Buoyant balloons
AssigneeM & D Balloons, Inc.
InventorsMark Van Dyke, William Ward, Robert Schulteis
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Buoyant balloons are provided with a texturizing layer which is operated upon with embossing or other techniques to provide interesting visual effects. The texturizing is formed on the outer surface of the texturizing layer, which is located on the outer surface of the balloon film. One or more ink coatings may be used in conjunction with the texturized balloon film to augment visual interest.
Claims18
A method of making a clear buoyant balloon, comprising the steps of:
- providing a base layer sufficient to contain a lighter-than-air gas for a pre-selected period of time;
- providing the base layer with a first surface portion for heat sealing and a second opposed surface portion;
- adhering a texture layer of pre-selected hardness to the second, opposed surface portion of the base layer;
- forming micro-structures in the texture layer for reflecting and refracting light;
- said base layer and said embossing layer selected from clear materials which are either translucent, transparent, or both;
- joining the texturing layer to the base layer so as to form a balloon film;
- overlaying the two portions of said balloon film in registry, with the heat sealing surface portions of said balloon film portions in contact with one another;
- and
- heat sealing said balloon film portions together so as to form a pressure-tight vessel for a lighter-than-air gas.
A method of providing a balloon film used to form a clear, buoyant lighter-than-air balloon having improved visual properties, comprising the steps of:
- providing a base layer sufficient to contain a lighter-than-air gas for a pre-selected period of time;
- providing the base layer with a first surface for heat sealing and a second opposed surface;
- adhering to the second, opposed surface of the base layer a texture layer of pre-selected hardness;
- forming micro-structures in the texture layer for reflecting and refracting light;
- said base layer and said embossing layer selected from clear materials which are either translucent, transparent, or both;
- and
- joining the texturing layer to the base layer so as to form a balloon film.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.