Balloon Inflation System

Abstract

Apparatus for inflating a balloon ( 10 ) and keeping the balloon inflated whilst a substance ( 13 ) is introduced into the balloon, comprises a container ( 1 ) having a lid ( 2 ). The lid has an opening ( 4 ) arranged such that a balloon can be positioned in the container with its neck open, aligned* with the opening and in sealing engagement with the lid. A non-return valve ( 3 ) permits gas to be displaced from the space in the container outside the balloon whilst the balloon is inflated. The non-return valve ( 3 ) is provided in a conduit ( 7 ) extending from the lid ( 2 ) to adjacent the base of the container. Once the balloon ( 10 ) has been inflated the substance ( 13 ) can be introduced into the balloon by a funnel ( 12 ). A release valve ( 6 ) is provided to permit controlled introduction of gas into the space in the container outside the balloon, so as to permit controlled contraction of the balloon around the substance.

1 . Apparatus for inflating a balloon and keeping the balloon inflated whilst a substance is introduced into the balloon, comprising a container having a lid with an opening arranged such that a balloon can be positioned in the container with its neck open, aligned with the opening and in sealing engagement with the lid; and a non return valve to permit gas to be displaced from the space in the container outside the balloon whilst the balloon is inflated by urging gas under pressure through the opening into the neck of the balloon; wherein a valve is provided to permit controlled introduction of gas into the space in the container outside the balloon once the substance has been introduced into the balloon, so as to permit controlled contraction of the balloon around the substance. 
   
   
       2 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the non-return valve is associated with the lid. 
   
   
       3 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein a conduit extends from an aperture in the lid to a region of the container which is remote from the lid, the non-return valve being provided in the conduit. 
   
   
       4 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the valve means provided to permit controlled introduction of gas into the space in the container outside the balloon is associated with the lid. 
   
   
       5 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the opening in the lid is provided with a tubular extension for engagement with the neck of the balloon. 
   
   
       6 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the opening in the lid is provided with means for sealing engagement with a pump outlet. 
   
   
       7 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the lid forms a snap fit with the container. 
   
   
       8 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein a seal is provided between the lid and the container. 
   
   
       9 . A method of inflating a balloon and introducing a substance into a balloon, comprising inserting the balloon into a container having a lid with an opening, so that the balloon has its neck open, aligned with the opening and in sealing engagement with the lid; urging gas under pressure through the opening into the neck of the balloon and permitting gas to be displaced through a non return valve from the space in the container outside the balloon whilst the balloon is inflated; introducing the substance into the balloon through the open neck; sealing the neck of the balloon with the substance inside; and removing the balloon from the container; wherein the substance is a flowable substance, and wherein a valve is operated to permit controlled introduction of gas into the space in the container outside the balloon once the flowable substance has been introduced into the balloon, so as to permit controlled contraction of the balloon around the substance before the neck of the balloon is sealed. 
   
   
       10 . A method as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the flowable substance is a liquid. 
   
   
       11 . A method as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the flowable substance is particulate material. 
   
   
       12 . A method of inflating a balloon and introducing a substance into a balloon, comprising inserting the balloon into a container having a lid with an opening, so that the balloon has its neck open, aligned with the opening and in sealing engagement with the lid; pumping gas through the opening into the neck of the balloon and permitting gas to be displaced through a non return valve from the space in the container outside the balloon whilst the balloon is inflated; introducing the substance into the balloon through the open neck; sealing the neck of the balloon with the substance inside; and removing the balloon from the container; wherein the substance is a flowable substance, and wherein gas is introduced into the space in the container outside the balloon once the flowable substance has been introduced into the balloon, so as to permit contraction of the balloon around the flowable substance before the neck of the balloon is sealed. 
   
   
       13 . Apparatus for inflating a balloon and keeping the balloon inflated whilst an object or substance is introduced into the balloon, comprising a container having a lid with an opening arranged such that a balloon can be placed in the container with its neck open, aligned with the opening and in sealing engagement with the lid; and a non return valve to permit gas to be displaced from the space in the container outside the balloon whilst the balloon is inflated by urging gas under pressure through the opening into the neck of the balloon; wherein a conduit extends from an aperture in the lid to a region of the container which is remote from the lid, the non-return valve being provided in the conduit.