Balloon Inflation, Illumination and Holding Device

Abstract

A device for inflating, illuminating and holding a balloon like a torch, without the use of helium. The device includes illumination means, a power supply and related circuitry, a pathway for inflating and sealing the balloon, an elongate handle, and a cap. The device further includes a switch with a trigger mechanism positioned so that the illumination means or lighting mode can be activated by the user. The device is also configured to meet child safety regulations and requirements.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for inflating, illuminating and carrying a balloon comprising:
 an assembly having upper and lower ends, wherein said upper end is configured to attach to a neck of a balloon;   a light source mounted within the upper end of the assembly to illuminate the inside of the balloon;   a power source disposed in the assembly providing power for the light source;   a light control circuit mounted within the assembly which provides for control of the light source;   a switch mechanism positioned in the assembly, said switch mechanism operable to connect the power source to the light source and to enable the user to select a lighting mode from the light control circuit;   a handle for releasable attachment to the lower end of the assembly;   a flow path within the assembly, which permits air to be blown through the handle and the assembly and into the balloon; and   a valve mechanism for sealing the flow path after inflation of the balloon,   whereby inflation of the balloon is achieved using air.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the switch mechanism is actuated via a button positioned through the wall of the assembly outside the upper end attached to the balloon, 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the light source comprises an LED and the light control circuit comprises an integrated electrical circuit configured to provide at least one of the following light modes: single color, multi-color, sequential multi-color, single color flashing, multi-color flashing, sequential color flashing. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the handle enables a user to hold the balloon in an upright position without the use of helium. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , further comprising a removable cap of large enough size to meet child safety requirements, which seals the open end of the handle when attached to the assembly. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the handle is configured as a child's toy. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the handle and cap are configured as a child's toy. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the light source, power source, and light control circuit are contained within a housing which is securely attached to the upper end of the assembly by mechanical means. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8  wherein the mechanical means comprises a recess formed in the inner surface of the assembly which meshes with a prong on the exterior of the housing. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 8  further comprising a switch positioned on the exterior of the housing to activate the light source and control circuit. 
     
     
         11 . A non-helium inflated balloon illumination and carrying device comprising:
 a housing having an inlet and an outlet for sealing insertion into a neck of a balloon positioned around the outlet;   a flow path within the housing for conducting an inflation gas other than helium from the inlet to the outlet of the housing;   a flow control system disposed in the flow path allowing the inflation gas to flow from the inlet to the outlet;   a light source and power source mounted within a second housing positioned within the outlet of the housing, and a switch operable external to the second housing to connect the power source to the light source by completing a circuit between the power source and the light source; and   a handle attached to the housing for holding an attached inflated balloon upright.   
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the light source provides for multiple lighting effects selectable via the switch. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the lighting effects comprise single color, multi-color, multi-color sequential and flashing. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the flow control system comprises a valve having an annular sealing member coaxial with the length of the housing that is operatively associated with a portion of the flow path. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the housing is formed as an integral part of the handle. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the handle is configured as a child's toy. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 11  further comprising a cap for further sealing of the air passageway through the handle. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the handle and cap are configured as a child's toy, 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 11  wherein the second housing is secured within the outlet of the housing with a prong on the second housing that meshes with a recess on the interior of the housing. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 11  wherein the non-helium inflation gas is air. 
     
     
         21 . A method for carrying a non-helium inflated, illuminated balloon upright comprising:
 providing an assembly having upper and lower ends with a light source mounted in the upper end, a power source for providing power for the light source, a light control circuit that provides for control of the light, and a switch to connect the power source to the light source;   a handle attached to the lower end of the assembly, said handle providing a flow path for the non-helium gas through the handle to the upper end of the assembly, said flow path being sealable with a one-way valve mechanism positioned therein;   positioning a balloon on the upper end of the assembly;   inflating the balloon by blowing non-helium gas through the path thereby sealing said gas in said balloon by closing said one-way valve mechanism;   further sealing the flow path through the handle by attaching a child-safe cap to the handle opening; and   enabling a user to hold the balloon in an upright position without the use of helium by grasping the handle.