ILLUMINATED BALLOON

• US 3,592,157 A
• Filed: 04/03/1969
• Issued: 07/13/1971
• Est. Priority Date: 04/03/1969
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Robert C. Schwartz
• Original Assignee: Robert C. Schwartz
• Inventors: Schwartz, Robert C.
• Application Number:
  US04/813,244
• Time in Patent Office: 831 Days
• US Class Current: 340/815.74
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 2027/1058 associated with light or sound
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 2027/1091 with object inserted within; Means or methods for insertion of objects
• CPC Class Codes: B63B 2201/08 Electric light
• CPC Class Codes: B63B 2201/14 Balloon
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 3/023 Chinese lanterns; Balloons
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2121/00 Use or application of lighting devices or systems for decorative purposes, not provided for in codes F21W2102/00 – F21W2107/00
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 5/002 Distress signalling devices, e.g. rescue balloons vehicle optical signalling for indicating emergencies B60Q1/52
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/806 Ornamental or decorative

Abstract

An illuminated balloon adapted to function as a signal beacon or as a display device, the balloon being constituted by an inflatable bag of translucent material having a spout. Inserted in the spout to hermetically seal the bag is a stopper having a self-sealing plug portion to receive a hypodermic needle for injecting a lighter-than-air gas into the bag in order to inflate it to its full dimensions. Disposed within the bag at the end of a pair of stiff leads and connected thereto is an electrical light bulb, the leads extending through the stopper to external terminals. A battery serving as an anchor for the floating balloon is connected to the terminals by means of a flexible cable acting also to tether the balloon.

Claims

1. An illuminated balloon assembly comprising:

a. a bag capable of containing gas and formed of flexible, translucent material, said bag having an inlet spout, b. a stopper inserted in saiD spout and sealed thereto, said stopper being constituted by a relatively rigid gas-impermeable section and a plug section formed of self-sealing material extending between the ends of the stopper and adapted to receive a hypodermic needle to inject a lighter-than-air gas into the bag to inflate same, c. an electric light bulb disposed within said bag, d. a pair of relatively stiff, electrically conductive leads supporting said bulb at one end and connected thereto, the other end of said leads being secured by and extending through the impermeable section of said stopper to connecting terminals, e. a voltage source for anchoring said balloon and energizing said bulb, and f. a flexible cable formed by a pair of fine, lightweight wire connecting said source to said terminals and tethering said balloon.

2. An assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said bag material is a nonstretchable plastic film.

3. An assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said bag is spheroidal, the lower portion thereof having a reflective, metallized coating thereto to form a concave reflector producing an upwardly directed light beam.

4. An assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said source is a battery operating in conjunction with an interrupter to provide a flashing light.

5. An assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said bag is shaped to define a lampoonlike FIG.

6. An assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said cable is wound on a hand-operated reel and may be more or less played out to elevate said balloon to a desired height.