U.S. patent application number 15/429137 was filed with the patent office on 2017-08-10 for device and method for filling and sealing at least one water balloon.
This patent application is currently assigned to Green Straw LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Green Straw LLC, John Edward McGrath. Invention is credited to Jay Kamhi, John Edward McGrath, Siavash Mojarrad.
Application Number | 20170225809 15/429137 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59496099 |
Filed Date | 2017-08-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170225809 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kamhi; Jay ; et al. |
August 10, 2017 |
Device and Method for Filling and Sealing at Least One Water
Balloon
Abstract
An assembly for creating water balloons that directs water from
a water source into a manifold. Filler straws extend from the
manifold. Latex balloons are readied for filling by placing a neck
plug into the necks of the balloons. Each neck plug has an
elastomeric body that is sized to plug the neck of the balloon. A
blind bore is formed into each of the neck plugs. The fill straws
are advanced into the blind bores of the neck plugs. The filler
straws are advanced deeper into the neck plugs, therein piercing
the material of the neck plugs and eventually passing through the
neck plugs. Due to the elastomeric material of the neck plugs, a
watertight seal is formed around the filler straws. Water is
advanced through the filler straws to fill the balloons.
Inventors: |
Kamhi; Jay; (Clearwater,
FL) ; McGrath; John Edward; (Hayward, CA) ;
Mojarrad; Siavash; (Freemont, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
McGrath; John Edward
Green Straw LLC |
Clearwater |
FL |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Green Straw LLC
McGrath; John Edward
|
Family ID: |
59496099 |
Appl. No.: |
15/429137 |
Filed: |
February 9, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62293582 |
Feb 10, 2016 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 27/10 20130101;
B65B 3/17 20130101; B65B 39/007 20130101; B65B 7/025 20130101; A63H
2027/1033 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65B 3/17 20060101
B65B003/17; B65B 39/00 20060101 B65B039/00; A63H 27/10 20060101
A63H027/10; B65B 7/02 20060101 B65B007/02 |
Claims
1. An assembly for creating water balloons, comprising: a connector
for connecting to a water source; a manifold coupled to said
connector; filler straws extending from said manifold; balloons
having balloon necks; neck plugs set inside said balloon necks of
said balloons, wherein each of said neck plugs has a different one
of said filler straws extending therethrough.
2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein said neck plugs are
made of elastomeric material.
3. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein said neck plugs
contain blind bores formed therein, wherein said blind bores
terminate within said neck plugs at closed ends.
4. The assembly according to claim 3, wherein said filler straws
extend into said blind bores and are forced through said closed
ends, therein extending through said neck plugs.
5. The assembly according to claim 4, wherein said filler straws
have a first diameter and said blind bores have a second diameter
that is smaller than said first diameter.
6. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein each of said neck
plugs has a cylindrical body that extends between two end
surfaces.
7. The assembly according to claim 6, wherein said balloon necks
have a relaxed internal diameter and said cylindrical body has a
maximum diameter that is greater than said relaxed internal
diameter.
8. The assembly according to claim 6, further including structures
on said cylindrical body that increase friction between said
cylindrical body and said balloon necks.
9. An assembly for filling a balloon, comprising: a filler straw; a
balloon having a balloon neck; a neck plug disposed within said
balloon neck of said balloon, wherein said neck plug internally
seals said balloon neck; wherein said filler straw pierces said
neck plug and extends through said neck plug, therein providing a
conduit to fill said balloon.
10. The assembly according to claim 9, wherein said filler straw
creates a hole in said neck plug that automatically seals when said
filler straw is retracted from said neck plug.
11. The assembly according to claim 9, wherein said neck plug is
made of elastomeric material.
12. The assembly according to claim 11, wherein said neck plug
contains a blind bore formed therein, wherein said blind bore
terminates within said neck plug at a closed end.
13. The assembly according to claim 12, wherein said filler straw
extends into said blind bore and is forced through said closed end,
therein extending through said neck plug.
14. The assembly according to claim 13, wherein said filler straw
has a first diameter and said blind bore has a second diameter that
is smaller than said first diameter.
15. The assembly according to claim 9, wherein said neck plug has a
cylindrical body that extends between two end surfaces.
16. The assembly according to claim 9, wherein said balloon neck
has a relaxed internal diameter and said cylindrical body has a
maximum diameter that is greater than said relaxed internal
diameter.
17. The assembly according to claim 16, further including
structures on said cylindrical body that increase friction between
said cylindrical body and said balloon neck.
18. A balloon assembly, comprising: a balloon having a neck; an
elastomeric plug disposed in said neck and blocking said neck,
wherein said elastomeric plug has an opening formed therethrough
that is collapsed closed in part by a compression force applied to
said elastomeric plug by said neck of said balloon, wherein said
balloon is filled through said opening.
19. The assembly according to claim 18, wherein said elastomeric
plug contains a blind bore formed therein, wherein said blind bore
terminates within said elastomeric plug at a closed end.
20. The assembly according to claim 18, wherein said opening
extends through said elastomeric plug from said closed end of said
blind bore.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the priority of Provisional Patent
Application No. 62/293,582, filed Feb. 10, 2016.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] In general, the present invention relates to filling devices
that are used to fill a water balloon from the spigot of a sink or
hose. More particularly, the present invention relates to the
structure of the balloon plug that enables the balloon to separate
from a filling station and self-seal, so it does not leak after
being filled.
[0004] 2. Prior Art Description
[0005] In the commercial marketplace, filling stations for latex
balloons exist that join a balloon to a water supply, such as the
spigot of a sink or hose. Once a balloon is filled with water, the
neck of the balloon must be sealed to prevent the water from
escaping the balloon. Often, the stem of the balloon is simply tied
into a knot once removed from the filling station. The knot seals
the neck of the balloon and prevents the water within the balloon
from escaping. However, tying a knot in the neck of a filled water
balloon is difficult and beyond the skill level of many
children.
[0006] Recently, water balloon filling stations have been designed
for use with specialized balloons. The specialized balloons have
seals that automatically close the neck of the balloon the instant
the balloon is separated from the filling station. The seal is
typically a small elastic O-ring or rubber band that is positioned
around the exterior of the balloon neck. The elastic O-ring
constricts the neck of the balloon and seals the neck the instant
the balloon is separated from the filling station. Such balloons
and filling stations are exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 9,051,066 to
Malone, entitled System And Method For Filling Containers With
Fluids.
[0007] Since such prior art filling stations have balloons that can
self-seal, the filling station can be configured to fill many
balloons simultaneously. In this manner, multiple balloons can be
created in the same period of time it takes to fill a single
balloon. Since the balloons self-seal, there is no time wasted in
tying the balloons closed. The balloons are merely separated from
the filling station by pulling the balloons away, or physically
agitating the filling station until the filled balloons fall
away.
[0008] A problem associated with filling stations that fill
multiple balloons at one time is that the balloons fight for space
as they expand. This often causes some of the balloons to have
bent, twisted or kinked necks as they fill. This can cause the seal
on the balloon to fail. Accordingly, although the balloons are
supposed to self-seal, it is not uncommon for some of the balloons
to leak water past the neck seals after they separate from the fill
station. Furthermore, it is also not uncommon for some of the
balloons to not fill fully before other balloons force the
under-filled balloons away from the filling station.
[0009] A need therefore exists for an improved balloon filling and
sealing system that seals filled water balloons in a more
consistent manner. This need is met by the present invention as
described and claimed below.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention is an assembly for creating water
balloons. The assembly has a connector for connecting to a water
source, such as a hose or spigot. The connector directs water into
a manifold. A plurality of filler straws extend from the manifold.
The manifold directs water into all of the filler straws
simultaneously.
[0011] Traditional latex balloons are readied for filling. To ready
a balloon, a neck plug is set into the balloon neck. Each neck plug
has an elastomeric body that is sized to plug the neck of the
balloon. A blind bore is formed into each of the neck plugs. The
fill straws are advanced into the blind bores of the neck plugs.
The filler straws are advanced deeper into the neck plugs, therein
piercing the material of the neck plugs and eventually passing
through the neck plugs. Due to the elastomeric material of the neck
plugs, a watertight seal is formed around the filler straws. Water
is advanced through the filler straws to fill the balloon and
create a water balloon. Once the water balloon is filled, the
filler straws are retracted from the neck plugs. The neck plugs
automatically seal the moment the filler straws are retracted. The
result is separate water balloons that are ready for use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] For a better understanding of the present invention,
reference is made to the following description of exemplary
embodiments thereof, considered in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
an assembly used to create water balloons from traditional latex
balloons and a water source;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of a neck plug used to seal the neck of a water
balloon;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the neck plug shown in
FIG. 2 shown in conjunction with a latex balloon and a filler
straw;
[0016] FIG. 4 shows the embodiment of FIG. 3 with the neck plug
engaged by a latex balloon and pierced by a fill straw;
[0017] FIG. 5 shows the embodiment of FIG. 3 with the neck plug
engaged by a latex balloon, wherein the neck plug is previously
pierced by a fill straw that is now retracted; and
[0018] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment
of a neck plug shown in conjunction with a latex balloon and a
filler straw.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] Although the present invention system and method toy can be
embodied in many ways, only a few exemplary embodiments are
illustrated. The exemplary embodiments represent some of the best
modes contemplated for the invention. However, the embodiments are
merely exemplary and should not be considered limitations when
interpreting the scope of the appended claims.
[0020] Referring to FIG. 1, the overall assembly 10 for creating
water balloons 12B is shown. The assembly 10 includes a fill
station 14. The fill station 14 has a female connector 16 that
enables the fill station to be connected to a water source 18, such
as the spigot of a sink or hose. The connector 16 directs water
into a manifold 20. The manifold 20 directs water into a plurality
of fill straws 22. The fill straws 22 are plastic tubes that have
an outside diameter D1.
[0021] Water 24 is selectively channeled through the fill straws 22
from the manifold 20. The water 24 that is flowing through the fill
straw 22 is used to fill a latex balloon 12A. This creates the
water balloon 12B. In order for the water balloon 12B to be removed
from the fill station 14, the neck 26 of the latex balloon 12A has
to be sealed. This is accomplished using an elastomeric neck plug
30.
[0022] The neck plug 30 is positioned inside the neck 26 of the
latex balloon 12A, prior to filling. The neck plug 30 blocks the
neck 26 of the balloon 12A, therein trapping the water 24 inside
the water balloon 12B. Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, it can be
seen that the neck plug 30 has a generally cylindrical shape. The
neck plug 30 has a flat top surface 28 and an opposite flat bottom
surface 32. The flat top surface 28 and the flat bottom surface 32
have a common diameter D1. The neck plug 30 also has a cylindrical
body 34 with the same primary diameter D1. The cylindrical body 34
extends between the flat top surface 28 and the flat bottom surface
32. One or more rounded ribs 36 are provided on the exterior of the
cylindrical body 34 for a purpose that is later described. The
rounded ribs 36 extend in planes that are parallel to both the flat
top surface 28 and the flat bottom surface 32.
[0023] The primary diameter D1 of the cylindrical body 34 is sized
to be larger than the relaxed diameter of the neck 26 of the latex
balloon 12A. In this manner, the neck 26 of the latex balloon 12A
must stretch in order to pass over the neck plug 30. The presence
of the rounded ribs 36 increases the friction between the neck plug
30 and the neck 26 of the balloon 12A. The friction is sufficient
to retain the neck plug 30 in the neck of the water balloon 12B
even as the water balloon 12B is completely filled.
[0024] The neck plug 30 has a body 34 of elastomeric material, such
as a silicone rubber, a tri-block copolymer/mineral oil mix, or a
similar low durometer synthetic rubber that is highly pliant.
Accordingly, although the neck plug 30 is strong enough to maintain
its own shape when compressed in the neck 26 of the balloon 12A or
water balloon 12B, the neck plug 30 is still soft. In this manner,
the form of the neck plug 30 will not cause a rupture. Likewise,
the neck plug 30 will not scratch or cause any contact injury if it
strikes a person when thrown as part of a filled water balloon
12B.
[0025] The neck plug 30 has a length L1 between the flat top
surface 28 and the flat bottom surface 32 of between five
millimeters and twenty millimeters. The preferred length L1 is
approximately ten millimeters. A blind bore 40 is formed into the
neck plug 30 in the center of the flat bottom surface 32. The blind
bore 40 penetrates the cylindrical body 34 for a second length L2,
which is between 80% and 90% of the full length L1 of the neck plug
30. Accordingly, only a thin breachable segment 38 of elastomeric
material exists between the end 42 of the blind bore 40 and the
flat top surface 28 of the neck plug 30.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 in conjunction with FIG. 1
and FIG. 2, it will be understood that the diameter D2 of the blind
bore 40 is smaller than the diameter D1 of the fill straws 22 that
extend from the manifold 20 of the fill station 14. The neck plug
30 is placed inside the neck 26 of a balloon 12A so that the neck
plug 30 blocks the neck 26. The only surface of the neck plug 30
that is visible from outside the latex balloon 12A, is the flat
bottom surface 32.
[0027] A fill straw 22 is inserted into the blind bore 40 on the
flat bottom surface 32 of the neck plug 30. The fill straw 22 is
wider than the blind bore 40. As such, the fill straw 22 stretches
the blind bore 40 as it is advanced into the blind bore 40. This
creates a watertight seal between the exterior of the fill straw 22
and the interior of the blind bore 40. The fill straw 22 will
advance into the blind bore 40 until the fill straw 22 contacts the
breachable segment 38 at the end 42 of the blind bore 40. If enough
force is provided, the fill straw 22 can break through the
breachable segment 38 and be advanced directly through the neck
plug 30.
[0028] Due to the elastomeric material comprising the neck plug 30,
the breachable segment 38 typically tears along a single rupture
line when stressed by the fill straw 22. The elastomeric material
separates at the rupture line and the fill straw 22 passes through
the breachable segment 38 and into the neck 26 of the latex balloon
12A.
[0029] Once the fill straw 22 extends through the neck plug 30 and
into the balloon 12A, water 24 can be advanced through the fill
straw 22 and into the latex balloon 12A to create a water balloon
12B. The flow of water 24 is continued until the water balloon 12B
is full. Referring to FIG. 5, it can be seen that once the water
balloon 12B is filled, the fill straw 22 is pulled out of the water
balloon 12B and the neck plug 30. The elastomeric nature of the
neck plug 30 combined with the hydraulic pressure of the water 24
causes the rupture in the breachable segment 38 to automatically
seal. The result is a full and sealed water balloon 12B.
[0030] Returning to FIG. 1, it will be understood that the assembly
10 can be sold with multiple fill straws 22 that are pre-loaded
with neck plugs 30 and balloons 12A. In this manner, once removed
from its packaging, the assembly 10 need only be connected to a
water source 18. Once water 24 is provided, all of the attached
latex balloons 12A will automatically fill with water. Once filled,
the water balloons 12B can be removed from the fill straws 22 or
may fall away from the fill straws 22 under the force of their own
weight. In either scenario, the neck plugs 30 in the water balloons
12B self seal the moment the fill straws 22 separates from the neck
plugs 30.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 6, an alternate embodiment of the neck
plug 50 is shown. In this embodiment, the rounded ribs of the
previous embodiment are removed and replaced with grooves 52. The
grooves 52 increase the friction with the neck 26 of the balloon
12A and, therefore, serve the same purpose as rounded ribs.
[0032] The embodiment in FIG. 6 also shows an alternate shape for
the top surface 54 of the neck plug 50. The neck plug 50 has a top
surface 54 with a central apex 56. The blind bore 58 extends
internally to a point just below the apex 56. The shape of the apex
56 assists with the insertion of the neck plug 50 into the neck 26
of a balloon 12A. The shape of the apex 56 also acts to better seal
any breach made in the top surface 54 at the apex 56, because the
hydraulic pressure presses against the angled top surfaces and acts
to close any rupture.
[0033] It will be understood that the embodiments of the present
invention that are illustrated and described are merely exemplary
and that a person skilled in the art can make many variations to
those embodiments. All such embodiments are intended to be included
within the scope of the present invention as defined by the
claims.
* * * * *