Toy Balloon Lift

Abstract

A toy for use with any helium balloon comprised of a hand held device with an internal motorized reel that releases and retracts the balloon string when activated by a switch. The user enjoys lifting the balloon at the push of a button and retracting it back from the higher altitude at will and all the time being able to stop the balloon at a given elevation height.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention is directed to a child's enjoyment of a helium balloon through the use of this toy. More particularly the toy of this invention can be held by the child and is simple and easy to operate. More particularly the toy of this invention enhances the pleasure of having a helium filled balloon by allowing the child to control the altitude of the balloon with the switch on the toy. This invention is not heavy and its size is easily grasped by a child's hand.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0002] Balloons filled with helium are widely used for children's enjoyment. In general these balloons are not offered with any other purpose or additional potential other than a weight so the balloon will not fly away. The purpose of this invention is a device to lengthen and shorten the length of the string attached to the balloon at the will of the child. This concept is possible and desirable as additional enjoyment is derived from the usual experience of a helium balloon. This device also will animate amusement parks in general as balloons will change constantly on the horizon as multiple users engage in its use.

[0003] No articles or devices have been found to disclose or suggest a child's toy balloon lift.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] This invention is a toy for use with any helium balloon comprised of a handheld device with an internal motorized reel that releases or retracts the balloon string when activated by a switch. The user enjoys lifting the balloon at the push of a button and retracting it back from the higher altitude at will providing the child with amusement.

[0005] This invention provides a novel toy that enhances a child's experience when enjoying a common helium filled balloon such as those sold at amusement parks. In general the toy balloon lift of the invention comprises an elongated casing or housing with a small aperture at the front end where the string protrudes; a power source within said casing or housing adjacent it's rear end; a motorized reel assemblage within said casing or housing adjacent its front end; a means to activate and deactivate said power source in both polarities or by use of gears; and a small stop attached to the string outside the casing or housing.

[0006] In one embodiment the power source comprises an electrical battery pack and motor.

[0007] In another embodiment the power source is provided by a solar panel and motor.

[0008] In another embodiment the motorized reel assembly includes a spool on a fixed anchor that turns in tandem with the motor by means of a band and sprockets.

[0009] In a still further embodiment the activation and deactivation is in the form of a DPDT electrical switch.

[0010] In a still further embodiment the activation and deactivation is in the form of a simple switch for the motor and a gear release function on the switch.

[0011] The toy balloon lift of the invention also includes a small stop to the string that cannot enter the casing or housing at the front end.

[0012] These and further embodiments of the invention are set forth in more detail herein below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] In the drawings which are part of the specification,

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective of the invention. 1) Casing or housing. 2) DPDT Switch. 3) Battery access door. 4) Opening. 5) Stop. 6) String.

[0015] FIG. 2 is an elevation of the front view of the device.

[0016] FIG. 3 is an elevation of the back of the device.

[0017] FIG. 4 is an internal perspective showing the function of the invention. 7) Motor. 8) Reel of string. 9) Band. 10) Sprockets. 11) Battery.

[0018] Except for the conducting metals, the motor and the power source, the materials used to fabricate the toy balloon lift of the invention can be provided from any suitable source such as metal, wood, plastics, and the like as well as a combination thereof. Preferably, durable and lightweight plastic materials are preferred such as, but not limited to, high density polyethylene, polypropylenes, polysulfones, and polystyrenes.

[0019] It will be apparent that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. These changes including but not limited to the location of the motor, the reel, the switch or the battery can alter the device greatly but not in the scope of its claims. A variety of casings or housings can be designed to make the toy particular to a company cartoon character or any other pleasant form that a child will enjoy and this will not alter the scope of the invention.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

[0020] The hand held toy device has an internal battery powered motorized reel of string that is controlled by an external double pole, double throw (DPDT) switch. The motor turns the reel clockwise or counter-clockwise as the switch toggles polarity, thus having control of the retraction and extension of the string toward the balloon, which is exerting pressure on the string. The toggle switch also has a neutral or off position where the user can elect the height at which to leave the balloon in the air. The motor controls the reel and is designed to have no adverse effect when the string reaches the full retraction or extension by rotating harmlessly when the reel is stopped.

Claims

1. A child's toy balloon lift comprising: a) an elongated casing or housing with a small aperture at the front end where string protrudes, a top and bottom as well as closed back, b) an energy supply within said elongated casing or housing adjacent it's rear end, c) means to activate and deactivate said power source in both polarities, d) a motorized reel assemblage within said casing or housing adjacent its front end, e) and a small stop attached to the string outside the casing or housing.

2. The toy balloon lift of claim 1 that includes a light to indicate when the switch is in operation.

3. A child's toy balloon lift comprising: a) an elongated casing or housing with a small aperture at the front end where string protrudes, a top and bottom as well as closed back, b) an energy supply within said elongated casing or housing adjacent it's rear end, c) means to activate and deactivate said power source, d) a motorized reel assemblage within said casing or housing adjacent its front end with the ability to release from the motorized sprocket, e) and a small stop attached to the string outside the casing or housing.

4. The toy balloon lift of claim 3 that includes a single pull switch and a gear release so that the balloon can lift by its own force on the gear release mode and retract with the motor when the switch is activated and a middle position that stops the gear so the balloon keeps the desired altitude.

5. The toy balloon lift of claim 3 that includes a light to indicate when the switch is in operation.