Balloon anchor

#The present invention relates to an anchor for fixedly tethering a balloon. Balloons, including lighter-than-air balloons, are well-known in the art. Lighter-than-air balloons are used for decorations at parties, given as gifts, and presented to persons with floral or other arrangements at special occasions such as graduations, birthdays, Valentine's Day, and Mothers' Day. Such balloons often bear an indicia of the occasion, such as “Happy Birthday,” “Over the Hill,” or “Congratulations.”

#Lighter-than-air balloons are typically filled with helium, but may be filled with any lighter-than-air gas. Thus, the balloons float in air. The balloons may be made from a variety of materials, including natural or synthetic rubber, polyester, metallized polyester, nylon, or metallized nylon. If untethered, the balloons would float uncontrolled.

#Often, for display in retail stores, balloon weights have been employed, with the balloon attached to the weight by a string or ribbon. Weights, however, may be unsightly, and string or ribbon must be tied to the weight. Balloons are also sometimes tied to any stable object to prevent them from floating away. Tying and untying balloons when a customer purchases them is time-consuming for the store clerk.

#FIG. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of the balloon anchor of the present invention.

#FIG. 2 is an end view of the balloon anchor of FIG. 1.

#FIG. 3 is a side view of another embodiment of the balloon anchor of the present invention.

#FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate one embodiment of the balloon anchor 10 of the present invention. The balloon anchor 10 has a spool 12. The spool 12 may be hollow or solid. Attached to each side of the spool 12 are flanges 14. The spool 12 is preferably cylindrical in shape, but may be any suitable shape. The spool 12 may have a notch 16 in one or both if its sides. The flanges 14 are preferably circular having a perimeter 18. The flanges 14 are attached to each side of the spool 12 such that the spool 12 and flanges 14 have a common center point 20.

#At least one of the flanges 14, but preferably both flanges 14, have a cutout section 22. This embodiment will be described with both flanges 14 having a cutout section 22. Each cutout section 22 has a first side 24 that extends substantially along a radius from the center point 20. Each cutout section 22 also has a second side 26 that extends substantially along a radius from the center point 20.

#Extending from the second side 26 of each cutout section 22 is a hook 28. Each hook 28 is generally U-shaped, and defines a base 30 and leg 32. The leg 32 of each hook 28 extends inwardly, i.e., generally toward the center point 20 from the perimeters 18 of the flanges 14. If both flanges 14 have a cutout section 22, the hooks 28 of each flange 14 should be similarly oriented and in substantial registration with one another. The notch 16 is preferably located on one or both sides of the spool 12 within at least one cutout section 22. Preferably a second notch 17 may be located along either one or both of the first side 24 or second side 26, on the bases 30, or on legs 32. One or more notches 17 may also be located at any suitable point along the perimeter 18 of one or both flanges 14.