Amusement devices: toys – Inflatable
Reexamination Certificate
2000-10-13
2003-12-16
Ackun, Jacob K. (Department: 3712)
Amusement devices: toys
Inflatable
Reexamination Certificate
active
06663460
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention herein resides in the art of balloon devices and accessories. More particularly, the invention relates to a balloon weight assembly adapted to be tethered to an inflated balloon in restraint thereof. Specifically, the invention relates to a balloon weight assembly adapted to provide ballast in various amounts. Particularly, the balloon weight is characterized by a cavity configured to receive weights of various masses, as described.
BACKGROUND ART
The use of balloons as a “favor” or at parties, celebrations, and other events is now extremely well known. Millions of balloons are so used each year. Generally such balloons are attached to either a stick and a cup or a ribbon so that they can be restrained by the user. Additionally, the balloons are typically filled with helium gas to provide a “lift”, allowing them to stay aloft at the end of the tethered ribbon. Of particular concern of many localities is assurances that such inflated balloons are restrained from free flight into electrical power lines and transformers as well as the atmosphere. Particular concern exists with respect to Mylar or metallic balloons, which pose a threat to electrical transmission wires, and which are not biodegradable. Many municipalities and other governmental agencies consider such balloons to pose at least some threat to the environment. Accordingly, many governmental agencies require that such metallic balloons be tethered to a weight, with the weight being sufficient to prevent the balloon from free flight into the atmosphere.
It has previously been known to employ a weight at the end of a ribbon tethered to a balloon, to restrain the balloon from free flight. But, the size of the weight necessary to prevent escape of the balloon is a function of the size or “lift” of the balloon. In the past, it has been necessary for retailers to have available a wide variation of balloon weights in order to accomodate the various sizes of balloons being sold. The need for such a wide variety of balloon weights aggravates costs of both manufacturing and inventory.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
In light of the foregoing, it is an aspect of the instant invention to provide a balloon weight with selectable ballast in which a housing has a cavity adapted to receive weights of various masses dependent upon the size or “lift” of the associated balloon.
The foregoing and other aspects of the invention which will become apparent as the detailed description proceeds are achieved by a balloon weight housing having a cavity configured to selectively receive weights of various masses, such weights being received in the cavity by a press fit.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5016848 (1991-05-01), Metz
patent: 5035391 (1991-07-01), Steele et al.
patent: 5074510 (1991-12-01), Metz
patent: 5088952 (1992-02-01), Goldblatt
patent: 5415607 (1995-05-01), Carpenter
patent: 5662510 (1997-09-01), Wolens
patent: 5755419 (1998-05-01), Gearhart et al.
patent: 5938154 (1999-08-01), Bartels
patent: 6234934 (2001-05-01), Gorczyca
Ackun Jacob K.
Francis Faye
Premium Balloon Accessories, Inc.
Renner Kenner Greive Bobak Taylor & Weber
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