Self-contained, self-inflating novelty balloon

Abstract

A self-contained, self-inflating balloon unit comprising a closed, inflatable balloon, a cannister containing compressed gas, at least partly inside the balloon, and a device for releasing the compressed gas from the cannister into the balloon to inflate the balloon. The balloon comprises an inflatable body portion and a neck portion, and the cannister is located in the neck portion. The cannister is preferably slidably mounted in a sleeve in the neck portion of the balloon. The sleeve includes a pin for rupturing the cannister when the cannister is urged against it. A one-way valve allows the gas to inflate the body portion but prevents its escape. In some embodiments the unit also includes a tether which is connected at one end to the sleeve and at the other end to the cannister. After the balloon is inflated, the cannister can be removed from the sleeve, extending the tether. The empty cannister serves as a handle for the tether. The balloon and the cannister may be sized so that the empty cannister serves as an anchor for the balloon.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.