EXTERNALLY SWITCHABLE ILLUMINATED BALLOON INFLATOR

An illuminated inflator for inserting into the neck of a balloon includes a gas-tight flange having a periphery, a center, and upper and lower surfaces. A filler tube has upper and lower ends and extends through the flange, with the lower end of the filler tube extending below the lower surface the flange and the upper end of the filler tube extending above the upper surface of the flange. A one-way valve is in flow communication with the filler tube. A light assembly includes a power source and at least one light element electrically connected to the power source. The light assembly is operably mounted to the flange at the upper surface thereof. A switch is operably connected to the power source and the at least one light element for providing power to and isolating power from the at least one light element. The inflator is inserted into the balloon with the flange in the neck of the balloon defining a pressure region boundary. The bottom of the filler tube extends outside of the pressure region boundary for filling the balloon with a gas, such that the one-way valve prevents gas from escaping from the pressure region boundary through the filler tube. The switch is mounted to the inflator outside of the pressure region boundary to allow actuation/access to the switch without access to the pressure boundary and without contacting the balloon.