GB2044163A

GB2044163A - Moulding balloons

Info

Publication number: GB2044163A
Application number: GB7942847A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Fuji Latex Co Ltd
Current assignee: Fuji Latex Co Ltd
Priority date: 1979-03-20
Filing date: 1979-12-12
Publication date: 1980-10-15
Also published as: FR2451818A1; DE2952173A1; FR2451818B3; AU5501280A

Abstract

A method of producing rubber balloons comprises providing a multi-part mould having an annular or other configuration and the parts of components of which are adapted for facile assembly and disassembly. The assembled mould is dipped into a tank of balloon rubber solution to receive thereon a coating of such solution; a boss portion of the mould being then partially immersed. The coating is allowed to solidify or set to create a film contituting the balloon. Through externally applied forces operating through the film the mould components are disassembled and then are individually, sequentially withdrawn from the interior of the balloon film by way of the balloon mouth which latter is developed by reason of the partial immersion of the boss.

Description

SPECIFICATION Method of and moulds for use in producing balloons This invention relates in general to balloons and, more particularly, to a method of and moulds for producing balloons of novel configuration.

Heretofore, balloons have generally been of either hemispherical or globe shape, a globe shape having a small protruding portion, or elongated, cylindrical or sausage-like in configuration. In order to create any other configurations one could only suitably interengage two or more independently formed, inflated balloons. Other complicated shapes could not be created heretofore by mouldings since it was too difficult to peel the rubber film from the mould without danger of rupture. Most moulds have to the present time been of glass construction and thus of integral character so that, understandably, the shapes available were extremely limited to relatively simple designs.In order to remove the rubber film from the typical glass production mould, the film must be inflated or a force applied in order to peel the film from the mould so that it is apparent that workability is extremely difficult and the film tends to be ruptured during removal. In view of this inherent costly difficulty, production moulds for balloons having complicated shapes have hitherto just not been conducive to the requisite economy and reliability.

Thus, to the present time there have not been provided balloons of unusual or intricate configuration, such as, for example, balloons of annular or doughnut design or ones incorporating portions of such design as well as of relatively involved shapes such as those of the letters of the alphabet.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method of and moulds for use in producing balloons of integral unusual configuration, such as, for example, constituting an annular body, or including an opening thereby obviating resort to integration of various discrete balloons after inflation thereof for developing a particular shape.

The present invention, in essence, comprehends the production of rubber balloons of various unique designs through utilization of a mould of two or more parts or components adapted for facile assembly and disassembly; dipping the mould into a solution of the balloon rubberforforming a film of such solution upon the surface of the mould; and then disassembling the mould parts or components and individually withdrawing same from within the now formed balloon.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a front view of a balloon constructed in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a front view of the mould constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention and useful for producing the balloon illustrated in Figure 1; Figure 3 (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) show fragmentary elevational views on a larger scale of various joint formations between the mould parts or components; Figure 4 is a front view of another form of mould constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention and useful for producing a balloon of annular configuration; Figure 5 is a front view of a further form of mould constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention and useful in producing a balloon of annular configuration;; Figure 6 is a front view of another form of balloon produced in accordance with the present invention and, more particularly, by the mould whereof a front view is illustrated in Figure 7; Figure 7 is a front view of a mould constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention and useful for producing the balloon illustrated in Figure 6; Figure 8 is a front view of a B-shaped balloon constructed in accordance with the present invention; Figure 9 is a front view of another mould constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention and useful for producing a Bshaped balloon; Figure 10 is a front view of a D-shaped balloon constructed in accordance with the present invention; Figure 11 is a front view of another mould constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention and useful for producing a Dshaped balloon;; Figure 12 is a front view of a G-shaped balloon constructed in accordance with the present invention; Figure 13 is a front view of another mould constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention and useful for producing a shaped balloon; Figure 14 is a front view of a Q-shaped balloon constructed in accordance with the present invention; Figure 15 is a front view of another mould constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention and useful for producing a Qshaped balloon; Figure 16 is a front view of an R-shaped balloon constructed in accordance with the present invention; Figure 17 is a front view of another mould constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention useful in producing an R-shaped balloon;; Figure 18 is the front view of an annular or generally O-shaped balloon constructed in accordance with the present invention; Figure 19 is a further form of mould constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention and useful for producing an annular or O- shaped balloon as shown in Figure 18; Figure 20 is a front view of a generally oval-shaped mould constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention and illustrating the joint development; Figure 21 is a front view of a balloon of D-shape produced in accordance with the present invention; Figure 22 is a front view of a P-shaped balloon produced in accordance with the present invention;; Figure 23 is a front view of a further form of mould constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention and useful for producing the balloons illustrated in Figures 21 and 22.

Figure 24 is a front view of an A-shaped balloon constructed in accordance with the present invention; Figure 25 is a front view of another mould constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention and useful for producing an A shaped balloon; Figure 26 is a front view of a C-shaped balloon constructed in accordance with the present invention; Figure 27 is a front view of another mould constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention and useful for producing a Cshaped balloon; Figure 28 is a front view of an E-shaped balloon constructed in accordance with the present invention; Figure 29 is a front view of another mould constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention and useful for producing an E-shaped balloon; Figure 30 is a front view of an F-shaped balloon constructed in accordance with the present invention;; Figure 31 is a front view of another mould constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention and useful for producing an F-shaped balloon; Figure 32 is a front view of an H-shaped balloon constructed in accordance with the present invention; Figure 33 is a front view of another mould constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention and useful for producing an H-shaped balloon; Figure 34 is a front view of an I-shaped balloon constructed in accordance with the present invention; Figure 35 is a front view of another mould constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention and useful for producing an I-shaped balloon; Figure 36 is a front view of a J-shaped balloon constructed in accordance with the present invention;; Figure 37 is a front view of another mould constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention and useful for producing a Jshaped balloon; Figure 38 is a front view of a K-shaped balloon constructed in accordance with the present invention; Figure 39 is a front view of another mould constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention and useful for producing a Kshaped balloon; Figure 40 is a front view of an L-shaped balloon constructed in accordance with the present invention; Figure 41 is a front view of another mould constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention and useful for producing an L-shaped balloon; Figure 42 is a front view of an M-shaped balloon constructed in accordance with the present invention;; Figure 43 is a front view of another mould constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention and useful for producing an M-shaped balloon; Figure 44 is a front view of a N-shaped balloon constructed in accordance with the present invention; Figure 45 is a front view of another mould constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention and useful for producing a Nshaped balloon; Figure 46 is a front view of an S-shaped balloon constructed in accordance with the present invention; Figure 47 is a front view of another mould constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention and useful for producing an S-shaped balloon; Figure 48 is a front view of a T-shaped balloon constructed in accordance with the present invention;; Figure 49 is a front view of another mould constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention and useful for producing a Tshaped balloon; Figure 50 is a front view of a U-shaped balloon constructed in accordance with the present invention; Figure 51 is a front view of another mould constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention and useful for producing a Ushaped balloon; Figure 52 is a front view of a V-shaped balloon constructed in accordance with the present invention; Figure 53 is a front view of another mould constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention and useful in producing a Vshaped balloon; Figure 54 is a front view of a W-shaped balloon constructed in accordance with the present invention; ; Figure 55 is a front view of another mould constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention and useful in producing a Wshaped balloon; Figure 56 is a front view of an X-shaped balloon constructed in accordance with the present invention; Figure 57 is a front view of another mould constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention and useful in producing an Xshaped balloon; Figure 58 is a front view of a Y-shaped balloon constructed in accordance with the present invention; Figure 59 is a front view of another mould constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention and useful in producing a Yshaped balloon; Figure 60 is a front view of a Z-shaped balloon constructed in accordance with the present invention;; Figure 61 is a front view of another mould constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention and useful in producing a Zshaped balloon; Figure 62 is an elevational view, in partial vertical section, of a still further form of a production mould constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention.

Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate balloons of various configurations produced in accordance with the method of the present invention and various moulds useful in the practice of such method. It should be recognised that the present invention contemplates the provision of the usual air or gas inflated balloons, as of natural or synthetic rubber, which possess unique and extremely novel configurations unknown heretofore. The balloons may thus be of annular configuration; may incorporate openings, or may be of peculiar configurations, such as the letters of the alphabet, but yet being integral and thus not necessitating engagement to other balloons for bringing about any particular desired shape.The method herein disclosed involves the utilization of a mould of a plurality of discrete parts or components adapted for ready interengagement and equally facile disassembly. The mould is dipped into the balloon rubber solution for the development of a film of such solution upon the mould. After the film has set, the mould parts or components are mutually disengaged while within the formed balloon and such components are then withdrawn.

Figure 1 is a front view of an annular rubber balloon 1 having a mouth 2; said balloon being produced in accordance with the method of the present invention, which method involves use of a balloon mould 10 (Figure 2). The mould illustrated in Figure 2 consists of a substantially semi-annular member 11 and a Y-shaped member 12 incorporating a a co-operating semi-annular portion and an extension for developing the mouth 2 of balloon 1.

Thus, mould 10 is comprised of two components or parts 11, 12 which are adapted for interengagement for developing joints 13, 14 and which components may be easily separated for disassembly of mould 10. Figures 3 (i) to (iv) show examples of the joint-developing mating surfaces of the mould parts or components 11,12 which are purely exemplary of the innumerable formations suitable for ease of mating and of disassembly. Figure 3 (i) illustrates a protuberance 15 which is substantially frusto-conical or so-called dove-tailed in shape, in cross section, which is formed on the joint surface 11' of component 11 while a complementary recess 16 is provided on the co-operating joint surface 12' of component 12, whereby protuberance 15 is easily received within recess 16 for integration of the mould components and as easily withdrawn for disassembly of such components.Figure 3 (ii) illustrates another system in which a protuberance i7, substantially circular in cross-section, and a complementary recess 18 are provided on the surfaces 11', 12', respectively, for ease of assembly and disassembly.

Figure 3 (iii) illustrates a still further system in which a substantially triangular protuberance 19 and a complementary recess 20 are provided on the joint-forming surfaces 11', 12', respectively, to allow for facile integration and separation. Figure 3 (iv) shows a still further system wherein magnets 21, 22 are bonded to surfaces 11', 12', respectively, for effecting an efficient means for coupling and uncoupling of the mould components.

In order to avoid undue repetition hereinbelow, it is to be noted that the expedients illustrated in Figures 3 (i) to (iv) are merely exemplary of the multiplicity of means for facile mating and separating of the components of the moulds constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention.

In actual usage, mould 10 is dipped in the customary manner into a tank or other suitable receptacle containing the solution of the balloon rubber. Such solution attaches to the surface of mould 10 in the manner of a coating and the mould is then removed from the tank and disposed so as to permit the coating to solidify or set into a film which thus constitutes the balloon. While the mould 10 is encased within the film or now formed balloon, the operator may manipulate the same through such film so as to separate or uncouple components 11, 12 at the joints indicated at 13,14 in Figure 2. The component or part 12 may then be removed or withdrawn from the film by suitable handling so as to travel outwardly through the balloon mouth 2.

After withdrawal of component 12, component 11 may then be similarly passed through the film and withdrawn through mouth 2. Thus, by utilization of mould 10, balloon 1 is developed.

The balloon rubber solution is of the usual character and does not form a part of the present invention; such solution being of the type generally used for the production of rubber balloons and may be either a solution of a natural rubber or of a synthetic rubber.

Examples of the solution are as follows: (1) a solution consisting of 0.5 - 1.5% by weight of vulcanizer; 0.25 - 0.75% by weight of vulcanizer assistant; 0.3 - 0.5% by weight of vulcanization promoter; 0.18 - 0.3% by weight of stabilizer; 0.2 - 0.3% by weight of dispersant; 3 - 10% by weight of softening agent; and 0.5 - 1.5% by weight of age resistor; each based on 100 of 60% rubber solution of natural latex; (2) 0.5 - 8% by weight of white pigment and/or 2 8% by weight of colorant added to the solution (1); (3) 2 - 5% weight of fluorescent pigment and at least one of 2 - 6% by weight of active mica and 2 5% by weight of pearl pigment added to the solution (1) or (2).

As shown in Figure 4 moulds useful for practicing the present invention in order to produce annular balloons of the general character conforming to balloon 1 may be of three-part character consisting of a substantially Y-shaped component or part 23 and two arcuate components or parts 24, 25, with the developed joints therebetween being indicated at 26, 27 and 28. Additionally, such moulds may be of two-part character, as shown in Figure 5, and thus consist of a Y-shaped component or part 29 and a semi-annular co-operating component or part 30 with the developed joints being indicated 31,32.

The present invention can be practiced for producing a rubber balloon 3 as shown in Figure 6 which is of the basic spherical configuration, but includes two loop-forming portions 4. Figure 7 illustrates a front view of a mould 33 useful for producing balloon 3; said mould comprising a boss component or part 34, the latter including a substantially hemispherical portion and a branch portion; and a co-operating hemispherical component or part 35 adapted for coupled relationship to boss component or part 34.

Component or part 35 is provided with two sets of symmetrically positioned pairs of apertures or openings, as indicated at 36, for extension therethrough of members 37, 38 having expanded bases 37', 38', respectively. Each pair of said members 37, 38 are adapted for detachable interengagement at the intervening joint 39.

Accordingly, in order to produce balloon 3, mould 33 is dipped into a tank of the balloon rubber solution so as to cover hemispherical component or part 35, the hemispherical portion of component or part 34 and a part of the branch portion of the latter.

The mould is then removed from the tank with a coating thereon of the balloon rubber solution which is permitted to solidify or set. Then, the operator, working through the developed balloon, uncouples the two sets of members 37, 38 whereby the latter fall within the component or part 35. Thereafter the boss component or part 34 is removed through the mouth 5 of balloon 3 after disengagement from component or part 35. The members 37,38 are withdrawn and then component or part 35 is eased through balloon mouth 5.

Accordingly, the foregoing discloses the application of the method of the present invention for producing balloons which are basically of an annular character or which may possess loop-forming portions. However, it is within the scope of this invention to demonstrate the application of the same to the production of rubber balloons which have the configuration of letters of the alphabet.

By reference to Figures 8-11, inclusive, and 14-25, inclusive, the capability of the present method for producing balloons corresponding to letters which possess apertures or openings, such as A, B, D, O, P, Q, and R will be set forth.

Figure 8 shows a B-shaped rubber balloon 6 which may be formed from a mould 41 comprised of three components or parts, namely, a generally Y-shaped boss component or part 42, a relatively short rectilinear component or part 43, and a partially arcuate component or part 44, with there being intervening joints developed at 45,46,47 and 48.

Figure 10 illustrates a D-shaped balloon 7 which may be produced from a mould 49; said latter consisting of two components or parts 50, the former being a Y-shaped boss component or part and the latter being constituted of an appropriately arcuated co-ordinating configuration with but a pair of joints being developed as at 52, 53.

Figure 12 illustrates a G-shaped rubber balloon 8 which recognisedly does not possess a completed opening or aperture, but does entail a bight. Said balloon 8 may be formed from a mould 54 of four-part construction comprising what might generally be referred to as a Y-shaped boss component or part 55, a pair of short companion block-like components or parts 56, 57 for detachable joinder to the opposite sides of the normally upper end of the rectilinear portion of boss component or part 55, and a co-ordinating rounded component or part 58 for completing the upper portion of the letter in question. It will thus be seen that joints are developed at 59, 60 and at 61 (see Figure 13).

Figure 14 illustrates a Q-shaped rubber balloon 9 which may be developed through the practice of the present invention by utilizing a mould 62 which is comprised of three parts, namely, a generally Yshaped boss component or part 63, a co-operating suitably curved component or part 64 for developing the upper portion of the letter, and a base component or part 65, there being joints thus developed at 66, 67, 68 and 69 as indicated in Figure 15.

Figure 16 illustrates an R-shaped rubber balloon 70 which may be developed by the present invention through utilization of a mould 71 (Figure 17) which is of three-part construction comprising what may be referred to as a Y-shaped boss component or part 72, a rectilinear component or part 73, and a suitably rounded component or part 74 with said components or parts being detachably interengaged at joints 75, 76 and 77. Each of the moulds hereinabove discussed, namely, 41, 59, 54, 62 and 71 are utilized in the same manner as mould 10 hereinabove described so that the constituent members of each such mould are separated through the set film and then sequentially withdrawn through the mouth of the developed balloon.

It is to be understood that moulds useful in the practice of the present invention may have any desired number of components or parts dependent entirely upon ease of manipulation and general workability so that there is no intention to restrict the present invention to the precise number of components or parts disclosed for each particular mould.

The sole criterion is that the components or parts be adapted for facile assembly and disassembly for the reasons which are evident from the foregoing.

It is quite apparent from the disclosure hereinabove that an O-shaped rubber balloon may be produced by utilization of mould 10, and a P-shaped rubber balloon could be easily presented by use of mould 49. Figure 18 presents the front view of an annular rubber balloon 78 which may be produced from utilization of a production mould 80 (Figure 19) which may be made of a soft material, such as of rubber, synthetic resin or the like. Mould 80 consists of an integral annular component or part 81 which is split, as it were, to provide a single joint 82 and a branch component or part 83 suitably connectible with annular component or part 81 at a position spaced from joint 82.At the joint 82 there is provided on one (84) of the confronting surfaces a substantially triangular protuberance or projection 85 (see Figure 20) and in the other (86) of the surfaces a complementarily-configured recess 87. Mould 80 is utilized in the same manner as the moulds hereinabove discussed, with the components 81 being disassembled while encased within the developed annular balloon 78. Component 81 of mould 80 is constructed of soft flexible material such as rubber, or a suitable resin or the like, so that upon disengagement at joint 82 the body 81 can be suitably manipulated through externally applied force for withdrawal of the film in the manner above discussed. It is recognised that the connection between branch component or part 83 and annular component or part 81 will have been preliminarily broken.

Branch component or part 83 is desirably formed of more rigid material than annular component or part 81 and thus may be formed of aluminium, a suitable thermosetting resin, or the like. The application of the necessary external force for disassembly will not cause rupture of the balloon so that any momentary deformation of the mould 80 during disengagement at the joint will not be productive of damage.

Figure 21 shows a D-shaped rubber balloon 88 produced prusuantto the present invention, while Figure 23 is the front view of a P-shaped rubber balloon 90 formed in like manner. Referring nowto Figure 23, mould 92 is exemplary of the type of mould for producing balloon 88 or 90 and consists of a D-shaped component or part 94 which is also desirably constructed of a soft flexible generally pliable material such as rubber, a thermoplastic resin or the like, and is provided with a single split for developing joint 95. The mating surfaces 96, 98 at joint 95 are provided with any suitable co-operating elements for effecting easily disengageable attachment.Mould 92 also consists of a branch member 93 which is fabricated of rigid material, such as aluminium, a thermosetting resin or the like and which is connectible with component or part 94 at a position otherthan joint 95; such connection being easily parted. D- or P-shaped balloons 88 or 90 are formed by mould 92 pursuant to the procedures hereinabove set forth. Thus, after solidification of the film constituting the developed rubber balloon, the branch portion may be removed through mouth 89 or 91 of balloons 88, 90, respectively, as the case may be; and with there being applied requisite external force for separating the surfaces 96, 98 at joint 95 so that body 94 can be manipulated for removal through the balloon mouth.The foregoing thus demonstrates the suitability of the present invention for producing balloons having annular or aperture-forming portions through the use of a mould that may have a single split, such as in mould bodies 81 and 94. Thus, the present invention provides advantageously moulds which may be handled in a simple and easy fashion for producing balloons of such unusual configurations.

Figure 24 illustrates an A-shaped balloon 99 constructed pursuant to the present invention and having a mouth 100. Mould 101, as shown in Figure 25, is an example of a mould useful in producing balloon 99. Said mould 101 is shown to be of two-part construction having a substantially Yshaped component 103 which includes one full side of the A, together with approximately one-half of the cross portion and a co-operating component 102 adapted to form separable joints with component 103 as at 104, 105, respectively.In practice, mould 101 is dipped into the balloon rubber solution to an extent for partially immersing the elongated portion of component 103. Afterthewithdrawal of the mould and the solidification of the film received thereon, the necessary external force is applied through the film for disassembly of mould 101 at joints 104, 105, as above-discussed. Thereafter, component 103 is removed from the balloon via mouth 100 and component 102 is sequentially withdrawn in a similar manner.

Although the immediately preceding disclosure illustrates the production of an A-shaped rubber balloon, it is indeed readily possible to produce moulds in accordance with the present invention for producing rubber balloons which have the configuration of those letters of the alpha bet which have not been discussed heretofore, namely C, E, F, H, I, J, K, L,M,N,S,T,U V W X Y andZ.

Thus, Figure 26 illustrates a C-shaped balloon which may be produced through the use of a mould 107 (Figure 27) which latter is of three-part construction, being comprised of boss-forming part or component 108, intermediate part or component 109, and arcuate part or component 112 which are adapted for intercoupling as above described as at joints 111, 112.

Figure 28 illustrates an E-shaped balloon produced by the present method, as through the utilization of a fourt-part mould 114 (Figure 29) wherein component or part 115 is rectilinear and constitutes the base, as it were, of the E, while parts or components 116, 117 and 118 are of like extent and adapted for easily detachable interengagementwith part 115 atthe joints 119, 120 and 121.

Figure 20 shows an F-shaped balloon 122 producible by the present invention involving a mould 123 (Figure 31 ) which is of three-part character having a single elongated base component or part 124 and a pair of similar relatively short rectilinear components or parts 125, 126 which latter are adapted for detachable engagement with base component or part 124 at joints 127, 128.

In Figure 32, an H-shaped balloon 129 is illustrated with the same being produced in accordance with the present invention involving the operation of a mould 130 (Figure 33) which is of four-part nature involving an elongated boss-forming component or part 131 incorporating a limited portion of the cross element, a rectilinear component or part 132 providing the balance of the cross element and a pair of straight components or parts 133, 134 for providing the remaining side of the letter; there being the expected easily disassembled joints formed at 135, 136 and 137.

Figure 34 discloses an I-shaped balloon 138 which may be produced in accordance with the present invention by resort to a five-part mould 139 (Figure 35) which comprehends an elongated base component or part 140 which involves the usual boss or extension and two pair of short components or parts as at 141, 142 and 143, 144 for developing the upper and lower ends of the I. Such components or parts are adapted for detachable joint formation at 145, 146 and 147,148.

Figure 36 shows a J-shaped balloon provided by the present method while the reference numeral 150 (Figure 37) indicates a mould useful for such balloon formation. Mould 150 is shown as being of threepart character including a main straight component or part 151 which incorporates a boss portion and a pair of co-operating components or parts 152 and 153 for development of the letters in question. Said components or parts are so related as to cause the creation of separable joints at 154 and 155.

Figure 38 illustrates a K-shaped balloon 156 developed by the present invention wherein a threepart mould 157 is illustrative of a mould useful in such method. Mould 157 comprises a generally base, elongated rectilinear component or part having the usual boss portion and a pair of components or parts 159, 160 for constituting the legs of the K.

Said mould components or parts thus effect the creation of joints 161,162 and 163 which, pursuant to the foregoing, are designed for ease of disassembly.

Figure 40 reveals an L-shaped balloon 164 formed by the present invention and with there being a very simply constituted mould 165 (Figure 41) for such formation. Said mould thus may consist of but two elongate components or parts of appropriate relative length, namely components or parts 166, 167 which are suitably adapted for coupling at joint 168.

Figure 42 illustrates an M-shaped balloon formed by the present invention and with a suitable mould 170 therefor being illustrated in Figure 43; said mould 170 being of four-part construction having a straight base component or part 171 with included boss and with the balance of the M divided between the components or parts 172, 173 and 174 and with joints formed at 175,176 and 177 which are permissive of ease of separation.

Referring to Figure 44, 178 indicates an N-shaped balloon provided by the present invention and wherein a mould 179 (Figure 45) is exemplary of a mould useful in such production. Mould 179 is shown as being of three-part character having a main or elongated component or part 180 and with the balance of the letter in question being constituted by components or parts 181,182. Thus, with this designed mould, joints are formed only at 183 and 184.

Figure 46 shows an S-shaped balloon 185 provided by the present invention, involving the utilization of a mould 186 (Figure 47) which is shown, for purposes of exposition, as being of four-part character; there being a main part or component 187 including the base of the letter, while three curvate parts or components 188, 189 and 190, of respective declining extent, form the balance of the letter.

These aforesaid parts or components thus cooperate in the formation of three joints as at 191,192 and 193 which permit readily disengagement.

A T-shaped balloon 194 (Figure 48) formed in accordance with the method of the present invention may be developed through the use of a T-shaped mould 195 (Figure 49) which, for purposes of example, is shown of being of three-part construction having a main elongated component or part 196 with co-operating preferably equi-length components or parts 197, 198 providing the crossbar of the letter. Thus, a mould of this type will effect the development of but two joints, namely at 199 and 200.

Figure 51 illustrates a U-shaped balloon 201 as formed through the utilization of a mould 202 (Figure 51) in the practice of the present invention. Said mould is of single two-part construction with the components being substantially identical except that component 203 is of greater length than component 204 so as to provide the necessary boss portion.

Thus, a joint 205 is created between components 203, 204 substantially midway through the base of the letter.

A V-shaped balloon 206 formed in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in Figure 52 and with a two-part mould 207 (Figure 53) being productive thereof. Mould 207 comprises two basically similar components 208, 209 but with the former being relatively longer by the usual boss and with a single readily uncoupled joint as at 210 being developed therein.

Figure 54 illustrates a W-shaped balloon 211 which may be formed through the performance of the present method involving a mould 212 (Figure 55) which may be of four-part character having a main elongated component or part 213 and with the co-operating components or parts 214,215 and 216 for developing the double "V" nature of the letter. A mould of such four components or parts would thus cause the development of the customary joints at 217,218 and 219.

An X-shaped balloon 220 is illustrated in Figure 56 which could also be formed by the present invention with resort to a mould 221 as shown in Figure 57.

This mould is of three-part character being constituted of main elongated component or part 222 which incorporates the usual boss portion and two shorter straight components or parts 223, 224 which may be coupled to main component or part 222 as at joints 225, 226.

A Y-shaped balloon 227 is illustrated in Figure 58 which could also be formed by the present invention wherein a mould 228 (Figure 59) may be used and which could be of simple construction having but two parts, namely a main elongated component or part 229 which involves the usual boss portion, as well as one of the branches of the Y, and the other component or part 230 being considerably shorter for providing the other leg of the Y with there being the usual readily detachable joint 231 formed at the meeting of the legs of the Y.

Figure 60 shows a Z-shaped rubber balloon 232, while Figure 61 illustrates a mould 233 useful for producing said balloon through the practice of the present method. Mould 233 is illustrated as being of three-part character, having a lower elongated component or part 232, an upper shorter component or part 236 with an intervening component or part 235 and with the same being intercoupled as at joints 237, 238.

Thus, the foregoing demonstrates forms of moulds, in accordance with the present invention, for producing the various letters of the alphabet in the nature of rubber balloons thereby demonstrating the marked versatility of the present invention for producing balloons of complicated, unusual and unique shapes heretofore not obtainable through known technology. Each of the moulds hereinabove described is utilized in the fashion described, namely the effecting of uncoupling of the components, one from another, through external forces applied through the balloon formed on the moulds so that the mould components may be sequentially withdrawn through the mouth of the balloon without damage to the balloon.

As pointed out above, the moulds may be of any desired number of parts or components and the particular character of the moulds as shown herein is purely for exemplary purposes as in some cases it might very well be easierforthe particular user to have a greater number of components or parts than suggested herein for the particular configuration.

Furthermore, the foregoing is not in any way intended to be exhaustive but simply expository of a concept of mould formation which could be readily used by anyone having ordinary skill in the art to develop shapes and configurations of a most unusual character but not necessarily disclosed herein.

The possibilities for the present invention are indeed myriad.

Figure 62 illustrates a partially cut-away side view of an example of a mould 239 constructed in accordance with the present invention. Said mould 239 is of hollow character and made of relatively soft, flexible, pliable material such as rubber or a suitable resin. Mould 239 is shown as having the shape of a swan wherein the chest 240 and tail 241 are protrusive in that the same project from the body of the mould. Thus, if mould 239 were made of glass or other commonly used integral mould material, the rubber film formed thereon would necessary have to be inflated or subjected to a substantial force in order to be peeled from the mould. Thus, the results are unreliable since the films tend to be ruptured during peeling.However, when mould 239 is formed by a hollow body and of a soft, pliable, flexible material, the same may be deformed under any externally applied force so that the protrusive portions such as the chest 240 and tail 241 will be caused to suitably accommodate the smooth peeling of the film therefrom and without the necessity of inflating the balloon.

Therefore, in accordance with the present inven tion,the rubberfilm can be peeled off easily whatever shape the production mould may possess.

Should the rubber film be passed through a peeling device with peeling means such as a rubber roller after the film formation on the mould, the rubber film can be peeled off most easily. Therefore, it is quite possible to mass produce rubber balloons having complicated shapes through the use of the present invention.

It is, of course, understood that mould 239 is shown as being of a swan-shape for purposes of disclosure only since any desired shape, regardless of complexity, may be used.

Among the advantages of the method of the present invention are that it is easily practiced in a most economical manner, and is most reliable, and that it includes the utilization of a multi-part mould, the parts or components of which may be disassembled upon balloon formation and manipulated for facile withdrawal from the surrounding moulded balloon.

Among the advantages of moulds for use in the production of rubber balloons by the method of the present invention are that balloons of myriad unusual, distinct and attractive shapes or configurations can be produced that moulds may be constituted of a predetermined number of parts or components which are easily interengaged and disengaged, and that the moulds are economically produced; are extremely durable in usage; and may be effectively utilized by relatively unskilled individuals.

Claims

1. A method of producing a balloon comprising providing a mould consisting of a plurality of components adapted for facile interengagement and disengagement, dipping the assembled mould into a solution of balloon rubber, forming a film of the solution upon the surface of said mould, permitting the film to solidify, disengaging the mould components one from the other, and then withdrawing the mould components sequentially from the solidified film.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising applying the requisite forceful manipulation of the mould components through the film.

3. A method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which said mould, when assembled, is of annular configuration.

4. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, in which said mould includes a boss portion to be only partially immersed during the mould dipping step whereby to form upon the developed balloon a mouth through which said mould components are withdrawn.

5. A mould for use in the production of rubber balloons, comprising a plurality of discrete components and means for effecting interengagement of said components for assembly of the mould into its predetermined form, said means being adapted for facile disengagement while mould material encases said mould.

6. A mould as claimed in claim 5, in which said mould components are constructed of non-rigid, flexible, durable material permitting of naturally restorable deformation.

7. A mould as claimed in claim 6, in which said material of construction of said mould is natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or a synthetic resin.

8. A mould as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 7 in which said mould members are interengageable to form an annular body, and a readily detachable branch portion is connectible with said annular body for manipulation thereof during moulding operations.

9. A mould as claimed in claim 6 or 7 and 8, in which said branch portion is formed of rigid material.

10. A mould for use in the production of a balloon, comprising a hollow body constructed of soft flexible material such as natural rubber, synthetic rubber or a synthetic resin.

11. A method of producing a balloon substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 2 and any one of Figures 3(i), 3(ii), 3(iii) and 3 (iv) of the accompanying drawings.

12. A method of producing a balloon substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 4 and any one of Figures 3(i), 3(ii), 3(iii) and 3(iv) of the accompanying drawings.

13. A method of producing a balloon substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 5 and any one of Figures 3(i), 3(ii), 3(iii) and 3(iv) of the accompanying drawings.

14. A method of producing a balloon substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 7 and any one of Figures 3(i), 3(ii), 3(iii) and 3(iv) of the accompanying drawings.

15. A method of producing a balloon substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 9 and any one of Figures 3(i), 3(ii), 3(iii) and 3(iv) of the accompanying drawings.

16. A method of producing a balloon substantial ly as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 11 and any one of Figures 3(i), 3(ii), 3(iii) and 3(iv) of the accompanying drawings.

17. A method of producing a balloon substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 13 and any one of Figures 3(i), 3(ii), 3(iii) and 3(iv) of the accompanying drawings.

18. A method of producing a balloon substantial ly as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 15 and any one of Figures 3(i), 3(ii), 3(iii) and 3(iv) of the accompanying drawings.

19. A method of producing a balloon substantial ly as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 17 and any one of Figures 3(i), 3(ii), 3(iii) and 3(iv) of the accompanying drawings.

20. A method of producing a balloon substantial ly as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 19 and any one of Figures 3(i), 3(ii), 3(iii) and 3(iv) of the accompanying drawings.

21. A method of producing a balloon substantial ly as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 20 of the accompanying drawings.

22. A method of producing a balloon substantial ly as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 23 and any one of Figures 3(i), 3(ii), 3(iii) and 3(iv) of the accompanying drawings.

23. A method of producing a balloon substantial ly as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 25 and any one of Figures 3(i), 3(ii), 3(iii) and 3(iv) of the accompanying drawings.

24. A method of producing a balloon substantial ly as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 27 and any one of Figures 3(i), 3(ii), 3(iii) and 3(iv) of the ccompanying drawings.

25. A method of producing a balloon substantial ly as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 29 and any one of Figures 3(i), 3(ii), 3(iii) and 3(iv) of the accompanying drawings.

26. A method of producing a balloon substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 31 and any one of Figures 3(i), 3(ii), 3(iii) and 3(iv) of the accompanying drawings.

27. A method of producing a balloon substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 33 and any one of Figures 3(i), 3(ii), 3(iii) and 3(iv) of the accompanying drawings.

28. A method of producing a balloon substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 35 and any one of Figures 3(i), 3(ii), 3(iii) and 3(iv) of the accompanying drawings.

29. A method of producing a balloon substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 37 and any one of Figures 3(i), 3(ii), 3(iii) and 3(iv) of the accompanying drawings.

30. A method of producing a balloon substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 39 and any one of Figures 3(i), 3(ii), 3(iii) and 3(iv) of the accompanying drawings.

31. A method of producing a balloon substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 41 and any one of Figures 3(i), 3(ii), 3(iii) and 3(iv) of the accompanying drawings.

32. A method of producing a balloon substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 43 and any one of Figures 3(i), 3(ii), 3(iii) and 3(iv) of the accompanying drawings.

33. A method of producing a balloon substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 45 and any one of Figures 3(i), 3(ii), 3(iii) and 3(iv) of the accompanying drawings.

34. A method of producing a balloon substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 47 and any one of Figures 3(i), 3(ii), 3(iii) and 3(iv) of the accompanying drawings.

35. A method of producing a balloon substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 49 and any one of Figures 3(i), 3(ii), 3(iii) and 3(iv) of the accompanying drawings.

36. A method of producing a balloon substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 51 and any one of Figures 3(i), 3(ii), 3(iii) and 3(iv) of the accompanying drawings.

37. A method of producing a balloon substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 53 and any one of Figures 3(i), 3(ii), 3(iii), and 3(iv) of the accompanying drawings.

38. A method of producing a balloon substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 55 and any one of Figures 3(i), 3(ii), 3(iii) and 3(iv) of the accompanying drawings.

39. A method of producing a balloon substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 57 and any one of Figures 3(i), 3(ii), 3(iii), and 3(iv) of the accompanying drawings.

40. A method of producing a balloon substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 59 and any one of Figures 3(i), 3(ii), 3(iii), and 3(iv) of the accompanying drawings.

41. A method of producing a balloon substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 61 and any one of Figures 3(i), 3(ii), 3(iii) and 3(iv) of the accompanying drawings.

42. A method of producing a balloon substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 62 of the accompanying drawings.

43. A balloon when produced by the method claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 and 11 to 42.