Recreational floating device having underwater projectile dispensing feature

Abstract

The present invention is a recreational floating device or use by a person in water such as a swimming pool. The floating device comprises a body portion adapted to float on the water. The body portion comprising a top portion, a bottom portion, and first and second side portions. The body portion further comprises a first launching portion adapted to retain and release a first self-propelled projectile. The first projectile comprises a first propulsion unit. The first projectile is engaged with the first launching portion from a first position where the first projectile is substantially retained by the first launching portion to a second position where the first projectile may be released from the first launching portion upon activation of the first propulsion unit in the water.

Description

[0001] This Application claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/799,398 filed on Mar. 5, 2001, now pending.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to recreational devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to a recreational devices for use by a person in a water environment such as a swimming pool.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Many recreational articles have been developed to provide amusement and fun for people who enjoy water activities. Well known recreational articles include surfboards, inner tubes, and kickboards. U.S. Pat. No. 4,932,912 discloses a kickboard having a manually operated toy gun for directing a stream of water toward a desired target.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] One object of the present invention was to develop a recreational device for use by a person in the water that was fun and easily operated by a child or an adult, and safe.

[0005] The present invention is a recreational floating device or use by a person in water such as a swimming pool. The floating device is generally adapted to allow the person to float on the water and actuate a trigger to launch a self-propelled toy projectile thru the water. By way of example only, the floating device may be used to allow the person to launch a projectile thru the water to hit or make contact with a target disposed parallel to or upon the bottom surface of a swimming pool. In one embodiment, the floating device comprises a body portion adapted to float on the water. The body portion comprising a top portion, a bottom portion, and first and second side portions. The body portion further comprises a first launching portion adapted to retain and release a first self-propelled projectile. The first projectile comprises a first propulsion unit. The first projectile is engaged with the first launching portion from a first position where the first projectile is substantially retained by the first launching portion to a second position where the first projectile may be released from the first launching portion upon activation of the first propulsion unit in the water.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The following detailed description of the invention will be more fully understood with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0007] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0008] FIG. 2 is cross sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

[0009] FIG. 3 is cross sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

[0010] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] FIG. 5 is a cross-section view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

[0012] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] FIGS. 7 and 8 are cross sectional views taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6;

[0014] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention showing the projectile member retained within the cavity portion;

[0015] FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of the fourth embodiment of the present invention showing the projectile member retained within the cavity portion;

[0016] FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the fourth embodiment of the present invention showing the projected dispensed from the cavity portion;

[0017] FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of the fourth embodiment of the present invention showing the projectile dispensed from the cavity portion;

[0018] FIG. 13 is a top plan view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 13;

[0020] FIG. 15 is a top plan view of a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 15;

[0022] FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view taken along line 17-17 of FIG. 15;

[0023] FIG. 18 is a top plan view of a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 19 is a bottom plan view of the seventh embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 20 is a side elevation view of the seventh embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 21 is a front elevation view of the seventh embodiment of the present invention; and

[0027] FIG. 22 is a block diagram of the first and second propulsion units of the first and second projectiles, respectively, of the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Referring to FIGS. 1-2, where a first embodiment of the recreational floating device 10 is shown for use by a person 12 in a body of water 14 such as a pool 13 having a bottom surface 15. The device 10 is generally adapted to allow the person 12 to float on the water 14 and to actuate a trigger or lever to dispense, launch and/or drop a projectile thru the water 14. By way of example only, the device 10 may be used to allow the person 12 to dispense a projectile thru the water 14 to hit or make contact with a target 17 disposed upon the bottom surface 15 of the pool 13.

[0029] The device 10 generally comprises a board member 16 adapted to allow the person 12 to float on the water 14. In the embodiment shown, the board member 16 comprises an upper surface 18 and a bottom surface 20, and first and side portions 22 and 24. The bottom surface 20 is in contact with the water 14. Depending upon the weight of the person 12 and/or the buoyancy of the board member 16, the water line 19 may extend anywhere from half-way to just below the upper surface 18 of the board member 16. The board member 16 may be designed and manufactured with variety of materials, sizes, and configuration to allow different persons 12 using the device 10 to float on the water 14. By way of example only, the board member 16 may be made from compressed foam or a hollow plastic material fabricated by injection and/or blow molding processes.

[0030] The device 10 further comprises a projectile retention member 28 engaged with the board member 16. The projectile retention member 28 is generally adapted to retain a projectile member 26 (to be described) until the person 12 actuates a projectile trigger member 44 (to be described) to dispense, launch and/or otherwise drop the projectile member 26. The projectile retention member 28 may take a variety of different forms and designs. In the embodiment shown, the projectile retention member 28 comprises a fastener such as strip and/or a layer of velcro 29 engaged with the board member 16 and located between the upper and bottom surfaces 18 and 20 of the board member 16. The velcro fastener 29 is adapted to be removably engaged with the projectile member 26 by activation of the projectile trigger member 44. The projectile retention member 28 may further comprise a cavity portion 30 having a closed end portion 32 and an open end portion 36 directed at the water. The cavity portion 30 may be positioned and designed in a variety of different ways and may be formed as part of the molding process.

[0031] The projectile member 26 is adapted to be retained by the projectile retention member 28 until after actuation of the projectile trigger member 44. The projectile member 26 may be designed in a variety of different shapes and forms. In the embodiment shown, the projectile member 26 is in the shape of a ball 27. The ball 27 comprises an outer fastening layer of velcro 31 and adapted to releaseably engage with the velcro fastener 29 of the projectile retention member 28. The ball 27 may comprise one or more weights 33 within a molded cavity 35 to control the buoyancy of the projectile member 26 so that it will drop smoothly thru the water 14 to the target 17 at the bottom surface 15 of the pool 13. By way of further example only, the projectile member 26 may take the form and design of the elongated projectiles disclosed and described by U.S. Pat. No. 5,514,023 which are designed to have a projectile buoyancy within plus or minus ten percent (10%) of the water to allow the projectile to move in a substantially straight line parallel with the bottom surface of the pool. In other embodiments, the projectile member 26 may be designed with a positive buoyancy so that after dispensing the projectile member 26 would float to the top of the water.

[0032] The projectile trigger member 44 is generally engageable with the projectile retention member 28 and operable by the person 12 to dispense, drop, and/or launch the projectile member 26 thru the water 12. The projectile trigger member 44 is operable by the person 12 from a first or closed position 56 where the projectile member 26 is retained by the projectile retention member 28 to a second or open (released) position 58 where the projectile member 26 is dispensed from the projectile retention member 28 thru the water 14. The projectile trigger member 44 may be designed in a variety of different shapes and forms and located in various areas of the board member 16. For example, the projectile trigger member 44 may be positioned near the handles 25 of the board member 16 to allow easy access by the person 12 while the person 12 is holding on to the board member 16. In the embodiment shown, the projectile trigger member 44 comprises a lever member 50 having a handle portion 52 and an engagement portion 54. The lever member 50 is operable by the person from the first position 56 where the projectile member 26 is retained by the projectile retention member 28 to the second or open (released) position 58 where the projectile member 26 is dispensed from the projectile retention member 26 thru the water 12 and the engagement portion 54 extends thru an opening or thru-hole 55 extending from the upper surface 18 of the board member 16 to the closed end portion 32 of the cavity portion 30. In the embodiment shown, the handle portion 52 is disposed above the upper surface 18 of the board member 16. In other embodiments, the handle portion 52 may be disposed between the upper and bottom surfaces 18 and 20 of the board member 16 or as in the embodiment of FIGS. 9-12 (to be described), disposed along the side surfaces 22 and 24 of the board member 16. The lever member 14 may be made from a variety of different materials and formed by a variety of different processes. In the embodiment shown, the lever member 44 may be made from plastic by conventional molding processes.

[0033] The device 10 may further comprise a projectile viewing member 60 adapted to allow the person 12 to view dispensing of the projectile member 26 thru the water 12. In the embodiment shown, the projectile viewing member 60 generally comprises an opening 62 extending from the upper surface 18 to the bottom surface 20 of the board member 16.

[0034] The projectile viewing member 60 may further comprise a transparent viewing member 64 disposed within the opening 62. The transparent viewing member 64 may comprise a first portion 66 and a second portion 68. The transparent viewing member 64 may be designed in a variety of ways and made from variety of materials. By way of example only, the transparent viewing member 64 may be made from thin plastic that simply allows the person 12 to see thru the viewing member 64. In other embodiments, the first portion 66 and/or the second portion 68 of the transparent viewing member 64 may be angled to provide downward and/or forward viewing areas. In other embodiments, the transparent viewing member 64 and/or first portion 66 and/or the second portion 68 may comprise a lense to enhance the viewing areas. The transparent viewing member 64 may further comprise a sight member or film (not shown) to be used for alignment by the person 12.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, where in another embodiment of the device 10, the projectile retention member 28 comprises the cavity portion 30 and a closure member 39. The closure member 39 may comprise first and second flaps or doors 41 and 43 that rotate outward as a force is applied to the projectile member 26 by actuation of the projectile trigger member 44. The flaps 41 and 43 may be connected by conventional means such as hinges formed as part of and/or connected to the board member 18 and/or flaps 41 and 43. In the embodiment shown, the projectile member 26 is retained within the projectile retention member 28 until actuation of the projectile trigger member 44.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, where another embodiment of the device 10. In this embodiment, the cavity portion 30 is disposed below the bottom surface 20 of the board member 16 and the open end portion 36 is directed forward of the board member 16. In this embodiment, the projectile retention member 28 may further comprise a spring member 38 having a first portion 40 engaged with the closed end portion 32 and a second portion 42 engageable with the projectile member 26. The lever member 50 is moveable from the first or closed position 56 where the engagement portion 54 extends into the median portion 34 of the cavity portion 30 to retain the projectile member 26 which is being forward biased by the spring member 38 against the engagement portion 54 to a second position 58 wherein the engagement portion 54 is withdrawn from the cavity portion 30 and the projectile retention member 28 is dispensed outward by the force of the spring member 38.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 9-12, where another embodiment of the device 10. In this embodiment, the cavity portion 30 is disposed between the upper and bottom surfaces 18 and 20 of the board member 16 or internal of the board member 16. Similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, the lever member 50 is moveable from a first or closed position 56 where the engagement portion 54 extends into the median portion 34 of the cavity portion 30 to retain the projectile member 26 which is being forward biased by the spring member 38 against the engagement portion 54 to a second position 58 wherein the engagement portion 54 is withdrawn from the cavity portion 30 and the projectile retention member 28 is dispensed outward by the force of the spring member 38. In this embodiment, one of the cavity portions 30 is off-set from the centerline of the board member 16 and the open end portion 36 of the cavity portion 30 would direct dispensing of the projectile member 26 to the side and forward of the board member 16. The lever member 50 may be disposed with a channel or cavity portion 59.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, where in another embodiment of the present invention, the projectile trigger member 44 may utilize a compressed air tank system 61.

[0039] In the embodiment shown, the compressed air system 61 generally comprises compressed air tank 63, an off/on button 65, an air line 69 connected to an air channel or line 67.

[0040] Actuation of the button 65 causes compressed air to flow through the air channel 67 and to force the projectile member 26 out of the cavity portion 30 thru the flaps 41 and 43. The air line or channel 67 may comprise one or more conventional pliable air lines passing thru one or more channels formed as part of the board member 16.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 15, 16, and 17, where in another embodiment of the present invention, the projectile trigger member 44 comprises a lever member 80 having a hand grip 82, an engagement portion 84, a bearing portion 86, and an end portion 87. The bearing portion 86 rides or is moveable within a cavity or channel portion 90 disposed within and exposed from the side portions 22 and 24 of the board member 16. The channel portion has a first end 92 and a second end portion 94. The projectile trigger member 44 further comprises an elastic band 96 connected to the end portion 87 of the lever member 80 and to the first end of the channel 90. The lever member 80 is moveable within the channel 90 from a first position 98 where the elastic member is stretched or biased to a second position 100 where the lever member 80 is released by the person 12 and the force from the elastic member 96 causes the engagement portion 84 to dispense the projectile member 26 from the cavity portion 30 thru the open end portion 36.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 18-21, wherein a floating device or kick board 110 is shown generally comprising a body portion 112 adapted to float on the water. The body portion 112 comprises a top portion 114, a bottom portion 116, and first and second side portions 118 and 120. The body portion 112 further comprises a first launching portion 122 and a second launching portion 132 generally adapted to receive and release the first and second self-propelled projectiles 146 and 158 (to be described). The first launching portion 122 comprises a concave shaped cavity portion 124 and a spiral shaped cover portion 126. The cover portion 126 is connected by a hinge member 128 to the cavity portion 124. The cover portion 126 may be opened by person to insert or load the first projectile 146 into the first launching portion 122 and closed by the person to retain the first projectile 146 within the first launching portion 122. Similarly, the second launching portion 132 comprises a concave shaped cavity portion 134 and a spiral shaped cover portion 136. The cover portion 136 is connected by a hinge member 138 to the cavity portion 134. The cover portion 136 may be opened by person to insert or load the second projectile 158 into the second launching portion 132 and closed by the person to retain the second projectile 158 within the second launching portion 132. The first and second launching portions 122 and 132 are positioned at the first and second side portions 118 and 120 of the body portion 112, respectively. The first and second launching portions 122 and 132 further comprise stop members 130 and 140, respectively, removably positioned within the cavity portions 124 and 134, respectively. The stop member 130 may be moved inward and outward of the cavity portion 124 to restrain and release the first projectile 146 from the first launching portion 122. Similarly, the stop member 140 may be moved inward and outward of the cavity portion 134 to restrain and release the second projectile 158 from the second launching portion 132. Movement of the stop members 130 and 140 may be caused by activation or depression of a first firing button 142 and a second firing button 144, respectively. In a first or loaded position, the stop members 130 and 140 prevent the first and second projectiles 146 and 158, respectively, from moving outward from the first and second launching portion 122 and 132, respectively. Activation or depression of the first firing button 142 causes the first projectile 146 to be in a second or fired position wherein the stop member 130 does not extend inward of the cavity portion 124 and does not prevent the first projectile 146 from moving outward from the first launching portion 122. Similarly, activation of the second firing button 144 causes the second projectile 158 to be in a second or fired position wherein the stop member 140 does not extend inward of the cavity portion 134 and does not prevent the second projectile 158 from moving outward from the second launching portion 132. The first and second firing buttons 142 and 144 are positioned on the top portion 114 of the body portion 112 and readily accessible to activation by the free hand of the person.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 22, the first projectile 146 comprises a first propulsion unit 148. The first projectile 146 is engaged with the first launching portion 122 from a first position or state where the first projectile 146 is substantially retained by or within the first launching portion 122 to a second position or state where the first projectile 146 may be released from the first launching portion 122 (by activation of the first firing button 142) upon activation of the first propulsion unit 148 in the water. The second projectile 158 comprises a second propulsion unit 160. The second projectile 158 is engaged with the second launching portion 132 from a first position or state where the second projectile 158 is substantially retained by the second launching portion 132 to a second position or state where the second projectile 158 may be released from the second launching portion 132 (by activation of the second firing button 144) upon activation of the second propulsion unit 160 in the water. The first and second projectiles 146 and 158 are self-propelled and similar in design to the self-propelled projectile shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,093,076 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into this specification.

[0044] The first propulsion unit 148 comprises a first battery 150, a first motor 152 connected to the first battery 150, a first propeller 154 engaged by a first shaft 155 to the first motor 152, and a first switch 156 operable from a first position where the first propulsion unit 148 is off or inactive to a second position where the first propulsion unit 148 is on or activated. Similarly, the second propulsion unit 160 comprises a second battery 162, a second motor 164 connected to the second battery 162, a second propeller 166 engaged by a second shaft 167 to the second motor 164, and a second switch 168 operable from a first position where the second propulsion unit 160 is off or inactive to a second position where the second propulsion unit 160 is on or activated.

[0045] In operation, the person may lie on the top portion 114 of the body portion 112 and load the first and second projectiles 146 and 158 into the first and second launching portions 122 and 132 by opening the cover portions 126 and 136 and inserting the first and second projectiles 146 and 158 therein. The cover portions 126 and 136 may be closed wherein the stop members 130 and 140 extend inward of the cavity portions 124 and 134, respectively, to retain the first and second projectiles 146 and 158 within the first and second launching portions 122 and 132, respectively. The person may turn on or activate one or both of the first and second propulsion units 148 and 160 of the first and second projectiles 146 and 158, respectively, by manual activation or depression of the first and second switches 156 and 168, respectively. The person may launch one or both of the first and second projectiles 146 and 158 by manual activation or depression of the first and second firing buttons 142 and 144, respectively, which allows the first and second projectiles 146 and 158 to move or launch outward from the first and second launching portions 122 and 132.

[0046] The floating device 110 may designed in a variety of different ways. By way of example only, activation or depression of the first and second firing buttons 142 and 144 may also cause activation of the first and second propulsion units 148 and 160, respectively, thereby eliminating the need for manual activation or depression of the first and second switches 156 and 168. Further, the first propulsion unit 148 may further comprises a third propeller (not shown) and the second propulsion unit 160 may further comprise a fourth propeller (not shown). The third propeller (not shown) of the first propulsion unit 148 is connected to the first motor 152 of the first propulsion unit 148. The fourth propeller (not shown) of the second propulsion unit 160 is connected to the second motor 164 of the second propulsion unit 160. The use of two (2) propellers on each shaft may tend to achieve enhanced directional control and/or power. Alternatively, the first propulsion unit 148 may further comprise a third shaft (not shown) and a third motor (not shown) and the second propulsion unit 160 may comprise a fourth shaft (not shown) and a fourth motor (not shown). The first propeller 154 and the third propeller (not shown) of the first propulsion unit 148 are connected and driven by the first motor 152 and the third motor (not shown), respectively. Similarly, the second propeller 166 and the fourth propeller (not shown) of the second propulsion unit 160 are connected and driven by the second motor 164 and the fourth motor (not shown), respectively. A single or multiple battery sources may be used.

[0047] In the embodiment shown, the first and second propulsion units 148 and 160 use a propeller to cause movement of the projectile. Alternatively, the first and second propulsion units 148 and 160 may each comprise a compressed air system (not shown) to dispense the first and second projectiles 146 and 158, respectively. The first and second propulsion units 148 and 160 may each comprise a pressurized water system to dispense the first and second projectiles 146 and 158, respectively. The first and second propulsion units 148 and 160 may comprise one or more springs or elastic bands engaged with the first and second launching portions 122 and 132, respectively, adapted to dispense the first and second projectiles 48 and 62, respectively.

[0048] The foregoing description is intended primarily for purposes of illustration. This invention may be embodied in other forms or carried out in other ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Modifications and variations still falling within the spirit or the scope of the invention will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art.

Claims

1. A recreational floating device for use by a person in water comprising:

(a) a board member adapted to float on the water, said board member having an upper surface and a bottom surface, said bottom surface being in contact with the water;

(b) a projectile retention member engaged with said bottom surface of said board member;

(c) a projectile member retained by said projectile retention member; and

(d) a projectile trigger member engageable with said projectile retention member and operable by the person from a first position where said projectile member is retained by said projectile retention member to a second position where said projectile member is dispensed from said projectile retention member to the water.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said projectile retention member comprises a cavity portion adapted to retain said projectile member.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein said projectile trigger member comprises a lever member operable by the person from a first position where said projectile is retained by said projectile retention member to a second position where said projected is dispensed from said projectile retention member to the water.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein said lever member is disposed above the upper surface of said board member.

5. The device of claim 5, wherein said board member is elongated.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein said board member is molded from plastic.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein said projectile member is in the form of a rounded ball.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein said projectile member has a buoyancy less than the water.

9. The device of claim 8, further comprising a projectile viewing member adapted to allow the person to view dispensing of said projectile through the water.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein said projectile viewing member comprises an opening extending from said upper surface to said bottom surface of said board member.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein said projectile viewing member further comprises a transparent viewing member disposed within said opening.

12. A kick board for use by a person in water comprising:

(a) a body portion adapted to float on the water; said body portion comprising a top portion, a bottom portion, and first and second side portions; said body portion further comprises a first launching portion; and

(b) a first projectile comprising a first propulsion unit; said first projectile being engaged with said first launching portion from a first position where said first projectile is substantially retained by said first launching portion to a second position where said first projectile may be released from said first launching portion upon activation of said first propulsion unit in the water.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein said body portion further comprises a second launching portion.

14. The device of claim 13, further comprising a second projectile comprising a second propulsion unit; said second projectile being engaged with said second launching portion from a first position where said second projectile is substantially retained by said second launching portion to a second position where said second projectile may be released from said second launching portion upon activation of said second propulsion unit in the water.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein each of said first and second projectiles are self-propelled.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein said first propulsion unit comprises a first battery, a first motor connected to said first battery, a first propeller engaged with said first motor, and a first switch operable from a first position where said first propulsion unit is inactive to a second position where said first propulsion unit is activated.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein said second propulsion unit comprises a second battery, a second motor connected to said second battery, a second propeller engaged with said second motor, and a second switch operable from a first position where said second propulsion unit is inactive to a second position where said second propulsion unit is activated.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein said body portion further comprises a first firing button; activation of said first firing button causes said first projectile to be in said second position of said first launching portion.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein said body portion further comprises a second firing button; activation of said second firing button causes said second projectile to be in said second position of said second launching portion.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein said activation of said first and second firing buttons causes activation of said first and second propulsion units, respectively.

21. The device of claim 20, wherein said first and second firing buttons are positioned on said top portion of said body portion.

22. The device of claim 21, wherein said first and second launching portions each comprise a cover that may be opened by person to insert said first and second projectiles into said first and second launching portions, respectively.

23. The device of claim 22 wherein said first and second launching portions are positioned below said bottom portion and adjacent said first and second side portions of said body portion, respectively.

24. The device of claim 23, wherein said first propulsion unit further comprises a third propeller and said second propulsion unit comprises a fourth propeller.

25. The device of claim 24, wherein said third propeller of said first propulsion unit is connected to said first motor of said first propulsion unit and said fourth propeller of said second propulsion unit is connected to said second motor of said second propulsion unit.

26. The device of claim 18, wherein said first and second propulsion units each comprise compressed air to dispense said first and second projectiles, respectively.

27. The device of claim 18, wherein said first and second propulsion units each comprise pressurized water to dispense said first and second projectiles, respectively.

28. The device of claim 18, wherein said first and second propulsion units each comprise a spring engaged with first and second launching portions to dispense said first and second projectiles, respectively.