US20170225809A1 - Device and Method for Filling and Sealing at Least One Water Balloon - Google Patents
Device and Method for Filling and Sealing at Least One Water Balloon Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20170225809A1 US20170225809A1 US15/429,137 US201715429137A US2017225809A1 US 20170225809 A1 US20170225809 A1 US 20170225809A1 US 201715429137 A US201715429137 A US 201715429137A US 2017225809 A1 US2017225809 A1 US 2017225809A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- neck
- balloon
- plug
- assembly according
- filler
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title claims abstract description 54
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title description 3
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 title description 2
- 210000003739 neck Anatomy 0.000 claims abstract description 116
- 239000010902 straw Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 48
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 23
- 239000013536 elastomeric material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 239000004816 latex Substances 0.000 abstract description 17
- 229920000126 latex Polymers 0.000 abstract description 17
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 abstract description 2
- 208000027418 Wounds and injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 229920001400 block copolymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 208000014674 injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002480 mineral oil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000010446 mineral oil Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000005060 rubber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002379 silicone rubber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004945 silicone rubber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003051 synthetic elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000005061 synthetic rubber Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H27/00—Toy aircraft; Other flying toys
- A63H27/10—Balloons
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B3/00—Packaging plastic material, semiliquids, liquids or mixed solids and liquids, in individual containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, or jars
- B65B3/04—Methods of, or means for, filling the material into the containers or receptacles
- B65B3/17—Methods of, or means for, filling the material into the containers or receptacles for filling valve bags
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B39/00—Nozzles, funnels or guides for introducing articles or materials into containers or wrappers
- B65B39/007—Guides or funnels for introducing articles into containers or wrappers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B7/00—Closing containers or receptacles after filling
- B65B7/02—Closing containers or receptacles deformed by, or taking-up shape, of, contents, e.g. bags, sacks
- B65B7/025—Closing valve bags
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H27/00—Toy aircraft; Other flying toys
- A63H27/10—Balloons
- A63H2027/1033—Inflation devices or methods for inflating balloons
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H27/00—Toy aircraft; Other flying toys
- A63H27/10—Balloons
- A63H2027/1041—Holding or sealing means, e.g. handling rods, clamps or plugs
Definitions
- 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.
- filling stations for latex balloons exist that join a balloon to a water supply, such as the spigot of a sink or hose.
- a water supply such as the spigot of a sink or hose.
- the neck of the balloon must be sealed to prevent the water from escaping the balloon.
- 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.
- tying a knot in the neck of a filled water balloon is difficult and beyond the skill level of many children.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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;
- FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a neck plug used to seal the neck of a water balloon;
- 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;
- FIG. 4 shows the embodiment of FIG. 3 with the neck plug engaged by a latex balloon and pierced by a fill straw;
- 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;
- 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.
- 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 D 1 .
- 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 12 A. This creates the water balloon 12 B.
- the neck 26 of the latex balloon 12 A has to be sealed. This is accomplished using an elastomeric neck plug 30 .
- the neck plug 30 is positioned inside the neck 26 of the latex balloon 12 A, prior to filling.
- the neck plug 30 blocks the neck 26 of the balloon 12 A, therein trapping the water 24 inside the water balloon 12 B.
- 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 D 1 .
- the neck plug 30 also has a cylindrical body 34 with the same primary diameter D 1 .
- 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 .
- the primary diameter D 1 of the cylindrical body 34 is sized to be larger than the relaxed diameter of the neck 26 of the latex balloon 12 A. In this manner, the neck 26 of the latex balloon 12 A 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 12 A. The friction is sufficient to retain the neck plug 30 in the neck of the water balloon 12 B even as the water balloon 12 B is completely filled.
- 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 12 A or water balloon 12 B, 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 12 B.
- 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 12 A or water balloon 12 B, the neck plug 30 is still soft. In this manner, the form of the neck plug 30 will not cause a rupture
- the neck plug 30 has a length L 1 between the flat top surface 28 and the flat bottom surface 32 of between five millimeters and twenty millimeters.
- the preferred length L 1 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 L 2 , which is between 80% and 90% of the full length L 1 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 .
- the diameter D 2 of the blind bore 40 is smaller than the diameter D 1 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 12 A so that the neck plug 30 blocks the neck 26 .
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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 12 A.
- water 24 can be advanced through the fill straw 22 and into the latex balloon 12 A to create a water balloon 12 B.
- the flow of water 24 is continued until the water balloon 12 B is full.
- FIG. 5 it can be seen that once the water balloon 12 B is filled, the fill straw 22 is pulled out of the water balloon 12 B 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 12 B.
- the assembly 10 can be sold with multiple fill straws 22 that are pre-loaded with neck plugs 30 and balloons 12 A. 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 12 A will automatically fill with water. Once filled, the water balloons 12 B 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 12 B self seal the moment the fill straws 22 separates from the neck plugs 30 .
- FIG. 6 an alternate embodiment of the neck plug 50 is shown.
- 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 12 A and, therefore, serve the same purpose as rounded ribs.
- 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 12 A.
- 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.
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.
Description
- This application claims the priority of Provisional Patent Application No. 62/293,582, filed Feb. 10, 2016.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- 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.
- 2. Prior Art Description
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
-
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; -
FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a neck plug used to seal the neck of a water balloon; -
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the neck plug shown inFIG. 2 shown in conjunction with a latex balloon and a filler straw; -
FIG. 4 shows the embodiment ofFIG. 3 with the neck plug engaged by a latex balloon and pierced by a fill straw; -
FIG. 5 shows the embodiment ofFIG. 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 -
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. - 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.
- Referring to
FIG. 1 , theoverall assembly 10 for creatingwater balloons 12B is shown. Theassembly 10 includes afill station 14. Thefill station 14 has afemale connector 16 that enables the fill station to be connected to awater source 18, such as the spigot of a sink or hose. Theconnector 16 directs water into amanifold 20. Themanifold 20 directs water into a plurality offill straws 22. Thefill straws 22 are plastic tubes that have an outside diameter D1. -
Water 24 is selectively channeled through thefill straws 22 from the manifold 20. Thewater 24 that is flowing through thefill straw 22 is used to fill alatex balloon 12A. This creates thewater balloon 12B. In order for thewater balloon 12B to be removed from thefill station 14, theneck 26 of thelatex balloon 12A has to be sealed. This is accomplished using anelastomeric neck plug 30. - The neck plug 30 is positioned inside the
neck 26 of thelatex balloon 12A, prior to filling. The neck plug 30 blocks theneck 26 of theballoon 12A, therein trapping thewater 24 inside thewater balloon 12B. Referring toFIG. 2 andFIG. 3 , it can be seen that theneck plug 30 has a generally cylindrical shape. The neck plug 30 has a flattop surface 28 and an oppositeflat bottom surface 32. The flattop surface 28 and theflat bottom surface 32 have a common diameter D1. The neck plug 30 also has acylindrical body 34 with the same primary diameter D1. Thecylindrical body 34 extends between the flattop surface 28 and theflat bottom surface 32. One or morerounded ribs 36 are provided on the exterior of thecylindrical body 34 for a purpose that is later described. Therounded ribs 36 extend in planes that are parallel to both the flattop surface 28 and theflat bottom surface 32. - The primary diameter D1 of the
cylindrical body 34 is sized to be larger than the relaxed diameter of theneck 26 of thelatex balloon 12A. In this manner, theneck 26 of thelatex balloon 12A must stretch in order to pass over theneck plug 30. The presence of therounded ribs 36 increases the friction between theneck plug 30 and theneck 26 of theballoon 12A. The friction is sufficient to retain theneck plug 30 in the neck of thewater balloon 12B even as thewater balloon 12B is completely filled. - 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 theneck plug 30 is strong enough to maintain its own shape when compressed in theneck 26 of theballoon 12A orwater balloon 12B, theneck plug 30 is still soft. In this manner, the form of theneck plug 30 will not cause a rupture. Likewise, theneck plug 30 will not scratch or cause any contact injury if it strikes a person when thrown as part of a filledwater balloon 12B. - The neck plug 30 has a length L1 between the flat
top surface 28 and theflat bottom surface 32 of between five millimeters and twenty millimeters. The preferred length L1 is approximately ten millimeters. Ablind bore 40 is formed into theneck plug 30 in the center of theflat bottom surface 32. The blind bore 40 penetrates thecylindrical body 34 for a second length L2, which is between 80% and 90% of the full length L1 of theneck plug 30. Accordingly, only a thinbreachable segment 38 of elastomeric material exists between theend 42 of the blind bore 40 and the flattop surface 28 of theneck plug 30. - Referring to
FIG. 3 andFIG. 4 in conjunction withFIG. 1 andFIG. 2 , it will be understood that the diameter D2 of the blind bore 40 is smaller than the diameter D1 of thefill straws 22 that extend from themanifold 20 of thefill station 14. The neck plug 30 is placed inside theneck 26 of aballoon 12A so that the neck plug 30 blocks theneck 26. The only surface of theneck plug 30 that is visible from outside thelatex balloon 12A, is theflat bottom surface 32. - A
fill straw 22 is inserted into the blind bore 40 on theflat bottom surface 32 of theneck plug 30. Thefill straw 22 is wider than theblind bore 40. As such, thefill straw 22 stretches the blind bore 40 as it is advanced into theblind bore 40. This creates a watertight seal between the exterior of thefill straw 22 and the interior of theblind bore 40. Thefill straw 22 will advance into the blind bore 40 until thefill straw 22 contacts thebreachable segment 38 at theend 42 of theblind bore 40. If enough force is provided, thefill straw 22 can break through thebreachable segment 38 and be advanced directly through theneck plug 30. - Due to the elastomeric material comprising the
neck plug 30, thebreachable segment 38 typically tears along a single rupture line when stressed by thefill straw 22. The elastomeric material separates at the rupture line and thefill straw 22 passes through thebreachable segment 38 and into theneck 26 of thelatex balloon 12A. - Once the
fill straw 22 extends through theneck plug 30 and into theballoon 12A,water 24 can be advanced through thefill straw 22 and into thelatex balloon 12A to create awater balloon 12B. The flow ofwater 24 is continued until thewater balloon 12B is full. Referring toFIG. 5 , it can be seen that once thewater balloon 12B is filled, thefill straw 22 is pulled out of thewater balloon 12B and theneck plug 30. The elastomeric nature of theneck plug 30 combined with the hydraulic pressure of thewater 24 causes the rupture in thebreachable segment 38 to automatically seal. The result is a full and sealedwater balloon 12B. - Returning to
FIG. 1 , it will be understood that theassembly 10 can be sold withmultiple fill straws 22 that are pre-loaded with neck plugs 30 and balloons 12A. In this manner, once removed from its packaging, theassembly 10 need only be connected to awater source 18. Oncewater 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 thefill straws 22 or may fall away from thefill 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 thefill straws 22 separates from the neck plugs 30. - Referring to
FIG. 6 , an alternate embodiment of theneck plug 50 is shown. In this embodiment, the rounded ribs of the previous embodiment are removed and replaced withgrooves 52. Thegrooves 52 increase the friction with theneck 26 of theballoon 12A and, therefore, serve the same purpose as rounded ribs. - The embodiment in
FIG. 6 also shows an alternate shape for thetop surface 54 of theneck plug 50. The neck plug 50 has atop surface 54 with acentral 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 theneck plug 50 into theneck 26 of aballoon 12A. The shape of the apex 56 also acts to better seal any breach made in thetop surface 54 at the apex 56, because the hydraulic pressure presses against the angled top surfaces and acts to close any rupture. - 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.
Claims (20)
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.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US15/429,137 US20170225809A1 (en) | 2016-02-10 | 2017-02-09 | Device and Method for Filling and Sealing at Least One Water Balloon |
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Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US201662293582P | 2016-02-10 | 2016-02-10 | |
US15/429,137 US20170225809A1 (en) | 2016-02-10 | 2017-02-09 | Device and Method for Filling and Sealing at Least One Water Balloon |
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US20170225809A1 true US20170225809A1 (en) | 2017-08-10 |
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US15/429,137 Abandoned US20170225809A1 (en) | 2016-02-10 | 2017-02-09 | Device and Method for Filling and Sealing at Least One Water Balloon |
Country Status (1)
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US (1) | US20170225809A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20160101882A1 (en) * | 2014-02-07 | 2016-04-14 | Tinnus Enterprises, Llc | System and method for filling containers with fluids |
US20170043270A1 (en) * | 2015-08-14 | 2017-02-16 | Kbidc Investments, Llc | Reusable balloon multi-fill system |
US20170240304A1 (en) * | 2016-02-20 | 2017-08-24 | Hui Lin | Filling container |
WO2022105385A1 (en) * | 2020-11-23 | 2022-05-27 | 石家庄禾柏生物技术股份有限公司 | Air inlet structure for kit |
USD1018689S1 (en) * | 2018-07-10 | 2024-03-19 | Zuru (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. | Set of balloons |
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US6340359B1 (en) * | 1996-12-20 | 2002-01-22 | David G. Silverman | Process for reversibly compressing prechannelled/preweakened diaphragms |
US6790120B1 (en) * | 2003-09-11 | 2004-09-14 | Robert H. Murray | Balloon valve adapter for supporting different sizes of toy balloons and assemblies using same |
US20120289120A1 (en) * | 2011-05-13 | 2012-11-15 | Premium Balloon Accessories, Inc. | Valve and retainer assembly for latex balloons |
US20140212074A1 (en) * | 2013-01-25 | 2014-07-31 | Lance Durst | Method and apparatus for sealing a balloon |
US9051066B1 (en) * | 2014-02-07 | 2015-06-09 | Tinnus Enterprises, Llc | System and method for filling containers with fluids |
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US1315955A (en) * | 1919-09-16 | Valve for inelatimra bodies | ||
US3154050A (en) * | 1962-07-06 | 1964-10-27 | Chris A Hanson | Emergency signal apparatus |
US6340359B1 (en) * | 1996-12-20 | 2002-01-22 | David G. Silverman | Process for reversibly compressing prechannelled/preweakened diaphragms |
US6790120B1 (en) * | 2003-09-11 | 2004-09-14 | Robert H. Murray | Balloon valve adapter for supporting different sizes of toy balloons and assemblies using same |
US20120289120A1 (en) * | 2011-05-13 | 2012-11-15 | Premium Balloon Accessories, Inc. | Valve and retainer assembly for latex balloons |
US20140212074A1 (en) * | 2013-01-25 | 2014-07-31 | Lance Durst | Method and apparatus for sealing a balloon |
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Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20160101882A1 (en) * | 2014-02-07 | 2016-04-14 | Tinnus Enterprises, Llc | System and method for filling containers with fluids |
US20170267381A1 (en) * | 2014-02-07 | 2017-09-21 | Tinnus Enterprises, Llc | System and method for filling containers with fluids |
US9950817B2 (en) * | 2014-02-07 | 2018-04-24 | Tinnus Enterprises, Llc | System and method for filling containers with fluids |
US10894620B2 (en) * | 2014-02-07 | 2021-01-19 | Tinnus Enterprises Llc | System and method for filling containers with fluids |
US20170043270A1 (en) * | 2015-08-14 | 2017-02-16 | Kbidc Investments, Llc | Reusable balloon multi-fill system |
US20170240304A1 (en) * | 2016-02-20 | 2017-08-24 | Hui Lin | Filling container |
US9944415B2 (en) * | 2016-02-20 | 2018-04-17 | Hui Lin | Filling container |
USD1018689S1 (en) * | 2018-07-10 | 2024-03-19 | Zuru (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. | Set of balloons |
WO2022105385A1 (en) * | 2020-11-23 | 2022-05-27 | 石家庄禾柏生物技术股份有限公司 | Air inlet structure for kit |
JP7386381B1 (en) | 2020-11-23 | 2023-11-24 | 石家庄禾柏生物技▲術▼股▲ふん▼有限公司 | Intake structure of reagent kit |
US11931732B2 (en) | 2020-11-23 | 2024-03-19 | Shijiazhuang Hipro Biotechnology Co., Ltd. | Gas inlet structure for reagent kit |
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