Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    This Non-Provisional Utility application claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/676,969, filed on Jul. 29, 2012, which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a self sealing balloon assembly and method of manufacturing the same, and more particularly, a rubber or latex balloon having a moldable adhesive loop embedded within an adhesive staging segment formed as an annular loop within a neck segment of a balloon. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Balloons are designed having a variety of shapes and sizes and are fabricated of any of a wide selection of suitable gas impervious materials, including: Mylar, latex, rubber, and the like. A pressurized gas, such as air, helium, nitrogen, and the like is used to inflate the balloon. The pressurized gas enters a balloon gas retaining expansion cavity through a balloon neck segment. The pressurized gas expands the balloon gas retaining expansion cavity. The pressurized gas is retained within the expanded balloon gas retaining expansion cavity by sealing a fill conduit provided through the balloon neck segment. This is commonly accomplished by tying a knot in the balloon neck segment. 
         [0004]    The process of sealing pressurized gas within the expanded balloon gas retaining expansion cavity by tying a knot in the balloon neck segment presents a number of drawbacks. Initially, the process is very tedious and time consuming. The cycle time for the process of tying each balloon neck impacts the overall efficiency and profit for balloon preparation party. Once the neck of the balloon is tied into a knot, it is nearly impossible to untie the knot in order to deflate and reuse the balloon. 
         [0005]    Latex balloons are formed by applying latex, in a liquid form, onto a balloon form and curing the latex. The elasticity of the latex enables removal of the formed and cured balloon from the balloon form. Mylar balloons are fabricated by adhering two sheets of Mylar together in accordance to a predetermined peripheral shape. Characteristics of the Mylar material direct the balloon fill process away from tying a knot in the neck segment. Conversely, tying a ribbon or similar material about the neck segment can seal the neck segment. Alternative sealing devices, such as sealing clips, and the like can be used to seal the neck segment. 
         [0006]    In one known embodiment, a layer of adhesive tape is placed on an interior surface of the neck of the balloon. The adhesive tape is covered with a protective coating, which is removed when ready for use. The adhesive tape requires two planar surfaces to come together and join in a manner to provide a gaseous seal therebetween. Drawing two planar sheets of adhesive together to create a gaseous seal therebetween can be difficult. Any wrinkle or gap would provide an imperfection in the gaseous seal therebetween, thus creating a gas leak. Additionally, the adhesive tape can&#39;t be separated, thus eliminating any potential for deflating and reusing the balloon. 
         [0007]    Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for a self-sealing balloon that provides a feature enabling a quick, reliable sealing process that can be separated, enabling deflation and reuse of the balloon. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present invention overcomes the deficiencies of the known art and the problems that remain unsolved by providing an apparatus and method for quickly and reliably sealing a balloon. 
         [0009]    In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the invention consists of a balloon comprising:
       a balloon body having a tubular balloon neck segment extending in fluid communication between a balloon unfinished edge and a balloon gas retaining expansion cavity;   a moldable adhesive ring carried by an interior of the tubular balloon neck segment, the moldable adhesive ring having a moldable adhesive cross sectioned profile formed into a ring shape, the moldable adhesive ring circumscribing an interior circumference of a portion of a length of the interior of the tubular balloon neck segment; and   an adhesive staging segment formed about a peripheral surface of the moldable adhesive cross sectioned profile of the moldable adhesive ring, the adhesive staging segment temporarily covering the peripheral surface of the moldable adhesive cross sectioned profile,   wherein the adhesive staging segment is shaped from the tubular balloon neck segment.       
 
         [0014]    In one aspect, the moldable adhesive has a pliable characteristic resembling clay. 
         [0015]    In another aspect, the moldable adhesive is dispensed about a circumference of a balloon neck mold segment of a balloon form member. The moldable adhesive preferably forms a ring about a central, longitudinal axis of the balloon neck mold segment. 
         [0016]    In yet another aspect, the adhesive staging segment is designed to expose the moldable adhesive ring when a tensile force is applied in a longitudinal direction between ends of the tubular balloon neck segment. 
         [0017]    In yet another aspect, the adhesive staging segment is shaped as a loop covering the peripheral surface of the moldable adhesive cross sectioned profile, wherein the adhesive staging segment loop is formed by at least one of: 
         [0018]    a portion of the tubular balloon neck segment spanning between the moldable adhesive ring and the balloon unfinished edge, and 
         [0019]    a portion of the tubular balloon neck segment spanning between the moldable adhesive ring and the balloon gas retaining expansion cavity. 
         [0020]    In yet another aspect, the adhesive staging segment is designed to expose the moldable adhesive ring when a tensile force is applied in a longitudinal direction between ends of the tubular balloon neck segment. 
         [0021]    In yet another aspect, the unfinished edge adhesive staging segment and the expansion cavity adhesive staging segment abut one another proximate an interior quadrant of the moldable adhesive cross sectioned profile. 
         [0022]    In yet another aspect, a lip bead is formed at a balloon unfinished edge, wherein the balloon unfinished edge is provided at a free end of the tubular balloon neck segment. 
         [0023]    In yet another aspect, the balloon body segment can be shaped in bulb shape, a star shape, an oblong shape, a square shape, a rectangular shape, a triangular shape, a hexagonal shape, an octagonal shape, a polygonal shape, and the like. 
         [0024]    In accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, the invention consists of a method for fabricating a self sealing balloon assembly, the method comprising the steps of:
       obtaining a quick seal balloon fabrication form comprising at least one balloon form member, each of the at least one balloon form comprising a balloon body mold segment extending from a balloon neck mold segment and an adhesive material dispensing section located about a circumference of a central section of the balloon neck mold segment;   applying an adhesive material about an circumference of a portion of a length of an exterior surface of the balloon neck mold segment, the moldable adhesive ring having a moldable adhesive cross sectioned profile formed into a ring shape;   applying balloon material upon an exterior surface of the balloon body mold segment and further extending upward onto a portion of the balloon neck mold segment to a location beyond the adhesive material dispensing section, wherein the balloon material is applied to the quick seal balloon fabrication form either prior to or subsequent to the application of the adhesive material;   shaping an adhesive staging segment into a loop, wherein the adhesive staging segment at least partially encapsulates the moldable adhesive ring; and   removing the shaped balloon from the quick seal balloon fabrication form.       
 
         [0030]    In yet another aspect, the method further comprises a step of curing the balloon material. 
         [0031]    In yet another aspect, wherein the step of shaping the adhesive staging segment into a loop is accomplished by using at least one roller. The roller would apply a frictional force to the exterior surface of the balloon material extending the material and forming the looped shape. 
         [0032]    In yet another aspect, the method further comprises a step of generating a lip bead at a free end of the tubular balloon neck segment. 
         [0033]    In yet another aspect, the method further comprises a step of utilizing the balloon material to aid in forming the dispensed adhesive roll. 
         [0034]    In yet another aspect, the method further comprises a step of dispensing the adhesive material into a recess formed within the adhesive dispensing segment. 
         [0035]    In yet another aspect, the step of shaping the adhesive staging segment into a loop is accomplished by using at least one roller, wherein roller would apply a frictional force to the exterior surface of the balloon material extending the material and forming the loop shape. 
         [0036]    In yet another aspect, the step of shaping the adhesive staging segment into a loop is accomplished by using at least one roller, wherein roller would apply a frictional force to the exterior surface of the balloon material extending the material and forming the loop shape. 
         [0037]    In yet another aspect, the step of shaping the adhesive staging segment into a loop is accomplished by:
       forming an unfinished edge adhesive staging segment of the adhesive staging segment by rolling a portion of the tubular balloon neck segment spanning between the moldable adhesive ring and the balloon unfinished edge over an unfinished edge portion of the moldable adhesive cross sectioned profile, and   forming a expansion cavity adhesive staging segment of the adhesive staging segment by rolling a portion of the tubular balloon neck segment spanning between the moldable adhesive ring and the balloon gas retaining expansion cavity over an expansion cavity portion of the moldable adhesive cross sectioned profile.       
 
         [0040]    In yet another aspect, at least one of the step of forming the unfinished edge adhesive staging segment and the step of forming the expansion cavity adhesive staging segment is accomplished by applying a friction to an exterior surface of the tubular balloon neck segment. 
         [0041]    In yet another aspect, the adhesive material is dispensed into a recess formed within the adhesive material dispensing section. 
         [0042]    In yet another aspect, the self sealing balloon is inflated by steps of:
       inflating the balloon gas retaining expansion cavity with a volume of material;   applying a tensile force in a longitudinal direction between ends of the tubular balloon neck segment to expose the moldable adhesive ring from the adhesive staging segment;   compressing the exposed moldable adhesive ring together forming a seal, thus entrapping the volume of material within the balloon gas retaining expansion cavity.       
 
         [0046]    In yet another aspect, the method is accomplished by automating the process. 
         [0047]    In yet another aspect, the step of applying balloon material upon an exterior surface of the balloon body mold segment and further extending upward onto a portion of the balloon neck mold segment is accomplished by at least one of a dipping process, a spray process, a brush application process, a rolling application process, and the like. 
         [0048]    These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawings and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which follow. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0049]    The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, in which: 
           [0050]      FIG. 1  presents an isometric view of an exemplary quick seal balloon fabrication form, the illustration including two exemplary uncoated forms and two exemplary forms coated with balloon forming material; 
           [0051]      FIG. 2  presents an enlarged elevation view detailing an exemplary adhesive dispensing segment of an exemplary balloon neck mold segment of the exemplary quick seal balloon fabrication form originally introduced in  FIG. 1 , wherein the neck segment is shown prior to dispensing of a moldable adhesive; 
           [0052]      FIG. 3  presents a partially sectioned, enlarged elevation view detailing the exemplary adhesive dispensing segment as shown in  FIG. 2 , wherein the mold neck segment illustrates a cross section of an exemplary ring of moldable adhesive dispensed about the mold neck segment; 
           [0053]      FIG. 4  presents a partially sectioned elevation view detailing the exemplary adhesive dispensing segment as shown in  FIG. 3 , the illustration introducing a coating of a balloon material applied to the balloon form member; 
           [0054]      FIG. 5  presents a partially sectioned elevation view of the balloon neck mold segment detailing the exemplary adhesive dispensing segment as shown in  FIG. 4 , the illustration introducing various balloon feature forming rollers; 
           [0055]      FIG. 6  presents a partially sectioned elevation view of the balloon neck mold segment illustrating an exemplary first step for forming an adhesive staging loop, wherein the first step removes the dispensed adhesive roll form the an adhesive dispensing segment of the form; 
           [0056]      FIG. 7  presents a partially sectioned elevation view of the balloon neck mold segment illustrating an exemplary second step for forming an adhesive staging loop, wherein the second step partially encases the dispensed adhesive roll into an adhesive staging segment of the tubular balloon neck segment; 
           [0057]      FIG. 8  presents a partially sectioned elevation view of the balloon neck mold segment illustrating an exemplary third step for forming an adhesive staging loop, wherein the third step completely encases the dispensed adhesive roll into the adhesive staging segment; 
           [0058]      FIG. 9  presents a partially sectioned elevation view of the balloon neck mold segment illustrating an exemplary step of forming a lip bead; 
           [0059]      FIG. 10  presents a sectioned elevation view of the tubular balloon neck segment illustrating a first balloon filling step; 
           [0060]      FIG. 11  presents a sectioned elevation view of the tubular balloon neck segment illustrating a first balloon sealing step; 
           [0061]      FIG. 12  presents a sectioned elevation view of the tubular balloon neck segment illustrating a second balloon sealing step; 
           [0062]      FIG. 13  presents a flow diagram detailing a first exemplary balloon fabrication process; 
           [0063]      FIG. 14  presents a flow diagram detailing a second exemplary balloon fabrication process; and 
           [0064]      FIG. 15  presents a flow diagram detailing an exemplary balloon fill and sealing process. 
       
    
    
       [0065]    Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0066]    Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular embodiments, features, or elements. Specific structural and functional details, dimensions, or shapes disclosed herein are not limiting but serve as a basis for the claims and for teaching a person of ordinary skill in the art the described and claimed features of embodiments of the present invention. The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 1 . Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
         [0067]    One or more balloons  200  are formed using a quick seal balloon fabrication form  100  as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 9 . The exemplary embodiment of the quick seal balloon fabrication form  100  presented in  FIG. 1  includes four (4) balloon form member  120 , wherein two (2) of the four (4) balloon form members  120  are coated with a balloon forming material to create an exemplary balloon  200 . 
         [0068]    Each balloon form member  120  is shaped to include a balloon body mold segment  130  extending from a balloon neck mold segment  140 . The balloon body mold segment  130  can be shaped in any desired shape, wherein the shape of the balloon body mold segment  130  defines the shape of the finished balloon gas retaining expansion cavity  210 . The balloon neck mold segment  140  is preferably shaped having a circular cross sectional shape to form a circular, tubular balloon neck segment  220 . An adhesive dispensing segment  150  is provided in a central region of the balloon neck mold segment  140  as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The exemplary adhesive dispensing segment  150  is formed including a recess defined having a base adhesive control surface  152  and an angled adhesive control surface  154 . The base adhesive control surface  152  extends laterally inward from a circumference of the neck mold segment exterior surface. The angled adhesive control surface  154  extends outward and downward from an interior edge of the base adhesive control surface  152 , wherein the angled adhesive control surface  154  terminates at an exterior surface of the balloon neck mold segment  140 . The base adhesive control surface  152  and angled adhesive control surface  154  are provided to aid in guiding the separation of a dispensed adhesive roll  170  from the adhesive dispensing segment  150 . A series of adhesive dispensing aperture  160  are provided in a spatial arrangement about the angled adhesive control surface  154 . A series of adhesive distribution delivery conduit  164  are provided connecting each of the adhesive dispensing aperture  160  to an adhesive primary delivery conduit  162 . The adhesive dispensing aperture  160  and respective adhesive distribution delivery conduit  164  can be fabricated in the balloon neck mold segment  140  by drilling a hole completely through the balloon neck mold segment  140 . The adhesive distribution delivery conduit  164  preferably is directed bisecting a longitudinal axis  142  of the balloon neck mold segment  140 . The adhesive primary delivery conduit  162  is preferably formed extending concentrically along the balloon neck mold segment longitudinal axis  142 . 
         [0069]    The adhesive roll  170  is formed as a moldable adhesive ring having a moldable adhesive cross sectioned profile formed into a ring or annular shape. The fabrication process positions the moldable adhesive ring  170  to circumscribe an interior circumference of a portion of a length of an interior of the tubular balloon neck segment  220 . An adhesive staging segment  172  will be formed from the tubular balloon neck segment  220 , wherein the adhesive staging segment  172  will at least partially cover a peripheral surface of the moldable adhesive cross sectioned profile  180 . 
         [0070]    It is understood that the adhesive roll  170  can be applied using other application methods, including rolling, forming, and the like. The dispensed adhesive roll  170  can be fabricated of any suitable material, wherein one exemplary material is a high tack pressure sensitive adhesive solder under a Product Number  3794  offered by  3 M and a second exemplary material is a reusable putty sold under a brand name of DAP BLUESTIK offered by DAP Products incorporated. 
         [0071]    The dispensed adhesive roll  170  can be fabricated of a thermoplastic general purpose, high tack, pressure sensitive adhesive that can be spray or bead applied. The chemical base is a block co-polymer. The adhesive material preferably conforms to ASTM D 4236. The composition of the adhesive material can include a rubber-based vehicle. 
         [0072]    Although the exemplary embodiment presents an adhesive dispensing segment  150  having a recess formed about a circumference of the balloon neck mold segment  140 , it is understood that the adhesive dispensing segment  150  can comprise the plurality of adhesive dispensing apertures  160  in fluid communication with the adhesive primary delivery conduit  162  via a series of adhesive distribution delivery conduits  164 , exclusive of the recess formed by the base adhesive control surface  152  and angled adhesive control surface  154 . 
         [0073]    The exemplary quick seal balloon fabrication form  100  includes a fabrication manifold  110 . The fabrication manifold  110  would include a series of fluid conduits (not shown) forming a manifold for transferring an adhesive material from an adhesive material reservoir (not shown) to each of the individual form transition member  114  via any transfer mechanism. The transfer mechanism can be a pump, a pressurized system, and the like. A series of individual form transition member  114  (or similar feature) can be integrated into the fabrication manifold  110  or assembled to a fabrication manifold form surface  112  of the fabrication manifold  110 , wherein each balloon form member  120  is attached to the fabrication manifold  110  via the individual form transition member  114 . The individual form transition member  114  can provide fluid communication between the manifold of the fabrication manifold  110  and each respective adhesive primary delivery conduit  162 . This configuration provides a single passageway for conveyance and disbursement of the adhesive material between the adhesive material reservoir and each of the adhesive dispensing segments  150 . 
         [0074]    The quick seal balloon fabrication form  100  is transferred placing the multiple balloon form members  120  attached thereto into a vat containing liquid balloon forming material. The liquid balloon forming material coats the balloon body mold segment  130  and balloon neck mold segment  140  of each of the balloon form members  120 . The illustration shows two (2) of the four (4) balloon form members  120  being coated with liquid balloon forming material to present a before and after state. It is noted that the liquid balloon forming material is applied to the balloon form member  120 , where the liquid balloon forming material covers the adhesive dispensing segment  150 . A balloon unfinished edge  222  is created at the terminal end of the balloon  200 . 
         [0075]    A volume of adhesive material is dispensed through the manifold, where the material is separated into each of the adhesive primary delivery conduit  162 . The adhesive material continues through the adhesive primary delivery conduit  162 , where it is disbursed into each of the adhesive distribution delivery conduits  164  and dispensed through the plurality of adhesive dispensing apertures  160 . In a first embodiment, the adhesive material is dispensed prior to coating the balloon form member  120  with the balloon material as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . In a second embodiment, the adhesive material is dispensed subsequent to coating the balloon form member  120  with the balloon material as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . In this embodiment, the balloon material aids in retaining and forming the dispensed adhesive roll  170 . The process allows for a curing step, where the balloon material is at least partially cured prior to continuing with the fabrication process. 
         [0076]    The balloon  200  is subjected to a continuous flow of steps to form an adhesive staging segment  172  partially or completely encapsulating the dispensed adhesive roll  170  presented in the exemplary embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 5 through 8 . In the exemplary embodiment, one or more adhesive staging segment rollers  190  applies a friction to an exterior surface of the tubular balloon neck segment  220 , causing the adhesive staging segment  172  to extend and roll downward, towards the balloon gas retaining expansion cavity  210 . The one or more adhesive staging segment rollers  190  are positioned about a circumference of the tubular balloon neck segment  220 . The rolling process collects the dispensed adhesive roll  170  and entraps the dispensed adhesive roll  170  within the adhesive staging segment  172 . In the exemplary embodiment, the adhesive dispensing segment  150  is shaped to include a base adhesive control surface  152  and an angled adhesive control surface  154 . The base adhesive control surface  152  ensures the dispensed adhesive roll  170  is directed towards the balloon gas retaining expansion cavity  210 . The angled adhesive control surface  154  aids in transferring the dispensed adhesive roll  170  from the adhesive dispensing segment  150  into the adhesive staging segment  172 . In a scenario where the dispensed adhesive roll  170  is placed upon an outer surface of the balloon neck mold segment  140 , the rolling process naturally transfers the dispensed adhesive roll  170  into the adhesive staging segment  172 . 
         [0077]    Initially, the rollers  190  apply a frictional force to the exterior surface of the tubular balloon neck segment  220 , causing the adhesive staging segment  172  to extend and begin rolling downward, towards the balloon gas retaining expansion cavity  210  as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . The motion of the adhesive staging segment rollers  190  extracts the dispensed adhesive roll  170  from the adhesive dispensing segment  150  (when applicable), placing the dispensed adhesive roll  170  into the adhesive staging segment  172 , as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . The dispensed adhesive roll  170  inhibits the downward motion of the adhesive staging segment  172 , where when the collection of the dispensed adhesive roll  170  placing inside the adhesive staging segment  172  causes the adhesive staging segment  172  to roll when subjected to the continuing rolling and downward motion of the adhesive staging segment roller  190 , as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . The process continues until the adhesive staging segment  172  is formed into an envelope substantially or completely circumscribing the dispensed adhesive roll  170 . The looped dispensed adhesive roll  170  forms two transitional nodes or ends, which can define an adhesive staging segment gap  174 . The adhesive staging segment gap  174  or relationship between the nodes can be configured where the nodes butt against one another, have a small spatial relation therebetween, or overlap. 
         [0078]    The adhesive staging segment  172  can be defined as having two segments: an unfinished edge adhesive staging segment  182  and an expansion cavity adhesive staging segment  184 . The unfinished edge adhesive staging segment  182  can be defined as a portion of the adhesive staging segment  172  extending from a midline of the dispensed adhesive roll  170  towards the balloon unfinished edge  222 . The expansion cavity adhesive staging segment  184  can be defined as a portion of the adhesive staging segment  172  extending from a midline of the dispensed adhesive roll  170  towards the balloon body segment  210 . 
         [0079]    Although the balloon neck mold segment  140  is illustrated having parallel sides, the balloon neck mold segment  140  can have a taper, where the diameter or circumference proximate the fabrication manifold  110  is smaller than the diameter or circumference proximate the balloon body mold segment  130 . The tapered configuration can aid in forming the adhesive staging segment  172 . 
         [0080]    The balloon unfinished edge  222  can be finished either prior to forming the adhesive staging segment  172 , parallel to forming the adhesive staging segment  172 , or subsequent to forming the adhesive staging segment  172 . The balloon unfinished edge  222  is finished by rolling the free end of the tubular balloon neck segment  220  using at least one lip bead roller  192 . The one or more lip bead rollers  192  are positioned about a circumference of the tubular balloon neck segment  220 . The lip bead roller  192  frictionally engages with the interior surface  212  of the tubular balloon neck segment  220  causing the free end of the tubular balloon neck segment  220  to roll outward forming a lip bead  224 . 
         [0081]    Once completed, the balloon  200  is removed from the balloon form member  120  using any common balloon fabrication separation procedure. 
         [0082]    In use, the balloon  200  is inflated by inserting pressurized inflating air  230  into the balloon gas retaining expansion cavity  210 , as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . The pressurized inflating air  230  causes the balloon gas retaining expansion cavity  210  to expand to a desired size. Balloons  200  are commonly designed where the tubular balloon neck segment  220  begins to inflate when the balloon gas retaining expansion cavity  210  approaches maximum inflation. Once the balloon gas retaining expansion cavity  210  is inflated to the desired size, the balloon inflator would apply an adhesive exposing tensile force  176  to the tubular balloon neck segment  220 , as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . The adhesive exposing tensile force  176  unrolls the adhesive staging segment  172 , separating the nodes, which exposes the dispensed adhesive roll  170 . The tubular balloon neck segment  220  is commonly held shut during the process of applying the adhesive exposing tensile force  176 . The adhesive exposing tensile force  176  also tends to draw the internal circumferential edge of the dispensed adhesive roll  170  together. The balloon inflator would subsequently or simultaneously apply an adhesive bonding force  178  to the adhesive staging segment  172  as illustrated in  FIG. 12 . The adhesive bonding force  178  would collapse the dispensed adhesive roll  170 , which would subsequently seal the tubular balloon neck segment  220 . The adhesive material is preferably of a consistency resembling clay, putty, or the like. The compression generated by the adhesive bonding force  178  molds the adhesive material from a ring shape into a single, sealing blob. Once sealed, the adhesive bonding force  178  retains entrapped air  232  within the balloon gas retaining expansion cavity  210 . 
         [0083]    Any individual can deflate the balloon  200  by pulling the adhesive staging segment  172  open; separating the blob of adhesive material to form a venting passageway. The entrapped air  232  would be released through the venting passageway, deflating the balloon gas retaining expansion cavity  210 . The deflated balloon  200  can be re-inflated and resealed if desired. It is noted that the re-inflation process can require additional finesse, as the dispensed adhesive roll  170  is no longer entrapped within the adhesive staging segment  172 . 
         [0084]    The balloon  200  can be fabricated in accordance with a variety of processes, including a first exemplary self-sealing balloon fabrication flow diagram  300  presented in  FIG. 13  and a second exemplary self-sealing balloon fabrication flow diagram  301  presented in  FIG. 14 . The first exemplary self-sealing balloon fabrication flow diagram  300  initiates at a start step (block  302 ). A quick seal balloon fabrication form  100  is obtained in accordance with an obtain balloon form step  310 . The quick seal balloon fabrication form  100  can be assembled to an automated device for automating the self-sealing balloon fabrication process. Adhesive material is dispensed into the adhesive dispensing segment  150  (block  312 ). The adhesive material can be dispensed from a remotely located adhesive material reservoir by a pump, a positive pressure displacement system, and the like. An optional, removable form can be placed about the adhesive dispensing segment  150  to aid in shaping the adhesive material into a dispensed adhesive roll  170 . In the first exemplary self-sealing balloon fabrication flow diagram  300 , balloon material is applied to the balloon form member  120  (block  314 ). The balloon material can be applied to the balloon form member  120  using any suitable application process, including dipping, spray, brush, rolling, and the like. During the process, the applied balloon material is at least partially cured (block  316 ). 
         [0085]    The first exemplary self-sealing balloon fabrication flow diagram  300  and second exemplary self-sealing balloon fabrication flow diagram  301  differ wherein in the first exemplary self-sealing balloon fabrication flow diagram  300 , the step of dispensing the adhesive material upon the adhesive dispensing segment  150  (block  312 ) is accomplished prior to the step of applying the balloon material onto the balloon form member  120  (block  314 ) and in the second exemplary self-sealing balloon fabrication flow diagram  301 , the step of dispensing the adhesive material upon the adhesive dispensing segment  150  (block  312 ) is accomplished subsequent to the step of applying the balloon material onto the balloon form member  120  (block  314 ) and preferably after the balloon material is at least partially cured (block  316 ). In the second exemplary self-sealing balloon fabrication flow diagram  301 , the balloon material can act as the optional, removable form. 
         [0086]    The dispensed adhesive roll  170  is encased within an adhesive staging segment  172  by at least one adhesive staging segment roller  190  (blocks  318  through  324 ). The encasing process initiates by activating the at least one adhesive staging segment roller  190  (block  318 ). The at least one adhesive staging segment roller  190  frictionally engages with the exterior surface of the tubular balloon neck segment  220  to begin stretching the material to form the adhesive staging segment  172  (block  320 ). The at least one adhesive staging segment roller  190  continues to draw the section of the tubular balloon neck segment  220 , where the interior surface of the tubular balloon neck segment  220  grips the dispensed adhesive roll  170  and draws the dispensed adhesive roll  170  into the adhesive staging segment  172  (block  322 ). The forming process continues until the adhesive staging segment  172  is formed into the desired shape, finalizing the formation of the adhesive staging segment  172  (block  324 ). 
         [0087]    At any suitable point during the process, at least one lip bead roller  192  is activated and proceeds in forming a lip bead  224  at the balloon unfinished edge  222  of the tubular balloon neck segment  220  (block  330 ). It is understood that any known process can be utilized to form the lip bead  224 . 
         [0088]    If the balloon material is not yet cured, the process finalizes the curing of the balloon material (block  326 ). The balloon  200  is removed from the balloon form member  120  using any suitable separation process (block  328 ). At any suitable point in the process, an image can be applied to an exterior surface of the balloon  200 . This image can be printed thereon, sprayed thereon, and the like. The balloon  200  can be fabricated of a single colored balloon material, a balloon material comprising a swirl of multiple colors, dipped at different levels into different vats of balloon material, each vat comprising a different balloon material color, and the like to create unique balloons  200 . The balloon  200  may be tested to ensure against defects prior to packaging and shipping to a distributor, retailer, and the like, thus terminating the process (block  440 ). 
         [0089]    The balloon  200  can be inflated in accordance with a variety of processes, with an exemplary self-sealing balloon inflation flow diagram  400  being presented in  FIG. 15 . The self-sealing balloon inflation flow diagram  400  initiates at a start step (block  402 ). A balloon  200  is obtained in accordance with an obtain a self-sealing balloon step  410 . The balloon gas retaining expansion cavity  210  is inflated by passing pressurized inflating air  230  through the tubular balloon neck segment  220 , causing the balloon gas retaining expansion cavity  210  to expand (block  412 ). The inflation step continues until the balloon gas retaining expansion cavity  210  is inflated to a desired fill level (block  414 ). The maximum inflation is commonly identified when the tubular balloon neck segment  220  begins to expand. When the balloon gas retaining expansion cavity  210  reaches the desired inflation level, the tubular balloon neck segment  220  is pinched to retain the entrapped air  232  therein (block  416 ). An adhesive exposing tensile force  176  is applied to the tubular balloon neck segment  220  in a direction parallel with the longitudinal axis thereof. (block  418 ). The adhesive exposing tensile force  176  unrolls the adhesive staging segment  172 , exposing the dispensed adhesive roll  170  (block  420 ). A compression force or an adhesive bonding force  178  is applied to the area containing the exposed dispensed adhesive roll  170  to seal the tubular balloon neck segment  220  (block  422 ). The seal is inspected to determine if the seal is adequately retaining the entrapped air  232  within the balloon gas retaining expansion cavity  210  and a sealed, air entrapped neck segment  221  of the tubular balloon neck segment  220  (block  424 ). A thin, balloon supporting material, such as a string, a ribbon, and the like can be attached to the tubular balloon neck segment  220  of the balloon  200  (block  426 ). The thin, balloon supporting material is particularly useful for mooring balloons  200  that are filled with lighter than air gases, such as helium. The balloon  200  or multiple balloons  200  are displayed in accordance with the desired presentation (block  428 ), thus terminating the process (block  440 ). 
         [0090]    The above-described embodiments are merely exemplary illustrations of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations, combinations, modifications or equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all the embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Technology Category: 1