A balloon (10) extending generally axially from an opening (14) at a first end. The balloon comprises an elastomeric film (11) having a first thickness and a plurality of intersecting ribs (12) of a second, greater thickness formed on the film. The ribs are adapted so as to be angled with respect to the axis (13) of the balloon and any axis perpendicular thereto. Such a balloon has increased tear resistance, and can be manufactured with conventional dipping techniques without compromising the integrity of the film. The ribs may comprise a plurality of helices. There is also a former for making such a balloon and a method of using such a former to make such a balloon.

A balloon shaping support rod comprises a rod body, a first positioning groove is reserved in the upper end of the rod body, a second positioning groove is reserved in the lower end of the rod body, and a plurality of air inlet holes are reserved in one side of the second positioning groove. According to the device, a common balloon is apple-shaped after being blown up, and meanwhile, the device is convenient to operate, low in cost and beneficial to popularization.

A balloon apparatus utilizing a lighter-than-air portion and an appurtenance attached to the lighter-than-air portion. A connector is selectively linked to the appurtenance and the lighter-than-air portion and manipulates the rotational position of the appurtenance relative to the lighter-than-air portion.

A balloon apparatus utilizing a lighter-than-air portion and an appurtenance attached to the lighter-than-air portion. A connector is selectively linked to the appurtenance and the lighter-than-air portion and manipulates the rotational position of the appurtenance relative to the lighter-than-air portion.

A play apparatus has a gas filled balloon and an opening through which fluid is squirted or otherwise released. Fluid is delivered to the opening from an adjacent or nearby reservoir which is connected to at least one hollow tube whereby liquid is transferred from the reservoir to the release point on or adjacent to the balloon, such that the buoyancy of the balloon is unimpeded, for the purposes of play and amusement.

A system and method for simultaneously inflating a plurality of balloons with pressurized gas issuing from a pressurized gas supply, each balloon being releasably or permanently attached to an inflation conduit which serves to duct gas from the gas supply to its respective balloon, and each balloon having an associated valve to control the release of gas from inside the balloon when connected and/or disconnected from its associated balloon.

A continuous-air-inflatable display includes an air blower to cause the air-permeable display body to rise from a container and then remain in its expanded state while air flows into the body. After the airflow is terminated, the body gradually collapses back into the container as the air escapes from the body. A motor-retracted cord attached to the display body assists in causing the display body to fall back into the container as the air in the body gradually escapes.

A tethered balloon assembly the balloon, to be inflated via the tether which is to be subsequently closed by a one way valve to keep the balloon inflated and allow additional inflation as desired, controllable by its tether.

An inflatable recreation system designed to allow a user to self-assemble a customizable play structure. The inflatable recreation system includes a plurality of inflatable members, each having an interior volume designed to hold air within. Each inflatable member has a valve on an exterior surface in communication with the interior volume and designed to accept a pump nozzle therein. Each inflatable member is a polyhedron having a three-dimensional shape and flat polygonal faces with a first fastener disposed along a perimeter and a second fastener disposed on an exterior surface, such that each inflatable member is designed to removably secure to one another. In this way, a user is able to self-assemble a customizable play structure.

A balloon apparatus utilizing a lighter-than-air portion and an appurtenance attached to the lighter-than-air portion. A connector is selectively linked to the appurtenance and the lighter-than-air portion and manipulates the rotational position of the appurtenance relative to the lighter-than-air portion.