Multi-segment animation balloon

Abstract

Animation balloon such as a toy or advertising gimmick has at least two hollow segments filled with a gas that is less dense than air and joined so as to define between proximate pairs of segments a flexible joint that lies in a substantially horizontal plane when the balloon is used. A tether anchored to an air-buoyant drive segment of the balloon allows different external pulling force components to be applied so as to pull down the at least two segments, whereupon releasing the tether allows the at least two segments to rise independently under the buoyancy of the drive segment. The tether may be anchored asymmetrically relative to a center of gravity of the balloon so as to pull down the balloon while applying a turning moment in a first direction, whereupon releasing the tether allows the balloon to rise under its buoyancy while turning in an opposite direction.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to generally to balloons that are filled with a gas that is less dense than air. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Helium filled balloons have become popular both as toys and as advertising media. Most toys based on the use of helium filled balloons are static and remain in a fixed place when tethered, so as to prevent their flying away. Some toy balloons are adapted for carrying gondolas and the like so that by adding or subtracting small weights they can be kept at a desired level over the ground. Toy balloons called “Air walkers” are also known, having two normally dangling appendages, either filled with helium or made of lightweight materials. When the balloon buoyancy is maintained close to the ground and a light breeze blows, the appendages are moved by the air flow and create an illusion of “walking”. [0003] Balloons used for advertising and promotion, which are normally of large size have mostly a fixed form and are stati...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide multi-segment balloons that are filled with a gas that is less dense than air and have controlled and versatile movements.

[0018] At least one segment is tethered and so serves as a drive segment that may be pulled and then released by manual or motorized action, so as to cause the various segments to descend and ascend at different rates, in attempt to resume the stationary buoyancy position. By appropriate design of the segments, including their relative weights and their relative volumes of lighter than air gas, as well as their relative horizontal and vertical surfaces, the movement up and down of the balloon and the different rates of descending and ascending of the segments can create interesting and attractive animation particularly when the pull and release actions on the tether are cyclical.

Problems solved by technology

However, there appears to be no provision for the balloon segments to change their relative orientation during vertical movement of the balloon.

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