Little Black Stick Gets Patent



Balloons On A Stick (http://balloonsonastick.com/), an innovative iron stake for outdoor balloon display, announces its official U.S. patent this week. The durable device began marketing to the multifamily industry almost two years ago as a new method of securing outdoor balloon displays. However, the invention is currently being utilized in real estate, automotive and outdoor event industries. Previously, helium and air-filled balloons were secured to signs, lampposts and weights. The Balloons On A Stick stake is a more flexible alternative for instant balloon ground displays. The newly patented product provides an anchor for large balloon displays such as balloon columns, clusters and large arches. It is utilized most effectively in multiples by lining sidewalks, driveways and providing a repeated visual effect.

Ben Robinson first sketched the idea for the product in 1999. Robinson, who consults and designs environmental signage for the multi-family industry, found his clients' newly installed sign systems where being littered and often damaged by balloons and balloon ribbon in an effort to attract potential residents.

"Expensive signs were being ruined by baked-on balloon latex and mounds of ribbon. I realized my clients needed to utilize balloons for marketing but there had to be an improved method for displaying them. It not only was unsightly and destructive but it offered no alternatives. Clients were tying balloons to fences, lampposts and anything that was near the street!" Robinson states.

Robinson started with sketches. A simple lightweight stake, stepped into the ground with a loop at the top for securing balloons, seemed to be an elementary concept. The challenge was to create something easy to move and reposition, sturdy enough to handle strong winds and remain fixed in the ground while holding a multitude of balloons. As Robinson's design firm kept him occupied with clients, the invention lay in a notebook for several years. However, in 2005 he was motivated by another job to research and produce a prototype. In April 2006, Balloons On A Stick was introduced at The Annual Multifamily Housing Brainstorming Sessions, a think tank and conference for innovative multifamily marketing ideas. The patent comes almost 18 months after its initial application. Balloons On A Stick is the only patented balloon stake offered.

Balloons On A Stick is currently available for purchase online at BalloonsOnAStick.com for a variety of industries. Even though it was initially created for the residential industry, automotive dealers may secure balloons closer to drive-by traffic and off of expensive inventory. In addition, outdoor events such as weddings and parties are discovering the new way to display balloons without heavy weights. Balloon decorators are enjoying the creative freedom of the sticks by using the product to further their decorative abilities. Because of the two-inch top loop, the Balloons On A Stick product provides an easy method to string holiday lights and garland. Balloons may even wrap over C-27 and mini holiday lights for an illuminated balloon effect in the evening hours.

Description:

Balloons On A Stick is an ingeniously designed, patented, iron stake that quickly sticks into the ground with foot pressure - instantly allowing unlimited possibilities by tying balloons to an innovative top loop. The height of this durable stake raises balloons three-feet above landscaping, protecting the balloons from damage. Each Balloons on a Stick is a strong ¼" iron rod, powder coated and fire baked for a long-lasting finish. Sticks are packaged three per order. 2-3 orders or 6-9 sticks are suggested for maximum exposure.

For more information, contact Robinson Creative at 817/748-5057, ext. 101.

Robinson Creative Inc.                            PH: 817/748-5057

Southlake Town Square                            FX: 817/416-7833

286 Grand Ave., Suite 238                        WB: RobinsonCreativeInc.com

Southlake, TX 76092                            EM: Ben@ RobinsonCreativeInc.com





Little Black Stick Gets Patent