Abstract:
A balloon support assembly for holding balloons in an elevated position without the use of helium. The balloon support assembly has a mounting block with an adhesive layer on one side surface and an aperture in its top surface. A rod extends outwardly from the aperture and is defined on a second end by a sinusoidal or conical shape for holding balloons. The rod may be of any size or composed of any material, but is preferably of a size and material that will allow it to flex with ambient air currents, yet have the strength and resiliency to hold the balloons in an elevated position.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims priority on U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/144,481 filed on Jan. 14, 2009. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The invention relates to a support assembly for neatly holding a plurality of balloons in an elevated position. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Many commercial enterprises use a visually distinct display to attract the attention of customers and potential customers. Displays of this type frequently are used during a sale or other promotional event. For example, realtors use visually attractive displays to identify an open house and to encourage potential purchasers to visit the open house. Realtors typically will position signs on major roads near an open house to guide potential purchasers to the open house. As a result, a single open house is likely to have a significant number of eye-catching signs to get the attention of potential purchasers and to guide the purchasers to the open house. 
         [0006]    Eye-catching signs also are used frequently by homeowners to promote house sales, yard sales and garage sales. These signs typically are placed at the location of the house-sale, yard-sale or garage-sale and on highly travel roads near the sale. 
         [0007]    Visually attractive signs are used for many other promotional purposes. For example, schools and places of worship often place signs throughout their town to promote sales, fashion shows, musical performances and other fund-raising activities. Stores also use eye-catching signs to promote special offers. 
         [0008]    Balloons can provide a low cost, colorful, eye-catching component of an advertising or promotional sign. Balloons also are desirable in that they permit a large display area, but require only a small storage area prior to use. Additionally, a helium-filled balloon can float in proximity to a sign and will move in response to air currents. This movement of the balloon contributes to the visual stimuli that draw the attention of a potential purchaser to the sign near the balloon. 
         [0009]    Balloons also have certain drawbacks. In particular, the helium to fill a balloon is not readily accessible to all people, community groups and businesses that might otherwise be inclined to use balloons as part of a promotional display. As a result, helium-filled balloons require the creator of the display to travel to a source with helium and to pay for the service of having the balloon filled by the helium. Some large realtors will purchase their own supply of helium and then will use their own supply of helium to fill balloons for promoting an open house. This option requires the realtor to maintain an appropriate space for storing the helium and imposes a significant cost penalty on the realtor&#39;s operation. Some realtors estimate that their annual costs for helium balloons exceed $50,000.00. 
         [0010]    Helium-filled balloons tied to an advertising display can be attractive under certain environmental conditions. However, rain or fog will deposit moisture on the outer surface of the balloon. The moisture adds to the weight of the balloon and the additional weight can cause the balloon to simply fall to the ground near the sign. Thus, under certain environmental conditions, the balloon that is intended to be an eye-catching part of a display can actually be an eyesore. The strings or ribbons used to tie the helium-filled balloons to the sign also can become entangled with one another or with the sign. 
         [0011]    Entanglement of the strings or ribbons is especially likely if the display is employed on breezy day. The entangled strings or ribbons also detract from the intended visual effect of the balloons. 
         [0012]    In view of the above, it is an object of the subject invention to provide a low cost visually attractive display that incorporates balloons. 
         [0013]    Another object of the subject invention is to provide a balloon display that avoids the need to utilize helium-filled balloons. 
         [0014]    A further object of the subject invention is to provide a display that enables a significant number of balloons to be displayed close to one another in a neat, predictable and attractive arrangement. 
         [0015]    Still another object of the invention is to provide a display that permits balloons to float in controlled manner above a sign without risk of entanglement and without falling to a position gravitationally below the sign. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0016]    The invention relates to a display apparatus that enables a plurality of balloons to be displayed in a neat attractive manner. The apparatus may be used in close proximity to an advertising or promotional sign and preferably is configured to display a plurality of air-filled balloons in spaced relationship to a sign so that the display of balloons can move or float sufficiently to generate a visual stimulus for a purchaser or potential purchaser. 
         [0017]    The apparatus includes a long slender resiliently deflectable rod or wire having opposite first and second ends. The wire preferably is formed from a material that will maintain its structural integrity and flexibility when exposed to moisture. For example, the rod or wire may be formed from a copper coated steel and may have a diameter in the range of 1/16-⅛ inch. However, a rod or wire formed from a different metal, from carbon, or from synthetic resin can be used in certain instances, provided that the rod exhibits the required resiliency and will return to a substantially linear condition after being subjected to bending forces. 
         [0018]    The first end of the wire preferably is secured to a support, such as a mounting block, the frame of a sign, or some other location, including the ground. The mounting block, if provided, may have a rectangular or prismatic shape and preferably is formed from a synthetic material sufficiently dense so that the first end of the rod can be anchored therein. The anchoring can be achieved by force fitting the first end of the rod into a small hole formed in the mounting block. Alternatively, adhesives can be employed to secure the first end of the rod into the mounting block. Still further, the first end of the rod can be formed with an array of external threads that can be engaged threadly in the mounting block. 
         [0019]    One surface of the mounting block may be configured to be secured on or near the sign or a surface in proximity to a sign. For example, an adhesive with a removable cover layer may be provided on one surface of the mounting block. The removable cover layer may be separated from the adhesive so that the mounting block may be secured to a sign. The adhesive can be replaced from time to time as needed. Alternatively, the mounting block can be secured substantially permanently to the sign and the first end of the rod of the apparatus can be removably attached to the mounting block. 
         [0020]    The second end of the rod is nonlinear, and preferably is formed with a sinusoidal array of bends, a coil or other nonlinear shape to define a plurality of adjacent sections for releasably retaining a knotted area of a balloon. For example, sinusoidal curves with an inside diameter of approximately one quarter each can be provided. Alternatively, a coil section with spacing between the adjacent coils of approximately one-eighth-one quarter inch can be formed. The extreme second end of the rod preferably is bent to define a closed loop so that the rod does not have a sharply pointed end. 
         [0021]    The apparatus is employed by blowing up a plurality of balloons with ambient air. Helium is not required. The respective balloons then are knotted in a conventional manner to retain the air therein. Portions of each balloon near the knot then are stretched and looped through a plurality of adjacent curved sections at the second end of the rod. The inherent resiliency of the balloon will ensure tight gripping of each balloon with the nonlinear sections of the rod. A selected number of balloons (e.g. 3 or 4) can be mounted to the second end of the rod in this manner and will be held in place while substantially obscuring the curved portions of the second end of the rod. The adhesive or other anchoring means on the mounting block then is exposed and the mounting block is affixed to a sign or other supporting structure. 
         [0022]    The rod is sufficiently rigid to hold the display of balloons in an elevated position above the sign. Moisture on the balloons will not generate sufficient additional weight to permanently deflect the balloons or the rod into a position below the sign. On the other hand, the rod is sufficiently flexible to cause the array of balloons to move in response to ambient air current, thereby contributing to the eye-catching nature of the display. Additionally, the rod is sufficiently resilient to return to a substantially straight condition after being deflected by a strong breeze. Hence, there is no likely that the rod will become entangled with the sign or any other adjacent structure. 
         [0023]    The apparatus can be disassembled by disengaging the balloons from the second end of the rod and then popping the balloons for disposal. Alternatively, the balloons can be popped first and then separated from the second end of the rod. Still further, the balloons can be kept in their inflated condition and reused. The mounting block can be separated from the sign so that the assembly of the rod and the mounting block can be used again. A new piece of adhesive may be required for subsequent uses. Alternately, the mounting block can remain on the sign and the first end of the rod merely can be separated from the mounting block. The rod and/or the mounting block then can be stored for subsequently re-use. Additionally, a rod that is mounted directly in the frame or substrate of a sign can simply be removed from the supporting member and stored for the next use. 
         [0024]    The apparatus of the subject invention has several significant advantages over the prior art. First, an attractive display can be provided without the costly and time consuming use of helium. Second, the balloons are maintained in a neat orderly fashion above the sign with no significant adverse effect caused by the weight of moisture on the balloons. There are no strings or ribbons to become entangled with one another or with the sign. Third, the apparatus can be re-used and stored easily between uses with very low storage space requirements. The balloons also can be reused. In contrast, ribbons, strings, and balloon rarely are re-used in the prior art and hence require an inventory of strings or ribbons and the need to replenish those inventories from time to time. Fourth, the second end of the rod enables a plurality of balloons to be affixed in close proximity to one another to form a permanent and attractive bouquet of balloons. Strings and ribbons, on the other hand, will move in different directions at different times, and often present a disorderedly and unattractive visually presentation. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0025]      FIG. 1  is an elevational view of a first embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the invention prior to mounting balloons thereon. 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view showing the apparatus mounted to a sign and supporting an array of balloons. 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  is a top elevational view of an apparatus in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 5  is a front elevational view of a part of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 4 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0030]    An apparatus in accordance with the subject invention is identified generally by the numeral  10  in  FIGS. 1-3 . The apparatus  10  includes a long slender rod  12  that is formed from a material that will exhibit flexibility in response to transverse forces exerted on the rod, as shown by the broken lines in  FIG. 3 . However, the rod  12  is sufficiently resilient to return to the substantially linear condition shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Furthermore, the rod  12  is formed from a material that can withstand environmental exposure to heat, sun and moisture. For example, a copper coated steel rod with a diameter in the range of 1/16 inch-⅛ inch has been found to exhibit sufficient strength, resiliently and durability. However, a rod formed from another metal, carbon fibers, or a synthetic resin also can achieve these characteristics and may provide certain cost advantages, as compared to a copper coated steel rod. 
         [0031]    The rod includes opposite first and second ends  14  and  16  defining a length “L”. The length “L” will be selected in accordance with the design and performance objectives of the apparatus, and generally will be in a range of 24 inches-36 inches. The first end  14  of the rod  12  typically will be the bottom end and the second end  16  of the rod  12  typically will be the top end. However, a perfect vertical orientation of the rod  12  is not essential to proper functioning. Thus, the rod  12  can be extended horizontally or at an acute angle to the vertical and horizontal directions. 
         [0032]    The first end  14  of the rod  12  in the illustrated embodiment is mounted to a mounting block  18 . The mounting block preferably has a prismatic shape, such as a quadrilateral or trapezoidal prismatic shape with a plurality of substantially rectangular side surfaces  20  extending between opposite top and bottom ends  22  and  24 . 
         [0033]    The top end  22  of the mounting block  18  is formed with an aperture  26  for receiving the first end  14  of the rod  12 . In this regard, the aperture  26  may have cross sectional dimensions substantially equal to or slightly smaller than the diameter of the rod  12  so that the first end  14  of the rod  12  can be force fit into the aperture  26 . Alternatively, the first end  14  of the rod  12  can be formed with an array of threads that can be engaged threadedly with the material of the mounting block  18  adjacent the aperture  26 . One of the side surfaces  20  of the mounting block  18  includes a layer of adhesive  28  of sufficient strength to secure the mounting block  18  to a planar substrate, such as a sign or a frame that surrounds a sign. The adhesive initially may be covered by a release layer that can be removed immediately prior to positioning the mounting block  18  on a sign or other such substrate. 
         [0034]    The second end  16  of the rod  12  is bent to define a generally sinusoidal shape with a plurality of substantially U-shaped curves  30 . Each U-shaped curve  30  defines an inside width of about ¼ inch. The extreme second end  16  of the rod  12  is bent into a closed loop so that the extreme second end  16  of the rod  12  does not define a point that could inadvertently injure someone. 
         [0035]    The apparatus  10  is used by inflating a plurality of balloons with conventional air and then tying the open ends of the conventional balloons with a single knot. Areas of each balloon near the knot then are stretched and are wrapped and overlapped through at least one (preferably several) of the U-shaped bends  30  at the second end  16  of the rod  12 . Several inflated and knotted balloons B are mounted in this manner and may partly overlap one another without adversely affecting the retention capabilities of the apparatus  10 . 
         [0036]    The first end  14  of the rod  12  then can be mounted in the mounting block  18 . A user then removes the release layer from the adhesive  28  on the side surface  20  of the mounting block  18  and secures the apparatus  10  to a sign S as shown in  FIG. 3 . The rod  12  is aligned substantially vertically in  FIG. 3 . However, a vertical orientation of the rod  12  is not essential. Rather, the rod  12  can be arranged to extend horizontally or at an acute angle to the horizontal and vertical axes. Additionally, in other embodiments, the user can insert the first end  14  of the rod  12  directly in an aperture formed in the sign S or in the ground near the sign S. 
         [0037]    The apparatus  10  retains the balloons B in a neat attractive array at the second end  16  of the rod  12 . Moisture may accumulate on the balloons if the apparatus  10  is employed on a rainy day. However, the rod  12  is sufficiently strong to hold the balloons B in the specified elevated position spaced from the sign S despite the additional weight generated by the moisture associated with the rain. 
         [0038]    The apparatus  10  may be employed on a windy day. Wind forces on the balloons B will cause the rod  12  to flex relative to the mounting block  18 , as illustrated by the broken lines in  FIG. 3 . Such flexing will produce an eye-catching movement of the balloons B. However, the rod  12  is sufficiently strong to prevent permanent deflection. Furthermore, there are no ribbons or strings to become entangled with one another. Conceivably, a user may want to employ the plurality of apparatuses  10  on single sign. The rods  12  are sufficiently rigid to prevent a plurality of such rods  12  from becoming entangled with one other. 
         [0039]    The balloons B at the second end  16  of the rod  12  can be arranged in a neat attractive orderly manner. Neither rain nor wind will affect the selected arrangement of the balloons even though the balloons may collectively move with the controlled flexure of the rod  12 . 
         [0040]    At the end of a display period, a user merely pops the balloons B and removes the popped balloons B from the second end  16  of the rod  12 . Alternatively, the user could initially remove the balloons B and then either pop the separated balloons B or save the separated balloons B for another use. The user then can separate the mounting block  18  from the sign S so that the rod  12  and the mounting block  18  can be stored for another use. The adhesive  28  on the mounting block  20  may require replacement periodically. 
         [0041]    Alternatively, the user can separate the first end  14  of the rod  12  from the mounting block  18  while keeping the mounting block  18  on the sign for the next display. Still further, the user can separate the rod  12  from the sign S or from the ground if no mounting block  18  is used. 
         [0042]      FIGS. 4 and 5  illustrate an alternative rod  12   a  with a second end  16   a . The second end  16   a  of the rod  12   a  is formed into a conical coil with a plurality of substantially circular loops of gradually decreasing diameter at locations closer to the second end  16   a . The alternative rod  12   a  is use in exactly the same manner as the rod  12  described above. Thus, balloons are inflated and knotted in a conventional manner using ambient air instead of helium. The knotted area of each balloon B then is stretched and is entwined in the coil loops  30   a  of the second end  16   a  of the rod  12   a.    
         [0043]    While the invention has been described with respect to a preferred embodiment, various changes will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. In this regard, the first end of the rod of the apparatus can be mounted directly to a sign, without employing a separate mounting block. For example, a part of the frame of the sign can be formed with apertures dimensioned to slidably receive the first end of the rod. The second end of the rod can take forms other than the sinusoidal curves and conical coil illustrated herein. For example, a cylindrical coil can be employed or any other nonlinear shape that will retain the knotted ends of the balloons due to the inherent resiliency of the balloons.