KR20080087079A - Method and device for free-standing support of objects in space - Google Patents

Abstract

An object is supported freely in space without requiring an anchoring point connected to ground, by attaching the object to a support structure adapted to float in air when filled with a gas having lower specific gravity than air at a controlled pressure that provides sufficient buoyancy for different weight objects. The support structure is released together with the attached object so as to reach an equilibrium position where a buoyancy force of the support structure counteracts a combined weight of the enclosure and attached object. The object may be integral with the support structure and may be a self-powered electrical device operating on a battery or solar energy. The enclosure may be a floating platform or may be part of an object.

Description

Method and Device for Free-standing Support of Objects in Space

The present invention relates to a method and a mounting for securing an object in space.

Despite the theory of relativity, we continue to live in the world of Newtonian mechanics, where Newton's third law of motion governs our way of thinking and interpreting. Thus, realizing that an object in equilibrium under some action has the same reaction is not just an explanation in the world of Newtonian mechanics, it is a blueprint for creating a safe and useful environment. In particular, as far as the present invention is concerned, it can be assumed that any object that needs to be supported in space usually needs a support surface on which it is to be seated. Thus, for example, a lamp is seated on a table or floor, or mounted on a wall or ceiling, a picture is hung on a hook, and a note is pinned to a wall or hung on a hook of a ceiling. Electrically-powered electrical appliances need to be electrically connected to an electrical source, which often helps to be mechanically connected to a support surface consisting of walls or ceilings. In fact, however, the electrical connection need not be a mechanical support structure nor need to help the mechanical support to be connected to an electrical point. Thus, portable, battery-powered appliances that do not require any electrical connection, for example clocks, must nevertheless be supported on suitable supporting surfaces such as walls.

While not always desirable, to the extent that mechanical support surfaces are subject to friction, attempts have been made in the art to lift objects onto supports. This is the principle of magnetic levitation, insisted by Hovercraft, later professor Eric Laithwaite of the Royal College of London, UK, and eventually to realize the magnetic levitation train.

Some of these principles are disclosed in the patent literature and all have the same or similar purpose.

U.S. Patent No. 4,693,695, published September 15, 1987, discloses a lifted balloon-action toy that includes an envelope filled with a gas lighter than air. Repeatedly lifting the tether.

U. S. Patent No. 6,390, 651, published May 21, 2002, discloses a toy representing an illuminated ceiling moon with a long bridge spacecraft below. It includes a luminaire fixed to the balloon by a string under tension. A lighting device located completely outside of the balloon illuminates the inside of the balloon to make the balloon look shiny.

The lighting device has at least three arms extending from the body having a locking fastener. The lock fastener is mounted to the neck of the balloon by a tensioned string. Each arm ends in a window to contact the surface of the balloon and transmit light through the surface into the balloon. In one embodiment, the lighting device is low enough to allow the toy to float in air.

U.S. Patent Nos. 6,106,135 and 6,371,638 disclose inflatable, transparent balloons having a predetermined total lifting force when inflated with a lighter gas than air. A light source is mounted to the balloon upon inflation by means of a light transmitting tether. In order to keep the buoyancy balloon suspended while mounted to the light delivery rope, the light delivery rope has a total weight less than the total lift of the balloon inflated with gas lighter than the air therein.

U.S. Patent 5,499,941, published on March 19, 1996, provides a balloon inflation device having a bulb mounted at one end of the tube and illuminated by an external power source connected to the other end of the bulb. The tube first enters light into the neck of the balloon, which forms a mechanical seal that prevents gas from passing between the flange and the balloon stem. The electrical source of the bulb can be removed from the tube and the gas stream can be blown into the balloon to inflate the balloon. However, the tube is arranged and configured such that gas in the balloon cannot flow through the tube and out of the balloon.

None of the references mentioned above is specific to the need to fix an object in space without mounting the object on a support surface that functions as a fixation point connected to the ground. However, the support surface is not always available, for example when it is necessary to support an object outward without resorting to a support column or when all of the available support surfaces are in use or inaccessible.

If some of the references mentioned above allow an object to be supported on space, such as an electric lamp, it is simply a byproduct of the lighting toy balloon, and the lamp is limited to fit inside the balloon. Therefore, even in the specific case where the balloon supports the electric lamp in space, there is a severe limitation on the brightness and intensity of the lamp. The lamp must be physically small enough so that it can fit inside the balloon and can be inserted through the balloon neck without risk of tearing the balloon. The lamp should also not be too bright because heat can cause the balloon to explode.

In the aforementioned US Pat. No. 6,390,651, where the lamp is attached to the outside of the balloon to illuminate through the transparent side of the balloon, it appears to overcome these disadvantages. The balloon may be filled with helium to float. However, it should then be tied with a string to prevent the balloon from flying away. Specifically, when using one embodiment where the balloon is filled with helium, it is desirable to allow the free end of the strap to be tied to a heavy object or to a user's wrist or arm to prevent the toy from flying away. .

The aforementioned US Pat. Nos. 6,106,135 and 6,371,638 are for free floating balloons (but with very limited ascending capacity). Thus, it is shown that a typical party balloon filled with newly expanded helium, having a height of about 12 inches (30 cm) and a diameter of about 10 inches (25 cm), has a total lift of approximately 1/2 ounce (14 g). The two patents use optical fibers that are less than 14 grams in length so that they can be supported by an inflated helium party balloon, which allows light to be conducted inside the balloon by an optical fiber tether. It is therefore evident that these references do not imply any support of the object in space. In addition, the balloons are designed to be disposable, not applied to support different objects, and there is no method of controlling the buoyancy of the balloon. Usually, such balloons are designed for single use only and are formed of a material such as Mylar® which is very light so that sufficient buoyancy can be achieved with a minimum volume. However, such materials are not adapted to withstand the harsh handling or impact required for non-disposable applications.

US Patent No. 5,014,757, published May 14, 1991, discloses a balloon device comprising an inner container and an outer container that are movable relative to one another. The device includes an inner container and a pressure gas container mounted to a firing mechanism actuated by hitting the device against a rigid surface, such as a table top. The ignition mechanism punctures the pressure container to allow gas to escape into the device, which is then passed through an orifice to a balloon that is sealed and secured to the device by an element in the form of an O-ring. do.

U.S. Patent No. 6,099,376, published on August 8, 2000, discloses a weightless toy object, where a weightless toy object allows a toy weight to stay at any height and direction of the space in which it is placed. Using a balance weight and orientation weight system, the upward buoyancy, which is lighter than the air inside the body of the toy object, is balanced against the weight of the toy object.

U. S. Patent No. 6,425, 552 discloses a periodic thermal management system for responding to daytime heating and night cooling cycles in order to maintain a high altitude platform in a location that withstands acupressure at long periods of time.

U.S. Patent No. 4,931,028, published on June 5, 1990, discloses a toy airship having at least one engine mounted to the top surface of an inflatable helium balloon airship and an infrared control circuit and a power supply mounted to the bottom surface. have. The airship operates from its own power supply and is controlled by its own control system which receives control signals from the transmitter.

In conclusion, none of the above-referenced references can be used for objects such as electrical lighting and other household or office aids in such a way that even heavy objects are supported in space without the need for ropes or other ground-based supports. It's not about floating supports.

Moreover, the prior art cannot be seen as a modular floating support in which different objects can be supported by the same platform. Thus, prior art devices are designed to lift an object of weight that corresponds to the fixed buoyancy of the device. Attempts to support heavier objects would cause the device to sink.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for freely supporting an object in space without the need for a fixing element such as a support surface or support pillar.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a device that can be used for various purposes.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus which is modular and allows different objects to be supported by the same buoyancy platform. Another object of the present invention is to provide a device that is fully equipped to allow the device to float when needed.

These objects, together with the first aspect of the invention, are realized by a method for freely supporting an object in space without the need of a fixed point connected to the ground, which method comprises:

Mounting an object to a hollow support structure adapted to float in air when filled with a gas having a specific gravity lower than air;

Connecting a gas source to the support structure via a pressure gauge set to a control pressure applied to achieve buoyancy of the support structure that is offset by the complex weight of the support structure and the mounting object;

Filling the hollow part in the support structure with a large amount of the gas with the control pressure;

Releasing the gas filled support structure with the mounted object such that the buoyancy of the support structure reaches an equilibrium position that is offset by the combined weight of the support structure and the mounting object.

According to another aspect of the invention, a hollow support structure is provided for freely supporting an object in space, the support structure being adapted to float in air when filled with a gas having a lower specific gravity than air, and also covering It is applied to fill with a large amount of said gas as a control pressure prior to use via a gas filling mechanism so that the buoyancy of is offset by the combined weight of the supporting structure and the mounting object.

The gas fill mechanism is integrated with the support structure and includes an inlet for connecting to a gas source and an adjustable pressure valve for regulating gas pressure.

In one embodiment of the invention, the support structure is a buoyant platform having a fixed point for mounting the object to the buoyancy platform. During use, the buoyancy platform, along with the mounting object, thereby reaches an equilibrium position where the buoyancy of the platform counteracts the combined weight of the platform and the mounting object.

In this embodiment, the object may be incorporated into a buoyancy platform and may be a battery or magnetically powered electrical device that operates on solar energy. More generally, the object may be separate from or integrated with the support structure. It may also be part of an object, such as a hollow wall lining in the housing of the object, so that the object can float in air when filled with a predetermined amount of gas.

In order that the present invention may be understood and how it is practiced, some representative embodiments will be described in a manner not limited to the examples only with reference to the accompanying drawings. Herein, the contents of the drawings are as follows.

1A and 1B show a pictorial wire-frame and a stereoscopic representation of a buoyancy platform for freely supporting an object in space according to a first embodiment of the present invention, respectively.

2A and 2B show a pictorial wireframe representation of a magnetically powered electric lamp contained within an outer cover that houses a gas connector fastened to a buoyancy platform.

FIG. 3 shows a wireframe representation of the components of the lamp and gas connector shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B.

4 is a wireframe deployment representation of the gas connector related components in use with the buoyancy platform.

5A and 5B are views of components of the gas connector from different angles.

6A and 6B are different views of the gas canister according to the first embodiment which is applied to fill the buoyancy system with helium gas.

7A and 7B are views of the gas canister shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B viewed from different angles when engaged to the gas connector during use.

8A and 8B are different views of the buoyancy platform and the mounting object in place.

9 is a pictorial representation illustrating the use of a buoyancy platform to support an object in space.

10A, 10B and 10C are pictorial representations showing a gas canister, according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 11A is a pictorial representation showing a device incorporated with a buoyant casing having a hollow wall section. FIG.

FIG. 11B is a pictorial representation of the device in FIG. 11A showing the cutaway surface of the hollow wall portion. FIG.

12A is a pictorial representation of a disposable device floating when the sealed gas unit is ruptured.

FIG. 12B is an exploded cross-sectional view showing the details of the device shown in FIG. 12A.

In the following description, features that appear in more than one figure will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

1A and 1B show a pictorial wireframe and solid representation of a buoyancy platform 10 according to the invention for freely supporting a portable magnetic powered electric lamp 11 or other objects in space. The buoyancy platform 10 constitutes a hollow support structure made of a plastic material that is strong enough to withstand bursting of semi-rigid, gas-impermeable, impact, etc. It is also light enough to float in air when filled with helium gas while supporting the lamp 11. The valve seating 12 is a corresponding valve formed in the lamp 11 via an adapter 14 which allows other objects having different valve seating surfaces to be sealedly connected to the buoyancy platform 10. In order to receive the seating surface 13, it is formed in the lower surface of the buoyancy platform 10.

2A and 2B show an outer cover 15 for receiving a gas filling mechanism fastened to a buoyancy platform and shown in FIG. 1B and more specifically connected via a gas connector 16 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. The figure wireframe representation of the lamp 11 contained in it is shown. The outer cover 15 also surrounds the electrical circuit, in order to operate the lamp itself as well as to operate it well. (Not shown) A battery housing 17 for accommodating one or more batteries is provided in the outer cover 15. It can be inserted into an axial bore 18 in the housing, which is then sealed at its lower end by a lower sealing cap 19. For the detailed description of the invention and the appended claims, the outer cover 15 and its associated components constitute an object to be supported by the buoyancy platform 10. It will be apparent that other products may be accommodated in the lid 15, and as described above, other lids with different mountings will be provided for fastening to the buoyancy platform 10 via a suitable adapter. In such an arrangement, the lamp is mounted on top of the axial bore 18 in order to be able to illuminate the inside of the buoyancy platform 10, which may be balloon shaped as shown in the figures and the surface of which is light-transmitting material. It can be formed as. However, as with other embodiments, the lamp is mounted to the bottom of the axial bore 18 so that the light shines downward when the buoyancy platform 10 is brought to float. This embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 13 below. In another embodiment, electrical connections may be formed on the opposite side of the axial bore 18 to make the connection of the lamp at one end.

3A and 3B show the battery housing 17 and the battery housing 17 showing the lower sealing cap 19 fitted to the bottom of the upper sealing cap 20 fitted to the top of the battery housing 17. The components of) are shown in detail. Both the lower and upper seal caps 20 include respective electric battery contact points (not shown) on their inner surfaces. The battery housing 17 may further include any electronic elements associated with the lamp as well as the lamp housing and the lamp itself. In order to enable light to illuminate the inside of the buoyancy platform 10, the upper sealing cap 20 is formed of a light transmitting material.

4 is a pictorial wireframe representation of the buoyancy platform 10 and associated components of the gas filling mechanism shown in enlarged detail in FIGS. 5A and 5B. It should be noted, in particular, that the gas connector 16 is fastened via an adjustable pressure valve 21, whereby the gas is supplied to the buoyancy platform 10 at a control pressure. By this means, the buoyancy of the platform can be adjusted so that the buoyancy platform 10 and the combined weight of the mounting object are exactly offset so that the buoyancy of the platform can be adjusted when other objects are mounted. Preferably, the pressure valve 21 has a graduated dial which is calibrated as a function of the weight of the mounting object. Thus, in order to supply the gas to the buoyancy platform 10 at exactly right pressure to obtain the desired buoyancy, the dial is set according to the weight of the mounting object. The gas connector 16 includes a one-way valve seating surface similar to that used to blow air into a vehicle tire, which opens to allow gas to flow when pressed down by the gas supply nozzle. When the gas supply nozzle is lifted up, it is automatically closed to prevent the outflow of gas.

The dial is known that an object comprising a hollow support filled with a gas less dense than air deprived of the object, such as helium, may float in air due to the weight of helium gas less than air. Corrected according to physical principles. If the gas pressure of the hollow support is properly adjusted and the volatility of the gas is negligible, the above requirement can actually be realized. In addition, there are other factors that need to be considered, such as the ambient temperature and the humidity item (humidity) of the air. This is because these factors affect the gas density and thus the mass of gas needed to gain buoyancy. It is precisely because of the uncertainty of the buoyancy of the support that the dynamic adjustment of the gas pressure by the adjustable pressure valve 21 is essential if other objects must be supported and / or achieved under varying ambient conditions.

The calibration of the adjustable pressure valve 21 is based on the following principles. The air density must be equal to the effective or average density of the sum of the support and the object.

The effective density or average density of the sum of the support structure and the object is obtained as follows.

Where M _HE = Mass of helium, M _Object = mass of object, V _Total = sum of the volume of the support and the object.

Mass of helium (or other light gas) in the hollow support structure M _HE Is obtained as follows.

The mass of _air ρ _air is inversely proportional to the absolute temperature K.

The air pressure of helium in the hollow support structure is obtained as follows.

Where a = 3.46 * 10 ^-3 , b = 23.71 * 10 ^-6 , R = gas constant = 8.314472, n = 250 * MKg, MKg = Kg.

The above descriptions are used to calibrate the adjustable pressure valve 21 so that the pressure can be automatically set for the desired mass of the object. If desired, a temperature sensor can be used to measure the outside air temperature, and a compensation unit is used to adjust the pressure of the helium (or other) gas so that the gas mass inside the hollow support structure is exactly matched. can do. In this way an object of predetermined mass can be fixed (or incorporated) in the support structure, and the adjustable pressure valve 21 can be set to a precalibrated setting corresponding to the mass of the object, thereby obtaining buoyancy. The gas pressure can be accurate.

More simply, the adjustable pressure valve 21 can be set through trial and error so that the gas pressure for obtaining buoyancy with respect to an object fixed or incorporated in the support structure is accurate. In addition, on the basis of the buoyant gas used and the expected outdoor conditions and the mass of the object to be supported, in particular where objects such as lamps or the like are supplied for mounting to the buoyancy support structure according to the invention, The appropriate gas pressure supplied to the can be known. Likewise, the support structure is fixedly mounted to an object and, as is often the case in shopping centers and other enclosed areas, with the external conditions such as temperature, pressure and humidity being substantially constant, adjustment of gas pressure is not necessary.

It will be appreciated that adjusting the gas pressure of the hollow support structure using an adjustable pressure valve is just one approach. Another approach is to provide a flowable diaphragm in the hollow support structure and to adjust the effective volume of gas in the hollow support structure by varying the position of the flowable membrane. Since the gas pressure can be set to a control pressure applied to obtain the buoyancy of the support structure by adjusting the effective volume of the hollow support structure, it should be understood that in the appended claims, the membrane constitutes a pressure gauge. something to do.

In order to fluidly connect the gas filling mechanism to the buoyancy platform 10, a gas connector 16 is fluidly fastened to a tube 22 whose upper end enters an aperture in the buoyancy platform 10. A removable sealing cap 23 is secured to the bottom of the tube 22 to prevent leakage of gas from the gas filling mechanism. It will be appreciated that the characteristics represent the gas filling mechanism in an exploded form with the tube 22 protruding through the bottom of the outer sheath 15. In practice, however, the tube 22 is completely buried in the outer sheath 15, and only the sealing cap 23 is the outer sheath 15 so as to enable the gas to be removed if desired to purify the gas from the buoyancy platform 10. It is accessible from the lower surface of). As a result, a release valve 24 enables gas to exit the buoyancy platform 10 via the open end of the tube 22 after removal of the sealing cap 23. The gas connector 16 extends through the outer cover 15. Thus, when connecting the object 11 to the buoyancy platform 10, the buoyancy platform can be filled with a control pressure with a gas such as helium so that it can float and thereby suspend the mounting object in the middle of the air. The upper sealing cap 20 also serves to seal the gas filling mechanism from the battery housing 17 and the lamp housing and the lamp itself, as well as from the electronics associated with the lamp, thereby avoiding the risk of sparks in contact with the gas. have.

6A and 6B show perspective views from different angles of the gas canister 25 adapted to fill the buoyancy platform 10 with helium gas. The gas canister 25 comprises a hollow housing 26 having respective top and bottom surfaces 27, 28 that are substantially planar and parallel to each other. An arcuate slot 29 is formed between the upper face 27 and the lower face 28 in the housing, which serves as a handle for gripping the gas canister 25 during use. A substantially semi-circular opening 30 is formed in the inner sidewall 31 of the housing, and sealed gas for fastening to the gas connector 16 of the gas filling mechanism described above with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5A. The outlet 32 is formed at its center point. Likewise, a sealing gas inlet 33 is formed at the center point of the outer sidewall 34 of the housing to connect the gas source to fill the gas canister 25 prior to use.

7A and 7B show perspective views from different angles of the gas canister 25 when engaged to the gas connector 16 during use. The gas outlet 32 has a protruding pin, which, when inserted into the gas outlet 32, opens the one-way valve so that the gas of the canister is released into the gas connector 16 and the pressure valve 21. Through the gas mechanism at high pressure. The pressure valve 21 reduces the gas pressure to a preset correction pressure, which is adjustable to fill the buoyant platform 10 with gas of the desired pressure as described above. If enough gas is injected, the one-way valve is automatically closed to remove the gas canister 25. The gas canister 25 functions as a portable gas source, eliminating the need to transport heavy gas cylinders.

8A and 8B show perspective views from different angles of the buoyant platform and the object in place. In the two figures showing the gas inlet and the release valves, in particular the opposite sides of the outer sheath 15 are shown.

9 is a pictorial representation showing the use of the buoyancy platform 10 to support objects 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d in space. It will be appreciated that the objects 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d are floating at different heights, which are determined by their respective weight and the gas pressure on their respective floating platforms.

It is evident that the gas canister 25 described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 may be subject to design changes in the range of average levels of the prior art. As described above, it functions as a portable gas source, but is not an essential component because the support structure may be filled with gas via another suitable gas source.

10A, 10B and 10C are pictorial representations of a gas canister 40 according to a second embodiment of the invention. The gas canister 40 is connected to a body portion 42 that includes a gas filling mechanism having a trigger 43 that is pressed down to release a gas having a lower specific gravity than air, such as helium. There is a replaceable gas cartridge 41. The spent cartridge 41 can be removed from the body 42 and replaced with a new cartridge. The head portion 44 is provided with a gas outlet 45 for connecting the gas connector 16 of the object 11 described above with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. When the gas outlet 45 is inserted into the gas connector 16 of the object 11, the gas can be opened to open the self-sealing valve and inject the gas into the floating platform 10 at a predetermined pressure. The pressure can be adjusted by the pressure valve 46. The gas canister 40 is particularly useful as a standalone unit used with the configuration of a floating object as long as a suitable gas connector 16 is provided for engaging the gas outlet 44.

FIG. 11A is a pictorial representation of a device having an exemplary form of a field of view 50 incorporated into a support structure 51 having a hollow wall 52 shown in cutaway in FIG. 11B. For example, using the gas canister 40 shown in FIG. 10, gas can be injected into the hollow wall 52 via a gas connector 53 at a pressure controlled by the pressure valve 46 of the gas canister. And gas may be released from the hollow wall portion 52 by the release valve 54. Or in advance in a sealed unit inside the hollow wall portion 52 having a seal from which the gas is accessible from the outside so that the gas can be released into the hollow wall portion 52 by rupturing the seal. May be stored. The apparatus thus constitutes a hollow support structure having an integrated gas supply, which is integrated with the object and adapted to release the gas at a predetermined pressure, depending on the amount of gas in the sealing unit.

FIG. 12A is a pictorial representation and FIG. 12B is a pictorial exploded cross-sectional view showing a disposable device 60 according to another embodiment that floats when the sealing gas unit is ruptured. In many respects the device 60 is similar in structure to the device 10 described above with reference to FIGS. 1, 4 and 8 and has a platform 61 in the form of a buoyancy balloon on which an object 62 is mounted. . However, unlike the first embodiment, the object 62 contains a large amount of gas released by rupturing the gas seal 63 accessible from the outer surface of the object 62 (not shown). It includes. As clearly shown in FIG. 12B, the object 62 includes a battery housing 17 sealed at the bottom thereof and appearing in a spatial relationship to the axial bore 18 within the outer cover 64 of the object 62. do. Also shown more clearly is the gas filling mechanism and the gas connector 16 of the tube 22, which forms a hole 35 in the buoyancy platform 10.

In describing some specific embodiments, it should be understood that these are merely examples and that many changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, in the embodiment described above, the gas filling mechanism is shown incorporated in the lamp housing. In this range, the valve seating surface 12 of the buoyancy platform 10 functions as a fixed point for mounting an object to the buoyancy platform via the valve seating surface 13 and the in-object adapter 14. However, the object may be fastened as an integral unit or by means of a suitable gas seal, i.e. directly to the buoyancy platform 10, or fastened to a supporting structure which may or may be filled with other suitable gas. May be In this case a hook or other equivalent fixture is mounted to the buoyancy platform 10 or other suitable support structure which serves as a anchor point for supporting an object such as a lamp, thereby making the lamp and associated fixture simpler. To be obtained as a configuration. Furthermore, in the case where the support structure is configured to support different objects, the arrangement according to the invention allows a modular approach in which the other components are separated or sold as a kit. For example, a support structure, such as buoyancy platform 10, may also be sold as a separate item that is configured to support the various objects that are separately available. The invention likewise contemplates making appropriate modifications to existing objects in order to allow the objects to be mounted on the buoyancy platform 10 or other floating support structure.

It has already been explained that the gas canister 40 shown in FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C only requires that the gas connector be provided in a support structure complementary to the gas outlet 44 of the gas canister 40. Apart from these requirements, no special configuration of the support structure is necessary. Thus, the use of such a gas canister obviates the need for a gas filling mechanism in either the support structure or the object, and is particularly useful when a modular configuration is required.

Preferably, helium gas is used to provide buoyancy to the support structure because it is lighter, inert and safer than air. However, the principles of the present invention can also be applied to other suitable gases that are lighter than air.

Certain embodiments described above are for a portable battery-operated lamp or watch. However, it is to be understood that the above-described embodiments do not imply any limitation, and that the present invention will have a use for free support in the air of many other objects, whether electrical or non-electric. It will also be appreciated that many portable electrical devices can be energized by moderate radiation, such as solar energy, and that, in addition to or instead of a battery, one or more solar cells can be provided. .

The objects hover the casing or display for three-dimensional toys and gadgets for children, interior design products, expensive consumer goods or collector's items or artworks. It may include. In addition to emergency signal products for rescue, products for the advertising industry, such as billboards, flags, screens, and the like, may likewise be supported using the principles of the present invention. The invention can also achieve applications for supporting products such as surveillance and security cameras, especially in very large spaces or areas where access is limited and there is no infrastructure. In addition, another application of the present invention is an outdoor support of an object, such as in camping lighting or an emergency or in other temporary outdoor activities, such as, for example, construction or renovation work (such as overhauling an automobile in an unlit area). It is about.

In addition, although the present invention has been described with respect to the particular case of a complete free support structure, it will be appreciated that there may be a case where the buoyancy cover is tied with a rope to keep the supported object in the required area.

The described embodiments are easy to wander unless they are tied with a rope, for example because of the air flow. In many cases, this may be desirable because it provides a means of uncertainty as to where the object is supported and may increase aesthetic appeal. If desired, a remote controlled propeller may be added to the object or support structure to enable controlled movement in the space of the supported object.

Included in the description.

Claims (53)

In the method of freely supporting an object in space that does not require a fixed point connected to the ground, Mounting an object to a hollow support structure adapted to float in air when filled with a gas having a specific gravity less than air; Connecting the gas supply to the support structure via a pressure gauge set to a control pressure applied to obtain a buoyancy force of the support structure that is offset the composite weight of the support structure and the mounting object; Filling the hollow part of the support structure with a large amount of the gas at the control pressure; And Releasing the gas-filled support structure together with the mounting object so that the buoyancy of the support structure reaches an equilibrium position that is offset from the complex weight of the support structure and the mounting object. Way. The method of claim 1, And the support structure is a buoyant platform. The method according to claim 1 or 2, And the support structure is a gas-sealable balloon. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, And said gas is helium. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, And a pressure gauge is calibrated as a function of the weight of the mounting object to set the pressure gauge according to the weight of the mounting object such that gas is supplied at a suitable pressure to obtain the buoyancy. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, Filling the support structure with a large amount of the gas includes discharging a predetermined amount of gas to the lid to obtain the buoyancy. The method of claim 6, A method for freely supporting a spatial object in which the gas is pre-stored in a support structure. The method of claim 6, And the gas is pre-stored in a sealing unit in the support structure and is released by rupturing the seal. In the hollow support structure 10 for free space support of the object 11 incorporating the support structure, The support structure is configured to float in air when filled with a gas having a specific gravity less than air, and a large amount of control pressure is passed through the gas filling mechanism prior to use so that the buoyancy of the cover cancels the combined weight of the support structure and the mounting object. Is configured to fill with the gas of The gas filling mechanism is integrated in the support structure and comprises an inlet 16 for connecting to the gas sources 25, 40 and an adjustable pressure valve 21, 45, 54 for adjusting the gas pressure. Hollow support structure for space free support of the (10). The method of claim 9, The support structure is a buoyancy platform configured to float in air and has a mounting point for mounting an object to the buoyancy platform such that the buoyancy platform, together with the mounting object, controls the buoyancy of the platform and the combined weight of the platform and the mounting object during use. Hollow support structure (10) for spatially free support of an object, which reaches an equilibrium position. The method of claim 9 or 10, A hollow support structure for spatially free support of an object in which the object and gas filling mechanism are enclosed in a common envelope (15). The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, The hollow support structure for space free support of the object, wherein the object is an electrical device. The method of claim 12, And said electrical device is self-powered by a battery contained therein. The method of claim 12, Wherein said electrical device is powered by radiant energy carried to said electrical device. The method of claim 14, The electrical device is a hollow support structure for free space support of an object powered by solar energy. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 15, A hollow support structure for spatially free support of an object, further comprising a remote control propeller for enabling controlled movement in the space of the object being supported. Portable gas canister (25) configured to supply a gas having a specific gravity less than air to the support structure (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 15. The method of claim 17, Hollow housing 26 having a sealed gas inlet 32 for connecting to a buoyant platform 10 or a gas filling mechanism coupled to an object 11 and having a sealed gas inlet 33 for connecting to a gas source. Portable gas canister (25) comprising a). The method of claim 18, The housing, A substantially planar top surface 27; A lower surface 28 that is substantially parallel to the upper surface 27; An opening 30 shaped to receive the object 11; And a sealed gas outlet (32) in the opening for engaging a gas connector (16) accessible from an external surface of the object. The method of claim 19, The housing further comprises a handle for gripping the gas canister during use. The method of claim 20, The handle is a portable gas canister (25), wherein the handle is an arcuate slot (29) formed in a housing between an upper surface (27) and a lower surface (28). The method of claim 17, A body portion 42 containing the gas; And And a gas outlet (45) fluidly connected to the body portion (42) to couple the gas connector (16) directly or indirectly coupled to the support structure. The method of claim 22, The gas outlet (45) is arranged in a head portion (44) connected to the body portion (42), portable gas canister (40). The method of claim 22 or 23, When the gas outlet 45 is inserted into the gas connector 16, a pressure valve for adjusting the gas pressure to open a self-sealing valve and to inject gas into the support structure 10 at a predetermined pressure. A portable gas canister (40) further comprising (46). An object (11) configured to be mounted to a support structure (10) according to any of the claims 10-15. The method of claim 25, An object having a gas filling mechanism incorporated. The method of claim 26, The gas filling mechanism comprises an inlet (16) for connecting to a gas source (25, 40). The method of claim 26 or 27, The gas filling mechanism comprises a pressure valve (21, 45, 54) for regulating gas pressure. The method of claim 28, The pressure valve (21, 45, 54) is adjustable. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 29, wherein The object is an electrical device (11). The method of claim 30, The electrical device is magnetically powered by a battery contained therein. The method of claim 31, wherein The electrical device is powered by radiant energy carried to the electrical device. 33. The method of claim 32, The electrical device is powered by solar energy. An object (50, 60) incorporated in a support structure (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. The method of claim 34, wherein An object having an integrated gas filling mechanism. 36. The method of claim 35 wherein The gas filling mechanism comprises an inlet (16) for connecting to a gas source (25, 40). The method of claim 35 or 36, The gas filling mechanism comprises a pressure valve (21, 45, 54) for regulating gas pressure. The method of claim 37, The pressure valve (21, 45, 54) is adjustable. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 38, The support structure functions as a casing for the object. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 39, The support structure has a hollow wall portion (52) configured to be filled with gas. 41. The method of claim 39 or 40, The object further comprises a gas inlet 53 for connecting to an external gas source. The method of claim 41, wherein The object further comprises a pressure valve (54) coupled to the gas inlet (53) to regulate the gas pressure injected into the support structure. 36. The method of claim 35 wherein The gas filling mechanism comprises a sealing unit containing a large amount of gas released by rupturing a gas seal 63 accessible from an outer surface of the object. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 43, The object is an electrical device (11). The method of claim 44, The electrical device is magnetically powered by a battery contained therein. The method of claim 44, The electrical device is powered by radiant energy carried to the electrical device. 47. The method of claim 46 wherein The electrical device is powered by solar energy. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 47, And a remotely controlled propeller for enabling controlled movement in the space of the object. Buoyancy support structure (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 15; An object (11) according to any one of claims 25 to 47; And A kit comprising at least two modules in a group comprising; a portable gas canister (26,40) according to any one of claims 17 to 24. A method for freely supporting a spatial object (11, 50) that does not require a fixed point connected to the ground as substantially described with reference to the accompanying drawings. A buoyancy support structure (10, 50) freely supporting a spatial object (11) that does not require a fixed point connected to the ground, as substantially described with reference to the accompanying drawings. A buoyancy support structure (10, 50) freely supporting a spatial object (11) that does not require a fixation point connected to the ground, as described with reference to the accompanying drawings, and is integrally mounted with the object. Substantially for supplying gas to the buoyancy support structure 10, 50, as described with reference to FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7A and 7B or with reference to FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C of the accompanying drawings. Portable gas canisters 25 and 40.

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