U.S. patent application number 10/506800 was filed with the patent office on 2008-02-21 for inflatable toy and its manufacturing process.
Invention is credited to Flavio Valerio Marin Hernandez.
Application Number | 20080045117 10/506800 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27800723 |
Filed Date | 2008-02-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080045117 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Marin Hernandez; Flavio
Valerio |
February 21, 2008 |
Inflatable Toy And Its Manufacturing Process
Abstract
The present invention refers to a fixture (device) and a method
for manufacturing inflatable toys and balloons. This inflatable toy
is made from a mylar or nylon or polyester or polypropylene film or
one of similar polymers or laminations of these, preferably
metalized. It is made from a rectangular section, which is folded
lengthwise and, an adhesive tape is used on the tubular part, in
order to give shape and structure to the toy, and a heat-sealing,
which forms the conical tip and its variants. The inflatable toy
has the appearance of a space rocket, made from a mylar or nylon or
polyester or polypropylene preferably metalized, because it is made
up of a tubular cylindrical body closed at its top end, so that
this part ends in a tip, so that once the toy is inflated, it is
aerodynamic making it easier for the toy to fly and glide, the
bottom end of the cylindrical body is found open so the toy can be
inflated and at the same time be twisted to form a base, which
permits the toy to bounce. Also, the tubular body is not
heat-sealed, but only joined lengthwise by means of an overlap of
its longitudinal ends, on which a special wide adhesive tape is
placed, and which must be rubbed with pressure in order to be as
airtight as possible. The tape should preferably be transparent and
must remain without any creases or grooves. The cylindrical body
can have corrugated, angular and helicoidal shapes.
Inventors: |
Marin Hernandez; Flavio
Valerio; (Zapopan, MX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Flavio Valerio Marin Hernandez
Cerrada 8, No 2241-27, Residencial Patria
Zapopan Jailsco
45150
omitted
|
Family ID: |
27800723 |
Appl. No.: |
10/506800 |
Filed: |
March 13, 2002 |
PCT Filed: |
March 13, 2002 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/MX02/00020 |
371 Date: |
February 22, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/220 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 2027/1025 20130101;
A63H 27/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/220 |
International
Class: |
A63H 3/06 20060101
A63H003/06 |
Claims
1. An accessory to manufacture the inflatable toy, CHARACTERIZED,
because it consists of a rectangular, rigid and flat base, to which
two rubber-lined steel sole plates (flats) are included on each end
and four pairs of guides. The guides regulate the movement and
fastening of the sole plates (flats). The sole plates (flats)
protrude from the flat base, that excess serves to lever in order
to operate such sole plates (flats); the opposite end has a small
amount of smoothed rubber on its edges so that the film tubular
piece does not get stuck when it is being pulled off. One of the
sole plates (flats) must have a set screw, which fastens a cable
that is connected to a conventional power supply, to regulate
voltages with a physical ground connection, in order to eliminate
the static between the film and the adhesive tape.
2. A method for manufacturing an inflatable toy, CHARACTERIZED
because first it is necessary to form the body of the toy, first a
tubular piece must be formed; to do so, a rectangular piece of a
mylar or nylon or polyester or polypropylene film is used or one of
similar polymers or laminations of these, preferably metalized. The
film is centered over the flat part of the fixture (device), which
remains under the two sole plates (flats) for fastening and
tightening; the sole plates (flats) are placed at an appropriate
distance, so that it is possible to make two folds on the sole
plates (flats) and the longitudinal ends of the same film are
overlapped by approximately 2 cm, as can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5.
A wide and transparent tape with an special adhesive is applied on
this overlap; which attaches the film to give structure and
resistance to the tubular piece, which is formed and does not
permit any leak of the fluid it is being filled with. It is
important to apply pressure on the adhesive tape in order to become
as airtight as possible. The tape must remain without any creases
or grooves. Subsequently, the tubular piece, which was formed with
the film of the fixture (device) is taken off, by slightly opening
and raising the sole plates (flats) through their levers applying
simple leverage; the tubular piece is extracted through the
opposite end of the levers. The tubular piece is folded lengthways
(FIG. 6), and then folded lengthways for a second time as seen in
FIG. 7, and then heat-sealed at one of the tubular ends in order to
obtain the symmetrical tip of the toy. Subsequently, the toy is
inflated by introducing fluid, preferably air, through the back
hole, and later more adhesive tape is placed on the sealing of the
toy's tip, to strengthen such sealing. The toy must be inflated by
blowing air from a distance of approximately 30 cm from the air
inlet, stretching the balloon lengthwise it can be inflated with
one blow (for a toy with a 1.60 m height and a 24 cm diameter). The
balloon can also be filled with other fluids. The balloon is then
taken by the end where it was inflated and placed on the palm of
the hand and twisted until forming a tight cord, these turns create
pressure on the toy, so that when the balloon turns by twisting its
end, the length of same is reduced. This pressure on the body of
the toy is indispensable, so that when a semicircle is created at
the base of the balloon, with the tight cord, and the rest of the
tight cord is fitted concentrically under the semicircle and does
not move and remains trapped. This arrangement forms a compact
mass, which it the base of the toy, and on which is can bounce
consistently. Its aerodynamic shape facilitates flying and gliding.
Furthermore, the toy is pressure-resistant up to a weight of
approximately 35 kilograms and can be inflated and deflated several
times
3. The inflatable toy made from mylar or nylon or polyester or
polypropylene preferably metalized, or laminations of these,
because it is formed of a cylindrical tubular body, closed on its
top end, so that this part ends in a tip, so that once the toy is
inflated, it be aerodynamic, making it easier for the toy to fly
and glide, the bottom end of the cylindrical body is found open so
the toy can be inflated and at the same time be twisted to form a
base, which permits the toy to bounce. CHARACTERIZED because the
tubular body is not heat-sealed, but only joined lengthwise by
means of an overlap of its longitudinal ends, on which a special
wide adhesive tape is placed, and which must be rubbed with
pressure in order to be as airtight as possible. The tape should
preferably be transparent and must remain without any creases or
grooves.
4. The inflatable toy, according to claim 3, CHARACTERIZED because
at one end it has a conical tip or variations, as a tie or another
non-concentric tie, or rubber bands to contain air or fluid.
5. The inflatable toy, according to claims 3 and 4, CHARACTERIZED,
because the cylindrical body can have corrugated, angular and/or
helicoidal shapes.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is about the field of toys, because it
is about a semi-disposable inflatable toy, which can be thrown and
caught. It flies, glides and bounces. It is shock and pressure
resistant and can be submerged in water, it is made of a mylar or
nylon or polyester or polypropylene film or of similar polymers or
laminations of these, preferably metalized.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Inflatable toys that bounce, glide and fly and, which
currently exist, have been reported since 1998, as stated by
register MX 957 of the utility model. In order to manufacture these
toys, you need a rectangular section of a mylar or nylon or
polyester or polypropylene film or of similar polymers or
laminations of these, preferably metalized which is folded
lengthwise and sealed lengthways by heat and other sealing, which
forms the conical tip; besides sealing, it is necessary to place a
special adhesive tape to reinforce the sealing.
[0003] However, it has become evident, that manufacturing the
balloons this way is less cost-effective and requires more time and
therefore more personnel and material to make them, which is the
reason we thought of reducing these inconveniences, so that the
toys can be manufactured with less money and time, but with the
same quality.
[0004] That is the reason why in the present application we pretend
to protect a new high-quality inflatable toy that can be
manufactured in a simple way. Therefore, we also pretend to protect
the manufacturing method.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The characteristic details of the new inflatable toy and its
manufacturing method are dearly shown in the following description
and in the illustrations that are included, as well as the
reference of its indicated parts.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIONS
[0006] The following illustrations are mentioned by way of example
and should not be considered as being limited in any way for the
present invention, since due to the nature of same, the designs of
the inflatable toy can be varied, and therefore these designs would
be included in the present application.
[0007] FIG. 1. This is a view in conventional perspective of the
fixture (device) for manufacturing the inflatable toy.
[0008] FIG. 2. This is a left side view of one of the sole plates
(flats) that fasten the film; the right side is fundamentally the
same.
[0009] FIG. 3. This is a top view of the fixture (device) with the
film to manufacture the inflatable toy.
[0010] FIG. 4. This is a top view of the fixture (device), where
one can see the folds made to the film and the application of an
adhesive tape.
[0011] FIG. 5. This is a cross section of the fixture (device), the
folded and taped film.
[0012] FIG. 6. This Is a right side view of the taped film, where
the left side is the same without the fixture (device), with a
longitudinal fold.
[0013] FIG. 7. This is a conventional perspective of the taped
film, with a second longitudinal fold.
[0014] FIG. 8. This is a left side view of the taped film, with the
second fold, where the location of the thermic sealing is
indicated.
[0015] FIG. 9. This is a left side view of the semifinished
inflatable toy.
[0016] FIG. 10. This is a left side view of the inflatable toy,
where one can see the application of the adhesive tape on the tip
of such toy.
[0017] FIG. 11. This is a conventional left side view of the toy
with one twisted end.
[0018] FIG. 12. This is a conventional perspective of the finished
toy with the end wound in concentric semicircles.
[0019] FIG. 13. This is a conventional view of the toy being
used.
[0020] FIGS. 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19. These are top views of some
of the different tips of the inflatable toy.
[0021] FIGS. 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24. These are top views of some
forms of the cylindrical tube of the inflatable toy.
[0022] With reference to these figures, a fixture (device) is
needed (FIG. 1) in order to manufacture the inflatable toy, which
consists of a flat, rigid and rectangular base (1), to which two
rubber-lined steel sole plates (flats) (2) are included (3) on its
ends; and four pairs of guides (4). The guides regulate the
movement and fastening of the sole plates (flats) (2). The sole
plates (flats) protrude from the flat base (1), this excess serves
to lever in order to operate such sole plates (flats) (2); the
opposite end (3A) has a small amount of smoothed rubber on its
edges so that the film tube (5) does not get stuck when it is being
pulled off. One of the sole plates (flats) must have a set screw
(6), which fastens a cable (7) that is connected to a conventional
power supply, to regulate voltages with a physical ground
connection, in order to eliminate the static between the film (5)
and the adhesive tape (8).
[0023] In order to form the body of the toy, first it is necessary
to form a tubular piece. To do so, a rectangular piece of a mylar
or nylon or polyester or polypropylene film (5) is used or one of
similar polymers or laminations of these, preferably metalized. The
film (5) is centered over the flat part (1) of the fixture
(device), which remains under the two sole plates (flats) (2) for
fastening and tightening; the sole plates (flats) are placed at an
appropriate distance, so that it is possible to make two folds on
the sole plates (flats) (2) and so that the longitudinal ends of
the same film (5) are overlapped by approximately 2 cm, as can be
seen in FIGS. 4 and 5. A wide and transparent tape with a special
adhesive(8) is applied on this overlap; which sticks the film to
give structure and resistance to the tubular piece, which is formed
and does not permit any leak of the fluid it is being filled with.
It is important to rub with pressure on the adhesive tape (8) in
order to become as airtight as possible. The tape must remain
without any creases or grooves.
[0024] Subsequently, the tube, which was formed with the film (5)
of the fixture (device), is taken off, by slightly opening and
raising the sole plates (flats) (2) through their levers (3)
applying simple leverage; the tubular piece is extracted through
the opposite end (3A) of the levers (3).
[0025] The tubular piece is folded lengthways (FIG. 6), and then
folded lengthways for a second time as seen in FIG. 7, and then
heat-sealed (9) at one of the tubular ends in order to obtain the
symmetrical tip (10) of the toy.
[0026] Subsequently, the toy is inflated by introducing fluid,
preferably air, through the back hole (11), and later more adhesive
tape (8) is placed on the sealing (9) of the toy's tip (10), in
order to strengthen such sealing (9).
[0027] In order to be able to use this toy, it must be inflated, by
blowing air from a distance of approximately 30 cm from the air
inlet (11), stretching the balloon lengthwise it can be inflated
with one blow (for a toy with a 1.60 m height and a 24 cm
diameter). The balloon can also be filled with other fluids. The
balloon is then taken by the end where it was inflated and placed
on the palm of the hand and twisted until forming a tight cord (12,
FIG. 11), these turns create pressure on the toy, so that when the
balloon turns by twisting its end (12), the length of same is
reduced. This pressure on the body of the toy is indispensable, so
that when a semicircle (13) is created at the base of the balloon,
with the tight cord (12), and the rest of the tight cord is fitted
concentrically under the semicircle (12) and does not move and
remains trapped. This arrangement forms a compact mass (13), which
is the base of the toy, and on which it can bounce consistently.
Its aerodynamic shape facilitates flying and gliding. Furthermore,
the toy is pressure-resistant up to a weight of approximately 35
kilograms and can be inflated and deflated several times.
[0028] This way, an inflatable toy is obtained with the appearance
of a space rocket, characterized by a cylindrical body, which on
one end has a tip (10) or variations, as can be observed in FIGS.
14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19. These variations of the tip (10) are
accomplished through heat-sealing with predesigned molds; such tips
(10) may or may not be strengthened with adhesive tape. Another
modality of the toy is to make a knot (14) on the opposite end of
the base (13) of the toy, with or without a rubber band, as can be
observed in figure (14).
[0029] As being mentioned before, the toy of the present invention
has a straight tubular body, however, this body can be changed into
different shapes, such as corrugations, angular and/or helicoidal
forms to accomplish a more attractive appearance, such as can be
appreciated in FIGS. 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24. Furthermore, all
possible combinations between the types of tubules and tips can be
made, which are described in this invention; as well as all those
variations of shapes that are not mentioned and that somehow are
implied in this application.
[0030] The tip is preferably pointed towards the direction one
wants the inflatable toy to follow. The balloon is held with the
left hand in the middle and the right hand is used to hit it on the
base (13) with the palm of the open hand, where it is wound (13),
which is the way this toy is driven in order to fly, by opening the
air with its aerodynamic tip, and since it is very light and
elongated, it can glide (when it is filled with the gaseous fluid,
which emanates from the mouth), if it is filled to 70% with helium
gas, its gliding and displacement can be extended even more.
[0031] When the balloon is then bounced on the compact mass, which
is its base (13), against a hard surface, when the base and the
surface collide, a particular noise can be heard, which is the
noise of two compact masses, except that the balloon itself is much
lighter, and the reaction of the toy due to inertia is to move
through the air, using its aerodynamic tip (10) to open the air. In
this case the balloon will follow the direction to which it was
slightly tilted.
[0032] If it is bounced in a vertical direction, the balloon
bounces and follows an almost perfectly vertical trajectory. If on
the other hand, if pressure is applied to the tip (10) against the
ground and pushed downwards, upon being released, the balloon
immediately reacts by flying off the ground.
[0033] When being used, the inflated toy is made up of a
cylindrical body; an aerodynamic tip (10) on its top, and a compact
base at the bottom (13). The cylindrical body and the tip (10) are
one single section, just like the compact base (13), in other
words, everything is one single piece.
[0034] This form is reproduced in multiple stages, preferably the
cylindrical body is longer than the tip (10). The cylindrical body
may also vary; with diameters from 6 or 7 cm until 1 meter or a
little bit more, all are dosed the same way at the base (13).
[0035] What is notable about these toys is that the cylindrical
body is not sealed, as is the case with current inflatable toys.
Which is the reason why toys of the present invention their
cylindrical bodies only have adhesive tape, which makes its
manufacturing simpler and cheaper, reducing costs and time in its
manufacture. Besides, these toys have the same quality as the ones
already known.
[0036] The invention can be exploited industrially as a fun toy
because of all of its characteristics and the prints and drawings
that can be placed on it result ornamental.
* * * * *