelope 2 with the illuminating device 5 provided inside the balloon envelope 2, a fastening material 8 is provided on one outer balloon face of the balloon envelope 2 around the flange neck 7. The fastening material 8 thereby tightly fixes the balloon envelope 2 at the flange neck 7. As a fastening material 8 can be used for example at least one strap winded around the flange neck 7, at least one rubber provided around the flange neck 7, at least one clamp clamped at the flange neck 7, at least one 0-ring provided around the flange neck 7, at least one snap ring provided around the flange neck 7, or at least one clamping sleeve compressed at the flange neck 7 and/or at least one weld or bond connecting the material of the balloon envelope 2 at or/and with the flange neck 7.

In case of the balloon unit 1, the flange head 6 is part of the circuit board 15, whereby the flange head 6 is formed in laminar fashion like the circuit board 15. As a result, the flange head 6 comprises two opposing surfaces 14. In the execution example of figure 1, a switch 20 in shape of a simple press button is provided on one of these surfaces 14.

Because the balloon envelope 2 extends beyond the flange head 6, the switch 20 is covered by the balloon envelope 2 as well. Regardless of this, the switch 20 can be operated easily from the outside through the balloon envelope 2 by tapping or pushing the switch 20. This can for example be done by taking the laminar flange head 6 between thumb and index finger and pressing them against each other and in doing so pressing the switch 20 .

In other, not depicted embodiments of the present invention, the switch 20 can also be provided continuously through the flange head 6 so that it can be operated from both surfaces 14 of the flange head 6. In general, switches 20 can be provided on both surfaces 14 of the flange head 6.

The switch 20 is electrically linked with further components of the illuminating device 5. This means that at least two or more switch states of the circuit 9 and thus two or more illuminating states of the illuminant 4 can be operated by means of the switch 20. Particularly the illuminant 4 can be switched on or off easily by mechanically operating the switch 20. As mentioned above already, it is however also possible to adjust characteristic illuminative functions of the illuminant by operating the switch 20.

Figure 2 shows the balloon unit 1 from figure 1 in an inflated state and in a side cross-sectional view as well. After inflating the balloon 10, it will be typically closed using a fastener 21, as it is the case with other air-filled balloons. The fastener 21 can for example be a simple knot or a specific fastening element provided around the balloon opening 3.

Even in an inflated state, the illuminative device 5 is being kept safely inside the balloon envelope 2 by the flange head 6 and the fastening material 8 provided around the flange neck 7 .

Figure 3 shows another possible embodiment of the balloon unit la according to the invention la. In this context and in the following figures, the same numerals describe the same elements as in the figures 1 and 2.

Hereby, it is fully pointed to the already mentioned description of these elements relating to the figures 1 and 2, in order to prevent unnecessary repetitions. Hereafter, the differences of the embodiments of the respective balloon unit according to the invention described below in comparison to the balloon unit 1 described in figures 1 and 2 will be regarded in particular.

The balloon unit la according to the invention from figure 3 is generally formed similar to the balloon unit 1 from figure 1; wherein, the balloon unit la in figure 3 is depicted in a non-inflated state. The balloon unit la comprises at least two batteries, which serve as a voltage supply means 17. Between these batteries, an isolating means 19, for example in form of a strip made from paper or plastic, is provided. The isolating means 19 is connected to a strap 18 which is led through the balloon opening 3 to the outside and leads to a pulling loop 26.

As long as the isolating means 19 remains between the batteries, the illuminant 4 cannot be supplied with voltage and cannot shine for that reason. For putting the balloon unit la into operation, it is therefore necessary to remove the isolating means 19 by using the strap 18 between the batteries. This is done by pulling the isolating means 19 out of the balloon envelope 2 by using the strap 18. After removing the isolating means 19, the illuminant 4 can for example be put into different illuminating states or turned off by using the switch 20.

Whether an isolating means 19 is installed between the used batteries or not depends on the quality of the batteries used and/or how long the balloon unit is supposed to be stored. This has to be viewed in regard of the respective climatic storage conditions, wherein for example moist, warm or humid conditions can strongly minimize the endurance of batteries. An isolating means 19 is recommended in case batteries with a comparatively inferior quality, which could possibly develop a leakage, are being used as a voltage supply means 17. When batteries with a superior quality are being used, a safety agent such as the isolating means 19 is not required. The same applies for the following embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 4 schematically shows yet another embodiment of the balloon unit Ic according to the invention. The same numerals describe the same elements, just like in the previous embodiments .

The balloon unit Ic is characterized by a remotely controlled switch in form of a receiver 13. In the depiction of figure 4, the receiver 13 is placed in or at the flange head 6. In other, not depicted embodiments of the present invention, the receiver 13 can also be provided in the balloon envelope 2, in or at the illuminating device 5.

The receiver 13 can be activated with a remote control device 11. The positioning of the receiver 13 is possible at different positions of the illuminating device 5. The remote control device 11 possesses a sending mechanism 12 for sending function signals 24 of the at least one illuminant 4 to the receiver 13. For this purpose, the remote control device 11 possesses an internal circuit 22 and at least one operating push button or switch 23. The receiver 13 is connected to the illuminating device 5, whereby the illuminating device 5 comprises an electric circuit 9' linked to the receiver 13, which is able to transfer the function signals 24, which are received by the receiver 13, to electric states for the voltage supply of the illuminant 4.

Figure 5 schematically shows yet another embodiment of the balloon unit Id according to the invention. In case of the balloon unit Id, the illuminating device 5 is provided in a sleeve 16. In other, not depicted embodiments, other casings in lieu of the sleeve 16 can be chosen. The fastening means, especially the flange head 6 protruding the balloon 10, and the flange neck 7, are part of the sleeve 16 or connected to the sleeve 16 in the balloon unit Id. In the embodiment of figure 5, the components of the illuminating device 5 are placed on a circuit board 15. In other, not depicted embodiments of the present invention, the components of the illuminating device 5 can be suitably arranged in the sleeve 16 or another suitable casing, without the circuit board 15 being reguired.

Claims

A balloon assembly (1, 1a, 1c, 1d, 1c, 1f) having a balloon (10) having an expandable and / or extendable balloon sleeve (2), at least one balloon opening (3) for inflating the balloon (10) and at least one lighting device (5) arranged in the balloon sheath (2) and having at least one light means (4, 4 '), and on or around which is provided a holding means with a flange head (6) and a middle the flange head (6) and the lighting device (5) arranged flange neck (7), the balloon sheath (2) enclosing the flange head (6) and flange neck (7) and by means of at least one fastening means (8) arranged from an outer side of the the balloon around the balloon sheath (2) is secured to the flange neck (7) so that the flange head (6) of the balloon sheath (2) forms a protrusion on the balloon (10) and the lighting device (5) is held inside the balloon sheath (2), characterized in that the lighting device (5) has at least one electrical circuit (9, 9 ') which is electrically risk associated with a switch (20, 20 ') arranged on or in the flange head (6) and having a switch-off module and at least a switch-on module for the at least one light means (4) and the flange head (6) is designed flattened and extends tabularly or distinctly from the flange neck (7) so that the opposite surfaces (14) of the flange head (6) are accessible over the entire surface and at least one of the surfaces (14) of the flange head (6) is arranged a control field for the switch (20).

Balloon unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the switch (20, 20 ') can be operated mechanically.

Balloon unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the flange neck (7) narrows between the lighting device (5) and the flange head (6).

Balloon unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the flange neck (7) and flange head (6) are formed by means of the lighting device (5) pressed against the balloon sleeve (2) and the fastening means (8) are formed by means of at least one sleeve applied from the outside via the balloon sleeve (2) stretched by the lighting device (5).

Balloon unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical circuit (9, 9 ') is arranged on a circuit board (15) and the holding means is a component of the circuit board (15) or connected to the circuit board (15).

Balloon unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a casing (16) is arranged around the lighting device (5) and the holding means is a component of the casing (16) or connected to the casing (16).

Balloon unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical circuit (9, 9 ') has at least one interval switching module for alternately switching on and / or switching off the at least one light means (4) and / or a color change module for setting and / or changing at least one light color of the at least one light means (4) and / or a light intensity change module for setting and / or changing at least one light intensity of the at least one light means (4 ).

Balloon unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lighting device (6) has at least two lighting means (4) in at least two different colors.

Balloon unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lighting device (6) has at least one illuminant (4) that emits different colors.

Balloon unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one light means (4) is at least one light emitting diode (LED).

Balloon unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the balloon unit (1, 1a, Ic, Id, 1e, If) has at least one voltage supply means (17) in the form of at least one battery and / or in it. least one accumulator.

Balloon unit according to claim 11, characterized in that the at least one voltage supply means (17) has at least two batteries, between which there is arranged at least one insulating means (19) connected to a drawbar (18). and by means of the draw strap (18) can be removed from this position, where the draw strap (18) is passed through the balloon opening (3).

Balloon unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening means (8) is at least one band wound around the flange neck (7), at least one rubber arranged around the flange neck (7). at least one clamp clamped on the flange neck (7), at least one 0-ring arranged around the flange neck (7), at least one burst arranged around the flange neck (7), at least one clamping sleeve compressed on the flange neck (7), and / or at least one welding seam or adhesive connection connecting the material of the balloon sheath (2) to and / or with the flange neck (7).

Balloon unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the balloon unit (1, 1a, Ic, Id, 1e, If) has at least one remote control device (11) with a transmitting device (12) for transmitting function signals (24) for the at least one illumination means (4), and the lighting device (5) has at least one receiver (13) coupled to the electrical circuit (9 ') of the lighting device (5) for these functional signals (24).