Abstract:
Structures for use in restraining balloons, particularly balloons filled with helium, are provided that include one or more additional functionalities. In an exemplary embodiment, the structure includes an internal light source that is adapted to emit light through one or more faces of the structure, e.g., through translucent or transparent surfaces associated with one or more walls of the structure. Additional features and functionalities associated with embodiments of the structure include one or more sound emitting elements positioned within the structure, one or more power sources positioned within the structure for powering the light source and/or the sound emitting element(s), one or more handles/extensions/brackets for detachably receiving/securing a balloon string, and novelty appearances that may be theme-based, holiday-based and the like.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     The present application claims the benefit of a co-pending provisional patent application entitled “Balloon Anchoring Structure with Light Emitting Functionality” which was filed on Oct. 17, 2005 and assigned Ser. No. 60/727,485. The entire contents of the foregoing provisional application are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     1. Technical Field  
         [0003]     The present disclosure is directed to structures for use in restraining balloons, particularly balloons filled with helium, that provide one or more additional functionalities. In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the disclosed structures include an internal light source that is adapted to emit light through one or more faces of the structure, e.g., through translucent or transparent surfaces associated with one or more walls of the structure. Additional features and functionalities associated with exemplary embodiments of the disclosed structure include one or more sound emitting elements positioned within the structure, one or more power sources positioned within the structure for powering the light source and/or the sound emitting element(s), one or more handles/extensions/brackets for detachably receiving/securing a balloon string, and novelty appearances that may be theme-based, holiday-based and the like.  
         [0004]     2. Background Art  
         [0005]     Balloons are frequently used to mark festive occasions, e.g., birthdays, graduations, anniversaries and the like. Similarly, balloons have uses in connection with holiday-themed events, e.g., Christmas parties, Valentine parties, July 4 th  celebrations and the like. Increasingly, helium-filled balloons are used to mark such occasions. Many retail establishments offer a variety of helium balloons for purchase, and stock the necessary equipment/infrastructure to inflate the balloons on an as-needed basis, e.g., a helium canister with appropriate valving systems. Each balloon is generally secured to an elongated string/ribbon to facilitate handling by the purchaser and recipient(s), and to permit the balloon to float above the person or structure to which it is secured.  
         [0006]     Generally, helium-filled balloons must be secured to a structure to prevent the balloon from escaping into the atmosphere. The patent literature reflects previous efforts aimed at structures for use with balloons and other members, e.g., umbrellas. Thus, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,296,693 to Archer describes a beach umbrella support formed from a collapsible container wherein a structure is provided to retain a beach umbrella shaft and the container is provided with handles and/or pockets to double as a beach bag. U.S. Pat. No. 5,520,364 to Bloxson et al. describes a detachable weight assembly for use in securing a blanket/towel in a desired location, e.g., on a beach.  
         [0007]     In the field of balloon-retainer structures, numerous patents have disclosed various approaches to retaining a balloon, e.g., a helium-filled balloon, in a desired location. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,011,447 to Watanabe describes a balloon holder that includes an external cap having a slit through which a string is pulled out, and an internal cap to be fitted to the external cap. The total weight of the holder is greater than the buoyancy of the balloon, thereby preventing the balloon from flying away when the string is released. U.S. Pat. No. 5,016,848 to Metz discloses a pyramidal-shaped balloon holder that includes a base plate, a pyramidally shaped cap member mounted on the base plate, and an arch-shaped member secured thereto to enable balloon strings to be attached. A chamber is defined between the base plate and the cap member to receive a ballast. U.S. Pat. No. 5,024,011 to Collins discloses a decorative message display that is adapted to cooperate with a plurality of decorative appendages, e.g., balloons. The message display includes a front panel that defines an image area and a message area, and the front panel is adapted to cooperate with a horizontal base which maintains the front panel in a substantially upright position. A counterweight may be provided to offset the buoyancy of the balloons, and a pressure-sensitive sound producing device may be embedded in the panel to produce an audible message when the region is pressed.  
         [0008]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,035,391 to Steele et al. discloses a weighted balloon anchor that includes a vertically extending bracket the is employed to anchor one or more inflated balloons. The weighted anchor may be color coded for the occasion and may include suitable identifying indicia thereon. A peripheral rim and appendage(s) serve to receive attached balloon tethers and receive/frictionally retain an announcement card. U.S. Pat. No. 5,074,510 to Metz discloses a balloon holder that includes a synthetic plastic base member, an upstanding arch-shaped ring member for securing a balloon tether, and an upstanding greeting card holder adjacent to the ring member. U.S. Pat. No. 5,755,419 to Gearhart et al. discloses a balloon holder apparatus that defines a hollow body and a weighted base. A slot extends along an edge and is adapted to receive/secure a knotted balloon tether. U.S. Pat. No. 5,662,510 to Wolens discloses a balloon anchor with a sounder and a display area. The device includes a housing that is adapted to be affixed to a balloon tether and that defines a graphical display portion. The housing also contains a sound emitting device that is capable of playing a preselected musical composition or a recorded message.  
         [0009]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,411,427 to Nelson et al. discloses a balloon weight and latch assembly for securing balloon tether(s). The balloon weight has a plastic body of aesthetically pleasing appearance and a clip/latch assembly at the top thereof. U.S. Pat. No. 6,523,798 to Novak discloses a decorative balloon holder that includes a core of sufficient weight to counterbalance balloon buoyancy, and an attachment held directly to the core for securing the string of a balloon. A layer of decorative material is wrapped around the core.  
         [0010]     Despite efforts to date, a need remains for innovative and functional balloon anchoring structures. More particularly, a need remains for balloon anchoring structures that are visually attractive and complementary to theme and/or holiday-related activities. These and other needs are satisfied by the balloon anchoring structures described herein and readily apparent extensions/modifications/enhancements thereto.  
       SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE  
       [0011]     According to the present disclosure, advantageous balloon anchoring structures are provided that are visually attractive and complementary to theme and/or holiday-related activities. The disclosed balloon anchoring structures have wide ranging applicability and offer enhanced value and/or impact when combined with conventional balloon-based activities. Thus, for example, the disclosed balloon anchoring structures are susceptible to an infinite variety of implementations to augment/complement theme-based events (e.g., birthdays, anniversaries, engagements, graduations, Christenings, wedding showers, baby showers, births, etc.), holiday-based events (e.g., New Year&#39;s activities/celebrations, St. Patrick&#39;s Day activities/celebrations, Easter activities/celebrations, July 4 th  activities/celebrations, Halloween activities/celebrations, Thanksgiving activities/celebrations, Christmas activities/celebrations, etc.), and other events/activities (e.g., sports-related events/activities, school-related events/activities, music events/activities, drama events/activities, fund-raising events/activities, family-related events/activities, etc.).  
         [0012]     In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a balloon anchoring structure is provided that includes (i) a housing defining an internal region and including at least one transparent, translucent or window opening for light transmission, (ii) a structure/feature for facilitating interaction with one or more balloon tethers, and (iii) a light emitting device positioned in the internal region of the housing. Exemplary embodiments of the disclosed balloon anchoring structure include at least one power source for powering the light emitting device (e.g., one or more batteries) and a switching mechanism for manual control of the power fed to the light emitting device. In further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a printed circuit board (PCB) and/or other electronic control circuitry (e.g., one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs)) are provided within the internal region to control operation of the light emitting device (and/or other electronics associated with the disclosed balloon anchoring structure, e.g., sound emitting devices, vibratory devices, smoke emitting devices, and the like). Thus, in preferred implementations of the disclosed balloon anchoring structure, the light emitting device and associated electronic control circuitry are adapted to emit light in various colors and/or in various modes (e.g., flashing sequences, color/brightness sequences, and the like).  
         [0013]     The disclosed transparent, translucent or window opening(s) for light transmission are generally selected so as to be consistent with and foster the theme/appearance of the balloon anchoring device. Thus, for example, the transparent, translucent or window opening may be advantageously selected so as to provide/convey a desire image or appearance, e.g., a graduation cap, a stork with delivery, a four leaf clover, a Valentine heart, a birthday cake with candles, a football helmet, a Christmas tree, a Menorah, etc. Exemplary implementations of the disclosed balloon anchoring device include a transparent or translucent plate/panel mounted with respect to wall of the housing such that the plate/panel covers the light-transmitting opening(s) associated with such wall. Appropriate internal mounting structures/features are typically defined in the inner face of such wall, e.g., mounting bracket(s), detents, channels or the like. The plate/panel may also include visually distinguishing features, e.g., a color, texture, variation in thickness, or the like.  
         [0014]     In use, one or more balloon tethers are typically secured to the structure/feature associated with the housing that is adapted to interact with such tether(s). For example, the structure/feature for cooperating with balloon tether(s) may include one or more handles, hooks, brackets or extensions that extend from an upper face or side wall of the housing. Once the balloon tether(s) are secured to the structure/feature extending from the housing, the user may activate internal electronics associated with the disclosed balloon anchoring structure, e.g., a light emitting device and/or a sound emitting device. An activation button/switch is typically actuable from the housing exterior, e.g., along a wall thereof. According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, electronic circuitry positioned within the housing controls the nature/sequence of the electronic activity, e.g., causing a sequencing of light emissions that involve a plurality of colors (e.g., seven) based on light-emitting diodes (LEDs) positioned within the internal region. The light emissions are typically directed toward the transparent, translucent and/or window openings defined in one or more walls of the housing. Thus, the disclosed balloon anchoring structure offers an advantageous and complementary visual (and/or aural/sensorial) effect that adds to the impact of the balloons secured thereto.  
         [0015]     Additional features, functions and benefits associated with the disclosed balloon anchoring structures will be apparent from the description of exemplary embodiments which follows, particularly when read in conjunction with the appended figures.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES  
       [0016]     To assist those of ordinary skill in the relevant field in making and using the disclosed balloon anchoring structures, reference is made to the appended figures, wherein:  
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a plan view of an exemplary “graduation-themed” balloon anchoring structure according to the present disclosure;  
         [0018]      FIG. 2  is a front view of the exemplary balloon anchoring structure of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0019]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the exemplary balloon anchoring structure of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0020]      FIG. 4  is a bottom view of the exemplary balloon anchoring structure of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0021]      FIG. 5  an exploded view of the exemplary balloon anchoring structure of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0022]      FIG. 6  is a front view of an exemplary “clover-themed” balloon anchoring structure according to the present disclosure;  
         [0023]      FIG. 7  is a bottom view of the exemplary balloon anchoring structure of  FIG. 6 ;  
         [0024]      FIG. 8  is a top view of the exemplary balloon anchoring structure of  FIG. 6 ;  
         [0025]      FIG. 9  is an exploded view of the exemplary balloon anchoring structure of  FIG. 6 ;  
         [0026]      FIG. 10  is a front view of an exemplary “heart-themed” balloon anchoring structure according to the present disclosure;  
         [0027]      FIG. 11  is a bottom view of the exemplary balloon anchoring structure of  FIG. 10 ;  
         [0028]      FIG. 12  is a side view of the exemplary balloon anchoring structure of  FIG. 10 ;  
         [0029]      FIG. 13  is a top view of the exemplary balloon anchoring structure of  FIG. 10 ; and  
         [0030]      FIG. 14  is an exploded view of the exemplary balloon anchoring structure of  FIG. 10 . 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS  
       [0031]     As noted above, the present disclosure provides advantageous balloon anchoring structures that are visually attractive and complementary to, inter alia, theme and/or holiday-related activities. The disclosed balloon anchoring structures have wide ranging applicability and offer enhanced value and/or impact when combined with conventional balloon-based activities, e.g., implementations that augment/complement theme-based events (e.g., birthdays, anniversaries, engagements, graduations, Christenings, wedding showers, baby showers, births, etc.), holiday-based events (e.g., New Year&#39;s activities/celebrations, St. Patrick&#39;s Day activities/celebrations, Easter activities/celebrations, July 4 th  activities/celebrations, Halloween activities/celebrations, Thanksgiving activities/celebrations, Christmas activities/celebrations, etc.), and other events/activities (e.g., sports-related events/activities, school-related events/activities, music events/activities, drama events/activities, fund-raising events/activities, family-related events/activities, etc.).  
         [0032]     Exemplary balloon anchoring structures according to the present disclosure include (i) a housing defining an internal region and including at least one transparent, translucent or window opening for light transmission, (ii) a structure/feature for facilitating interaction with one or more balloon tethers, and (iii) a light emitting device positioned in the internal region of the housing. At least one power source is generally provided for powering the light emitting device (e.g., one or more batteries) and a switching mechanism is also generally provided for manual control of the power fed to the light emitting device. In further exemplary embodiments, a printed circuit board (PCB) and/or other electronic control circuitry (e.g., one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs)) are provided within the internal region to control operation of the light emitting device (and/or other electronics associated with the disclosed balloon anchoring structure, e.g., sound emitting devices, vibratory devices, smoke emitting devices, and the like). Thus, in preferred implementations of the disclosed balloon anchoring structure, the light emitting device and associated electronic control circuitry are adapted to emit light in various colors and/or in various modes (e.g., flashing sequences, color/brightness sequences, etc.).  
         [0033]     The disclosed transparent, translucent or window opening(s) for light transmission are generally selected so as to be consistent with and foster the theme/appearance of the balloon anchoring device. Thus, for example, the transparent, translucent or window opening may be advantageously selected so as to provide/convey a desire image or appearance, e.g., a graduation cap, a stork with delivery, a four leaf clover, a Valentine heart, a birthday cake with candles, a football helmet, a Christmas tree, a Menorah, etc. Exemplary implementations of the disclosed balloon anchoring device include a transparent or translucent plate/panel mounted with respect to wall of the housing such that the plate/panel covers the light-transmitting opening(s) associated with such wall. Appropriate internal mounting structures/features are typically defined in the inner face of such wall, e.g., mounting bracket(s), detents, channels or the like. The plate/panel may also include visually distinguishing features, e.g., a color, texture, variation in thickness, or the like.  
         [0034]     With reference to  FIGS. 1, 6  and  10 , three exemplary embodiments of the disclosed balloon anchoring structure are depicted. Although the illustrated embodiments differ in geometry, theme and visual impact, they share common structural and functional attributes. Thus, in each of the embodiments of  FIGS. 1, 6  and  10 , a housing is provided that defines an internal region. At least one cut-out is defined in a wall of the housing, such at least one cut-out functioning to define a theme or visual impact of the disclosed balloon anchoring structure. Thus, with reference to  FIG. 1 , a graduation cap is depicted by the cut-out. In  FIG. 6 , a plurality of four-leaf clover cut-outs are defined in a conical housing wall. And with reference to  FIG. 10 , a heart-shaped cut-out is defined in side walls of the housing. In each instance, an interior region is defined by the housing and a structure/feature for facilitating interaction with one or more balloon tethers is defined at or toward the top of the housing. In  FIG. 1 , the tether-cooperating feature takes the form of a pair of arch-shaped handles, while in  FIG. 6  the tether-cooperating feature takes the form of a hook extending from the apex of the conical housing, and in  FIG. 10  the tether-cooperating feature takes the form of a substantially rigid bow-shaped structure formed or secured to the top face of the box-shaped housing. These three embodiments are merely illustrative of housing, cut-out tether-cooperating structure geometries, dimensions, themes and the like. An infinite variety of implementations may be employed without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.  
         [0035]     Turning with greater particularity to the exemplary embodiment of  FIGS. 1-5 , various views associated with a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure are provided. The illustrative embodiment of  FIGS. 1-5  takes the general form of a bag with a pair of arch-shaped handles positioned at the top thereof. With particular reference to the exploded view of  FIG. 4F , the balloon anchoring structure  10  includes a housing or cabinet  12  which is mountable to a base or bottom  14 , e.g., using a plurality of mounting screws  16  that cooperate with mounting legs  17 . Base supports  15  are formed on base  14  to space housing  12  upwardly from the support surface, e.g., floor, upon which it is positioned. A pair of handles  18  are mounted to a top face  20  of the housing  12 , e.g., through apertures formed in the top face as shown. A plurality of screws  22  are typically employed to secure the handles  18  relative to top face  20 , although alternative mounting mechanisms may be employed.  
         [0036]     A graduation cap cut-out  24  is formed in opposed side faces  26 ,  28  of the housing  12 , and is backed by a pair of plates/panels or lenses  30 ,  32 . Each of the plates/panels  30 ,  32  defines a plurality of mounting features  34 ,  36  at top and bottom ends thereof, respectively. The mounting features  34 ,  36  are adapted to cooperate with mounting notches/channels (not pictured) defined on the interior side of housing  12 . In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the plates/panels or lenses  30 ,  32  is translucent and functions to further diffuse the light that is emitted from the balloon anchoring structure  10 .  
         [0037]     A light emitting device  38  is positioned within the housing  12 , i.e., within an interior region defined by the housing  12 . In the exemplary embodiment of  FIGS. 1-5 , the light emitting device  38  includes a plurality (3) LEDS  40  mounting to a circular PCB module  42 . A hemispheric diffuser  44  is positioned above the LEDs  40  and mounts with respect to the circular PCB module  42  so as to enclose the LEDs  40 . The PCB module  42  is mounted to a flat surface that defines a wall of a battery-receiving compartment  46 . A battery compartment door  48  is detachably secured with respect to the housing  12  so as to obscure and protect the batteries (e.g., 3 AAA batteries) (not pictured) for powering the LEDs  40  and associated electronic circuitry.  
         [0038]     A switch mechanism is provided for controlling the powering of the LEDs  40 . In the exemplary embodiment of  FIGS. 1-5 , the switch mechanism includes a tact switch  50 , a switch retainer  52  and a switch knob  54 . Switch retainer  52  is mounted with respect to base  14  by screws  56 . In use, activation of the switch mechanism actuates the LEDs  40 , based on the control logic associated with the PCB module  42 . Thus, for example, a single actuation of the switch mechanism may actuate a first light emitting pattern/sequence or color, whereas a second actuation may actuate a second light emitting pattern/sequence or color, and so on. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, seven to eight patterns/sequences and/or colors may be effectuated through interaction with the noted PCB module  42 . A ballast/weight (not pictured) may be added to the assembly, as necessary, to address the buoyancy of the balloons to be tethered to the handles  18 . Alternatively, the total weight of the components shown in the exploded view of  FIG. 5  may be sufficient to offset such buoyancy.  
         [0039]     When fully assembled, balloons (not pictured) are tethered to the handles  18  and the light-emitting device  38  is actuated through interaction with the switch mechanism, i.e., tact switch  50  and/or switch knob  54 . One or more of the disclosed balloon anchoring structures  10  may be positioned, as desired, to support/complement an activity, e.g., a graduation celebration. The light-emitting device  38  generates light that passes through the diffuser lens  44  and outward through the panels/lenses  30 ,  32  and the cut-outs  24 . In this way, the disclosed balloon anchoring structure  10  advantageously emits light from the housing  12  and provides a desirable visual effect.  
         [0040]     Turning to the alternative illustrative embodiment of  FIGS. 6-9 , a balloon anchoring device  60  in the general form of a party hat is depicted. The party hat  60  includes a substantially conical cabinet or housing  62  that includes a hook structure  64  at an apex thereof. With particular reference to the exploded views of  FIGS. 6-9 , the conical housing  62  defines an interior region and includes a hook-shaped extension  64  at its apex for cooperation with balloon tether(s). The conical housing  62  includes a plurality of radially spaced cut-outs  66  that define four-leaf clovers. A frusto-conical panel or lens  68  is positioned within housing  62  and includes a plurality of notches  70  along a lower edge thereof to facilitate positioning relative to a base or bottom  72 . Legs  73  extend from base  72 . A plurality of screws  74  are used to mount the base  72  with respect to the housing  62  and frusto-conical panel  68 .  
         [0041]     A light-emitting device  76  similar in design/operation to light-emitting device  38  described with reference to the illustrative embodiment of  FIGS. 1-5  is positioned within the interior region defined by the housing  62 . Thus, a plurality of LEDs  78  are mounted with respect to a PCB  80  and are actuated by a switch mechanism. The switch mechanism includes a tact switch  86 , a switch retainer  88  and a switch knob  90 . Screws  91  are provided to secure the switch mechanism with respect to housing  62 . A plurality of batteries (not pictured) are provided to power the LEDs  78  and PCB  80 , and are positioned within a battery compartment  82  that is partially defined by a detachable battery door  84 . In use, the LEDs  78  are actuated through interaction with the switch mechanism and light is emitted through diffuser lens  92  and frusto-conical panel  68  so as to exit the housing  62  through the clover-shaped cut-outs  66 . Different light emitting patterns/sequences and/or colors may be effected through interaction with the switch mechanism, based on light-emitting logic contained on the PCB  80 .  
         [0042]     Turning to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure,  FIGS. 10-14  illustrate a further illustrative embodiment that takes the form of a packaged present  100  with a bow structure  102  at the top thereof. Of note, an arch-shaped member  104  may extend between respective lobe-shaped bows  106  to further facilitate interaction with balloon tether(s) according to the illustrative embodiment of  FIGS. 10-14 . Screws  107  are typically provided to mount bow structure  102  with respect to the top face  103  of packaged present  100 . The cut-outs  108  formed in substantially rectangular housing  110  take the form of hearts, making the exemplary balloon anchoring structure  100  of  FIGS. 10-14  particularly applicable to romance-related activities/events, e.g., anniversaries, dates, Valentine&#39;s Day, and the like. With reference to the exploded view of  FIG. 14 , the disclosed balloon anchoring structure  100  includes the housing or cabinet  110 , a base  112  and a plurality (4) of panels/plates or lenses  114  that are adapted to be mounted with respect to the inner walls of the housing. Base  112  includes a plurality of legs  113 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , heart-shaped cut-outs  108  are provided on each of the four faces of the housing  110 , thereby permitting light emission in all four directions. The panels/plates/lenses  114  are typically translucent or transparent, and may be textured and/or colorized to further vary the lighting effect.  
         [0043]     A light-emitting device that includes a plurality (3) of LEDs  116  and a circular PCB module  118  is positioned within the housing  110 . A switch mechanism is provided for actuating the LEDs  116  and PCB  118 . A power source, e.g., batteries positioned within a battery compartment  120 , supply power to the LEDs  116  and PCB  118  to cause light emission therefrom. A door  130  is typically provided in association with base  112  to facilitate access to batteries positioned within battery compartment  120 . According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, various light-emitting sequences/patterns and colors may be initiated through interaction with the switch mechanism and the control circuitry associated with the PCB module  118  A tact switch  122 , switch retainer  124  and switch knob  126  are typically associated with the switch mechanism, as with the previously disclosed embodiments.  
         [0044]     Thus, a variety of exemplary embodiments of the disclosed balloon anchoring structure have been described herein. In use, one or more balloon tethers are typically secured to the structure/feature associated with the housing that is adapted to interact with such tether(s). For example, the structure/feature for cooperating with balloon tether(s) may include one or more handles, hooks, brackets or extensions that extend from an upper face or side wall of the housing. Once the balloon tether(s) are secured to the structure/feature extending from the housing, the user may activate internal electronics associated with the disclosed balloon anchoring structure, e.g., a light emitting device and/or a sound emitting device. An activation button/switch is typically actuable from the housing exterior, e.g., along a wall thereof. According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, electronic circuitry positioned within the housing controls the nature/sequence of the electronic activity, e.g., causing a sequencing of light emissions that involve a plurality of colors (e.g., seven) based on light-emitting diodes (LEDs) positioned within the internal region. The light emissions are typically directed toward the transparent, translucent and/or window openings defined in one or more walls of the housing. Thus, the disclosed balloon anchoring structure offers an advantageous and complementary visual (and/or aural/sensorial) effect that adds to the impact of the balloons secured thereto.  
         [0045]     Although the present disclosure has been provided with reference to exemplary embodiments and implementations thereof, the present disclosure is not to be limited by such exemplary implementations. Rather, the disclosed balloon anchoring structures are susceptible to many variations, enhancements, modifications and/or alternatives without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure, as will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art. Accordingly, the present disclosure extends to and encompasses such variations, enhancements, modifications and/or alternatives within its scope.