US20080121309A1

US20080121309A1 - System, method, and apparatus for balloon and toy filler, kit, and stand

Info

Publication number: US20080121309A1
Application number: US11/557,116
Authority: US
Inventors: Wayne Scott Boise; Leo Wayne Boise; Lawrence William Wood
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-11-07
Filing date: 2006-11-07
Publication date: 2008-05-29

Abstract

This is a balloon filling system or device that can fill one or more balloons at a time. The balloon filler is intended for use in water balloon activities, such as games, where many balloons need to be filled at the same time. The balloon filler can be attached to any source or filler. The balloon filler can also be attached to a stand, such as a set of legs or a freestanding or mobile container, with a set of wheels. Some versions of the balloon filler can be preassembled, while others can be sold as a kit, which a user can assemble into many desired arrangements or configurations. The balloon material and the filling material can be from many choices. It can also cover the toys attached to the system.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to balloons. More specifically, it relates to balloon filling devices and water balloon filling devices. It also includes toys, kits, displays, stands, and any water-based game.

BACKGROUND

The process of filling a water balloon is well-known. The balloon is attached to a water source, and the balloon is allowed to fill. Common water sources are faucets and water hoses. The balloon's opening is stretched to fit over the faucet or hose, and the balloon is filled. This process can be difficult for children and people with disabilities. The opening of balloons and the water source may be of different sizes, making it hard to fit the balloon around the water source. Also, the location of the water source may not be convenient, with respect to the location of using the water balloons. For instance, a faucet at a sink is a good water source, but its location in a building is not conducive to having a water balloon fight. Parents, teachers or camp counselors who are managing the building do not want children running in and out of the building to fill their water balloons. The children will leave broken balloon fragments and will spill water, potentially damaging the interior of the building and clearly creating a slipping hazard.
A better place for the water source is the middle of a lawn, but the sink is not located there. A hose can be put in the middle of a lawn, but the children must share this single source of water, and the opening of the hose may not fit the opening of the balloons. In addition, the hose is not in a fixed upright position, thus, requiring it to be held by the user. Sometimes, large quantities of balloons are needed, but only one filling source is available. Also, often more than one person is available to fill, but cannot reach the filling source. Sometimes, a multi-nozzle inflator is difficult to reach by multiple people. Sometimes, large quantities need to be filled days prior to an event, which is hard to store or manage for many days. This invention allows the filling of a large number of balloons in a short amount of time.
Previous inventions have focused on creating a portable balloon filler. Other prior art has focused on creating a nozzle for filling balloons. However, no prior art has taught the features of the current application.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,932,125 (Balloontime.com) is a balloon filler for helium gas balloons. This balloon filler comprises a kit that includes a gas canister. This creates a portable kit that can fill a balloon anywhere. The '125 patent is limited to helium gas only.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,603,361 is a portable balloon filler for water balloon. It comprises a pack that includes two water tanks. The water tanks are an integral part of the pack.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,439,199 is a patent for a balloon filling nozzle. It does not claim a larger system for filling balloons, but rather focuses on a specific nozzle for balloon filling. The '199 patent could be used as a component of the present invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,243,220 is a game kit for water balloon filling game. The point of the game is to fill the other player's balloon, until the balloon burst. Each player has a lever that that opens valves to fill the other player's balloons. Under each balloon is a spot for each player to stand or sit. The winner is the last player whose balloon pops. The '220 invention has no other uses besides the game above.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,112,781 is a portable water balloon filler. The '781 device is powered by manual pumping. The current invention overcomes limitations in this portable filler and other prior art.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,351,675 is a water balloon game station, where users launch water balloons at each other by a slingshot. It teaches at least one nozzle for filling the balloons. The nozzle is attached to a water spigot. The '675 patent does not include a conduit system to pipe water from the spigot to the nozzle.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,909,518 (Erlandson et al.) is another water balloon game station that allows users to launch water balloons at each other. While space is provided to fill water balloons, the method of filling the balloons is not specified.
Prior art also includes U.S. Pat. No. 6,149,488 and D417471, by Ja-ru, Inc.
Both Water Wars (waterwars.com) and Water Balloon Battle ((waterballonbattle.com) or (softdunk.com)) (as the products in the marketplace) can use our invention.
Prior art includes manual and electrical pumps and inflators, such as Conwinonline.com. Prior art also includes balloon stuffing machine, manual operated device such as Magicpipe, and Qualatex Bubbles.
Thus, none of the prior art teaches the feature(s) of the current invention.

Some Definitions (Presented as Examples)

For the purpose of this patent application, the following terms are defined, as an example of the use of the term:
A “tray” is any means of storage, transport, holding, a work space, or empty container.
A “bracket” is any mounting, support, or adjustment means.
A “stake” is a base, stand, leg, foot, or securing or stabilizing means.
A “point” is a ground attaching means, stand, or a device stabilizing means.

SUMMARY

This invention is a device that can fill one or more balloons at a time. The preferred embodiment envisions the invention filling multiple water balloons, but the device can fill any number of balloons with any substance, e.g. liquid, gas, mixture, solid, powder, molten, ice pieces, thick and heavy fluid, or any combination of the above. Examples of other substances are water, air, helium, bubble, foam, or a combination of substances. Other examples are small toys, dolls, stuffed animals, candies, objects, or balloon-stuffing or toys, as long as they can go through the nozzles or openings, with enough pressure by the fluid or liquid behind the object to drive that object through the openings.
Some material gets expanded after exposure to the fluid, such as sponges after soaking in water, so that the shape, design, character, or object could become larger than the original openings, or become visible, as the invisible ink become colorful upon exposure to a specific fluid, making it interesting, as it floats in the balloon (in one embodiment/example). In another embodiment, more than 2 fluids are used: one for driving the object into the balloon, and the second one is the fluid which expands the object. In another embodiment, one expands the object to be able to read the text or recognize the character or the clue for a detective game.
Note that this is much different from the concept of the prior art as shown by Qualatex.com in Qualatex Bubbles web page.
The invention envisions both ornamental and functional designs that will transform the water balloon industry, in particular. Some embodiments will be suitable for backyards and the outdoors, or larger devices for youth camps, schools, amusement parks, and party planners. In fact, new businesses may start dedicated to providing water balloons or organizing larger events than was previously possible. The invention is ideal for use with balloon games. It is fun and exciting for kids, and easy to set up for parents or adults.
The invention is a network of conduits that distribute the filler, such as water, to the balloons. The network has at least one ingress (or in general, any input) for the filler (or in general, any substance or material for filling, or mixture/combination). The network also has at least one egress (or in general, any output) for the filler. In the preferred embodiment, each egress has a nozzle to which a balloon can be attached, so that the filler leaves the egress by the nozzle and fills the balloon.
The invention can also be portable. The ingress can be attached to any source for the chosen filler. The invention can be transported to a particular site for use, or can be installed at a particular site. The source of the filler is attached at the site of use. The source of the filler can be permanently part of the site of use or the source of the filler can be transported to the site of use. The ingress can have a valve.
The preferred embodiment envisions a water balloon filling station that can fill more than one water balloon at a time. The water balloon filling station can also be used by more than one person at a time. The water balloon filling station is attached to a garden hose. The garden hose is attached to the ingress of the invention. The garden hose is the source of the water for the invention. The water is the filler for the balloons. Another preferred embodiment envisions the water balloon filling station attached to a water spigot. Other versions of the invention could use electric pumps or other filler moving apparatus.
An operator of the invention attaches a balloon to a nozzle of the invention and fills the balloon with water from the egress of the invention. Multiple operators can operate the invention at the same time. A single operator can operate multiple nozzles at the same time.
The nozzles can be of any type or material. All existing nozzles or valves can be used with the invention. A combination of nozzles can be used. In some embodiments, the nozzles or the egresses of the invention can have valves that will close the nozzle or the egress. The invention can also include a storage unit for balloons or other equipment. The storage unit could hold balloon ties, ribbons, unfilled balloons, or filled balloons. It can have one or more storage tanks for the water.
The invention envisions the use of any type of balloon that could be used. This includes air balloons, foil balloons, nylon balloons, latex balloons, water balloons, helium balloons, and Mylar balloons, covering any variations for both material and content.
The invention could also be used with other water devices. The invention could be used to fill water buckets, water guns, or other water toys. The invention could also be used with sprinklers. The invention could also be attached by a hose, or filler conduct, to another version of the invention, to act as the filler source for that version of the invention. The attachments to other units of the invention can be cascaded, in series, in parallel, or hierarchical. Other examples are bird bath, lawn ornaments, hose reels, hose carts, or hose hangers, which can be connected to our system.
A preferred embodiment envisions a handle attached to the water balloon filling station to allow easy transportation. The handle can be fixed, repositioned, detached, or removable. One can have more than one handles.
An embodiment of the invention could also be a kit that comprises a balloon filler, balloons, seals, storage, transport, water balloon slingshots, and game instructions. The kit could also include disassembled balloon filler. The disassembled balloon filler includes, for example, conduits, nozzles, ingress attachments, and means to attach the conduit, nozzles, and ingress attachments.
The advantage of the kit is that it is easier to manufacture, package and store. The kit could be sold in a container that holds all the parts or partial list of the invention. Furthermore, the kit could be assembled in multiple configurations, depending on the needs of the user. Thus, the kit is more flexible than the preassembled version of the invention, with more variations possible, lowering the price, and increasing the customer satisfaction.
A preferred embodiment of the invention is for use with water balloon games. A preferred use envisions a game with two teams (or more than 2 teams), where each team has a balloon filler to fill water balloons for the game. In some games, the balloon fillers will be set up as stations. A water balloon game can have more than 2 fillers and more than 1 at each station (or none at a specific station). The stations could be connected or separate. Balloon fillers can be setup around volleyball courts for water balloon volleyball or along fields for relay games. Balloon fillers can be fixed or portable. Balloon fillers can be underground or under water, partially or fully.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of the specification, illustrate a few embodiments/examples of the present invention, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention, by the way of example. However, the invention is not limited by those examples.

FIG. 1 is a picture of the invention from above.

FIG. 2 is a picture of the invention from the side, showing a storage tray and support legs.

FIG. 3 is a picture of the invention from the side, showing the invention mounted on a bucket.

FIG. 4 is a picture of an alternative version of the invention from above.

FIG. 5 is a picture of an alternative version of the invention with sawhorse legs.

FIG. 6 is a picture of an alternative version of the invention separated into its parts as a kit.

FIG. 7 is a picture of the invention separated into its parts as a kit.

FIG. 8 is a picture of a leg of the invention.

FIG. 9A is a picture of a bracket for the invention.

FIG. 9B is a picture of a bracket for the invention.

FIG. 9C is a picture of a bracket for the invention.

FIG. 9D is a picture of a bracket for the invention.

FIG. 10 is a picture of a leg of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a picture of an alternative version of the invention.

FIGS. 12-18 show variations of the configurations/shapes of the pipes and water feed system.

FIG. 19 is an example of a kit.

FIGS. 20-24 show various accessories of the invention.

FIG. 25 is a leg/support for the ground installation.

FIGS. 26-27 show examples of the ground installation.

FIGS. 28-29 show accessories and parts, made by others in the industry, but can be used in our system.

FIG. 30 is an assembled example.

FIG. 31 is an accessory/part.

FIG. 32 is an assembled set up.

FIG. 33 is an accessory/part, which can be used for conduit, portable, fixed, add-on, directly attached to the unit, attached through a hose as intermediary, used as a watering device, used as a game device, as a relay game, gardening, car-washing for kids, squirting, or any other activity for kids. Also, it represents a nozzle-on-a-nozzle, a multi-nozzle, can have its own shut-off valve, or rely on other parts for shut-off valve. Another application is connectivity to a continuous source of water, such as a long hose, enabling the kids to use it as a continuous water gun with a long reach. The nozzle can be fixed, adjustable, spray, or jet, with different settings and jet profiles/shapes.

FIGS. 34-38 are assembled set up examples.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates a picture of the invention from above. The balloon filler 1 (i.e. the filling system or apparatus shown in FIG. 1) comprises four hollow conduits 2 for each egress. Each conduit 2 has a conduit end 28. Each conduit end 28 has a nozzle 3. Each nozzle 3 has an opening 4. Each nozzle 3 also has an egress valve 5 with a switch 6. The ingress 7 has an attachment point 8 for a filler source 9. Attachment point 8 has ingress valve 16. The ingress 7 connects to the balloon filler at T-junction 15. The balloon filler 1 also has cross-junction 30.
FIG. 2 illustrates a picture of the invention from the side, showing a storage tray and support legs. The balloon filler 1 comprises four conduits 2 for each egress. Each conduit 2 has a conduit end 28. Each conduit end 28 has a nozzle 3. Each nozzle 3 has an opening 4. This embodiment does not have an egress valve 5 with a switch 6. The ingress 7 has an attachment point 8 for a filler source 9. Filler source 9 is not shown. Ingress valve 16 is shown. The balloon filler 1 also has storage tray 10 for objects like water balloons with space 11 to hold the water balloons. Space 11 is divided by divider walls 17. The balloon filler 1 is supported by legs 12.
FIG. 3 illustrates the invention from the side, showing the invention mounted on a container. The balloon filler 1 comprises four conduits 2 for each egress. Each conduit 2 has a conduit end 28. Each conduit end 28 has a nozzle 3. Each nozzle 3 has an opening 4. Each nozzle 3 also has a valve 5 with a switch 6. This embodiment shows the nozzle 3 without an egress valve 5 with a switch 6. The ingress 7 has an attachment point 8 for a filler source 9. Ingress 7 is attached to a conduit 2 at T-junction 15. The balloon filler 1 is mounted on a container 13 by four brackets 14. Each conduit 2 has a bracket 14. Ingress valve 16 is shown.
FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative version of the invention from above. The balloon filler 1 comprises one conduit 2 with a conduit cover 27. The conduit 2 has a plurality of egress conduits 31. The conduit 2 has a plurality of conduit ends 28. The nozzles 3 on the sides of conduit 2 each have an egress conduit 31, while nozzles 3 on the ends of the conduit 2 do not have an egress conduit 31. Each conduit ends 28 has a nozzle 3. Each nozzle 3 has an opening 4. This embodiment shows the nozzle 3 with valves 5 with switches 6 and with ingress valve 16. The ingress 7 has an attachment point 8 for a filler source 9. The ingress 7 attaches to conduit 2 at T-junction 15. The nozzles 3 are distributed in different patterns.
FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative version of the invention with sawhorse legs. The balloon filler 1 comprises one conduit 2 with a conduit cover 27. The conduit 2 has a plurality of egress conduits 31. The conduit 2 has a plurality of conduit ends 28. The nozzles 3 on the sides of conduit 2 each have an egress conduit 31, while nozzles 3 on the ends of the conduit 2 do not have an egress conduit 31. Each conduit ends 28 has a nozzle 3. Each nozzle 3 has an opening 4. This embodiment shows the nozzle 3 with valves 5 with switches 6 and with ingress valve 16. The ingress 7 has an attachment point 8 for a filler source 9. The ingress 7 attaches to conduit 2 at the end of conduit 2. The nozzles 3 are distributed in different patterns. The balloon filler 1 is supported by a set of legs 12. The legs 12 are set up as sawhorses 17. The bracket 14 for the sawhorses 17 has a sawhorse top 34 and a sawhorse bottom 33. The sawhorses 17 also have a hinge 32 that allows the user to clamp the sawhorse 35 over the conduit 2 and secure the legs 12 to the balloon filler 1.
FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative version of the invention separated into its parts as a kit. The kit comprises a conduit 2 divided into a plurality of segments. The kit also includes a plurality of cross-junctions 30 to connect the segments of the conduit 2. The kit also has egress conduits 31 that are connected to the conduit 3 by the cross-junctions 30. The kit also includes a plurality of conduit ends 28. The conduit ends 28 have a male threaded end 29. The kit also comprises a plurality of nozzles 3. Each nozzle 3 has an opening 4 and a valve 5 with a switch 6. The valve 5 includes the female threaded end for male threaded end 29. The kit comprises the attachment point 8, which has ingress valve 16. The kit also comprises a cover 27.
FIG. 7 illustrates the invention separated into its parts as a kit. The kit comprises a conduit 2 divided into a plurality of segments. The kit also includes a plurality of cross-junctions 30 to connect the segments of the conduit 2. The kit also includes a plurality of conduit ends 28. The conduit ends 28 have a male threaded end 29. The kit also comprises a plurality of nozzles 3. Each nozzle 3 has an opening 4 and a valve 5 with a switch 6. The valve 5 includes the female threaded end for male threaded end 29. The kit comprises a T-junction 15 that can attach ingress 7. The ingress 7 is a set of pipe segments. The kit includes a conduit end 28 to attach an attachment point 8 to the ingress 7. The kit also comprises ingress valve 16.
FIG. 8 illustrates a leg of the invention. The leg 12 has a foot 23. The foot 23 has holes 24. A stake 26 can fit into the holes 24 of the foot 23, thus securing the foot 23 to the ground.
FIG. 9A illustrates a bracket for the invention. This version of bracket 14 has static brackets 18.
FIG. 9B illustrates a bracket for the invention. This version of the bracket 14 has a static bracket 18 on the bottom and a turnkey clamp bracket 19 on top. The turnkey clamp bracket 19 has a turnkey 22 with threads.
FIG. 9C illustrates a bracket for the invention. This version of the bracket 14 has a static bracket 18 on the bottom and a fastener loop bracket 20 on the top.
FIG. 9D illustrates a bracket for the invention. This version of the bracket 14 has a static bracket 18 on the bottom and a fabric loop bracket 21 on top. The version of the static bracket 18 includes a set of turnkeys 22 to tighten the static bracket 18.
FIG. 10 illustrates a leg of the invention. The leg 12 has a point 25 so that the leg 12 can be secured to the ground by sticking the point 25 into the ground.
FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative version of the invention. The balloon filler 1 comprises a conduit 2 and a leg 12. The conduit 2 has a nozzle 3. The nozzle 3 has a valve 5 with a switch 6. The nozzle 3 also has opening 4. The leg 12 has conduit lumen 36 inside leg 12 that connects filler source 9 to conduit 2. The filler source 9 is attached to ingress 7 by attachment point 8. Attachment point 8 has ingress valve 16. The ingress 7 is attached to conduit lumen 36. The leg 12 also has point 25 so that the balloon filler 1 can be stuck into the ground by sticking the leg 12 into the ground using point 25.
The conduit 2 can be any hollow tube. The preferred embodiment envisions a plastic hollow tube. A preferred plastic for the conduit 2 is PVC. Another preferred plastic is CPVC. Another preferred embodiment is a metal conduit. The metal conduit can be any metal or any metal alloy (or flexible metal, rubber, plastic, elastic, fabric, natural, artificial, mixture, or any other material). The preferred metals for the metal conduit are copper or aluminum. The conduit 2 can be rigid. The conduit 2 can be flexible. In some embodiments, the conduit can be a hose. An example of a hose, meant as an example and not as a limitation in any way, is a garden hose. In some embodiments, the conduits 2 can be turned or angled. In these embodiments, conduits 2 can be bent up, down, to either side, or straight. The balloon filler 1 can be made out of different conduits 2 that are made of different materials. Conduits 2 can be a combination of rigid and flexible and in various geometric shapes, even in a 360 degree pattern. The conduit 2 can also be telescoping. A telescoping conduit 2 can be lengthened and shortened as desired. It can be stretched. It can be folded for storage. It can be cascaded.
Balloon filler 1 can have any number of conduits 2. Balloon filler 1 can have one conduit 2, two conduits 2, three conduits 2, or fours conduits 2. Balloon filler 1 can have more than four conduits 2. The conduits 2 can be attached to each other at a substantially central point, such as the cross-junction 30 in FIG. 1. Alternatively, one conduit 2 can be attached at a point along another conduit 2. Each conduit 2 can have any number of nozzles 3. Each conduit 2 can have one nozzle 3. Alternatively, each conduit 2 can have more than one nozzle 3. The nozzles 3 can be located at the end of each conduit 2, or in the middle of each conduit 2. Conduits 2 can have its own shutoff valve, with either the nozzle 3 going into that valve, or more of the conduit 2 coming out of the shutoff valve and then to the nozzle 3.
The conduits 2 can meet in any number/shapes/configurations of junctions. Examples of possible junctions are T-junction 15 and cross-junction 30. Any junction between conduits 2 is possible. Conduits 2 can meet in 45 degree junctions, or as a part of a multi-level balloon filler 1. Any angle of connection is covered here. The conduits can also meet at a node other than a junction.
The nozzles 3 can be any kind of nozzle. The nozzle 3 can have an egress valve 5 to open and close the nozzle 3. (But it does not have to have that in other embodiments.) The nozzle 3 can be removable. A preferred embodiment envisions a nozzle 3 that can be screwed off and replaced with a garden hose (or with accessories, extensions, filler extensions, stop, termination junction, the device of FIG. 33, or in combination with a hose or other objects, such as sprinkler system). In some embodiments, the nozzles 3 can be turned or angled. In these embodiments, nozzles 3 can be bent up, down, to either side, or straight. An example of a preferred nozzle is the nozzle claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,439,199, as part of the current system, however, any other nozzle will also work.
Nozzles 3 can be placed in any pattern. A nozzle 3 can be at the end of the conduit 2. A nozzle 3 can be in the middle of the conduit 2. A nozzle 3 can be opposite to another nozzle 3. Nozzle 3 can be on only one side of conduit 2, at staggered angle, all around it, or in a pattern, with periodic angles. The number of nozzles 3 can be any number. Nozzles 3 can be located anywhere on conduit 2 including between, end, and middle. Nozzle 3 can be removable, so that the pattern of nozzles 3 can be changed.
The nozzle 3 can be made of any material. The preferred embodiment envisions metal or plastic. The preferred metal is copper or aluminum. The preferred plastic is PVC or CPVC. Any metal could be used. Any plastic could be used.
Some versions of nozzle 3 may or may not have egress valve 5. Some versions of egress valve 5 may or may not have switch 6. Other versions of egress valve 5 may or may not have more than one switch 6. Some versions of nozzle 3 may or may not have a non-valve means of closing opening 4, such as a cap, stop, or a termination piece.
Attachment point 8 comprises any means to attach a filler source 9 to the balloon filler 1. The attachment point 8 can also include an ingress valve 16 to control the flow of filler from the filler source 9. The preferred embodiment envisions the filler source 9 as a hose for water. In the preferred embodiment, attachment point 8 is threaded so that a standard hose receptacle for a standard garden hose can screw into it. In this preferred embodiment, attachment point 8 will have a valve that can stop the flow of water from the hose, filler source 9, or limit the flow of water from the hose, filler source 9. Another preferred embodiment envisions the filler source 9 as a water spigot.
The ingress 7 can be made of any material. The preferred embodiment envisions metal, flexible material, or plastic. The preferred metal is copper or Aluminum. The preferred plastic is PVC. Any metal could be used. Any plastic could be used. Ingress 7 can enter the balloon filler 1 at any point. The ingress 7 can be on a conduit 2. The ingress 7 can be on a nozzle 3. The ingress 7 can be on a leg 12. The ingress 7 can be on foot 23.
Both filler source 9 and the nozzles 3 can be attached by any means. In a preferred embodiment, the nozzles 3 and the filler source 9 can be screwed onto the balloon filler 1. In this case, the nozzles 3 have a threaded end that can screw into a threaded receptacle on the conduits 2. As an example, and not meant as a limitation, the conduit 2 can have a male threaded end, and the nozzle 3 can have a female threaded end so that the nozzle can be screwed onto the conduit 2. Also, the filler source 9 has a threaded end that can be screwed into a threaded receptacle of attachment point 8. Alternatively, nozzles 3 and filler source 9 can be fitted into a receptacle and held by pressure. In this case nozzle 3 would fit into a receptacle in the conduits 2 and be held by pressure. Also, filler source 9 would fit into attachment point 8 and be held by pressure. Alternatively, the nozzles 3 and the filler source 9 could be held in place by plastic tape or thread tape. Alternatively, the nozzles 3 and the filler source 9 could be held in place with an adhesive. A possible adhesive could be PVC glue. Different nozzles 3 could be held in place by different means. Nozzle 3 could also be attached to conduit 2 by a welding joint or solder, magnetic means, hook, pressurized environment, or any mechanical devices. The nozzles 3 and the filler source 9 could be held in place by different means. Filler source 9 and attachment point 8 and nozzles 3 can also be snap-in components, or held by gaskets. Filler source 9 and attachment point 8 and nozzles 3 can also be attached by solder, pipe joint compound, glue, thread tape, or any other adhesive or attaching means. Filler source 9 and attachment point 8 and nozzles 3 may or may not be attached by any means of attachment.
The conduit 2 can be any conduit. The conduit 2 can be any water conduit. The conduit 2 can be made of multiple materials or mixtures. The materials of conduit 2 (or one or more nozzles 3) can be formed into shapes. Plastic conduits 2 can be formed into shapes. Metal conduits 2 can be formed into shapes. Thus, by combining conduits 2 of different shapes, balloon fillers of different shapes can be created. Some or all of the conduits 2, nozzle 3, ingress 7, and legs 12 can be tethered, swivel, or be telescopic. Tethered components may allow disassembly and reassembly easier. Swivels allow setup in confined areas, such as attaching to a hose bib coming out of a wall. The swiveling conduit 2, nozzles 3, ingress 7, or legs 12 can swivel by using one or more joints. Telescoping allows for adjustable lengths, widths, and heights.
Multiple balloon fillers 1 could be attached to each other. The ingress 7 of one balloon filler 1 could be attached to the conduit end 28 of another balloon filler. Thus, the second balloon filler 1 would become the filler source 9 for the first balloon filler 1.
Tray 10 can hold any item that may be useful while using the balloon filler 1. The tray 10 could hold balloon ties, ribbons, unfilled balloons, or filled balloons. The space 11 of tray 10 can be divided into different areas by divider walls 17. Also, space 11 can hold one or more filler materials or fillers 1. The preferred embodiment envisions four divider walls 17, dividing space 11 into four areas. More divider walls 11 can be used to create more areas. No divider walls 17 can be used to keep space 11 a single area. In some embodiments, the divider walls 17 can be removed. In some embodiments, the tray 10 can be removed. Tray 10 can have other devices attached to it, such as a counter. The counter (electronic or manual, with one or more counters, in general) can be used to allow a user to keep track of the number of balloons filled (or water toys and water guns). Divider walls 17 can have other devices (e.g. display, computer, or control panel) attached to them. Balloon filler 1 can also attach to or sit on top of tray 10, space 11, or divider walls 17.
The balloon filler 1 is envisioned as a balloon filler for balloons. The balloon filler 1 can be used in a water balloon game as the balloon filling station. For instance, a water balloon war could use two or more balloon fillers 1, placing one in each base of each army. Then, the children of a given army could go to their balloon filler 1 and fill water balloons to attack the other army.
The balloon filler 1 could use any filler. Possible fillers include liquid, gas, air, helium, colored liquid, powder, pressured air or liquid, paint, and water (or mixture). The preferred embodiment envisions water as the filler.
The balloon filler 1 can be used with any kind of balloon. Possible balloons include latex, air, foil, nylon, water, helium, Qualatex balloons, or Mylar balloons. The preferred embodiment envisions use with water balloons.
The balloon filler 1 can have a balloon tying device attached to the balloon filler. The balloon filler 1 can have a slingshot or catapult attached to it. The balloon filler 1 can be integrated into other balloon filler or devices, of same type or different types, for example, balloon stand, workstation, or tank.
The balloon filler 1 can be mounted on any object by any means. A preferred embodiment envisions the object as a container 13, but the object can be any object. A preferred embodiment envisions the mounting means as a bracket 14, but any mounting means can be used.
Bracket 14 can be any kind of bracket. Bracket 14 can be of a fixed dimension. Bracket 14 can be of an adjustable dimension. It can have multiple brackets, with fixed or adjustable components or dimensions. Bracket 14 can be integrated into the balloon filler 1. Bracket 14 can be removable from balloon filler 1. Bracket 14 can be pressure assisted. Bracket 14 can be a flexible material that can secure the balloon filler to an object. Bracket 14 can be hinged with a hinge 32, as shown in the example (meant as an example and not a limitation in any way), of the sawhorse 17. FIG. 9A to FIG. 9D illustrates a number of possible designs for bracket 14. The examples illustrated in the FIG. 9A to FIG. 9D are for illustration purposes, and not meant as a limitation in any way. Possible brackets 14 could be static brackets, such as FIG. 9A. These static brackets 18 are any bracket where the parts of the bracket 14 do not move and hold the object placed in the bracket 14, through pressure or friction.
Other possible brackets could be turnkey brackets 19, as illustrated in FIG. 9B. The turnkey brackets 19 allow an object to be fitted into the turnkey clamp bracket 19, and then, the turnkeys 22 are tightened to hold the object. The turnkeys 22 have a thread shaft that allows them to be turned. Another possible bracket 14 is shown in FIG. 9C.
This bracket 14 is a piece of fastener that can be looped over itself and fastened to itself. Thus, the fastener loop bracket 20 is tightened around the object and is secured. An example of fastener is the product sold as VELCRO. A final example of a possible bracket 14 is a fabric loop bracket 21. In a fabric loop bracket 21, the bracket comprises a fabric loop that is tightened around the object and secured by any means. The preferred fabric is nylon, but any fabric could be used. Possible means, meant as examples and not as a limitation in any way, include a buckle, a snap, and tie. Possible objects include the conduit 2, leg 12 and the container 13, but can be any object that the balloon filler 1 is needed to be secured to. The bracket 14 can be made of any material. The brackets 14 can be made of, as examples and not meant as a limitation in any way, wood, metal, fabric or plastic.
In some embodiments, the legs 12 could be foldable for easier storage. In some embodiments, the legs 12 could be removed and reattached. FIG. 5 illustrates a version of the invention with sawhorse 35 legs 12. In some versions, the sawhorse 35 legs 12 can be removed and stored more conveniently. In other versions, the sawhorse 35 legs 12 can be attached as part of the balloon filler 1 with a support for the balloon filler 1. The sawhorse 35 is secured to the balloon filler 1 by placing the balloon filler 1 within the sawhorse top 34 and the sawhorse bottom 33. Any part of the balloon filler can be placed between the sawhorse top 34 and the sawhorse bottom 33, but the preferred embodiment envisions the conduit 2 being placed between the sawhorse top 34 and the sawhorse bottom 33. Other embodiments of the legs 12 include a foot 23. The foot 23 can increase the stability of the leg 12. The foot 23 can also be secured to the ground by a stake 26 that can fit into a hole 24 in the foot 23. The stake 26 can be any pointed object that can be stuck in the ground. The stake 26 can be hand-driven or driven by a machine or a tool, such as a hammer. The stake 26 can be installed by hand, foot, or human power. The stake 26 can be made of wood, metal, plastic, or any other material. Further versions of the leg 12 could be designed to be stuck in the ground. These versions of leg 12 have a point 25. The point 25 can be stuck into the ground and secure the leg 12. Some versions of the legs 12 can have attachments to assist in pushing the leg 12 into the ground by foot or hand. Another version of the leg 12 is a leg 12 that is integrated into the balloon filler 1. FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a leg 12 integrated into the balloon filler 1. The example in FIG. 11 is only an example and is not meant as a limitation in any way.
The legs 12 can be any support, stand, or base that can support the balloon filler 1. The foot 23 can be any support, stand, or base that can support at least one leg 12. The foot 23 can be buried in the ground, as an example, but not as a limitation in any way, for use in sandy areas. There can be more than one foot 23. In some embodiments, the foot 23 can serve as the ingress 7. In some embodiments, one leg 12 can go into one foot 23. In some embodiments, more than one leg 12 can go into one foot 23. There can be one or more holes 24 in the foot 23. The foot 23 can be replaced by a point 25. The point 25 can also serve as the ingress 7. The foot may or may not have any holes.
The container 13 can be any container. The container 13 can be used to store the balloon filler 1 or any components of the balloon filler 1. The preferred embodiment envisions a container 13 that is a bucket. The container 13 can be a trash can and a wheel barrel. In a preferred embodiment, the container 13 can store all the parts of the balloon filler 1 or kits. Container 13 can also be a support, transport, workstation, and storage device. The container 13 can also be a utility tub, with or without handles.
The balloon filler 1 can also be packaged as a kit that will be assembled by the user or factory, partially or fully. In such a kit, the balloon filler 1 could include conduits 2, nozzles 3, ingress 7, cross-junctions 30, conduit ends 28, attachment points 8, and t-junctions 17, as well as means to attach these parts together. The means to attach these parts could include glue, adhesive, tape, and tools. A kit can include all or only some of these parts. A kit can also include trays 10, divider walls 17, legs 12, sawhorse 35, cover 27, egress conduits 31, brackets 14, a container 13, assembly instructions, game instructions, safety instructions, repair parts, extra parts, accessories, cover, storage bag, decorative material, ornaments, electronic devices, game/station setups, slingshots, catapults, balloons, ribbons, ties, tying devices, weights, anchors, pumps, inflators, software, training videos/material, video, audio, CD, DVD, tape, counter, other devices, stick, stake, foot, base, stands, one or more fillers or parts of fillers, and system installation guides. The balloon filler 1 kits can include the other attachment means. The balloon filler 1 kit may be sold without the nozzles 3 or filler source 9, or sold with different options that the user must install.
Other examples are shown in FIGS. 12-38: FIGS. 12-18 show variations of the configurations/shapes of the pipes and water feed system. FIG. 19 is an example of a kit. FIGS. 20-24 show various accessories of the invention. FIG. 25 is a leg/support for the ground installation. FIGS. 26-27 show examples of the ground installation. FIGS. 28-29 show accessories and parts, made by others in the industry, but can be used in our system. FIG. 30 is an assembled example. FIG. 31 is an accessory/part. FIG. 32 is an assembled set up.
FIG. 33 is an accessory/part, which can be used for conduit, portable, fixed, add-on, directly attached to the unit, attached through a hose as intermediary, used as a watering device, used as a game device, as a relay game, gardening, car-washing for kids, squirting, or any other activity for kids. Also, it represents a nozzle-on-a-nozzle, a multi-nozzle, can have its own shut-off valve, or rely on other parts for shut-off valve. Another application is connectivity to a continuous source of water, such as a long hose, enabling the kids to use it as a continuous water gun with a long reach. The nozzle can be fixed, adjustable, spray, or jet, with different settings and jet profiles/shapes.
FIGS. 34-38 are assembled set up examples.
For example, one of the embodiments shows a system coming off of a standard hose bib or spigot, which is attached to an outdoor water source for a building. It also includes a separate shutoff valve with a swivel component so that the device can be threaded onto the hose bib, since bibs are often adjacent to a wall, or have a pipe coming out of the ground, which would prevent threading. This device also includes legs for support, which may be telescopic, and/or include ground attachments. More nozzles and legs can be added to make a longer system. Also, a hose can come off of one of the egresses, to run other water devices such as a sprinkler, or just to use a standard garden hose or hoses.
It also shows the same device as above without the legs. (Picture this device suspended in the air from the hose bib.) Obviously, there is a stop at the end of each arm, and/or the last egress can serve as the stop, with a junction.
It also shows an alternative conduit system in a 360 degree design. It can be made in various lengths to fit the desired setup area along each plane. It is shown with an unattached spike at the base of the leg for water ingress, and/or a hose can attach at any point in the system. Obviously, stops are located at the proper spots. The legs can be attachable/detachable, and/or telescopic or foldable.
It also shows the addition of a container for filled balloon storage. It is another embodiment of a kit design. The system is easily removable, to get to the container or to insert another container or multiple containers.
It also shows a wheeled base which may or may not be mutually exclusive to the system design at the top. The system is a 360 degree filler, but also includes one cross support. It is possible to make a second cross support and increase the strength of the structure of the system.
It also shows two devices connected together with a section of hose to form a larger system, being from the same type or different types. This can be repeated numerous times. Additionally, devices can be connected at the base and/or at the top. Also, multiple water sources can be added along various points to maintain pressure. Furthermore, the attachments may be underground and/or integrated into the buildings. In another example, one station is fixed with a foot stake, and the other is wheeled, but any combination is possible.
It also shows a device in a chain with a lawn sprinkler. Multiple combinations are possible, with devices and sprinklers as part of smaller or larger systems. The device and sprinkler may be combined on the same product, or other water products or systems.
It also shows a sample station kit, with the component parts displayed. This kit includes a foot stake with an ingress and stop, and the parts to make a 2-nozzle device. Kits are useful to properly size a system for the users and may include useful templates and assembly tools and/or balloons, for example.
It also shows a pre-filled balloon and/or balloon tie storage area on the station. One or more than one are possible, and it can be integrated and/or attachable/detachable. Also, it can be designed to accept standard retail balloon bags and/or new bag designs, or other objects, such as water toys.
It also shows an ornamental pre-filled balloon and/or balloon tie storage area. It also shows another type of station stand with integrated water ingress and stop. The base may or may not have a ground attachment component and/or may allow ground attachment through the holes in the base, itself.
The following is a list of examples or embodiments that can apply to the current invention, as a single feature or in combination:
As one embodiment, it also includes air and helium inflators for non-water balloons. As one embodiment, it has multiple fillers, multiple kits, many stands, multiple stations, larger systems, storage units, or software for the control of the game or water supply. As one embodiment, it can have a filler nozzle with no valve.
Pioneer has the patented U.S. Pat. No. 5,439,199 nozzle and also sells a filling nozzle without a valve. Other manufacturers with valves on the filling nozzle have remarkably inferior devices, which are difficult to operate, or do not operate at all. It can include any of the nozzles in the industry.
As one embodiment, it can have any of the followings, as an example:

- any location of the shutoffs on the filler or the nozzle.
- single or multiple filling nozzles, including a slip joint water balloon filling nozzle, for water balloon battles or water wars.
- underground systems (or its kits).
- integrated with existing systems or add-ons.
- with multiple ingresses for larger systems.
- integrated into plumbing, outdoor, lawn, irrigation, or sprinkler systems.
- in a dedicated room, with any type of filling sinks and utility tubs.
- in one or more colors, or painted, decorated, engraved, or etched.
- adorns or decals, as a decoration or functional feature, such as UPC symbol, different instructions, or name.
- a component rotates or folds down, fully or partially, to provide certain functionality, access, user height compatibility, or for storage, which may or may not lock into a certain position.
- automated with software to detect the capacity, size, or weight of the balloon by one or more sensors, to stop the flow on an automatic switch, and tie up the balloon manually by the user or by a machine or robot.
- handbooks, templates, and videos for physical system design and kit design, with setup instructions.
- non-threaded or threaded balloon filling nozzles.
- wheeled filling stations.
- tying stations.
- slingshots or catapults.
- presented, packaged, or sold separately, integrated, or part of a kit.
- base or spike as a conduit or ingress (or the foot spike design).
- snap in components or tethers for kits or accessory parts for easier assembly/disassembly or other purposes.
- slip or threaded components.
- with various materials used such as PVC, CPVC, plastic, nylon, vinyl-based, copper, aluminum, alloy, steel, or flexible.
- with one-piece molded (or combinations of multiple pieces, or all parts).
- with ingress (pump, hose, faucet, irrigation system, multiple ingresses, or another filling station).
- with egress/arm/valves (balloon filler nozzle with and without valve, shutoff couplings, manifolds, hose bibs and spigots, or closed off).
- with ingresses and egresses reversed.
- source of filler can be anything, including tank, hose, pool, lake, stream, any natural or man-made water source, another filling station, and manual or electric pumps.
- any types of design, such as 360 degrees, perimeter, crossings, combinations, or other shapes.
- various stands: surface, buried, spikes, floating, telescopic, or any number of legs, one or more.
- any type of hanging device or attachable to various surfaces, such as a table, vehicle, water fountain, or pool.
- multi-level filling stations and stands.
- stand can be a conduit, or only for support (or a combination of those).
- telescopic conduit components and/or stand components.
- swivel components especially at hard to reach sources, such as hose bib, or to store assembled.
- straight, angled, or combination of types of nozzles.
- storage for pre-filled balloons on device and/or stand.
- storage for balloon tying devices on device and/or stand.
- adjustable components, and stabilization brackets or components.
- various portable designs and fixed designs (or combinations).
- filler with a threaded nozzle, non-threaded, and a combination of. (Same with valves.)
- nozzles and valves can come out of stand, as well.
- use of sprinklers and timers, or as a part of a kit.
- cover for device and/or stands (or part of a kit).
- storage bags for device and/or stands (or part of a kit).
- repair parts and repair kits.
- extensions and add-on accessories.
- use of foam, cleaning liquids, drinks for human or for other animal consumption, or bubbles, as a filler.
- uses, such as car washes, outdoor watering, camping, or other fluid dispensing.
- for professional, general, educational, or recreational use.
- other liquids, gases, and even solids, such as Play Doh or clay for playing, glue, or paints for crafts.
- to clean paint brushes or other devices.
- any type of nozzle or egress.
- relay games and other play activities, in addition to water balloon filling, especially water pistol types, splash bombs, water balls, sponges, and toy buckets.
- game and activity kits with the above features.
- a water game dispensing system or water relay game dispensing system.
- irrigation system.
- shutoff couplings or manifolds.
- floating or telescopic feature.

multi-level filling stations and stands.

- Aluminum pieces.
- telescopic, which allows for adjustable lengths, widths, and heights.
- tray as a means of storage, transport, or a work space.
- bracket as a mounting, support, or adjustment means.
- stake as a base securing or stabilizing means.
- a point as a ground attaching means, or a device stabilizing means.
- conduits meeting in 45 degree junctions, other angles, or part of a multi-level system.
- shutoff valve with either the nozzle going into that valve, or more of the conduit coming out of the shutoff valve, and then to the nozzle.
- snap-in components, of which there are various types for water on the market, or held by gaskets.
- be setup around volleyball courts for water balloon volleyball, along fields for relay games, as underground, or as portable.
- pre-drilled access holes for filler.
- cover for all or part of filler, with protection or security features, with lock or a separate area for the use of the system, such as a fenced area.
- foot spike for securing in the ground.
- N distribution from a same conduit or pipe.
- push-down pin to stop the flow for the nozzle.
- various nozzles, valves, or stopping/closing devices.
- use of ice tea, soda, lemonade, alcoholic beverages, soap, or bubbles.
- any geometrical shape or non-geometrical shape, for distribution channels.
- clamp-on, post, bury-base, floating, over-ground, wide-base, hollow, solid, or multi-chain versions of stands, legs, supports, or attaching means.
- pulsating sprinklers, such as those by melnor.com, e.g. with tripod or turbo-drive rotary.
- balloon pumps and inflators, with or without cylinder tanks.
- Tee, cross, elbow, coupling, stops, male adapter, and female adapter.
- clamps, ornamental design, with or without containers, strap, or turn-key.
- retail packaging and display.
- any material for balloon, any content inside balloon, any purpose for balloon, and any size balloon.

All prior art, such as www.softdunk.com and www.waterballoonbattle.com, present much bulkier and more expensive balloon fillers. However, the current invention is much smaller, easier to set up and carry, and less expensive to manufacture, due to its design, making it ideal for both home and professional use.
Super Soaker is another prior art, by Hasbro.com. The Water Blaster is another prior art: a product that can fill a balloon with air or water (www.waterblaster.net). It is an example of a portable balloon filling model. But they are different from our invention.
In one embodiment, the shape of the filler apparatus is a cross (“+”) capable of feeding 4 balloons. In general, a shape of star with N edges can feed N balloons simultaneously. In case of low water pressure, a small pump, e.g. electrical, manual, or gas-operated, can be added, to increase the flow and speed up the process. The valves, to control the flow, could be put at the end of the feed line, at the beginning of the feed line, in the middle of the feed line, in common for two or more feed lines, or in common for all lines.
The main feed can be attached to the middle/center of the cross or star, or middle, ends, or tips of one of the edges or lines of the cross or star. The unit can be sold/presented separately, as a kit, all attached, fully or partially attached/assembled, or with primary and/or secondary components, such as pipes, joints for pipes, dividers, T shapes, crosses, Y shapes, glue, primer, nozzles, valves, reducers, Teflon tape, clips, attaching means to ground or other objects, brochures, balloons, tethers, strings, ropes, chains, tips, elbows, all piping components, connection devices, pipe connectors, hose connectors, hose bib connectors, distributors, manifolds, spare reservoir or tank, pressure adjusting means, one-way valves, pressure meters, pressure release valves, heating unit for winter, de-icing unit for winter, anti-freeze salt or material, mixed liquid tank, insulation against hot or cold weather, and main valves.
In one embodiment, the shape of the distribution line is a cascade of crosses in series, in parallel, or in hierarchical structure. The elbows/pipes can have different angles, for ease of use. As one embodiment, in case of a large distribution, the pipe near the source is wider, while the one near the last balloon is narrower, to compensate for the pressure distribution along the pipe. The flow can be laminar flow or turbulent flow in the pipes, depending on the boundary conditions and type of fluid, and using barriers, inserts in the pipes, or bubble or foam generators.
The system can comprise a bubble maker, bubble dispenser, bubble wand, bubble station, or bubble container or storage area.
Although this invention has been illustrated by reference to specific embodiments/examples, the patent is intended to protect any variations, as well.

Claims

1. A balloon or toy filling, inserting, inputting, or stuffing system, said system comprising:

one or more inputs; and

one or more outputs;

wherein one or more substances go into said system through said one or more inputs,

wherein said one or more substances goes out of said system through said one or more outputs,

wherein said one or more outputs are connected to one or more balloons or toys, and

wherein said one or more balloons or toys are filled with said one or more substances.

2. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system comprises one or more conduits.

3. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said one or more substances is water.

4. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said one or more substances are one or more of the followings: air, helium, foam, bubbles, soap, gas, solid, soft drink, orange juice, tea, coffee, lemonade, drink, alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages, colored liquid, soft particles, sand, powder, liquid mixture, fluid mixture, solid in a liquid, ice mixture, solution, cleaning fluid, lubricating fluid, oil, or magnetic material or particles.

5. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said one or more balloons are one or more of the followings: latex balloons, water balloons, helium balloons, foil balloons, nylon balloons, vinyl, Qualatex, or Mylar balloons.

6. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said one or more outputs comprise one or more nozzles.

7. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said one or more outputs comprise one or more valves.

8. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system comprises one or more nozzles.

9. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system comprises one or more valves.

10. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said one or more inputs comprise one or more valves or nozzles.

11. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said one or more outputs adjust the flow of said one or more substances.

12. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said one or more inputs adjust the flow of said one or more substances.

13. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system adjusts the flow of said one or more substances.

14. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system adjusts the pressure inside said system.

15. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system comprises a pressure release valve.

16. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system comprises a flow meter.

17. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system comprises a pressure gauge.

18. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system comprises a one-way valve.

19. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system comprises conduits with more than one diameter in size.

20. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system comprises a manifold, faucet, shut-off coupling, or spigot.

21. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said one or more substances flow in a laminar flow regime.

22. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said one or more substances flow in a turbulent flow regime.

23. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system comprises a bubble maker, bubble dispenser, bubble wand, bubble station, or bubble container or storage area.

24. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system is connected to a hose.

25. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system is connected to a hose bib.

26. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system is mounted on an object.

27. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system is mounted on one or more of the followings: trash can, tub, utility tub, cup, bowl, pot, pan, table, chair, floatation device, hanging device, vehicle, fence, pool, shed, basket, bucket, tray, container, box, cylinder tank, tank, barrel, drum, 55 gallon drum, or wheelbarrow.

28. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system is mobile.

29. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system has one or more wheels.

30. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system is positioned underground or underwater, partially or fully.

31. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system is connected to an irrigation setup.

32. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system is connected to a sprinkler setup.

33. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system is attached to an object.

34. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system comprises one or more of the followings: adjustable bracket, fabric loop, fastener, bracket, clamp, turnkey clamp, chain, string, tether, belt, snap-in component, staple, tape, hook and loop fastener, bolt, washer, connecting means, attaching means, hook, loop, tie, knot, screw, nail, VELCRO, or nut.

35. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system comprises one or more of the followings: leg, support, stand, base, foot, stick, nail, peg, tent peg, bar, tri-pod, bracket, point, stake, securing means, stabilizing means, or anchor.

36. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system is connected to a water spigot, valve, faucet, fountain, pipe, manifold, or spout.

37. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system comprises one or more handles, carrying means, or storage bags.

38. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system comprises an angled nozzle, or a nozzle in a shape of a cartoon character, or mimic an object, person, or item.

39. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system comprises a storage space, workspace, play space, bin, container, tray, enclosure, wall, or compartment.

40. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system comprises a counting, sizing, marking, or measuring device.

41. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system comprises a cascade of filling devices, in series, in parallel, hierarchical, or in combination.

42. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system comprises one or more conduits, valves, or nozzles,

wherein said one or more conduits, valves, or nozzles are made of one or more of the followings: plastic, PVC, CPVC, vinyl compound, metal, copper, alloy, aluminum, wood, artificial material, natural material, flexible material, hose, multiple materials, mixture, elastic material, rubber, or non-treaded or threaded objects.

43. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system comprises one or more of the followings: welded joint, snap-in joint, screwed joint, bolted joint, un-sealed joint, soldered joint, glued joint, taped joint, threaded male end, or threaded female end.

44. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system comprises one or more of the followings: telescopic conduit, telescopic cover, or telescopic leg.

45. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system is assembled at the factory, partially or fully.

46. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system is assembled by a user, partially or fully.

47. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system is sold, presented, or distributed as a kit.

48. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system is a part of a balloon, toy, or game kit.

49. A system as recited in claim 48, wherein said kit comprises one or more of the followings: glue, CD, VCR tape, DVD, instructions for game, instructions for safety, instructions for assembly, manual, disk, training instructions, templates, tools, repair parts, accessories, ribbon, tying devices, balloon ties, game setups, station markers, input for the filler, inflators, pumps, tanks, software, joint, connector, connecting means, adhesive, balloon, leg, stand, hose, hose connector, tether, string, clip, or rope.

50. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system is displayed, sold, or presented in a store.

51. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system comprises an angled valve.

52. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system comprises differently oriented nozzles with respect to each other.

53. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system comprises differently oriented nozzles with respect to a conduit.

54. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system comprises conduits with straight, cross, star, sawhorse leg, multilevel, or T-shape configuration.

55. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system comprises decorations.

56. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system comprises pumps or inflators.

57. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system is portable.

58. A system as recited in claim 48, wherein said kit comprises slingshot or catapult.

59. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system comprises a cap, a stop, or a termination piece.

60. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system comprises an extended nozzle, multi-nozzle, filler nozzle, or a mobile component for a fixed filling station.

61. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said one or more substances are one or more of the followings: a stuffed toy, small toy, expandable object, printed objects, dolls, candies, toys, stuffed objects, coins, gifts, collectibles, games, instructions, characters, cards, spongy material, geometric shapes, magnetic objects or toys, natural objects, or man-made objects.

62. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said one or more toys are one or more of the followings: water pistol, guns, Super Soaker, water toys, pool toys, water cannons, water launchers, Water Blaster, squirt guns, Max Infusion, Stream Machine, water toy backpacks, pump action water toys, water or non-water based toys, water buckets, splash bombs, water balls, or toy sprinklers.

63. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said one or more substances are one or more fluids.

64. A system as recited in claim 63, wherein at least one of said one or more fluids causes an item to expand inside a balloon.

65. A system as recited in claim 64, wherein said item is one or more of the followings: a toy, character, doll, card, stuffed animal, sponge, text, game piece, collectibles, candy, coin, chocolate, miniature car, paper toys, absorbing material, chemical-reactive material, spring-loaded toys, another balloon, snow-globe toy, gift, surprises, instruction, clue, picture, artwork, or jewelry.

66. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system comprises one or more manual or electronic devices or components.

67. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system comprises display, computer, counting devices, timers, or on-off switches.

68. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system comprises a cleaning, liquid dispensing, or washing station for humans or other objects.

69. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system is connected to a bird bath, lawn ornament, hose reel, hose stand, hose cart, building plumber system, or hose hanger.

70. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system comprises a cover with lock, a cover without lock, partial cover, or any safety or protection means.

71. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system comprises a popping, bursting, squirting, spraying, or blowing device.

72. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said system is sold, presented, or distributed on a retail display.