A device for an illuminated balloon includes a light emitting diode. A holder is connected to the light emitting diode, the holder having a first side, an opposite second side, and a hole which receives the light emitting diode, the hole extending from the first side to the second side. The holder is connectable to the inside surface of the balloon, so that the light emitting diode points out from the balloon. When so connected to the balloon, the longitudinal axis of the light emitting diode is oriented substantially perpendicular to the surface of the balloon. In an embodiment the holder is disc shaped, is fabricated from foam, and is connected to the inside surface of the balloon by an adhesive.

A holder for an inflatable balloon includes an elongate blank formed from cardboard or similar biodegradable yet resilient material that can be folded at its mid region and having an opening at a first end for receiving the inflation stem of an inflated balloon, and in one embodiment has at its other end portion a pressing element and slots formed in the end portions to be aligned when the elongate element is folded upon itself to pinch the stem of the inflated balloon. In another embodiment, a receptacle is provided by engaging tabs and slots at the respective end portions.

A holder for an inflatable balloon includes an elongate blank formed from cardboard or similar biodegradable yet resilient material that can be folded at its mid region and having an opening at a first end for receiving the inflation stem of an inflated balloon, and in one embodiment has at its other end portion a pressing element and slots formed in the end portions to be aligned when the elongate element is folded upon itself to pinch the stem of the inflated balloon. In another embodiment, a receptacle is provided by engaging tabs and slots at the respective end portions.

Building blocks for making structures comprising a number of translucent inflatable blocks, wherein each translucent inflatable block has six identical sides having an outer surface, an inner surface, and four vertices; a magnetic connection element configured to connected at least two inflatable blocks of the number of translucent blocks, wherein the magnetic connection element is located on the inner surface of each of the six identical sides, wherein the magnetic connection element includes four corners, wherein the four corners are equidistant to the four vertices; a proximity switch in communication with a lighting element located on the inner surface of each of the six identical sides, wherein the lighting element is configured to emit colored light when the proximity switch is activated, wherein the proximity switch is activated when the inflatable blocks are connected via their respective magnetic connection elements; and at least one valve for inflating or deflating the inflatable blocks.

A light-emitting device includes: a balloon, a light source disposed outside the balloon; and an optical fiber that connects the balloon and the light source and propagates light emitted by the light source. At least one of the balloon and the optical fiber becomes luminous by the light emitted by the light source.

A light-emitting device includes: a balloon, a light source disposed outside the balloon; and an optical fiber that connects the balloon and the light source and propagates light emitted by the light source. At least one of the balloon and the optical fiber becomes luminous by the light emitted by the light source.

The invention describes a method of printing onto a balloon that includes the steps of: coating the printable outer surface of a balloon with a primer material; attaching the balloon about a supporting substrate to form a balloon blank; flattening the printable outer surface of the balloon on the upper surface of the substrate; attaching a first tab on a first end of the balloon blank; attaching a second tab on a second end opposite the first end of the balloon blank; applying the balloon blank to a printer, via the first tab, which in use prints a first image onto the printable surface; and moving the balloon blank back through the printer via the second tab, which in use prints a second image onto the printable surface.

The invention describes a method of printing onto a balloon that includes the steps of: coating the printable outer surface of a balloon with a primer material; attaching the balloon about a supporting substrate to form a balloon blank; flattening the printable outer surface of the balloon on the upper surface of the substrate; attaching a first tab on a first end of the balloon blank; attaching a second tab on a second end opposite the first end of the balloon blank; applying the balloon blank to a printer, via the first tab, which in use prints a first image onto the printable surface; and moving the balloon blank back through the printer via the second tab, which in use prints a second image onto the printable surface.

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.

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.