FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a balloon holder for foil and latex balloons.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Balloons are commonly used as decorative items for events such as birthday parties, as well as for advertising and for entertaining children. Balloons are typically held together using a short cup-shaped element adapted to engage with the tied-up portion of the balloon. The cup-shaped holder is usually connected from below to a stick or wand for manual gripping. Most conventional balloon holders are made from a plastic material, such as polypropylene or other thermoplastic polymers, which is fabricated using a plastic moulding process such as injection moulding. The cup portion may be formed integrally with the stick portion in a unified manner, or formed as two separate elements that can be subsequently attached to one another.

Decorative balloons may be composed of a foil material, such as a mylar polyester film, or from a latex material, which can be a natural latex derived from rubber plants. Foil balloons marketed for commercial sale are usually inflated at the manufacturing warehouse, where after inflation the balloon is attached to the cup holding element only and transported in this manner to the retail outlets. In contrast, the inflation of latex balloons usually takes place directly at the retail facilities, where the inflated balloon is attached to the cup holder along with the stick. Furthermore, some holders are specifically adapted to accommodate only foil or mylar balloons, while other holders can only accommodate latex balloons.

While cup-based plastic balloon holders are widely used and popular, their sales are affected by specific laws relating to plastics and “single use plastics” in particular. Plastics are non-degradable and pose long term environmental harms, and plastic balloon holders are usually not recycled. The conventional manufacturing of balloon holders from plastic materials is relatively inexpensive and straightforward, providing minimal incentives for adopting alterative materials and fabrication techniques that are more environmentally friendly. Nevertheless, there is a need in the art for functionally acceptable balloon holders made of non-plastic, “greener” materials

Balloon holders composed from recyclable polymer materials have been considered in recent years, but have generally been unsuccessful; in meeting strict technical standard requirements. One example of a non-plastic balloon holder known in the art is disclosed in PCT Application Publication No. WO 2020/008164A1 to B-Loony Ltd, entitled: “A balloon holder and blank for forming a balloon holder”. The balloon holder has an elongate handle and a balloon-receiving portion with a first aperture adapted to permit a neck of the balloon to pass through, and at least one slit for receiving and securely engaging the balloon neck. The elongate handle and balloon-receiving portion are folded from a single sheet of material, which may be biodegradable. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is thus provided a balloon holder comprising an aperture, a bottom central protrusion, at least one notch, at least one lengthwise folding line, and at least one crosswise bending line. The aperture is adapted to allow a neck of a balloon to pass through. The bottom central protrusion, adapted to engage a balloon stick of the balloon. The notch comprises at least one incision positioned on a side protrusion of at least one balloon holder face, and is adapted to receive and securely engage the neck of the balloon. The balloon holder is folded along the folding line and bent along the bending line to transition into a balloon receiving configuration. The balloon holder is formed from a plurality of sheet layers of a paper material. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is thus provided a balloon holder comprising an upper holding portion comprising lateral protrusions and an inner bendable portion comprising a rectangular recess, where the upper holder portion is configured to bend about a lateral bending line, and the inner bendable portion is configured to bend about a lengthwise bending line until the recess is securely engaged with a top perimeter of the upper portion, to form a D- shaped aperture adapted to allow a neck of a balloon to pass through. The balloon holder further comprises foldable bottom central protrusion, configured to fold about a crosswise folding line of the central protrusion, to form a double protrusion adapted to engage a balloon stick of the balloon. The balloon holder further comprises at least one notch, comprising at least one incision positioned on a side protrusion of at least one balloon holder face, the notch adapted to receive and securely engage the neck of the balloon. The balloon holder is bent along the bending lines and folded along the folding line to transition into a balloon receiving configuration. The balloon holder is formed from a plurality of sheet layers of a paper material.

The balloon holders may include at least one bottom side protrusion, forming a respective gap between the bottom side protrusion and the bottom central protrusion, adapted to receive the balloon neck after positioned through the notch. The balloon holders may include two notches, each notch positioned on a respective balloon holder face, the notches being non-symmetrically aligned. The shape of the notch may include: a cross-shaped incision; a single line incision; an incision extending downward from a portion of a cross-shaped incision; and a circular incision. The side protrusion may include at least one of: a tapered outer edge, and a straight inner edge. The balloon stick may be composed of a biodegradable and/or recyclable material. The balloon stick may be a solid bamboo stick. Each holder face may include three layers of paperboard material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:

Figure 1 A is a front view illustration of a first version of a balloon holder in a flattened and opened configuration, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 1 B is front view illustration of a second version of a balloon holder in a flattened and opened configuration, constructed and operative in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 1 C is front view illustration of a third version of a balloon holder in a flattened and opened configuration, constructed and operative in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2A is a detailed front view illustration of the first version of the balloon holder of Figure 1A;

Figure 2B is a front view illustration of a modified first version of the balloon holder of Figure 1A having an alternative side notch;

Figure 2C is an enlarged front view illustration of the first version balloon holder of Figure 1A;

Figure 3A is a perspective view illustration of the first version of the balloon holder of Figure 1A during a folding step;

Figure 3B provides perspective angled and side view illustrations of the first version of the balloon holder of Figure 1 A during a bending step;

Figure 4A is a front view illustration of the first version balloon holder of Figure 1 A in a closed configuration (following a folding step); Figure 4B is a rear view illustration of the first version balloon holder of

Figure 1A in a closed configuration (following the folding step);

Figure 4C is a bottom rear view illustration of the first version balloon holder of Figure 1 A in a closed configuration (following the folding step);

Figure 4D is a bottom front view illustration of the first version balloon holder of Figure 1 A in a closed configuration (following the folding step);

Figure 4E is a front view illustration of the first version balloon holder of Figure 1A in a balloon receiving configuration (following a bending step);

Figure 4F is a rear view illustration of the first version balloon holder of Figure 1A in a balloon receiving configuration (following the bending step);

Figure 4G is a front perspective view illustration of the first version balloon holder of Figure 1A in a balloon receiving configuration (following the bending step);

Figure 4H is a rear perspective view illustration of the first version balloon holder of Figure 1A in a balloon receiving configuration (following the bending step);

Figure 4I is a top perspective view illustration of the first version balloon holder of Figure 1A in a balloon receiving configuration (following the bending step);

Figure 5A is a front perspective view illustration of the third version balloon holder being attached to a flat solid bamboo balloon stick using an adapter;

Figure 5B is a front perspective view illustration of the third version balloon holder attached to the flat solid bamboo balloon stick with the adapter; Figure 5C is a top perspective view lengthwise illustration of the balloon holder being adhered to a flat solid bamboo balloon stick;

Figure 5D is a front perspective view illustration of the balloon holder adhered to the flat solid bamboo balloon stick;

Figure 6A is a front view illustration of the second version of the balloon holder of Figure 1 B;

Figure 6B is a front view illustration of a modified second version of the balloon holder of Figure 1 B having alternative side notches;

Figure 7A is a front view illustration of the third version of the balloon holder of Figure 1 C;

Figure 7B is a perspective view illustration of the third version of the balloon holder of Figure 1 C during a folding step;

Figure 8A is a front view illustration of the third version balloon holder of Figure 1 C in a closed configuration (following a folding step);

Figure 8B is a rear perspective view illustration of the third version balloon holder of Figure 1 C in a closed configuration (following the folding step);

Figure 8C is a side perspective view illustration of the third version balloon holder of Figure 1 C in a balloon receiving configuration (following a bending step);

Figure 8D is a front perspective view illustration of the third version balloon holder of Figure 1 C in a balloon receiving configuration (following the bending step);

Figure 8E is a rear perspective view illustration of the third version balloon holder of Figure 1 C in a balloon receiving configuration (following the bending step); Figure 8F is a perspective view illustration of the third version balloon holder of Figure 1 C in a balloon receiving configuration and being connected to a balloon stick;

Figure 9A is front view illustration of a fourth version of a balloon holder in a flattened and opened configuration, constructed and operative in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 9B is a front view illustration of a modified fourth version of the balloon holder of Figure 9A without a side notch;

Figure 9C is a front view illustration of a modified fourth version of the balloon holder of Figure 9A having an alternative side notch;

Figure 10A is a perspective view illustration of the fourth version balloon holder of Figure 9B in in a flattened and opened configuration;

Figure 10B is a front perspective view illustration of the fourth version balloon holder of Figure 9B in a partially closed configuration following a first bending step;

Figure 10C is a rear perspective view illustration of the fourth version balloon holder of Figure 9B in a partially closed configuration following a first bending step;

Figure 10D is a top perspective view illustration of the fourth version balloon holder of Figure 9B in a partially closed configuration following a second bending step;

Figure 10E is a bottom perspective view illustration of the fourth version balloon holder of Figure 9B in a partially closed configuration following a second bending step; Figure 10F is a side perspective view illustration of the fourth version balloon holder of Figure 9B in a closed and balloon receiving configuration following a third folding step;

Figure 10G is a perspective view illustration of the fourth version balloon holder of Figure 9B in a balloon receiving configuration and being connected to a balloon stick;

Figure 11 A is front view illustration of a fifth version of a balloon holder in a flattened and opened configuration, constructed and operative in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 11 B is a front view illustration of a modified fifth version of the balloon holder of Figure 11 A having alternative side notches;

Figure 11 C is a front view illustration of a modified fifth version of the balloon holder of Figure 11 A having side indentations;

Figure 12 provides a sequence of illustrations depicting the process of attaching a foil balloon to the first version of the balloon holder of Figure 1 A;

Figure 13 provides a sequence of illustrations depicting the process of attaching a latex balloon to the third version of the balloon holder of Figure 1 C;

Figure 14 provides a sequence of illustrations depicting the process of attaching a foil balloon to the fourth version of the balloon holder of Figure 9A;

Figure 15 provides a sequence of illustrations depicting the process of attaching a latex balloon to the fourth version of the balloon holder of Figure 9A; and

Figure 16 provides a sequence of illustrations depicting the process of attaching a latex balloon and a foil balloon to the fifth version of the balloon holder of Figure 11A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBOIMENTS

The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a novel balloon holder that is environmentally friendly and capable of supporting and accommodating both foil balloons and latex balloons of various shapes and sizes, while allowing for tying and attaching the balloon to the holder in a simple, straightforward and relatively quick manner by an ordinary user without requiring special technical proficiency. The disclosed balloon holder is intended to minimally interfere with existing operating and marketing processes relating to balloons, including initial fabrication, inflation, and tying stages, as well as transport to stores and retail facilities, and maintaining usage of existing display booths and retail kiosks.

Non-limiting examples of embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the figures. Identical structures, elements or parts that appear in more than one figure are generally labelled with a same numeral in all the figures in which they appear. Dimensions of components and features shown in the figures are chosen for convenience and clarity of presentation and are not necessarily shown to scale.

The term "user" is used herein to refer to any individual person or group of persons operating a device or performing a method of the disclosed embodiments.

In the discussion unless otherwise stated, adjectives such as "substantially" and "about" modifying a condition or relationship characteristic of a feature or features of an embodiment of the invention, are understood to mean that the condition or characteristic is defined to within tolerances that are acceptable for operation of the embodiment for an application for which it is intended. Unless otherwise indicated, the word “or” in the specification and claims is considered to be the "inclusive or" rather than the "exclusive or", and indicates at least one of, or any combination of items it conjoins.

Reference is now made to Figures 1 A, 1 B and 1 C, which are schematic illustrations of respective versions of a balloon holder in a flattened and opened (unbent) configuration, constructed and operative in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1A depicts a first version of a balloon holder, referenced 100, that includes a single "X" shaped side notch on one holder face. Figure 1 B depicts a second version of a balloon holder, referenced 200, that includes a pair of "X" shaped side notches on respective holder faces. Figure 1 C depicts a third version of a balloon holder, referenced 300, without any side notches. Each of these versions will be discussed in detail further hereinbelow.

Reference is now made to Figure 2A, which is a detailed front view illustration of the first version of balloon holder 100 of Figure 1A, and to Figure 2C which is an enlarged front view illustration of balloon holder 100. Balloon holder 100 includes a first face 110 and a second face 120 which are substantially symmetrically shaped. First face 110 includes an upper peripheral edge 111 , an inner aperture 112, and a pair of side protrusions 113, 114 spaced from a bottom central protrusion 115. Second face 120 defines corresponding sections including upper peripheral edge 121 , inner aperture 122, side protrusions 123, 124, and bottom central protrusion 125. A notch 128 is formed on second holder face 120 near the intersection of side protrusion 124 and central bottom protrusion 125. Balloon holder 100 also includes bending line 131 and folding line 132, allowing holder 100 to be folded and bent into a balloon receiving configuration. Inner apertures 112, 122 are shaped and sized to accommodate a tail end of a balloon. For example, inner apertures 112, 122 may be defined by a substantially circular arcuate top edge and a substantially "v-shaped" bottom edge, and may provide an opening diameter of approximately 2 cm, although alternative shapes and sizes can also function acceptably. Side protrusion 113 includes a tapered outer edge 119 and a straight inner edge that defines a gap 116 in between a first edge of central bottom protrusion 115. Similarly, side protrusion 114 includes a tapered outer edge and a straight inner edge that defines a gap 117 in between a second edge of central bottom protrusion 115. Correspondingly, side protrusion 123 of second face 120 include a tapered outer edge shaped to be substantially symmetrically aligned with tapered edge of side protrusion 114 when holder 100 is in a closed position. Side protrusion 123 further includes a straight inner edge that defines a short gap 127 between central bottom protrusion 125 such that gap 127 is substantially aligned with gap 117 when holder 100 is in a closed position. Side protrusion 124 include a tapered outer edge 129 that is substantially symmetrically aligned with tapered edge 119 of side protrusion 113 when holder 100 is in a closed position. Side protrusion 124 includes an inner edge that is adjacent to the closest edge of central bottom protrusion 125 such that there is no gap therebetween.

Second holder face 120 further includes notch 128 positioned near an upper portion of central protrusion 125 and adjacent to side protrusion 124. Notch 128 is positioned on the far side relative to vertical bending line 132 (which is positioned between side protrusion 114 of first face 110 and side protrusion 123 of second face 120). Notch 128 includes a pair of intersecting slits or incisions in a cross or "x" shape, with one of the slits extending downwards to separate side protrusion 124 and bottom protrusion 125, although alternative notch shapes are also applicable. For example, the notch may be a single line incision (e.g., half of an x-shape), or may be substantially circular and/or open shaped as shown in Figure 2B, which is a front view illustration of balloon holder 140 representing a modified version of balloon holder 100 in having an alternative side notch 146 that is circular in shape. Referring back to Figure 2A, each slit of x-shaped notch 128 may be approximately a few millimeters (mm) in length. The incisions of notch 128 may extend fully through both surfaces of second holder face 120. Notch 128 is adapted to securely engage a balloon neck during tying, particularly for foil balloons, and to distribute the pressure applied by the inflated balloon on the balloon holder 100 to facilitate the balloon tying process.

In some embodiments, balloon holder is made from biodegradable and/or recyclable materials. In some embodiments, balloon holder 100 is fabricated from a sheet of cardboard or other paper-based material, such as compressed carton, which is biodegradable and recyclable. For example, balloon holder 100 may be fabricated from a paperboard material characterized with relatively high tensile strength and high rigidity properties capable of withstanding tearing or folding, such as a duplex craft type paperboard. The paperboard material may also be substantially light weight and may be a natural wood grain color which may facilitate fabrication by minimizing paper processing operations as well as simplifying packaging and subsequent recycling processes. The paperboard may be fabricated in other colors as well, and may be pre-printed with one or more designs to appear on the balloon holder, such as: a logo; a fictional character; a name or other personalized information; an advertisement image; or a machine readable optical label such as a QR-code, which may link to a website or application containing pertinent information. The balloon holder may also be marketed or retailed with a separate design item adapted to be adhered to the holder, such as via a sticker.

Each holder face 110, 120 is fabricated from multiple plies or layers of paperboard material, such as at least 3 layers adhered to one another and defining a minimal thickness (e.g., approximately 0.6mm per layer or approximately 1.8 mm for 3 layers). Referring to Figure 2C, balloon holder 100 is formed such that the paper fibers (referenced 137) are arranged longitudinally, i.e. , aligned lengthwise relative to the holder face sheet of at least one layer, to provide enhanced tensile strength. The alignment of paper fibers 137 may also be interspersed between adjacent layers, such that for example a middle (second) layer of a holder face includes paper fibers aligned crosswise (not lengthwise) in between two (first and third) layers of the same holder face having paper fibers aligned lengthwise (e.g., which may improve overall tensile strength and resilience properties of the holder). Additional layers (e.g., more than three) can be added to one or more holder face 110, 120 so as to increase tensile strength even further.

In order to transition balloon holder 100 from an opened and flattened (default) configuration, into a closed or holding configuration in which it can receive and hold a balloon, holder 100 undergoes a two-stage folding/bending process. The folding/bending process effectively converts balloon holder 100 from a two-dimensional (2D) form into a three-dimensional (3D) form to enable securely accommodating and supporting the balloon. Balloon holder 100 includes a bending line 131 aligned horizontally or crosswise along the width of holder 100, and a folding line 132 aligned vertically or lengthwise along the length of holder 100. Bending line 131 and folding line 132 are formed on only one surface of respective holding faces 110, 120 so as to compel the folding/bending of faces 110, 120 in a single predefined direction. In a first folding stage, balloon holder 100 is folded lengthwise about vertical folding line 132 to bring first holder face 110 adjacent to second holder face 120. Reference is now made to Figure 3A, which is a perspective view illustration of balloon holder 100 during a folding step. Following the first folding step, holder faces 110, 120 are adjoining and substantially aligned, such that for example, apertures 112, 122 are aligned with one another, bottom protrusions 115, 125 are aligned with one another, and gaps 117, 127 are aligned with one another. In a second bending stage, the top portion of each holder face 110, 120 is bent crosswise or horizontally along bending line 131 in an outward direction, until the bent portion of each holder face 110, 120 (which include the respective upper peripheral edges 111 , 121 ) are positioned angularly relative to the main body of holder faces 110, 120 (including side protrusions 113, 114, 123, 124 and bottom protrusions 115, 116). Reference is made to Figure 3B, which depicts perspective angled and side view illustrations of balloon holder 100 during a bending step. Following the second bending step, the bent portions of holder faces 110, 120 are angled relative to the unbent portions such that balloon holder defines a substantially triangular side cross- sectional profile. In particular, the respective semicircular or upper arches of holder faces 110, 120 are bent outwards to form a substantially conical shape (e.g., resembling the cup portion of a conventional plastic balloon holder) that can support the neck of a balloon. Bending line 131 effectively limits the bending angles of the top portion of each holder face 110, 120 to ensure a sufficient counterforce is applied against the balloon. The top of the bent balloon holder 100 defines a circular aperture (bordered by peripheral edges 111 , 121 ), and a smaller "v-shaped" aperture is formed on the upper side of each holder face 110, 120. Reference is further made to Figures 4A through 4I which depict several views of balloon holder 100 at the different folding/bending stages.

Once the two-stage folding/bending process is completed, a balloon may be securely positioned into balloon holder 100. A foil balloon is already inflated and sealed before insertion into the balloon holder. A user inserts the neck of a balloon through the top circular aperture and through a side "v-shaped" aperture of a respective side of the folded and bent balloon holder 100. The user then positions the balloon neck upwards into the downward extending slit of notch 128 until the neck is securely engaged within the cross portion of notch 128. The balloon neck is then looped around the bottom protrusions 115, 125 and positioned into the indentation formed by gaps 117, 127, and securely affixed to holder 100. A latex balloon can also be inflated and tied at this stage (if not already inflated and tied). Notch 128 serves to create pressure and support for firmly and securely gripping the balloon neck, particularly for foil balloons, whereas if the balloon neck were merely placed through gaps 117, 127 and around bottom protrusions 115, 125, then the balloon would be prone to slipping through and would not be securely held. Subsequently the user can slide a hollow balloon stick (not shown in Figures 1 -4) onto bottom protrusions 115, 125 to connect the stick to balloon holder 100 so as to enable manual gripping of the balloon using the stick. It is noted that the stick may alternatively be attached to balloon holder 100 before positioning the balloon neck into holder 100 through notch, i.e. , rather than afterwards, which may be easier and more convenient for latex balloons. Reference is made to Figure 12, which provides a sequence of illustrations depicting the process of attaching a foil balloon to balloon holder 100. It is noted that notch 128 allows attaching a latex balloon to balloon holder 100 without needing to tie the balloon beforehand, as the balloon neck can be securely gripped by notch 128 even when the balloon is untied, and the user can form a knot or otherwise securely affix the balloon neck to holder 100 after positioning through notch 128. This may be particularly helpful for users who have difficulties with tying latex balloons (as foil balloons are typically pre-sealed using a suitable heat sealer or an internal sealing valve).

The bottom protrusion that extends into the hollow paper-based balloon stick is thicker and requires the application of pressure, which increases the friction with the walls of the balloon stick so that the stick will not slide out easily and is effectively integrated with the balloon holder. The upper portion of a circular cross-sectioned balloon stick may undergo slight manual pressing or squashing so as to facilitate insertion of the rectangular shaped bottom protrusions 115,125 therethrough. The gaps (116, 117, 127) on either side of the bottom protrusions 115, 125 allow for convenient attachment of the balloon stick while also maintaining a sufficient gap to enable securing and tying the balloon neck to the holder (i.e. , between the side and bottom protrusions of the holder).

The tapered outer edges of the side protrusions, such as tapered outer edge 119 of side protrusion 113, are adapted to facilitate the formation of a conical structure for securely supporting the balloon neck when balloon holder is in its closed and folded configuration. However, either or both of the side protrusions may be configured with a non-tapered or straight outer edge instead.

The balloon stick may also be composed of an environmentally friendly material which is biodegradable and recyclable, such as paperboard or other paper-based material. The stick is generally characterized by a circular cross-section for enabling attachment to bottom protrusions 115, 125 and characterized with a minimal wall thickness (e.g., 0.5-1 .0 mm) to provide adequate strength and resilience. However, the stick is not necessarily hollow or necessarily cross-sectional circular and may be attached to the balloon holder via other means. For example, the stick may be pre-adhered to the holder using a suitable adhesive. Alternatively, the stick may be pre-attached or attached to the holder using a separate adapter or attachment mechanism (e.g., a short tubular element adapted to encompass the bottom protrusions 115, 125 of holder 100 at one end and the stick at the other end). In an exemplary embodiment, the stick may be embodied by a flat bamboo rod, which is relatively light, flexible, resilient, and biodegradable. Reference is made to Figures 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D. Figure 5A is a front perspective view illustration of the third version balloon holder 300 being attached to a flat solid bamboo balloon stick, referenced 170, using an adapter 175. Adapter 175 may be a short tube (e.g., a short straw) that is sized and shaped to encompass and firmly grip bottom protrusions of holder 300 from one end, and bamboo stick 170 from the other end. Figure 5B is a front perspective view illustration of balloon holder 300 attached to bamboo balloon stick 170 with adapter 175. Figure 5C is a top perspective view lengthwise illustration of balloon holder 300 being adhered to bamboo balloon stick 170. Bamboo stick 170 may be adhered directly to holder 300 using an adhesive, precluding the need for an adapter. Figure 5D is a front perspective view illustration of balloon holder 300 adhered to bamboo balloon stick 170. A bamboo rod may provide enhanced flexibility when manually waving or moving around the balloon and balloon holder, while also provided greater resilience against breakage as compared to a straightforward hollow paper stick. Moreover, the flexibility of a bamboo stick can enable placement of a larger quantity of retail balloon products (i.e., a balloon together with its balloon holder) within a given display fixture at a retail facility, such as in a long cylindrical balloon display fixtures commonly used for containing multiple plastic balloon sticks). The balloon stick may be in any color and may include one or more printed designs (typically added during the fabrication process), such as: a logo; a fictional character; a name or other personalized information; and/or an advertisement image.

It is appreciated that the main gap defined by the circular aperture at the top of balloon holder in its folded or balloon-receiving configuration is adapted to firmly support the balloon neck while widely distributing the inflation pressure of the inflated balloon to enhance support and facilitate the balloon tying process.

In some embodiments, the disclosed balloon holder is adapted to be manufactured, marketed and retailed in its default flattened and opened (nonfolded and "two-dimensional") configuration, and may thus occupy less packaging volume than conventional plastic holders, thereby minimizing spatial requirements during product storage and transportation (and allowing a greater quantity to be stored, transported and retailed in a given space). The balloon holder may also be marketed and retailed with holder faces 110, 120 pre-adhered to one another after the initially folding stage, such that the holder is still provided in a flat form and maintains the same spatial benefits while precluding the need to perform the initial folding step.

The flattened default form of the balloon holder allows transitioning into a balloon holding (three-dimensional) configuration using a straightforward bending and bending process, that can be done by any user without special proficiency, to produce a conical supporting structure that can firmly support and secure the balloon neck. The use of multilayer paperboard material, with paper fibers aligned lengthwise in at least one layer, provides enhanced tensile strength to adequately support balloons of different types. By selectively modifying the number of layers, or type of paperboard material and/or the paper fiber alignment, additional properties of the balloon holder may be selectively adapted to accommodate particular balloon types or balloon holding scenarios.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a second version of a balloon holder is characterized with two notches, with one on each holder face. Reference is made to Figure 6A, which is a front view illustration of a second version of a balloon holder, referenced 200 (also shown in Figure 1 B). Balloon holder 200 includes a first notch 218 formed on a first holder face 210, and a second notch 228 formed on second holder face 220. Both notches 218, 228 are positioned near an upper portion of the respective bottom central protrusion and adjacent to the side protrusion. However notches 218 and 228 are not symmetrically positioned, where for example one notch 218 is positioned near an inner side protrusion of holder face 210 whereas the other notch 228 is positioned near an outer side protrusion of other holder face 220, such that notches 218, 228 are not aligned when balloon holder 200 is in a folded stage (i.e. , following a first folding stage about vertical folding line 232). Notches 218, 228 are formed as intersecting slits in a cross or "x" shape with a further downward extending slit separating the side and central protrusions, similar to cross-shaped notch 128 of balloon holder 100. Notches 218, 228 may also be alternatively shaped. Reference is made to Figure 6B, which is a front view illustration of a modified second version balloon holder, referenced 240, having alternative side notches 248, 258 that are circular and open shaped. Notches 228, 218 of balloon holder 200 serve a similar purpose as single notch 128 of balloon holder 100, but may augment the gripping for certain types of balloons, especially foil balloons, by ensuring that the balloon neck is securely engaged on both sides of holder 200. Furthermore, balloon holder 200 eliminates the need for tying the balloon, as there is no additional tying and looping required after placing the balloon neck through the second notch (unlike with balloon holder 100 which necessitates tying up the balloon neck after positioning through the single notch 128 to ensure that it is securely held in place).

In a further embodiment of the present invention, a third version of a balloon holder is characterized without any notches on either holder face. Reference is made to Figure 7A, which is a front view illustration of a third version of a balloon holder, referenced 300 (also shown in Figure 1 C). Balloon holder 300 is analogous to balloon holder 100 with the exception of not having a notch (such as notch 128 of holder 100). Accordingly, a balloon may be secured to balloon holder 300 by positioning the balloon neck through the top and side apertures (formed when holder 300 is in its closed or balloon receiving configuration), through a first indentation on one side of the bottom protrusions, and then looping the neck around the bottom protrusions and through the second indentation on the other side of bottom protrusions, where the neck is tied and held in place, without needing to slide the balloon neck through one (or more) notches. This may be suitable for balloons that do not require a particularly strong grasp to provide adequate support, such as with latex balloons. It is noted that the balloon needs to be inflated and tied beforehand when using holder 300 due to the width of the side indentations and lack of notches. In contrast, balloon holders 100 and 200 can allow for inflating and tying a latex balloon after insertion and positioning into the respective holder. Balloon holder 300 undergoes an analogous two-stage folding/bending process as holders 100, 200 for bringing holder 300 to a closed or balloon receiving configuration. Reference is made to Figure 7B, which is a perspective view illustration of third version balloon holder 300 during a first folding step, analogous to first folding stage of balloon holder 100 depicted in Figure 3A. Reference is made to Figures 8A through 8F which depict several views of balloon holder 300 at the different folding/bending stages. Reference is further made to Figure 13, which provides a sequence of illustrations depicting the process of attaching a latex balloon to balloon holder 300.

A balloon holder of the present invention may optionally include an additional bending line (not shown in any of the Figures) arranged lengthwise along the center of the main apertures. For example, referring to Figure 2A, balloon holder 100 may include an additional vertical bending line arranged longitudinally on first holder face 110 along the middle of upper peripheral edge 111 and aligned with the center of aperture 112, with a corresponding additional vertical bending line arranged longitudinally on second holder face 120 along the middle of upper peripheral edge portion 121 aligned with the center of aperture 122, i.e., both parallel to vertical bending line 132. Accordingly, when balloon holder 100 is in its folded and closed configuration, the upper arches of holder faces 110, 120 can be further bent outwards along these additional bending lines, i.e., substantially perpendicular to their outward bending along bending line 132, so as to form a more pronounced conical or cup shape that may enhance the supporting and weight distribution of the balloon neck positioned within.

Reference is now made to Figure 9A, which is a front view illustration of a fourth version of a balloon holder, referenced 400, in a flattened and opened configuration, constructed and operative in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. In contrast to balloon holders 100, 200, 300 which include two holder faces that are folded against one another, balloon holder 400 includes a single holder face, referenced 410. Holder face 410 includes an upper top perimeter circular edge 411 , a lower top perimeter circular edge 421 , an inner bendable "D-shaped" portion 412, lateral outer protrusions 418 and 419, a lateral inner protrusion 429, a pair of side protrusions 413, 414, a bottom central protrusion 415, and a notch 428. Holder face 410 further includes three folding/bending lines allowing balloon holder 400 to be folded into a balloon receiving configuration: an upper crosswise (i.e., horizontal) bending line 431 , extending crosswise (laterally) along the center of inner bendable portion 412; a lengthwise (i.e., vertical) bending line 431 defining a vertical boundary of inner bendable portion 412; and a lower crosswise (i.e., horizontal) folding line 433, extending crosswise (laterally) along approximately a midpoint of bottom protrusion 415. Bending lines 431 , 432 and folding line 433 are formed on only one surface of holding face 410 so as to compel the bending and folding of holding face 410 in a single predefined direction.

Inner bendable portion 412 is configured in a D-shape with a straight edge on one side (defined by bending line 432) and a circular perimeter with a short rectangular indentation around lateral inner protrusion 429. The circular perimeter and rectangular indentation of inner bendable portion 412 defines an incision that fully extends through holder face 410 such that inner bendable portion 412 is bendable about an axis defined by the straight edge of bending line 432. Lower top perimeter circular edge 421 also defines an incision that fully extends through holder face to enable bending about foldable line 431. Side protrusions 413 and 414 are analogous to corresponding side protrusions 113, 114 of holder 100, each having a tapered outer edge and a straight inner edge, defining respective indentations on either side of bottom central protrusion 415. Bottom central protrusion is longer than bottom central protrusion 115 of holder 100, such as approximately double the length, such that when central protrusion is folded along bottom lateral folding line 433, a double layered protrusion is formed having a length substantially equal to the (non-folded) length of central protrusion 115. Notch 428 is analogous to notch 128 of holder 100.

Balloon holder 400 undergoes a three-stage folding/bending process in order to transition balloon holder 400 from its default opened and flattened configuration into a closed or balloon holding configuration. In a first bending stage, balloon holder 410 is bent laterally along horizontal bending line 431 , such that lower top perimeter circular edge 421 and the bottom edges of lateral outer protrusions 418 and 419 are bent outwards, forming a flat surface on the top of balloon holder 400. Reference is made to Figures 10A, 10B and 10C which show perspective views of balloon holder 400 in a partially closed configuration following the first bending step.

In a second bending stage, inner bendable portion 412 is bent lengthwise about vertical bending line 432, until the rectangular recess or indentation of bendable portion 412 engages with the lower top perimeter circular edge 421 , thereby bottom forming a "D" shaped aperture on the top surface of balloon holder 400. The width of lateral inner protrusion 429 is selected to ensure that the rectangular indentation of bendable portion 412 is securely engaged with lower top perimeter circular edge 421 , to prevents bendable portion 412 from disengaging and bending back and to stabilize folded top flat surface in a fixed position, especially when the balloon is moved around. Reference is made to Figures 10D and 10E which show perspective views of balloon holder 400 in a partially closed configuration following the second bending step.

In a third folding stage, bottom central protrusion 415 is folded laterally along horizontal folding line 433, such that the lower portion of central protrusion is folded upwards to form a supporting leg structure. The folding of bottom protrusion 415 doubles the thickness of the resultant folded protrusion, which allows it to be inserted and securely held within the hollow balloon stick. For example, the initial bottom central protrusion 415 is composed of 3 layers of paperboard, which may not provide sufficient strength or rigidity to be securely held within the balloon stick, whereas the folded protrusion would have 6 layers which would provide the required strength and rigidity. Reference is made to Figure 10F which shows a perspective view of balloon holder 400 in a closed configuration following the third folding step.

Once the three-stage folding/bending process is completed, a balloon may be securely positioned into balloon holder 400. A user inserts the neck of a tied balloon through the top D-shaped aperture, and slides the neck through the downward extending slit of notch 428 until the neck is securely gripped. The balloon neck can then be positioned through an indentation (between a side protrusion and central protrusion), around the folded bottom protrusion 415, and through the other indentation, where the neck can be tied and securely affixed to holder 400. The user can slide a hollow balloon stick onto folded bottom protrusion 415, as depicted in Figure 10G. Balloon holder 400 may also be affixed to a flat solid balloon stick, such as a bamboo stick, using an adapter or by adhering, as depicted in Figures 5A-5D for holder 300. Reference is further made to Figures 14 and 15. Figure 14 provides a sequence of illustrations depicting the process of attaching a foil balloon to balloon holder 400. Figure 15 provides a sequence of illustrations depicting the process of attaching a latex balloon to balloon holder 400.

Balloon holder 400 may alternatively be configured with two notches (i.e., on either side of bottom central protrusion 415) similar to second version balloon holder 200 (depicted in Figure 1 B). Balloon holder 400 may also be configured without any notches, as shown in modified fourth version balloon holder 440 of Figure 9B, similar to third version balloon holder 300 (depicted in Figure 1 C). Further alternatively, balloon holder 400 may be configured with a non-cross-shaped notch, such as a circular open shaped notch, as shown in modified fourth version balloon holder 460 of Figure 9C, and similar to modified first version balloon holder 140 of Figure 2B.

Reference is now made to Figure 11A, which is a front view illustration of a fifth version of a balloon holder, referenced 500, in a flattened and opened configuration, constructed and operative in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. Balloon holder 500 resembles balloon holder 400 but without any side protrusions or corresponding gaps on either side of the central bottom protrusion. Rather, the bottom protrusion 515 of holder 500 is wider and longer than bottom protrusion 415 of holder 400, with an intermediate tapered region 513 adjoining the upper portion 511 of holder 500 with the central bottom protrusion 515. A pair of cross-shaped notches 518, 518 are formed on either side of tapered region 513, and are analogous to notches 218, 228 of holder 200 (Figure 6A). Balloon holder 500 undergoes a two-stage bending process 200 for transitioning into a closed or balloon receiving configuration, similar to the initial two bending steps of balloon holder 400, without requiring the third step of folding up the bottom protrusion 415. The long and wide surface area of bottom protrusion provides space for printing of images or designs on holder 500, such as promotional or advertising images. Furthermore, the contour of holder 500 may be adapted to resemble the outline of a selected design, such as the shape of a fictional character or a brand logo. Further alternatively, a selected design can be formed added on to a side edge of balloon holder 500.

The notches of balloon holder may also be alternatively shaped. Reference is made to Figure 11 B, which is a front view illustration of a modified fifth version balloon holder, referenced 540, having alternative side notches 548, 558 that are circular and open shaped (similar to notches 248, 258 of balloon holder 240 depicted in Figure 6B). Further alternatively, notches 518, 528 may be replaced by simple indentations. Reference is further made to Figure 11 C, which is a front view illustration of a modified fifth version balloon holder, referenced 560, having side indentations 568, 578, rather than notches. The user can position the balloon neck through one indentation 578 then the other indentation 568, after which the neck is securely held in place. This configuration may be suitable for balloons that do not require a particularly strong grasp to provide adequate support, such as with latex balloons. However, the balloon needs to be inflated and tied beforehand when using holder 560 (due to the width of the side indentations and lack of notches), in contrast to balloon holders 500, 540 which can allow for inflating a latex balloon after insertion and positioning into the respective holders, such that the latex balloon neck is secured by the respective side notches (518, 528 or 548, 558) of holders 500, 540 even when the balloon is untied. Reference is made to Figure 16, which provides a sequence of illustrations depicting the process of attaching a latex balloon and a foil balloon to the balloon holder 500.

While certain embodiments of the disclosed subject matter have been described, so as to enable one of skill in the art to practice the present invention, the preceding description is intended to be exemplary only. It should not be used to limit the scope of the disclosed subject matter, which should be determined by reference to the following claims.