U.S. patent application number 10/724795 was filed with the patent office on 2004-10-07 for safe toy balloon closure and sealing device and assemblies using same.
Invention is credited to Murray, John R., Murray, Robert H..
Application Number | 20040198146 10/724795 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33101044 |
Filed Date | 2004-10-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040198146 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Murray, Robert H. ; et
al. |
October 7, 2004 |
Safe toy balloon closure and sealing device and assemblies using
same
Abstract
A safe toy balloon closure and sealing device is provided that
includes (a) a generally flat member having a first end, a second
end opposite the first end, a first side edge and a second side
edge opposite the first side edge, (b) a balloon neck receiving
aperture formed through the generally flat member and between the
first end and the second end, (c) an inserting passage for
inserting a balloon neck from the first end into the balloon neck
receiving aperture, and (d) at least one non-aligned stretched neck
retaining device formed on at least one of the second end, the
first side edge and the second side edge at a location that is not
aligned with the inserting passage, for creating at least one
angled sharp bend and seal in a balloon neck being stretched from
the balloon neck receiving aperture for reinsertion through the
inserting passage and the balloon neck receiving aperture; thereby
effectively closing and sealing the stretched balloon neck without
tying and without a risk of the balloon neck unraveling and causing
premature balloon deflation. In order to make the closure and
sealing device of the present invention safe, it includes a safety
device in form of a tail portion or a repulsive taste agent.
Inventors: |
Murray, Robert H.;
(Fairport, NY) ; Murray, John R.; (Fairport,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Robert H. Murray
52 Manor Hill Drive
Fairport
NY
14450
US
|
Family ID: |
33101044 |
Appl. No.: |
10/724795 |
Filed: |
December 1, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60431136 |
Dec 5, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
446/220 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 2027/1041 20130101;
A63H 27/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/220 |
International
Class: |
A63H 003/06 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A toy balloon closure and sealing device comprising: (a) a
generally flat member having a first end, a second end opposite
said first end, a first side edge and a second side edge opposite
said first side edge; (b) a balloon neck-receiving aperture formed
through said generally flat member and between said first end and
said second end; (c) inserting passage means for inserting a
balloon neck from said first end into said balloon neck receiving
aperture; and (d) at least one non-aligned stretched neck retaining
means formed on at least one of said second end, said first side
edge and said second side edge at a location that not aligned with
said inserting passage, for creating at least one angled sharp bend
and seal in a balloon neck being stretched from said balloon neck
receiving aperture for reinsertion through said inserting passage
means and through said balloon neck receiving aperture; thereby
effectively closing and sealing the balloon neck without tying and
without a risk of the balloon neck unraveling and causing premature
balloon deflation.
2. The toy balloon closure and sealing device of claim 1, wherein
said generally flat member is made of a plastic material that is
colorless.
3. The toy balloon closure and sealing device of claim 1, wherein
said generally flat member has a first flat face and a second flat
face, and its use is not face dependent, thereby allowing for ease
of use instructions.
4. The toy balloon closure and sealing device of claim 1, wherein
said generally flat member has a convoluted perimeter.
5. The toy balloon closure and sealing device of claim 1, wherein
said balloon neck receiving aperture is generally rectangular.
6. The toy balloon closure and sealing device of claim 1, wherein
said balloon neck receiving aperture includes an inwardly
projecting tongue member for urging a portion of said balloon neck
within said balloon neck receiving aperture to be out of alignment
with said inserting passage means.
7. The toy balloon closure and sealing device of claim 1, wherein
said inserting passage means includes a lead-in notch from said
first end, and a slit from said lead-in notch into said balloon
neck receiving aperture.
8. The toy balloon closure and sealing device of claim 1, including
a single said at least one stretched neck retaining means formed
into said second end of said generally flat member and across from
said inserting passage means on said first end.
9. The toy balloon closure and sealing device of claim 1, including
a pair of said at least one stretched neck retaining means formed
one on each of said first side edge and said second side edge for
causing any escaping forces in the stretched elastic neck of the
toy balloon to act in a direction approximately 90 degrees to said
inserting passage means.
10. The toy balloon closure and sealing device of claim 1,
including a single said at least one stretched neck retaining means
comprising a notch formed into said second end of said generally
flat member and across from said inserting passage means on said
first end, and having a generally half-rectangular shape for
flattening the elastic neck of the toy balloon so as to create said
at least one sharp bend and seal therein.
11. The toy balloon closure and sealing device of claim 1,
including a pair of said at least one stretched neck retaining
means comprising a notch formed one each into each of said first
side edge and said second side edge, and each having a generally
half-rectangular shape for flattening the elastic neck of the toy
balloon so as to create said at least one sharp bend and seal
therein.
12. The toy balloon closure and sealing device of claim 1,
including three said at least one stretched neck retaining means
formed one on each of said second end, said first side edge and
said second side edge, for causing the elastic neck of a toy
balloon to create said at least one sharp bend and seal
therein.
13. The toy balloon closure and sealing device of claim 1, wherein
said generally flat member is made of a biodegradable material.
14. The toy balloon closure and sealing device of claim 1, wherein
said passage means includes a lead-in notch from said first end,
and a slot from said lead-in notch into said balloon neck receiving
aperture, said slot having a slot width less than 0.04 inches for
preventing a stretched balloon neck within said receiving aperture
from escaping.
15. The toy balloon closure and sealing device of claim 1,
including a pair of said passage means located symmetrically one at
each of said first end and said second and opposite end of said
flat member.
16. The toy balloon closure and sealing device of claim 8, wherein
each of said pair of said at least one stretched neck retaining
means comprises a notch.
17. The toy balloon closure and sealing device of claim 9, wherein
each of said pair of said at least one stretched neck retaining
means comprises a notch.
18. The toy balloon closure and sealing device of claim 9, wherein
each of said pair of said at least one stretched neck retaining
means comprises a tab member.
19. A toy balloon closure and sealing device comprising: (a) a
generally flat member having a first end, a second end opposite
said first end, a first side edge and a second side edge opposite
said first side edge; (b) a balloon neck-receiving aperture formed
through said generally flat member and between said first end and
said second end; (c) inserting passage means for inserting a
balloon neck from said first end into said balloon neck receiving
aperture; (d) at least one non-aligned stretched neck retaining
means formed on at least one of said second end, said first side
edge and said second side edge at a location that not aligned with
said inserting passage, for creating at least one angled sharp bend
and seal in a balloon neck being stretched from said balloon neck
receiving aperture for reinsertion through said inserting passage
means and through said balloon neck receiving aperture; thereby
effectively closing and sealing the balloon neck without tying and
without a risk of the balloon neck unraveling and causing premature
balloon deflation; and (e) a safety device in the form of a tail
portion connected to one of said second end, said first side edge
and said second side edge.
20. A toy balloon closure and sealing device comprising: (a) a
generally flat member having a first end, a second end opposite
said first end, a first side edge and a second side edge opposite
said first side edge; (b) a balloon neck-receiving aperture formed
through said generally flat member and between said first end and
said second end; (c) inserting passage means for inserting a
balloon neck from said first end into said balloon neck receiving
aperture; (d) at least one non-aligned stretched neck retaining
means formed on at least one of said second end, said first side
edge and said second side edge at a location that not aligned with
said inserting passage, for creating at least one angled sharp bend
and seal in a balloon neck being stretched from said balloon neck
receiving aperture for reinsertion through said inserting passage
means and through said balloon neck receiving aperture; thereby
effectively closing and sealing the balloon neck without tying and
without a risk of the balloon neck unraveling and causing premature
balloon deflation; and (e) a safety device in the form of a
repulsive taste agent applied to said generally flat member.
21. A safe toy balloon closure and sealing device comprising: (a) a
structured member having a balloon neck receiving aperture,
inserting passage means, and at least one stretched neck retaining
means formed therethrough; and (b) a safety device formed on said
structured member for reducing a risk of injury from ingestion by
children, thereby making the toy balloon closure and sealing device
safe.
22. The safe toy balloon closure and sealing device of claim 21
wherein said safety device comprises a tail portion attached to one
of said second end, said first side edge and said second side
edge.
23. The safe toy balloon closure and sealing device of claim 21,
wherein said safety device comprises a repulsive taste agent
applied to said structured member.
24. The safe toy balloon closure and sealing device of claim 22,
wherein said tail portion includes at least on slot formed
therein.
25. The safe toy balloon closure and sealing device of claim 22,
wherein said tail portion has a distal end and said distal end
includes a taper for enabling display of an inflated balloon
assembly using said closure and sealing device thereof on a
pegboard.
26. The safe toy balloon closure and sealing device of claim 23,
wherein said repulsive taste agent is applied directly to said
structured member.
27. The safe toy balloon closure and sealing device of claim 23,
wherein said repulsive taste agent is applied directly to an
adhesive tape that is then applied to said structured member.
28. The safe toy balloon closure and sealing device of claim 23,
wherein said repulsive taste agent comprises a bittering agent.
29. The safe toy balloon closure and sealing device of claim 28,
wherein said bittering agent is Denatonium Benzoate.
Description
[0001] This Application is based on a Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/431,136 filed Dec. 5, 2002.
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] This application is related to U.S. Provisional Application
Serial No. ______ (Applicant's Docket MSD02), entitled "SAFER TOY
BALLOONS AND METHODS FOR IMPARTING UNPALATABLE TASTE TO SAME"
having a common inventor and filed herewith on the same day.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] This invention relates to closure devices, and more
particularly to a safe toy balloon closure and sealing device for
closing and sealing an inflated elastometric toy balloon having an
elastic balloon neck, without a need of tying the balloon neck, and
reduce a risk of ingestion injury from balloons.
[0004] The invention also relates methods for adapting and
utilizing bag closure devices, commonly used with inelastic bags,
to effectively close and seal a toy balloons, and improvements
thereto.
[0005] Embodiments of the device additionally include such a device
made to meet the standard safety test for small parts, one made
safe by imparting a revolting taste thereto, one in an assembly
including an attaching tether, another by interconnecting multiple
devices, another connected to a supporting line, and another
adapted for use as a punch ball game.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is well known that toy balloons have been the leading
cause of death from toys in the hands of young children. For
example, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
data, in a ten-year period ending October 2002, there were 81
deaths and an additional 118 toy balloon injury incidents that
required medical treatment. The data does not reflect the number of
deaths and injuries, which involved toy balloon closure and sealing
devices.
[0007] It is common knowledge however that young children,
especially those three years of age and under, are ordinarily
inclined to place small objects they find into their mouth. If the
objects are small, sharp or breakable there is the possibility for
injury or even death, principally by choking. Toy balloon closure
and sealing devices usually are made from structured members that
are small, sharp and breakable, and hence they pose a risk for
injury or even death, principally by choking. In order to make such
small objects, particularly toy objects safe, there is, for
example, a standardized choke test that such parts to be safe must
meet or pass. One test apparatus for this choke test consists of a
vertical tube 1{fraction (1/4)} inch in diameter and 21/4 deep with
a partition extending upward at a 45-degree angle from a bottom
corner of the tube. A small part, placed within the tube, is safe
and suitable for use by children of all ages if any portion of the
part projects above the top of the tube.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART
[0008] Generally, closure and sealing devices are well known and
include bag closure devices for closing and sealing uninflated
flexible film bags such as those used for containing bread and
other produce items, as well as conventional toy balloon closure
devices for closing and sealing inflated toy balloons.
[0009] One example of prior art is for A Balloon neck closure and
decoration device, U.S. Pat. No. 5,799,377 (Carroll et al.) which
describe a generally flat circular closure disk with two or three
inwardly extending slots for holding the neck of the balloon. The
preferred device described in this disclosure has but one balloon
neck passage means or slot so as to avoid confusing the user, and
as will be described later, balloon neck passage begins and ends in
the same single passage means making a complete revolution to do so
(best seen in FIG. 12). In the Carroll patent, FIG. 1 and FIG. 2
show the balloon neck threaded through each of the three slots in
turn and exiting from a different slot than the entry point. This
action has been found to be awkward since fingers holding the
device will always be covering at least one of the
yet-to-be-threaded slots and requires added dexterity. The
applicant's device may be easily grasped without blocking the neck
wrapping path as will be shown.
[0010] Examples of bag closure devices for closing and sealing
uninflated flexible film bags are disclosed for example in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 4,361,935 (Paxton), 4,509,231 (Paxton), U.S. Pat. No.
4,333,566 (Holmes), in which each variably includes a relatively
large holding aperture for containing and retaining an inserted
neck of such a flexible film bag. Such devices are manufactured by
Kwik Loc.RTM. Corporation Yakima, Wash., in a wide variety of
styles for closing net bags as well as uninflated film bags. All of
the Kwick Loc.RTM. closure products appear devoted to holding bags
closed and make no attempt to seal the bags against fluid
escapement, for example helium used in inflating toy balloons. In
fact, tightly sealing such bags would be a distinct disadvantage
for the intended purpose of containing bread, vegetables and the
like, creating unnecessary bulk due to air entrapment. Such bag
closure devices, when used for uninflated plastic film bags with
one pass through a neck retaining aperture do effectively gather
and secure bag closure as intended but are unsuited for effectively
closing and sealing the elastic necks of toy balloons that are
inflated with an easily escapable fluid such as helium, air or the
like. The result is fluid escaping between folds in the gathered
balloon neck walls causing rapid premature deflation of the
inflated toy balloon.
[0011] Examples of conventional toy balloon closure and sealing
devices for closing and sealing toy balloons include molded and
relatively heavy plastic devices with containment holes and/or
slots for inserting and containing a twisted elastic neck of a toy
balloon. For example, one such device is a molded plastic disk
marketed under the trade name SAFETITE.RTM. DISK by Premium Balloon
Accessories, Inc. of Sharon Center, Ohio, and shown in U.S. Pat.
No. D359,229 (Jules) and having two containment holes and two
insertion slots, are available commercially as shown in FIGS. 7 and
8.
[0012] One of the two slots is longer than the other slot and the
two holes are not symmetric relative to the circular periphery of
the disk. User's instructions describe the slots in terms of longer
and shorter, and therefore require the user to decide which of the
slots is longer and would allow the neck of the balloon to sit at
the center of the disk. The Patent drawings show a total of four
slots which would likely have contributed to additional user
confusion had they been included. Even when this conventional
device is used properly according to such instructions, there is
still quite a high risk of the elastic twisted neck of the toy
balloon unraveling and resulting in premature deflation of the
inflated toy balloon. Further explanation is provided with the
detailed description of prior art FIGS. 7 and 8.
[0013] Another product distributed by Premium Balloon Accessories
is a small diameter flat disk having a single central hole. To use
it, a croquet-hook like rod is needed to stretch and pull a twisted
loop of balloon neck through the hole. The neck is thereby doubled
back upon itself. The hook is removed releasing much of the
tension. This causes the neck to expand and effectively prevents
the loop from passing backwards though the hole. Unfortunately, the
release of tension allows for slight gaps in the folds in the
balloon neck creating the risk of fluid leakage. Although widely
used in the past, balloons sealed with these disks have found
disfavor because of slow leakage, especially when filled with
helium gas. Also, these disks do not pass the standard safety test
for small children as previously cited and are themselves an
ingestion hazard.
[0014] Besides the high risk of the elastic twisted neck of the toy
balloon fluid leakage under lessened tension resulting in premature
deflation of the inflated toy balloon owing to the relatively large
slots, these prior art devices are relatively heavy and costly
particularly because they are molded.
[0015] Another conventional toy balloon closure device is a plastic
molded cup-shaped device, as for example U.S. Pat. No. D329,261
that also uses slots for both inserting and retaining the neck of
an inflated toy balloon. The molded cup is heavy, cumbersome to use
and does not impart a 180-degree bend around a relatively sharp
well defined edge.
[0016] Yet another existing closure device is the applicant's
Balloon Valve Assembly disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,496,203,
(Murray). Although the Murray valve passes the safety test for all
ages and is half the weight of other balloon valves, and it too is
molded and is about three times heavier and three times more costly
to produce when compared with many of the various embodiments of
the closure and sealing device of the present invention as
described below in this application.
[0017] There is therefore a need for a safe, relatively
inexpensive, lightweight and easy to make toy balloon closure and
sealing device that additionally has easy to understand and/or
intuitive instructions, and that does not use large slots which are
susceptible to allowing untensioning of the elastic twisted necks
of the inflated toy balloons, and/or allowing the premature
deflation of the inflated toy balloon.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a toy balloon closure and sealing device
including (a) a generally substantially flat member having a
convoluted perimeter including a first end, a second end opposite
the first end, a first side edge and a second side edge opposite
the first side edge, (b) a balloon neck receiving aperture formed
through the generally substantially flat member and between the
first end and the second end, said balloon neck receiving aperture
being located generally central to the convoluted perimeter, (c)
passage means for inserting a balloon neck from the first end into
the balloon neck receiving aperture, and (d) at least one stretched
balloon neck retaining means formed on at least one of the second
end, the first side edge and the second side edge, for creating at
least one sharp bend and seal in the stretched balloon neck from
the balloon neck receiving aperture for reinsertion through the
passage means and the balloon neck receiving aperture; thereby
effectively closing and sealing the balloon.
[0019] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
any toy balloon closure and sealing device including a structured
member having balloon neck insertion and retaining devices, also
has a safety device for making it safe for children to use without
a significant risk of injury. In one embodiment, the safety device
is a tail-portion extending from a point on a perimeter of the
structured member for making the structured member have a size that
satisfies the standard safety test for small parts. In another
embodiment, the safety device included a repulsive taste agent
applied to the structured member for making it significantly and
instantly unpalatable to human taste.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] In the detailed description of the invention presented
below, reference is made to the drawings, in which:
[0021] FIG. 1 is an illustration of an inflated latex toy balloon
showing a stretched twisted balloon neck for closure and sealing
with the closure and sealing device of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a first embodiment of the
closure and sealing device of the present invention including a
tail-portion to assure a device size commensurate with passage of
the standard safety test for small parts;
[0023] FIG. 3A is an illustration of a second embodiment of the
closure and sealing device of the present invention without the
tail portion;
[0024] FIG. 3B illustrates the use of the second embodiment of the
closure and sealing device of the present invention showing the
balloon neck wrapped around a neck retaining means and repulsive
taste area;
[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates a third embodiment of the sealing device
of the present invention showing installation of a tether before
wrapping the balloon neck as described in FIG. 3A;
[0026] FIG. 5 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the closure and
sealing device of the present invention showing an associated
rubber band, and the balloon neck wrapped around another neck
retaining means on an edge of the convoluted perimeter of the
device;
[0027] FIG. 6a shows a perspective view of plural balloon
assemblies as in FIG. 3B, attached to a fixed tether line that
includes a resilient link;
[0028] FIG. 6b illustrates a loop formed in the tether line
employed to secure the balloon assemblies shown in FIG. 6a;
[0029] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a prior art as commercially
available toy balloon closure disk;
[0030] FIG. 8 is an illustration of prior art device of FIG. 7
showing the balloon neck in a suggested wrapping pattern;
[0031] FIG. 9 illustrates a fifth embodiment of the closure and
sealing device of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 10 is an illustration of a portion of a stamped out
exemplary frangible strip of a number of exemplary embodiments of
the closure and sealing device of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 11A illustrates a sixth embodiment of the present
invention showing a symmetrical version of the closure and sealing
device having two neck-receiving apertures:
[0034] FIG. 11B illustrates the sixth embodiment of the present
invention showing an alternate method for removably securing the
device of the present embodiment to a fixed tether line; and
[0035] FIG. 12 is a perspective exploded view of the sealing device
showing an area of repulsive taste and a preferred method of
wrapping of a toy balloon neck around the substantially flat
member.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0036] With reference now to FIGS. 1-12, like reference numerals
refer to the same or like elements. FIG. 1 is an illustration of an
inflated latex toy balloon 30, sometimes referenced as toy balloon
30, showing balloon body 32 and a stretched twisted neck 34 that
needs to be closed and sealed using a closure device, for example,
the closure and sealing device 50 of the present invention. As
shown, the neck 34 of the inflated latex toy balloon 30 can be seen
as including neck portions 36, 37, and 38, which are each
respectively further and further away from the balloon body 32, and
terminating in neck rim 40. The neck portions are relevant for
instructing how to close and seal the neck using a balloon closure
and sealing device such as that of the present invention.
[0037] Some latex toy balloons of course have relatively longer
necks than others, and balloon thickness also varies with balloon
size and from variety to variety, which facts together directly
affect how easily the neck can be stretched and twisted as shown,
and importantly how strong a tendency such a stretched and twisted
neck, due to loosing tension, will have towards unraveling or
towards escaping from any slot or aperture through which it is
passed or inserted. It has been found that stretched and twisted
balloon neck diameters vary from about 0.028 inches for small
"water balloons" to about 0.108 inches for 11 and 12-inch size
balloons.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 2, it is an illustration of a first
embodiment of the closure and sealing device 50. Shown are various
parts of this first embodiment of the balloon closure and sealing
device 50, or simply device 50. As illustrated, the device 50 of
the first embodiment, as well as of the rest of the other
embodiments illustrated below, is a substantially flat member 51,
made for example of a semi-rigid plastic material of any color
preferably clear, transparent or translucent plastic material to
take on the color of the balloon and thereby appear inconspicuous.
Alternately, device 50 may be made of a biodegradable material as
for example treated cardboard.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 2 flat member 51 has a convoluted perimeter
53 consisting of a first end 52, an opposite second end 54, a first
side edge 56, and a second and opposite side edge 58. Additionally,
the flat member 51 includes a balloon neck-receiving aperture 60
and a balloon neck passage means 63 communicating with the balloon
neck-receiving aperture 60. The balloon neck-receiving aperture 60
may be any shape and size that is conducive to positioning
stretched balloon neck 34 and particularly neck portion 38 out of
alignment with neck passage means 63. This is further explained in
FIG. 3 description.
[0040] A shown in FIG. 2, flat member 51 optionally may include a
tail portion 80, which may be attached to or extend from a point on
the perimeter 53 of the sealing device 50. The tail portion 80 may
be so attached by any suitable means, including solvent welding for
example, or it may be made integral with one of, the second and
opposite end 54 (as shown), first side edge 56, or second side edge
58, and terminating in tail end 82. As further shown, the tail
portion 80 may also include one or more tail-receiving slots 84.
Furthermore, tail portion 80 includes a tail-first-side edge 96 and
a tail-second-side edge 88 which may taper toward tail end 82 for
the purpose of being inserted into a force fit association with
tail-receiving slots 84 of similarly configured sealing devices 50
having tail-portions 80. In accordance with an aspect of the
present invention, tail-portion 80 is sized in length so that
device 50 will pass the safety test for children of all ages, and
its width is sized so that it can be inserted and wedged into other
pre-drilled holes, for example; the pre-drilled holes in the
perforated material commonly known as "pegboard." This thus allows
a person to display a multitude of balloons in a user-desired
pattern on pegboards.
[0041] Although the tail portion 80 has been disclosed in
combination with particular exemplary features of the generally
flat member 51, it is understood that the inclusion of tail portion
80 (FIG. 2), is equally intended to function as a safety device
with any of the embodiments of the closure and sealing devices of
the present invention as well as other toy balloon sealing devices
having a structured member 51.
[0042] FIG. 3A is an illustration of a second embodiment of the
closure and sealing device of the present invention without the
tail portion. FIGS. 2 and 3A further illustrate that a stretched
neck retaining recess 64 may be incorporated into second end 54 for
the purpose of retaining a stretched balloon neck 34 (not shown).
Wrapping of the stretched balloon neck to close and seal the
inflated balloon will be apparent from viewing FIG. 12 and studying
FIGS. 3B and 5.
[0043] As shown in FIGS. 3A-6, individual sealing devices 50, each
suitable for its purpose, need only to be about {fraction (7/8)}
inch square. This size does not pass the standardized choke test
for children of all ages mentioned previously. To make each safe,
an embodiment of this invention includes a repulsive taste agent 55
applied by any suitable means to all or a portion of flat member 51
as indicated by dash line area 100, so as to make any attempt at
ingestion and possible injury so repugnant to the users taste that
it would not be ingested. Tail portion 80 could be added for
increased safety.
[0044] With or without tail-portion 80, a second embodiment of a
safety device would be a repulsive taste agent 55 area best seen in
FIG. 12. The repulsive taste agent 55 formulation should include an
obnoxious-tasting compound such as a bittering agent, for example,
Denatonium Benzoate, that is applied to the closure and sealing
device 50 in a suitable manner so that a child, person or animal,
upon placing the device 50 into his/her or its mouth would
immediately and instantly likely spit it out because of the
unpleasant taste. The repulsive taste agent 55 can be applied by
coating or impregnating the entire or just a strip of the,
structured member or generally flat member, 51 directly. It can
also be applied by similarly coating or impregnating an adhesive
label with the repulsive taste agent 55, and then applying such
label to generally flat member of the closure and sealing device as
suggested in FIG. 12 description. It has been observed that the
neck of the balloon, and many times the entire balloon, will remain
attached to the sealing device if the balloon ruptures thus making
that portion of the balloon, that remains, unpalatable and thus
safe. As just described, the repulsive taste agent could be applied
to or incorporated with any closure and sealing device to make it
less likely to be ingested and therefore safer for the user.
[0045] FIG. 3B illustrates the use of a second embodiment of the
closure and sealing device 50 of the present invention showing the
stretched balloon neck 34 wrapped around the second end 54 of the
device. The balloon neck passage means 63 as shown is comprised of
lead-in entry notch 61 and a narrow slot 62 (having a width less
than 0.030 inches for improving neck capture and preventing
unraveling risks). Alternatively, balloon neck passage means 63 may
include a slit 162, as shown in FIG. 9. Shown at rest in FIG. 9
slit 162 has no width since no material had been removed. Because
the material of flat member 51 is semi-flexible, material on each
side of slit 162 will flex in response to, and in an amount needed
to allow passage of balloon neck 34 or stretched portions thereof.
This flexing is also true for slot 62 since many larger balloons
have a neck diameter, as previously stated, larger than slot 62.
After passage of balloon neck 34 into the neck-receiving aperture
60, slit 162 will return to having no width and thereby effectively
capture the toy balloon neck and effect sealing the balloon after
the balloon neck has made at least 180 degrees of turn as further
described below.
[0046] As best seen in FIG. 10, flat member 51 may also include at
least one neck retaining means 64 comprising elements 64a, 72, 74,
76, 78, on at least one of the second and opposite end 54, the
first side edge 56, and the second and opposite side edge 58, for
preventing and limiting lateral travel of a wrapped portion of the
balloon neck therealong. In the first embodiment, the neck
retaining means 64 comprises a notch 64a formed into the second and
opposite end 54. The at least one stretched neck retaining means 64
is located symmetrically relative to the balloon neck receiving
aperture 60. Further, the balloon neck-receiving aperture 60 may be
formed closer to the first end 52 than to said second end 54 for
making insertion and retention of the neck easier.
[0047] It has been found that a straight opposite end 54, (shown in
FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 without notch 64a), of sufficient length to
prevent the stretched balloon neck from slipping or sliding around
an adjacent corner works equally well in providing the 180 degree
turn in the stretched and twisted balloon neck 34 needed to
reliably seal the balloon. A disadvantage of omitting at least one
stretched neck retaining means is removal of a visual cueing to the
user of the neck-wrapping path to be followed. Note that the
devices shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 provide strong visual cues of
stretched neck entry points. Preferably, the twisted neck turn
should occur over at least one hard edge and where there is not
more than about 0.045 inches of material thickness between twisted
portions in contrast to two 90 degree turns occurring further
apart, for example a quarter of an inch apart.
[0048] As shown in FIGS. 2-3B, flat member 51 in each of the
embodiments further has a first substantially flat face 66 and a
second substantially flat and opposite face 68. Both faces are
mirror images of each other therefore references to a particular
side or edge are interchangeable, and as such, use of the device 50
is not face dependent, thereby allowing for ease of use
instructions. In each of the embodiments, the balloon
neck-receiving aperture 60 for example is large enough to snugly
contain three passes of the stretched and twisted neck 34 of a
large size toy balloon 30. The wall of the aperture 60 towards the
second end 54 of the flat member 51 may include a tongue portion 70
protruding into neck receiving aperture 60 itself for the purpose
of positioning two different portions of the twisted balloon neck
34 given a two passes insertion of the balloon neck into the
aperture. This causes misalignment of each of the two passes within
aperture 60 with the neck passage means 63 to that the stretched
neck portion 34 will remain under tension.
[0049] FIG. 3B further illustrates a near final stage of
instructions for closing and sealing an inflated balloon 32 using a
second embodiment of the device 50 of the present invention that is
similar to FIG. 2, but without tail portion 80. As illustrated, the
inflated balloon body 32 is positioned adjacent the second face 68
and hence behind device 50. The stretched and twisted balloon neck
34, having been traversed or passed through the lead-in notch 61
and the slot 62 or slit 162 of the neck passage means 63, is
received and held within the neck-receiving aperture 60.
[0050] As best seen in FIG. 3B, in a two pass insertion of the neck
34, the tongue 70 acts to contain and guide twisted neck portion
36, (nearest to balloon body 32), to either side of tongue 70, so
that balloon neck portion 38, (near balloon rim 40), will position
itself off of the centerline of neck passage means 63 and thereby
reduce the risk of the neck portion 38 escaping from the receiving
aperture 60, via neck passage means 63, as well as reduce the risk
of such neck loosing tension or unraveling (untwisting), and hence
resulting in premature deflation of the balloon body 32.
[0051] FIG. 4 illustrates a third embodiment of the sealing device
of the present invention showing installation of a tether 156,
without the need for tying, prior to installing the balloon neck
(not shown), as described in FIG. 3B. The tether assembly keeps the
balloon from floating away when filled with helium for example.
FIG. 4 also Illustrates a preferred method for assembling a ribbon
tether 156 consisting of free end 152, and supply end 154 where
ribbon 156 is wrapped at least once around neck retaining means 64a
and at least twice through aperture 60 as shown in FIG. 4. The
tether 156 is then impinged and captured by the balloon neck
installation as described for FIG. 3B. The user is able to select
ribbon color and use any desired tether length. The tether may be a
ribbon or a string.
[0052] FIG. 5 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the closure and
sealing device 50 of the present invention showing a stretched
balloon neck 34 wrapped around a side edge 56 of device 50. Shown
also is a method of associating a rubber band 158 with the sealing
device 50 and inflated toy balloon 30 for the purpose of turning
the inflated balloon into a punch ball, and; in a similar manner,
alternate means of attaching a tether to keep a helium inflated
balloon 30 from floating away will be described.
[0053] FIG. 5 shows a near final stage of instructions for closing
and sealing an inflated balloon 32 using a fourth embodiment of the
device 50 of the present invention. As illustrated, the inflated
balloon body 32 is positioned adjacent the second face 68 and hence
behind device 50. The stretched and twisted balloon neck 34, having
been traversed or passed through the V-shaped lead-in notch 61 and
neck passage means 63, into the neck-receiving aperture 60. As
shown in FIG. 5, the stretched neck portion 34 is wrapped around
second side edge 56 neck retaining means 72 and again through neck
passage means 63 and into the neck-receiving aperture 60 for the
second time. Note, a user might have chosen either one of two neck
retaining means 72, or 74 of the convoluted periphery or perimeter
53 shown in FIG. 5. Note also that tension on balloon neck portion
38, (near balloon rim 40), will be directed ninety degrees off of
the centerline of neck passage means 63 and thereby reduce the risk
of the neck portion 38 escaping from the receiving aperture 60, via
neck passage means 63, as well as reduce the risk of such neck
loosing tension or unraveling (untwisting), and hence resulting in
premature deflation of the balloon body 32.
[0054] To assemble a punch ball, a loop 159 is formed in rubber
band 158. The loop is slid between sealing device 50 and the
inflated balloon 30, pinched together as shown by arrows 210 and
212 and pulled in direction of arrow 215 to snug loop 159 around
balloon neck portion 36 (not seen) and then drawn upwards into and
through neck passage means 63, into neck retaining aperture 60
which completes the installation. It has been found that a string
or ribbon may be substituted for rubber band 158 to cause balloon
neck portion 36 (not shown) to stretch and return the inflated toy
balloon 30 back toward the user in a manner very similar to using
rubber band 158 after the user strikes the balloon with a punching
action.
[0055] FIG. 5 also serves to illustrate an alternate method,
similar to installing the rubber band, for releasably attaching a
tether to inflated balloon 30 after it has been closed and sealed
by sealing device 50 without the need to tie a knot, for the
purpose of exercising control over the inflated balloon 30,
especially if filled with helium gas. It has been found that a
single tether loop installed in a manner represented by rubber band
159 works marginally well, however, wrapping the tether twice
around the balloon neck before passing into aperture 60 provides
additional security to prevent the tether's release. Note that neck
rim 40, is shown moved away from the normal at-rest position in
order to more clearly show the mechanics of the assembly in FIG.
5.
[0056] FIG. 6a shows a perspective view of plural balloon
assemblies of the present invention removably secured to a tether
line 300 and attached at ends 302 and 304. A substantially non
resilient tether line 300 includes resilient means 350 for
providing slack so that a loop 310 (best seen in FIG. 6b) can be
formed in tether line 300 by applying tension in the direction of
arrow 315 so that loop 310 encircles balloon neck portion 36 (not
seen) between sealing device 50 and inflated balloon 30. Releasing
tension in the line 300 tightens loop 310 and thereby secures the
balloon device 50 to the tether line 300. As an alternative to
providing the resilient tether line, daisy chaining a plurality of
rubber bands will also cause balloon assemblies 30 to
proportionally space themselves in response to the degree of
stretching of the tether line.
[0057] FIG. 7 illustrates a commercially obtained prior art balloon
sealing disk 450 such as the disk distributed by Premium Balloon
Accessories, Inc., under the trade name of SAFETITE.RTM. Disk,
based upon U.S. Pat. No. D359,229, is Illustrated by FIG. 7 and its
use is illustrated in FIG. 8. As shown, it comprises a molded and
relatively-rigid flat member 451, having two round neck receiving
apertures 460 and 461, and two significant size slots 467 (as
compared for example to slit 162 of the present invention) and 463
each being about 0.040 inches wide and not designed to encourage
flexing of material adjacent to the slot (as evidenced by a
reinforced periphery around aperture 460) to permit balloon neck
passage.
[0058] Aperture 460 is said to be centrally located with respect to
member 451. Instructions printed elsewhere direct a user to first
insert the balloon neck into longer of the two slots (467 and 463)
into the aperture 460, then through the shorter slot (463) into the
second aperture 461, and then through the longer slot (467) a
second time and into the aperture 460.
[0059] FIG. 8 is an illustration of prior art device of FIG. 7
showing the balloon neck in a suggested wrapping pattern. Following
such instructions is depicted in FIG. 8, where it was found that
the balloon neck portions 37, 38 needed considerable stretching in
order to permit passage a second time through the slot 467,
partially due to the distance between second apertures 461 and the
entry point for slot 467. Also It was noted, especially with larger
size balloons, that the neck portion 36 completely filled the
aperture 460, and therefore neck portion 37, 38, was forced to
remain within neck passage slot 467 where it ordinarily was likely
to unravel and escape especially since the tension exerted on neck
portions 37, 38 is in direct line with neck entry slot 467.
[0060] The excessive stretching necessary to gain entry into and
through the slot 467 for the second time, thus resulting in a
length of portion 37 and all of portion 38 that was even more
likely to unravel (untwist) immediately upon the release of tension
from stretching. This thereby increases the likelihood of escape
via neck passage slot 467, and or slippage and a reduction of
tension in the wrapped balloon neck portion 36 and hence in
premature deflation of the inflated balloon 30. If the user
mistakenly chooses the shorter slot (463), to start and end with,
the likelihood of premature deflation is virtually assured due to
unraveling given a much shortened escape route (shorter slot 463)
that is in alignment with neck passage slot 467.
[0061] FIG. 9 is an illustration of a fifth embodiment of the
closure and sealing device 50 of the present invention. The fifth
embodiment is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 5, except that the
ends 52, 54, and the side edges 56, 58 are semi-circular rather
than straight. In another comparison, the device of FIG. 9 is
similar to that of FIG. 8, but it represents an improved structural
arrangement and an improvement (as described below) over prior art
shown in FIG. 8.
[0062] Note the greater size and lateral width of aperture 60 of
the fifth embodiment permits easier flexing of material adjacent to
neck entry means 63 and therefore entry means can be narrower to a
point where it is merely a slit 162 having no material removed and
hence no slot width at all. Balloon neck passage means 63 is
designed to flex, due to wider lead in notch 61 and, to permit
balloon neck entry. Note that the device of FIG. 9 has
neck-retaining means 72 and 74 arranged so that the use of either
of them, as determined by user's preference, will direct the
balloon neck tension forces in a direction approximately 90 degrees
to the axis of neck passage means 63.
[0063] Also shown is a reconfigured neck-retaining aperture 60 that
is relatively more conducive to retaining two or more portions of
the balloon neck (e.g. portions 36 and 38, not shown). In this
particular use, considerably less stretching of the balloon neck 34
would be required as compared to the stretching shown in FIG. 8.
The structure of the embodiment of FIG. 9 allows a user to easily
locate neck entry notch 63, and the option to use either neck
retaining means, in the convoluted periphery, as might be
preferred.
[0064] A comparison of the device of FIG. 9 with the prior art
devices of FIGS. 7 and 8 showed that in the equally short escape
route element 162 shown in FIG. 9; tension on neck portion 38 is
directed in a direction that is (not parallel or directly in line
with) but is at approximately 90 degrees to slit, slot, 162, 62 of
neck passage means 63. Because of this direction of action, the
element 62 can be a relatively narrow slot, for example less than
0.040 inches or about 0.030 inches, as opposed to being a slit 162.
This clearly reduces the likelihood of the neck portion 38 escaping
by sliding backwardly through the slit 162 or slot 62. As a result,
this reduces the risk of the neck portion 38 unraveling and causing
premature deflation.
[0065] FIG. 10 is an illustration of a stamped out exemplary
frangible strip 351 of a number of the various embodiments of the
closure and sealing device 50 of the present invention, whereby
individual closure devices 50 can be separated from each other by
breaking the connection 352 in the convoluted periphery or
perimeter 53 between individual closures. Each strip can be
separated into individual devices by breaking a connection between
adjacent devices forming the strip. Shown also is a second end
notch 64a, a side edge notch 72 in combination with one tab
protrusion 78. The neck passage means 63 includes a slit 162, and
each have a first side edge 56, including neck retaining means 72
in the form of a notch or half-rectangle, as well as the second
side edge 58 including neck retaining means 78, in the form of a
tab or protrusion. This gives the user a choice of wrapping
patterns to suite a user's preference.
[0066] FIG. 11A illustrates a sixth embodiment of the present
invention showing a symmetrical version of the closure and sealing
device having two neck-receiving apertures. The two apertures 60
and 160 are the same size and shape, as are the lead in notches 61.
This eliminates any user confusion as to where to first insert the
twisted balloon neck 34, (not shown) since both the first end 52
and the second end 54 are symmetrical relative to the neck
receiving aperture 60, and the twisted neck could be inserted into
the aperture 60 starting with either end and have exactly the same
sealing closure result.
[0067] Thus FIG. 11B further illustrates a completed, closed,
sealed and tethered toy balloon assembly 151 consisting of the
inflated balloon 30, the device 50 of the present invention, and
the ribbon tether 300, all being assembled without tying knots.
[0068] FIG. 11A also illustrates an improvement over the prior art
device shown in FIG. 7 in at least three distinct ways. First,
confusion is avoided since the user does not have to make a choice
regarding which neck passage means 63 to use to insert the twisted
balloon neck (not shown) since device 50 is symmetrical. Second,
less stretching of the balloon neck 34 (not shown) is required
since both balloon neck-receiving apertures are symmetrically
located relative to ends 52 and 54 of device 50. Thirdly, the
inclusion of tongue 70 (not shown) within apertures 60 and 160
keeps stretched neck portions 36, and 38 out of alignment with neck
passage means 63. The last portion 38 (not shown) of the twisted
balloon neck would require less stretching than that shown in FIG.
8 and therefore be less prone to unraveling and cause premature
balloon deflation.
[0069] Fourthly, wrapping the twisted balloon neck may be
terminated at half revolution intervals compared to full revolution
intervals inherent for configurations previously described in FIGS.
3B and 5 for example. Benefits result from half revolution
terminations; first, balloon neck slack, especially in neck portion
38, can be accommodated by wrapping of an additional
half-revolution, to take up slack and by so doing further reduces
the risk of premature deflation. Second, an additional 180-degree
turn is provided which results in additionally reducing the
likelihood of premature deflation. Third, an aesthetic benefit, is
that by ending at a half revolution, the neck rim will be concealed
since it will lie between the balloon body 32 and device 50. A
fourth benefit is that the inflated balloon 32 and assembly 50 may
be removable secured to a fixed line, such as tether line 300 as
shown in FIG. 6a without the need to form the loop shown in FIG.
6b. Directing attention to FIG. 11B, sealing device 50 is placed
behind fixed tether line 300, and balloon neck portion 38 is
stretched in direction of arrow 202 and brought into aperture 160
thereby slideably impinging fixed tether line 300 between balloon
neck portions 36 and 38.
[0070] The sealed balloon assembly is easily removed from the line
300 by reversing the last step, whereupon the sealed balloon may be
presented to a departing youngster for example
[0071] FIG. 12 is a perspective exploded view of sealing device 50
showing an area of repulsive taste agent 55 and a preferred method
of wrapping stretched neck portions 36, 37 and 38 one revolution
around flat member 51 passing at least twice through neck-receiving
aperture 60 to effectively close and seal inflated toy balloon
30.
[0072] The repulsive taste agent 55 safety coating can be applied
as suggested by dashed lines in FIG. 12 or to any part of flat
member 51, including the periphery or portions thereof by any
suitable means such as dobbing, printing with inks containing the
repulsive taste agent 55 agent, or an adhesive label treated with a
repugnant taste agent.
[0073] As can be seen, there has been provided a toy balloon
closure and sealing device that includes (a) a generally flat
member having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a
first side edge and a second side edge opposite the first side
edge, (b) a balloon neck receiving aperture formed through the
generally flat member and between the first end and the second end,
(c) passage for inserting a balloon neck from the first end into
the balloon neck receiving aperture, and (d) at least one stretched
neck retaining means formed on at least one of the second end, the
first side edge and the second side edge, for creating at least one
sharp bend and seal in a balloon neck being stretched from the
balloon neck receiving aperture for reinsertion through one of the
passage and the balloon neck receiving aperture in the generally
flat member; thereby effectively closing and sealing the stretched
balloon neck without tying and without a risk of the balloon neck
unraveling and causing premature balloon deflation.
[0074] While preferred embodiments of the invention have been
illustrated and described, and while other alterations will be
apparent, it should be understood that other variations will become
apparent to one skilled in the art without departing from the
principals herein. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited
to the exact configurations illustrated in the drawings, but is
intended to set forth the nature of the invention:
* * * * *