HUE029175T2 - Kit of parts with balloon deflation patch - Google Patents

Description

Description [0001] The present invention concerns a kit of parts which includes means to assist deflating an inflated balloon of elastomeric material.

[0002] Elastomeric balloons, typically of latex, are inflated by air or by helium for use as playthings or party decorations. Inflated balloons may be ruptured with an associated loud popping sound by contact with a sharp object or implement. Some people, particularly some small children, dislike or are distressed by the sound of balloons being deflated in this way.

[0003] Illuminated balloons are now well known, as disclosed in the applicant’s earlier W02008/110832 and GB2452236 where a small light source, typically a light emitting diode (LED), and a battery or batteries providing a power source for the light source are mounted as a unit inside the balloon. This is achieved in the applicant’s known illuminated balloon by a projection, typically in the form of a flat button on a stalk, provided on the LED unit being secured by a band fitted from outside the balloon around the stalk. When said balloon is inflated and subsequently ruptured, the LED unit can become a projectile which could cause injury.

[0004] Accordingly, in order to minimise the loud noise associated with rupture of an inflated balloon and especially to minimise the safety hazard from the light unit of an illuminated balloon being flung outwards upon rupture of an inflated illuminated balloon it is desirable to provide a controlled method of balloon deflation.

[0005] Known methods of bursting a balloon include US6402582 and WO97/06869. US6402582 discloses a mechanical balloon bursting system and WO97/06869 discloses a detonator which employs heat to rupture the wall of a balloon and thus explode the balloon.

[0006] The present invention proposes a method of deflating an inflated balloon of elastomeric material by providing a patch having adhesive means on a first major surface and providing an opening in a generally central region of the patch; providing the patch as a releasable patch initially releasably affixed to a sheet of backing material; peeling the patch from the backing material and affixing the patch to the exteriorof the balloon by pressing the first major surface of the patch into contact with the exterior of the balloon so that the adhesive means adheres to the balloon; and puncturing the balloon at a location within the opening defined by the patch by a pin or sharp object.

[0007] The presence of the patch prevents the initial tear from propagating and, as it is this which gives rise to the usual popping sound, the sound no longer occurs.

[0008] Preferably, the patch, which may be termed a "deflation sticker", should be affixed to the exterior of the balloon so as to surround a neck region providing a tied off inlet/outlet of the balloon. Then the balloon is preferably punctured by cutting off the tied off inlet/outlet of the balloon. This results in even more rapid and controlled deflation as a relatively large portion of balloon material is cut away. There is no longer any risk of any light unit mounted inside the balloon being catapulted outwards. Also, partially because of the large hole and partially because the presence of the sticker prevents the tear from propagating, there is no unwanted "bang".

[0009] The invention also proposes a kit of parts comprising at least one balloon of elastromeric material, a pack of sheet material and at least one patch carried as a peelable patch on one surface of the pack, the or each patch having its peelable surface provided with adhesive means and having an opening in a generally central region so that it may be removed from the pack and affixed to the balloon after inflation so as to prevent propagation of a tear caused by the balloon being punctured at a location within the opening defined by the patch by a pin or other sharp object. Preferably the pack of sheet material has a main leaf and at least one adjoining leaf delimited by a fold line, such that the balloon or balloons are enclosed between the main leaf and the folded over adjoining leaf or leaves for packaging and presentation at point of sale.

[0010] The invention will be described further, byway of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view of an open pack carrying five patches (deflation stickers) forming two parts of a kit of parts in accordance with the second aspect of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a similar plan view of the open pack with five balloons placed therein, ready to be packaged for supply to point of sale; and Figures 3, 4, and 5 show the sequence of steps in the preferred method of the invention.

[0011] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment of the kit of parts of the invention a pack 10 of sheet material, such as a card or cardboard, is provided which is cut out in the shape shown in figures 1 and 2. It has a main leaf 14 of substantially rectangular shape with adjoining leaves 11, 12, 13 at each of three sides, also each of substantial rectangularshape. Thejoin between the main leaf 14 and each of the adjoining leaves 11, 12, 13, is a fold line, represented as a broken line in figures 1 and 2 and it may be scored to facilitate fold ing. The figures show an inner face of the opened blank of the pack 10. Five deflation stickers 21 - 25 in the form of annular adhesive patches are carried on the inner surface of the pack 10, in this case on the main leaf 14 and on faces of the adjoining leaves 12, 13. These five stickers 21 - 25 are adhered to the surface of the pack, but are relatively easily peelable therefrom by suitable choice of adhesive and of pack material or surface finish. The adhering surface of each sticker 21 - 25 itself carries releasable adhesive so that it can then be adhesively applied to an inflated balloon.

[0012] Corresponding to the number of deflation stickers 21 - 25, there are five balloons 31 - 35 in this exem- plary embodiment, which are shown in figure 2 placed onto the main leaf 14 of the pack. Each balloon has an illumination device (not visible) namely an LED unit mounted inside and the contour of the button-like projection 36 by which each LED unit is secured to each balloon at a location directly opposite the respective inlet/outlet neck 37 by a band 38 of elastic material wrapped around from outside is evident.

[0013] Astripof insulating material is initially positioned between contacts of the LED and its power source and the LED is only illuminated when this strip is withdrawn. The strip extends out of each balloon 31 - 35 through the neck 37 to an enlarged end region fashioned as an arrowhead 39. The user pulls on this to remove the strip and light up the LED unit before the balloon is inflated.

[0014] The deflation stickers 21 - 25 may be brightly coloured, may be differently coloured from the surface of the pack 10 and may carry circle patterns, or any other patterns or instructions. Both the inner and outersurfaces of the pack 10, other than the stickers 21 - 25 may also carry promotional material, instructions, decorative indicia etc.

[0015] After the balloons 31 - 35 are positioned as shown in figure 2, the leaves 11, 12, 13 are folded over to overlie the main leaf 14 and the balloons and each other to form a rectangular envelope which can easily be inserted into a cover of transparent plastics material for packaging, e.g. in multiples in boxes and for display at point of sale.

[0016] Also a narrow band, tape or strap may optionally be included in the pack, or wrapped around the folded pack before it is inserted into the plastic bag. The purpose of this band or strap or similar is to provide a measure of length for a user to determine the optimum or preferred maximum size of inflated balloon, namely the recommended maximum circumference. For a typical size balloon this is equivalent to a 9 inch (22.86 cm) diameter.

[0017] The end user or purchaser opens the pack and inflates the balloons when required, in each case pulling out the strip by the arrowhead pull tab 39 to illuminate the internal LED device.

[0018] Subsequently when the or any of the inflated balloons is no longer required the user should follow instructions on the pack 10 to deflate said balloon 31 - 35 by using a respective sticker 21 - 25. The ring shaped sticker is pealed off from the opened pack 10, possibly being lifted first from a location indicated by a respective tab 16 marked on the pack 10. As shown in figures 3 to 5 the sticker is preferably positioned around the tied off neck 37 of the inflated balloon, lightly pressed to adhere to the balloon exterior around the knot area, and then the knot 29 should preferably be cut off using scissors. The balloon then deflates rapidly without sound and without any portion such as the LED unit being flung outwards.

[0019] Of course the foregoing is only a specific example and numerous variations in detail are possible within the scope of the invention. In particular the number of balloons and the number of stickers may differ from the above example. Also the shape of the stickers may differ. They need not be circular or ring shaped. They may be rectangular, or any regular or irregular shape and may have additional extensions. The opening in the central region may also take any shape. In the kit for the deflation method the stickers may be affixed to the balloon pack in any position or arrangement and subsequently may be adhered to the balloon at any position. When adhered other than around the knot area, the balloon can be pierced in the opening surrounded by sticker material by a pin or other sharp object. However sticking the patch around the knot and cutting off the knot is to be preferred as the most reliable way to avoid any risk of a popping sound and to achieve such rapid deflation that parts are not propelled outwards from the place when the balloon is ruptured.

Claims 1. A kit of parts comprising at least one balloon (31 to 35) of elastomeric material, a pack of sheet material (11 to 14) and at least one patch (21 to 25) carried as a peelable patch on one surface of the pack, the or each patch having its peelable surface provided with adhesive means and having an opening in a generally central region so that it may be removed from the pack and affixed to the balloon after inflation so as to prevent propagation of a tear caused by the balloon being punctured at a location within the opening defined by the patch by a pin or other sharp object. 2. A kit of parts according to claim 1 wherein the pack of sheet material has a main leaf (14) and at least one adjoining leaf (11, 12, 13) delimited by a fold line, such that the balloon or balloons (31 to 35) are enclosed between the main leaf and the folded over adjoining leaf or leaves for packaging and presentation at point of sale. 3. A kit according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the opening in the or each patch (21 to 25) is circular. 4. A kit according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the opening in the or each patch (21 to 25) is concentric with the patch. 5. A kit according to any preceding claim wherein the or each patch (21 to 25) has a substantially circular outer perimeter. 6. A method of deflating an inflated balloon of elastomeric material by providing a patch (21 to 25) having adhesive means on a first major surface and providing an opening in a generally central region of the patch; providing the patch as a releasable patch initially re- leasably affixed to a sheet (11 to 14) of backing material; peeling the patch from the backing material and affixing the patch to the exterior of the balloon (31 to 35) by pressing the first major surface of the patch into contact with the exterior of the balloon so that the adhesive means adheres to the balloon; and puncturing the balloon at a location inside the opening defined by the patch by a pin or other sharp object. 7. A method according to claim 6 wherein the patch (21 to 25) is affixed to the exterior of the balloon (31 to 35) so as to surround a neck region (37) providing a tied off inlet/outlet of the balloon. 8. A method according to claim 7 wherein the balloon (31 to 35) is punctured by cutting off the tied off inlet/outlet of the balloon.

Patentansprüche 1. Kit-of-Parts, umfassend mindestens einen Ballon (31 bis 35) aus elastomerem Material, eine Packung aus flächigem Material (11 bis 14) und mindestens ein Patch (21 bis 25), das als ein abziehbares Patch an einer Fläche der Packung getragen wird, wobei das oder jedes Patch an seiner abziehbaren Fläche mit einem Klebemittel versehen ist und in einem im Allgemeinen mittleren Bereich eine Öffnung aufweist, sodass es von der Packung entfernt und nach dem Aufblasen an dem Ballon befestigt werden kann, um die Ausdehnung eines Risses zu verhindern, der durch den Ballon verursacht wird, welcher an einer Stelle innerhalb der Öffnung, die von dem Patch definiert wird, durch eine Nadel oder ein anderes scharfes Objekt punktiert wird. 2. Kit-of-Parts nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Packung aus flächigem Material eine Flauptklappe (14) und mindestens eine Anschlussklappe (11, 12, 13) aufweist, die durch eine Faltlinie abgegrenzt wird, sodass der Ballon oder die Ballons (31 bis 35) zwischen der Flauptklappe und der bzw. den gefalteten Anschlussklappe oder -klappen zur Verpackung und Präsentation am Verkaufsort eingeschlossen sind. 3. Kit nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei die Öffnung in dem oder jedem Patch (21 bis 25) kreisförmig ist. 4. Kit nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei die Öffnung in dem oder jedem Patch (21 bis 25) mit dem Patch konzentrisch ist. 5. Kit nach einem vorhergehenden Anspruch, wobei das oder jedes Patch (21 bis 25) einen im Wesentlichen kreisförmigen äußeren Umfang aufweist. 6. Verfahren zum Luft ablassen aus einem aufgeblasenen Ballon aus elastomerem Material durch das Bereitstellen eines Patchs (21 bis 25), das an einer ersten größeren Fläche ein Klebemittel aufweist und das Bereitstellen einer Öffnung in einem im Allgemeinen mittleren Bereich des Patchs; das Bereitstellen des Patchs als ein abziehbares Patch, das zunächst abziehbar an einem Blatt (11 bis 14) von Trägermaterial befestigt ist; das Abziehen des Patchs von dem Trägermaterial und das Befestigen des Patchs an der Außenseite des Ballons (31 bis 35) durch das Drücken der ersten größeren Fläche des Patchs in Kontakt mit der Außenseite des Ballons, sodass das Klebemittel an dem Ballon haftet; und das Punktieren des Ballons an einer Stelle innerhalb der Öffnung, die von dem Patch definiert wird, durch eine Nadel oder ein anderes scharfes Objekt. 7. Verfahren nach Anspruch 6, wobei das Patch (21 bis 25) an der Außenseite des Ballons (31 bis 35) befestigt wird, um einen Fialsbereich (37) zu umgeben, wodurch ein abgebundener Einlass/Auslass des Ballons bereitgestellt wird. 8. Verfahren nach Anspruch 7, wobei der Ballon (31 bis 35) durch das Abschneiden des abgebundenen Einlasses/Auslasses des Ballons punktiert wird.

Revendications 1. Kit de pièces comprenant au moins un ballon (31 à 35) de matériau élastomère, paquet de matériau en feuilles (11 à 14) et au moins un patch (21 à 25) supportée comme patch détachable sur une surface du paquet, ledit ou chaque patch ayant une surface détachable pourvue d’un moyen adhésif et présentant une ouverture dans une zone généralement centrale de façon à pouvoir le retirer du paquet et le fixersurle ballon après gonflage et empêcher la propagation d’une déchirure provoquée par le ballon percé à un endroit dans l’ouverture définie par le patch par une aiguille ou autre objet pointu. 2. Kit de pièces selon la revendication 1, où le paquet du matériau en feuilles présente une feuille principale (14) et au moins une feuille adjacente (11, 12, 13) délimitée par une ligne de pliage, de telle sorte que le ballon ou les ballons (31 à 35) soient enfermés entre la feuille principale et la ou les feuilles adjacentes repliées pour l’emballage et permettre une présentation sur le point de vente. 3. Kit selon la revendication 1 ou 2, où l’ouverture dans ledit patch ou chaque patch (21,25) est circulaire. 4. Kit selon les revendications 1 ou 2, où l’ouverture dans ledit patch ou chaque patch (21 à 25) est concentrique avec le patch. 5. Kit selon l’une quelconque des revendications précédentes où ledit patch ou chaque patch (21 à 25) présente un périmètre externe sensiblement circulaire. 6. Procédé permettant de dégonfler un ballon gonflé en matériau élastomère, en utilisant un patch (21 à 25) pourvu d’un moyen adhésif sur une première surface principale et en pratiquant une ouverture dans une zone généralement centrale du patch ; en utilisant le patch comme patch détachable fixé initialement de manière amovible à une feuille (11 à 14) d’un matériau de renfort ; en détachant le patch du matériau de renfort et en fixant le patch à l’extérieur du ballon (31 à 35) en appuyantsur la première surface principale du patch pourl’amenerau contactde l’extérieurdu ballon pour que le moyen adhésif adhère au ballon ; et en perçant un trou dans le ballon à un endroit situé à l’intérieurde l’ouverture définie parle patch, à l’aide d’une aiguille ou autre objet pointu. 7. Procédé selon la revendication 6, où le patch (21 à 25) est fixé à l’extérieur du ballon (31 à 35) de façon à entourer une zone goulot (37) pour attacher hermétiquement l’entrée/la sortie du ballon. 8. Procédé selon la revendication 7, où l’on perce le ballon (31 à 35) en coupant l’entrée/la sortie attachée hermétiquement du ballon.

REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader’s convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

Patent documents cited in the description • WO 2008110832 A [0003] · US 6402582 B [0005] • GB 2452236 A [0003] · WO 9706869 A [0005]

Claims (5)

ELEMKÉSZLET LÉGGÖMB”LEERESZTŐ TAPASSZAL Szabadalmi Igénypontok 1» Elemkészlet, amely magában foglal legalább egy elasztomer anyaga léggömböt (3 He! 35-ig), egy lapszerü (fólia) anyagú csomagolást (I j.-tői 14-ig) és legalább egy tapasz). (éltől 25-ig), amely egy lehúzható tapaszként: van hordozva a csomagolás egy felületén, ahol a tapasz vagy mindegyik tapasz ragasztó eszközzel van ellátva a lehúzható felületen és rendelkezik egy nyílással egy általánosan központi területen, oly módon, hogy azt el lehet távolítani a csomagolásról és rá lehet erősíteni a léggömbre a felfújás után, hogy legyen megakadályozva egy hasadás terjedése, amely azáltal van okozva, hogy a; léggömb ki vaut lyukasztva egy tű vagy más éles tárgy által egy helyen a nyíláson belül, amely a tapasz által vart meghatározva.BATTERY SET AIRBAG ”DRIVER WITH PATTERN Patent Claims 1» A set of elements comprising at least one elastomeric material balloon (up to 3 He! 35), one sheet (foil) package (from I to 14) and at least one patch . (from edge to 25), which is a peelable patch: carried on a surface of the package, wherein the patch or each patch is provided with an adhesive on the release surface and has an opening in a generally central area such that it can be removed packing and attaching to the balloon after inflating to prevent the spread of a splitting caused by a; a balloon is punched out by a needle or other sharp object in one place within the opening defined by the patch. 2, Elemkészlet az L igénypont szerint, almi a .lapszerű (fólia) anyagú csomagolás rendelkezik egy fő lappal (14) és legalább egy csatlakozó lappal (11. 12, 13), amely egy hajtási vonal által van elhatárolva, oly módon, hogy a léggömb vagy léggömbök (31-s.öl 35-ig) a fő lap és az arra. ráhajtott csatlakozó: lap vagy lapok közé vannak zárva csomagolás céljából és bemutatás céljából egy értékesítési ponton,.2, a set of elements according to claim L, almium a. Sheet-like (foil) packaging has a main sheet (14) and at least one connector plate (11.12, 13) spaced by a fold line such that balloons or balloons (from 31 to 35) are the main sheet and the one. folded connector: sealed between sheets or sheets for packaging and display at a point of sale. 3, Készlet az I. vagy 2, igénypont szerint, ahol a tapaszban vagy mindegyik tapaszban (21-tói 25-lg) talál ható nyilas kor alakú.3, according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the patch or each patch (25 to 25g) has an arrhythmic age. 4, Készlet az !.. vagy 2. igénypont szerint, ahol a tapaszban vagy mindegyik tapaszban (kitől 25-ig) található nyílás koncentrikus a tapasszal. Sí Készlet az előző igénypontok bármelyike szerint, ahol a tapasz vagy mindegyik tapasz (21-től 25-ig) egy lényegében kor alakú külső kerületiéi rendelkezik.4, set according to claim. .. or claim 2, wherein the patch or patch (up to 25) of the patch is concentric with the patch. Ski Set according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the patch or each patch (from 21 to 25) has an outer circumference of substantially age. 4. Eljárás egy te lityi elasztomer anyagú léggömb leeresztésére azáltal, hogy rendelkezésre van állítva egy tapasz (21-töl 25-ig), amely ragasztó eszközzel rendelkezik egy első fő felületen, és rendelkezésre van állítva egy nyílás a tapasz egy általánosan központi területen: a tapasz egy eltávolítható tapaszként van rendelkezésre állítva, amely eredetileg ehávofóhaiö módon van ráerősítve egy hordozó anyagú lapra (fóliára) (1 i -tői 14-ig); a tapasz le van húzva a hordozó anyagról és a tapasz a: léggömbnek (31-töl 35-ig) a külső oldalára vast ráerősítve azáltal, hogy a tapasznak az első fő felülete nyomás révén érí.mkezésbe van hozva a léggömbnek a külső oldalával oly módon, hogy a ragasztó •eszköz hozzátapad a léggömbhöz; és a léggömb ki van lyukasztva egy tü vagy más éles tárgy által egy ítélvén a nyíláson belül, amely a lapasz által van meghatározva.A method for lowering a balloon of a lithium elastomer material by providing a patch (from 21 to 25) having an adhesive device on a first main surface and having an aperture provided in a generally central area of the patch: a patch is provided as a removable patch, which is initially attached to a sheet (1 to 14) of a carrier material (foil); the patch is withdrawn from the carrier material and the patch is secured to the outer side of the balloon (from 31 to 35) by applying the first main surface of the patch by pressure to the outside of the balloon in such a manner that the adhesive device • adheres to the balloon; and the balloon is punctured by a needle or other sharp object in a judgment within the opening defined by the blade. 7. Eljárás a 6. igénypont szerint, ahol a tapasz (2.l-löl 25-lg) a léggömbnek (31-től 35-ig) a külső oldalára van ráerősitve, hogy legyen körülvéve egy nyakrész (37), ami által rendelkezésre áll a léggömb egy körülzárt bevezetíifeivezeti) része, & Eljárás a 7. igénypont szerint, ahol a léggömb (afelől 35-ig) ki van lyukasztva azáltal, hogy a léggömbnek a körülzárt bevezetö/k! vezető része le van vágva.A method according to claim 6, wherein the patch (from 2 to 25 lg) is attached to the outside of the balloon (from 31 to 35) to surround a neck portion (37) that is accessible is part of an enclosed introduction of the balloon & The method of claim 7, wherein the balloon (up to 35) is punched by providing the balloon with a sealed introduction / k! leading part is cut off.