Charity Show + Questions please

Started by Billy Wiz, November 03, 2009, 08:24:10 PM

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Billy Wiz

Here's my latest balloon made for a charity event last week. They had various acts performing throughout the day so we built a performing area.

Now here's my question. The arch is about 15ft high. It was OK this time as it was up against the back wall. If you were building an arch this size, how would you stop it from toppling over? It would have stayed up OK as it was here but if it was outdoors, the wind could quite easily blow it over.

Would you use helium for an outdoor event to create the arch and keep it up? The other thought I had was maybe to use normal air in the bottom half and helium in the top half.

The other thought I had was if it was made with 5 balloon clusters instead would it make much difference to the strength?

Pam Pearce

#1
I admire your work so much, you must wish you had gone for it sooner.... Just helium would be strongest with real heavy weights - but Wind will still blow it over.

If its on a stage or close to a wall or trees or something, the only option we would suggest is to put in some tie lines, just like you would a Tent or Gazebo. Then you could probably use your framework (add extra weights to the base - looks like you have the Dandy ones, you can fil them with water or sand to make them heavier) and air fill the balloons.

Pam
xx

Billy Wiz

#2
Hi Pam, If indoors and it had to be away from a back wall etc., would you use half the arch with air and half with helium to keep it up, would that work?

The weights I have on this picture are solid ones, and 'X' shape.

Roger

#3
Hi this is an arch I made for a New years party back in 1998. it is quite large and is made on a frame I built myself. It needs no helium filling and is very secure I would look at guys if using this method outside.

To make frame.

1, Cut 4 ' square pieces of 3/4" chipboard
2, place one piece of the board on top of another and screw together (you now have 2 lots of 2)
3, Place 4 rubber feet on the bottom of each set of boards.
4, On the top of each board bolt one of the fittings shown in the attached pictures (you get them  from electrical wholesalers these are galvanised conduit fittings)
5, cut a 18" piece of conduit and screw into the previously attached fitting.
:- you now have your basic bases which can be pained to suit your needs.

to make the arch frame I use the black fibreglass interlocking tent poles these are really good as they are strong flexible and light. The ends being placed in the conduit.

If more weight is needed weight lifting weights on the board will help keep it stable.

hope this is of help.

will try and take a pic of it set up but have a lot on as getting ready for fireworks this weekend. http://www.billericayfireworks.co.uk

Roger.
When it comes to the day I arive at the pearly gates I hope to slide in sideways saying to st Peter WOW!!! what a ride.
http://www.iglobo.co.uk
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Billy Wiz

#4
Brilliant, Thanks Roger. This is what I love to hear, different ideas to make life so much easier. I'm off to B&Q now.  :lol:  :lol: