JP2009509803A - Method and apparatus for freestanding support of an object in the air - Google Patents

Abstract

  When an object is filled with a gas with a specific gravity lower than air at a controlled pressure that provides sufficient buoyancy for different weight objects without the need for anchoring points connected to the ground. It is supported freely in the air by attaching it to a support structure that is suitable for floating in the air. The support structure, along with the attached object, is released so that the levitation force of the support structure reaches an equilibrium position that balances the mixed weight of the enclosure and the attached object. An object is a self-powered electrical device that is integrated with a support structure and operated by a battery or solar energy. The enclosure is part of a floating platform or object.

Description

  The present invention relates to a method and an attachment for anchoring an object in the air.

  Despite the relevance, we continue to live in the followers of Newton's doctrine, where the third law of Newton's movement dictates our way of thinking and interpretation. In this way, the actual feeling that the affected body balance is equal and shows the opposite reaction is not exactly an explanation of Newton's doctrine, but a blueprint for creating a safe and helpful environment. . Specifically, as far as the present invention is concerned, any object that is required to be supported in the air is usually considered to require a support surface on which it rests. So, for example, the lamp is on the table or floor, or is attached to the wall or ceiling, the painting is displayed via hooks, and the notification is pinned to the wall or ceiling or other hook Is suspended from. Indeed, electrical equipment that operates on the main power source requires an electrical connection to the power source. And in general, the electrical connection also serves to perform a mechanical connection to a support surface constituted by a wall or ceiling. In fact, however, the electrical connection does not require mechanical support or mechanized support that serves to connect to the electrical point. Thus, portable battery-powered electrical devices such as watches that do not require electrical connections must be supported by a support surface such as a suitable wall, for example.

  There have been attempts in the prior art to raise the objects on the support surface as long as the mechanical support surface is necessarily subject to undesirable friction. This is a hovercraft and magnetic levitation principle, defended by Prof. Eric Laithwaite of Imperial College, London UK, and eventually realized in a magnetic levitation train.

  These principles are always disclosed as the same or similar results in the following patent documents.

  U.S. Pat. No. 6,057,089 discloses a balloon action toy that rises and falls, which includes an envelope filled with a gas lighter than air, and the envelope alternately repeats rising and lowering to the limit.

  U.S. Patent No. 6,057,051 discloses a toy that simulates an illuminated overhead moon with a long legged spacecraft below. The toy includes a lighting device secured to the balloon by a string under tension. The illuminator is positioned completely outside the balloon and illuminates the interior of the balloon so that the balloon appears to shine.

  The lighting device includes at least three arms extending from a body having a locking fastener. The locking fastener is attached to the neck of the balloon by a string under tension. Each arm ends with a window for contacting the balloon skin and transmitting light through the skin to the interior of the balloon. In an embodiment, the lighting device has a weight that is low enough for the toy to float in the air.

  U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,099,056 and 4,089,086 disclose an inflatable translucent balloon body having a predetermined net lifting force that is inflated with a gas lighter than air. The light source is inflated to the light transmission limit and attached to the balloon. In order to be attached to the light transmission limit and keep the buoyant balloon floating, the light transmission limit has a net weight less than the net lifting force of the balloon inflated with a gas lighter than air. .

  Patent Document 5 describes a balloon inflating device having a light bulb attached to one end of a tube and illuminated by an external energy source connected to the other end of the light bulb. The tube initially snaps the light into the balloon neck and the mechanical seal prevents gas from passing between the balloon flange and stem. The energy source of the bulb can be removed from the tube and the tube is arranged so that the gas flow is injected into the balloon to inflate it, but the balloon gas cannot flow from the balloon through the tube. Yes.

  None of the above-mentioned references mentions the need to anchor objects in the air, particularly without attaching to a support surface that serves as a anchoring point connected to the ground. However, the support surface is not always available, for example, when it is necessary to support the object outside without going to the support column, or when the available support surface is full or unreachable.

  To the extent that some of the above-mentioned references support objects like lamps in the air, it is just a by-product of illuminated toy balloons, and the lamps are forced to fit inside the balloons. Even in the special case where the balloon supports the lamp in the air, this imposes some restrictions on the size and intensity of the lamp. The lamp fits inside the balloon and there is no danger of tearing the balloon and must be physically small enough to be inserted through its neck. Furthermore, as a result, it should not be so bright that the resulting heat does not explode the balloon.

  These drawbacks appear to be avoided in US Pat. No. 6,057,028, where the lamp is externally attached to the balloon to illuminate through the translucent surface of the balloon. The balloon is filled with helium to float, but it must be stringed to prevent its flow. In fact, when using an embodiment in which the balloon is filled with helium, it is particularly recommended that the free end of the string be tied to a heavy object or to the user's wrist or arm to prevent toy flow.

  Patent Documents 3 and 4 mentioned above refer to balloons that are free floating but have very limited lifting capacity. Thus, a traditional, sensuously inflated helium-filled balloon measuring approximately 12 inches (30 cm) in height and 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter has a net value of almost 1/2 ounce (14 grams). It is noteworthy that it has superior power. These two patents use optical fiber, which is less than 14 grams in length and can be supported by an inflated helium-filled balloon, while the light is optical fiber It can be introduced inside the balloon through a limit. Thus, it is clear that these references do not suggest supporting the object in the air. In addition, this type of balloon is intended for single use only, is not suitable for supporting different objects, and lacks any method for controlling the buoyancy of the balloon. Since this type of balloon is usually considered for a single use, it is made of a material like Mylar (TM), making it possible to obtain sufficient buoyancy with a minimum volume. However, this type of material is unsuitable for withstanding the rigorous handling or bumps required for non-disposable applications.

  U.S. Patent No. 6,043,077 discloses a balloon device that includes an inner container and an outer container that are movable with respect to each other. The apparatus includes a pressurized container mounted in the inner container and a firing mechanism that is activated by striking the apparatus against a hard surface such as a tabletop. The firing mechanism punctures the high pressure vessel to allow gas to leak into the device, and this gas is directed by an O-ring type element through an orifice into a balloon that is kept sealed to the device.

  Patent Document 7 discloses a weightless toy object, and the upward levitation force of gas that is lighter than the air in the toy object body is balanced so that the toy object can stay at a certain height and orientation in the space in which it is placed. Using the weight and bearing weight system, the weight of the toy object is carefully balanced.

  U.S. Pat. No. 6,057,051 discloses a periodic thermal management system to accommodate daytime heating and nighttime cooling cycles to maintain the platform at high altitude in long-term geostatic locations.

  U.S. Pat. No. 6,089,077 discloses a toy airship that has at least one engine mounted on the top side of an inflatable helium balloon airship, such as a member, and on the bottom side thereof. Infrared control circuit and power supply are installed. The airship is operated from a self-contained power source and is controlled by a self-contained control system that receives control signals from a transmitter. In conclusion, none of the above references are like lights and other home or office accessories in a manner that supports them in the air without the need for stringed or other grounded supports. There is nothing about the floating support of the object.

Furthermore, the prior art does not seem to relate to modular floating supports that allow different objects to be supported on the same platform. Thus, the prior art device is designed to lift an object of weight that corresponds to the fixed buoyancy of the device. Attempts to support heavier objects lower the device.
US Patent No. 4,693,695 (Cheng, issued September 15, 1987) US Patent No. 6,390,651 (Bertrand, issued May 21, 2002) US Patent No. 6, 106, 135 (Zingale et al.) US Patent No. 6,371,638 (Zingale et al.) US Patent No. 5,499,941 (Penjuke, issued 19 March 1996) US Patent No. 5,014,757 (Donaldson et al., Issued May 14, 1991) US Patent No. 6,099,376 (Singhal et al., Issued August 8, 2000) US Patent No. 6,425,552 (Lee et al.) US Patent No. 4,931,028 (Jaeger et al., Issued on June 5, 1990)

  Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for freely supporting an object in the air without the need for anchoring such as support surfaces or columns.

  A further object of the present invention is to provide a device of this kind that can be used in many applications.

  Nevertheless, it is a further object of the present invention to provide a device of this kind that is modular and allows different objects to be supported on the same buoyant platform. It is a still further object of the present invention to provide such a device that completely includes that the device can float when needed.

These objects are achieved according to a first aspect according to the invention by a method for freely supporting an object in space without the need for anchoring points connected to the ground, the method comprising:
Attaching the object to a hollow support structure suitable for floating in the air when filled with a gas having a specific gravity lower than air;
Coupling a gas supply to the support structure via a pressure gauge set to a control pressure adapted to achieve a buoyancy of the support structure that is commensurate with the combined weight of the support structure and the attached object;
Filling the hollow portion of the support structure with the gas at the control pressure;
Opening the gas-filled support structure with the attached object so that the buoyancy of the support structure reaches an equilibrium position that balances the mixed weight of the support structure and the attached object;
It is equipped with.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is a support structure for freely supporting an object in the air,
The support structure floats in the air when filled with a gas having a specific gravity lower than air to ensure that the levitation force of the enclosure is commensurate with the combined weight of the support structure and the attached object. And suitable for filling the gas at a controlled pressure via a gas filling mechanism before use.

  The gas filling mechanism includes an inlet integrated with the support structure and connected to an adjustable pressure valve for adjusting gas supply and gas pressure.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the support structure is a buoyant platform having anchor points for attaching the object to the buoyant platform, and in use, the buoyant platform together with the attached object is The levitation force reaches an equilibrium position that balances the mixed weight of the platform and the attached object.

  In such embodiments, the object may be integrated with a buoyant platform or may be a battery or a self-powered electrical device that is powered by solar energy. More generally speaking, the object may be separated from or integrated with the support structure. It can also be part of an object such as a hollow wall of the required size in the object housing, when the object is filled with a predetermined amount of gas, the object floats in the air .

  In order to understand the present invention and see how it is actually performed, some exemplary embodiments are described below as non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  In the following description, features appearing in more than one drawing are identified by the same reference number.

  FIGS. 1a and 1b show a pictorial wireframe and three-dimensional representation of a buoyant platform 10 according to the present invention for supporting a portable self-powered electric lamp 11 or other object in the air. The buoyant platform 10 constitutes a hollow support structure that is strong enough to withstand bumps and the like without rupturing, while supporting the lamp 11 when filled with helium gas In the meantime, it is made of a semi-rigid, gas-impermeable plastic material that can float in space. The valve seat 12 is formed on the underside of the buoyant platform 10 to adapt to the corresponding valve seat 13 formed on the lamp 11 via the adapter 14, and different objects are sealingly connected to the buoyant platform 10. Allow different seating to be done.

  2a and 2b show a pictorial wireframe representation of the lamp 11, which is a gas connector 16 coupled to a buoyant platform, as shown in FIG. 1b and more particularly in FIGS. 5a and 5b. Surrounded by an outer envelope 15 adapted to the gas filling mechanism connected by. The envelope 15 also encloses an electrical circuit (not shown) for operating the lamp, and of course the lamp itself (also not shown). A battery housing 17 for accommodating one or more batteries may be inserted into a shaft hole 18 whose lower end is sealed by a lower sealing cap 19 in the housing of the outer envelope 15. For purposes of explanation and appended claims, envelope 15 and its accompanying parts constitute an object to be supported by buoyant platform 10. It is clearly recognized that other equipment can be contained within the envelope 15 and, as noted above, different envelopes with different accessories are coupled to the buoyant platform 10 via appropriate adapters. Provided to. In this configuration, the lamp is mounted on the upper end of the shaft hole 18 to illuminate the interior of the buoyant platform 10, which is balloon-shaped as shown. The surface layer is formed of an optical transmission material. However, according to another embodiment, when the buoyant platform 10 is set to float, the lamp is placed at the lower end of the shaft hole 18 for illumination downward. This type of embodiment is described in more detail below with reference to FIG. In yet another embodiment, electrical connections can be formed at both ends of the shaft hole 18 to allow lamp connection at either end.

  FIG. 3 details the components of the battery housing 17, which includes a lower sealing cap 19 that fits the lower end of the battery housing 17 and an upper sealing cap 20 that fits the upper end of the battery housing 17. Show. Both the lower and upper sealing caps 19, 20 include electrical battery contacts (not shown) on their respective internal surfaces. The battery housing 17 can further include any electronics associated with the lamp, as well as the lamp housing and the lamp itself. The upper sealing cap 20 is made of a light transmitting material so that the inside of the buoyant platform 10 can be illuminated with light.

  FIG. 4 shows an enlarged image representation of the gas filling mechanism shown in the buoyant platform 10 and the enlarged detailed view of FIGS. 5a and 5b. In particular, it should be noted that the gas connector 16 is connected via an adjustable pressure valve 21 so that gas can be supplied to the buoyant platform 10 at a controlled pressure. By this type of means, the buoyancy of the platform can be adjusted to accurately balance the mixed weight of the buoyant platform 10 and the attached object, so that when different objects are attached, The levitation force can be adjusted. Desirably, the pressure valve 21 has a dial with a calibrated scale as a function of the weight of the attached object, so that the dial is buoyant at exactly the correct pressure to generate the desired buoyancy. It can be set according to the weight of the object attached to supply gas to the platform 10. The gas connector 16 includes a one-way valve seat similar to that used to fill vehicle tires, which opens to allow gas inflow when depressed by a gas supply nozzle. When the gas supply nozzle is retracted, it is automatically closed, thereby preventing gas leakage.

  The dial is calibrated based on physical principles, and an object that includes a hollow support filled with a gas such as helium that is less dense than air will float by the weight of helium gas that is smaller than the air in which the object is placed. can do. This requirement is made real by the fact that the gas pressure in the hollow support is properly adjusted and the volatility of the gas is negligible. It is also necessary to take into account other factors, the ambient temperature of the air and the conditions of ambient temperature and moisture content (humidity), which are the gases required to achieve the gas density and thus the buoyancy Affects the mass. The dynamic adjustment of the gas pressure via the adjustable pressure valve 21 is essential if the different objects to be supported and / or levitated are achieved under varying ambient conditions. It is by itself for determinism.

7
Calibration of the adjustable pressure valve 21 is based on the following principle. The air density must be equal to the effective or average density of the support and the object together.

The effective or average density of the support structure and the object together is given by the following formula:

here,
M _HE = helium mass
M _Object = mass of the object
V _Total = total volume of support and object.

The mass M _HE of helium (or other light gas) in the hollow support structure is given by:

The air density ρ _air is inversely proportional to the absolute temperature, that is, K.

It can be seen that the ambient pressure of helium in the hollow support structure is given by:

here,
a = 3.46 * 10 ^-3
b = 23.71 * 10 ^-6
R = gas constant = 8.314472
n = 250 * MKg
Mkg = helium mass Kg
The above description may be used to adjust an adjustable pressure valve, where the pressure is automatically set for the desired mass of the object. If necessary, a temperature sensor may be used to measure the ambient temperature, and the compensation unit is filled with helium (or other) gas to ensure that the mass of gas inside the hollow support structure is correct. It may be used to adjust the pressure. In this way, a predetermined mass of object is fixed to (or becomes a component of) the support structure, and the adjustable pressure valve 21 allows the gas pressure to accurately achieve buoyancy. Is set to a pre-adjusted setting corresponding to the mass of the object.

  More simply, the adjustable pressure valve 21 may be used to set by trial and error so that the correct gas pressure is obtained to secure or make the object to the support structure. Alternatively, when objects such as lamps and others are specifically supplied for attachment to a buoyant support structure according to the present invention, the user can determine the buoyant gas being used, the expected ambient conditions and Based on the mass of the object to be supported, the appropriate gas pressure for supply to the levitation support structure can be known. Similarly, the support structure is fixedly attached to the object and is often surrounded by areas such as shopping centers and other cases under conditions of substantially constant ambient conditions such as temperature, pressure and humidity. In such places, it is not necessary to adjust the gas pressure.

  It will be appreciated that adjusting the gas pressure of a hollow support structure using an adjustable pressure valve is one way. Another method is to provide a flexible diaphragm in the hollow support structure and adjust the effective gas volume in the hollow support structure by displacing the flexible diaphragm. Needless to say, within the context of the appended claims, this type of diaphragm constitutes a pressure gauge by adjusting the effective volume in the hollow support structure, and the gas pressure is Set to a control pressure suitable to achieve buoyancy.

  The gas connector 16 is fluidly connected to a tube 22 having upper and lower ends opened in the buoyant platform 10 in order to fluidly connect the gas filling mechanism to the buoyant platform 10. A removable sealing cap 23 is fixed to the lower end of the tube 22 and prevents gas leakage from the gas filling mechanism. It should be noted that the drawing shows the gas filling mechanism in an exploded form of the tube 22 protruding from the lower part of the outer envelope 15. In practice, however, the tube 22 is completely contained within the outer envelope 15 and only the sealing cap 23 can be removed when purge gas is required from the buoyant platform 10. Move closer from the bottom. For this purpose, the release valve 24 allows gas to escape from the buoyant platform 10 via the open end of the tube 22 after removal of the sealing cap 23. The gas connector 16 extends through the envelope 15 so that when the object 11 is connected to the buoyant platform 10, the latter is controlled at a controlled pressure to float the attached object and hang it in the air. Filled with such gas. The upper sealing cap 20 also serves to seal the gas filling mechanism from the electronics associated with the lamp, as well as the battery housing 17 and the lamp housing 17 and the lamp itself, and thus in contact with the gas. Avoid the danger of sparks by.

  FIGS. 6a and 6b show different perspective views of a dedicated gas container 25 adapted to fill the buoyant platform 10 with helium gas. The gas container 25 includes a hollow housing 26 having upper and lower surfaces 27 and 28 that are substantially parallel to the plane. The arcuate slot 29 is formed between the upper and lower surfaces 27 and 28 of the housing and serves as a handle for gripping the gas container 25 during use. A substantially semicircular opening 30 is formed in the inner wall 31 of the housing and at its midpoint a sealed gas outlet for coupling to the gas connector 16 of the gas filling mechanism described above with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5a. 32 is formed. Similarly, a sealed gas inlet 33 is formed at the midpoint of the outer wall 34 of the housing to connect the gas supply to fill the gas container 25 prior to use.

  Figures 7a and 7b show different perspective views of the gas container 25 when connected to the gas connector 16 during use. The gas outlet 32 has a protruding pin that opens a one-way valve when inserted into the gas outlet 32, which allows the gas to pass through the gas connector 16 and the pressure valve 21 to the gas mechanism. Into the container at high pressure. The pressure valve 21 reduces the gas pressure to a preset calibration pressure, which can be adjusted to fill the buoyant platform 10 with gas at the desired pressure, as described above. Once enough gas has been injected, the gas container 25 is removed and the one-way valve is automatically closed. The gas container 25 serves as a portable supply of gas, eliminating the need to transport heavy high pressure gas containers.

  Figures 8a and 8b show different perspective views of the buoyant platform and the original object in position. In particular, the gas inlet and discharge valve shown on the opposite side of the outer envelope 15 can be seen in the two figures.

  FIG. 9 is a pictorial representation showing the use of a buoyant platform 10 that supports objects 11a, 11b, 11c and 11d in the air. It may be noted that the objects 11a, 11b, 11c and 11d float at different heights according to their weight and the gas pressure of their respective platforms.

  Obviously, the gas container 25 described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 can be varied within the ordinary knowledge in the art. As noted above, a portable supply of gas is not an essential component because the support structure can be filled with gas by any other suitable source.

  FIGS. 10a, 10b and 10c are pictorial representations showing a gas container 40 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The gas container 40 includes a replaceable gas cartridge 41, which is coupled to a body 42 that includes a gas filling mechanism having a trigger 43, which has a lower specific gravity than air such as helium. It is pushed down to release the gas it has. The used cartridge 41 is removed from the body 42 and replaced with a filling cartridge. The head 44 includes a gas outlet 45 for engaging with the gas connector 16 of the object 11 described above with reference to FIGS. The gas pressure is adjusted by the pressure valve 46 so that when the gas outlet 45 is inserted into the gas connector 16 of the object 11, it opens the self-sealing valve at a pressure preset on the buoyant platform 10. Inject gas. The gas container 40 is useful as a stand-alone unit that can be used in any configuration of floating objects, particularly as long as a suitable gas connector 16 for engaging the gas outlet 44 is provided.

  FIG. 11a shows a pictorial representation of a typical shaped device of a watch 50 integrally formed with a support structure 51 having a hollow wall 52 as shown in FIG. The gas is injected through the gas connector 53 into the hollow wall 52 at a pressure controlled by the pressure valve 46 of the gas container, for example, using the gas container 40 shown in FIG. Released from the wall 52. Alternatively, the gas is pre-stored in a seal unit having a seal (not shown) within the hollow wall 52 and the seal is accessible from the outside so as to release the gas from the hollow wall 52 by breaking the seal. This type of device constitutes a hollow support structure and is suitable for releasing gas at a preset pressure regardless of the amount of gas in other units integrated and sealed with the object. Has an internal gas supply.

  FIG. 12a is a pictorial representation, and FIG. 12b is a pictorial exploded half-sectional view showing a disposable device 60 according to another embodiment that floats when the sealed gas unit is broken. In many respects, the device 60 is structurally similar to the device 10 described above with reference to FIGS. 1, 4 and 8, and includes a buoyant balloon platform 61 to which an object 62 is attached. However, unlike the first embodiment, the object 62 includes a seal unit (not shown), which is released by breaking a gas seal 63 that is accessible from the outer surface of the object 62. Gas is in. As is clearly shown in FIG. 12b, the object 62 is encased in a battery housing 17 sealed at its lower end and shown in an airspace relationship with respect to the axial hole 18 in the outer envelope 64 of the object 62. Yes. Also shown more clearly is the tube 22 engaging the gas connector 16 of the gas filling mechanism and the opening 35 of the buoyant platform 10.

  While certain specific embodiments have been described, by way of example, only one and many variations may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims. For example, in the above embodiment, the gas filling mechanism is shown as being integral with the lamp housing. To this extent, the valve seat 12 of the buoyant platform 10 serves as a anchorage point for attaching the object to the buoyant platform via the object valve seat 13 and the adapter 14. However, the object can also be connected directly to the buoyant platform 10 or other suitable gas-filled or gas-fillable support structure as an integral unit and via a suitable gas seal fitting. Is possible. In this case, hooks or other equivalent attachments serve as anchorage points to support the object, either to the buoyant platform 10 or to the lamp, and consequently the simpler structure of the lamp or its appendage directly Provided to other suitable support structures. Furthermore, if the support structure is configured to support different objects, the structure according to the present invention allows for a modular method in which the different components are sold separately or as a kit. For example, a support structure such as the buoyant platform 10 can also be sold as a separate member configured to support various objects that are available separately. Similarly, the present invention contemplates performing appropriate modifications to existing objects to allow attachment to the buoyant platform 10 or other buoyant support structure.

  It has already been noted that the gas container 40 shown in FIGS. 11a, 11b and 11c need only be provided with a gas connector in a support structure that is complementary to the gas outlet 44 of the gas container 40. Apart from this requirement, a special structure of the support structure is not necessary. Thus, the use of this type of gas container obviates the need for a gas filling mechanism in either the support structure or the object, particularly where a modular structure is required.

  Preferably, helium gas is used to provide buoyancy to the support structure because it is lighter than air and inert and safe. However, the principles of the present invention may apply other suitable gases that are lighter than air.

  The particular embodiment described relates to the use of portable battery-powered lamps or watches. However, it is not limited thereto, and it will be understood that the present invention finds the use of many other objects in the air, both electrically and non-electrically. Also, many portable electrical devices are energized by appropriate radiant energy, such as solar energy, and in this regard, one or more solar cells are provided in addition to or instead of the battery.

  This type of object may include flying children's 3D toys and accessories, interior design products, valuables cases or displays, or collections or artwork. Advertising industry products such as billboards, flags, and screens can be supported using the principles of the present invention, as well as emergency signal products for rescue. The invention is also applied to support products such as surveillance and security cameras, especially in very large spaces or in areas where access is restricted and there is no infrastructure. Yet another use of the present invention is the external support of objects for camping and emergency lighting, or for example for construction or maintenance work (eg repairing a faulty car in a non-lighted area). It will also be appreciated that the present invention may be specifically considered for a fully self-supporting structure and that buoyant enclosures may be connected in the required areas.

  The described embodiments are easy to wander due to airflow, for example, unless connected. In many cases, this is required because it provides a degree of uncertainty as to where the object is supported, and it can increase aesthetics. If desired, a remote control propeller can be added to the supported object or support structure to control the air movement of the supported object.

2 is a pictorial wireframe and three-dimensional representation of a platform for freely supporting an object in space according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a pictorial wireframe representation of a self-powered electric lamp enclosed within an outer envelope corresponding to a gas connector coupled to a buoyant platform. 3 is a pictorial wireframe representation of the components of the lamp and gas connector shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b. 2 is an exploded pictorial wireframe representation of related components of a buoyant platform and gas connector. It is a different perspective view of the component of a gas connector. FIG. 2 is a different perspective view of a gas container according to a first embodiment, suitable for filling a buoyant platform with helium gas. FIG. 6b is a different perspective view of the gas container shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b when connected to a gas connector during use. FIG. 4 is a different perspective view of a buoyant platform and attached objects. It is a pictorial representation that is the use of a buoyant platform to support an object in the air. It is a pictorial representation showing a gas container according to a second embodiment. It is the pictorial expression which shows the whole apparatus integrated with the buoyancy case which has a hollow wall, and the fracture | rupture of the hollow wall. FIG. 2 is a pictorial representation of the overall appearance of a disposable device that floats when the seal gas device is broken, and a pictorial exploded half-section showing details of the device.

Explanation of symbols

10 platforms
11 Lamp
15 Envelope
16 Gas connector
17 Battery housing
21 Pressure valve
25 Gas container
32 Gas outlet
33 Gas inlet
40 Gas container
50 watches
60 Disposable devices
61 Platform
62 objects

Claims (25)

  An object adapted to float in the air when filled with a gas having a specific gravity lower than air, said object comprising a hollow enclosure having an inlet connected to the pressure regulating means, the pressure regulating means comprising: An object for adjusting the pressure of the gas in the enclosure to ensure that only the levitation force of the enclosure is balanced with the weight of the object.   The object according to claim 1, wherein the object is an electric device.   The object according to claim 2, wherein the object is self-powered by a battery contained therein.   The object according to claim 3, wherein electric power is supplied by radiant energy transmitted to the electric device.   The object according to claim 4, wherein electric power is supplied by solar energy.   An object according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the object is a support structure for levitationally supporting an attached article.   7. An object according to claim 6, wherein the support structure has a hollow wall suitable for filling with gas.   8. An object according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the inlet is suitable for coupling to an external gas source.   9. An object according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the inlet is suitable for connection to a sealing unit containing a large amount of gas, the gas being accessible from the outer surface of the object. An object released by breaking a gas seal.   The object according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the pressure adjusting means is an adjustable pressure valve.   The object of claim 10 is a support structure for buoyantly supporting an attached article, wherein an adjustable pressure valve is calibrated as a function of the weight of the attached article An object that has a dial with a scale.   12. The object according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the pressure adjusting means is responsive to ambient conditions such as ambient temperature and air humidity.   12. The object according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a temperature sensor for measuring an ambient temperature, and adjusting the pressure of the gas so as to adjust the gas mass in the enclosure. And a compensation unit coupled to the temperature sensor.   11. The object according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the pressure adjusting means includes volume adjusting means for adjusting an effective volume in the hollow support structure.   15. The object according to claim 14, wherein the volume adjusting means adjusts an effective volume of the hollow enclosure support structure by a flexible diaphragm in the hollow enclosure and a displacement of the flexible diaphragm. And a means for displacing the flexible diaphragm.   A method for freely supporting an object in the air without the need for a anchored position connected to the ground, the method comprising a hollow enclosure filled with a gas having a specific gravity lower than air A method comprising attaching to a support structure and adjusting the pressure of the gas in the enclosure to balance only the levitation force of the enclosure with the weight of the support structure and the attached object.   The method of claim 16, wherein the support structure is a buoyant platform.   18. A method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the support structure is a gas sealable balloon.   19. A method according to any one of claims 16-18, wherein the gas is helium.   20. A method as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein adjusting the pressure of the gas in the enclosure is to supply the gas at an appropriate pressure to generate the levitation force. A method comprising setting a calibrated pressure gauge as a function of the weight of the attached object according to the known weight of the attached object.   20. A method as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein adjusting the pressure of the gas in the enclosure is to measure ambient temperature and adjust the gas mass in the enclosure. Adjusting the pressure of the gas in response to the ambient temperature measured.   20. A method according to any one of claims 16-19, wherein adjusting the pressure of the gas in the enclosure comprises adjusting the effective volume of the hollow support structure.   23. A method according to any one of claims 16 to 22, comprising filling the support structure with an amount of the gas to achieve the buoyancy.   24. The method of claim 23, wherein the gas is pre-stored in the support structure.   24. The method of claim 23, wherein the gas is stored in advance in a seal unit within the support structure and released by breaking the seal.

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