Abstract:
An assembly having a mechanical process which allows a user to tie a knot in a balloon. A hook feature in the assembly will hold the end of the balloon. The neck of the balloon is wrapped around the assembly creating a loop. The hook feature is actuated by a spring loaded trigger that will pull the end of the balloon through the balloon loop which will create a knot.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention generally relates to tying a knot in a balloon and, in particular, using an assembly that will mechanically form and tie a knot in the balloon filled with air or a liquid. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Balloons can be available in many sizes, shapes, and colors which can be filled with air, helium, or a liquid such as water. Once a balloon is filled, it must be closed to prevent the air or water from leaking or escaping from the opening. Usually this is prevented by tying the end of the balloon into a knot or tying a string or something similar around the balloon opening to close it up. 
         [0003]    When tying balloons, especially in large quantities for events, parties, games, or water balloon fights; it can be difficult to pull the end of the balloon through the loop to tie a secure knot. Tying a balloon is laborious and sometimes very difficult. One problem with conventional methods to tie balloons is to make a complete knot. When manually tying a balloon you wrap the end of the balloon around your finger creating a loop, then you try to tuck the end of the balloon through the created loop. This is difficult which can cause sore fingers, improperly tied balloons, or torn ends. 
         [0004]    The opening of a balloon can also be closed by tying some string, or something similar, around its end. There is difficulty with this method since air or water could leak out the balloon as the user is attempting to tie a completed knot in the string. 
         [0005]    Due to these methods there are other devices which have been invented to assist with tying knots in balloons. However, these devices still require you to manually tie the knot either by physically pulling or tucking the end of the balloon through the loop created in the neck or pulling the neck of the balloon over its end. Many times these devices are not ergonomic or easy to use. This can still lead to improperly tied or damaged balloons, and can still be time consuming. 
         [0006]    When tying balloons it is highly desirable that the user interface provides perfectly completed knots every time. It is also desirable to be able to tie many balloons quickly to reduce time, especially if you need to tie a large quantity of balloons for an event, such as a birthday party, or for throwing many water balloons on a hot summer day. Also, it is highly desirable to minimize the potential of wasting balloons which have improperly tied knots or have torn ends making them useless. 
         [0007]    This present invention removes the need to manually pull the end of the balloon through the created loop which will lead to less frustration and makes tying balloons easier, faster, and more fun. The method to achieve this is to wrap the balloon neck around a round tapered barrel of the assembly. Then the end of the balloon is inserted into a hook feature. Once the end of the balloon is captured and secure in the hook feature, a spring loaded trigger mechanism is actuated by the user. This will automatically pull the end of the balloon through the created loop. Then the balloon is pulled off the barrel creating the knot in the balloon. The user releases the trigger and then pulls the end of the balloon out of the hook feature for a completely tied balloon. This invention eliminates the need for the user to manually form a knot to close up the opening of a balloon. 
         [0008]    In order to make this invention easier for the user, the assembly includes a handle which will allow the user a convenient and ergonomic grip. The trigger mechanism has a friendly curved shape for the user&#39;s finger. This is similar to a toy gun so it will be easy for both adults and children to understand and use. 
         [0009]    The hook feature with the trigger mechanism and spring are located inside the assembly case. The hook is formed by a slot that allows the end of the balloon to slide into it. The spring is also located between the trigger mechanism and the case. The spring will return the trigger mechanism to its original position after the trigger is released by the user. The process can be repeated to tie many balloons quickly and efficiently. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    An object of at least one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a compact, self-contained assembly to tie a knot in the opening of a balloon. This will prevent air, helium, or liquid inside the balloon from leaking or escaping from the balloon opening. 
         [0011]    In carrying out the above object and other objects of at least one embodiment of the present invention, an assembly for tying a knot in a balloon is provided. The assembly includes a case or housing, a hook and trigger mechanism, and a spring. The hook and trigger mechanism and spring are encapsulated within the case. 
         [0012]    The assembly includes a two-piece case which includes a first half of the case and a second half of the case. These two case halves will encapsulate the hook and trigger mechanism and spring when assembled. The case can be assembled using snaps and/or fasteners. The case includes a round, tapered barrel at its end which allows the user to wrap the neck of the balloon around it creating the loop. The case also includes a handle which allow the user a convenient and ergonomic way to hold onto the assembly. The case opening stop ring at the end of the barrel diameter is smaller than the internal hook and trigger mechanism which will prevent it from sliding out. The case has an opening for the trigger to slide back and forth during its operation. Also the opposite end inside the case is a reactive case spring press surface that allows the spring to compress against when the trigger is pulled by the user. 
         [0013]    The internal hook and trigger mechanism includes a hook slot and a trigger. This mechanism will be encapsulated inside the case when assembled and extends pass the case opening. The hook and trigger mechanism has a larger diameter than the case opening stop ring to prevent it from sliding out of the assembly. On the opposite end of the hook and trigger mechanism has a reactive mechanism spring press surface that allows the spring to compress against when the trigger is pulled by the user. The hook slot will allow the user to insert the end of the balloon into it and hold it in position. The trigger extends through a slot in the case and has a curved, friendly shape for a finger. As the trigger is pulled, the hook slot holding the end of the balloon will be pulled into the case barrel. 
         [0014]    There is an internal spring in the assembly which is also encapsulated inside the case. The spring is located between the case spring press surface and the hook and trigger spring press surface. The spring will compress against these surfaces when the user pulls the trigger. When the user releases the trigger, the spring will expand to bring the hook and trigger mechanism to its original position. 
         [0015]    Each half of the case may be formed as a molded part from a rigid, structural plastic in an injection molding process or 3D printing process for example. The handle could include a soft touch user interface, if desired. The hook and trigger mechanism may also be formed from a rigid, structural plastic. The spring may be of stainless steel to prevent rusting. The spring efforts will be defined by its diameter, thickness, and number of coils. 
         [0016]    The assembly may include decorative accents, such as balloons, located on the case. The assembly can be of different colors to appeal to different users. 
         [0017]    The process of tying the balloon using this invention is described using a balloon filled with a liquid, such as water. The user will hold the handle of the assembly in one of their hands. The user will press the neck of the balloon against the side of the case assembly. Then the user will pull the end of the balloon around the case barrel and behind the filled balloon creating a loop with the neck of the balloon. The end of the balloon will be inserted into the hook slot. After the end of the balloon is securely in the hook slot, the user will pull the trigger. As the trigger is pulled, the hook slot and the end of the balloon will be pulled into the case opening through the loop created around the case barrel. At the same time the spring will be compress. The user will pull the balloon off the case barrel creating a knot. Pulling the balloon taunt, the knot will be tightened to prevent any water from leaking out of the opening. The user will release the trigger which will expand the spring bringing it back to its original position allowing the hook slot and end of the balloon to slide out of the case opening. The end of the balloon is removed from the hook slot producing a fully tied balloon. Repeat the process for as many balloons as the user would like to tie. 
         [0018]    Other technical advantages will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions and claims. Moreover, while specific advantages have been enumerated, various embodiments may include all, some or none of the enumerated advantages. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is an environmental view of the invention with the hook and trigger mechanism shown in an extended state; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is an environmental view of the invention with the hook and trigger mechanism shown in the retracted state; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a section view of the invention along line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is a section view of the invention along line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view of the invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  is a detailed perspective view of the of the invention demonstrating the initial placement of the balloon to the barrel; 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  is a detailed perspective view demonstrating creating the loop of the balloon around the barrel; 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  is a detailed perspective view of the invention demonstrating securing the end of the balloon into the hook; 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  is a detailed perspective view of the invention demonstrating the retraction of the internal hook and trigger mechanism which pulls the hook feature with the end of the balloon through the created loop; 
           [0028]      FIG. 10  is a detailed perspective view of the invention demonstrating the removal the loop off the barrel forming the knot; 
           [0029]      FIG. 11  is a detailed perspective view of the invention demonstrating tightening the knot in the balloon. 
           [0030]      FIG. 12  is a detailed perspective view of the invention demonstrating the extension of the internal hook and trigger mechanism; 
           [0031]      FIG. 13  is a detailed perspective demonstrating the removal of the end of the balloon from the hook; and 
           [0032]      FIG. 14  is a detailed perspective of the balloon fully tied and opening closed up. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0033]    As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention. 
         [0034]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , the invention has a case  10  that contains a case barrel  12  that is used to wrap the balloon around and a case handle  14  which the user holds. The case  10  has a case opening  18  that allows the internal mechanism hook and trigger assembly  24  to retract and extend. The internal mechanism hook and trigger assembly  24  has a friendly shaped trigger  26  which the user can actuate the assembly and an internal mechanism hook slot  28  which the end of the balloon can be inserted. 
         [0035]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the internal mechanism hook and trigger assembly  24  which includes the internal mechanism trigger  26  and the internal mechanism hook slot  28  is shown on the retracted position indicated by the direction of the arrow. 
         [0036]      FIG. 3  shows a center line section from  FIG. 1  along the axis  3 - 3 . The case  10  includes the case barrel  12 , a handle  14 , the case trigger slot  16 , and the case opening  18 . The case trigger slot  16  allows the internal mechanism trigger  26  to slide back and forth. The end of case  10  has a case opening stop ring  20  that prevent the internal mechanism hook and trigger assembly  24  from sliding out of the case  10 . This is due to the internal mechanism stop ring  30  being located on the internal mechanism hook and trigger assembly  24  by being larger than the case opening  18 . Inside case  10  includes a case spring press surface  22  that allows a friendly surface area for the spring  32  to compress against. The spring  32  is located between the internal mechanism spring press surface  42  located on the internal mechanism hook and trigger assembly  24  and the case spring press surface  22  which is included within the case  10 . The internal mechanism hook and trigger assembly  24  has an internal mechanism spring press surface  42  that will compress the spring  32  against the case spring press surface  22  as the internal mechanism trigger  26  is pulled. 
         [0037]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , this section shows a center line section from  FIG. 2  along the axis  4 - 4 . The internal mechanism hook and trigger assembly  24  which includes the internal mechanism trigger  26  and the internal mechanism hook slot  28  is shown on the retracted position indicated by the direction of the arrow. By pulling on the internal mechanism trigger  26 , the internal mechanism spring press surface  42  pushes against the spring  32  compressing it against the case spring press surface  22 . When the internal mechanism trigger  26  is released by the user, the spring  32  will expand back to its resting position as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0038]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , the invention is showing an example of the potential construction and components in an exploded view. The two halves of case  10  would contain the internal mechanism hook and trigger assembly  24  and the spring  32 . The two halves of case  10  could be secured using snaps, separate fasteners, or a combination of both. 
         [0039]      FIG. 6  through  FIG. 14  shows an example of the process used to tie a knot in a balloon using this invention. 
         [0040]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , the user will hold a balloon against the case barrel  12  which is included in case  10  putting pressure against the balloon as indicated. The user will grip the exemplary balloon neck  38  of exemplary balloon  34  and pull in the direction indicated by the arrow. 
         [0041]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , the user continues to pull on the exemplary balloon neck  38  wrapping it around the case barrel  12  and then under the exemplary balloon  34 . Meanwhile, the user is still applying pressure to the exemplary balloon  34  as indicated. 
         [0042]    Referring now to  FIG. 8 , the user will tuck the exemplary balloon opening  36  or the end of the balloon into the internal mechanism hook slot  28  which is included in the internal mechanism hook and trigger assembly  24 . 
         [0043]    Referring now to  FIG. 9 , the internal mechanism hook and trigger assembly  24  is actuated by the user pulling the internal mechanism trigger  26 . This will retract the internal mechanism hook slot  28  indicated by the direction of the arrows. This action will pull the exemplary balloon opening  36  and exemplary balloon neck  38  tucked into the internal mechanism hook slot  28  into the case barrel  12  which created the wrapped balloon loop. Not shown is the spring  32  inside the case  10  is now in a compressed state. 
         [0044]    Referring now to  FIG. 10 , the exemplary balloon  34  is slid off the case barrel  12 . The exemplary balloon opening  36  and exemplary balloon neck  38  are still secured by the actuated internal mechanism hook slot  28  which is included in the internal mechanism hook and trigger assembly  24 . 
         [0045]    Referring now to  FIG. 11 , the exemplary balloon  34  is pulled tight for form a knot  40 . The exemplary balloon opening  36  and exemplary balloon neck  38  are still secured by the actuated internal mechanism hook slot  28  which is included in the internal mechanism hook and trigger assembly  24 . 
         [0046]    Referring now to  FIG. 12 , the user releases the internal mechanism trigger  26  which is included in the internal mechanism hook and trigger assembly  24 . The spring  32 , not shown, will push the internal mechanism hook and trigger assembly  24  back to its original position within case  10  as indicated by the direction of the arrows. 
         [0047]    Referring now to  FIG. 13 , the exemplary balloon neck  38  is removed from the internal mechanism hook slot  28  which includes the balloon knot  40 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 14  shows the final exemplary balloon  34  including the knot  40  tied in the balloon neck  38  which prevents air or water, in the case of water balloons, from exiting the exemplary balloon opening  36 .