Toy water balloon

Abstract

The present invention provides a water balloon with a quick, easy, and low-cost means for sealing the balloon orifice. For example, the water balloon may comprise a liquid-activated closure mechanism along the inside of the balloon neck. A user then activates the closure mechanism while filling the balloon with water and may then seal the balloon orifice by pinching the balloon neck.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 542,457 entitled “Toy Water Balloon” and filed on Feb. 6, 2004 which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to entertainment devices, and more particularly, to entertainment devices such as toy water balloons. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] The use of toy water balloons has long been known to the prior art. Typically, water balloons are used to launch a small amount of water towards a remote target. Most often, children are the primary users of water balloons; however, water balloons are also frequently used by both young adults and adults in a variety of games and activities. [0004] In general, a water balloon consists of a volume, a neck, and an orifice. Typically, a water balloon is filled at a faucet or by another filling device by stretching the balloon orifice over the faucet or device's nozzle. Aft...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] The present invention provides a water balloon with an easy, painless, and quick means for sealing the balloon orifice. Furthermore, the present invention provides a more efficient and cost-effective design for water balloons. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a water balloon is configured such that a liquid-activated closure mechanism located on the inner surface of the balloon neck may be activated while filling the balloon with water. Subsequently, the balloon orifice can be sealed via the activated closure mechanism. For example, the water balloon may comprise a liquid-activated adhesive along the inside of the balloon neck. Thus, a user may activate the adhesive while filling the balloon with water and may then seal the balloon orifice by pinching the balloon neck, thereby collapsing the neck onto the activated adhesive and creating a water-tight seal.

Problems solved by technology

First, tying a “knot” closure can be a tedious and manually difficult task to perform and characteristically detracts from the overall enjoyment of the user.

In fact, tying a plurality of water balloons can even become painful because of its repeated, pinching movement.

Second, the tying process can be so troublesome for some customers that it curtails their use of water balloons.

In fact, some users are unable to use water balloons as they are unable to tie them.

For example, many children do not possess the manual dexterity or hand size required to tie a water balloon properly—an issue that is especially problematic since children are the most common users of water balloons.

This issue is further compounded during times when water balloons are wet (as they often are during use), making them even more difficult to tie.

At such times, even an adult can experience great difficulty in tying a water balloon.

Third, as a result of the great difficulty in tying water balloons, children (and adults alike) waste most of their time at the water faucet trying to seal balloons instead of enjoying the water balloons as they were intended.

Finally, the tying motion places a great deal of stress on the balloon neck and frequently creates tears and ruptures in the balloon lining—destroying the balloon's usefulness.

Furthermore, the knot tie requires a significant amount of the balloon material, leaving less space available for water and thereby decreasing the overall effectiveness of the device.

In addition, this added material reduces the overall efficiency of the device and, in so doing, increases manufacturing costs through supplementary material costs.

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