Nonconductive films for lighter than air balloons

Abstract

Non-conductive films for constructing lighter than air balloons are provided. A non-conductive film may comprise multiple layers of gas barrier polymers. An outer surface printable layer and an interior heat or ultrasonically sealable layer may also be included. Each gas barrier film may comprise multiple (e.g., from 3 to approximately 75) barrier layers. A gas barrier core has a nano-layer structure. A gas barrier core may also comprise a biodegradable film or a bio-based film. A non-conductive film may comprise a metal layer for enhancing gas barrier properties. The metal layer may be discontinuous. The metal layer may be conductive and coated with an insulating top coat.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A film for lighter than air balloons, comprising:
 a gas barrier core comprising a set of gas barrier layers and adhesive layers, the gas barrier core having a first surface and a second surface, the gas barrier core comprising a set of polymeric gas barrier layers;   a metal layer deposited onto the first surface of the gas barrier core; and   a heat sealing layer affixed to the second surface of the gas barrier core.   
     
     
         2 . The film of  claim 1 , wherein the metal layer comprises a sheet of continuous metal. 
     
     
         3 . The film of  claim 2 , wherein the metal layer is a vapor deposited aluminum layer. 
     
     
         4 . The film of  claim 2 , further comprising a lamination layer affixed to the metal layer. 
     
     
         5 . The film of  claim 3 , wherein the lamination layer is affixed to the metal layer by adhesive or extrusion lamination. 
     
     
         6 . The film of  claim 2 , further comprising a laminated film layer affixed to the lamination layer, wherein the laminated film layer comprises a non-conductive polymer film. 
     
     
         7 . The film of  claim 6 , wherein the thickness of the laminated film layer is between 8 and 18 microns. 
     
     
         8 . The film of  claim 2 , wherein the metal layer is coated with a layer of non-conductive polymer. 
     
     
         9 . The film of  claim 1 , wherein the metal layer is discontinuous and comprises a set of isolated metal patches. 
     
     
         10 . The film of  claim 8 , wherein the layer of non-conductive polymer comprises polyfunctional acrylates. 
     
     
         11 . The film of  claim 10 , wherein the layer of non-conductive polymer comprises a mixture of polyfunctional acrylates and polyfunctional acrylates. 
     
     
         12 . The film of  claim 11 , wherein the layer of non-conductive polymer comprises a monomer having at least two double bonds. 
     
     
         13 . The film of  claim 12 , wherein the monomer has vapor pressure in the range of 1.times.10.sup.−6 Torr to 1.times.10.sup.−1 Torr. 
     
     
         14 . A method of creating a film for lighter than air balloons, comprising
 printing on a substrate to create a pattern;   depositing a metal layer on the substrate to cover the pattern; and   heating the substrate to vaporize the pattern thereby creating a discontinuous metal layer on the substrate.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the substrate comprises a gas barrier core comprising a set of gas barrier layers and adhesive layers, the gas barrier core having a first surface and a second surface, the gas barrier core comprising a set of polymeric gas barrier layers, wherein the discontinuous metal layer is the first surface. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising affixing a heat sealing layer to the second surface of the gas barrier core. 
     
     
         17 . A method of creating a film for lighter than air balloons, comprising
 depositing a metal layer on a first surface of a substrate;   coating the metal layer with a varnish;   printing on the varnish such that a set of regions of the varnish is not covered by an ink; and   removing the set of regions of the varnish.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the substrate comprises a gas barrier core comprising a set of gas barrier layers and adhesive layers, the gas barrier core having a first surface and a second surface, the gas barrier core comprising a set of polymeric gas barrier layers, wherein the discontinuous metal layer is the first surface. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising affixing a heat sealing layer to the second surface of the gas barrier core. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the ink is water resistant.