Patent Description:
Inflatable containers such as balloons can be filled with a variety of fluids, such as air, helium, water, medicines, etc. In some cases, it may be desirable for a lot of inflatable containers to be filled with fluids. For example, festive balloons used as props in conventions, large parties, etc. may number in the hundreds and may require substantial human effort to fill them all in a timely manner. In another example, water balloons used as kids' toys may need to be filled in large numbers to aid in various games. Various methods may be employed to fill such inflatable containers. For example, an individual may sequentially blow up and tie each balloon by hand or use a tank of compressed air or helium to inflate the balloon, which then has to be tied. This sequential filling is time consuming. In another example, an individual may fill water balloons with water by hand one at a time, and then tie the balloons, which can all be quite time-consuming. Moreover, the inflatable containers may be damaged or filled to different volumes. <CIT> discloses an apparatus configured to fill and seal a plurality of balloons, comprising a housing comprising an opening at a first end and a plurality of holes at a second end, a plurality of hollow tubes each attached to a respective one of the holes, wherein each balloon has an elastic fastener configured to seal its respective one of the plurality of balloons.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus, system and method for filling containers with fluids that addresses at least some of the above mentioned disadvantages and/or that will at least provide the public with a useful choice.

Accordingly in a first aspect the present invention may be said to be an apparatus comprising:.

Preferably the apparatus is configured to fill the containers substantially simultaneously with a fluid being water.

Preferably the first end of the housing has an outermost perimeter that is smaller in length than an outermost perimeter of the second end.

Preferably the opening at the first end of the housing has a threaded inner surface.

Preferably each container comprises an expandable balloon portion.

Preferably each container comprises a rigid portion and a flexible portion, the flexible portion disposed between the elastic fastener and the end of a respective one of the plurality of tubes.

Preferably each container comprises a volumetric measurement marking providing a visual reference for filling the container to a desired volume.

Preferably the elastic fastener is disposed outwardly from the container and clamps an inner surface of the container against an outer surface of the respective one of the plurality of tubes.

Preferably each elastic fastener comprises an o-ring configured to automatically seal the container in response to a force applied to the container in a direction away from the housing.

Preferably the hollow tubes are flexible.

Preferably the plurality of tubes comprise a first set of tubes each having a first length, and a second set of tubes each having a second length longer than the first length.

Preferably the housing is attached to a valve coupled to a fluid source, wherein the valve is configured to control delivery of the fluid to fill the plurality of containers.

Preferably the valve includes a lever that can be turned to a first position to turn on the valve and allow fluid flow to the housing, wherein the lever can be turned to a second position to turn off the valve and stop fluid flow to the housing.

Preferably one end of the valve is connected to a hose attached to a water supply, and the other end is threaded to the housing.

In a second aspect the present invention may be said to be a method of filling a plurality of containers simultaneously with a fluid, comprising:.

Preferably further comprising detaching the plurality of containers from the plurality of hollow tubes, wherein when each container is detached from the corresponding hollow tube, the elastic fastener seals the containers with the fluid inside.

Preferably the detaching comprises shaking the housing until the plurality of containers slip down the hollow tubes.

Preferably the detaching comprises pulling away the containers from the hollow tubes.

Preferably when the filled containers reach a threshold weight, the containers slip off the hollow tubes.

In yet a further aspect the present invention may be said to be an apparatus comprising a tube removably joined to at least one elastic container by an open elastic valve, wherein the tube facilitates filling the elastic container with a fluid, the elastic valve being configured to automatically close upon removal of the tube from the elastic container to seal the fluid inside the elastic container.

Preferably the elastic valve comprises an elastic ring disposed around a neck of the elastic container.

In still a further aspect the present invention may be said to be an apparatus comprising a plurality of flexible tubes, each flexible tube joined to a balloon, wherein the flexible tubes facilitate filling the balloons with a fluid, wherein the balloons are disposed in sufficient proximity to one another to push on each other during their filling, thereby causing the tubes to flex.

Preferably the flexible tubes are of different lengths.

In still a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a balloon filling apparatus comprising a plurality of tubes and a plurality of balloons, wherein each balloon is connected to a respective one of the tubes with a connecting force not less than a weight equivalent to one of the balloons if substantially filled with water, the connecting force being overcomeable by applying an upward acceleration on the tube, wherein the apparatus is configured to fill the plurality of the balloons substantially simultaneously.

Preferably the connecting force is less than <NUM> Newton.

Preferably the connecting force is provided by an elastic valve configured to automatically seal the balloon if the connecting force is overcome.

Preferably each hole of the plurality of holes at the second end of the housing extends through an outer surface of the housing, the outer surface opposing the opening at the first end of the housing.

In still a further aspect the present invention may be said to be an apparatus comprising or including.

In yet a further aspect the present invention may be said to be an apparatus comprising or including.

Preferably the inlet is a threaded inlet.

Preferably the outlets are each tubular.

In yet a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a water balloon assembly comprising.

In yet a further aspect the present invention may be said to be an apparatus comprising or including
a plurality of resiliently chokered water inflatable balloons each held by its choker about its tubular entranceway, and as a sleeve, on an outlet tube of a filling manifold connectable at its inlet to a water source.

Preferably the choker hold on each manifold outlet enables post water inflation axial separation of the sleeved tubular entranceway from its tubular outlet and subsequent choker sealing of the tubular entranceway of the water inflated balloon.

Preferably the weight and/or inertia of the water content assists and/or causes the axial separation.

In yet a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a filling procedure for multiple balloons, each to be sealed by a constrictor about its tubular entranceway, the procedure comprising the steps of.

In even a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a water filled balloon sealed by a constrictor about its tubular entranceway.

In even a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a plurality of juxtaposed water filled balloons each in fluid communication via a manifold to a single water supply conduit.

The present invention may also be said to be a water filled balloon sealed by a constrictor about its tubular entranceway, such constrictor having effected the seal after a sliding off of the tubular entranceway from a filling spigot.

Preferably the filling spigot was a tubular outlet of a manifold thread engageable to a suitable tap.

The present invention may also be said to be a water filled balloon sealed by a constrictor about its beaded tubular entranceway, the beading assisting constrictor location about the entranceway.

In even a further aspect the present invention may be said to be an apparatus suitable to provide a multiple of water filled and choker or constrictor sealed balloons upon water filling of the balloons using a manifold of the apparatus, the apparatus comprising a said manifold with a inlet to receive water and multiple tubular outlets out which water is to issue, a balloon docked about each tubular outlet to receive issuing water, and a said choker or constrictor of each balloon to serve the multiple functions:.

Preferably the hollow tubes as herein before described are rigidly flexible.

Preferably the tubes are able to bend, yet keep their non bent cross sectional shape.

Preferably the balloons, in their pre-filled condition, allow the distal ends of the tubes at where the balloons are engaged, to be in more condensed configuration compared to when the balloons filled.

Preferably the tubes extend substantially parallel each other and are adapted and configured, when being filled, to progressively splay outwards.

Preferably the tubes extend from the housing generally in the same direction and are adapted and configured, when being filled, to progressively splay outwards.

Preferably the tubes are adapted to not crease, fold or buckle when the balloons are being filled.

Preferably the outward splay is as a result of the expansion of the girth of the balloons as they are filled and the balloons being in contact with adjacent of said balloons.

Preferably the balloons do not contain any liquid prior to being filled with water.

Preferably the balloons contain air prior to being filled with water.

Preferably the air in the balloons is in fluid connection with ambient air.

Preferably there is no pressure differential between the air in the balloons and ambient air.

Preferably balloons, prior to being filled with water, are flaccid.

Preferably the balloons, once filled, are volumetrically, at least <NUM> times their flaccid size.

Preferably the balloons, once fully filled, are no more than <NUM> cubic metres.

Preferably the balloons comprise of a flexible body and a less flexible spout, the spout being engaged to a respective tube.

Preferably the flexible body or each balloon is located beyond the distal end of a respective tube.

Preferably a first group of tubes have their distal ends more proximate the housing/manifold than a second group of tubes, thereby locating a first group of balloons more proximate the housing/manifold than a second group of balloons.

Preferably the first group of tubes is located about the second group of tubes.

Preferably the tubes are arranged, at the housing/manifold in arrays of concentric circles.

Preferably the second group of tubes are of inner more concentric circles to the first group of tubes.

Preferably the ends of the tubes displace, upon filling of the balloons, to be more than <NUM> apart each other.

Preferably the ends of the tubes displace, upon filling of the balloons, to be no more than <NUM> apart each other.

Preferably the ends of the tubes, when the balloons are flaccid, have a spacing of less than <NUM>.

In a broad sense the present invention includes or utilizes an apparatus that includes a housing (e.g., casing, manifold, covering, etc. that includes a cavity inside) with a first opening at a first region and a plurality of openings at a second region. , A plurality of hollow tubes extend from the plurality of openings to a plurality of containers (e.g., receptacles, vessels, ampules, test-tubes, balloons, etc.). The tubes may be integrally formed with the housing or separately assembled therewith. The containers are removably attached to the hollow tubes. A plurality of elastic fasteners being elastic rings are utilized. Each elastic fastener clamps a container to a corresponding hollow tube, such that when the containers are filled with fluid and detached from the corresponding hollow tubes, each elastic fastener seals each container to help retain the fluid inside the container. The fasteners may be integrally formed with the container or separately associated therewith.

Some examples of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the following disclosure describes several example embodiments for implementing different features, structures, or functions of the system. Example embodiments of components, arrangements, and configurations are described herein to simplify the present disclosure. However, these example embodiments are provided merely as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

The present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various exemplary embodiments and across the Figures provided herein. This repetitions is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various exemplary embodiments and/or configurations discussed in the various Figures.

<FIG> is a simplified diagram illustrating an example embodiment of a system <NUM> for filling containers with a fluid being water. System <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> removably attachable to a hose <NUM> (e.g., tube, pipe, etc.) at a first region such as on a first end A and to a plurality of hollow tubes <NUM> at a second region such as the second end B.

As used herein, the term "housing" encompasses a hollow space or chamber enclosed by a rigid or semi-rigid casing (e.g., covering, skin, sleeve, sheath, etc.). A manifold arrangement is provide by the housing. In some embodiments, end A may include a threaded opening configured to mate with corresponding threads on hose <NUM>. In some embodiments, end A may be smaller in circumference or area than end B. Hose <NUM> may be connected to a fluid source, such as a water tank, gas tank, water supply line, etc. on end A. End B may include a plurality of openings such as holes (preferably configured in an array), configured to fit tubes <NUM>. In some embodiments, tubes <NUM> may be integrally formed with the housing or are permanently attached (e.g., welded, brazed, stuck with adhesives, press-fitted, etc.) to housing <NUM>. In other embodiments, tubes <NUM> may be removably attached (e.g., with threads, pressure, etc.) to housing <NUM>.

The tubes each have an outlet opening distal the housing. A plurality of containers <NUM> may be held (e.g., attached, fastened, camped, clinched, secured, etc.) to plurality of hollow tubes <NUM> at the distal ends of the tube. This is preferably achieved using elastic valves <NUM>. Each tube has one container associated with it.

As used herein, the term "container" refers to a water balloon and the term "fluid" refers to water. It is preferably an elastic container but does not need to be so. The term "valve" refers to an object that regulates, directs, or controls the flow of fluids, by opening, closing, or partially obstructing passageways of fluid flow. In an example embodiment, elastic valves <NUM> comprise elastic fasteners, such as O-rings or rubber bands. In another example embodiments, elastic valves <NUM> comprise corrugations, smocking, elastic fibers, etc. fabricated into the necks of containers <NUM>. They are adapted and configured so that force is required to pull open the necks of containers <NUM>, and removal of the force causes the necks to constrict and close. In yet another example embodiment, elastic valves comprise internal or external plugs affixed to the necks of containers <NUM>, through which tubes <NUM> may be pushed through to clamp containers <NUM> thereto.

Note that each of container <NUM> hasan opening to facilitate clamping to tubes <NUM> and a cavity for containing fluid. For example, one end of an example tube 16A may be fitted through a hole in end B of housing <NUM>, and the other end of tube 16A may be inserted into an example container 18A. An example elastic valve 20A (e.g., O-ring, comprising a mechanical gasket typically in a toroid shape; elastic ring, such as a rubber-band) of sufficient size to expand and clamp around tube 16A may be dispose around (e.g., placed over) a neck (e.g., portion just below opening) of container 18A, clamping and sealing container 18A to tube 16A. Thus, elastic valve 20A may be in an open configuration when container 18A is attached to tube 16A; in elastic valve 20A's open configuration, the neck of container 18A is open, allowing container 18A to fill with fluid. After container 18A is filled with fluid, it may be removed from tube 16A, whereupon elastic valve 20A is free to close and closes, thereby closing the neck of container 18A and sealing the fluid inside.

In one example embodiment, containers <NUM> may comprise inflatable balloons that may be filled with water. In another example embodiment, containers <NUM> may comprise flexible (e.g., stretchy, springy, etc.) elastic containers that may be filled with gaseous or liquid medications. As used herein, the term "elastic" is meant to refer to a property of a material that allows the material to resume its normal shape spontaneously after contraction, dilation, or distortion. In an example, an elastic material may be stretched to <NUM>% of its original length, and the material may return to its original length when the stretching force is removed.

It will be appreciated that the valve may not make a complete seal of the container. An gas or liquid tight seal is preferred but some, minimal, leakage of fluid from the container may occur after removal from the tubes. Any leakage is preferably minimal for the applications to which the container is subsequently put. Eg if its for decorative balloons, slow leakage over a matter of days is likely to be of no consequence. Leakage may also be temporary in that subsequent additional sealing by other steps may take place. Eg decorative balloons may be clipped to a stick that has some sealing functionality to offer additional sealing for the balloon.

In yet another example embodiment not being part of the claimed invention, containers <NUM> may comprise flexible containers that may be filled with body fluids (e.g., urine, blood) for example, to collect multiple samples simultaneously for testing. Virtually any type and kind of fluid may be used within the broad scope of the embodiments. Note that in some embodiments, containers <NUM> need not be inflatable or flexible in their entireties. For example, a bottom portion of containers <NUM> may be inelastic (e.g., glass, plastic, metal, etc., of fixed shape and size), and a top portion may be flexible enough to be inserted around tubes <NUM> and clamped thereon.

When the fluid source is turned on, fluid may flow through housing <NUM>, tubes <NUM> and fill containers <NUM>. In some embodiments, when housing <NUM> is connected to a stream of liquid, containers <NUM> may be filled with the liquid. In some embodiments, the fluid may be supplied at high pressure. Virtually any mechanism that facilitates fluid flow through tubes <NUM> at sufficient pressure to fill containers <NUM> may be used within the broad scope of the embodiments. After containers <NUM> have reached a desired size or volume, they may be detached from tubes <NUM>. In one example embodiment, filled containers <NUM> may be detached by pulling them away from tubes <NUM>.

In another example embodiment, the connecting force holding filled containers <NUM> to tubes <NUM> may be overcome by an upward acceleration on tubes <NUM>, for example, when they are shaken. Thus, filled containers <NUM> may be detached by shaking housing <NUM> (or tubes <NUM>) sufficiently vigorously to cause containers <NUM> to fall off from tubes <NUM>. In some embodiments, the connecting force holding filled container to its corresponding tube is not less than the weight of the filled container; in a specific embodiment, the connecting force holding each container to its corresponding tube is exactly equal to the weight of the filled container. The connecting force may be provided by a combination of constricting forces and friction forces from elastic valves <NUM>.

In yet other embodiments, containers <NUM> may fall off under gravity; for example, when filled containers <NUM> reach a threshold weight, they slip off tubes <NUM> due to gravity. The threshold weight may be based upon the tightness of elastic valves <NUM>, friction between tubes <NUM> and containers <NUM>, and force from the weight of containers <NUM> (among other parameters). In various embodiments, containers <NUM> may slide off tubes <NUM> and elastic valves <NUM> may constrict the necks of containers <NUM>, sealing them. In some embodiments, containers <NUM> may be marked with volumetric measurements, and fluid flow may be turned off when the fluid has filled containers <NUM> to a desired volume.

The end of the hollow tubes may include a flared outer lip or gradual taper increasing towards the end, that may present a hurdle for the elastic valve when sliding off the tube. An increased force may be applied to the container to overcome this hurdle prior to release from the tube. This may be desirable in order to prevent accidental or premature removal. However selection of an appropriate materials and their co-efficient of friction for the tubes and containers and an appropriately elastic valve, accidental or premature release may also be avoided.

In some embodiments, hollow tubes <NUM> may be made of a rigid material (e.g., steel, glass); in other embodiments, tubes <NUM> may be made of a flexible material (e.g., thin plastic). In some embodiments, tubes <NUM> may be thick, short and rigid; in other embodiments, tubes <NUM> may be slender, long and flexible. Thus, hollow tubes <NUM> may be flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid, based on its material of construction, design, or a combination thereof. Note that tubes <NUM> may be of different lengths, for example, to prevent crowding and to accommodate a larger number of containers <NUM> than would be possible if tubes <NUM> were of the same length. Thus, at least some of hollow tubes <NUM> may be of different lengths than the others.

Also, tubes <NUM> may be flexible to enable containers <NUM> to expand. Thus, as containers <NUM> fill with fluid and expand, they may push against each other, flexing tubes <NUM>. The outermost tubes <NUM> may be flexed more than the innermost tubes <NUM> (outer and inner being in reference to a center-point of housing <NUM>, with the inner tubes <NUM> being closer to the center-point, and the outer tubes <NUM> being farther from the center-point).

Turning to <FIG> is a simplified cross-sectional view of a portion of an embodiment of system <NUM>. Housing <NUM> comprises a threaded opening <NUM> at end A, an internal cavity <NUM>, and an array of holes <NUM> at end B. Internal cavity <NUM> facilitates distributing the fluid entering at threaded opening <NUM> to array of holes <NUM> at end B. In some embodiments, threaded opening <NUM> may be configured for attaching to a fluid supply hose <NUM> (e.g., garden hose, plastic tube, etc.). In other embodiments, threaded opening <NUM> may be attached to corresponding threads in a valve. Array of holes <NUM> may be configured for connecting first ends <NUM> of tubes <NUM> by any suitable means. In some embodiments, first ends <NUM> of tubes <NUM> may be connected to corresponding holes <NUM> by compressing or gluing. In some embodiments, a number of holes <NUM> in housing <NUM> and a number of tubes <NUM> can correspond to a number of containers <NUM> that are desired to be filled and sealed substantially simultaneously.

To clarify further, only one example tube 16A is shown in the figure. A first end 28A of tube 16A is fitted through a corresponding hole 26A in housing <NUM>. A second end 29A of tube 16A is inserted into container 18A. Elastic valve 20A may be placed around the neck of container 18A clamping the neck to tube 16A. An internal volume 30A of container 18A may be filled with fluid appropriately.

To fill and seal containers <NUM>, housing <NUM> may be attached to a fluid supply tube (e.g., garden hose) and the fluid supply may be turned on. The fluid enters housing <NUM>, is distributed to holes <NUM>, travels down tubes <NUM>, and fills containers <NUM>. Containers <NUM> may be filled and may expand substantially simultaneously. When containers <NUM> have reached a desired size and/or they are filled with the desired volume of fluid, they may be removed from tubes <NUM>. They can be removed by falling off, by shaking them off, by pulling them off by hand, etc. As each container 18A is removed from corresponding tube 16A, respective elastic valve 20A may constrict and close the neck of container 18A, sealing it with the fluid inside.

Turning to <FIG> is a simplified diagram illustrating example details of a valve <NUM> that may be attached between hose <NUM> and housing <NUM> according to an embodiment of system <NUM>. One end of valve <NUM> may be attached to hose <NUM> and the other end may be attached to threaded opening <NUM> of housing <NUM> (e.g., using threads). A lever <NUM> may be turned from one side (of valve <NUM>) to another (e.g., as indicated by arrow C) to turn on and turn off fluid flow to housing <NUM>. For example, to turn on the fluid flow, lever <NUM> may be turned to a first position; lever <NUM> may be turned to a second position (e.g., different from the first position) to turn off fluid flow.

Turning to <FIG> is a simplified diagram illustrating example details of an embodiment of system <NUM>. Housing <NUM> may be attached to a spigot <NUM> (e.g., nozzle, faucet, outlet, etc.) that connects to the fluid source. Spigot <NUM> may be turned on or turned off to start or stop fluid flow to housing <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG> is a simplified diagram illustrating example details of an application of an embodiment of system <NUM>. Embodiments of system <NUM> may be used in a variety of applications, such as for collecting numerous blood samples substantially simultaneously. Blood <NUM> may be drawn from a human (or animal) and blood <NUM> may collect substantially simultaneously in plurality of containers <NUM>. The substantial simultaneous collection of blood in such manner can ease patient pain, speed up sampling time, and enable taking multiple samples substantially simultaneously without cross-contamination from one container to another or messy transfers between containers.

Turning to <FIG> is a simplified diagram illustrating example details of an application of an embodiment of system <NUM>. Embodiments of system <NUM> may be used in a variety of applications, such as for collecting numerous urine samples substantially simultaneously. Urine <NUM> may be drawn from a human (or animal) through a suitable catheter <NUM>, and may collect substantially simultaneously in plurality of containers <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG> is a simplified diagram illustrating example details of an embodiment of system <NUM>. Example container 18A may comprise a flexible portion <NUM> and an inflexible portion <NUM>. Flexible portion <NUM> may be clamped on to example tube 16A using example elastic valve 20A. In some embodiments, container 18A may comprise volumetric measurement markings <NUM>. When fluid fills container 18A to a desired volume, for example, as indicated by volumetric measurement marking <NUM>, container 18A may be detached from tube 16A, whereupon elastic valve 20A may close container 18A, sealing the fluid inside.

Turning to <FIG> is a simplified flow diagram <NUM> illustrating example operations that may be associated with an embodiment of system <NUM>. At <NUM>, housing <NUM> may be attached to a fluid source (e.g., through hose <NUM>, spigot <NUM>, etc.) At <NUM>, fluid may be supplied from the fluid source to housing <NUM>. At <NUM>, plurality of containers <NUM> may be filled with the fluid. At <NUM>, containers <NUM> may be detached from corresponding tubes <NUM>.

Note that in this Specification, references to various features (e.g., elements, structures, modules, components, steps, operations, characteristics, etc.) included in "one embodiment", "example embodiment", "an embodiment", "another embodiment", "some embodiments", "various embodiments", "other embodiments", "alternative embodiment", and the like are intended to mean that any such features are included in one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, but may or may not necessarily be combined in the same embodiments.

The elements described herein may be made of any suitable materials, including metal (e.g., stainless steel, copper, brass, bronze, aluminum, etc.), plastic, glass, elastomers, or any suitable combination thereof. Each element may also be made of a combination of different materials (e.g., housing and tubes may be made of plastic and containers may be made of elastic rubber; housing and tubes may be made of stainless steel and containers may be made of a combination of glass and flexible plastic; etc.). Any suitable material or combination of materials may be used for the components described herein without departing from the broad scope of the present disclosure.

In addition, the shapes shown and illustrated in the various FIGURES are for example purposes only. Various other shapes may be used herein without changing the scope of the present disclosure. For example, housing <NUM> may be conical, cylindrical, pyramidal, etc., without departing from the broad scope of the embodiments. Likewise, tubes <NUM> may be rigid, or flexible <NUM> without departing from the scope of the broad embodiments.

Claim 1:
An apparatus configured to fill and seal a plurality of water balloons, the apparatus comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) comprising a threaded opening (<NUM>) at a first end (A) and comprising a plurality of holes (<NUM>) at a second end (B);
a plurality of hollow tubes (<NUM>), wherein each hollow tube is attached t a respective one of the holes at the second end; and
a plurality of elastic fasteners, each elastic fastener clamping a respective one of the plurality of water balloons to a corresponding hollow tube, and each elastic fastener configured to seal its respective one of the plurality of water balloons upon detaching the water balloon from its corresponding hollow tube, wherein the elastic fasteners are elastic rings.