Patent Publication Number: US-2013237121-A1

Title: Clip-style balloon weight with improved biasing member

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This disclosure relates generally to a clip-style balloon weight. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a clip-style balloon weight having a plastic biasing member that facilitates quick and easy assembly of the clip a sleek and aesthetically appealing look to the weight. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Lighter-than-air balloons may be displayed singly or in groups both for decorative purposes as well as to celebrate various events, functions, etc. For example, one or more balloons are frequently used as centerpieces at various functions, and may include bright colors or inscribed images or messages reflecting the nature of the event or function. Both mylar and latex balloons are frequently filled with helium to render them lighter-than-air. Helium, which is a lighter-than-air gas, causes an upward lift to act on the balloon. Therefore, balloons filled with helium frequently need to be tied by means of a string or otherwise secured to an object to prevent them from floating away. 
     Lighter-than-air balloons are often tethered down by tying one end of a string to the balloon and an opposite end to a weighted object or stationary surface. In certain circumstances, the balloon may be tethered to a permanent surface or fixture. In other circumstances, the balloon may be tethered to a balloon weight that acts as an anchor to prevent the balloon from floating away. 
     One type of balloon weight simply includes a weighted object having an attachment point for securing a string to the weight. These balloon weights may rest on top of a surface and, by virtue of the weight of the object, keep the balloon from floating away. Another type of balloon weight is a clip-style balloon weight in which a clip member is adapted to squeeze or clamp an object by virtue of a biasing force. The clip-style balloon weight also includes an attachment point for securing a string to the weight. The clip-style balloon weights are advantageous in that they can act as an anchor to prevent the lighter-than-air balloons from floating away by virtue of their weight and/or by virtue of the clamping force applied to a fixed surface or object. 
     Known clip-style balloon weights are effective for their intended purpose, but suffer from manufacturing limitations. Conventional clip-style balloon weights, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,850,506, utilize a metal spring biasing member that provides the biasing force to the clip-style balloon weight. The clip-style balloon weight including a metal spring can be difficult to assemble, thereby adding time and costs to the manufacturing process. The circular metal springs also jut out beyond the main profile of the clip-style weight, resulting in a less pleasing appearance. 
     Thus, there is a need for an improved clip-style balloon weight that alleviates one or more of the deficiencies of the prior art. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In general, a balloon weight according to the present invention includes a first clip member; a second clip member pivotable relative to said first clip member; and a generally U-shaped biasing member engaged with both said first and second clip members to bias said clip members into touching engagement at a clip end and away from one another at a squeeze end, the biasing member being formed of a non-metallic material. 
     In accordance with at least one aspect of the present invention, a balloon weight includes a first clip member having a recess and a ramped surface adjacent said recess; a second clip member having a recess and a ramped surface adjacent said recess, said second clip member being pivotable relative to said first clip member; a biasing member including arms extending from opposite ends of an arcuate connecting portion, each arm including a projection at an end opposite the connecting portion received in one of the recesses of the first and second clip members. 
     In accordance with at least one aspect of the present invention, a method of assembling a balloon weight includes the steps of positioning first and second clip members together so that clip ends of the clip members are in contact and hinge portions of the clip members engage one another to pivotally connect the clip members, each of the clip members including a recess and a ramped surface extending from the recess; applying a force adjacent to the clip ends to maintain the clip members in position; and inserting a biasing member between the clip members toward the clip end, the biasing member including inwardly extending projections at opposing ends adapted to engage the ramped surfaces of the clip members to guide the projections into the recesses, thereby securing the biasing member to the clip members. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a full understanding of the invention reference should be made to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a clip-style balloon weight according to the concepts of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of the clip-style balloon weight of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the clip-style balloon weight of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of the biasing member of the clip-style balloon weight according to the concepts of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4B  is another perspective view of the biasing member of the balloon weight according to the concepts of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5A  is a sectional view showing the clip-style balloon weight in an unassembled state; 
         FIG. 5B  is a sectional view showing the clip-style balloon weight in a partially assembled state; and 
         FIG. 5C  is a sectional view showing the fully assembled clip-style balloon weight taken generally along line  5 C- 5 C of  FIG. 2 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     The clip-style balloon weight of the present invention utilizes a biasing member made from a non-metallic material having sufficient elasticity and resiliency to replace conventional metal springs. In certain embodiments, the biasing member may include arms extending from opposing ends of a generally U-shaped connecting portion, the arms each adapted to engage one of two hinged clip members. In one or more embodiments, the clip members may include ramped surfaces leading to recesses, and the arms of the biasing member may include projections at each end, the ramped surfaces and projections acting to allow quick and easy assembly of the clip-style balloon weight. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a clip-style balloon weight (hereinafter clip weight) is shown, and is generally indicated by the numeral  10 . The clip weight  10  may be sized and configured to clamp onto any desired object or fixture. Clip weight  10  includes a first clip member  12  and a second clip member  14  pivotable relative to the first clip member. First and second hinge connections  16  and  18  may be provided and may act to hingedly secure the first and second clip members  12 ,  14  to one another. 
     It is contemplated that any known hinge mechanism may be provided to hingedly secure the first and second clip members  12  and  14  together. In the particular embodiment shown, clip member  12  may include a pair of projecting fins  19  at each hinge connection (only one visible). These fins are laterally spaced one from the other. The other clip member  14  includes a single projecting fin  19   a  adapted to be received between the pair of fins (not shown). Preferably, the pair of fins  19  are laterally spaced at a distance substantially equal to but slightly larger than the thickness of the single projection fin  19   a  so as to intimately receive the fin  19   a  between them. In other embodiments, clip member  12  may include a pair of fins  19  at one hinge connection  16  or  18 , and clip member  14  may include a pair of fins  19  at the other hinge connection  16  or  18 , with a single projection fin  19   a  being provided at the opposing clip member opposite the pair of fins  19  at each hinge connection  16  and  18 . Thus, each hinge connection  16 ,  18  may include three adjacent fins, the outer fins spaced from one another and extending from a common clip member, and the middle fin received therebetween and extending from the other clip member. The edges  19   b  of the fins, or portions thereof, may be radiused to facilitate pivoting of the first and second clip members relative to one another. However, while a particular hinge mechanism is described herein and shown in the drawings, it is contemplated that other hinge structures known to those skilled in the art may be employed to pivotally connect the clip members  12  and  14 . 
     The first and second clip members  12 ,  14  are biased by a biasing member  20  to be in close proximity to each other at a clip end  22  and spaced from one another at a squeeze end  24 . This arrangement permits the clip weight to be squeezed at the squeeze end  24  to place the clip weight around a fixture and thereafter be released so that the clip end  22  clamps onto the fixture. In a particular embodiment, the biasing member  20  may exert a force on the clip members  12 ,  14  that acts to maintain the hinge connections  16  and  18  in a mating relationship. 
     Each of the first and second clip members  12  and  14  includes a body  26  and a longitudinally extending slot  28  in the body. The slot  28  extends from a forward end  30  adjacent the clip end  22  to a rearward end  32  adjacent the squeeze end  24 . A clamping tab  34  may be provided at the clip end  22  of each clip member  12 ,  14  to facilitate clamping of the clip weight to a fixture. The clamping tabs  34  may optionally include a plurality of teeth  35  on an inner surface, the teeth  35  of the first and second clip members  12 ,  14  mating with one another when the clip end is closed. The mating teeth  35  will facilitate gripping when mounted to a fixture. 
     A squeezing tab  36  may be provided at the squeeze end  24  of each clip member  12 ,  14 , the squeezing tabs  36  adapted to facilitate gripping of the clip members by a user. Stops  37  may extend inwardly from each of the squeezing tabs  36  and may be aligned with one another to limit the range of motion of the clip members  12  and  14 . In certain embodiments, a hole  38  may be provided in one or both of the squeezing tabs  36  to allow a string or ribbon extending from a balloon to be easily secured to the clip weight  10 . A spool member might be employed in other embodiments such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,850,506. 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 5A-5C , each of the clip members  12  and  14  includes an open ended recess  40  or cup at the forward end of the slot  28  adjacent to the clip end  22 . Ramped surfaces  42  are provided that extend from the recess  40  at an angle relative to the body  26  of the clips  12 ,  14 . The ramped surfaces  42  terminate at a peak  43  that is adjacent to the recess  40 . Each of the ramped surfaces  42  is adapted to facilitate assembly of the clip weight  10  by guiding the biasing member  20  into the desired connecting position, as will be discussed in greater detail below. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , a biasing member  20  according to the concepts of the present disclosure is shown and described. The biasing member  20  includes arms  44  extending from each end of a generally U-shaped connecting portion  46 , the arms terminating at ends  48 . In an unactuated position, where no forces are acting on the biasing member  20 , the arms  44  may extend toward one another. Stated differently, the arms  44  of the biasing member  20  may be angled relative to one another so that there is a greater distance between them proximate the connecting portion  46  than there is proximate the ends  48 . In certain embodiments, the angle between the arms  44  may be substantially the same as the angle between the first and second clip members  12  and  14  when the clamping tabs  34  are contacting one another ( FIG. 3 ). 
     A projection  50  may extend inwardly from the end  48  of each arm  44  toward the other end, the projection including a step  52  adapted to secure the biasing member to the recess  40  on each of the first and second clip members  12  and  14 . In certain embodiments, the ends  48  of the biasing member  48  may terminate at a point  53  with angled surfaces  53   a  and  53   b  extending in opposing directions from the point. The angled surface  53   a  extending toward an interior of the biasing member  20 , may be adapted to engage the ramped surfaces  42  of the clip members  12  and  14  during assembly. The step  52  may form an angle with the arm  44  that is equal to or less than 90° to facilitate a permanent attachment of the biasing member  20  to the clip members  12  and  14 , the angle of the step  52  preventing the projections  50  from being unintentionally dislodged from the recesses  40 . 
     In one or more embodiments, the biasing member  20  may be provided with a color. In certain embodiments, the color of the biasing member may be the same as the clip members  12  and  14 . In other embodiments, the colors of the biasing member  20  and clip members  12  and  14  may be different. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, use of a thermoplastic material to form the biasing member  20  allows for greater customization as compared to the metal biasing members of prior art clip-style balloon weights. 
     In one or more embodiments, the biasing member  20 , including the arms  44  and connecting portion  46 , may have a generally square or rectangular cross sectional profile. This cross sectional shape may provide improved strength and performance to the biasing member  20 . In one or more embodiments, the biasing member  20  may be made of a non-metallic material. In certain embodiments, the biasing member  20  may possess sufficient strength, elasticity and resilience to act as a spring, and to provide sufficient biasing force to clamp the clip weight  10  to a fixture. In certain embodiments, the biasing member  20  may be made of a thermoplastic material. 
     In one or more embodiments, the biasing member  20 , and the thermoplastic material that forms the biasing member  20 , may be characterized by a tensile strength measured according to ASTM D638 of at least approximately 6,000 psi, in other embodiments at least approximately 7,000 psi, in still other embodiments at least approximately 8,000 psi, in other embodiments at least approximately 9,000 psi, and in yet other embodiments at least approximately 10,000 psi. In certain embodiments, the biasing member  20 , and the thermoplastic material that forms the biasing member  20 , may be characterized by a tensile strength measured according to ASTM D638 of between 6,000 psi and 15,000 psi, in other embodiments between 8,000 and 13,000 psi, in still other embodiments between 9,000 and 12,000 psi, and in yet other embodiments between approximately 10,000 and 11,000 psi. 
     In one or more embodiments, the biasing member  20 , and the thermoplastic material that forms the biasing member  20 , may be characterized by a flexural modulus according to ASTM D790 of at least approximately 380,000 psi, in other embodiments at least approximately 400,000 psi, in other embodiments at least approximately 420,000 psi, in still other embodiments at least approximately 440,000 psi, and in yet other embodiments at least approximately 480,000 psi. In one or more embodiments, the biasing member  20 , and the thermoplastic material that forms the biasing member  20 , may be characterized by a flexural modulus according to ASTM D790 of between 380,000 and 600,000 psi, in other embodiments between 440,000 and 560,000 psi, in other embodiments between 460,000 and 540,000 psi, and in yet other embodiments between approximately 470,000 and 530,000 psi. 
     In one or more embodiments, the biasing member  20 , and the thermoplastic material that forms the biasing member  20 , may be characterized by a flexural strength according to ASTM D790 of at least approximately 11,000 psi, in other embodiments at least approximately 11,500 psi, in other embodiments at least approximately 12,000 psi, in still other embodiments at least approximately 12,500 psi, and in yet other embodiments at least approximately 13,000 psi. In one or more embodiments, the biasing member  20 , and the thermoplastic material that forms the biasing member  20 , may be characterized by a flexural strength according to ASTM D790 of between 11,000 and 15,500 psi, in other embodiments between 12,000 and 15,300 psi, in still other embodiments between 13,000 and 15,100 psi, and in yet other embodiments between 14,000 and 15,000 psi. 
     In a particular embodiment, the biasing member  20  may be formed from a polystyrene thermoplastic material. The polystyrene may be characterized by a tensile strength (Yield, 73° F.) of approximately 6300 psi according to ASTM D638. The polystyrene may be further characterized by a flexural modulus (73° F.) of approximately 460,000 psi according to ASTM D790. The polystyrene may be further characterized by a flexural strength (73° F.) of approximately 12,000 psi. 
     In another embodiment, the biasing member  20  may be formed from a Styrene Acrylonitrile (SAN) thermoplastic material. The SAN may be characterized by a tensile strength (Yield, 0.125 in) of approximately 10,600 psi according to ASTM D638. The SAN may be further characterized by a flexural modulus (0.250 in) of 520,000 psi according to ASTM D790. The SAN may be also be characterized by a flexural strength (0.250 in) of approximately 14,900 psi according to ASTM D790. 
     In yet another particular embodiment, the biasing member  20  may be formed from a polycarbonate thermoplastic material. The polycarbonate may be characterized by a tensile strength (Yield) of approximately 9280 psi according to ASTM D638. The polycarbonate may also be characterized by a flexural modulus of approximately 406,000 psi according to ASTM D790. The polycarbonate may also be characterized by a flexural strength of approximately 14,500 psi according to ASTM D790. 
     While a particular clip structure is described herein, it is also contemplated that additional features may be included without deviating from the scope of the present invention. For example, a spool or additional weight pieces for providing added weight, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,850,506, which is incorporated herein by reference, may also be provided as a part of clip weight  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5A-5C , a method of assembling a clip weight  10  according to the present disclosure will be discussed. The first and second clip members  12  and  14  may first be positioned adjacent one another so that the clamping tabs  34  are contacting one another, and the hinge mechanisms  16  and  18  are engaged and properly positioned (see  FIG. 5B ). 
     The biasing member  20  may then be inserted with the ends  48  pointing toward the clip end  22 . As the ends  48  of the biasing member  20  contact and engage the ramped surfaces  42 , the biasing member is caused to flex and open to that the ends  48  of the arms  44  move away from one another (see  FIG. 5B ). It should be appreciated that the slots  28  of the first and second clip members  12 ,  14  allow for unimpeded insertion of the biasing member  20  toward the ramped surfaces  42  and expansion outwardly due to the opening of the biasing member caused by the ramped surfaces  42 . Additionally, the slots  28  provide clearance for the biasing member to flex or deform when the squeeze end is engaged to open the clip end and overcome the biasing force. 
     Once the step  52  of the projection  50  on each of the ends  48  has passed the peak  43  of the ramped surfaces, the projections  50  on each arm  44  will “snap” into the recesses  40  of the first and second clip members  12 ,  14  (see  FIG. 5C ). The recesses  40  may be appropriately sized and shaped to receive the projections  50  therein. The intimate relationship between the projections  50  and the recesses  40  of the assembled clip weight  10  prevents easy removal of the biasing member  20 , and may, in certain embodiments, require destruction of the clip-weight to disengage the biasing member  20  from the clip members  12 ,  14  after assembly. The biasing force of the biasing mechanism  20  will prevent the projections  50  from being removed from the recesses  40  under normal conditions. Notably, in a side profile (e.g.  FIG. 5C ) the arms  44  of the biasing mechanism do not extend appreciably outwardly beyond the body  26  of the first and second clip members  12  and  14  in an unactuated state, thereby providing a clip weight  10  that is sleeker and consumes less space as compared to conventional clip-style weights. This sleek appearance is due in part to the angle between the arms  44  of the biasing member being approximately equal to the angle between the bodies  26  of the first and second clip members  12  and  14 . 
     It is thus evident that clip-style balloon weight constructed as described herein substantially improves the art. Only particular embodiment(s) have been presented and described in detail, and the invention should not be limited by the drawings or the description provided. For an appreciation of the true scope and breadth of the invention, reference should be made only to the following claims.