BALLOON HOLDER

Abstract

Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to a balloon holder that can position a non-helium balloon vertically above a surface on which the balloon holder is positioned for providing an inflatable display. The balloon holder can include a weighted base and a hole positioned within the weighted base. The balloon holder can further include a securement tube that can be positioned at least partially within the hole of the balloon holder. Additionally, the inflatable display (or the balloon holder) may include a support structure. The support structure couple the balloon to the balloon holder and aid in holding the balloon vertically above a surface on which the balloon holder is positioned.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to balloon holders, and, more specifically (although not necessarily exclusively), to a balloon holder with a support structure that can position and hold non-helium balloons above a surface.

BACKGROUND

Balloon holders, also known in the art as balloon supports or weights, can be used to secure and display helium balloons. The balloon holders can retain balloons in a particular location and orientation (e.g., upright). In doing so, the balloon holders can prevent helium balloons from floating away or being damaged. The balloon holders can further be used for aesthetic purposes. For instance, an event space can be decorated with balloons using one or more balloon holders. Helium balloons can be more expensive than air filled balloons and can require purchasing balloons at a brick and mortar store that has access to helium or can require purchasing an at home helium tank to provide helium for filling of balloons at home. It may be desirable to provide a balloon holder that provides the appearance of a display of helium balloons but instead allows for the use of air filled balloons, which may reduce cost and increase convenience.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative aspects of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the following drawing figures:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an example of an inflatable display including a balloon holder, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of another example of an inflatable display including a balloon holder, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of the balloon holder depicted in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 depicts another perspective view of the balloon holder depicted in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 depicts a side view of the balloon holder depicted in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 depicts a top view of the balloon holder depicted in FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of another example of a balloon holder, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of the balloon holder depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 depicts a side view of the balloon holder depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 depicts a top view of the balloon holder depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of an example of a method for assembling an inflatable display utilizing a balloon holder according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention is described herein with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described.

Helium-filled balloons or other inflatable displays or installments are often used to decorate or otherwise aesthetically enhance a space for an event. Due to helium being lighter than air, the helium-filled balloons can float, and therefore provide a vertical decoration that may be positioned above a surface (e.g., a table or floor). Presently, helium-filled balloons may be positioned by securing the balloons to a stationary or weight, anchoring the balloon to a surface, or otherwise preventing the helium-filled balloons from floating away. However, helium is costly, can be difficult to locate, and can require special equipment (e.g. a helium tank). As a result, there can be a relatively high cost associated with using helium-filled balloons and it can be difficult to fill and decorate using the helium-filled balloons. Therefore, a device permitting the display of one or more balloons that are not filled with helium (e.g. filled with air), while providing a similar or the same aesthetic as a display with a helium-filled balloon, may provide for a more cost efficient, resource efficient, and time saving alternative.

Some aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a balloon holder capable of supporting a non-helium filled balloon display while mimicking the appearance and aesthetics of a helium-filled balloon display. For example, the balloon holder may be positioned on a surface and one or more balloons may be coupled with the balloon holder via a support structure. The balloon(s) can be coupled with a level of rigidity and structure that enables the balloon(s) to be held in the air above the surface. As a result, the balloon holder can position a non-helium balloon in such a way that the non-helium balloon appears to be a floating, helium-filled balloon. Thus, an inflatable display or installment can be provided without the use of helium using a balloon holder as disclosed herein. However, the present disclosure does contemplate the balloon holder may be used with one or more balloon(s) containing helium.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an example of an inflatable display 100 including a balloon holder 104, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The inflatable display 100 may include at least one balloon 102, a support structure 112, and the balloon holder 104. The balloon holder 104 may optionally include an optional securement tube 110 as shown in FIG. 1, though some embodiments of the present disclosure contemplate a balloon holder that does not include the securement tube 110. The balloon 102 may be a foil balloon, plastic balloon, latex balloon or any other suitable type of balloon, which may not be filled with helium. Instead, for example, the balloon may be filled with air.

As shown, the balloon holder 104 may be positioned on a surface 114, such as a table, floor, or any other suitable surface or feature. The balloon holder 104 may include a weighted base 106. The weighted base 106 can provide support to the securement tube 110, the support structure 112, and the balloon 102. In this way, the weighted base 106 can prevent the balloon 102, the securement tube 110, the support structure 112, or a combination thereof from tipping, falling, or otherwise unintentionally moving as a result of the balloon's weight or of environmental factors (e.g., wind). The weighted base 106 can be altered in size or shape to support any inflatable display, such as with more than one balloon. Though the support structure 112 is described herein as being couplable between a balloon (or other decorative feature) and the securement tube 110, in some embodiments the balloon (or other decorative feature) may be coupled to the balloon holder 104 without the use of the securement tube. For example, in some embodiments the securement tube 110 may extend to a greater height above the balloon holder 104 and may be coupled either directly or indirectly to the balloon (or other decorative feature).

The weighted base 106 can further enable the inflatable display 100 (including the balloon holder 104) to be moved or relocated by a user. For example, a weight of the weighted base 106 may be within a range to cause the weighted base 106 to be light enough that a user may be able to manipulate a position of the balloon (e.g., by relocating the weighted base 106). The weight of the weighted base 106 can further cause the weighted base 106 to be heavy enough secure the balloon 102, the securement tube 110, and the support structure 112 (e.g., by not unintentionally moving due to the weight of the balloon 102 or the environmental factors). Accordingly, the weighted base 106 of the balloon holder can weigh, for example, but not limited to, between about 10 grams and about 2500 grams in some embodiments, or between about 200 grams and about 1500 grams in some embodiments, though other weights may be utilized without department from the scope of the present disclosure. The weight of the weighted base 106 may be selected based on a design of an inflatable display. For example, the weight of the weighted base 106 can be selected based on a size or a number of balloons in an inflatable display.

The weighted base 106 may be manufactured using various materials including, but not limited, to plastic, metal, wood, concrete, paper etc. The weighted base 106 may be constructed using a variety of techniques including casting, injection molding, blow molding, compression mold, extrusion molding, rotational molding, additive manufacturing, machining, or any other method of manufacture that is known in the art.

A hole, tunnel, or recess 108 may be positioned within the weighted base 106. The hole 108 may extend from a top surface of the weighted base through at least a portion of the weighted base 106, though in some embodiments the hole 108 may extend entirely from a top surface to a bottom surface of the weighted base 106. In some embodiments the hole 108 may extend vertically through the weighted base 106 while in other embodiments the hole 108 may extend at an angle other than vertically through the weighted base 106 (e.g. at an angle of 45 degrees, 30 degrees, etc. relative to the bottom surface of the weighted base 106). The hole 108 can be sized and shaped to receive or secure the securement tube 110, the support structure 112, or a combination thereof within the hole 108.

In some examples and as depicted in FIG. 1, the securement tube 110 may be positioned at least partially within the hole 108. Once positioned at least partially within the hole 108, the securement tube 110 can extend vertically upward from the weighted base 106. In other examples, such as those in which the hole 108 is non-perpendicular (e.g., at a 30- or 45-degree angle) relative to the bottom surface of the weighted base 106, the securement tube 110 can extend at a diagonal or horizontally from the weighted base 106. The securement tube 110 can further couple the support structure 112 to the weighted base 106. For example, while the securement tube 110 is positioned at least partially within the hole 108, a first end 116 of the support structure 112 may be positioned within the securement tube 110. In such instances, the securement tube 110 may have a hollow center defined by walls of the securement tube 110. The walls may therefore be sized and shaped such that the support structure 112 can be secured within the securement tube 110 via frictional engagement or such that the walls of the securement tube 110 defining the hollow center can retain the support structure 112. In other instances, other coupling mechanisms can be used to couple the securement tube 110 and the support structure 112.

Additionally, a second end 118 of the support structure 112 can be secured to the balloon 102 to hold the balloon 102 vertically above the surface 114. The support structure 112 can extend substantially vertically and upwards from the securement tube 110. As a result of the support structure 112 extending vertically and holding the balloon above the surface 114, the balloon 102 can appear to be floating above the surface 114. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the support structure 112 and/or the securement tube 110 may be at least partially transparent for aiding in providing a floating appearance of the balloon 102. In some embodiments, the support structure 112 and/or the securement tube 110 may be colored and/or may include ornamental designs that contribute to the display design and appearance.

In some embodiments, the balloon 102 may be coupled to the second end 118 of the support structure 112 and the first end 116 of the support structure 112 may be positioned at or at least partially within the hole 108. In such examples, the support structure 112 can extend substantially vertically and upwards from the balloon holder 104 (in examples in which the hole 108 is vertically oriented, such as at a 90 degree angle or perpendicular to a bottom surface of the balloon holder 104), which can also give the appearance of the balloon 102 floating above the surface 114.

The support structure 112 can be a stick, pole, wire, or other rigid element that may position the balloon 102 above the balloon holder 104 to mimic the floating properties of a helium-filled balloon. Additionally or alternatively, the support structure 112 may be constructed of a relatively light and rigid material such as plastic. For example, and as shown in FIG. 1, the support structure 112 may be made of a partially or fully clear (or transparent) plastic material. However, this is merely exemplary and the support structure 112 may take the form of a variety of shapes, configurations, and materials (e.g. may be opaque, transparent, hollow, solid, etc.). Additionally, dimensions (e.g., a length, an inner diameter, an outer diameter, or a combination thereof) of the support structure 112 may vary. The dimensions may vary based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, a size or a weight of the balloon 102, a size or a weight of the weighted base 106, dimensions of the securement tube 110, etc.

Additionally, the securement tube 110 may be a clear plastic tube with a specific length, however, this is merely exemplary, and a variety of different materials, dimensions, and colors are envisioned within the scope of this disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, the securement tube 110 can be made of a material more rigid than plastic (e.g., metals, ceramics, etc.) or made of a material more compressible than plastic (e.g., foam, rubber, etc.). Moreover, dimensions (e.g., a length, an inner diameter, an outer diameter, or a combination thereof) of the securement tube 110 may vary. The dimensions may vary based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, a size or a weight of the balloon 102, a size or a weight of the weighted base 106, the dimensions of the support structure 112, etc.

In an example, a size of the support structure 112 can be reduced (e.g., a length of the support structure 112 can be decreased). The size may be reduced to obscure an appearance of the support structure 112, which can conceal that the balloon 102 is not a helium balloon. In the example, the decrease in size of the support structure 112 may render the support structure 112 unable to provide sufficient rigidity and strength to support the balloon 102. To compensate for the reduced size of the support structure 112, the positioning, dimensions, materials, or a combination thereof of the securement tube 110 may be adjusted. For example, the securement tube 110 can be positioned further into the hole 108 of the balloon holder 104 to provide additional stability and rigidity to the support structure 112. Additionally or alternatively, the securement tube 110 can be replaced with a more rigid (e.g., a metal) securement tube or a securement tube with a larger inner and outer diameter.

Additionally, although the securement tube 110 is depicted in FIG. 1 as at least partially extending out of the hole 108 of the weighted base 106, this is not necessary as embodiments are contemplated herein where the securement tube 110 may positioned completely within the hole 108 of weighted base 106. Further, it may be desirable in some instances for the color and opacity of said color of the securement tube 110 to vary. For example, the securement tube 110 may take the form of colors such as, but not limited to, red, blue, green, yellow, orange, purple, brown, black, white, etc.

Moreover, as discussed above, the first end 116 of the support structure 112 may be positioned directly into the hole 108 in some embodiments. Thus, the securement tube 110 may not be used. In such instances, the hole 108 may be sized and shaped such that the support structure 112 can be secured within the hole via frictional engagement or such that the walls of the weighted base 106 defining the hole 108 can maintain the support structure 112 within the hole 108.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of another example of an inflatable display 200 including a balloon holder 204, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The inflatable display 200 can include balloons 206, a support structure 112, and the balloon holder 204. Similar to balloon holder 104 of FIG. 1, the balloon holder 204 may be positioned on a surface 214, such as a table, floor, or any other suitable surface or feature. The balloon holder 204 may include a weighted base and a hole. For example, the balloon holder 204 can correspond to the balloon holder 104 of FIG. 1 comprising the weighted base 106 and the hole 108.

The balloon holder 204 of FIG. 2 can further include a decorative wrapping 202. The decorative wrapping 202 may completely or partially surround one or more components of the balloon holder 204 (e.g., a securement tube and/or the support structure 112). Additionally, the decorative wrapping 202 may be secured to one or more of the components using a variety of attachment methods, such as string, twine, rubber bands, adhesives, clips, etc. The decorative wrapping 202 may be constructed of a foil, tissue paper, wrapping paper, or any other suitable material with a decorative effect. Additionally or alternatively, the balloon holder 204, the support structure 112, or other components of the inflatable display 200 may be wrapped with a material (e.g. a ribbon) for decorative purposes.

The balloons 206 may be coupled to a first end of the support structure 212 and a second end of the support structure 212 may be positioned at or at least partially within the balloon holder 204, such as within a hole of the balloon holder 204 under the decorative wrap 202 or within a securement tube of the balloon holder 204. As depicted, the support structure 212 can extend vertically upwards from the balloon holder 204 and the balloons 206 can be coupled to an opposing end of the support structure 112 from the end in the balloon holder 204. As a result, the inflatable display 200, including the balloon holder 204, can give the appearance of the balloons 206 floating above the surface 214. The decorative wrap 202 may camouflage or cover one or more features of the balloon holder 204 (or other elements of the inflatable display), including but not limited to the weighted base and/or the securement tube to aid in providing an appearance of the balloons 206 as floating.

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of the balloon holder 204 depicted in FIG. 2. The balloon holder 204 can include a weighted base and a hole (e.g., the weighted base 106 and hole 108 of FIG. 1), which can be concealed by a decorating wrapping 202. FIG. 3 can further depict a support structure 212 and a securement tube 310, which can be coupled with one another, the balloon holder 204, or the combination thereof.

In some embodiments, a portion the support structure 212 can be retained within the securement tube 310. For example, a first end of the support structure 212 can be inserted into the securement tube 310. Consequently, the portion of the support structure 212 can be retained in the securement tube 310 due to frictional engagement of an inner wall of the securement tube 310 with an outer wall of the support structure 212. In other examples, the support structure 212 can be greater in width (e.g., diameter) than the securement tube 310. In such examples, an end of securement tube 310 can be inserted into the first end of the support structure 212. As a result, a portion of the securement tube 310 can be retained in the support structure 212 via frictional engagement between an inner wall of the support structure 212 and an outer wall of the securement tube 310.

Accordingly, inner diameters 304a-b (e.g., diameters spanning between inner walls) and outer diameters 306a-b (e.g., diameter spanning between outer walls) of the securement tube 310 and the support structure 212 can correspond to enable frictional engagement between the securement tube 310 and the support structure 212. Additionally or alternatively, the securement tube 310 and the support structure 212 may be coupled using adhesives, a threaded connection, a straight coupler, welding, clamps, or other suitable coupling mechanisms or techniques.

In one particular example, the securement tube 310 may have a first outer diameter 306a that can be the same diameter as the hole or slightly (e.g., a few millimeters) greater than a diameter of the hole. As a result, a first portion of securement tube 310 can be compressed when inserted into the hole. The first portion of the securement tube 310 can be compressed by a first force exerted by walls of the weighted base that define the hole on the securement tube 310. The first force can secure the positioning of the securement tube 310 within the hole. Additionally, the support structure 212 can have a second outer diameter 306b that can be slightly (e.g., a few millimeters) larger than a first inner diameter 304a of the securement tube 310. As a result, a second portion of the securement tube 310 can expand when the support structure 212 is inserted into the second portion of the securement tube 310. The second portion of the securement tube 310 may expand due to a second force exerted by the support structure 212 on the securement tube 312. The second force can secure the coupling of the support structure 212 and securement tube 310.

Additionally, as depicted in FIG. 3, the decorative wrapping 202 may be secured to the securement tube 310 using a securement mechanism 308. In other examples, the decorative wrapping 202 may be coupled to different or additional components of the balloon holder 204 (e.g., the support structure 212) and/or other elements of the inflatable display 200 (e.g., the support structure 212). The securement mechanism 308 can be ribbon, string, a twist tie, or the like. In other examples, the decorative wrapping 202 can be secured to components of the balloon holder 204 (or other elements of the inflatable display 200) using adhesives or other suitable adhesive techniques.

Further, in some embodiments, the decorative wrapping 202 may be readily removable. In this way, an appearance (e.g., a color, texture, etc.) of the balloon holder 204, and thereby the inflatable display 200, may be easily changed. By replacing the decorative wrapping 202 of the balloon holder 204, the balloon holder 204, the securement tube 310, the support structure 212, or the combination thereof can be reused for a variety of events.

The decorative wrapping 202 or the balloon holder 204 can further include a loop feature 302. The loop feature 302 may be used to support a floating (e.g., a helium-filled) balloon. As a result, the balloon holder 204 may be used to display one or more helium balloons, non-helium filled balloons, or the combination thereof.

FIG. 4 depicts another perspective view of the balloon holder 204 depicted in FIG. 2. The decorative wrapping 202 of balloon holder 204 may be removable and replaceable relative to the balloon holder 204. The balloon holder 204 can include a weighted base and a hole (e.g., the weighted base 106 and hole 108 of FIG. 1), which may be at least partially concealed by the decorating wrapping 202. The securement tube 310 can be coupled with the balloon holder 204 via the hole at least partially concealed by the decorative wrapping 202.

FIG. 5 depicts a side view of the balloon holder 204 depicted in FIG. 2. As shown in FIGS. 4-5, the decorative wrapping 202 may cover a weighted base and a hole (e.g., the weighted base 106 and hole 108 of FIG. 1) of the balloon holder 204. The decorative wrapping 202 may further at least partially cover a securement tube 310 coupled with the balloon holder 204.

FIG. 6 depicts a top view of the balloon holder 204 depicted in FIG. 2. The top view of the balloon holder 204 can further show a hole 608, which can extend into a weighted base of the balloon holder 204. A securement tube 310 can be at least partially positioned within the weighted base via the hole 608.

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of the balloon holder 104 depicted in FIG. 1. The balloon holder 104 is depicted without a decorative wrap, though it a decorative wrap may be coupled to or used with the balloon holder 104. For example, the balloon holder 104 may correspond to the balloon holder 204 with the wrapping (e.g. decorative wrapping 202) removed therefrom. The balloon holder 104 can include a weighted base 106 and a hole 108 within the weighted base 106. The balloon holder 104 can further include the securement tube 110. The securement tube 110 may loosely fit within the hole 108 or may be tightly fitted within the hole 108. The securement tube 110 may be clear, which can make the securement tube 110 difficult to see with the naked eye. This enables an inflatable display (e.g., the inflatable display 100 of FIG. 1) to mimic the appearance of a non-helium filled balloon floating above the balloon holder 104.

As depicted in FIG. 8, the weighted base 106 can have a top surface 804 and a bottom surface 806. The hole 108 may be begin at the top surface 804 and extend at least partially into the weighted base 106 towards the bottom surface 806. Additionally, as depicted, an axis 702 of the hole 108 can be substantially perpendicular to a surface on which the balloon holder 104 is positioned. However, this is merely exemplary and other embodiments and configurations of the hole 108 are envisioned within the scope of this disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, the hole 108 may extend entirely through the weighted base 106. Moreover, the hole 108 may have a consistent or an inconsistent diameter along a length of the hole 108. Additionally, the hole 108 may be configured to extend at an angle other than vertical, which can cause the balloon holder 104 to secure a balloon at an angle other than vertical. The hole 108 extending at an angle can allow for improved control over the decorative appearance and orientation of balloons displayed in comparison to a display with typical helium-filled balloons.

Additionally, as depicted in FIG. 8, the weighted base 106 may have a substantially conical shape, with the sides of the weight tapering outwards from the top surface 804 to the bottom surface 806. However, the depicted shape is merely exemplary, and a variety of additional shapes are envisioned within the scope of this disclosure. For example, a weighted base may take the form of a cylinder, sphere, cone, pyramid, cube, or any other shape, without altering the function as described herein. Further, the weighted base may be a unitary body or may be constructed of various pieces that are later joined together using methods known in the art.

Further, although the weighted base 106 is depicted with a single hole, more than one hole may be positioned on a singular weighted base. Each hole can be sized and shaped to receive a securement tube, a support structure, or a combination thereof for forming a balloon display. As a result, a plurality of balloons can be coupled to the weighted base via the securement tubes, support structures, or the combination thereof. For example, each support structure can be coupled with one or more balloons on one end. Then, another end of each support structure may be positioned within each hole or within a securement tube positioned in each hole to create the balloon display. An example of a balloon holder 706 with more than one hole is depicted in FIG. 7. For example, FIG. 7 includes a first securement tube 710a, which can be positioned at least partially within a first hole of the balloon holder 706 and a second securement tube 710b, which can be positioned at least partially within a second hole of the balloon holder 706.

FIG. 9 depicts a side view of the balloon holder 104 depicted in FIG. 1. The balloon holder 104 can include a weighted base 106 and a hole 108 within the weighted base 106. As depicted and described above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 8, a securement tube 110 may be coupled with the balloon holder 104 via the hole 108.

FIG. 10 depicts a top view of the balloon holder 104 depicted in FIG. 1. The top view of the balloon holder 104 depicts a hole 108 in a weighted base 106 of the balloon holder 104. The hole 108 can extend into the weighted base 106. A securement tube 110 can be at least partially positioned within the weighted base 106 via the hole 108.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of an example of a method 1000 for assembling an inflatable display utilizing a balloon holder (for example but not limited to balloon holder 104 or balloon holder 204) according to embodiments to the present disclosure. The method 1000 described above is merely exemplary and the order and steps and any modification or omission of the described steps may be made without departing from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. The steps of FIG. 10 are described below with reference to components discussed above in FIGS. 1-9.

At block 1002, the method 1000 can include positioning a first end of a securement tube of an inflatable display at least partially within a hole, of a weighted base of a balloon holder. A balloon holder of the inflatable display can include the weighted base with the hole. Positioning the securement tube in the hole, may at least partially compress a portion of the securement tube. That is, the positioning of the securement tube in the hole can deform an outer diameter of the securement tube so as to secure the securement tube in place relative to the hole. The compression can indicate a tight fit between the securement tube and the hole. Thus, the position of the securement tube in the hole can be secured by compression (e.g., by a force of the walls on the securement tube). Additionally or alternatively, the securement tube may be secured via an adhesive or any other suitable securing means. In some embodiments, the balloon holder may be provided with the securement tube secured in place prior to use in assembly the inflatable display.

At block 1004, the method 1000 can include positioning a first end of a support structure of at least partially within a second end of the securement tube. The support structure may be couplable to one or more balloons or other display features (e.g. decorations, prints, signs, etc.). The second end of the securement tube can be an opposite end from the first end positioned in the hole. An inner diameter of a portion the securement tube into which the support structure is inserted may expand. The expansion of the portion of the securement tube can indicate a tight fit between the securement tube and support structure. Thus, similar to the above, the position of the securement tube in the hole can be secured by the expansion (e.g., by a force of the support structure 112 on the securement tube 110) or friction, though other suitable coupling means may be used including adhesives, hook and loop fasteners, magnetic features, or the like.

At block 1006, the method 1000 can include coupling a second end of the support structure with a balloon (or other decorative feature). The support structure can be configured to hold the balloon vertically above a surface on which the balloon holder is positioned. As a result, the balloon can appear to be floating above the surface.

In some examples, the method 1000 can be repeated to position more than one balloon using the balloon holder according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, a first end of a second securement tube of the balloon holder can be at least partially positioned within a second hole of the weighted base. Then, a second support structure can be at least partially positioned within a second end of the second securement tube. The second support structure can be configured to hold a second balloon vertically above the surface on which the balloon holder is positioned. The present disclosure does not contemplate the steps of this non-limiting exemplary method to be required to be conducted in a particular order.

The material, dimensions, and configurations of the balloon holder and support structure are merely exemplary and a variety of shapes, dimensions, and configurations are envisioned within the scope of this disclosure.

The above-described aspects are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications can be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims that follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the described invention, nor the claims that follow.

Claims

1. An inflatable display comprising: a balloon;a balloon holder comprising a weighted base and a hole positioned within the weighted base;a securement tube configured to be positioned at least partially within the hole of the balloon holder; anda support structure comprising a first end configured to be positioned at least partially within the securement tube and a second end configured to be secured to the balloon, wherein the support structure couples the balloon to the balloon holder.

2. The inflatable display of claim 1, wherein the balloon holder further comprises at least one additional hole, and wherein at least one additional securement tube is positioned at least partially within the at least one additional hole.

3. The inflatable display of claim 2, further comprising at least one additional support structure configured to be positioned at least partially within the at least one additional securement tube and configured to hold at least one additional balloon vertically above the balloon holder.

4. The inflatable display of claim 1, wherein the securement tube comprises an inner diameter and an outer diameter.

5. The inflatable display of claim 4, wherein the inner diameter of at least a portion of the securement tube is configured to expand when the first end of the support structure is inserted into the securement tube.

6. The inflatable display of claim 4, wherein the outer diameter of at least a portion of the securement tube is configured to deform when the securement tube is positioned within the hole of the balloon holder.

7. The inflatable display of claim 1, wherein an axis of the hole of the balloon holder is perpendicular to a bottom surface of the balloon holder.

8. A balloon holder comprising: a weighted base; anda hole positioned within the weighted base, wherein a securement tube is configured to be positioned at least partially within the hole of the balloon holder, wherein a support structure has a first end configured to be positioned at least partially within the securement tube and a second end configured to be secured to a balloon.

9. The balloon holder of claim 8, further comprising a second hole, wherein at least one additional securement tube is positioned at least partially within at least one additional hole of the weighted base.

10. The balloon holder of claim 9, wherein at least one additional support structure is configured to be positioned at least partially within the at least one additional securement tube and is configured to hold at least one additional balloon vertically above a surface on which the balloon holder is positioned.

11. The balloon holder of claim 8, wherein the securement tube comprises an inner diameter and an outer diameter.

12. The balloon holder of claim 11, wherein the inner diameter of at least a portion of the securement tube is configured to expand when the first end of the support structure is inserted into the securement tube.

13. The balloon holder of claim 11, wherein the outer diameter of at least a portion of the securement tube is configured to deform when the securement tube is positioned within the hole.

14. The balloon holder of claim 8, wherein an axis of the hole is perpendicular to a bottom surface of the weighted base of the balloon holder.

15. A method comprising: providing a balloon holder comprising a weighted base and a hole;positioning a first end of a securement tube at least partially within the hole of the weighted base;positioning a first end of a support structure at least partially within a second end of the securement tube; andcoupling a second end of the support structure with a balloon, wherein the support structure couples the balloon to the balloon holder.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising positioning a first end of a second securement tube at least partially within a second hole of the weighted base.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising positioning a second support structure at least partially within a second end of the second securement tube, wherein the second support structure is configured to hold a second balloon vertically above a surface on which the balloon holder is positionable.

18. The method of claim 15, further comprising: applying a decorative feature to an outer surface of the balloon holder.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of applying a decorative feature to an outer surface of the balloon holder further comprises wrapping the balloon holder with a decorative wrap.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of applying a decorative feature to an outer surface of the balloon holder further comprises at least partially covering the weighted base of the balloon holder with a decorative material.