Abstract:
A balloon holder caddy system designed to simulate the look of Helium-filled balloons, to reduce the safety hazards associated with traveling with Helium-filled balloons in the passenger compartment of an automobile, and to eliminate repeated trips to a base location and back (a product use location such as is common with real estate agent&#39;s sign postings.) Balloon holder caddy system comprises a top gang-clip with multiple balloon neck receiving slots for creating a balloon cluster, a rod for elevating the balloon cluster simulating helium filled balloons, and an intermediate leg gripper and a base gripper for attaching to a sign-post leg using re-useable/releasable zip-ties. The system providing a unique and efficient balloon displaying means.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61/443,789, filed Feb. 17, 2011 which application is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
       [0002]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d). 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
         [0004]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0005]    The present invention relates generally to the field of balloon holders and more specifically relates to balloon holder/caddy systems. 
         [0006]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0007]    Balloons have been popular novelty items for many years, being most popular among children. The bright colors and light weight of balloons have fascinated children from the ages of nearly infancy all the way to teenage years. Helium filled balloons seem to fascinate every age group. Balloons have become synonymous with parties because of their widespread use at parties and events that bring joy. When a person driving down the road happens upon a cluster of balloons unexpectedly, the first thought that comes to mind is that there is a party nearby. Because of the nearly universal use of balloons at parties and happy events, balloons automatically create a favorable image in the minds of people of all ages. Because of this and the fact that they are so visible, it has also become popular for people to attract attention to sales events using balloons. Signs have been adorned with balloons to bring attention to what is on the sign. A sign with balloons attached to it draws quick attention to the sign and automatically seems to say, “Everyone welcome.” Some businesses have even developed a permanent and continuous use for balloons as a sales enhancer. 
         [0008]    Many individuals like to decorate signs with balloons to catch the attention of people to let them know they are headed in the right direction for events or parties. In order for the balloons to stand upright above a sign, they must be filled with helium. This can be expensive and time consuming, especially for real estate agents who may add balloons to their signs. Also, air-filled balloons can be used more than once as long as they don&#39;t pop, whereas helium balloons can only be used once. Additionally, when setting up signs, a helium-filled balloon could potentially float away, leaving individuals without their full display. Individuals may tape stick balloons to displays, however this may not be ideal. 
         [0009]    Helium-filled balloons seem to have the most popularity, not just at parties, but for drawing attention to signs. Helium is a gas that is lighter than air and is typically sold in compressed cylinders. These cylinders are very heavy and when purchased, can only be stored in a convenient and safe location, and the balloons brought to the container to be filled. It may be impractical to move a Helium cylinder around from location to location to fill balloons. While Helium-filled balloons are associated with parties and happiness, the heavy weight of Helium cylinders has been responsible for many back lifting injuries. The cylinders also have a high compressed gas pressure and have to be treated with strict safety precautions. Another resulting safety concern, is filling balloons with Helium, placing them in a vehicle with the occupants, and driving. Vision can become completely obstructed by floating balloons that get loose. A less expensive and considerably safer alternative to Helium-filled balloons is desirable. 
         [0010]    Various attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2006/0240740; 5,306,194; 4,881,916; 7,708,616; 2005/0207168; and 5,295,891. This prior art is representative of balloon holders. None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed. 
         [0011]    Ideally, a balloon holder should be easy to set up and display, and yet, would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable balloon holder and display system to simulate helium filled balloons yet reduce the associated safety hazards, and to avoid the above-mentioned problems. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known balloon holder art, the present invention provides a novel balloon holder caddy system. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to simulate the aesthetic appearance of helium filled balloons yet avoiding the expenses, and associated safety hazards. 
         [0013]    Balloon holder caddy system can aerially support balloons and attach them to signs and various objects to signify parties, sales to any and all items, real estate showings, yard sales, reunions, and other events. The device effectively eliminates the need for helium balloons, as it can stabilize regular balloons in the air above a sign or object. By using this device, individuals can save time and money by purchasing regular balloons as opposed to helium balloons, but will not have to sacrifice their aesthetically pleasing appeal. Real estate agents or individuals who use balloons to decorate signs for various events will appreciate the convenience and appeal that this product affords, as it calls attention to such signs or events. 
         [0014]    The disclosed balloon holder caddy system, in a preferred embodiment, may comprise a top gang-clip having a first side-edge, a second side-edge, a third side-edge, a fourth side-edge, a bottom side, a top side, a front side, a back side, at least one balloon neck receiving slot, a first rod aperture, and a rod having a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end and the distal end define the length of the rod. The balloon holder caddy system also preferably comprises at least one intermediate leg gripper having a second rod aperture and a first re-useable fastener and a base leg gripper having a third rod aperture and second re-useable fastener. The first re-useable fastener and the second re-useable fasteners may comprise re-useable zip-ties. The first side-edge, the second side-edge, the third side-edge, the bottom side, the top side, the front side, and the back side define parameters of the top gang-clip. The thickness of the top gang-clip comprises a relatively flat (low) profile. 
         [0015]    The Balloon Caddy has at least one balloon neck receiving slot of the top gang-clip comprises a hook-shaped tapered slot-opening having an apostrophe-shaped guide traversing from the first side-edge and the second side-edge allowing frictional ingress and frictional egress of a balloon neck. The balloon necks are able to be stretched-inserted through the hook-shaped tapered slot-opening and removably wedged into at least one balloon neck receiving slot when the balloon neck is stretch-held after the frictional ingress. At least one the balloon neck is able to be stretched-inserted through any one of the hook-shaped tapered slot-openings and removably wedged into the balloon neck receiving slot in the top gang-clip from the front side toward the back side or from the back side toward the front side having balloons removably attached both on the front side and on the back side. 
         [0016]    The first rod aperture of the top gang-clip is preferably located in the bottom side of the top gang-clip, the first rod aperture comprising an interference-fit with the proximate end of the rod, and the rod is removably insertable into the first rod aperture such that the rod is coupled to the top gang-clip. The intermediate leg gripper having the first re-useable fastener is slidable and insertable via the second rod aperture onto the rod to a user-preferred position(ing) and the first re-useable fastener is releasable and fastened (fastenable) to a sign post leg or other fixed or movable object. The first re-useable fastener and the second re-useable fastener may comprise a release button enabling a two-way movement (also making them re-usable) of the zip-tie(s) straps through a one-way strap-lock. The intermediate leg gripper comprises a through hole such that the rod is able to pass therethrough. 
         [0017]    The rod in preferred embodiments is about 4 feet long and about ¼ inch in diameter and may comprise fiberglass in the preferred embodiment, but may comprise other materials such as plastic or other suitable equivalent in other embodiments. The rod is flexible in certain embodiments and rigid in other embodiments. The intermediate leg gripper and the base leg gripper comprise a rectangular through-hole such that the first re-useable fastener and the second re-useable fastener respectively are able to pass therethrough to secure the intermediate leg gripper and the base leg gripper to a common sign-post leg. The base leg gripper comprises a receiver, the third rod aperture, for receiving the rod which has an interference fit with the distal end of the rod such that the rod is able to be push-inserted into the third rod aperture in the upper-side of the base leg gripper so that the rod and the base leg gripper are removably attached. 
         [0018]    The base leg gripper, in a preferred embodiment, is removably attachable to a vertical column such as a sign post leg or other structure via the second re-useable fastener. An alternate embodiment may comprise a chair leg bracket for displaying balloons vertically. The base leg gripper, the intermediate leg gripper, and the top gang-clip also may comprise plastic in a preferred embodiment. The balloon holder caddy system is usable to removably attach at least one balloon to the top gang-clip via at least one balloon slot. The rod is able to be removably attached to the sign post leg via the intermediate leg gripper and the base leg gripper such that the balloon holder caddy system is usable to display balloon(s). 
         [0019]    A method of use for the balloon holder caddy system is also disclosed herein and may comprise the steps of: friction-inserting a proximate end of the rod into the first rod aperture; sliding the intermediate leg gripper onto the rod through the second rod aperture; friction-inserting the distal end of the rod into the third rod aperture in the base leg gripper; removably fastening the first re-useable fastener on the intermediate leg gripper and the second re-useable fastener on the base leg gripper around the sign post leg (or other structure); stretch-inserting at least one balloon(s) neck into the balloon neck receiving slot and stretch-releasing the balloon(s) neck; and displaying the balloon holder caddy system with the balloon(s) attached. 
         [0020]    The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a balloon holder caddy system. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]    The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, balloon holder caddy system, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view illustrating an in-use condition of a balloon holder caddy system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  are perspective views illustrating a top gang-clip of the balloon holder caddy system with a rod according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating an intermediate leg gripper with the rod, of the balloon holder caddy system according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating a base leg gripper with the rod, of the balloon holder caddy system according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating a method of use of the balloon holder caddy system according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-4 . 
       
    
    
       [0027]    The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0028]    As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a balloon holder device and more particularly to a balloon holder caddy system as used to simulate helium-filled balloons, reducing wasted time, reducing environmental pollution and improving the associated safety issues, yet providing an aesthetically-pleasing display means. 
         [0029]    Generally speaking, a balloon holder caddy system allows individuals to use regular balloons, as opposed to helium-filled balloons, to decorate signs for real estate showings, parties, and other events. Balloon holder caddy system can comprise a small rectangular base that can be made from hard plastic with a drilled hole. There can be a second smaller hole in the base, partially drilled, measuring approximately ¼″ in diameter. Inserted into this hole can be a fiberglass rod ranging from 2′ to 10′ long. Attached to the top of the fiberglass rod can be a square, hard piece of plastic with four “J” shape slits and four small holes. To use, individuals can place an object, such as a pole, through the fully drilled hole at the bottom of the base. They can then blow up standard balloons and slip them through the slits (of the specially designed top piece) on the top of the fiberglass rod. The device is then ready for display. 
         [0030]    Referring to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown in  FIG. 1 , a perspective view illustrating an in-use condition of balloon holder caddy system  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0031]    Balloon holder caddy system  100  may comprise top gang-clip  110  comprising first side-edge  112 , second side-edge  114 , at least third side-edge  116 , (in triangular versions and a fourth side-edge  126  in square versions—more or less sides may be used in alternate embodiments for example circles, hexagons, and the like) bottom side  118 , top side  120 , front side  122 , and back side  124 . Top gang-clip  110  further comprises at least one balloon neck receiving slot  130 , and first rod aperture  140 . Rod  160  has proximate end  162  and distal end  164  wherein proximate end  162  and distal end  164  define the length of rod  160 . 
         [0032]    Balloon holder caddy system  100  may also comprise at least one intermediate leg gripper  170  having second rod aperture  150  and first re-useable fastener  180 , base leg gripper  190  having third rod aperture  199  and second re-useable fastener  200 . First side-edge  112 , second side-edge  114 , third side-edge  116 , bottom side  118 , top side  120 , front side  122 , and back side  124  define parameters of top gang-clip  110 . At least one balloon neck receiving slot  130  of top gang-clip  110  preferably comprises hook-shaped tapered slot-opening  132  traversing from first side-edge  112  and second side-edge  114  allowing frictional ingress and frictional egress of balloon(s)  210  neck. Balloon(s)  210  necks are able to be stretched-inserted through hook-shaped tapered slot-opening  132  and removably wedged into balloon neck receiving slot  130  when balloon  210  neck is stretch-released after frictional ingress. In this way the present invention may be used to hold balloon(s)  210  in place, as desired for display. 
         [0033]    First rod aperture  140  of top gang-clip  110  is located in bottom side  118  of top gang-clip  110 , first rod aperture  140  comprising an interference-fit with proximate end  162  of rod  160 , and rod  160  is removably insertable into first rod aperture  140  such that rod  160  is coupled to top gang-clip  110 . Intermediate leg gripper  170  having first re-useable fastener  180  is (slidable) slideably insertable via second rod aperture  150  onto rod  160  to a user preferred position and first re-useable fastener  180  is releasably fastenable to sign post leg  220 . Base leg gripper  190  having third rod aperture  199  has an interference fit with distal end  164  of rod  160  such that rod  160  is push-inserted into third rod aperture  199  in an upper-side of base leg gripper  190  such that rod  160  and base leg gripper  190  are removably attached. Balloon holder caddy system  100  is usable to removably attach at least one balloon  210  to top gang-clip  110  via at least one balloon neck receiving slot  130  and rod  160  is able to be removably attached to sign post leg  220  (or other fixed or moveable objects) via intermediate leg gripper  170  and base leg gripper  190  such that balloon holder caddy system  100  is usable to display balloon(s)  210  (in an elevated position.) 
         [0034]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , perspective views illustrating top gang-clip  110  of balloon holder caddy system  100  with rod  160  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0035]    Top gang-clip  110  may comprise fourth side-edge  126  but may have only third side-edge  116  in some embodiments, or top gang-clip  110  may be circular in yet other embodiments, as mentioned previously. The thickness of top gang-clip  110  may be less than the width or the height providing a low profile in a front side-up position. Top gang-clip  110  may be positioned upright (first side-edge  112  up) in an in-use condition and have a rectangular shape in preferred embodiments. At least one balloon(s)  210  neck is able to be stretched-inserted through any one of hook-shaped tapered slot-openings  132  and removably wedged into balloon neck receiving slot  130  in top gang-clip  110  from front side  122  toward back side  124  and from back side  124  toward front side  122  providing a preferred option of removably attaching balloon(s)  210  on front side  122  and on back side  124  of top gang-clip  110  giving balloon(s)  210  cluster the appearance of Helium balloon(s)  210  while hiding top gang-clip  110  from view. 
         [0036]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a perspective view illustrating intermediate leg gripper  170  with rod  160  of balloon holder caddy system  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0037]    First re-useable fastener  180  and second re-useable fastener  200  may comprise releasable zip-ties  230 . Intermediate leg gripper  170  comprises a through hole so that rod  160  is able to pass therethrough. First re-useable fastener  180  and second re-useable fastener  200  comprises release buttons enabling two-way movement of zip-tie straps  232  through a one-way strap-lock. Intermediate leg gripper  170  and base leg gripper  190  may comprise a rectangular or a round through-hole such that first re-useable fastener  180  and second re-useable fastener  200  respectively are able to pass therethrough to secure intermediate leg gripper  170  and base leg gripper  190  to a common sign post leg  220 . 
         [0038]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a perspective view illustrating base leg gripper  190  with rod  160  of balloon holder caddy system  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0039]    Base leg gripper  190  comprises a leg receiver for rod  160 . Base leg gripper  190  may comprise a mass suitable to stay at least one balloon(s)  210  relative to a planar surface (ground, floor, or the like) in preferred embodiments. Rod  160  may be about 4 feet long and about ¼ inch in diameter and preferably comprise fiberglass, but may comprise plastic in other embodiments. Base leg gripper  190  is removably attachable to a vertical column via second re-useable fastener  200  and base leg gripper  190 , intermediate leg gripper  170 , and top gang-clip  110  may comprise plastic or other suitable equivalent material. 
         [0040]    Balloon holder caddy system  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-4 , may be sold as kit  450  comprising the following parts: at least one top gang-clip  110 ; at least one rod  160 ; at least one intermediate leg gripper  170 ; at least one base leg gripper  190 ; at least two zip ties  180  &amp;  200 ; and at least one set of user instructions. Balloon holder caddy system  100  may be manufactured and provided for sale in a wide variety of sizes and shapes for a wide assortment of applications. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized parts, different color combinations, parts may be sold separately, etc., may be sufficient. 
         [0041]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a flowchart illustrating a method of use  500  of balloon holder caddy system  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-4 . 
         [0042]    A method of use  500  of balloon holder caddy system  100  may comprise the steps of: step one  501  friction-inserting a proximate end  162  of rod  160  into first rod aperture  140 ; step two  502  sliding intermediate leg gripper  170  onto rod  160  through second rod aperture  150 ; step three  503  friction-inserting distal end  164  of rod  160  into third rod aperture  199  in base leg gripper  190 ; step four  504  removably fastening first re-useable fastener  180  on intermediate leg gripper  170  and second re-useable fastener  200  on base leg gripper  190  around sign post leg  220 ; step five  505  stretch-inserting at least one balloon(s)  210  neck into balloon neck receiving slot  130  and stretch-releasing balloon(s)  210  neck; and step six  506  displaying balloon holder caddy system  100  with balloon(s)  210  attached thereto. 
         [0043]    It should be noted that steps  501  and  503  can be performed in interchangeable order. It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient. 
         [0044]    The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.