The present invention relates to floating objects in a contained and/or mirrored, environment. More specifically, the present invention relates to inflatable objects floating in air, as well as a system and/or method for maintaining and/or circulating the objects in a contained, mirrored environment.
It is well known to use helium to inflate balloons so that the balloons float in air, because helium is less dense than air. However, when outside, a helium-filled balloon tends to be filled to the extent that the balloon float upwards until the balloon reaches an elevation at which air in the atmosphere is of equal density than that of the balloon. In a closed environment, such as a room, helium-filled balloons rise to the ceiling and remain there.
In some instances, to have a helium-filled balloon remain at mid-room height where the balloon does not touch the ceiling, a string may be tied to the balloon, and the string may be attached to a weight. However, the string is unsightly, and the balloon also remains generally stationary within the room, such that the balloon can only be moved around the room manually.
Helium-filled balloons may be used to fill rooms or add atmosphere to the décor. However, the balloons may not directly reflect the décor of the room or add to the perception of the space itself. That is, the balloons are usually independent from the ambience or appearance of the walls of the room itself.
The Claims, rather than the Summary, define covered embodiments of the present invention. The Summary is a high-level overview of various aspects of the invention, and introduces concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description below. The Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, and also is not intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. Instead, the claimed subject matter should be understood by reference to appropriate portions of the Specification and drawings, as well as to each claim.
In some embodiments, the present invention provides floating objects, such as balloons that float and move around a confined space, neither sinking fully to and contacting the floor, nor raising up to and contacting the ceiling. In some embodiments, the floating objects can be of a mirrored or reflective nature, to divert light paths passing though the center of a room or other event space in which the balloons are located. In some embodiments, the floating objects include one or more mirrored balloons. In some embodiments, the arrangement of mirrored balloons may be combined with mirrored wall surface, to produce a desired visual effect. In some embodiments, an open wall of the room allows ambient light from outside of the room to enter the room, such that the light reflects off of the walls and/or the balloons, to create a desired, dynamic, visual effect.
In some embodiments, the present invention provides an air flow management system and/or method to contain the floating objects within a given space, such as a room, and/or to move the floating objects around the space to give the illusion of self-propulsion. In some embodiments, the mirrored balloons move within the room in a manner so as to constantly change the interaction between themselves and the mirrored walls, to produce a dynamic visual effect.
In some embodiments, a series of lights, providing a constantly changing pattern and/or on a steady pattern, can be added to the mirrored room, so that the pattern reflects off of the mirrored walls and/or the mirrored balloons.
In some embodiments, the present invention provides for an installation within a room having one or more walls, a ceiling, and/or floor, at least one of which is at least partially covered in a mirrored surface. In some embodiments, at least one window allows ambient light into the room. In some embodiments, a plurality of mirrored balloons are arranged within the room, and are filled with helium, to float substantially at a middle height of the room installation.
In some embodiments, one or more of the balloons are made of polyethylene terephthalate. In some embodiments, two or more of the balloons are of different sizes. In some embodiments, one of more of the balloons are weighted, such as with but not limited to a latex/polymer preservative of water, polyvinyl alcohol, and dextrose monohydrate. In some embodiments, the amount of preservative is sufficient to prevent the helium-filled balloons from rising to the ceiling, but does not cause the balloons to sink to the floor. In some embodiments, the room has at least one air vent for circulating and/or moving the balloons within the room.
In some embodiments, the present invention provides a room installation comprising: a room comprising at least one wall, a ceiling, and a floor, each of which is at least partially covered by a mirrored surface; at least one transparent window configured to permit ambient light into the room; a first plurality of mirrored balloons arranged within the room, and filled with a mixture of helium and another gas, the mixture configured to float the mirrored balloons of the first plurality of mirrored balloons substantially within a middle height of the room; and a plurality of vents configured to circulate and move the mirrored balloons of the first plurality of mirrored balloons in a designated pattern within the room.
In some embodiments, at least one of the at least one wall, the ceiling, or the floor is entirely covered with mirrors.
In some embodiments, the at least one wall comprises two walls.
In some embodiments, the at least one wall comprises at least three walls.
In some embodiments, the plurality of vents comprises four vents.
In some embodiments, the designated pattern is a circular pattern.
In some embodiments, the designated pattern is a non-circular pattern.
In some embodiments, the installation further comprises a second plurality of mirrored balloons, wherein the mirrored balloons of the second plurality of mirrored balloons contact at least one the ceiling or the floor.
In some embodiments, the room installation further comprises a second plurality of mirrored balloons, wherein the mirrored balloons of the second plurality of mirrored balloons contact the ceiling; and a third plurality of mirrored balloons, wherein the mirrored balloons of the third plurality of mirrored balloons contact the floor.
In some embodiments, the mirrored balloons of the first plurality of mirrored balloons float at at least two elevations within the room.
In some embodiments, the present invention provides a system, comprising: a room, comprising: at least one wall at least partially covered with a mirrored surface, a ceiling at least partially covered with a mirrored surface, a floor at least partially covered with a mirrored surface, at least one window configured to allow light from outside of the room into the room, and at least one vent; and a first plurality of balloons, wherein each of the balloons of the first plurality of balloons is at least partially covered with a mirrored surface, wherein each of the balloons of the first plurality of balloons is positioned within the room, wherein each of the balloons of the first plurality of balloons contains a mixture of helium and another gas, such that each of the balloons of the first plurality of balloons floats at a middle height within the room out of contact with the ceiling and the floor, wherein the at least one vent is configured direct air toward at least one of the balloons of the first plurality of balloons to move the at least one of the balloons in a predetermined pattern.
In some embodiments, at least one of the at least one wall, the ceiling, or the floor is entirely covered with mirrors.
In some embodiments, the at least one wall comprises two walls.
In some embodiments, the at least one wall comprises at least three walls.
In some embodiments, the at least one vent comprises four vents.
In some embodiments, the predetermined pattern is a circular pattern.
In some embodiments, the predetermined pattern is a non-circular pattern.
In some embodiments, the system further comprises a second plurality of balloons, wherein the balloons of the second plurality of balloons contact at least one the ceiling or the floor.
In some embodiments, the system further comprises a second plurality of balloons, wherein the balloons of the second plurality of balloons contact the ceiling; and a third plurality of balloons, wherein the balloons of the third plurality of balloons contact the floor.
In some embodiments, the balloons of the first plurality of balloons float at at least two elevations within the room.
This section refers to the drawings that form a part of this disclosure, and which illustrate some of the embodiments of structure, materials, and/or methods of the present invention described herein.
In addition to the benefits and improvements that the Specification discloses, other objects and advantages that the Specification provides will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures. Although the description discloses and describes detailed embodiments of the present disclosure, the disclosed embodiments are merely illustrative of the disclosure that may be embodied in various forms. In addition, each of the examples given regarding the various embodiments of the disclosure are intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive.
With reference to
In some embodiments, the room 100 includes a window 104, and all of the other surfaces of the room 100 are at least partially covered by the mirrors 102. In some embodiments, the window 104 is a transparent window, which allows light from outside of the room 100 to enter the room 100. In some embodiments, the room 100 includes the window 104, and all of the other surfaces of the room 100 are substantially completely covered by the mirrors 102. In some embodiments, one or more surfaces of the room 100 includes lights 300, as discussed in more detail below.
In some embodiments, the window 104 allows the room 100 to be filled with ambient light and imagery that is captured and reflected off of the mirrors 102 of the room 100 and/or the mirrored surfaces of the balloons 10. In some embodiments, for example, placement of room 100 in a city setting captures an image or skyline of the city through window 104 and reflects the image off of the mirrors 102 of the room 100 and/or the mirrored surfaces of the balloons 10 in a repeating pattern, as the light continuously bounces between and reflects off of the walls, floor, and/or ceiling of the room 100, and/or the balloons 10. In some embodiments, the pattern is a designated pattern. In some embodiments, the pattern is a predetermined pattern. In some embodiments, the room 100 is placed in a different setting, such as but not limited to an ocean setting (e.g., on a cruise ship) or in a nature setting (e.g., in a forest canopy or pastoral setting), and the room 100 captures the ambient light patterns from the scenery and reflects the light off of the mirrors 102 of the room 100 and/or the mirrored surfaces of the balloons 10.
In some embodiments, as shown in
In some embodiments, the balloons 10 are preferably made of reflective Mylar™ (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate). In some embodiments, the balloons 10 are several difference sizes as shown in
With reference to
In some embodiments, after filling of the balloon 10, a weight 14 may be attached over the closed nozzle extension 12. In some embodiments, the weight 14 is in the form of a washer. In some embodiments, a second weight 14 may be placed on the opposite side of balloon 10 to which the weight 14 is attached, for balance.
In some embodiments, to maintain a mirrored surface on the outside of the balloon and to match the mirrored outer surface on the rest of the balloon 10, a pad 16 and a patch 18 are fitted over the weights 14. In some embodiments, the patch 18 is a reflective material. In some embodiments, the patch 18 is a Mylar patch. In some embodiments, the pad 16 and patch 18 are two separate items, while in some embodiments the pad 16 and the patch 18 are a single element. In some embodiments, the pad 16 reduces chipping of the mirrors 102 in the room 100 as the balloon 10 moves around and the weights 14 occasionally contact the mirrors 102.
In accordance with some embodiments,
In some embodiments, in place of and/or in addition to use of the weights 14, prior to filling the balloon 10, the balloons 10 may be filled with a preservative. In some embodiments, the preservative is a latex/polymer preservative such as but not limited to HiFloat™ (e.g., a mixture of water, polyvinyl alcohol, and dextrose monohydrate). In some embodiments, the preservative helps seal the inside of the balloons 10 so as to retain the helium with the interior of the balloons 10.
With reference to
As shown in
In some embodiments, there is a mechanism for providing the balloons 10 that are staged in the holding room 114, for delivery into the room 100. In some embodiments, the mechanism includes an opening between the holding room 114 and the room 110. In some embodiments, the mechanism includes a doorway. In some embodiments, the mechanism includes a hatch. In some embodiments, the hatch is opened manually. In some embodiments, the hatch is opened automatically. In some embodiments, the mechanism includes a machine or other apparatus, such as to open the hatch.
In some embodiments, the room 100 is provided with one or more vents 200. In some embodiments, the vents 200 are used move the balloons 10 in a pattern within the room 100. In some embodiments, the pattern is a regular pattern. In some embodiments, the pattern is a circular pattern. In some embodiments, the pattern is a non-circular pattern. In some embodiments, the pattern is an irregular pattern. In some embodiments, the pattern changes based on an interaction between at least one individual in the room 100 and one or more of the balloons 10. As discussed, in some embodiments, the balloons 10 are filled and weighted to float essentially at middle height—that is, in the middle of the room without rising all the way to and contacting the ceiling, and without falling to and contacting the floor. In some embodiments, the vents 200 can be located around the room 100 to direct movement of the balloons in a single direction or in a pattern. In some embodiments, the vents 200 direct movement of one or more of the balloons 10 in a circular pattern. In some embodiments, the vents 200 direct movement of one or more of the balloons 10 in a non-circular pattern.
In some embodiments, one or more fans may be used in place of one or more of the vents 200. In some embodiments, the room 100 omits fans. In some embodiments, the room 100 omits vents 200. In some embodiments, the room 100 includes at least one fan and at least one vent 200. In some embodiments, one or more vents 200 and/or one or more fans are positioned to reduce movement of one or more of the balloons 10 out of the room 100, such as out of a door into which individuals enter and/or exit the room 100.
With reference to
In some embodiments, one or more of the balloons 10 may include a mixture of helium and at least one other fluid, such that the one or more of the balloons 10 floats at the middle height (e.g., floats at an elevation within the room at which the balloon 10 does not touch or contact the ceiling, and/or does not touch or contact the floor), such as without the use of the weights 14. In some embodiments, the fluid includes a gas. In some embodiments, the gas includes air. In some embodiments, the gas includes air and another gas. In some embodiments, the gas includes a gas other than air. In some embodiments, one or more of the balloons 10 includes the mixture and one or more of the weights 14. In some embodiments, one or more of the balloons 10 includes the mixture and two of the weights 14. In some embodiments, one or more of the balloons includes the mixture and omits the weights 14.
In an example of the filling method to obtain balloons that float at various heights in the room (with or without the need for additional weights), the following general procedure is employed. First, a plan of the balloon distribution is mapped by determining the desired heights and number of balloons at each layer. Consider ceiling height, visual effect, and weight limitations. Second, the gas mixture is selected.—different gases have different densities and affect buoyancy. Suitable gas options include, but are not limited to, air (least buoyant), oxygen (slightly more buoyant than air), carbon dioxide (more buoyant than aft) and then helium. Third, the gas mixture is pumped into each balloon with the desired proportions of helium and other gas (e.g., 1 cup helium 1 cup air). In one example, a mixing pump may be used to achieve the desires ratio. Fourth, the balloons are inflated by attaching the nozzle to the gas portion of the balloon and opening the nozzle valve to slowly fill the balloon, monitoring its size. In one example, a slightly underinflated balloon may have longer float time. In another example, each balloon is marked with the gas mixture for clear identification and easier height adjustment later. In another embodiment, strings or fishing lines may be attached to adjust buoyancy. The balloons may be monitored over time, as helium gradually diffuses out, altering their float height.
In some embodiments, the weight of the one or more weights 14, and/or a composition of the mixture, which keeps the balloons 10 at the middle height, is dependent on a season, a time of the year, a time of the day, an atmospheric condition within the room 100, an amount of ambient light in the room 100, an amount of artificial light in the room 100, an air temperature within the room 100, a humidity in the room 100, an elevation of the room 100, and/or a color of the balloon 10.
In some embodiments, the weight of the one or more weights 14, and/or the composition of the mixture, keeps at least one of the balloons 10 at an elevation within the middle height that is different than an elevation within the middle height of one or more others of the balloons 10. In some embodiments, the different elevations include two elevations. In some embodiments, the different elevations include three elevations. In some embodiments, the different elevations include four elevations. In some embodiments, the different elevations include five elevations. In some embodiments, the different elevations include more than five elevations.
In some embodiments, at least one shape, size, color, material, and/or other property of one or more of the balloons 10 corresponds to an event, a day, a time of day, a holiday, and/or an identity of a visitor to the room 100.
In some embodiments, the room 100 is scented with one or more scents. In some embodiments, the scent corresponds to an event, a day, a time of day, a holiday, and/or an identity of a visitor to the room 100.
In some embodiments, one or more of the balloons 10 is in contact with and touches the floor of the room 100. In some embodiments, one or more of the balloons 10 is in contact with and touches the ceiling of the room 100.
In some embodiments, the lights 300 projects one or more patterns, colors, intensities, and/or brightness, such as based on an event, a day, a time of day, a holiday, and/or an identity of a visitor to the room 100.
Variations, modifications, and alterations to embodiments of the present disclosure described above will make themselves apparent to those skilled in the art. All such variations, modifications, alterations and the like are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, limited solely by the appended claims. In some embodiments, one or more of the balloons 10 are filled entirely with air. In some embodiments, one or more of the balloons 10 are filled substantially entirely with air. In some embodiments, one or more of the balloons 10 are filled entirely with helium. In some embodiments, one or more of the balloons 10 are filled substantially entirely with helium.
While several embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it is understood that these embodiments are illustrative only, and not restrictive, and that many modifications may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, all dimensions discussed herein are provided as examples only, and are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive.
Any feature or element that is positively identified in this description may also be specifically excluded as a feature or element of an embodiment of the present as defined in the claims.
The disclosure described herein may be practiced in the absence of any element or elements, limitation or limitations, which is not specifically disclosed herein. The terms and expressions which have been employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure.
The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 18/111,893, titled “FLOATING OBJECTS AND METHOD MAINTAINING SAID OBJECTS IN CONTAINED ENVIRONMENT,” filed Feb. 21, 2023, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/382,801, titled “FLOATING OBJECTS AND METHOD FOR MAINTAINING SAID OBJECTS IN CONTAINED ENVIRONMENT,” filed Jul. 22, 2021, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,617,963, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
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20240157261 A1 | May 2024 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 17382801 | Jul 2021 | US |
Child | 18111893 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 18111893 | Feb 2023 | US |
Child | 18423945 | US |