Knots and knot tying – Hand implements
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-22
2001-05-08
Neas, Michael A. (Department: 3741)
Knots and knot tying
Hand implements
C289S002000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06227580
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to devices and tools for tying knots, and more particularly, to a mechanism or assembly, that is adapted for rigid mounting to allow a user to use two hands to operate the mechanism, for tying an overhand knot in the stem of an inflated balloon.
2. Description of the Related Art
Toy or party balloons made of elastic material are used in large numbers around the world requiring a person to tie a knot in each balloon to seal the air or other gas, such as helium, inside the balloon. An overhand knot is the typical way to seal the gas inside once the balloon is inflated. Although tying an overhand knot in a piece of string or rope is a relatively easy task, tying an overhand knot in the stem of an inflated balloon is a more difficult task. The stem, i.e., the portion of the balloon that is relatively uninflated near the opening or ring, is usually too short to form a loop with a person's fingers or otherwise that will remain open or relatively loose on its own. The balloon ring on the open end of the stem is relatively large and thus difficult to pass through the small loop typically around a person's fingers. In addition to being a relatively difficult task, tying a large number of balloons completely by hand can lead to pain or repetitive motion injuries for the individual(s) assigned this task.
A number of devices have been developed to assist individuals with this knot tying task. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,039,142 to Muma generally discloses a simple plate-like device with slots and a recessed surface that a user holds in one hand and manipulates a balloon with the other hand. Because the hand-held device has no moving parts, the user has to first wrap the balloon stem around and into the device to form a loop. Further manipulation of the loop of balloon stem and/or the balloon ring is then required to form the knot and extricate the knotted balloon from the device with one hand while supporting the device with the other hand, which can be awkward for the user and often does not resolve the problem of repeated motion injuries and pain.
A number of other hand-held, knot-tying devices make use of tapered form surfaces (i.e., surfaces for forming the loop in the balloon stem during the knot tying process) and/or low friction coatings to assist the user in forming the knot or removing the balloon both of which typically increase the cost and complexity of manufacturing. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,882,051 to Dreger et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,578 to Angelico, Sr. et al.
In addition to devices specifically designed for balloons, a number of typically complex to manufacture and often complicated-to-use devices have been developed to assist individuals in typing knots, such as strong fishing knots. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,752,516 to Mumma. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 3,712,651 to Shockley discloses a relatively complicated to use and to manufacture device for tying a knot in fishing line. This device relies on the working combination of a multitude of moving parts including several internal springs and a clamp with movable jaws to hold the end of the material being tied. Additionally, the device includes a crank handle which must be turned to form the knot, a multiple arm linkage connecting the crank handle to the clamp, and a form sleeve which slides into a bore to push the loop off of the form. While this device may be useful for thin fishing line, it may have problems with the balloon film, i.e., elastic wall material, being pulled into the bore and jamming the device. The device is also complicated to operate, requiring a number of separate operations. First, the loop must be formed by wrapping the form. Second, the balloon ring must be secured in the clamp device. Third, the hand crank must be turned until the knot is formed and the loop is pushed off of the form. Fourth, the balloon must be grabbed as it is released from the clamp.
While these devices attempt to address some of the existing problems with tying a large number of knots in balloons, they fail to address and resolve many of the problems, including the pains and injuries caused by repetitive motion. Consequently, there remains a need for an apparatus for resolving the ongoing problems associated with tying knots in balloons and other elastic material. Particularly, a balloon, knot-tying device is needed that can gain widespread acceptance in the market. Further, the device preferably will be easy to use, quick to operate, and economical to manufacture in quantity.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for effectively and efficiently tying a knot in a stem of an inflated balloon or other elastic object.
It is a related object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for tying a knot in the stem of an inflated balloon that is simple and quick to operate by a user to better control the occurrence of pain and injury to the user even after numerous operations of the apparatus.
It is another related object of the present invention to provide an inexpensive and reliable apparatus for tying knots in the stem of inflated balloons that is inexpensive to manufacture and maintain.
Additional objects, advantages, and novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned by the practice of the invention. The objects and the advantages may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and in combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
To achieve the foregoing and other objects and in accordance with the purposes of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described therein, a knot-tying assembly is provided that generally comprises a mounting base, a support arm extending from the mounting base, and a hollow form (i.e., structure for enabling a user to form a properly-sized loop) positioned and configured to slide over the outer surface of the support arm to allow a user to quickly and efficiently tie a knot in the stem of a balloon.
According to one aspect of the invention, the knot-tying assembly is configured to be rigidly mounted to allow the user of the assembly to have two hands free for manipulating an inflated balloon and the assembly. In one embodiment, the knot-tying assembly includes an integral mounting base that is adopted for rigid mounting to a support structure such as a wall and the like. In this regard, the mounting base includes holes for fasteners, such as screws or bolts, although the mounting base could be otherwise fastened to a support structure (e.g., by welding and the like). In another embodiment, the mounting base is configured for mounting to a helium or other gas regulator that is used to fill balloons. In this embodiment, the mounting base includes holes for fasteners that attach the mounting base to an intermediate mounting block, which is configured for connection to the regulator. Alternatively, the mounting base may include male or female threaded connectors for directly mounting onto the regulator.
According to another aspect of the invention, the knot-tying assembly is adapted to be easy to use in tying an effective sealing knot in an inflated balloon and to be readily and inexpensively manufactured. In this regard, the mounting base, the support arm, the form, and other components of the knot-tying assembly are fabricated from inexpensive and readily available materials selected for characteristics of rigidity, strength, and wear-resistance, such as, for example, any of a number of metals and plastics. In one embodiment, all of the components are fabricated from metals, such as carbon steel, that can be readily machined and welded.
For ease of manufacture and use, the knot-tying assembly includes a support arm extending substantially perpendicularly outward from the mounting base. The support arm is generally cylindrical in cross
LandOfFree
Mountable mechanism for tying knots in inflated 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 Mountable mechanism for tying knots in inflated balloons, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Mountable mechanism for tying knots in inflated balloons will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2475211