Inflatable novelty

Abstract

An inflatable novelty includes an inflatable structure defining an elongated chamber and a banner attached along an edge of the inflatable structure. The banner is supported by the inflatable structure permitting use of the inflatable novelty at sporting events and similar venues. A valve may be positioned at one end of the inflatable structure in communication with the elongated chamber to permit inflation of the elongated chamber.

1 . An inflatable novelty comprising: 
 an inflatable structure defining an elongated chamber;    a valve positioned at one end of the inflatable structure in communication with the elongated chamber, the valve permitting inflation of the elongated chamber and preventing deflation of the elongated chamber when the inflatable structure is in a static state; and    a banner attached along an edge of the inflatable structure, the banner supported by the inflatable structure.    
   
   
       2 . The inflatable novelty of  claim 1  wherein the valve is integrated with the inflatable structure and is self-sealing.  
   
   
       3 . The inflatable novelty of  claim 1  wherein the banner comprises at least one of a flag and a pennant.  
   
   
       4 . The inflatable novelty of  claim 1  further comprising: 
 a line of weakness formed between the banner and the inflatable structure, the line of weakness severable to permit removal of the banner.    
   
   
       5 . The inflatable novelty of  claim 1  further comprising: 
 a plurality of banners connected to the edge of the inflatable structure.    
   
   
       6 . The inflatable novelty of  claim 1  further comprising: 
 a first sheet;    a second sheet connected to the first sheet to form the elongated chamber and the banner.    
   
   
       7 . The inflatable novelty of  claim 6  wherein the banner comprises a double thickness of material.  
   
   
       8 . The inflatable novelty of  claim 6  wherein a perimeter of the banner comprises an inflatable chamber.  
   
   
       9 . An inflatable novelty comprising: 
 a first sheet;    a second sheet;    a heat seal connecting the first sheet to the second sheet to form an elongated chamber;    a banner connected along an edge of at least one of the first sheet and the second sheet;    a valve positioned in communication with the elongated chamber and integrated with the first sheet and the second sheet, the valve permitting inflation of the elongated chamber and preventing deflation of the elongated chamber when in a static state and further so that the banner is supported by the elongated chamber when inflated.    
   
   
       10 . The inflatable novelty of  claim 9  wherein the valve is self-sealing.  
   
   
       11 . The inflatable novelty of  claim 9  wherein the banner comprises at least one of a flag and a pennant.  
   
   
       12 . The inflatable novelty of  claim 9  further comprising: 
 a plurality of banners connected to at least one of the first sheet and the second sheet.    
   
   
       13 . The inflatable novelty of  claim 9  further comprising: 
 a line of weakness formed between the banner and the inflatable structure, the banner detachable along the line of weakness.    
   
   
       14 . The inflatable novelty of  claim 9  further comprising: 
 an inflatable chamber positioned around a perimeter of the banner.    
   
   
       15 . A method of manufacturing an inflatable novelty comprising: 
 providing a first sheet of material and a second sheet of material to a heat sealer; and    heat sealing the first sheet of material to the second sheet of material to form an inflatable elongated chamber and a banner extending from the inflatable elongated chamber.    
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15  further comprising the steps of: 
 inflating the elongated chamber; and    detaching the banner from the inflatable structure along a line of weakness.    
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 15  further comprising the steps of: 
 heat sealing around a perimeter of the banner.    
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 15  further comprising: 
 providing a valve in communication with the elongated chamber, the valve permitting inflation of the elongated chamber while preventing air from escaping the elongated chamber.