Abstract:
A composite structure based from an inflated balloon and a chenille stem. The composite structure has the chenille stem attached to the inflated balloon to create enhancements to replicate real-world or fantasy items. A method for assembling the composite structure. A kit for assembling the composite structure.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to entertainment items. More particularly, the present invention relates to a composite structure using chenille wire and inflated balloons. 
         [0003]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0004]    Balloons and other inflatable items are widely distributed for many different forms of entertainment and are provided at various events. In some cases entertainers are hired to create twisted and sculpted balloons. In other cases balloon sculpting and similar crafts are engaged in as a relaxing and entertaining activity. Craft activities, where people participate during events, for example, showers, birthdays and club meetings are popular and desirable. In other cases, balloon and other inflatable items are pre-manufactured. 
         [0005]    This balloon sculpting however, involves only one balloon or a set of balloons. Balloons, by their nature, are somewhat difficult to work with, are limited in the structures they can create, are often too fragile to play with, and the item that they are sculpted to resemble is often hard to decipher. 
         [0006]    Attempts have been made to overcome the above-noted disadvantages of conventional balloon sculpting. US Pat. Pub. No. US 2007/0079404 A1 discloses a balloon figure resembling a baby and method for making the same. A kit for the balloon baby comprises instructions for constructing the balloon baby, a plurality of long slender balloons, at least two of which to be at least partially inflated, a round balloon to be at least partially inflated and attached to one of the partially inflated long slender balloons, and a hollow container. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,662,157 discloses an inflated suspended dancing toy, which is a device embodying an inflatable head or body, with bellows-type arms and legs and a cap or head piece adhesively secured to the head and having means for securing a string or thread to the cap or head piece so that the device may be suspended and then actuated. This device is manufactured and provided to the consumer already assembled. 
         [0008]    Therefore, what is needed is an inflatable composite balloon structure that can be easily constructed, can create a wide variety of structures resembling real-life items with minimal materials, and that can be created and used in a way that is entertaining, can be played with, and modified, without a complex manufacturing process. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The subject matter of this application may involve, in some cases, interrelated products, alternative solutions to a particular problem, and/or a plurality of different uses of a single system or article. 
         [0010]    In one aspect, a composite structure is provided. This composite structure comprises an inflated balloon body and a chenille stem being attached to a surface portion of the balloon body. The chenille stem being shaped to resemble an enhancement. 
         [0011]    In another aspect, a method of constructing a composite structure is provided. This method involves the steps of inflating a balloon body with an inflation fluid, attaching a chenille stem about a circumference of the balloon body by twisting a first portion of the chenille stem about a second portion of the chenille stem, imprinting at least one facial feature onto a surface of the balloon body, and shaping an end portion of the chenille stem to resemble an enhancement. 
         [0012]    In yet another aspect, a kit for constructing a composite structure is provided comprising a balloon body, a chenille stem capable of attachment to the balloon body, and an instruction manual containing instructions for attachment of the chenille stem to the balloon body. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1A  provides an illustration of a top view of an embodiment of a balloon body of a composite structure. 
           [0014]      FIG. 1B  provides an illustration of a perspective view of an embodiment of a balloon body of a composite structure. 
           [0015]      FIG. 1C  provides an illustration of a perspective view of an embodiment of a balloon body of a composite structure with a chenille stem. 
           [0016]      FIG. 1D  provides an illustration of a perspective view of an embodiment of a complete composite structure. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2A  provides an illustration of a frontal view of an embodiment of a composite structure. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2B  provides an illustration of a rear view of an embodiment of a composite structure. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3A  provides an illustration of a side view of an embodiment of a composite structure. 
           [0020]      FIG. 3B  provides an illustration of a perspective view of an embodiment of a composite structure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0021]    The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention and does not represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. 
         [0022]    Generally, the present invention concerns a composite structural figure having at least one inflated balloon and at least one chenille stem attached to the balloon. Chenille stems and inflated balloons are commingled in such a manner that allows for attachment and substitution with each other to form composite structures. 
         [0023]    It should be understood that the size and extent of inflation may vary depending on the use, function, and intended appearance of the composite structure. Further, it should be understood that the term “inflated” applies to all extents of inflation. The composite structure may be shaped and designed to form a wide variety of structures resembling animals, fanciful creatures, hats, flowers, fruit, trees, planes, bicycles, cars, airplanes, helicopters, or other vehicles, among others. 
         [0024]    The composite structure achieves this by utilizing balloons of various shapes, sizes, and colors for use as a body for the structure, and utilizes chenille stems of various shapes, sizes and colors that are attached to the balloons as enhancements to enhance the entertainment value of the structures, as well as the variety, durability, and to create structural features that may not be as artistically viable using only balloons. These enhancements may include features such as arms, legs, hands, feet, wings, bodies, faces, skeletons, wheels, or flower stems, among others. 
         [0025]    This composite structure so constructed may be used as a toy or entertainment object for play, educational use, as an arts and craft activity, decoration, or distributed at parties, graduations, anniversaries, club meetings, carnivals, fairs, weddings, baby and wedding showers, and trade shows, among other venues. 
         [0026]    The balloon may vary in color, shape, size, and material depending on the structure to be made. The color, shape, size and material are critical when determining the impression and construction desired. Further, the amount of inflation of the balloon may vary, depending on the structure to be made. 
         [0027]    The term chenille stem relates to a wire body that is somewhat flexible and formed by twisted wires on which fibers such as chenille are interwoven and held together by the twisted plies of the wire. The fibers may vary in size depending on the desired effective diameter of the chenille stem. The chenille stem may vary in color, effective diameter, length, and texture depending on the structure to be made. The color, effective diameter, length, and texture are critical when determining the impression and construction desired. 
         [0028]      FIGS. 1A ,  1 B,  1 C and  1 D show multiple views of one embodiment of the composite structure. The composite structure has a balloon body, best shown in  FIGS. 1A-1B  as a blossom shaped body  13 . Balloons such as the Geo Blossom balloon manufactured by Pioneer Balloon Company are commercially available to achieve this shape of balloon body. The blossom shaped body  13  is constructed as a bag made of thin latex, or other light material that is generally gas impermeable including but not limited to Mylar, or metallic coated film. 
         [0029]    The blossom shaped body  13  defines an aperture  12  through the central axis of the blossom shaped body  13 . The blossom shaped body  13  may be inflated during construction of the composite structure by the supply of an inflation fluid such as air, lighter-than-air gas such as helium or hydrogen, water or other liquid, or a combination of gasses, a combination of liquids, or liquids and gasses. This inflation fluid is introduced through a neck portion  11  of the blossom shaped body  13 . The introduction of the inflation fluid may be performed manually by the user using air forced from the lungs, or by the aid of a pump, pressurized canister, water faucet or other similar device capable of moving a fluid with substantial pressure so as to inflate the balloon body. 
         [0030]    The neck portion  11  is constructed and arranged as a section of the balloon body with a substantially narrowed diameter and defining an aperture providing fluid communication between an inside of the balloon and the atmosphere. The neck portion thus creates a small channel for the inlet and outlet of inflation fluid to the balloon body. The neck portion  11  is constructed and arranged such that it creates a channel extending from the balloon body that may be sealed, preventing escape of the inflation fluid by tying-off creating a knot, or balloon knot, fusing the neck portion  11  closed, or other sealing method capable of preventing a rapid escape of inflation fluid. 
         [0031]    A facial portion  16  of the balloon body is located on an outer surface of the blossom shaped body  13 . Facial features may be imprinted on this facial portion  16 . Facial features imprinted on the facial portion  16  may include features such as hair, eyes, pupils, nose, mouth, eyebrows, and ears, among others. The facial portion  16  may have facial features imprinted on it manually by marker, pen, paint or other writing implement, or the features may be imprinted by being printed, screened, or sprayed onto the facial portion  16 . The facial portion  16  may be imprinted either before inflation, or after. 
         [0032]    A chenille stem  14  is inserted through the aperture  12  formed by the blossom shaped body  13 . Preferably, the chenille stem  14  may be bent near the center of its length to create a central bend. This central bend may allow the chenille stem to be in the shape of an arc. Preferably the chenille stem  14  is sized and bent such that it fits snugly within the aperture  12  and can maintain its position against minor forces such as gravity because of the frictional forces between the chenille stem  14  and the walls of the blossom shaped body  13 . This bending and positioning within aperture  12  allows the chenille stem  14  to rotate about an axis running through the aperture  12  of the blossom shaped body  13 . Proper bending allows the chenille stem  14  to be rotatable and also to maintain its position once rotated. This central bending may be achieved by manual manipulation of the chenille stem  14  by a user, automated bending by machine, or the chenille stem  14  may be pre-formed during manufacture. In other embodiments, the chenille stem may be held in position using adhesives such as glue or tape. 
         [0033]    The chenille stem  14  may be further bent at its ends to form features such as hands  15 . This bending involves folding the ends of the chenille stem  14  inward in the same direction as the central bend. The hands  15  may be formed by manual manipulation by the user, automated bending by machine, or the chenille stem may be pre-formed during manufacture. In a further embodiment, the hands may be configured to hold an item (not shown), or to attach the composite structure to another item (not shown). The item held could be a wide variety of things, including other composite structures, and is limited only by the size of the hands  15  and the limitations of the chenille stem  14  used. 
         [0034]    A string  17  may be attached to the composite structure. The string may be attached to any part of the composite structure, such as the blossom shaped body  13  itself, through the aperture  12  of the blossom shaped body  13 , to the neck portion  11 , to the chenille stem  14 , or to the hands  15 . 
         [0035]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , another embodiment of the present invention is shown. The composite structure may have a balloon body shown in  FIGS. 2A-2B  as a spherical body  21 . It should be understood that the spherical body  21  may be substantially spherical, including shapes such as approximately spherical, generally round, or teardrop shaped without straying from the scope of the present invention. The spherical body  21  is constructed as a bag made of thin latex, or other light material including but not limited to Mylar, metallic coated film, or other thin, generally gas impermeable material. 
         [0036]    The spherical body  21  may be inflated during construction of the composite structure by the supply of an inflation fluid such as air, lighter-than-air gas such as helium or hydrogen, water or other liquid, or a combination of gasses, a combination liquids, or liquids and gasses. This inflation fluid is introduced through a neck portion  11  of the spherical body  21 . The introduction of the inflation fluid may be performed manually by the user using air forced from the lungs, or by the aid of a pump, pressurized canister, water faucet, or other similar device capable of moving a fluid with substantial pressure so as to inflate the balloon body. 
         [0037]    The neck portion  11  is constructed and arranged as a section of the balloon body with a substantially narrowed diameter that defines an aperture providing fluid communication between an inside of the balloon body and the atmosphere. The neck portion thus creates a small channel for the inlet and outlet of inflation fluid to the balloon body. The neck portion  11  is constructed and arranged that creates a channel extending from the balloon body such that it may be sealed, preventing escape of the inflation fluid by tying-off creating a knot, or balloon knot, fusing the neck portion  11  closed, or other sealing method capable of preventing a rapid escape of inflation fluid. 
         [0038]    A facial portion  16  of the balloon body is located on an outer surface of the spherical body  21 . Facial features may be imprinted on this facial portion  16 . Facial features imprinted on the facial portion  16  may include features such as hair, eyes, pupils, nose, mouth, eyebrows, and ears, among others. The facial portion  16  may have facial features imprinted on it manually by marker, pen, paint or other writing implement, or the features may be imprinted by being printed, screened, or sprayed onto the facial portion  16 . The facial portion  16  may be imprinted either before inflation, or after. 
         [0039]    A chenille stem  14  may be wrapped around a circumference of the spherical body  21 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2A-2B , the chenille stem  14  is shown wrapped around the greatest circumference of the spherical body  21 . The length of the chenille stem  14  should be greater than the greatest circumference of the spherical body  21  to allow the chenille stem  14  to be secured to the spherical body  21 . The chenille stem  14  is secured to the spherical body  21  by twisting two end portions of the chenille stem  14  about each other, forming a knot  23 . The chenille stem  14  is thus held in place by the knot  23  and the friction caused by the outward pressure of the spherical body  21  against the chenille stem  14 . The knot  23  may be formed by manual manipulation by the user, automated twisting by machine, the chenille stem  14  may be twisted to form a knot  23  during manufacture, or the chenille stem  14  may have a pre-formed region act as a knot  23 , formed during manufacture. In alternate embodiments, the chenille stem  14  may be held in position using adhesives such as tape or glue. 
         [0040]    Extending portions of the chenille stem  14  remaining after the formation of the knot  23  may be shaped to form features adding to the realism and effect of the composite structure. Features may include ears, horns, hair, a crown, a hat, or the like.  FIGS. 2A-2B  show ears  24 , by way of example. These ears  24  may be formed by bending extending end portions of the chenille stem  14  by into substantially triangular or semi-circular shapes. Each end of the chenille stem  14  may then be attached to the length of the chenille stem at a connection point  22 . This attachment may be done by wrapping or hooking the end of the chenille stem  14  to a length of the chenille stem  14  that is positioned along the spherical body  21 . Thus providing a connection point  22 . Attaching each end of the chenille stem  14  to the connection point  22  ensures that the ears  24  or other features remain in the proper shape and position. The ears  24  may be formed and secured by manual manipulation by the user, automated bending by machine, or the ears  24  may be pre-formed during manufacture of the chenille stem  14 . 
         [0041]    A string  17  may be attached to the composite structure. The string may be attached to any part of the composite structure, such as the spherical body  21  itself, to the neck portion  11 , to the chenille stem  14 , to the knot  23 , connection point  22  or to the ears  24 . 
         [0042]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , another embodiment of the present invention is shown. The composite structure may have a balloon body, shown in  FIGS. 3A-3B  as a cylindrical body  30 . The cylindrical body of the embodiment shown comprises a head portion  32 , a body portion  33  and a tail portion  34 . The head portion  32  is formed by twisting part of the body portion  33  repeatedly, forming a generally circular head portion  32  separated from body portion  33  by a twisted portion  36 , the twisted portion  36  being a narrow section of twisted balloon material. The tail portion  34  is formed during manufacture of the balloon body by substantially reducing the diameter of the cylindrical body  30 . Cylindrical balloons similar to the balloon body shown in  FIGS. 3A-3B  are manufactured by Pioneer Balloon Company and by Tilly Balloons, and are often marketed as “Bee Bodies.” It should be understood that the cylindrical body  30  may be of a substantially cylindrical shape such as approximately cylindrical, may have varying diameters along its length, or may be teardrop shaped, without straying from the scope of the present invention. The cylindrical body  30  consists of a bag made of thin latex, or other light material including but not limited to Mylar, metallic coated film, or other thin, generally gas impermeable material. 
         [0043]    The cylindrical body  30  may be inflated during construction of the composite structure by the supply of an inflation fluid such as air, lighter-than-air gas such as helium or hydrogen, water or other liquid, or a combination of gasses, a combination of liquids, or liquids and gasses. This inflation fluid is introduced through a neck portion  11  of the cylindrical body  30 . The introduction of the inflation fluid may be performed manually by the user using air forced from the lungs, or by the aid of a pump, pressurized canister, water faucet, or other similar device capable of moving a fluid with substantial pressure so as to inflate the balloon body. 
         [0044]    The neck portion  11  is constructed and arranged as a section of the balloon body with a substantially narrowed diameter and defines an aperture providing fluid communication between an inside of the balloon and the atmosphere. The neck portion thus creates a small channel for the inlet and outlet of inflation fluid to the balloon body. The neck portion  11  is constructed and arranged such that it creates a channel extending from the balloon body that may be sealed, preventing escape of the inflation fluid by tying-off creating a knot or balloon knot, fusing the neck portion  11  closed, or other sealing method capable of preventing a rapid escape of inflation fluid. 
         [0045]    A facial portion  16  of the balloon body is located on an outer surface of the cylindrical body  30 . Facial features may be imprinted on this facial portion  16 . Facial features included on the facial portion  16  may include features such as hair, eyes, pupils, nose, mouth, eyebrows, and ears, among others. The facial portion  16  may have facial features imprinted on it manually by marker, pen, paint, or other writing implement, or the features may be imprinted by being printed, screened, or sprayed onto the facial portion of the balloon body. The facial portion  16  may be imprinted either before inflation, or after. 
         [0046]    A chenille stem  14  may be wrapped around the cylindrical body  30 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3A-3B , the chenille stem  14  is wrapped around a region between the body portion  33  and the head portion  32  of the cylindrical body  30 , where the diameter of the cylindrical body  30  is reduced because of the twisting employed to form the head portion  32 . The chenille stem  14  is secured to the cylindrical body  30  by twisting two portions of the chenille stem  14  about each other, forming a knot  31 .  FIG. 3B  shows this knot  31  as a bow knot, however any twisting of the chenille stem  14  that maintains the chenille stem  14  position will suffice. The chenille stem  14  is thus held in place by the knot  31  and the friction caused by the outward pressure of the cylindrical body  30  against the chenille stem  14 . The knot  31  may be formed by manual manipulation by the user, automated twisting by machine, the chenille stem  14  may be twisted to form a knot  31  during manufacture, or the stem may have a pre-formed region to serve as a knot  31 . In other embodiments, the chenille stem  14  may be held in position using adhesives such as glue or tape. 
         [0047]    While forming the knot  31 , the chenille stem  14  may be formed to resemble enhancements, including features such as wings, legs, or arms, among others, as the user may desire, to increase the realism and entertainment value of the composite structure. These enhancements may also be formed before or after the knot  31  is formed. The embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B  comprises wings  35  formed by bending the chenille stem into a loop while creating the knot  31 . The wings  35  may be created, for example, while creating the knot  31  by using long portions of the chenille stem  14  to create the knot  31 , allowing for a substantial length of chenille stem  14  to remain free, i.e. not knotted. The substantial length of chenille stem  14  may then be bent as desired to form the wings  35 , or other features, as the user may desire. The wings  35  may be formed by manual manipulation by the user, automated bending by machine, or the chenille stem  14  may be bent to form the wings  35  during manufacture. 
         [0048]    A string  17  may be attached to the composite structure. The string may be attached to any part of the composite structure, such as portions of the cylindrical body  30 , namely the head portion  32 , the body portion  33  or the tail portion  34 , to the neck portion  11 , to the chenille stem  14 , to the knot  31 , or to the wings  35 . 
         [0049]    One embodiment of the present invention may involve the chenille stem being shaped as a skeleton, and the balloon bodies being shaped as an appendage (not shown). These appendages may include features such as eyes, nose, mouth, ears, head, flower, limbs, and the like. In this embodiment the balloon bodies may have facial portions that may be imprinted with facial features. 
         [0050]    One embodiment of the present invention involves a kit for constructing the composite structure providing the elements necessary to assemble the composite structure. The kit form of the present invention provides elements of the composite structure, and allows a user to assemble the composite structure themselves. The kit may be particularly useful for activities such as arts and craft gatherings. 
         [0051]    The kit may comprise at least one balloon body, and at least one chenille stem. In one embodiment, the kit may further comprise a marker, pen, paint or other marking implement for drawing features onto the face portion of the balloon body. In another embodiment, the kit may include a number of balloon bodies and chenille stems for complex composite structures. In another embodiment, the chenille stems may be pre-formed. In yet another embodiment the kit may include pre-made composite structures, in either deflated or inflated form. Further, the kit may include an instruction manual providing instructions and information about the use of the kit. In still another embodiment, the kit may include a balloon pump for inflation of the balloon body or bodies. In yet another embodiment, the kit may include scissors for cutting and sizing the chenille stems. 
         [0052]    While several variations of the present invention have been illustrated by way of example in preferred or particular embodiments, it is apparent that further embodiments could be developed within the spirit and scope of the present invention, or the inventive concept thereof. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, and are inclusive, but not limited to the following appended claims as set forth.