US20160368627A1 - System, device, and method for filling at least one balloon - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for filling a plurality of containers with a fluid-additive mixture. The apparatus including a connector configured to removably couple the apparatus to a fluid source, a plurality of coupling elements, each coupling element configured to couple a corresponding container to the apparatus, a flow path providing fluid communication between the fluid source and each of the containers coupled to the apparatus, and a mixing mechanism disposed in the flow path and configured to receive an additive and introduce the additive into the flow path. The apparatus being configured such that a fluid supplied by the fluid source flows through the flow path and the mixing mechanism, thereby creating the fluid-additive mixture and filling each of the plurality containers coupled to the apparatus with the fluid-additive mixture substantially simultaneously.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS
• The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/182,122, filed on Jun. 19, 2015, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
FIELD
• The present application generally relates to devices, apparatus, systems and methods for filling containers with a fluid. Specifically, the present application relates to automatically filling multiple balloons with a fluid mixture.
BACKGROUND
• Some containers, particularly fluid-inflatable containers such as balloons, can be difficult to fill with a fluid, especially when there is a need to fill multiple containers simultaneously and/or quickly. To make the filling of these containers easier and more efficient, various products are currently available that facilitate the filling of fluid-inflatable containers. These fluid-inflatable containers may be filled or inflated using various fluids, such as, e.g., liquids such as water, gases such as helium, or medications. Examples of fluid-inflatable containers include those used for recreational purposes, such as balloons.
• Additionally, there may be times where it may be desirable to be able to introduce an additive, such as a dye or other soluble or insoluble material, to the fluid used to fill the fluid-inflatable containers. Nevertheless, it may be difficult, impossible, inefficient, or undesirable to first mix the fluid with the additive and subsequently fill the containers with the mixture. Further, many of the existing products may connect directly to a fluid source, such as a hose or faucet, thereby making it impracticable to pour a mixture to fill fluid-inflatable containers using such products.
SUMMARY
• Embodiments of the present invention can provide an apparatus for filling a plurality of containers with a fluid-additive mixture. The apparatus can include a connector configured to removably couple the apparatus to a fluid source, a plurality of coupling elements, each coupling element configured to couple a corresponding container to the apparatus, a flow path providing fluid communication between the fluid source and each of the containers coupled to the apparatus, and a mixing mechanism disposed in the flow path and configured to receive an additive and introduce the additive into the flow path. The apparatus may be configured such that a fluid supplied by the fluid source flows through the flow path and the mixing mechanism, thereby creating the fluid-additive mixture and filling each of the plurality containers coupled to the apparatus with the fluid-additive mixture substantially simultaneously.
• According to some embodiments, the apparatus can further include a plurality of conduits, each container being coupled to a corresponding conduit by the corresponding coupling element. The coupling elements can be configured to automatically seal the corresponding container when the corresponding container is decoupled from the apparatus, and the containers can include balloons. Additionally, the connector can include the mixing mechanism. The mixing mechanism can include a separator which defines at least a first and a second chamber in an interior of the connector, the first and second chambers being in fluid communication, and the additive is substantially secured within the first chamber. Further, the additive can include a dye and the additive can be at least one of a pellet, a gel, and a powder.
• Another embodiment of the present invention can provide a method of filling at least one balloon with a mixture of a fluid and an additive using a balloon filling apparatus. The method can include coupling the balloon filling apparatus to a fluid source via a connector of the balloon filling apparatus, activating the fluid source, introducing the additive to a fluid provided by the fluid source so that the mixture of the fluid and the additive mixture is created when the fluid source is activated, and filling the balloons with the mixture.
• According to some embodiments, the apparatus can further include at least one conduit, each balloon being coupled to a corresponding conduit by the corresponding coupling element. The coupling elements can be configured to automatically seal the corresponding balloon when the corresponding balloon is decoupled from the apparatus. Additionally, the connector can include the mixing mechanism. The mixing mechanism can include a separator which defines at least a first and a second chamber in an interior of the connector, the first and second chambers being in fluid communication, and the additive is substantially secured within the first chamber. Further, the additive can include a dye.
• Yet another embodiment of the present invention can provide an apparatus for filling a plurality of containers with a mixture of a fluid and an additive. The apparatus can include a connector including a first coupling element configured to removably couple the apparatus to a fluid source configured to provide the fluid. The connector can include an interior portion defining a flow path, a mixing mechanism disposed within the interior portion, an additive disposed in the mixing mechanism, and a plurality of openings each having a first end and a second end, the first and second ends being in fluid communication. The apparatus can further include a plurality of conduits coupled to each of the plurality of openings, the plurality of containers being removably coupled to the plurality of conduits via a plurality of corresponding second coupling elements, each container being in fluid communication with the flow path. Further, the apparatus can be configured such that the fluid supplied by the fluid source flows through the flow path and the mixing mechanism, thereby creating the mixture of the fluid and the additive and filling each of the plurality containers coupled to the apparatus with the mixture substantially simultaneously.
• According to some embodiments, the mixing mechanism can include a separator which defines at least a first and a second chamber in an interior of the connector, the first and second chambers being in fluid communication, and the additive is substantially secured within the first chamber. Further, the coupling elements can be configured to automatically seal the corresponding container when the corresponding container is decoupled from the apparatus, and the containers can include balloons. Additionally, the additive can include a dye.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary fluid filling apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention;
• FIGS. 2A and 2B are a perspective views of an exemplary connector according to embodiments of the present invention;
• FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary fluid filling apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention; and
• FIG. 3B is a top view of an exemplary fluid filling apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method according to embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to devices, apparatus, systems, and methods for filling containers with a fluid. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for filling multiple balloons at substantially the same time. Certain embodiments of the present invention facilitate introducing an additive to a fluid source to enable automatic filling of multiple containers in a substantially simultaneously manner with a fluid mixture. Although the embodiments of the present invention are primarily described with respect to dyes and fluid-inflatable containers, it is not limited thereto, and it should be noted that the apparatus and systems described herein may be used to fill any type of containers with any type of fluid and/or fluid mixture.
• In accordance with embodiments of the present invention,FIG. 1 shows an exemplaryfluid filling apparatus100. As shown inFIG. 1,fluid filling apparatus100 may includeconnector110,conduits130,containers150, andfasteners140. In use,fluid filling apparatus100 is coupled to a fluid source, and when the fluid source is activated, the fluid passes throughconnector110,conduits130 and intocontainers150, thereby fillingcontainers150 with the fluid at substantially the same time. Optionally,connector110 may include an additive which may mix with the fluid as the fluid is passing throughconnector110 so thatcontainers150 are filled with a mixture of the fluid and the additive. The fluid used to fillcontainers150 may include any type of fluid, such as, water and other liquids, as well as helium and other gases.
• According to embodiments of the present invention,fasteners140 may be self-sealing. For example,fasteners140 may automatically sealcontainers150 whencontainers150 are decoupled fromfluid filling apparatus100. This may be accomplished by overcoming the force that eachfastener140 exerts in coupling eachrespective container150 tofluid filling apparatus100. As this force is overcome, the respective container is detached fromfluid filling apparatus100, and fastener140 automatically seals the end ofrespective container150 that was attached tofluid filling apparatus100. This may be accomplished, for example, by the weight of the fluid filling eachcontainer150, manual removal of eachcontainer150, or some other action, such as shakingfluid filling apparatus100, to removecontainers150 fromfluid filling apparatus100. According to certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention,fasteners140 may include rubber bands or clamps, andcontainers150 may include balloons such as latex balloons. It should be noted, however, thatfasteners140 andcontainers150 are not limited to these particular examples and may include any type of fastener and fillable container, respectively.
• FIGS. 2A and 2B show anexemplary connector110 according to embodiments of the present invention. As shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B,connector110 may be substantially cylindrical and may include afirst portion110aand asecond portion110b. According to certain embodiments,first portion110aandsecond portion110bmay be two distinct components that can be removably or permanently coupled together. Alternatively, according to other embodiments,first portion110aandsecond portion110bmay be formed from a single piece. As shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B,connector110 includescoupling element122,flow path124, and openings/channels126. Openings/channels126 may include an interior end and an exterior end and provides fluid communication between the exterior ofconnector110 and the interior ofconnector110. Further, openings/channels126 may be dimensioned and sized to receive, or otherwise connect with,conduits130. Couplingelement122 is configured to removablycouple connector110, and thereby couplefluid filling apparatus100, to an upstream component, such as a fluid source. Couplingelement122 may include threads, as shown inFIG. 2A, or any other type of clamping or coupling mechanism. Althoughconnector110 is shown to be substantially cylindrical,connector110 may take on any shape (e.g., square, rectangular, etc.) that may be desired. Additionally, the shape ofconnector110 may differ depending on the type of upstream component that is to be used withconnector110. Further, according to certain exemplary embodiments,second portion110bmay be an adapter that enablesconnector110 to be coupled to different upstream components. For example,second portion110bmay include various different types ofcoupling element122 and may removably couple tofirst portion110aso thatconnector110 can be coupled to a variety of upstream components. Further,connector110 may include features on the exterior to assist a user inactuating coupling element122 to couple end cap120 to an upstream component. According to an embodiment of the present invention,coupling element122 may include standardized threads for receiving the threads of a standard faucet or hose.
• As shown inFIG. 2A,flow path124 and openings/channels126 may define a flow path that the fluid may follow from the upstream component, such as a fluid source, throughconnector110 toconduits130. Preferably,conduits130 are received in or otherwise connected to openings/channels126. Accordingly,fluid entering connector110 may flow throughflow path124 and through openings/channels126 toconduits130. The number and dimensions of the openings/channels126 correspond to the number and dimensions ofconduits130. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the number, size, and dimensions of openings/channels126 may be selected in view of the number ofcontainers150 to be filled at one time and the speed at which they are to be filled. Accordingly,connector110 may include any number of openings/channels126 that is desired. As shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B, according to an embodiment of the present invention,connector110 may include forty openings/channels126.
• As shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B, openings/channels126 may be configured in a spiraling helical arrangement. As shown inFIG. 2B, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the exterior ofconnector110 may include a plurality offaceted surfaces128 in a spiraling helical arrangement. The configuration offaceted surfaces128 may correspond to the position of openings/channels126 so that the exterior end of openings/channels126 may be disposed onfaceted surfaces128. AlthoughFIG. 2B is shown as eachfaceted surface128 have a single opening/channel126 disposed therein, alternatively, eachfaceted surface128 can have any number of openings/channels126 disposed therein, and eachfaceted surface128 could have a different number of openings/channels126 disposed therein. For example, eachfaceted surface128 could have two openings/channels126 disposed therein, alternatively, a first steppedsurface128 could have a single opening/channel126 disposed therein and a second stepped surface could have three openings/channels126 disposed therein. According to other embodiments,faceted surfaces128 can be arranged in any configuration or arrangement. Alternatively,connector110 may not includefaceted surfaces128 and openings/channels126 may, for example, be disposed in a smooth spiraling helix or in a spiral on a flat exterior surface.
• As shown inFIG. 2A, the interior end of openings/channels126 may also be disposed in a plurality of faceted surfaces disposed in a spiraling helical arrangement in the interior ofconnector110 corresponding to the plurality offaceted surfaces128 disposed on the exterior ofconnector110. Alternatively, the interior end of openings/channels126 may disposed on a flat surface within the interior ofconnector110.
• FIG. 3A shows a cross sectional view offluid filling apparatus100 according to embodiments of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 3A,connector110 may be substantially cylindrical, and may define aflow path124. Further,connector110 preferably includescoupling element122. Couplingelement122 may include any type of coupling mechanism, such as, e.g., threads or clamps. Couplingelement122 may be configured to coupleconnector110 to an upstream component such as a fluid source. According to an embodiment of the present invention,coupling element122 may include standardized threads for receiving the threads of a standard faucet or hose. Alternatively,coupling elements122 may include various other types of coupling mechanisms. In operation,connector110 is preferably coupled to a fluid source viacoupling element122. Once the fluid source is activated, the fluid travels intoconnector110, throughflow path124 and into each of the openings/channels126. The fluid then passes through openings/channels126 toconduits130, which are coupled to openings/channels126. The fluid then passes throughconduits130 to fillcontainers150.
• As shown inFIG. 3A,connector110 can include an additive200 and an additive mixing mechanism. For example, additive mixing mechanism may include aseparator202 which securesadditive200 within the interior ofconnector110 and defines twochambers204 and206, which are in fluid communication with each other, within the interior ofconnector110.Separator202 secures additive200 withinchamber206 of the interior ofconnector110 during operation of thefluid filling apparatus100. For example, when the fluid source is activated, the fluid comes into contact withadditive200 inchamber204 and mixes withadditive200 inchamber206 and/orchamber204. The mixture of the additive and the fluid passes through openings/channels126 toconduits130, which are coupled to openings/channels126. The fluid and additive mixture then passes throughconduits130 to fillcontainers150. Althoughadditive200 is shown in pellet form inFIG. 3A, additive200 may take any form. For example, additive200 may be in the form of, e.g., a pellet, a powder, or a gel, and may be any material or substance for which a fluid mixture is desired. According to certain exemplary embodiments, additive200 may include any substance, such as, e.g., soda ash, bicarbonate, lactose, citric acid, mineral oil, or a dye. Additionally, although only oneadditive200 is shown inFIG. 3A, any number of additives may be disposed withinchamber206 ofconnector110.
• FIG. 3B shows a top-view ofconnector110 with the mixing mechanism. As shown inFIG. 3B,connector110 includesseparator202 andadditives200. Preferably,separator202 substantially securesadditives200 to the interior ofconnector110 so that additives remain withinchamber206 ofconnector110 whilefluid filling apparatus100 is in use. Preferably,separator202 substantially securesadditives200 withinchamber206 ofconnector110 even asadditives200 experience turbulence introduced by the fluid flowing throughchamber206. Accordingly,additives200 substantially remain withinchamber206 while ensuring thatchambers204 and206 remain in fluid communication with each other. It is contemplated thatseparator202 may not secure additive200 inchamber206 permanently. For example, as the mixture is being created andadditive200 becomes smaller, portions ofadditive200 may become sufficiently small that portions ofadditive200 may pass through the portions ofseparator202 that provide the fluid communication betweenchambers204 and206 intochamber204. Althoughseparator202 is shown inFIG. 3B to have a star configuration with an annular ring and a circular center,separator202 may include any mechanism that can secureadditives200 withinchamber206 while maintaining fluid communication betweenchambers204 and206. For example,separator202 can include a mesh, a component with holes or openings in any configuration, etc.
• In use,connector110 may be coupled to a fluid source viacoupling element122. When the fluid source is activated, the fluid flows throughflow path124 ofconnector110. The fluid thenchamber206 ofconnector110 and interacts withadditive200. As the fluid mixes withadditive200, the mixture exitschamber206 and entersexits chamber206 through openings/channels126. From there, the mixture flows through openings/channels126 toconduits130. The mixture then passes throughconduits130 tocontainers150, thereby automatically fillingcontainers150 with a mixture of the fluid and additive200 in a substantially simultaneous manner.
• FIG. 4 shows anexemplary method400 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. According to certain embodiments,method400 may be performed, for example, usingfluid filling apparatus100. As shown inFIG. 4, instep410, a balloon filling apparatus can be coupled to a fluid source. Ifmethod400 is being performed usingfluid filling apparatus100, this can includecoupling connector110 viacoupling elements122 to a fluid source. Instep420, the fluid source can be activated. Instep430, an additive can be introduced to the fluid provided by the fluid source, thereby creating a fluid-additive mixture. Ifmethod400 is being performed usingfluid filling apparatus100, this can include introducing an additive using a mixing mechanism, such as those described herein. For example, the fluid can come into contact withadditive200 inchamber204 and mix withadditive200 inchamber206 and/orchamber204, thereby creating the fluid-additive mixture. Instep440, the balloons can be filled with the fluid-additive mixture. With respect tofluid filling apparatus100, after the mixture of the fluid-additive is created, it can pass through openings/channels126 toconduits130, which are coupled to openings/channels126, and then pass throughconduits130 to fillcontainers150.
• The embodiments and examples shown above are illustrative, and many variations can be introduced to them without departing from the spirit of the disclosure or from the scope of the appended claims. For example, elements and/or features of different illustrative and exemplary embodiments herein may be combined with each other and/or substituted with each other within the scope of the disclosure. For a better understanding of the disclosure, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

Claims (16)

1. An apparatus for filling a plurality of containers with a fluid-additive mixture, the apparatus comprising:

a connector configured to removably couple the apparatus to a fluid source;

a plurality of coupling elements, each coupling element configured to couple a corresponding container to the apparatus;

a flow path providing fluid communication between the fluid source and each of the containers coupled to the apparatus; and

a mixing mechanism disposed in the flow path and configured to receive an additive and introduce the additive into the flow path,

wherein the apparatus is configured such that a fluid supplied by the fluid source flows through the flow path and the mixing mechanism, thereby creating the fluid-additive mixture and filling each of the plurality containers coupled to the apparatus with the fluid-additive mixture substantially simultaneously.

2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the additive includes a dye.

3. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the additive includes at least one of a pellet, a gel, and a powder.

4. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the connector includes the mixing mechanism.

5. The apparatus ofclaim 4, wherein the mixing mechanism includes a separator which defines at least a first and a second chamber in an interior of the connector, the first and second chambers being in fluid communication.

6. The apparatus ofclaim 5, wherein the additive is substantially secured within the first chamber.

7. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising a plurality of conduits, each container being coupled to a corresponding conduit by the corresponding coupling element.

8. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein each coupling element is configured to automatically seal the corresponding container when the corresponding container is decoupled from the apparatus.

9. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of containers include a plurality of balloons.

10-16. (canceled)

17. An apparatus for filling a plurality of containers with a mixture of a fluid and an additive, the apparatus comprising:

a connector including a first coupling element configured to removably couple the apparatus to a fluid source configured to provide the fluid, the connector including:

an interior portion defining a flow path,

a mixing mechanism disposed within the interior portion,

an additive disposed in the mixing mechanism, and

a plurality of openings each having a first end and a second end, the first and second ends being in fluid communication,

a plurality of conduits coupled to each of the plurality of openings, the plurality of containers being removably coupled to the plurality of conduits via a plurality of corresponding second coupling elements, each container being in fluid communication with the flow path,

wherein the apparatus is configured such that the fluid supplied by the fluid source flows through the flow path and the mixing mechanism, thereby creating the mixture of the fluid and the additive and filling each of the plurality containers coupled to the apparatus with the mixture substantially simultaneously.

18. The apparatus ofclaim 17, wherein the additive includes a dye.

19. The apparatus ofclaim 17, wherein the mixing mechanism includes a separator which defines at least a first and a second chamber in the interior portion of the connector, the first and second chambers being in fluid communication.

20. The apparatus ofclaim 20, wherein the additive is substantially secured within the first chamber.

21. The apparatus ofclaim 17, wherein each second coupling element is configured to automatically seal the corresponding container when the corresponding container is decoupled from the apparatus.

22. The apparatus ofclaim 17, wherein the plurality of containers include a plurality of balloons.

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