Date: Tue, 28 Feb 2006 16:49:40 -0500
From: Kevin Pittman <klp-AT-moonshade.oit.gatech.edu>
To: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] Inflating and deflating puppet's stomach on stage -


I've not had to do this before, but my first thought would
be to get some pneumatic tubing and a two-way valve.  Securely 
attach the tubing to the balloon and the valve to the tubing.  
Your air source attaches to one side of the valve, and the 
other side is left open.

During the show, set the valve to the side that you have your
pump attached to and activate your pump to inflate the balloon.
When you're ready to deflate the balloon, move the valve switch
to the other side.  You would be able to adjust the rate of 
deflation by how far you open the valve up.

Where to get all this stuff?  Check your local hardware store,
such as a Home Depot or Lowes in the plumbing area.  Lots of
good vinyl tubing and plastic valves there that should be 
sufficient for such a project.

Kevin

On Tue, Feb 28, 2006 at 12:49:14PM -0800, Amy Feldman wrote:
> Hello All,
> 
>    Has anyone had any experience trying to inflate and
> deflate a puppet's body part on stage in real time?  I
> have a head made from latex (gee, I guess that
> explains it all) rather my puppet has a head of latex,
> arms of soft foam rubber and upper chest also of foam
> rubber. I wanted to attatch a ballon for the stomach
> and inflate and deflate it to show the yoyo trend of
> many dieters to gain and lose weight quickly. It is
> problematic if it is done multiple times as the ballon
> must be tied and popping it would make the air come
> out too fast. A beach ball does not deflate quicly
> enough and does not give the shape I wanted. I am
> realkly at a loss. Not of pounds, unfortunately but of
> ideas.  Any thoughts, Oh Puppeteer Heroes and Heroines
> of mine? I am in awe of all you people and have been
> an avid fan of this site for a few years. All the
> best.
> Amy Feldman  

----------------------------------------------------------------
Kevin Pittman    info-AT-forestpuppets.com    www.forestpuppets.com         
                     
Professional puppeteer and costume character performer
Specializing in fun, fairy tale style puppet shows, featuring
Personally designed, lovable and lifelike animal characters.
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