Balloon-tying invention really taking off

Wayne Sikorcin's experience as a moldmaker coupled with his frustration with tying water balloons for a family picnic sparked a new invention now hitting the market.

Sikorcin, who lives in Lisle, had a difficult time tying knots in the water balloons and thought there had to be a better way. He played with different ideas, including knitting needles and pencils as a way to make the task easier. His daughter suggested that he use a Tinker Toy.

Sikorcin, with the help of his wife, Laura, came up with an idea for a tool to help tie water balloons quickly and easily. They went through the lengthy patent process for the six-inch thin plastic tying device called Tie-Not.

As the owners of Craftsman Tool & Mold Co. in Aurora, the couple utilized local businesses to make the concept a reality. Tri-Par, a plastics company in Geneva, and Pelco Tool, a mold company in Glendale Heights, worked together to create the product. A Chicago company packages the invention.

"It's important to us that it's made in the United States," Laura said.

Two months ago, the product debuted at the New York Toy Fair where it produced "huge interest," said Laura Sikorcin, 41.

The balloon-tying device is now found in more than 1,000 stores, many of them on the East Coast.

Locally, they can be found at Casey's Foods, Naperville; American Balloon Co., Glen Ellyn; Hobby Town USA, St. Charles; and Galt Toys in Northbrook.

Laura said she is in talks with many other retailers to carry the item, which sells for about $5. Balloons and a nozzle that hooks to the hose are included.

The new product is gaining in popularity.

"It's a whirlwind right now. We have shipped out about 5,000 pieces in about two months," said Laura, a native of Arlington Heights.

The Sikorcins say shoppers tell them their children can easily use the product and they also like that it's made out of recycled materials.

The couple runs the new business from Craftsman Tool & Mold, founded in 1965 by Wayne's father, Tony, specializing in construction of large, complex, high-precision, custom mold bases for a variety of industries including aerospace and defense, appliance, automotive, lawn and garden, dental, telecommunications and sports. Wayne Sikorcin, 44, took over the 40-employee company about seven years ago.

For more information, check out tie-not.com.

Kim Mikus covers small business. She welcomes comments at kmikus@dailyherald.com.