GB2534218A

GB2534218A - A device to seal a balloon

Info

Publication number: GB2534218A
Application number: GB1500827.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rana Shahzad
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-01-19
Filing date: 2015-01-19
Publication date: 2016-07-20
Anticipated expiration: 2035-01-19
Also published as: GB2534218B; GB201500827D0

Abstract

A device to seal a balloon comprises a substantially flat body, a first and a second slot 18 & 20each to receive a balloon neck, formed in the body and each extending from its edge at a first end of the body. The slots 18 & 20 are spaced apart from one another and tapering from their opening to the edge of the body along a part of the length of the slot. The slots 18 & 20 each have an axis along the direction of the slot, the axes being arranged at a first angle 34 one to the other in the plane of the body. A secondary slot 36 extends from a point adjacent to the closed end of the first slot 18 and has an axis forming a second angle 38 to the axis of the first slot 18 in the plane of the body. In some embodiments the first angle 34 is in the range 5 to 45 degrees. In some embodiments the first angle 34 is in the range 10 to 20 degrees, and may be around 20 degrees.

Description

A device to seal a balloon

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to devices to seal balloons, and in particular to sealing devices without moving parts.

Background

Devices to seal balloons are known. Typically they fall into the following categories: devices comprising one or more slots to retain a portion of the balloon neck wrapped around the device, the tension along the length of the neck and compression of the neck wall together by the tight wrapping around the device; devices having a clamping action in which two components of the device are clipped together to occlude the neck; adhesive devices, for example applying adhesive tape tightly around the neck, and noose-like devices that may be tightened around the balloon neck. Prior art devices are known also to be unreliable, leading to leaking of the balloon, or tricky to use, for example requiring careful handling to achieve sufficient tension to create a seal. There is a need for an improved balloon sealing device, that may be made cheaply and may be decorative in form, and may be used more easily than prior art devices.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: EP2623171 discloses: A balloon sealing and display device comprises a disk-like body member that includes a first sealing slit formed therein, extending from an open mouth inwardly to a closed end. The disk-like body member also includes a second sealing slit formed therein extending from an open mouth inwardly to a closed end. The closed end of the first sealing slit and the closed end of the second sealing slit are spaced apart from one another to define a neck wrap portion of the body member. The disk-like body member also includes a ribbon wrap portion. The balloon sealing and display device also includes a ribbon, having a first end and a second end defining a length thereof, having the first end secured to the body member.

This device has a complex pattern of slits and features a balloon display portion in the form of a coil. The device is more complex than necessary and requires two components to be handled and fitted to the balloon.

W02013110905 discloses a sealing closure device, suitable for sealing a balloon or the like, consists of a tube suitably formed of a rigid plastics material, having a tapering stopper member engageable in one end thereof, and through which passes one end of a loop of thin twine or string. The end of the loop is retained within the stopper member, which is hollow, by a knot. Initially, the loop extends beyond the tube, and the free end thereof emerges from the same end of the tube as receives the stopper member.

This is typical of noose-like devices -easy to use, but not easy to achieve sufficient 15 compression to create a good seal, and not aesthetically pleasing.

FR2796565 discloses: The device comprises two parts connected together at their edges and able to pivot against each other between open and closed positions. In the open position the two parts are separated and in the closed position are brought together and clamp the inflation tube of the balloon. The two parts have locking tabs which mesh in the closed position and hold the device closed. One of the parts has a projection which clamps the balloon tube between it and the other part when the device is closed.

This device is typical of clamping devices that clip together to seal the neck. It is a complex plastic moulding, and requires a lot of manual force to clip it together.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a device to seal a balloon comprising: a substantially flat body having a first major surface, an opposing major surface and an edge between them, a first and a second slot each to receive a balloon neck, formed in the body and each extending from its edge at a first end of the body, the slots being spaced apart from one another and tapering from their opening to the edge of the body along a part of the length of the slot, the slots each having an axis along the direction of the slot, the axes being arranged at a first angle one to the other in the plane of the body, and a secondary slot extending from a point adjacent to the closed end of the first slot and having an axis forming a second angle to the axis of the first slot in the plane of the body.

In some embodiments the first angle is in the range 5 to 45 degrees. In some embodiments the first angle is in the range 10 to 20 degrees, and may be around 20 10 degrees.

In some embodiments the second angle is in the range 30 to 170 degrees. In some embodiments the second angle is in the range 45 to 90 degrees, and may be around 65 degrees. In some embodiments the second angle is between 90 degrees and around 170 degrees, in the sense that the secondary slot doubles back on the first slot.

In this way the device provides a means to retain the neck of a balloon within the first and the second slots, held such that the neck is substantially flat with the internal surface of the neck occluded to retain pressure in the balloon, the neck being held by the body in close contact with one or more internal edges of the slots. The secondary slot is configured to receive the end of the balloon closest to the neck, to hold the neck of the balloon in position within the first and the second slots. The provision of the secondary slot at an angle to the first slot allows the secondary slot to retain the neck of the balloon such that it does not slip readily into the first slot.

The first and second major surfaces may be parallel in the region of the slots, or a surface may be curved, such that the body is convex on one or both sides or concave on one or both sides.

The device may comprise a ridge adjacent to an edge of a slot raised above a major surface. A ridge may be provided along a portion of one or both slots or may be provided along the whole length of a slot. A ridge may be provided along the first and the second slots. A ridge may be provided also along the secondary slot. The ridge may comprise a curved upper surface distal from the major surface. In this way device is configured such that the ridge may fulfil some or all of the following functions in use: The ridge may provide an additional position of compression for the neck of the balloon when stretched across the ridge; The ridge may guide the neck of the balloon into the slot; The ridge may strengthen the body such that a thinner body may be used with resulting lower cost of materials in production.

A ridge comprises a first edge raised above a major surface distal from the edge of the slot and a second edge proximal to the edge of a slot. The first and second edges may be substantially at a right angle to the major surface adjacent to the edge. The second edge may be aligned with the edge of the slot so as to form a continuous surface from the top of the ridge into the slot. The edges of the ridge may comprise a radius at the base of the ridge to form a continuous surface with the major surface.

The first and second slots may comprise a tapering portion that is widest at its open end, such that the taper comprises a first inner edge and a second, opposing inner edge, the inner edges converging with distance along them from the opening of the slot to the edge of the device. The first inner edge may form a first taper angle to the adjoining inner edge of the slot, and second inner edge may form a second taper angle to the adjoining inner edge of the slot, such that the first angle is between around 180 degrees and around 270 degrees, and the second angle is between around 90 degrees and around 170 degrees. In this way the first and second inner edges diverges from one another with distance from the point of junction with the inner edges of the slot.

The device may further comprise an aperture in the body to receive a ribbon. The aperture may comprise a ridge around it. The aperture may be provided on an axis positioned such that the first and second slots are symmetrical about the axis.

The shape of the body around its edge may vary according to the embodiment and the invention is not limited to any specific shape. For example the body may have a shape around its edge selected from: substantially rectilinear, with the slots extending from a common side; substantially rectilinear, with the first slot extending from a first side and the second slot extending from a second, adjoining side; a rhombus or kite, with the a first slot extending from a first side and a second slot extending from a second side, the first and second sides optionally being adjoining sides; a circle; an oval; a curved shape having two or more curved portions adjoining one another at an angle; a curved shape having three curved portions adjoining one another at an angle, two of the curved portions having a longer arc around the edge than the third; the shape of a shield.

The device may be formed from moulded polymer as known in the art, for example by injection moulding. The device may be formed from cardboard or wood, for example by stamping or die-cutting. The device may be formed from machined or diecast metal or press-cut and formed sheet metal. The device may be in a range of colours and may have images or logos moulded, embossed, cut out from it or printed on it. For example, a shape, letter, or logo may be formed as a cut-out through the thickness of the body.

The device may have a first characteristic dimension across the body in the range 2cm to 5cm, in the range 2.5cm to 4cm, or around 3cm. The device may have a second characteristic dimension orthogonal to the first in the range 2cm to 5cm, in the range 2.5cm to 4cm, or around 3cm. The body may have a thickness in the range 1mm to 5mm, for example around 2mm. The ridge may project from the first surface to a height in the range 0.5mm to 5mm, in the range 1mm to 3mm. The ridge may project from the second surface to the same height. For example, the dimension across the full height of the ridge on both sides of the body may be in the range 1mm to 10mm, in the range 2mm to 6mm, or around 5mm.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a top view of an embodiment of a device according to the invention. Figure 2 shows a bottom view of the embodiment shown in figure 1.

Figure 3 shows a first end view of the embodiment shown in figure 1 looking towards 30 the first end of the device.

Figure 4 shows a second end view of the embodiment shown in figure 1 looking towards the second end of the device.

Figure 5 shows a first side view of the embodiment shown in figure 1 looking towards a first side of the device.

Figure 6 shows a second side view of the embodiment shown in figure 1 looking towards a second side of the device.

Figure 7 shows an isometric top side view of the embodiment shown in figure 1.

Detailed Description of Figures

Referring to figures 1 to 7, an embodiment of a device according to the invention comprises: A substantially flat body 10 having a first major surface 12, an opposing major surface 14 and an edge 16 between them, A first slot 18 and a second slot 20 each to receive a balloon neck, formed in the body and each extending from its edge at a first end 22 of the body towards the second opposing end 24 of the body, the slots being spaced apart from one another and tapering from their opening 26, 28 to the edge of the body along a part of the length of the slot, The slots each having an axis 30, 32 along the direction of the slot, the axes being arranged at a first angle 34 one to the other in the plane of the body, and A secondary slot 36 extending from a point adjacent to the closed end of the first slot and having an axis forming a second angle 38 to the axis of the first slot in the plane of the body.

In this embodiment the first angle is around 20 degrees. In other variants of this embodiment the first angle is in the range 15 to 30 degrees.

In this embodiment the second angle is around 65 degrees. In other variants of this 25 embodiment the second angle is in the range 45 to 90 degrees, and may be around 60 degrees.

In use the neck of the balloon is first slotted into the second slot with the end of the neck facing towards the first major surface 12 of the device, stretched tight such that the second major surface of the device is adjacent to the balloon. The neck end is then pulled sideways across the first major surface 12 towards the first slot. The neck is then passed over the outer edge at the first side 40 of the device and then downward over the outer edge and then slotted into the first slot with the neck of the balloon facing towards the first major surface. The neck of the balloon is then moved in the slot into the secondary slot. In this way the neck of a balloon is held tightly and substantially flat and occluded. The secondary slot retains the neck of the balloon such that it does not slip readily back into the first slot, which would release the seal.

In this embodiment the first and second major surfaces are substantially flat and parallel.

This embodiment comprises a ridge 42 adjacent to the edges of the slots along their whole length. The ridge comprises a curved surface 44 distal from each major surface. In this way device is configured such that the ridge may fulfil some or all of 10 the following functions in use: The ridge provides an additional position of compression for the neck of the balloon when stretched across the ridge; The ridge guides the neck of the balloon into the slot; The ridge strengthens the body such that a thinner body may be used with resulting 15 lower cost of materials in production.

The ridge comprises a first edge 46 raised above a major surface distal from the edge of the slot and a second edge 48 proximal to the edge of a slot. The first and second edges are substantially at a right angle to the major surfaces and the second edge is aligned with the edge of the slot so as to form a continuous surface from the top of the ridge into the slot. The edges of the ridge comprise a radius 50 at the base of the ridge to form a continuous surface with the major surface.

The first and second slots each comprise a tapering portion 52, 54 that is widest at its open end 26, 28, such that the taper comprises a first inner edge 56 and a second, opposing inner edge 58, the inner edges converging with distance along them from the opening of the slot to the edge of the device. The first inner edge forms a first taper angle 60 to the adjoining inner edge of the slot 62, and second inner edge forms a second taper angle 64 to the adjoining inner edge 66 of the slot, such that the first angle is around 240 degrees and the second angle is around 150 degrees. In this way the first 56 and second 58 inner edges diverge from one another with distance from the point of junction with the inner edges 62, 66 of the slot.

The embodiment further comprises an aperture 80 in the body to receive a ribbon. 35 The aperture may comprise a ridge around it. The aperture may be provided on an axis positioned such that the first and second slots are symmetrical about the axis.

The shape of the body around its edge is a curved shape having three curved portions 82, 84 and 86 adjoining one another at an angle, two of the curved portions having a longer arc around the edge than the third.

The embodiment may be formed from moulded polymer as known in the art, for example by injection moulding and may be in a range of colours and may have images or logos moulded, embossed, cut out from it or printed on it.

The embodiment may be provided in a range of different sizes. In some variants of the embodiment the first characteristic dimension across the body from the first end 22 to the second end 24 is in the range 2cm to 5cm, for example around 3cm. In different sizes of the embodiment the second characteristic dimension orthogonal to the first is in the range 2cm to 5cm, for example around 3cm. The body may have a thickness around 2mm. The ridge may project from the first surface to a height of 2mm such that the dimension across the full height of the ridge on both sides of the body is around 6mm.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

With respect to the specification therefore, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A device to seal a balloon comprising: a substantially flat body having a first major surface, an opposing major surface and an edge between them, a first and a second slot each to receive a balloon neck, formed in the body and each extending from its edge at a first end of the body, the slots being spaced apart from one another and tapering from their opening to the edge of the body along a part of the length of the slot, the slots each having an axis along the direction of the slot, the axes being arranged at a first angle one to the other in the plane of the body, and a secondary slot extending from a point adjacent to the closed end of the first slot and having an axis forming a second angle to the axis of the first slot in the plane of the body.
2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the first angle is in the range 5 to 45 degrees.
3. A device according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the second angle is in the range 30 to 170 degrees.
4. A device according to any preceding claim comprising a ridge adjacent to an edge of a slot raised above a major surface.
5. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the first and second slots comprise a tapering portion that is widest at its open end, such that the taper comprises a first inner edge and a second, opposing inner edge, the inner edges converging with distance along them from the opening of the slot to the edge of the device.
6. A device according to claim 5 wherein the first inner edge forms a first taper angle to the adjoining inner edge of the slot, and second inner edge forms a second taper angle to the adjoining inner edge of the slot, such that the first angle is between around 180 degrees and around 270 degrees, and the second angle is between around 90 degrees and around 170 degrees.
7. A device according to any preceding claim further comprising an aperture in the body shaped and dimensioned to receive a ribbon.
8. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the shape of the body around its edge is a curved shape having three curved portions adjoining one another at an angle, two of the curved portions having a longer arc around the edge than the third.
9. A device according to any preceding claim having a first characteristic dimension across the body in the range 2cm to 5cm.AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOWS:- 1 A device to seal a balloon comprising: a substantially flat body having a first major surface, an opposing major surface and an edge between them, a first and a second slot each to receive a balloon neck, formed in the body and each extending from its edge at a first end of the body to a distal end, the slots being spaced apart from one another and opening to the edge of the body, the slots each having an axis along the direction of the slot, the axes being arranged at a first angle one to the other in the plane of the body; both slots comprise: a first inner edge meeting an adjoining inner edge at a bend of between 180 and 270 degrees, and an opposing inner edge meeting another adjoining inner edge at a bend of between 90 and 170 degrees, such that the slots are tapered by the first and opposing inner edges to be widest at the open end; and a secondary slot extends from a point adjacent to the distal end of the first slot and having an axis forming a second angle to the axis of the first slot in the plane of the body.2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the first angle is in the range 5 to 45 CO degrees.O3. A device according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the second angle is in the range 30 to 170 degrees.4. A device according to any preceding claim comprising a ridge adjacent to an edge of a slot raised above a major surface.5. A device according to any preceding claim further comprising an aperture in the body shaped and dimensioned to receive a ribbon.6. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the shape of the body around its edge is a curved shape having three curved portions adjoining one another at an angle, two of the curved portions having a longer arc around the edge than the third.7. A device according to any preceding claim having a first characteristic dimension across the body in the range 2cm to 5cm.1.1") OCO O