FR3070475A1 - LIGHTING BALL - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an illuminating balloon (1) comprising at least one inflatable envelope (2); a base (3) for receiving the envelope; and at least three rods (4) approximately rectilinear, regularly distributed around the base, the envelope of the inflated balloon bearing on said rods.

Description

LIGHTING BALL

Field

The present description relates generally to lighting balloons.

State of the prior art

Lighting balloons are inflatable air or helium devices, containing an electric light source, and retained by cables or carried by mats or feet.

This description relates more particularly to the category of inflatable air balloons and carried by a foot.

In recent times, we have seen lighting balloons appear, the light source of which is made up of light-emitting diodes (LED or LED).

The appearance of these new light sources opens up many possibilities for developing lighting balloons, but also creates other constraints on the design of the balloon.

summary

One embodiment proposes an illuminating balloon overcoming all or part of the disadvantages of the usual lighting balloons.

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One embodiment provides an easily transportable lighting balloon solution.

One embodiment offers a solution that is particularly suitable for an illuminating balloon with light-emitting diodes.

One embodiment offers a particularly simple solution for mounting the balloon.

Thus, one embodiment provides an illuminating balloon, comprising at least one inflatable envelope; an envelope receiving base; and at least three approximately rectilinear rods, regularly distributed around the base, the envelope of the inflated balloon bearing on said rods.

According to one embodiment, said rods are engaged, in a removable manner, in orifices of the base.

According to one embodiment, the base has a generally cylindrical shape, said rods projecting from the periphery of the base by being oriented towards an upper face of the base, preferably with an angle of between approximately 10 degrees and approximately 30 degrees with the horizontal.

According to one embodiment, said rods are rectilinear.

According to one embodiment, the envelope comprises at least one inflation mark, arranged to be located in the vicinity of the ends of the rods when the envelope is inflated.

According to one embodiment, the envelope comprises a ring defining an opening, intended to be screwed onto the base.

According to one embodiment, the base comprises, in a face not contained in the envelope, an inflation orifice communicating with a wall of the base contained in the envelope once the latter has been mounted on the base.

One embodiment provides a balloon further comprising a light source, preferably with light-emitting diodes carried by the base, inside of

1'enveloppe.

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According to one embodiment, the light source is surrounded by a hollow tube, carried by the base, and open at least at its two ends.

According to one embodiment, the hollow tube surrounding the light source is of circular section, preferably approximately constant, preferably constant.

According to one embodiment, the light source consists of a hollow tube carried by the base and carrying on the periphery light-emitting diodes as well as their electronic control circuits.

According to one embodiment, the tube of the light source is of square section, preferably approximately constant.

According to one embodiment, the interior of the tube of the light source contains a fan.

According to one embodiment, the interior of the tube of the light source contains a finned radiator.

According to one embodiment, the balloon further comprises a folding foot on which the base is mounted.

Brief description of the drawings

These characteristics and advantages, as well as others, will be explained in detail in the following description of particular embodiments made without implied limitation in relation to the attached figures, among which:

Figure 1 is a general view of an embodiment of a lighting balloon;

Figure 2 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a base of a lighting balloon;

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C are schematic and partial views of an embodiment of a lighting balloon at different inflation stages;

Figure 4 is a schematic and partial view of an embodiment of an envelope 2 of a lighting balloon;

B16403 Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a light source of a lighting balloon; and FIGS. 6A and 6B are views respectively from below and from above of an embodiment of the light source of FIG. 5.

detailed description

The same elements have been designated by the same references in the different figures.

For the sake of clarity, only the steps and elements useful for understanding the embodiments which will be described have been shown and will be detailed. In particular, the manufacture of the elements of the lighting balloon (in particular, of the envelope, light-emitting diodes and their control circuits, of the base, etc.) has not been detailed, the embodiments described being compatible with the usual techniques for manufacturing such elements.

In the following description, when referring to qualifiers of absolute position, such as the terms up, down, left, right, etc., or relative, such as the terms above, below, upper, lower, etc. ., or to qualifiers of orientation, such as the terms horizontal, vertical, etc., reference is made, unless otherwise specified, to a balloon in a normal position of use.

In the description which follows, when reference is made to the terms approximately, approximately and of the order of, this means to 10% or to 10 °, preferably to 5% or to 5 °.

Figure 1 is a general view of an embodiment of a mounted lighting balloon.

The lighting balloon 1 comprises a head 15 comprising an inflatable envelope 2 mounted on a base 3. The head 15 is intended to be carried by a foot 5. Inside the envelope 2, the head 15 of the balloon 1 comprises a light source 6 (shown in dotted lines in FIG. 1) carried by the base 3.

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In the embodiments referred to in this description, the light source 6 comprises light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

The foot 5 is, for example, a folding foot in the manner of a camera foot and preferably comprises telescopic elements, for example three elements 51, 53 and 55 mounted on a folding tripod 57. The number and length of the telescopic elements 51, 53 and 55 depends on the desired height for the balloon 1. The same foot 5 can be adapted to heads 15 of different sizes having, in particular envelopes 2 of different diameters. Similarly, the same head 15 can be adapted to feet of different sizes. In addition, the height of the balloon 1 can, for a given foot 5, be adjusted for example by adjusting the height of the telescopic elements 51, 53 and 55.

The light source 6 of the head 15 of the balloon 1 is contained in the envelope 2 while being carried by the base 3. The light source 6 is intended to be supplied electrically by a system 8 for connection to a supply source of electricity.

The electrical supply can come from a connection (socket 81) to the electricity distribution network, for example via a transformer 83 (TR). The light source 6 can also be powered by a battery 85 (BAT) which is preferably rechargeable, taking advantage, in the case of light-emitting diodes, of the low consumption compared to the other types of light sources.

In the example of FIG. 1, a mixed system is provided, that is to say that the light source 6 is connected by a wire 86 passing through the base 3, to a first connection element 87 (plug or socket ), preferably sealed, intended to cooperate with a second suitable connection element 89 (socket or plug). Each power source, whether transformer 83 or battery 85, is associated with a second

B16403 connection element 89 so that one or the other can be used as desired.

The inflation of the envelope 2 is preferably carried out using an air inflator 9, an air outlet 91 of which is intended to be engaged in an orifice 93 passing through the base 3 to open at the inside the envelope 2. This orifice 93 is preferably provided with a valve (not shown), for example unscrewable to deflate the envelope 2 after use. Other embodiments are possible for inflating the envelope 2 of the balloon 1 with, for example, a valve directly integrated into the envelope 2. However, providing a valve at the base 3 is more practical and more aesthetic. The inflator 9 is preferably electric (socket 95), but the balloon 1 is compatible with the use of a foot, pneumatic inflator, etc.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the base 3 carries rods or rods 4 approximately rectilinear, preferably rectilinear. These rods or rods 4 are preferably regularly distributed around the base 3 and are intended to retain the envelope 2 of the balloon 1 once inflated.

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a base 3 of a lighting balloon 1.

The base 3 has, for example, a generally cylindrical shape of circular section. The lower face or bottom 31 of the base 3 comprises an element or area 33 for receiving the foot 5. For example, the bottom 31 of the base 3 comprises a blind well 33 axial frustoconical for receiving the upper rod 55 of the foot 5. If necessary, an element (for example a screw not shown) is provided for blocking the rotation of the base 3 on the foot 5. The bottom 31 of the base 3 also comprises, in this example, the orifice inflation 93 communicating, via a conduit 97 (in dotted lines), with an upper face 35 of the base 3 to open out inside the envelope (not shown in the figure

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2). As a variant, the inflation orifice 93 is in the periphery of the base 3.

In the embodiment shown, the base 3 has, in its peripheral surface 41, orifices 43 or well openings 45 for receiving the ends of the stabilizing rods or rods 4. The number of rods 4 is at least three and these rods 4 are distributed in the periphery, at least approximately regularly, preferably regularly. The number of rods 4 may depend on the size of the envelope 2. Preferably, three rods 4 are provided, distributed every 120 degrees in the periphery of the base 3, which is sufficient to stabilize the envelope 2 and simplifies mounting. As a variant, more than three rods 4 are provided, for example, four, five or six rods or rods 4.

The rods 4 are oriented upwards, that is to say towards the upper face 35 of the base 3. For example, the rods 4 make an angle between approximately 10 and approximately 30 degrees with the horizontal.

Preferably, the rods 4 are cylindrical with a circular section, which avoids the edges likely to pierce the envelope 2 and facilitates assembly.

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C are schematic and partial views of an embodiment of a balloon head lighting up 1 at different inflation stages, illustrating in particular the role of the rods 4. In the example of FIGS. 3A to 3C, assume the presence of four rods 4 distributed every 90 degrees in the periphery 41 of the base 3. FIG. 3A illustrates the case of the envelope 2 of the balloon 1 deflated, the rods 4 having been positioned around the 'base 3 and this mounted on the foot (not shown). FIG. 3B illustrates an intermediate state in which the envelope 2 is partially inflated. FIG. 3C partially illustrates the envelope 2 once inflated.

Rods or rods 4 have several advantages.

They stabilize the envelope 2 relative to the base 3. This

B16403 makes it possible to prevent the envelope 2 of the balloon 1 from tilting in the event of wind, or at least that limits its movements. Furthermore, they retain the envelope 2 before inflation and during inflation.

The rods 4 can also serve as an inflation mark for the balloon 1. In fact, provision can be made to size the rods 4 relative to the envelope 2 of the balloon and to define their angle relative to the horizontal, so that the optimum inflation of the head 15 of the balloon 1 is obtained when its envelope 2 bears on all the rods 4 without (partially) absorbing the latter. Thus, the user can visually determine when to stop the inflation of the envelope 2. Preferably, the envelope 2 of the balloon and / or the rods 4 carry an inflation mark. On the envelope 2 side, this mark consists for example of a trace (dotted line 21) in a circle at a given height of the envelope 2, intended to be at the ends of the rods 4 when the envelope 2 is correctly inflated. Side rods 4, one can also provide a mark at a given length of the rod, intended to bear on the envelope 2 when the latter is inflated. The latter case is more particularly suitable for rods 4 of a length such that they exceed the tangential point of contact, when the envelope 2 is inflated.

Compared to a cup carried by the base 3 and in which the bottom of the envelope 2 would bear once inflated, an advantage of the removable rods 4 is a small space requirement for the storage of the balloon and its transport. In addition, this improves the cooling of the balloon by avoiding partially trapping it in a closed surface.

Compared to elements in an arc of a circle carried by the base 3 to retain the balloon once inflated, an advantage of the approximately rectilinear or rectilinear rods 4 is, again, their small size for storage and transport. In addition, rectilinear rods 4 of circular section have an advantage in mounting by not requiring any particular orientation unlike elements in an arc.

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The height of the base 3 is preferably chosen as a function of the mechanical requirements in terms of the placement of the rods 4 and the foot 5.

According to a preferred embodiment, the top of the base 3 has a shoulder 37 (FIG. 2) defining a section 39 of smaller diameter, intended for mounting the envelope 2.

Figure 4 is a schematic and partial view of an embodiment of an envelope 2 of a lighting balloon.

In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the casing 2 comprises a plastic pocket 23 around a circular opening 25 assembled (for example welded, glued, etc.) at the periphery of a mounting ring 27 on the base 3. The ring 27 includes a tapping 29 at the inner periphery, intended to cooperate with a thread 49 (FIG. 2) of the outer periphery of the section 39 of the base 3. The shoulder 37 of the base 3 constitutes a screw stop and perfect sealing, if necessary, with the interposition of a circular joint (not shown).

As a variant, the ring 27 includes an external screw pitch intended to cooperate with an internal thread of the section 39 of the base 3, then hollow. However, an advantage of the embodiment of Figure 4 is that it facilitates mounting with creation of a stopper by the shoulder 37, and keeping the ring 27 accessible for gripping.

Compared to solutions using screwed plates between which the periphery of an opening of the pocket 23 is taken, the embodiment described is particularly simple. In addition, it facilitates changes in the envelope 2, whether in the event of a leak or puncture in the bag 23 or to change the size, color or shape of the envelope 2.

In the preferred embodiments shown, the light source 6 is with light-emitting diodes.

Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a light source 6 of a lighting balloon;

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The light source 6 comprises, in this example, a tube 61 of square section, on the external faces of which are assembled arrays 63 of light-emitting diodes and their electronic control circuits 65. For example, there are provided four networks 63 of light-emitting diodes fixed at the top of the tube 61 and four electronic control circuits 65 fixed at the bottom of the tube 61 to which the networks of light-emitting diodes 63 are connected by conductive wires 67. Thus, in the example shown, the light-emitting diodes 63 are at the periphery of the tube 61 with an approximately vertical orientation. The height of the tube 61 is chosen so that the light-emitting diodes 63, which constitute a thermal source, are towards the center of the inflated envelope 2. The circuits 65 are connected, by crossing the base 3, to the electrical power source by conductors (preferably a cable) not shown.

The tube 61 is preferably hollow and, for example metallic. The tube 61 is carried by the upper face 35 of the section 39 of the base 3, preferably by means of feet 69 or brackets allowing the open bottom of the hollow tube 61 of the base 3 to be released in order to favor air circulation.

The number of control circuits 65 and of light-emitting diode arrays 63 depends on the application and, among others, on the desired light power.

As a variant, the section of the tube 61 is triangular or polygonal depending on the number and the distribution of the arrays of light-emitting diodes 63 desired. According to another variant, the tube 61 is frustoconical or in truncated pyramid with a polygonal base. The arrays of light-emitting diodes 63 are then, for example, inclined. According to yet another variant, one or more arrays of light-emitting diodes 63 are arranged horizontally, being, for example, carried by a flat surface at the top of a rod or tube, or suspended by a structure resting on the base 3.

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The embodiment of Figure 5 is however a preferred embodiment for its simplicity of manufacture and assembly to the base 3 as well as for the distribution of light emitting diodes 63 to make, in a simple manner, omnidirectional lighting.

In the embodiments shown, provision is made to surround the light source 6 with a hollow cylindrical or frustoconical tube 71, fixed to the base 3. The tube 71 is open at its two ends. The height of the tube 71 is at least equal to, and preferably greater than, the height of the light source 6. The diameter of the tube 71, preferably of cylindrical or oval section, is chosen according to the size of the light source 6 in order to surround it without touching it. The protective tube 71 is preferably fixed to the base 3 by feet or brackets 73 in order to separate it from the base 3 and allow the circulation of air. The protective tube 71 is, if necessary, perforated to facilitate the circulation of air. The tube 71 is preferably transparent or translucent, especially if it is not perforated so as not to harm the diffusion of light.

The role of the tube 71 is to protect the light source 6 during handling and transport when the balloon is deflated, and facilitates the handling of the head 15 of the balloon which can be gripped by the tube 71 surrounded by the deflated envelope 2.

Furthermore, the tube 71 protects the envelope 2 from sharp elements or edges of the light source 6 and thus avoids bursting the envelope 2 during storage or handling.

In addition, the tube 71 protects the envelope 2 from the hot walls of the light source 6 when the envelope is deflated.

2.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are views respectively from below and from above of the light source 6 of FIG. 5 according to a preferred embodiment.

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According to this embodiment, a fan 75 is placed inside the tube 61 and at the bottom thereof, to blow air towards the top of the tube 61. The fan 75 is, for example, a fan electric actuated when the light source is turned on 6. Preferably (FIG. 6B), a finned radiator 77 is mounted at the top of the tube 61 of the light source 6 to improve the evacuation and dissipation of heat from the light source 6.

As a particular embodiment, the height of the light source 6 (length of the tube 61) is between approximately 20 centimeters and approximately 50 centimeters and it is inscribed in a cylinder with a diameter of approximately 5 centimeters at about 15 centimeters, preferably of the order of 8 to 10 centimeters.

As a particular embodiment, the protective tube 71 has a length of between approximately 20 centimeters and approximately 60 centimeters, and a diameter of approximately 6 centimeters to approximately 20 centimeters, preferably of the order of 10 to 12 centimeters.

The size of the balloon 1 and, more particularly, of the inflatable envelope 2 depends on the application. As a specific embodiment, balloons are provided whose inflatable envelopes 2 have diameters (inflated envelope) between approximately 50 centimeters and approximately 2 meters. Note that the same base 3 and the same light source 6 can be used for envelopes 2 of different diameters. In a simplified embodiment, the same rods 4 can be used for envelopes 2 of different sizes (the inflation precision is not critical to the point of being sensitive to variations in orientation of the tangent in the contact zone of envelope 2 and rods 4). Furthermore, although reference has been made to an example of an envelope 2 of generally spherical shape, provision may be made for any other form of envelope, for example cylindrical, ovoid, polyhedral, etc.

According to another embodiment, rods 4 of different lengths are provided depending on the diameter of

B16403 envelope 2 for the same base 3. Keeping the same angle for the rods 4 and to keep a tangent to the point of contact between envelope 2 and rods 4 which is parallel to the rods 4, the length of the rods 4 is, for a spherical envelope, the larger the envelope 2 is of large diameter. As a particular embodiment, the rods 4 have a length chosen between approximately 10 centimeters and approximately 30 centimeters, preferably between approximately 15 centimeters and approximately 20 centimeters. The rods 4 have, for example, a section of diameter, or falling within a diameter, of between approximately 5 millimeters and approximately 15 millimeters, preferably between approximately 8 millimeters and approximately 12 millimeters.

According to yet another embodiment, the base 3 has more wells 45 than rods 4, with different angles and / or different height positions in the base, to adapt to envelopes of different diameters with sticks of the same length.

As a particular embodiment, the base 3 has a height of the order of ten centimeters, preferably between about 8 centimeters and about 12 centimeters and the section 39 has a height, preferably between about 1 centimeter and about 2 centimeters.

The color of envelope 2 can vary from one balloon to another. Envelope 2 may also bear inscriptions. As a variant, the color of the envelope 2 is modified by the control of the light-emitting diodes 63 using color light-emitting diodes instead of white.

The mounting of a balloon 1 as described above is particularly simple. Preferably, the balloon 1 is transported in two main parts (relative to the rest of the elements), on the one hand the foot 5 folded back and on the other hand the head 15 consisting of the base 3, of the light source 6 and of envelope 2, assembled. We start by mounting the foot 5, then we engage the base 3 on the upper rod 55 of the foot 5. We position

B16403 then the rods 4 at the periphery 41 of the base 3, simply by engaging them in the orifices 43 of the base 3 provided for this purpose. Then, the envelope 2 is inflated using the inflator 8. Finally, the light source 6 is turned on by connecting it to the electrical source. Disassembly is carried out by reverse operations (electrical disconnection, deflation, extraction of the rods 4, disassembly of the base 3 from the foot 5, and folding of the foot 5).

An advantage of the lighting balloon described is that it is particularly simple to assemble, to disassemble, as well as to use.

Various embodiments and variants have been described. Various modifications will appear to those skilled in the art. In particular, the choice of the number of rods 4 depends on the application and, among other things, on the size of the envelope 2. Similarly, the number of arrays 63 of light-emitting diodes depends on the desired light power for the balloon 1 Furthermore, although a light source 6 with light-emitting diode networks 63 constitutes a preferred embodiment, it is possible to combine the use of the rods 4 with other types of light sources (incandescent bulbs, neon tubes, bulbs LEDs, etc.). Likewise, other means of mounting the casing 2 on the base 3, of inflation 9, etc. may be used. In addition, the particular structure of the light source 6 and its variants and / or the particular technique of mounting the envelope 2 on the base 3, can be implemented without necessarily providing rods 4 for stabilizing the envelope 2. In addition, the various embodiments and variants described can be combined. Finally, the practical implementation of the embodiments which have been described is within the reach of those skilled in the art using the functional indications given above.

Claims (15)

1. Lighting balloon (1), comprising at least one inflatable envelope (2); a base (3) for receiving the envelope; and at least three rods (4) approximately rectilinear, regularly distributed around the base, the envelope of the inflated balloon bearing on said rods. 2. Balloon according to claim 1, wherein, said rods (4) are removably engaged in orifices (43) of the base (3). 3. Balloon according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the base (3) has a generally cylindrical shape, said rods (4) projecting from the periphery (41) of the base being oriented towards an upper face (35 ) of the base, preferably with an angle between about 10 degrees and about 30 degrees with the horizontal. 4. Balloon according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said rods (4) are rectilinear. 5. Balloon according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the envelope (2) comprises at least one inflation mark (21), arranged to be located in the vicinity of the ends of the rods (4) when the envelope is swollen. 6. Balloon according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the envelope (2) comprises a ring (27) defining an opening, intended to be screwed onto the base (3). 7. Balloon according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in which the base (3) comprises, in a face not contained in the envelope (2), an orifice (93) for inflation communicating with a wall (35 ) of the base contained in the envelope once it has been mounted on the base. 8. Balloon according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a light source (6), preferably with light emitting diodes (63) carried by the base (3), inside the envelope ( 2). B16403 9. Balloon according to claim 8, wherein the light source (6) is surrounded by a hollow tube (71), carried by the base (3), and open at least at its two ends. 10. Balloon according to claim 9, wherein the hollow tube (71) surrounding the light source (6) is of circular section, preferably approximately constant, preferably constant. 11. Balloon according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the light source (6) consists of a hollow tube (61) carried by the base (3) and carrying on the periphery of light emitting diodes (63) as well as their electronic control circuits (65). 12. Balloon according to claim 11, wherein the tube (61) of the light source (6) is of square section, preferably approximately constant. 13. Balloon according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the interior of the tube (61) of the light source (6) contains a fan (75). 14. Balloon according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the interior of the tube (61) of the light source (6) contains a finned radiator (77). 15. Balloon according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a folding foot (5) on which is mounted the base (3).