Current controller for an embedded electronic module
AssigneeSing-A-Toon Balloons, LLC
InventorsJohn A. Blackman, Melchiore (Mike) Tripoli III
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The invention provides a circuit embedded within a Mylar balloon for providing a desired effect such as sound, illumination, or both. The circuit includes a switch for preventing premature discharge of the power source and a tab for closing the switch when the balloon is inflated.
Claims28
Apparatus for minimizing current flow in a circuit, said apparatus comprising:
- an inflatable device having an interior surface;
- a circuit comprising a power source and a switch electrically coupled to said power source, said circuit being coupled to said interior surface;
- wherein said switch has an open position which prevents current from flowing from said power source, and a closed position which allows current to flow from said power source through said circuit;
- a tab having a proximal portion and a distal portion;
- wherein said proximal portion of said tab is in contact with said switch and said distal portion of said tab is coupled to said inflatable device;
- wherein said tab is arranged to move relative to said switch and to change said position of said switch from said open position to said closed position upon inflation of said inflatable device.
A method of preventing premature discharge of a power source, said method comprising:
- coupling a circuit, including a power source and a switch electrically coupled to said power source, to a portion of an interior wall of an inflatable device;
- placing said switch in an open circuit position;
- and,
- arranging said switch to automatically change to a closed circuit position upon inflation of said inflatable device.
The method according to 13, further comprising:
- coupling a valve of said inflatable device to said switch;
- and,
- configuring said valve to pull free from said switch upon inflation of said inflatable device.
An inflatable apparatus comprising:
- a shell having an interior portion;
- a circuit coupled to said interior portion;
- said circuit including:
- an energy source;
- and,
- a switch electrically coupled to said energy source;
- wherein said switch has an open circuit position and a closed circuit position;
- and,
- wherein said switch is configured to automatically change from said open circuit position to said closed circuit position as said inflatable apparatus is inflated.
An inflatable apparatus comprising:
- a shell having an interior portion;
- circuit means for generating a desired effect coupled to said interior portion;
- and,
- means coupled to said circuit means for preventing said circuit means from generating said desired effect until said inflatable device is being inflated.
An inflatable Mylar balloon comprising:
- a plurality of sheets having an edge and an interior side;
- said sheets being coupled together at said edges;
- a sound producing circuit comprising a plurality of batteries, a switch electrically coupled to said plurality of batteries and a piezoelectric noise generator electrically coupled to said switch;
- wherein said switch is operable between an open circuit position and a closed circuit position;
- said circuit being mechanically coupled to said interior side of one of said plurality of sheets;
- a tab coupled to said switch and configured to change said switch from said open circuit position to said closed circuit position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.