Abstract
This disclosure falls within the field of inflatable balloons and refers to a self-sealing inflatable balloon (1) comprising a lateral flap (3) connected to a neck (2), forming a single structure, where the end of the lateral flap (3) is covered with an adhesive coating (5), protected by a removable protective strip (4), applied over its full length, and where the aforesaid protective strip (4) is removed by the user during its use by extracting the applicable section 4(b), thereby allowing for the complete sealing of the balloon, in a practical, fast, effective manner.
Claims
1. A self-sealing inflatable balloon (1) wherein it comprises a lateral flap (3) connected to the neck (2), making up a single structure, where the end of the lateral flap (3) is covered with an adhesive coating (5), which is protected by a removable protective strip (4), applied over its full length, wherein the aforesaid protective strip (4) is removed with the extraction of its section (4b) when the balloon is closed (1).
2. The self-sealing inflatable balloon of claim 1, wherein with regard to the lateral flap (3) connected to the neck (2), making up a single structure, where the end of the lateral flap (3) is covered with an adhesive coating (5), which is protected by a removable protective strip (4) applied over its full length, the protective strip (4) is removed with the extraction of the section (4b) when the balloon is sealed (1), and there is an opening (7) in the lateral flap (3) near the neck area (2).
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0039] In this description, similar parts existing in both the primary model and the constructive variation are represented by the same reference numbers.
[0040] FIG. 1 shows a front schematic view of the primary model of the balloon (1) prior to use.
[0041] FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) show, respectively, a front and rear view of the lateral flap (3) within the primary model, and the proper positioning of the adhesive coating (5) and the removable protective strip (4).
[0042] FIGS. 3(a-d) show, schematically, the sequence of movements and steps to seal the balloon (1), according to a primary model of this disclosure.
[0043] FIG. 4 shows a front schematic view of a constructive variation of the balloon (1), prior to use.
[0044] FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) show, respectively, a front and rear view of the lateral flap according to the constructive variation conceived for this disclosure, and the proper positioning of the opening (7) on the lateral flap (3), the adhesive coating (5), and the removable protective strip (4).
[0045] FIG. 6 shows a schematic representation of the position taken by the lateral flap (3) around the neck of the balloon (not shown), prior to the removal of the protective strip (4), in the constructive variation conceived for this disclosure.
[0046] FIG. 7 shows a front view of the balloon (1), once inflated and ready to be sealed, upon the removal of the applicable section (4b) of the protective strip (4).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0047] The subject of this disclosure is made of latex, with features that ensure a practical, fast, effective sealing process, with the use of a simple, low-cost, easy to handle device.
[0048] According to the primary model, as shown in FIG. 1, this model comprises an inflatable balloon made of latex (1), with a neck area (2) connected to a lateral flap (3), also made of latex, forming a single unit. The end of said flap is covered with an adhesive coating (5), protected by a removable protective strip (4), applied over its full length.
[0049] FIG. 2(a) shows a front view of the lateral flap (3), with the protective strip (4). To allow for better understanding, FIG. 2(a) is portrayed without the protective strip (4) in the proper position to be used, that is to say, covering the adhesive coating (5). This view shows the two sections of the strip (4): the section (4a) covering the above mentioned coating (5), thereby preventing the premature adhesion of the adhesive coating (5); and the other section (4b), positioned outside the flap (3). It is through this section (4b) that the user will remove the protective strip (4) from the flap (3).
[0050] FIG. 2(b) shows a rear view of the lateral flap (3), showing in detail the section (4b) with the protective strip (4).
[0051] Once the inflatable balloon has been inflated (1) and the neck has been twisted around its own center (2), the steps to seal off the balloon are illustrated in FIGS. 3(a-d). FIG. 3(a) shows the inflated balloon (1) ready to be sealed off, at which point the user should stretch the lateral flap (3) and encircle it around the neck (2) of the balloon (1), in the direction indicated by the arrow.
[0052] FIG. 3(b) shows the continuation of the movement illustrated in FIG. 3(a), where the flap (3) should encircle the neck (2), to its full length.
[0053] FIG. 3(c) illustrates the moment when the user (not shown) should pull the section (4b) (only after the whole flap (3) has encircled the neck (2)), thereby removing the protective strip (4), to expose the adhesive coating.
[0054] Once the adhesive coating has been exposed (5), it is pressed against the neck (2), thereby achieving the full sealing of the balloon (1), as illustrated in FIG. 3(d).
[0055] As shown in FIG. 4, the constructive variation conceived for this disclosure comprises an inflatable balloon made of latex (1), with its neck area (2) connected to a lateral flap (3), also made of latex, forming a single unit. Near the neck area, there is an opening in the flap (7), through which the flap will pass during the sealing process. The end of said flap is covered with an adhesive coating (5), protected by a removable protective strip (4), applied throughout its full length.
[0056] FIG. 5(a) shows a front view of the lateral flap (3), with the protective strip (4) conceived for the constructive variation. To allow for better understanding, FIG. 5(a) is portrayed without the protective strip (4) covering the adhesive coating (5). This view exposes the two sections of the strip (4): the section (4a) covering the above mentioned coating (5), thereby preventing the premature adhesion of the adhesive coating (5); and the section (4b) outside the flap (3). It is through this section (4b) that the user will remove the protective strip (4) from the flap (3).
[0057] FIG. 5(b) presents a rear view of the lateral flap (3), showing in detail the opening (7) and the section (4b) with the protective strip (4).
[0058] In this constructive variation, once the balloon is inflated (1), the user will twist the neck (2) around its own center and encircle the lateral flap (3) around said neck. Then, the flap is inserted into the opening (7) and pulled, to assure that the whole flap/neck structure is firmly adhered, as shown in FIGS. 6 (balloon not shown) and 7 (balloon shown).
[0059] FIGS. 4-7 illustrate that the opening (7) works as an additional lock to enhance the effectiveness of the sealing of the balloon. Once the flap is inserted (3) into the lock, the flap is encircled around the neck of the balloon (1) to its full length. Then, the protective strip (4) is removed from the flap (3), thereby exposing the adhesive coating (5).
[0060] Once the adhesive coating has been exposed (5), it is pressed against the neck (2), thereby achieving the full sealing of the balloon (1).
[0061] The constructive variation illustrated here preserves the same body and technical-functional unit of the primary model described herein.
