Knots and knot tying – Methods
Reexamination Certificate
2000-06-16
2001-12-04
Calvert, John J. (Department: 3765)
Knots and knot tying
Methods
C289S002000, C289S017000, C289S018100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06325426
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains to tying the end of an inflated party balloon so that the inflating medium (e.g. air, helium etc.) will not escape from the tied end of the balloon.
Numerous methods have been used to tie the ends of party balloons filled with air, helium or other inflating gases, so that the balloons maintain their shape and can be used either singularly or in groups to form patterns or clusters or even balloon sculptures. One method is to use a length of string to tie the end of the balloon after it is inflated so that the balloon maintains it shape.
A device that slips over the finger has been marketed for aiding a user in tying the end of a filled balloon. Such devices are available from Unique Industries Inc. of Philadelphia, Pa.
As anyone who has been involved with inflating balloons for parties, other indoor or outdoor activities, family gatherings and the like knows it is a chore to tie the end of an inflated balloon into which the inflating medium has been introduced when just using the balloon material itself. Therefore, there is a need for a device and method that will provide a user with the ability to securely tie the end of an inflated party balloon.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a device in the nature of a rigid surface having a radius of curvature the device having a keyhole shaped aperture extending from one edge of the device. The device is sized so that the end of the balloon used to introduce inflating medium can be wrapped around the device and the distal portion of the filling end placed into the keyhole so that a simple sliding of the wrapped portion of the balloon over the keyhole shaped opening and off of the device produces a securely tied end of the inflated balloon.
Thus, in one aspect the present invention is a device for tying a knot in a gaseous fluid filled balloon like device having a neck like filling portion, comprising in combination; a rigid surface having a radius of curvature, the rigid surface having a length greater than about one-half inch; the surface having the general shape of a portion of a cylinder; at least one slot extending from an edge of the surface of the device perpendicular to the radius of curvature of the surface toward an opposite edge of the rigid surface; and a generally circular aperture in the surface, the circular aperture having a vertical central axis generally parallel to the radius of curvature of the rigid surface, the aperture and the slot forming a primary generally key-hole shaped opening in the rigid surface.
In another aspect the present invention is a device for tying inflated balloons comprising in combination; a generally cylindrical body having a first end and a second end; at least one slot in a wall of the body, the slot extending from the first end toward the second end of the body, and a generally circular shaped aperture communicating with the slot to form a generally key-hole shaped opening in the wall of the body.
In yet another aspect of the present invention is a method for rapidly tying inflated balloon comprising the steps of; providing a device having a generally cylindrical body having a first end and a second end; at least one slot in a wall of the body the slot extending from the first end toward the second end of the body, and a generally circular shaped aperture communicating with the slot to form a generally key-hole shaped opening in the wall of the body, elongating a filling end of the balloon, placing the elongated filling end over the slot in the device, wrapping the elongated end of the balloon around the body of the device and over the portion of the balloon placed over the slot in the device, placing the extreme end of the elongated end of the balloon in the slot in the device, and rolling the wrapped portion of the filling end of the balloon in a direction toward and over the extreme end portion of the balloon to form a knot in the filling end of the balloon.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4510653 (1985-04-01), Semanko
patent: 4989906 (1991-02-01), Peverley
patent: 5039142 (1991-08-01), Muma
patent: 5098137 (1992-03-01), Wardall
patent: 5104160 (1992-04-01), Cheng
patent: 5314217 (1994-05-01), Place
patent: 5568950 (1996-10-01), Herren
patent: 5611578 (1997-03-01), Angelico, Sr. et al.
patent: 5882051 (1999-03-01), Dreger et al.
patent: 6082785 (2000-07-01), Morgan et al.
Calvert John J.
Ratner & Prestia
Welch Gary L.
LandOfFree
Device and method for tying inflated party balloons does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Device and method for tying inflated party balloons, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Device and method for tying inflated party balloons will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2569165