CA2182089A1 - Aerostatic lighting device - Google Patents
Aerostatic lighting deviceInfo
- Publication number
- CA2182089A1 CA2182089A1 CA002182089A CA2182089A CA2182089A1 CA 2182089 A1 CA2182089 A1 CA 2182089A1 CA 002182089 A CA002182089 A CA 002182089A CA 2182089 A CA2182089 A CA 2182089A CA 2182089 A1 CA2182089 A1 CA 2182089A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- envelope
- aerostatic
- lighting device
- balloon
- plug
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920002994 synthetic fiber Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000001307 helium Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910052734 helium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- SWQJXJOGLNCZEY-UHFFFAOYSA-N helium atom Chemical compound [He] SWQJXJOGLNCZEY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 238000009792 diffusion process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000013013 elastic material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052736 halogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 150000002367 halogens Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000009958 sewing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 208000036366 Sensation of pressure Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003856 thermoforming Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V3/00—Globes; Bowls; Cover glasses
- F21V3/02—Globes; Bowls; Cover glasses characterised by the shape
- F21V3/023—Chinese lanterns; Balloons
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F21/00—Mobile visual advertising
- G09F21/06—Mobile visual advertising by aeroplanes, airships, balloons, or kites
- G09F21/08—Mobile visual advertising by aeroplanes, airships, balloons, or kites the advertising matter being arranged on the aircraft
- G09F21/10—Mobile visual advertising by aeroplanes, airships, balloons, or kites the advertising matter being arranged on the aircraft illuminated
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H27/00—Toy aircraft; Other flying toys
- A63H27/10—Balloons
- A63H2027/1058—Balloons associated with light or sound
Abstract
An aerostatic lighting device comprises a balloon inflated by a gas lighter than air, held at a pole by a feeder cable and containing a bulb supported by a rod attached to the pole. The balloon comprises a thin, transparent inner envelope airtight to the gas, and an outer envelope made of a diffusing material with selected optical and color properties.
Description
. ...
A~ Al~OSTATIC 1IGHTING DE:~ICE~
BACKGE~OUND OF TH:E IN~ E~TION
Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an aerostatic light-ing device. The idea of using such devices for lighting or decorative purposes is extremely old and already 5 appears in the German patent 427,894 filed on October 26, 1924.
- Discussion of the Related Art The only figure in this German patent is reproduced in its major lines in Fig. 1 enclosed. The device com--prises a balloon a. A rod b is secured to a pole of this balloon corresponding to the closing system. A bulb c is fastened to the end of the rod roughly in the middle of the balloon. A wire _ for securing and supplying the bal-loon is attached to the closing system.
Many other patents have since been filed for similarsystems. Nevertheless, despite their long existence, these aerostatic lighting devices have not really been commercially successful. This is doubtless due to the fact that their manufacture, closing, dismantli~,g and attachment were relatively complex.
SUMMA~Y OF THF~ IN~:ENTION
One object of the present invention is therefore to provide an aerostatic liqhting device which is easy to manufacture, assemble and dismantle.
Another object of this invention is to provide an aerostatic lighting device which can be used for a large number of applications and supply different lighting at the cost of minimum modifications to its structure.
In order to achieve these and other objects, the pre-sent invention provides an aerostatic lighting device comprising a balloon inflated by a gas lighter than air.
This balloon is attached at a pole by a feeder cable and contains a bulb supported by a rod fastened to the pole.
The balloon comprises a thin, transparent, gas-proof inner envelope, and an outer envelope made of a diffusing material with selected optical and color properties.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the inner envelope is made of polyurethane and the outer envelope of a synthetic fabric such as silk or nylon.
According to an embodiment of the invention, both envelopes have a circular opening at the above-mentioned pole and are associated with a closing mechanism compris-ing an inner ring-shaped collar to which the outer edge of the inner envelope opening is fastened and on which the outer edge of the outer envelope opening bears; an outer ring-shaped collar with the necessary means to apply and lock it against the inner collar by holding the outer edges of the openings of both envelopes between the two collars; and a detachable plug to seal off the middle openings opposite the inner and outer collars. This plug is fitted with at least one sealable orifice for reaching the balloon inner cavity and with means for supporting the above-mentioned rod, the plug diameter being greater than the bulb diameter.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the inner envelope is made of an elastic material and the outer envelope of a slightly elastic material with at least two areas sewn together. At least one part of this sewn area is elastic and reveals, when stretched, a strip of a different color to that of the outer envelope.
- 2ls2nss According to an embodiment of the invention, the feeder cable is placed inside a telescopic mast.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the feeder cable is attached to the closing mechanism by elastic means.
The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the present inven-tion which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Brief DescriPtion of Drawinas Fig. 1 represents a conventional aerostatic lighting device such as illustrated in the German patent 427,894;
Fig. 2 represents an enlarged side view of the clos-ing area of an aerostatic lighting device according to the invention;
Fig. 3 represents a top view of the closing plug illustrated in Fig. 2;
Fig. 4 represents a bottom view of the closing system inner collar illustrated in Fig. 2;
Fig. 5 illustrates a means for attaching the aero-static lighting device according to the invention;
Fig. 6A and 6B represent a means for producing an inflation detector for the outer envelope of an aero-static lighting device according to the invention; and Fig. 7 illustrates a means for producing a cable securing system for the aerostatic lighting device according to the present invention.
Detailed DescriPtion One of the problems arising with the prior art single envelope aerostatic lighting devices is that this enve-2ls2nss lope has to satisfy a number of requirements which are difficult to satisfy with only one material. In particu-lar, this envelope must be impervious to the gas lighter than air used to raise the balloon. The choice of mate-rial is thus relatively limited, especially when gas suchas helium is used. Thus, this envelope must be light, gas-proof, exhibit the desired light diffusion properties to ensure observers are not dazzled by the inside bulb and, if required, be able to be colored in various man-ners or carry a variety of informative or advertisingpatterns.
To solve this problem the invention firstly proposes using a dual envelope balloon: the first envelope satis-fies gas-proof requirements and be as transparent as pos-sible and the second envelope satisfies the desired opti-cal requirements. Suitable materials can then simply be chosen for each envelope from among those available on the market.
The inner envelope is, for example, made of 50 micrometers thick polyurethane and is obtained by thermo-forming or made up of yarn cops assembled by high fre-quency thermosealing. Commonly available polyurethanes are transparent and exhibit satisfactory expansibility properties when they are a few tenth to a few hundred micrometers thick. They are also extremely light for such thicknesses.
The outer envelope is, for example, made of a very thin fabric, such as natural or synthetic silk or nylon, coated with an impermeable substance, and virtually unex-pansible. As stated above, this outer envelope does notneed to be gas-proof, but must, however, guarantee satis-factory light diffusion. It could be given a color selected to bestow characteristics specific to the light 2182089 .
provided and, if required, carry informative or advertis-ing patterns. It could conventionally be made of yarn cops sewn together.
Furthermore, this invention provides a specific bal-loon closing system, ensuring in particular easy disman-tling of the outer envelope for the replacement by another outer envelope with selected optical properties.
The same inner envelope can thus be used again for dif-ferent optical effects. This closing system is illus-trated in the enlarged side view shown in Fig. 2.
As illustrated in Fig. 2, the balloon comprises aninner envelope 1 and an outer envelope 2 with roughly circular openings at one of the balloon poles which must be sealed by the closing system. This closing system has three elements 10, 20 and 30.
The first element 10 is an inner collar which is placed inside the balloon opposite the opening. This inner collar comprises an outer ring 11, a shoulder 12 and a middle opening 13. The cylindrical outer surface of shoulder 12 is fitted with a screw thread 14, and its cylindrical inner surface 13 is fitted with a screw thread 15. The inner envelope 1 is attached by any appro-priate means, for example sticking, to ring 11 (this fix-ation preferably being airtight). In one embodiment of the present invention, collar 10 is made of plastic, for example PVC or polyurethane, with attachment by H~ seal-ing. Inner collar 10 is thus attached to inner envelope 1. The outer envelope is placed as shown on the balloon outer part of ring 11; the inner diameter of the opening of outer envelope 2 roughly corresponds to the outer diameter of shoulder 12 which may comprise a peripheral groove to reinforce attachment.
2ls2nss The second element 20 is an outer collar which is secured onto the inner collar 10, for example by screwing an inner screw thread 21 onto the outer screw thread 14 of shoulder 12. The ring of collar 20 thus presses against the ring of inner collar 10, thereby forcing down and holding outer envelope 2 in place. To reinforce attachment of outer envelope 2, provision may be made for a system of complementary grooves 16 and ribs 22 on the inner and outer collars, respectively. Tightness of the attachment between inner envelope 1 and the ring of inner collar 10 is reinforced by bearings against the opposite surfaces of the inner and outer collar rings.
It should be emphasized that assembling the inner and outer collars using screws is only one embodiment of the present invention and that those skilled in the art may find various methods for securing outer rings of an inner and outer collar, for example, clip-on or externa7 screw clamping systems.
To replace outer envelope 2, simply unscrew outer collar 20, deflate the balloon, replace the envelope and put back outer collar 20. This naturally assumes that outer envelope 2 is sufficiently elastic for inner collar 10 to be inserted into its opening. This elasticity could be the result of the material's natural elasticity or of an elastic sewing method.
The third element 30 of the closing system according to the invention is a plug sealing the opening made in inner and outer collars 10 and 20 once they have been assembled. In the example shown, this plug consists of a disk 30 fitted with a shoulder, whose periphery 31 is threaded and screws into the inner screw thread 15 of inner collar 10, with a seal 32 ensuring tightness. How-ever, other assembly methods could be used, for example 21s2nss clipping the seal-fitted periphery of the plug into an inner groove in the opening of part 10 which is not threaded in this case.
The three elements 10, 20 and 30 are made of light, S plastic or metal materials.
Plug 30 supports a rod 40 pierced for insertion of electrical conductors supplying a light bulb 41. The length of rod 40 is such that this bulb is approximately in the middle of the balloon. The rod is secured on the plug by any suitable means, for example a protuberance 43 on the inner side and a clip 45 on the outer side.
The bulb could, for example, have a metallized upper part for lighting the ground when the balloon is designed for outside lighting. This bulb could, for example, be a halogen bulb or an arc lamp, with a power ranging from a few hundred watts to the highest power currently avail-able, i.e., 6500 watts. Note that helium provides satis-factory cooling.
The diameter of the opening closed by plug 30 is deliberately greater than the largest diameter of rod 40 and bulb 41 so that, by unscrewing or unclipping plug 30 as applicable, this rod and bulb can be extracted for maintenance purposes and bulb replacement, for example.
This system means that, with the closing system in the lower position, replacement is possible without having to empty the balloon of its gas. In actual fact, the system according to the invention is designed so that the pres-sure of the balloon filling gas is slightly higher than atmospheric pressure, e.g. of the order of one hundred pascals, for an atmospheric pressure of roughly 100 hec-topascals. The balloon then only needs to be slightly reinflated with helium after the bulb has been replaced.
Fig. 3 represents a top view of plug 30 showing the threaded shoulder 31. If the plug is a screw-on type, it is fitted, for example, with two blind holes 33 and 34 so that it can be easily unscrewed. The plug can also be S unscrewed by a knurling on its outside edge. A middle opening 35 is designed for ~astening rod 40. Another sealable opening 36 is designed for balloon inflation, and an additional opening 37 may be provided for other purposes, for example communication with a pressure sen-sitive switch placed inside the balloon and giving off analarm signal when balloon pressure is less or greater than a preset pressure. This switch may correspond to the protuberance 43 illustrated in Fig. 2, and the inner plug surface may receive an electronic board (not shown) com-prising lamp cutoff and detection circuits. The wire andpipe ducts in openings 35, 36 and 37 are naturally air--tight.
Fig. 4 represents a bottom view of inner collar 10, where the same references refer to the same elements as in Fig. 2.
Although not represented, the wires leaving rod 40 belong to a cable which is also used to support the bal-loon like cable _ in Fig. 1.
Fig. 5 represents a side view of the balloon in position, secured to the ground by a cable 60.
Choice a dual envelope system, as described above, means attachment points 61 can be fitted to the outer envelope to secure the balloon. For example, if the bal-loon is used outside, a single bracing wire 62 shall be attached to protect against prevailing winds. Four brac-ing wires 62 could also be used to secure the balloon and then a very light cable can be used as an electrical feeder cable 60. It shall be noted that provision of `~- 2182089 these attachment points 61 would have been impossible or very hard to achieve if only one envelope were used.
Figs. 6A and 6B illustrate a means for assembling the outer envelope designed to be used as an inflation indi-cator for the balloon. The fabric outer envelope is con-ventionally made up of yarn cops sewn onto each other, as described above. Figs. 6A and 6B represent two portions 71 and 72 of adjacent yarn cops. These yarn cops are sewn onto each other by a first stiff seam 73 and a second elastic seam 74. Elasticity may result from choice of a special thread or from actual sewing method, for example, stitched zigzag seams.
The inner sewn surfaces of the folds intended for the sewn area are painted with a different color from the rest of the balloon or given a coat of a different color, for example, by sticking. Thus, when the balloon is only slightly inflated, the colored strip is not visible, whereas when the balloon begins to expand, this colored strip (75 in Fig. 6B) starts to appear. This provides a simple means for checking correct inflation of the bal--loon inner envelope.
Fig. 7 illustrates feeder cable 60 fastening to the closing system, in this case collar 20 using preferably elastic fasteners 80. This prevents transmission of jolts between balloon and cable and stops the balloon from floating away if plug 30 is removed without the necessary precautions.
Of course, the present invention is liable of many alternatives and modifications that will occur to those skilled in the art; particularly, as a function of the desired uses for the balloon.
If the balloon is-required to provide outside light-ing, for example for an emergency service intervention ~o site, it shall be placed 5 to 10 meters from the ground, with an even white and yellow colored envelope containing a very powerful bulb. Tests carried out with halogen 1000-watt bulbs have proven that satisfactory lighting was provided over a ground surface area of approximately one thousand m2. This type of lighting is particularly satisfactory for emergency teams who are not dazzled, as they are if spotlights are used.
Another alternative of the present invention is to place the feeder cable inside a telescopic mast.
A~ Al~OSTATIC 1IGHTING DE:~ICE~
BACKGE~OUND OF TH:E IN~ E~TION
Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an aerostatic light-ing device. The idea of using such devices for lighting or decorative purposes is extremely old and already 5 appears in the German patent 427,894 filed on October 26, 1924.
- Discussion of the Related Art The only figure in this German patent is reproduced in its major lines in Fig. 1 enclosed. The device com--prises a balloon a. A rod b is secured to a pole of this balloon corresponding to the closing system. A bulb c is fastened to the end of the rod roughly in the middle of the balloon. A wire _ for securing and supplying the bal-loon is attached to the closing system.
Many other patents have since been filed for similarsystems. Nevertheless, despite their long existence, these aerostatic lighting devices have not really been commercially successful. This is doubtless due to the fact that their manufacture, closing, dismantli~,g and attachment were relatively complex.
SUMMA~Y OF THF~ IN~:ENTION
One object of the present invention is therefore to provide an aerostatic liqhting device which is easy to manufacture, assemble and dismantle.
Another object of this invention is to provide an aerostatic lighting device which can be used for a large number of applications and supply different lighting at the cost of minimum modifications to its structure.
In order to achieve these and other objects, the pre-sent invention provides an aerostatic lighting device comprising a balloon inflated by a gas lighter than air.
This balloon is attached at a pole by a feeder cable and contains a bulb supported by a rod fastened to the pole.
The balloon comprises a thin, transparent, gas-proof inner envelope, and an outer envelope made of a diffusing material with selected optical and color properties.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the inner envelope is made of polyurethane and the outer envelope of a synthetic fabric such as silk or nylon.
According to an embodiment of the invention, both envelopes have a circular opening at the above-mentioned pole and are associated with a closing mechanism compris-ing an inner ring-shaped collar to which the outer edge of the inner envelope opening is fastened and on which the outer edge of the outer envelope opening bears; an outer ring-shaped collar with the necessary means to apply and lock it against the inner collar by holding the outer edges of the openings of both envelopes between the two collars; and a detachable plug to seal off the middle openings opposite the inner and outer collars. This plug is fitted with at least one sealable orifice for reaching the balloon inner cavity and with means for supporting the above-mentioned rod, the plug diameter being greater than the bulb diameter.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the inner envelope is made of an elastic material and the outer envelope of a slightly elastic material with at least two areas sewn together. At least one part of this sewn area is elastic and reveals, when stretched, a strip of a different color to that of the outer envelope.
- 2ls2nss According to an embodiment of the invention, the feeder cable is placed inside a telescopic mast.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the feeder cable is attached to the closing mechanism by elastic means.
The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the present inven-tion which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Brief DescriPtion of Drawinas Fig. 1 represents a conventional aerostatic lighting device such as illustrated in the German patent 427,894;
Fig. 2 represents an enlarged side view of the clos-ing area of an aerostatic lighting device according to the invention;
Fig. 3 represents a top view of the closing plug illustrated in Fig. 2;
Fig. 4 represents a bottom view of the closing system inner collar illustrated in Fig. 2;
Fig. 5 illustrates a means for attaching the aero-static lighting device according to the invention;
Fig. 6A and 6B represent a means for producing an inflation detector for the outer envelope of an aero-static lighting device according to the invention; and Fig. 7 illustrates a means for producing a cable securing system for the aerostatic lighting device according to the present invention.
Detailed DescriPtion One of the problems arising with the prior art single envelope aerostatic lighting devices is that this enve-2ls2nss lope has to satisfy a number of requirements which are difficult to satisfy with only one material. In particu-lar, this envelope must be impervious to the gas lighter than air used to raise the balloon. The choice of mate-rial is thus relatively limited, especially when gas suchas helium is used. Thus, this envelope must be light, gas-proof, exhibit the desired light diffusion properties to ensure observers are not dazzled by the inside bulb and, if required, be able to be colored in various man-ners or carry a variety of informative or advertisingpatterns.
To solve this problem the invention firstly proposes using a dual envelope balloon: the first envelope satis-fies gas-proof requirements and be as transparent as pos-sible and the second envelope satisfies the desired opti-cal requirements. Suitable materials can then simply be chosen for each envelope from among those available on the market.
The inner envelope is, for example, made of 50 micrometers thick polyurethane and is obtained by thermo-forming or made up of yarn cops assembled by high fre-quency thermosealing. Commonly available polyurethanes are transparent and exhibit satisfactory expansibility properties when they are a few tenth to a few hundred micrometers thick. They are also extremely light for such thicknesses.
The outer envelope is, for example, made of a very thin fabric, such as natural or synthetic silk or nylon, coated with an impermeable substance, and virtually unex-pansible. As stated above, this outer envelope does notneed to be gas-proof, but must, however, guarantee satis-factory light diffusion. It could be given a color selected to bestow characteristics specific to the light 2182089 .
provided and, if required, carry informative or advertis-ing patterns. It could conventionally be made of yarn cops sewn together.
Furthermore, this invention provides a specific bal-loon closing system, ensuring in particular easy disman-tling of the outer envelope for the replacement by another outer envelope with selected optical properties.
The same inner envelope can thus be used again for dif-ferent optical effects. This closing system is illus-trated in the enlarged side view shown in Fig. 2.
As illustrated in Fig. 2, the balloon comprises aninner envelope 1 and an outer envelope 2 with roughly circular openings at one of the balloon poles which must be sealed by the closing system. This closing system has three elements 10, 20 and 30.
The first element 10 is an inner collar which is placed inside the balloon opposite the opening. This inner collar comprises an outer ring 11, a shoulder 12 and a middle opening 13. The cylindrical outer surface of shoulder 12 is fitted with a screw thread 14, and its cylindrical inner surface 13 is fitted with a screw thread 15. The inner envelope 1 is attached by any appro-priate means, for example sticking, to ring 11 (this fix-ation preferably being airtight). In one embodiment of the present invention, collar 10 is made of plastic, for example PVC or polyurethane, with attachment by H~ seal-ing. Inner collar 10 is thus attached to inner envelope 1. The outer envelope is placed as shown on the balloon outer part of ring 11; the inner diameter of the opening of outer envelope 2 roughly corresponds to the outer diameter of shoulder 12 which may comprise a peripheral groove to reinforce attachment.
2ls2nss The second element 20 is an outer collar which is secured onto the inner collar 10, for example by screwing an inner screw thread 21 onto the outer screw thread 14 of shoulder 12. The ring of collar 20 thus presses against the ring of inner collar 10, thereby forcing down and holding outer envelope 2 in place. To reinforce attachment of outer envelope 2, provision may be made for a system of complementary grooves 16 and ribs 22 on the inner and outer collars, respectively. Tightness of the attachment between inner envelope 1 and the ring of inner collar 10 is reinforced by bearings against the opposite surfaces of the inner and outer collar rings.
It should be emphasized that assembling the inner and outer collars using screws is only one embodiment of the present invention and that those skilled in the art may find various methods for securing outer rings of an inner and outer collar, for example, clip-on or externa7 screw clamping systems.
To replace outer envelope 2, simply unscrew outer collar 20, deflate the balloon, replace the envelope and put back outer collar 20. This naturally assumes that outer envelope 2 is sufficiently elastic for inner collar 10 to be inserted into its opening. This elasticity could be the result of the material's natural elasticity or of an elastic sewing method.
The third element 30 of the closing system according to the invention is a plug sealing the opening made in inner and outer collars 10 and 20 once they have been assembled. In the example shown, this plug consists of a disk 30 fitted with a shoulder, whose periphery 31 is threaded and screws into the inner screw thread 15 of inner collar 10, with a seal 32 ensuring tightness. How-ever, other assembly methods could be used, for example 21s2nss clipping the seal-fitted periphery of the plug into an inner groove in the opening of part 10 which is not threaded in this case.
The three elements 10, 20 and 30 are made of light, S plastic or metal materials.
Plug 30 supports a rod 40 pierced for insertion of electrical conductors supplying a light bulb 41. The length of rod 40 is such that this bulb is approximately in the middle of the balloon. The rod is secured on the plug by any suitable means, for example a protuberance 43 on the inner side and a clip 45 on the outer side.
The bulb could, for example, have a metallized upper part for lighting the ground when the balloon is designed for outside lighting. This bulb could, for example, be a halogen bulb or an arc lamp, with a power ranging from a few hundred watts to the highest power currently avail-able, i.e., 6500 watts. Note that helium provides satis-factory cooling.
The diameter of the opening closed by plug 30 is deliberately greater than the largest diameter of rod 40 and bulb 41 so that, by unscrewing or unclipping plug 30 as applicable, this rod and bulb can be extracted for maintenance purposes and bulb replacement, for example.
This system means that, with the closing system in the lower position, replacement is possible without having to empty the balloon of its gas. In actual fact, the system according to the invention is designed so that the pres-sure of the balloon filling gas is slightly higher than atmospheric pressure, e.g. of the order of one hundred pascals, for an atmospheric pressure of roughly 100 hec-topascals. The balloon then only needs to be slightly reinflated with helium after the bulb has been replaced.
Fig. 3 represents a top view of plug 30 showing the threaded shoulder 31. If the plug is a screw-on type, it is fitted, for example, with two blind holes 33 and 34 so that it can be easily unscrewed. The plug can also be S unscrewed by a knurling on its outside edge. A middle opening 35 is designed for ~astening rod 40. Another sealable opening 36 is designed for balloon inflation, and an additional opening 37 may be provided for other purposes, for example communication with a pressure sen-sitive switch placed inside the balloon and giving off analarm signal when balloon pressure is less or greater than a preset pressure. This switch may correspond to the protuberance 43 illustrated in Fig. 2, and the inner plug surface may receive an electronic board (not shown) com-prising lamp cutoff and detection circuits. The wire andpipe ducts in openings 35, 36 and 37 are naturally air--tight.
Fig. 4 represents a bottom view of inner collar 10, where the same references refer to the same elements as in Fig. 2.
Although not represented, the wires leaving rod 40 belong to a cable which is also used to support the bal-loon like cable _ in Fig. 1.
Fig. 5 represents a side view of the balloon in position, secured to the ground by a cable 60.
Choice a dual envelope system, as described above, means attachment points 61 can be fitted to the outer envelope to secure the balloon. For example, if the bal-loon is used outside, a single bracing wire 62 shall be attached to protect against prevailing winds. Four brac-ing wires 62 could also be used to secure the balloon and then a very light cable can be used as an electrical feeder cable 60. It shall be noted that provision of `~- 2182089 these attachment points 61 would have been impossible or very hard to achieve if only one envelope were used.
Figs. 6A and 6B illustrate a means for assembling the outer envelope designed to be used as an inflation indi-cator for the balloon. The fabric outer envelope is con-ventionally made up of yarn cops sewn onto each other, as described above. Figs. 6A and 6B represent two portions 71 and 72 of adjacent yarn cops. These yarn cops are sewn onto each other by a first stiff seam 73 and a second elastic seam 74. Elasticity may result from choice of a special thread or from actual sewing method, for example, stitched zigzag seams.
The inner sewn surfaces of the folds intended for the sewn area are painted with a different color from the rest of the balloon or given a coat of a different color, for example, by sticking. Thus, when the balloon is only slightly inflated, the colored strip is not visible, whereas when the balloon begins to expand, this colored strip (75 in Fig. 6B) starts to appear. This provides a simple means for checking correct inflation of the bal--loon inner envelope.
Fig. 7 illustrates feeder cable 60 fastening to the closing system, in this case collar 20 using preferably elastic fasteners 80. This prevents transmission of jolts between balloon and cable and stops the balloon from floating away if plug 30 is removed without the necessary precautions.
Of course, the present invention is liable of many alternatives and modifications that will occur to those skilled in the art; particularly, as a function of the desired uses for the balloon.
If the balloon is-required to provide outside light-ing, for example for an emergency service intervention ~o site, it shall be placed 5 to 10 meters from the ground, with an even white and yellow colored envelope containing a very powerful bulb. Tests carried out with halogen 1000-watt bulbs have proven that satisfactory lighting was provided over a ground surface area of approximately one thousand m2. This type of lighting is particularly satisfactory for emergency teams who are not dazzled, as they are if spotlights are used.
Another alternative of the present invention is to place the feeder cable inside a telescopic mast.
Claims (10)
1. An aerostatic lighting device comprising a balloon inflated by a gas lighter than air, held at a pole by a feeder cable and comprising a thin, transparent inner envelope airtight to said gas;
an outer envelope made of a diffusing material with selected optical and color properties said outer envelope substantially contacting the inner envelope when said inner envelope is inflated; and a bulb contained in the inner envelope and supported by a rod attached to said pole.
an outer envelope made of a diffusing material with selected optical and color properties said outer envelope substantially contacting the inner envelope when said inner envelope is inflated; and a bulb contained in the inner envelope and supported by a rod attached to said pole.
2. The aerostatic lighting device of claim 1, wherein said inner envelope is made of polyurethane.
3. The aerostatic lighting device of claim 1, said outer envelope is made of a synthetic fabric such as silk or nylon.
4. The aerostatic lighting device of claim 1, wherein both envelopes have a circular opening at said pole and are associated with a closing mechanism comprising an inner ring-shaped collar to which the outer edge of an opening of the inner envelope is attached and on wich the outer edge of an opening of the outer envelopes bears;
an outer ring-shaped collar with the necessary means to apply and lock it against the inner collar by holding the outer edges of the openings of both envelopes between the two collars; and a detachable plug to seal the middle openings opposite the inner and outer collars, this plug including at least one sealable orifice to reach the balloon inner cavity and means for supporting said rod, the plug diameter being greater than the bulb diameter.
an outer ring-shaped collar with the necessary means to apply and lock it against the inner collar by holding the outer edges of the openings of both envelopes between the two collars; and a detachable plug to seal the middle openings opposite the inner and outer collars, this plug including at least one sealable orifice to reach the balloon inner cavity and means for supporting said rod, the plug diameter being greater than the bulb diameter.
5. The aerostatic lighting device of claim 4, wherein the inner and outer collars are screwed.
6. The aerostatic lighting device of claim 4, wherein the plug is screwed onto one of the collars.
7. The aerostatic lighting device of claim 4, wherein the plug is clipped onto one of the collars.
8. The aerostatic lighting device of claim 1, wherein the material of the inner envelope is elastic and the material of the outer envelope is slightly elastic and has at least two areas sewn together, at least a part of the sewn area being elastic and revealing, when stretched, a strip of different color from that of the outer envelope.
9. The aerostatic lighting device of claim 1, wherein the feeder cable is placed inside a telescopic mast.
10. The aerostatic lighting device of claim 4, wherein the feeder cable is secured to the closing mecha-nism by elastic means.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| FR9401099A FR2715994B1 (en) | 1994-01-27 | 1994-01-27 | Aerostatic lighting device. |
| FR94/01099 | 1994-01-27 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2182089A1 true CA2182089A1 (en) | 1995-08-03 |
Family
ID=9459638
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002182089A Abandoned CA2182089A1 (en) | 1994-01-27 | 1995-01-26 | Aerostatic lighting device |
Country Status (8)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US6142415A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0742881A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH0844308A (en) |
| CN (1) | CN1143409A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU1581495A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2182089A1 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2715994B1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1995020742A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (18)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7077553B2 (en) * | 2003-03-11 | 2006-07-18 | Vanderschuit Carl R | Lighted balloons |
| GB2369670B (en) * | 2000-11-29 | 2004-02-25 | Leelium Balloons Ltd | Lighting balloon |
| ITMS20010002A1 (en) * | 2001-02-07 | 2002-08-07 | Marco Tambini | INFLATABLE EMERGENCY LIGHTING SYSTEM |
| AUPS241902A0 (en) * | 2002-05-20 | 2002-06-13 | Lunar Lighting Balloons Australasia Pty Ltd | Improved portable lighting system |
| US20050073835A1 (en) * | 2002-11-14 | 2005-04-07 | Reinhold Kett | Lighting device |
| FR2867833B1 (en) * | 2004-03-19 | 2006-06-09 | Airstar | LIGHTING BALLOON WITH PERFECTED SELF-ADJUSTED ENVELOPE |
| US7674152B2 (en) * | 2005-03-03 | 2010-03-09 | Cti Industries, Inc. | Enhanced balloon weight system |
| US7320529B2 (en) * | 2005-10-26 | 2008-01-22 | Siong Kiat Goh | Illuminating balloon |
| US7641351B2 (en) * | 2006-06-22 | 2010-01-05 | Sourcemaker, Inc. | Lighting balloon apparatus |
| US7854642B2 (en) * | 2008-01-31 | 2010-12-21 | Nelson David C | Balloon display simulating motions of a lighter-than-air balloon |
| US7857490B1 (en) | 2009-02-13 | 2010-12-28 | Frontier Lighting Technologies, Llc | Collapsible lighting device |
| WO2011056791A2 (en) * | 2009-11-03 | 2011-05-12 | Interfacial Solutions Ip, Llc | Optically enhanced films for aerostats |
| CN101793375B (en) * | 2009-12-29 | 2011-11-02 | 吕宏霞 | Balloon lamp |
| CN102788249B (en) * | 2011-05-16 | 2015-01-14 | 海洋王照明科技股份有限公司 | Outdoor light-emitting diode (LED) lighting lamp |
| PL3351851T3 (en) * | 2015-09-01 | 2020-05-18 | Signify Holding B.V. | Lighting device with a wireless communication antenna |
| JP2019127249A (en) * | 2018-01-22 | 2019-08-01 | 石川 誠司 | Airframe body cover of unmanned rotary-wing aircraft with use of fiber material and fastener |
| US11287103B2 (en) | 2019-04-22 | 2022-03-29 | Ism Lighting, Llc. | Low wattage balloon work light |
| CN113975827A (en) * | 2021-11-30 | 2022-01-28 | 义乌龙创尤品家居用品有限公司 | Luminous balloon |
Family Cites Families (12)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US1383115A (en) * | 1920-07-30 | 1921-06-28 | Hendry Ellen | Inflatable globe |
| US2619303A (en) * | 1949-06-11 | 1952-11-25 | Martin Harry Martin | Signal buoy balloon |
| US3345506A (en) * | 1965-07-19 | 1967-10-03 | Massey Ferguson Inc | Warning light for tractors and implements |
| US3546944A (en) * | 1969-06-03 | 1970-12-15 | Kendall & Co | Fluid pressure indicator |
| US3745677A (en) * | 1971-06-15 | 1973-07-17 | J Moran | Inflatable and illuminable figure |
| US3839631A (en) * | 1972-06-23 | 1974-10-01 | Goddard Designs Inc | Automatically-equilibrating suspended lamp |
| US3871422A (en) * | 1973-02-14 | 1975-03-18 | Automatic Helium Balloon Syste | Dual balloon valve |
| DE2356485A1 (en) * | 1973-11-12 | 1975-05-22 | Norbert Margraf | Signal or advert display arrangement on a balloon - balloon is equiped with bunking beacon and illumination in its interior to display signals mounted on its surface |
| US4262529A (en) * | 1979-06-13 | 1981-04-21 | James C. Adkins | Pressure sensitive indicating device |
| US4810223A (en) * | 1987-04-23 | 1989-03-07 | Stockton Ben J | Hot air balloon toy |
| US5119281A (en) * | 1989-12-26 | 1992-06-02 | Akman Alp T | Balloon lighting device and method |
| US5183329A (en) * | 1991-08-15 | 1993-02-02 | Henry Chen | Electric coupler for a lighted inflatable device |
-
1994
- 1994-01-27 FR FR9401099A patent/FR2715994B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1995
- 1995-01-17 US US08/373,860 patent/US6142415A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1995-01-26 WO PCT/FR1995/000090 patent/WO1995020742A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1995-01-26 EP EP95907707A patent/EP0742881A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1995-01-26 CN CN95191833.8A patent/CN1143409A/en active Pending
- 1995-01-26 CA CA002182089A patent/CA2182089A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1995-01-26 AU AU15814/95A patent/AU1581495A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1995-01-27 JP JP7011947A patent/JPH0844308A/en active Pending
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO1995020742A1 (en) | 1995-08-03 |
| US6142415A (en) | 2000-11-07 |
| JPH0844308A (en) | 1996-02-16 |
| AU1581495A (en) | 1995-08-15 |
| EP0742881A1 (en) | 1996-11-20 |
| FR2715994A1 (en) | 1995-08-11 |
| FR2715994B1 (en) | 1996-04-26 |
| CN1143409A (en) | 1997-02-19 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |