WO2017175223A1

WO2017175223A1 - Apparatus for inflating balloons

Info

Publication number: WO2017175223A1
Application number: PCT/IL2017/050410
Authority: WO
Inventors: Charles HAMISHA
Original assignee: NOACH, Avraham; BASANOV, Uriel
Priority date: 2016-04-06
Filing date: 2017-04-04
Publication date: 2017-10-12

Abstract

An apparatus for inflating balloons and permanently maintaining them in inflated state. The apparatus comprises a connector for connecting the balloon to air or gas supply source or stream, a one-way valve for allowing air or gas within the container and a closing clip for disconnecting the balloon off of the air or gas supply source or stream. This apparatus may be integrated with a tube for serially and/or simultaneously inflating an array of balloons comprising a pump for supplying air or gas, a tube for streaming the air or gas, at least two connectors connected in line with the tube; a one-way valve imbedded in the at least two connectors, a closing clip that is configured to be in physical contact with interface of a balloon connected to lower outlet of the connector and a plug at one end of the tube, where the pump is in fluid communication with the tube.

Description

Title of Invention: Apparatus for Inflating Balloons

[0001] Technical Field

The present invention pertains to inflating balloons. More particularly, the present invention pertains to apparatus for inflating balloons permanently or at least for long period of times, and preferably to apparatus for serially and/or simultaneously inflating a plurality of balloons.

[0002] Background

One of the popular accessories, especially in events such as birthdays, parties, promotion/sale days, etc. are the inflated balloons ones, which are often used to pronounce, decorate and mark such events. Marking and pronouncing of such events is usually involved with hanging or chaining together a plurality of inflated balloons, at certain proximity and shape, along a string or a rope (balloons garland)which are attached to a wall, a tree or any other supporting frame/surface.

[0003] In such events, significant amount of time and effort is invested in inflating the

balloons, connecting them further to strings or ropes. Another problem is that inflated balloons still require safe sealing that prevents escape of gas or air through the balloon opening and permanently keeps the gas/air inside the balloon or at least for a long period of time.

[0004] The prior art discloses several unsuccessful attempts to serially and/or simultaneously inflate a plurality of balloons with a standard single air tube apparatus, which is connected to an air source compressor or pump along one of its sides and to a plurality of inflated balloons through a series of T-shape joint elements along its other side. However, consistency of inflation is dependent on variations in the specific physical thermoplastic/elastic properties and accuracy limits of fabrication of such inflatable balloons, which are made of flexible materials. These attempts show that the non-trivial pressure, density and volume responses of the inflating dynamic process combined with the inherent variations in the sizes, geometrical shapes and material properties of such inflated balloons, made out of a certain flexible martial, yield significant variations in the pressure, volume and density values within the inflated balloons. As a result, the process of serial and/or simultaneous inflation of balloons may be inhibited. Another main problem which evolves from these systems is to maintain the balloon at inflated state over a long period of time, assuming that one or several balloons, from the plurality of inflated balloons are successfully inflated to their desired volume. Moreover, these attempts show that even at the particular simple case of two inflated balloons, the intrinsically minor variations in martial properties between the balloons dominate the related air inflation process, yielding unsuccessful results, in which the specific balloon made of the weaker material is inflated first to the point it explodes. The second balloon will only be partially inflated or will not even start the inflation process. Thus, it is impossible to inflate the entire chain of balloons, which are connected to a single tube, without providing an effective solution to the problem described above.

[0005] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a solution (an apparatus) for preventing escape of gas or air from an inflated balloon.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide apparatus for serial and/or simultaneous inflation of balloons, where the gas or air are kept permanently sealed in the inflated balloons or at least for a long period of time.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an air inflation apparatus and system which significantly facilitate the process of inflating balloons and reduce the exhausting efforts and time consuming preparations involved in such work.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus to inflate a plurality of balloons with air or gas in a single inflating sequence process.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide gas or air inflation apparatus and system which significantly facilitate the said inflation process, reduce the exhausting and time consuming efforts involved in such preparations tasks.

[0006] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide dynamically controlled inflation apparatus and method for inflating a plurality of balloons, providing solution and method that enable to sustain their desired inflation state over a long period of time.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an inflation apparatus and method that may be implemented in inflation with various filling elements, such as air, gas or liquids, which are used to inflate a plurality of containers made of flexible materials such as various types of balloons, tires and other similar containers.

[0007] Summary of Invention

In one aspect, the present invention discloses apparatus and method for serially and/ or simultaneously inflating balloons. The inflating apparatus consists of two or more balloons that are connected to an inflation nozzle through a piping system and are tightened further by clips or straps to a piping air tube comprising a plurality of air outlets which are attached to a plurality of balloons, respectively. To enable the inflection of set of balloons, which are connected in parallel to a single air or gas source, the system comprises one-way valves attached to the opening of the balloons for preventing escape of the gas or air that is in the balloon. In a normal state, the one-way valve allows air or gas to flow from the tube into the balloon, however disables opposite flow direction in case the air or gas pressure in the tube drops, for example as a result of unintentional intrinsic drop or intentional switching or turning off of the pressurized source with a related faucet. In this case, the air flow that comes out of the balloon presses against the valve and makes it stay in a permanently closed state until all the balloons in the chain are fully inflated.

[0008] In view of the above, in one embodiment the present invention provides an air

inflation apparatus and method comprising:

- An air or gas source such as a compressor, pump or a filled container which supplies air or gas in a certain rate and pressure.

- A semi-open tube piping system comprising a plurality of tubes and T-shape joints concocted together and forming structural inline piping tube system with a single air inlet and a plurality of air outlets. Along its inlet, the said piping system is connected to the said air or gas source and along its said air outlets is connected to the plurality of inflated balloons.

- A plurality of valves, where each single valve is located along one interface connection between a corresponding said air outlet of the said piping tube system and the inflated balloons inlet port. The said valve can be in either open or closed operational states, depending on the air gradient pressure applied on its two sides.

- A Plurality of closing clips, which are combined with the one-way valve, and which gradually narrow the opening through which air is pushed inside the balloon along the inflation time sequence.

- A plurality of various joints that mechanically attach different line segments along the piping tube system and sustain a strong and stable mechanical attachment in the desired operational pressure and temperature conditions.

- A plurality of plugs and halts which are configured to close certain line segments along the piping line system.

- A plurality of claps, clips, straps, flexible rings, special gules and any other locking and sealing means which are able to mechanically attached all of the various components in the inflating balloons system maintaining certain desired stable pressure and temperature conditions inside the system without undesired unwanted air or gas leaks.

[0009] Further, in one embodiment, the present invention provides an apparatus for

maintaining a container made of flexible material at inflated condition, said apparatus comprising:

- a connector for connecting said container to air or gas supply source or stream;

- a one-way valve for allowing air or gas within said container; and

- a closing clip for disconnecting said container off of said air or gas supply source or stream.

[0010] In still another particular embodiment of the present invention, the said one-way valve is combined with a closing clip yielding several functionalities, in which under inflation state, both clip and valve are in open state enabling the air or gas to enter the balloon. During operation, gradual closing of the valve and clip stops inflation and subsequent balloon internal pressure drop impact. Eventually, complete closure state of the said inlet of inflated balloon is obtained with closure of the one-way valve and closing clip. This prevents escape of air or gas from flowing, or leaking out of the balloon into the tube piping system through the valve. Hence, the valve and clip sustain the balloon pressure condition over a long time period, even under undesirable gradient of pressure or temperature that can be applied externally on the balloon, destabilize its conditions and drive it toward explosion. In a further preferable particular embodiment, the one-way valves are a spring and ball plug valve or a duck valve.

[0011] In another preferable embodiment of the present invention, the combination of the one-way valve and closing clip can be separately provided for every balloon. In a further preferable embodiment, the valve and clip are integrated into the tube streaming of gas or air into an array of balloons. In still another embodiment of the present invention, only the valve is integrated into the tube and the clip is manually mounted on every balloon after attaching the balloons to a separated nozzles source which extends out of the tube.

[0012] In still another embodiment, the clip's arms are arched with an angle and shape that fits the shape that the outer surface of the balloon takes when fully inflated. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the tube is flexible enough to be curved around itself or any rigid skeleton or structure without narrowing the tube path. This way, the tube can be shaped in various ways and provide ornamental shape to the inflated array of balloons. In still another embodiment, the tube is introduced into a protective flexible sleeve that prevents it from breaking upon curving it. Particularly, the sleeve may be a spiral sleeves that protects the tube and imparts it with the flexibility required to make any ornamental shape of the array of balloons.

[0013] In another particular embodiment, the one-way valve design of the previous embodiment comprises additional assisting attachment means that enable a further attachment independent mechanism of the valve onto its related aperture, which is also the air inlet of the inflated balloon. Hence, the attachment mechanism is employed when external destabilizing pressure is applied on the balloon air inlet from the air or gas supply piping tube system which drives the said air or gas to flow outside through the said balloon air inlet. Such means can utilize various attachment mechanisms, such as various kind of glues, or a one-way mechanical cog=, a magnetic force or a one-way duck type valve devices.

[0014] In another particular embodiment of the present invention, the system utilizes a valve which does not require the halting of the air flow. Thus, the system allows serial inflation of one balloon after another until all the balloon chain is fully inflated. In another particular embodiment of the present invention, the system is configured for narrow tube elements piping, where each of said tubes is attached through T-shape joints to the inlet aperture of said balloon and employs an additional valve which is attached by a string or a wire to the far side of the balloon. The string closes the valve to prevent air flow when the balloon is inflated to its maximum and/or under applied low external pressure. This allows other balloons to be inflated further by the said inflation system.

[0015] In another one particular embodiment, the said valves comprise adhesive material such as adhesive tape, for example, along their air inlet aperture, which is configured to glue the said valve on a specific balloon to its corresponding air inlet aperture at the end of a few second inflation sequence applied by a blower. In a further embodiment, the said blower comprises an electronic suspension system that stops its operation for a number of seconds and reactivates it after a break until all the balloons are inflated.

[0016] In another particular embodiment, after completion of the inflation of all the said balloons, the said blower is set to work in idle operation mode until turned off by the user, a timer, a numerator that counts the number of already inflated balloons, pressure switch or any other configurative mechanic or electronic ruling.

[0017] In another particular embodiment, the halting of the said inflation sequence for each separate balloon entity and the further continuation of a new inflation sequence, can be controlled by switching the air or gas supplying source with mechanical or electric faucet.

[0018] In another particular embodiment, the one-way valve is a duck-type valve.

[0019] For inflating an array of balloons, apparatus configuration that can employ both

continues and pulsing inflation/blowing operational modes is provided. In the pulsing mode, the apparatus is configured to without stopping the blowing process. In another further embodiment in both inflation modes, it is possible to adjust the inflating time or rate of flow of the air or gas. The gas may be helium or other gas used for inflating balloons, or any other substance, according to which the rate of inflating is adjusted considering variables such as e content, volume and capacity of the balloons that are connected to the inflating piping tube system for being inflated at a selected desired rate.

[0020] In another particular embodiment of the present invention, the one-way valve is

configured for attaching to the inflating tube. In another alternative embodiment, the valve is configured to be attached within the opening of the balloon in close proximity to its air inlet aperture.

[0021] In still another particular embodiment the air filling is done with pumps, which are activated by hands or legs of an operator or any other manual labor means. In still another particular embodiment, the gas or air source blower utilizes a compressor ap- paratuses, a compressed gas or air container, a chemical reaction process or any other air or gas source means.

[0022] In another particular embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to connect in adjacent to each of an inflated balloon inlet filling aperture, a valve with or without a closing clip device which are connected to various pulling means, such as string or a wire, or alternatively is connected to the narrow tube which are further connected to every balloon in an array of balloons. For example, a string may be connected to the far side of the balloon. In this case, the pulling means can be used to manually or electronically close the valve and the supplemental closing clip, when the balloon is inflated into its desired capacity, thus allowing the rest of the balloons to be inflated further. In a further embodiment, the inflation apparatus can be utilized for a continuous or a time sequential blowing/inflation modes and can be applied on various air or gas substances supply sources. Examples of such sources are pressurized container or an air or gas compressor pump. The inflation can continue until full inflation of all attached balloons is obtained, or it can be stopped manually or electronically according to certain electronic or mechanic configurable rules which can be executed automatically.

[0023] In another particular embodiment, the inflated balloon is attached to a T-shape joint via a clasp locking element. In a further embodiment, it is possible to connect a clasp to tighten the balloon grip while inflating the balloon. In another preferred embodiment, the clasp can be replaced with a ring shape element, which is connected to the balloon.

[0024] In another particular embodiment, the valve design employs a two-way valve design, which is further integrated into the T-shape joints tube elements in the tube piping system in a similar configuration. This two-way valve comprises a one-way valve for inflating the balloon and preventing escape of air, and a second valve which is configured to prevent over inflation and explosion of the balloon. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the second valve is configured to be automatically switched into closure after reaching the allowable maximal pressure inside the balloon.

[0025] In another optional embodiment and related configuration, an air source blower is connected to a large diameter tube inlet to avoid pressure failure. In another optional embodiment, the T-shape part connector comprises a one-way valve that comprises spring and balled plug or duck valve.

[0026] Apparatus

In one aspect, the present invention refers to an air inflating apparatus that comprises an air compressor pump attached to a plurality of inflated balloons with a plurality of piping tube elements and a plurality of inflation sites. In one embodiment, every inflation site comprises a T-shape joint tube element, which is connected along the air piping flow horizontal direction, to an in and out air piping tube elements, and along its vertical tube element to the inflated balloon element. Furthermore, to stabilize the pressure inside the inflated balloon system, the vertical tube element comprises oneway valve with interface connection plane that is located in close proximity to the opening of the balloon. The connection essentially comprises a closing piece for inflating balloons and is configured to function in the two following main operational states: 1) Normal inflation state, where the pump or other air source push air to flow inside the balloon. The one-way valve is pushed backwards from the air inlet aperture, and the closing piece element is at its open operational state, allowing the air or any other different gas to flow from the air piping system through the vertical tube into the balloon. 2) Idle state of the pump with no inflation which occurs mainly after completion of the inflation of a specific balloon. In this state, gas pressure drops in the tube piping system connection to the balloon. As a result, the air/gas trying to flow out of the balloon through the valve presses the valve switch and maintains it in a permanent closed state. The closure with the closing clip/piece disconnects the balloon from the horizontal tube that streams gas/air and permanently prevents escape of air or gas through the opening of the balloon. This way, the balloon remains inflated for a long period time.

[0027] The valve itself can be mechanically attached to the air inlet aperture with glue, mechanical pressure or magnetic means with other possible mechanical attachments means or any possible combination thereof. The one-way valve is combined with a closing clip that gradually narrows the opening through which air is pushed inside the balloon. In one embodiment, the closing clip is made of two arms opposing one another with an axis that connects them at a certain point along their length. The axis between the arms essentially forms a ring through which the opening of the balloon can be inserted. The arms of the clip hold the balloon, where their lower parts below the connecting axis extend away one from the other while their upper parts above the connecting axis are brought together as the balloon is inflated. Thus as the air is pushed into the volume of the balloon, the valve prevents air from escaping out through the opening and the closing clip gradually closes the opening. The desired volume of the inflated balloon can be pre-determined by designing the strength of resistance of the clip arms to push back against the wall of the inflating balloon.

[0028] In one preferable embodiment the one-way valve is a spring and ball plug valve or a duck-valve. Other one-way valves are described in the following description with reference to the drawings._. The combination of the one-way valve and closing clip can be provided separately for every balloon. In another embodiment, the valve and clip are integrated with the tube streaming of gas or air into an array of balloons. In still another embodiment, only the valve is integrated with the tube and the clip is manually mounted on every balloon after attaching the balloons to a separated nozzles source that extend out of the tube. In still another embodiment, the clip's arms are arched with an angle that fits the shape that the wall of the balloon takes when fully inflated.

[0029] For a configuration of inflating a plurality of balloons attached to a single tube, the tube may be flexible enough to be curved around itself or any rigid skeleton or structure without narrowing the tube path. This way, the tube can be shaped in various ways and provide ornamental shape to the inflated array of balloons. In still another embodiment the tube is introduced into a protective flexible sleeve that prevents it from breaking upon curving it. Such sleeve may be formed in spiral configuration to impart such flexibility to the tube accompanied with proper protection.

[0030] In a further optional embodiment, to improve the system operational dynamical performances, the air or gas pressure source, e.g., a compressor, can be switched automatically or manually between operational and idle states in a periodic inflation timing sequences, where the transition between the two states can be done in a controlled manner. In case of a pump, the timing sequence switching process can be done with an electric switching of the pump, a timer or by closing an electro-mechanical screw with a timer or any other control means that control the process of inflating. To understand the advantages of the last operational mode in the periodic sequence switching method, the inflation of the balloon can be set to stop its operation every few seconds for a time of about two seconds in a periodic sequence. In the last state, the gas or air pressure in the inflating tube drops and the air, which is trying to escape the balloon, presses the one way-valve with the said locking means, such as glue, a one way cog or a magnet. Such locking means leaves the one-way valve in closed state which prevents renewal of air flow at the end of this step two seconds later by disabling its re-opening. Accordingly, the locking means enables the air pressure in the tube to inflate the next balloon in line which is the "weakest" of all other balloons. This sequence of inflation between "on" and "off" operational states can be repeated periodically, forcing the pressure in the piping inflation tube to drop periodically, enabling the inflation of the entire chain of balloons to be filled till they reach the pressure of the inflating tube and said pump compressor source. In this case, the balloons that are connected to the usually tube inflate in a random manner according to the strength and flexibility of the balloon side. Thus, a situation may occur for example that balloon number 5 in the arrays is first to inflate followed by balloon number 2, balloon number 14 and so on, until all the balloons are inflated in a random order.

[0031] In view of the above, in still another embodiment, the present invention provides an apparatus for serially and/or simultaneously inflating an array of balloons, said apparatus comprising:

- a pump for supplying air or gas; - a tube for streaming said air or gas;

- at least two connectors connected in line with said tube;

- a one-way valve imbedded in every one of said at least two connectors;

- a closing clip that is configured to be in physical contact with interface of a balloon connected to lower outlet of said connector; and

- a plug at one end of said tube,

wherein said pump is in fluid communication with said tube.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figs. 1A-C show front, top and perspective views of an array of inflated balloons connected to an apparatus for serial and/or simultaneous inflation of balloons.

Figs. 2A-C show different perspective views of valve-connector-closing clip combination for permanent inflation of balloons for single balloons or an array of balloons.

Figs. 3A-B show perspective and front cross-sectional views of the valve- connector-closing clip combination illustrated in Figs. 2A-C.

Figs. 4A-B show perspective views of the connector for connecting a balloon to means for inflating it.

Figs. 5A-B show front and back perspective cross-sectional views of a single balloon connected to a combination of valve-connector-closing clip as illustrated in Figs. 2A-C

Figs. 6A-D show front, side and cross-sectional side and top views of a connector with a one-way valve imbedded within.

Figs. 7A-C show cross- sectional and exploded views of a connector with one-way valve imbedded within.

Figs. 8A-B show side and front a cross-sectional views of another type of closing clip for permanently maintaining a balloon in inflated state.

Figs. 9A-C show cross-sectional, front and perspective views of a closing clip as illustrated in Figs. 2A-C, 5A-B and 5A-B.

Fig. 11 shows a perspective zoom-in view of a single air inflation site in the inflation balloon system illustrated at Figs. lOA-C.

Figs. 12A-B show a two-dimensional cross-sectional view, of a valve design in a formation B configuration that comprises a pulse-driven inflating system in an inflation and idle time sequential operational states, respectively.

Fig. 13 show a cross-sectional zoom-in view of a connector design, including the air piping, valve and inflated balloon, inside a single air inflation site illustrated in Fig. 11.

Fig. 14 shows a cross-sectional zoom-in view of an air inflation site connector design comprising a one-way valve element in another optional embodiment of air inflation system.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are schematically illustrated in Figures 1A to 14. These figures are for illustration purposes and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the below description in any form.

[0033] Detailed Description of the Drawings

Figs. lOA-C show a schematic illustration, shown in a perspective-view, of the balloon inflating system (10), with zoom-in views of the air piping segments along the center and the end of the air piping tube. The illustration shows two segments of balloon lines (24a, 24b) connected together, via two joints elements (22, 26), to form the balloon lines that allows transferring of the air through the tube (14) to all the balloons (16) in the line. In this configuration, the compressor pump (12) presses the air into tube piping line/tube (14) and conduct it to the balloons (16) through T-shape joints tube elements that comprise a one-way valve (20), enabling the air to flow inside the balloon and inhibit the opposite flowing direction. Each line of balloons (24a, 24b) includes a beginning section joint (26) and an end section joint (22). At the end of the final balloon line (24b), a plug is inserted (28). In another embodiment and configuration of the present invention, the plug element (28) is replaced by sealing the tube elements (24a) or (24b) along their other ends in order to avoid pressure loss.

Fig. 11 shows a perspective zoom-in view of a possible embodiment of a single air inflation site in the inflation balloon system illustrated at Fig. 1. In the following illustration, the T-shape joint tube element (18) is connected to air tube piping line (14) and conducts the flowing air through the valve (20) into the balloon (16). In this configuration, the balloon is attached to the T-shape joint with a clasp locking elements ( 32). In another embodiment, the clasp (32) is connected to tighten the balloon grip while operating the inflating balloon system.

In another preferred embodiment, for more comfortable utilization purposes of the present invention, clasp (32) is replaced with a ring shape element, which is connected to the balloons.

[0034] Fig. 13 shows a cross-sectional zoom-in view of a connector design, including the air piping, valve and inflated balloon, inside a single air inflation site illustrated at Fig. 2. The following cross-sectional zoom-in view, shows a single T-shape joint tube element (22, 26), connected to the one-way valve (20). The one-way valve (20) comprises an inner seal (36) which is connected to a wire (34) along the balloon lower side (16) close to its connection point to the valve (20). During inflation sequence applied on the balloon (16), the string (34) is stretched and pulls with it the seal (36) and as a result closes the air way to the balloon (16), thus the air flow in the pipe is directed to the next balloon.

[0035] Figs. 12A-B show a two-dimensional cross-sectional view of a one-way valve (20) in another embodiment (42), which operates by a pulsed sequence inflating system. In this method, the compressor provides pulses sequence of air (38) which is sufficient for a full inflation of a single balloon. The air (38) flows inside the balloon and gradually bends the tab (44) downwards until completion of inflation. The tab (44) functions also as a valve and contains glue (40), allowing it to stick, closing the air opening in the specific states where the air inflation into the balloon stops. In this state, the internal pressure created inside the balloon overcomes the outside pressure and pushes the tab upwards, causing the tab to attach to the air inlet and closing it completely.

[0036] Fig. 12B shows a two-dimensional cross-sectional view of the pulsing system in the formation b embodiment, at a time sequence period where the inflation operation is switched into its off state and the air source stops inflating air into the system. In this case the balloon is filled with air, and the compressor pump or other source stops working for a short period of time. In this state the air that attempts to escape from the balloon (46), due to the applied pressure difference between the balloon and the piping air system, flows upwards pushing the tab (44) along that direction and attaching it to the air inflation inlet, closing it completely and inhibiting a passage of air out of the balloon.

[0037] Fig. 14 shows a cross-sectional image of an air inflation system design and configuration according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. This design employs a two- valve component (48) which is further integrated in a similar configuration of T-shape joints tube element. The two-valve component (48)

comprises two inline in and out exits along the horizontal air piping line direction, and a third exit which is connected perpendicularly to the inflated balloon. Fig. 14 shows the air flowing diagram (54) throughout the two-valve element (48) into the balloon, where the two-valve element (48) is attached to the output of the third perpendicular exit on one side and to the balloon along its other side. As in a previous design, the two-valve design element (48) comprises a one-way valve that allows the inflation of the balloon and prevents the air from escaping with a press-shaped element (50). A second valve is used to prevent over inflating and explosion of the balloon. The second valve (52) is configured to prevent the increase of pressure in the balloon and its explosion and is automatically switched into its closed state after reaching the allowable maximal pressure which is created inside the balloon.

[0038] In another optional embodiment and related configuration, not shown in the figures, the air blower is connected to a large diameter tube inlet + to avoid pressure failure. As in previous designs, in the following design and related configuration the piping tube is connected in line with a plurality of T-shape joints tube elements that comprise two inline in and out exits along the horizontal air piping line direction and a third exit which is connected perpendicularly to the inflated balloon. While exiting, a one way valve enables inflating the balloon and the prevention of the air escape out of it. In this design, the T-shape part connector comprises a one-way valve which can be a spring and a balled plug valve or duck valve, however with further modified diameters. In this design, the limited pressure of the pump prevents the explosion of the balloons.

[0039] In accordance with the above paragraph, Figs. 1A through 7C and 9A-9C illustrate a connector-valve-closing clip combination for permanently maintaining balloons at inflated state. Figs. 1A-C illustrate different views of an array (10) of inflated balloons (16) all connected to a tube (14) with connector-valve-closing clip combination (20). The lower end of the balloons (16a) which is in direct contact with combination (20) is in contact with a one-way duck valve (90) embedded within connector (18) and closing clip (80), see Figs. 2A-C and 3A-B. Essentially, the clip (80) closes on the opening of the balloon (16c), and tightens its grip until complete closure as inflation of the balloon (16) progresses. Figs. 9A-C show specifics of this closing clip (80) used. Such clip (80 ) is divided in lower and upper parts, each part comprising a pair of wings. The lower part comprises a first pair of wings (80a, 80b) and the upper part a second pair of wings (80c, 80d). These two pairs are divided with a middle part (80e) that bridges between opposite wings. The middle part (80e) comprises two parallel bridges (81e, 82e) that enclose a circular aperture (82) for inserting the opening of the balloon through it. Since the clip (80) is made of flexible material, the lower wings (80a, 80b) respond to the stretching of the balloon walls upon inflation and distance away from each other. The upper pair of wings (80c, 80d) respond by moving in the opposite direction closer to each other and closing on the opening of the balloon. This opposite movement of the two pairs of the wing is made possible with the middle part that connects them together. Preferably, the shape of the wings, especially the lower pair, is made to suit the shape of the balloon wall as it inflates, without puncturing it with sharp or straight configuration.

[0040] Returning to the duck valve (90) as illustrated in Figs. 3A-B, this valve comprises a pair of tongues (90a, 90b) that respond to incoming flow of fluid and distance one form the other to allow the balloon to be filled. The connector (18), as shown in Figs. 2A-C and 4A-B comprises a main body (18a) in which the valve is embedded, an opening (18b) with a cross aperture (18e) for holding the opening of the balloon and two outlets (18c, 18d) for connecting to a tube for flowing gas, air or any other fluid to the balloons. Figs. 7A-C show the inside of the connector (18) in exploded and cross- section perspective views. A spacer chack valve is illustrated in Figs. 7C. A ball (62) is used to allow air or gas to flow into the balloon and prevent their escape out. The spring (64) is used to counter-resist the fall of the ball (64) down which might enable air to escape. This ball and spring combination is held in place with valve regulator (63 ) which is held within the connector (18). Diaphragm (66) closes on the valve regulator (63) with fastening spacer (68) and nut (67) on one side and a nut (65) on the opposite side. Figs. 6A-D show side, front and cross-sectional side and top views of a connector (18) with a check ball (62) and spring (64) valve (60) as illustrated also in Figs. 7A-C.

[0041] Figs. 5A-B show how the combination connector- valve-closing clip is connected to the opening of the balloon (16). The closing clip (80) holds the edges of the balloon opening at its lower end (16a), while air or gas flows inside the balloon through the one way valve embedded in the connector (18). This combination prevents the occurrence of back flow of air or gas out of the inflated balloon, once the balloon is fully inflated and reaches pressure balance with the incoming air or gas. The disconnection of the balloon from air or gas supply source or stream is provided by the closing clip ( 80), which totally prevents such backflow. Otherwise, pressure difference would result in forcing air in the opposite direction through the one-way valve or the balloon explodes. This would defeat the purpose of inflating the balloon and further inhibit inflation of other balloon in the case of an array of balloons to be inflated with one device. Further, in case an array of balloons is to be inflated serially or simultaneously with a single tube with multiple outlets, then the disconnection of the inflated balloon off of the air or gas streaming with the closing clip (80) regulates the pressure in the tube, which enables the air or gas to apply higher pressure on the next "weaker" balloon in the array and force air or gas in.

It should be noted that this triple component combination of connector-valve-closing clip may be used for single stand-alone balloons and to an array of at least two balloons.

[0042] Figs. 8A-B show another option for a closing clip, using a single semi-flexible wire that is folded to a partly closed shape that forms two "cushion" like shapes (71, 72) in the upper part with first lower ends (71a, 71b) that extend out horizontally relative to the balloon (16) and second lower ends (72a, 72b) which form the opening of air or gas inflow into the balloon (16). The opening of the balloon is placed between the cushions (71, 72). Upon streaming of air or gas, e.g., helium, into the balloon, the cushions (71, 72) also start to be filled with air or gas. When pressure balance is reached between the balloon and cushions, the cushions begin to press against the opening of the balloon on opposite sides due to over inflation. As more air or gas is streamed the cushions (71, 72) close on the opening of the balloon, thus preventing further air or gas from flowing inside. This way, the balloon is disconnected from the source of air or gas supply or flow, which enables the pressure to be completely applied on the next weaker balloon in an array of balloons to be filled when connected to a single tube with multiple outlets.

Claims

An apparatus for maintaining a container made of flexible material at inflated condition, said apparatus comprising:

- a one-way valve for allowing air or gas within said container; and

The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said connector comprises a main central outlet for connecting with said container, side outlets extending out of sides of said main central outlet, wherein said main central outlet comprises inner volume for accommodating said one-way valve.

The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said main central outlet comprises a lip extending out of edges of said outlet, said lip is configured to hold opening of said container.

The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said main central outlet comprises cross-shaped opening within said outlet for flowing air or gas into said container.

The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said one-way valve is selected from ball and spring check valve, duck valve, adhesive based tape valve, stretchable wire based valve and two-valve based valve. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said one-way valve is imbedded within said connector.

The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said closing clip comprises lower and upper pairs of wing and a middle bridge part connecting between said pairs of wings, said middle bridge part forming an aperture for introducing opening of said container into said closing clip and holding said opening within said closing clip.

The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said closing clip comprises a semi-flexible wire, said wire is bent to form an aperture for introducing opening of said container into said closing clip, said aperture is surrounded with cushion-like shapes formed by said wire, said wire forming a semi-closed shape in fluid communication with volume of said container.

The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a clip, said clip is configured to surround opening of said container around opening of outlet of said connector.

The apparatus according claim 1, wherein said container is a balloon. An apparatus for serially and/or simultaneously inflating an array of balloons, said apparatus comprising:

- a pump for supplying air or gas;

- a tube for streaming said air or gas;

- at least two connectors connected in line with said tube;

- a one-way valve imbedded in every one of said at least two connectors;

- a plug at one end of said tube,

wherein said pump is in fluid communication with said tube.

The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said connectors form a

T-joint for connecting in line with said tube.

The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said tube is further enveloped with protective flexible sleeve.

The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said sleeve is a spiral sleeve.

The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said connector comprises a main central outlet for connecting with said container, side outlets extending out of sides of said main central outlet, wherein said main central outlet comprises inner volume for accommodating said one-way valve.

The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said main central outlet comprises a lip extending out of edges of said outlet, said lip is configured to hold opening of said container.

The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said one-way valve is selected from ball and spring check valve, duck valve, adhesive based tape valve, stretchable wire based valve, magnet-based valve and two- valve based valve.

The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said one-way valve is imbedded within said connector.

The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said closing clip comprises lower and upper pairs of wing and a middle bridge part connecting between said pairs of wings, said middle bridge part forming an aperture for introducing opening of said container into said closing clip and holding said opening within said closing clip.

The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said closing clip comprises a semi-flexible wire, said wire is bent to form an aperture for introducing opening of said container into said closing clip, said aperture is surrounded with cushion-like shapes formed by said wire, said wire forming a semi-closed shape in fluid communication with volume of said container.

The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said closing clip is integrated with said connector.

The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said closing clip is separate from said connector.

The apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a clasp, said clasp is configured to surround opening of said container around opening of outlet of said connector.

The apparatus according claim 11, wherein said container is 'a balloon. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said tube is sufficiently flexible to be shaped in three-dimensional shapes around itself or around a rigid skeleton.