U.S. patent application number 11/708222 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-25 for balloon novelty device and method.
Invention is credited to Tien Pham.
Application Number | 20070249259 11/708222 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38437957 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070249259 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pham; Tien |
October 25, 2007 |
Balloon novelty device and method
Abstract
A novelty device is provide for displaying a message. The device
includes a package with closable flaps at upper and lower ends. The
device also includes an inflatable balloon attached to the package
and capable of being stored in an uninflated state therewithin. The
device also includes an attachable stand for holding the package
upright and a sealable valve for inflating the balloon.
Inventors: |
Pham; Tien; (Malmo,
SE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WINSTEAD PC
P.O. BOX 50784
DALLAS
TX
75201
US
|
Family ID: |
38437957 |
Appl. No.: |
11/708222 |
Filed: |
February 19, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60775097 |
Feb 20, 2006 |
|
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60808184 |
May 24, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
446/224 ;
446/220 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 2027/1025 20130101;
A63H 5/00 20130101; A63H 27/10 20130101; A63H 33/22 20130101; A63H
2027/1041 20130101; A63H 2027/1058 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/224 ;
446/220 |
International
Class: |
A63H 27/10 20060101
A63H027/10 |
Claims
1. A novelty device for displaying an inflatable balloon
comprising: a package having upper and lower ends wherein the upper
and lower ends have closable flaps; an inflatable balloon with a
neck portion and a bulbous portion, the neck portion being attached
to the package and adapted to extend out of the lower end of the
package and the bulbous portion adapted to be stored inside the
package in an uninflated state and extend out of the upper end of
the package in an inflated state; an attachable stand adapted to be
attached to an outside portion of the package for holding the
package in an upright position; and a sealable valve attached to
the neck portion of the inflatable balloon for allowing air to pass
therethrough and for securing air within the inflatable
balloon.
2. The novelty device of claim 1 and further comprising a brace
attached to an inside of the package for securing the inflatable
balloon in an upper portion of the package when the inflatable
balloon is in an uninflated state.
3. The novelty device of claim 1 and further comprising an outer
cover adapted to be placed over an upper portion of the package for
protecting the inflatable balloon.
4. The novelty device of claim 1 wherein the inflatable balloon is
adapted for the receipt of stickers thereon.
5. The novelty device of claim 1 wherein the inflatable balloon
comprises a surface for writing on with a felt-tipped marker.
6. The novelty device of claim 1 and further comprising a tab for
securing the neck portion of the inflatable balloon against the
package.
7. The novelty device of claim 1 wherein an anaglyph image is
printed on an inside of a first surface of the inflatable
balloon.
8. The novelty device of claim 7 wherein a second surface of the
inflatable balloon comprises a plurality of color filters for
viewing the anaglyph image.
9. The novelty device of claim 1 and further comprising a music
cartridge disposed within the package for playing an audible
recording.
10. The novelty device of claim 1 and further comprising a light
cartridge disposed within the package for illuminating the
inflatable balloon.
11. The novelty device of claim 1 wherein the package is a mailable
carton.
12. The novelty device of claim 1 and further comprising an
unattached item enclosed in a lower end of the package.
13. A novelty device for displaying an image on an inflatable
balloon comprising: an inflatable balloon flatly adhered to a
printing backer, wherein the printing backer allows the inflatable
balloon to be printed on and subsequently removed from the printing
backer; a package with upper and lower ends wherein the upper and
lower ends have closable flaps, wherein the package is adapted for
storing the inflatable balloon therein when the inflatable balloon
is in an uninflated state and allowing the inflatable balloon to
extend outwardly therefrom when the inflatable balloon is in an
inflated state; an attachable stand adapted to be attached to an
outside portion of the package for holding the package in an
upright position; a sealable valve adapted to be attached to the
neck portion of the inflatable balloon for allowing air to pass
therethrough and for securing air within the inflatable
balloon.
14. A novelty device for displaying an image on an inflatable
balloon comprising: a substantially opaque foil-film sheet having
an anaglyph image printed on a first side thereof; a substantially
translucent foil-film sheet superimposed on the substantially
opaque foil-film sheet and melt-bonded at a peripheral portion of
the first side wherein the substantially translucent foil-film
sheet has a red-filtered viewing area and a green-filtered viewing
area for viewing the anaglyph image; and a package for storing the
inflatable balloon in an uninflated state.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application claims priority to Provisional
Patent Applications 60/775,097 filed Feb. 20, 2006 and 60/808,184
filed May 24, 2006. Those applications are herein incorporated by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to inflatable novelty devices
and, more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a novelty
device incorporating an inflatable balloon and mailable package
assembly.
[0004] 2. History of Related Art
[0005] The use of novelty devices for greeting cards and general
commercial use is well known. A variety of card and balloon novelty
devices exist that incorporate an inflatable balloon in conjunction
with a greeting card. Considerable design effort has been expended
in recent years in improving greeting cards with inflatable element
attachments. In the main, the inflatable elements comprise balloons
and are hereinafter referred to in that manner. Silver metalized
balloons have been around since the 1970s. These foil balloons are
sometimes called Mylar balloons and may be made from sandwiched
sheets of plastic (polyethelene) or nylon that are then coated with
aluminum. The mechanism for inflating the balloon has been, in
certain instances, an area of innovation. Likewise, the manner of
message display in conjunction with the balloon has also been an
area of innovation.
[0006] In general, novelty devices incorporating balloons have not
been limited to greeting cards, but also have used inflatable
objects mounted in containers with moveable lids. Inflation means
provided within an assembly facilitate rapid expansion of the
inflatable object beyond the bounds of the container. Inflation
causes the lid to move into an open position and a fully inflated
object is presented into view.
[0007] Finally, the use of novelty devices as referenced above has
included the area of "general commercial use." This area includes a
multitude of designs and items. For example, the placement of a
child's toy in a package of edible foodstuff is well known. The
practice dates back many decades and often comprised a small molded
plastic device and/or other item placed with the packaged foodstuff
to engender joy and/or entertainment in addition to consumption of
the foodstuff. In more recent decades, the use of such novelty
devices for general commercial use has been extended to fast-food
restaurants. In such restaurants, novelty devices have been
included in numerous marketing programs in order to encourage
customers.
[0008] It would be an advantage, therefore, to provide a method of
and package for a novelty device which could be beneficial for
greetings, general commercial use, and related systems and
programs. Consistent therewith, the following aspects of
improvements will be defined below and include, but not be limited
to, improved balloon and package designs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention relates to a package with an
inflatable balloon assembled therein for subsequent inflation, the
package being adapted for one of (1) mailing and subsequent
positioning and presentation formed by an inflated balloon
greeting, (2) the use of the package as a container for articles to
be enjoyed in conjunction with the uninflated balloon assembled
therein prior to or with the balloon's inflation and (3) related
applications. More particularly, one aspect of the invention
includes a three-dimensional envelope assembly adapted for
containing an inflatable balloon in an uninflated condition. The
uninflated balloon allows for compact packaging and it may then
serve as a greeting, a novelty device, a toy, and/or surprise
relative to the package. In one embodiment, the package is adapted
for transmittal through local, national, and/or international
postal and/or delivery services. In one embodiment, the balloon is
made of mylar/film, or the like.
[0010] In one embodiment, the balloon may be inflated and deflated
a plurality of times, allowing multiple recipients to enjoy and/or
participate in the package. In another embodiment, the package is
adapted for serving as a container for articles. The articles may
be toys, confetti, novelty devices, and/or in some applications,
foodstuffs, such as french-fries, candy, and the like. It should be
noted that special packaging and sanitary considerations may be
taken into account for such applications More particularly,
relative to the last above-mentioned embodiment, the package may be
provided in an assembly adapted for use in restaurants, and
particularly fast-food restaurants, where the inflatable balloon
may comprise a form of a surprise an/or novelty relative to the
foodstuff served within the package. The balloon may be inflated
either before or after consuming the foodstuff and additional
enjoyment of the foodstuff purchase facilitated. Such "secondary"
enjoyment from a primary purchase decision can create a buying
incentive for subsequent purchases, therein improving the
marketability of the item of the primary purchase. In the business
of "fast food" restaurants, such "marketing" incentives have been,
and often are, primary resources for market dominance and/or
commercial leadership.
[0011] In one embodiment, the above-described inflatable greeting
package includes a plurality of specially designed flaps adapted
for the dual function of securing the inflatable balloon therein
and serving as a stand for the package once the balloon has been
inflated. These flaps may be used as part of a stand-up display of
the balloon with or without the packaging of "foodstuff" as
described above. A variety of flap designs may be used. In another
embodiment, an attachable stand may be included with the package
adapted to be attached to the outside of the package for supporting
the package in an upright position.
[0012] In yet another aspect, the balloon novelty design includes
the utilization of sound and/or light wherein the units may either
be pushed or switch activated so that sound may be heard or a
greeting played for the user. When light is activated, the balloon
may light up internally and glow. Other options consistent with the
improvements set forth herein, relate to the balloon having a
writeable surface wherein a child could color the balloon using
permanent markers or the balloon could be printed on a back portion
with a 3D image, the front of the balloon having viewing areas
which have the appropriate red/blue filters. In this way, users
could look through the balloon to see the 3D image.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] A more complete understanding of the method and apparatus of
the present invention may be obtained by reference to the following
Detailed Description when taken in conjunction with the
accompanying Drawings wherein:
[0014] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the basic components of an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a cutaway view of an embodiment of the present
invention showing a balloon in a stuffed position inside the
packaging.
[0016] FIG. 3 is an embodiment of the present invention showing the
balloon fully enclosed within the packaging.
[0017] FIG. 4 shows a demonstration of a balloon inflation of an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 5 is an embodiment of the invention with a writable
surface and adapted for the receipt of decorative stickers.
[0019] FIG. 6 is an embodiment of the present invention where a
combination of images on a plurality of layers creates a 3D
image.
[0020] FIG. 7 shows a user looking through viewing openings in a
balloon of one embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 8 is an embodiment of the present invention wherein a
musical cartridge is included inside of the package.
[0022] FIG. 9 is an embodiment of the present invention wherein a
light cartridge for lighting the balloon is included.
[0023] FIG. 10 is an embodiment of the present invention where a
balloon is adhered to a cardboard backing.
[0024] FIG. 11 shows the balloon and backing of FIG. 10 ready for
printing according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 12 is a component of an embodiment of the outer
packaging used in the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 13 is an assembled package of an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0027] FIG. 14 is a side cutaway view of the embodiment of the
present invention of FIG. 13.
[0028] FIG. 15 is a method of folding a balloon and package of an
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] It has been found by the Applicant of the present invention
that a combination of a package having at least one inflatable
element mounted therein in an uninflated state can provide numerous
benefits for both a sender as well as a user. The following
description will illustrate multiple embodiments of the package of
the present invention in FIGS. 1 through 15.
[0030] Referring first to FIG. 1, an exploded view of a package 1
is shown according to one embodiment of the present invention. The
components of the package 1 include a balloon 10, a valve 11, a
container 12, a brace 13, and an attachable stand 14. The balloon
10 may be of any material, but in one embodiment, the balloon 10 is
a foil-film balloon, such as a Mylar balloon. The bulbous portion
of the balloon 10 can be of any shape or size, such as, for example
a circle, a star, a teddy-bear head, a heart, or other desired
shape. In one embodiment, the balloon 10 has a tab 22 on one side
of a neck portion. The tab 22 is sealed off from the inside of the
balloon 10 and allows for securing the balloon 10 to the container
12 without compromising the ability of the balloon 10 to hold
pressurized air. In an alternative embodiment, the balloon 10 may
be secured to the inside of the container 12 with glue or a
fastener or other securing means without the use of tab 22.
Additionally, in one embodiment of the present invention, the
balloon 10 has a wider neck portion and a narrower neck portion or
stem. The wider neck portion of the balloon 10 helps to keep the
balloon 10 from twisting when fully inflated. In one embodiment of
the present invention, the brace 13 may be attached in a middle
portion of the container 12 to secure the balloon 10 in place when
in an uninflated, stored position within the container 12. The
elongated stem of the balloon 10 extends past one side of the brace
13 and allows ease of inflation by the user. The attachable stand
14 can be attached to an outside of the container 12 as will be
described in more detail below for propping the container 12 in an
upright position when the balloon 10 is fully inflated. The valve
11 disposed in an open end of the balloon 10 can be made of many
different materials such as, for example, PVC. Additionally, the
valve 11 may be a one-way valve only allowing air to enter the
balloon 10, or a two-way valve allowing the balloon 10 to be
inflated and deflated a plurality of times. The valve 11 may have a
stopper that can be inserted in one end and, in one embodiment, air
cannot exit the balloon 10 unless pressure is applied to the sides
of the valve 11.
[0031] Still referring to FIG. 1, it may be seen that the package 1
is constructed of a container 12 with a balloon 10 in association
therewith. As described in more detail below, the balloon 10 is
adapted for containment in a deflated, stored position within the
container 12 to therein provide the configuration affording
greeting, surprise, message conveyance, commercial novelty, and the
like. It may be seen that the package 1 can be constructed from
relatively inexpensive members to provide an assembly that is
useful, enjoyable and commercially beneficial. For example, the
container 12 may be constructed of cardboard, plastic, or other
material. Additionally, the container 12 may have a protective
coating for better preservation during mailing. It may also be seen
that the shape and size of the container are particularly adapted
for the containment of the uninflated balloon 10. It may be seen
that the proportional size between the various elements of the
unfolded container 12 may also vary in accordance with the
requisite size needed for containing items. For example, in one
embodiment, the container 12 may be used to enclose additional
items, such as a foodstuffs.
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown one embodiment of
the uninflated balloon 10 in an uninflated state disposed within
the container 12. It may be seen that the uninflated balloon 10 has
an inflation/closure valve or nozzle 11 that is small enough to be
contained within the container 12. It can also be seen that the
container 12 may be large enough to hold other items such as
foodstuffs in a lower portion in addition to holding the balloon 10
in an upper portion. The brace 13 can be seen holding the balloon
10 in an upper portion of the container 12 wherein the brace 13
prevents incorrect stuffing by restricting the balloon 10 to the
upper portion of the container 12. In this way, ease of inflating
the balloon 10 can be insured. It can also be seen that the tab 22
is attached both to the balloon 10 and to the container 12. Various
configurations of securing the balloon 10 to the container 12 are
contemplated including, but not limited to, sealing the tab 22
between two edges of the container 12, sealing the tab 22 against
an inside portion of the container 12, or attaching the balloon 10
directly to the container 12 without use of the tab 22. It should
also be noted that the precise angle of the inflationary valve 11
and/or the location, size, marketing, configuration, grommet
placement, and/or other aspects thereof may vary in accordance with
the principles of the present invention.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown one embodiment of
the package 1 according to the principles of the present invention.
It may be seen that the container 12 is specifically adapted to
hold items and, in this particular embodiment, can also be closed
for pre-packaged items. It can be seen that the balloon 10 and any
other items may be fully enclosed inside the container 12. In one
embodiment, the tab 22 may be attached to one side edge of the
container 12 and allowed to extend therethrough for attachment and
aesthetic purposes. In this particular view, it can be seen that
the package 1 is adapted for being sent by local, national and/or
international mail or other delivery means to a recipient.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 4, one embodiment of the package 1
with the balloon 10 at various stages of inflation is shown. The
top and bottom flaps of the container 12 are opened to allow the
valve 11 to be withdrawn from one end of the container 12 and to
allow the balloon 10 to extend from another end. In one embodiment,
any items enclosed with the container 12 may be removed when the
bottom flaps are opened. Once the bottom flaps are open, the stem
portion of the uninflated balloon 10 containing the valve 11
contained within the container 12 may be distended from a bottom
portion of the package 1 for purposes of inflation. The openable
flap allows access to the uninflated balloon 10 which also includes
a nozzle 11 for easy inflation by the user and/or recipient of the
container. As air is passed through the nozzle 11, the balloon 10
inflates in a manner shown herein to extend upwardly from the
container 12. Inflation may be effected by a user in the manner
common in inflation of conventional balloons. In this manner, the
recipient of the package then becomes the user and upon discovery
of the balloon 10 therein causes the balloon 10 to be inflated
either by manual inflation or by an inflation device (e.g.,
compressed air). In either case, the uninflated balloon 10 becomes
inflated and extends upwardly and outwardly through the upper
portion of the container 12 to be enjoyed by the user, or in one
embodiment, display a message or design printed on the face
thereof.
[0035] Still referring to FIG. 4, three views of a
container/balloon combination are shown in accordance with the
principles of the present invention. Once the package 1 has been
received, the recipient is then able to open the package, inflate
the balloon 10 and place it in an upstanding position due to the
stand member 14 shown at the lower end thereof. The stand may be
pre-attached to the outside of the container 12, or may be enclosed
in the lower inside portion of the container 12 and be removed
after the bottom flaps have been opened. Once the stand 14 has been
removed from the container 12, it can be attached to the outside of
the container 12 to hold the package 1 in an upright position. The
stand 14 may be attached in any of a number of methods including
having a sticky portion to stick to the container 12, or the stand
14 and the container 12 may have male and female portions adapted
to mate and secure the stand 14 thereagainst. The stand 14 allows
the balloon to be inflated and to assume a position that is
enjoyable for the recipient/user. In an alternative embodiment, a
variety of container 12 shapes and sizes may be afforded for
extension of a lower flap member to assist the container 12 and the
balloon 10 to remain in an upstanding position. The flap shape may
vary as needed in accordance with the principles of the present
invention. In one embodiment, the lower flap of the container 12
can be folded backwards to act as a stand for holding the package 1
upright. This may be advantageous for recipients of the package 1
when it is mailed or delivered as well as the recipients in a
commercial establishment as described below.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 5, an embodiment of the present
invention is shown where a user may write on the surface of the
balloon 10 or place stickers 15 thereupon. In one embodiment, the
balloon 10 may be coated with a material to provide a writable
surface thereupon. It may be seen that the writing, drawing, and/or
stickers 15 on the face of the balloon 10 will not be readily
available and/or viewable by the recipient of the package 1 until
the balloon 10 is inflated. The term "recipient" is used herein as
referring to individual or individuals receiving and/or otherwise
acquiring the package 1 for the purpose of balloon inflation and
the subsequent/enjoyment use thereof. The recipient may, for
example, be the addressee of a sender transmitting the package 1 to
the recipient to serve as a greeting. Likewise, in another
embodiment, the package 1 may be acquired by the recipient in a
commercial establishment, such as a fast-food restaurant in a
configuration that allows the restaurant to sell select foodstuffs
therein prior to the inflation of the uninflated balloon 10 secured
therein. This aspect will be described in more detail below.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 6, an embodiment of the present
invention is shown wherein a three-dimensional image may be seen
wherein the balloon 10 comprises a combination of a front film 16
and a back film 17. The back film 17 may be opaque and have
anaglyph images printed on an inside surface. The front film 16 may
be at least partially transparent to allow light to enter and be
reflected off the back film 17. In one embodiment, substantially
all of the front film 16 is transparent and filtered glasses, for
example, red/green filtered glasses, may be used to view the 3D
image. The package 1 may include these glasses by enclosing them in
the lower portion of the container 12. In an alternative
embodiment, the filters, for example, red and green filters, are
included in conjunction with the front film 16. As shown in FIG. 6,
these filters could form viewing holes through which a user could
view the anaglyph images on the back film 17. In this embodiment, a
user looks into the balloon through corresponding eyes, which
filter light from the back image 17 resulting in a perceived
three-dimensional image.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 7, an example is shown of a user
looking through view holes on the balloon 10 to see a
three-dimensional image. In the embodiment shown, a left view hole
may have a red filter for viewing a red star and a right view hole
may have a blue-green filter for viewing a blue-green star. The
images of the stars are made up of two layers, superimposed, that
are slightly offset. When viewed through the color-coded view
holes, acting as anaglyph glasses, they reveal an integrated
stereoscopic image of a star. Various combinations of colors are
comtemplated including red and blue, red and green, and red and
cyan. Additionally, various anaglyph images are contemplated such
as one or more of a star, a message, a picture, a scene, etc.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 8, a music cartridge 18 enclosed
within the package 1 is shown. The music cartridge 18 is placed
inside the container 12 and once activated, plays a recorded melody
or message. Various embodiments of the music cartridge 18 are
contemplated including containing an assortment of prerecorded
melodies and/or being adapted so that a message can be recorded by
a first person and played back by a second person. Additionally,
several way of activating the music cartridge 18 are contemplated
such as a push button or an on/off switch included on the outside
of the container 12.
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 9, a light cartridge 19 enclosed
within the package 1 is shown. In this embodiment, the balloon 10
may be constructed using a combination of transparent and opaque
films to allow light transmission therethrough. Once activated, the
light cartridge may light up the inside or outside of the balloon
10. The light cartridge 19 may be disposed within the balloon 10
for lighting up the inside of the balloon, or alternatively, the
light cartridge 19 may be disposed outside the balloon 10. A
plurality of ways of activating the light cartridge 19 are
contemplated.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 10, a balloon 10 being affixed to a
backer 20 is shown. The balloon 10 is adhered to the backer 20 in
order to allow a user to print a user-defined image on the balloon
10. A coating may be added to the outside of the balloon 10 to
allow proper printing through a plurality of printers, such as a
bubble-jet printer or an inkjet printer. The sides of the cardboard
backer 20 may be folded down or removed to accommodate smaller
printers or wider balloons. In this manner, the user may customize
the balloon 10 and then install the balloon 10 into the container
12 as described above.
[0042] Referring now to FIG. 11, an example of the balloon 10 and
the backer 20 being inserted into a printer is shown. After the
balloon 10 has been printed on, the user can remove the balloon 10
from the backer 20 and assemble the package 1. The backer 20 may be
of any type capable of being run through a printer including paper,
plastic, cardboard, and cardstock. After an image has been printed
on the balloon 10, a user may further modify the balloon using a
marker or stickers.
[0043] Referring now to FIG. 12, an outer cover 21 is shown for use
in conjunction with the container 12. Referring now to FIGS. 13,
the outer cover 21 is shown attached to the top of the container
12. FIG. 14 shows a cutaway of a side view of the container 12 with
the outer cover 21 attached. From this view, it may be seen that
the balloon 10 extends from a top portion of the container 12 and
is folded inside the outer cover 21. A user may remove the outer
cover 21 and write a message on the balloon 10 before stuffing the
balloon 10 into the container 12 and preparing the package 1 to be
mailed to a recipient.
[0044] Referring now to FIG. 15, a method of folding the balloon 10
within the outer cover 21 is shown. This process may be carried out
to prepare the package 1 for retail sale. The balloon 10 is in a
deflated state and is laid flat extending from the top of the
container 12. The sides of the balloon 12 are folded to a width
smaller than the width of the outer cover 21. The folded balloon 10
is then placed upon the outer cover 21. The balloon 10 and outer
cover 21 together are folded down and flaps of the outer cover 21
are sealed. In this manner, the balloon 10 is contained and
protected within the outer cover 21.
[0045] The above described embodiments of the package 1 of the
present invention can be seen to be particularly adapted for a user
as well as a sender. The term "sender" is used herein to include
both the person mailing and/or transmitting the package through the
mails and/or delivery service as well as a sales person in a
commercial establishment sending the package 1 to the recipient for
subsequent use in conjunction with other items. For example, the
sender in a fast-food restaurant could be the clerk who is
providing the foodstuffs within the package 1 as described above.
The package 1 may be configured for holding foodstuff items, such
as french fries, outside the container 12 such as in a pouch
portion thereagainst. The container 12 may be affixed to such a
pouch, such as a french-fry pouch, or one side of the container
could act as a side of the pouch for separating the foodstuff from
the balloon 10. The container 12 may also be configured to enclose
the foodstuff completely. In that embodiment, the container 12 may
include a section separating foodstuffs stored in a lower portion
from the uninflated balloon 10 stored in an upper portion. The size
and shape of the package 1 may also vary in order to hold the
quantity foodstuff items for purposes of effective sales and
marketing and profitable remuneration relative to a program
utilizing such novelty devices in association with the sale of
other items.
[0046] An additional embodiment is also contemplated where the
container 12 is formed of plastic, such as injection-molded
plastic. In that way, an air channel may be formed as part of the
container 12 wherein one end of the air channel is attached to an
opening of the balloon 10 and an other end of the air channel is a
valve for inflating the balloon. The uninflated balloon 10 may be
stored in the container 12 and inflated to reveal a design or
message according to the principles disclosed above. Additionally,
a compartment for containing foodstuffs may also be affixed to the
container 12.
[0047] Although various embodiments of the method and apparatus of
the present invention have been illustrated in the accompanying
Drawings and described in the foregoing Detailed Description, it
will be understood that the invention is not limited to the
embodiments described herein.
* * * * *