Swimming Pool Water Toy

Abstract

A toy for receiving and shooting a constant stream of water is comprised of a tubular connection port or mounting means, and a hollow foam tube. The hollow foam tube is connected to a return line of a swimming pool circulation system via the tubular connection port, wherein a first end of the connection port is sized to connect to the return line and a second end of the connection port is sized to connect to the proximal end of the hollow foam tube, and wherein water flows from the return line, through the connection port and the channel of the hollow foam tube, and then out of the distal end of the tube when connected, to provide a constant flow of water shooting out of the toy.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to water squirting devices for use at play, and more specifically to a soft tubular foam water toy for securing to a return line of a swimming pool water circulation system and shooting water in an endless stream.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is commonly known that children enjoy a myriad of activities associated with water play that include the use of flotation devices, water toys, water pistols and guns, sprinklers and the like. One particular device that has recently become popular for use in pools and at beaches is an elongated “swimming noodle” such as that marketed and sold by JakksPacific under the FUNNOODLE® brand name. Such noodles typically have a hollow body made of flexible and resilient closed-cell polymer foam that is soft to the touch and provides sufficient buoyancy to support a user while swimming. Such floats can be used singularly or connected together to form a variety of useful water toys.

Water toys have been made which incorporate a squirting mechanism into these water noodles, in order to provide additional recreational features. One such toy is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,052,347 and 7,318,762 to Goldmeier, in which a bulb member with an opening is attached to one end of the noodle, so that water can be squirted out of the bulb. U.S. Pat. No. 6,027,393 to O'Rourke discloses an elongated water noodle that incorporates a suction inlet and a pumping mechanism, so that the pump can be squeezed to shoot water out of the end of the noodle. U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,281,642 and 7,571,837 to Orlowski disclose a water gun in which a movable piston is housed within a hollow noodle, such that movement of the piston can cause water to first be drawn into the noodle and then forced from the noodle in a powerful stream.

While such prior art water toys are useful for their intended purpose, having to continually supply water to the squirting mechanism can become tiresome. Further, many of these noodle toys have detachable parts that can dislocate from the body of the noodle when a user swings the toy about, which endangers others.

It is therefore an aspect of the present invention to provide an improved squirting toy that never runs out of water. It is a further aspect to provide a squirting toy that is buoyant and soft and safe to use. It is a further aspect to provide such a squirting toy that has a similar appearance to a “swimming noodle.”

Further aspects and advantages of the invention will be apparent upon review of the following description and drawings of the invention, including the preferred embodiment thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a toy for receiving and shooting a constant stream of water, and typically uses the water being pumped through the return line, or water inlet port or return jet, of a swimming pool circulation system.

A first aspect of the invention is a toy for shooting a constant stream of water, comprising: a tubular connection port for connecting to a return line of a swimming pool circulation system, the connection port including a first end and a second end, wherein the first end connects to the return line; and a hollow foam tube comprising a channel extending between a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end connects to the second end of the tubular connection port, the hollow foam tube further comprising a soft material that has buoyancy sufficient to keep the toy afloat in water.

Another aspect of the invention is a toy for shooting a constant stream of water, comprising a hollow foam tube including a channel extending between a proximal end and a distal end, the hollow foam tube connected to a return line of a swimming pool circulation system via a tubular mounting means, wherein a first end of the mounting means is sized to connect to the return line and a second end of the mounting means is sized to connect to the proximal end of the hollow foam tube, and wherein water flows from the return line, through the mounting means and the hollow foam tube, and then out of the distal end of the tube when connected, to provide a constant flow of water shooting out of the toy.

Another aspect of the invention is a kit for assembling a toy for shooting a constant stream of water, comprising: a plurality of hollow foam tubes, each hollow foam tube including a channel extending between a proximal end and a distal end, wherein each hollow foam tube is made of a soft material that has a buoyancy sufficient to keep the toy afloat in water; and a plurality of tubular connection ports for connecting to a return line of a swimming pool circulation system, each connection port including a first end for connecting to the return line, and a second end for connecting to the proximal end of one of the plurality of hollow foam tubes.

Yet another aspect of the invention is a method for shooting a constant stream of water, comprising the steps of providing a hollow foam tube including a channel extending between a proximal end and a distal end, connecting the hollow foam tube to a return line of a swimming pool circulation system via a tubular mounting means, wherein a first end of the mounting means is sized to connect to the return line and a second end of the mounting means is sized to connect to the proximal end of the hollow foam tube, and holding the distal end of the hollow foam tube to direct a constant flow of water shooting out of the toy.

The nature and advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated from the following drawings, detailed description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the toy of the invention having a short connection port and reinforcement lining in the channel of the hollow foam tube;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the toy of the invention having a long connection port prior to being connected to a pool return line;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a human hand inserting the connection port of the toy of FIG. 1 into the return line of a swimming pool;

FIG. 3B is the toy of FIG. 3A after insertion into the return line; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a kit according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Most swimming pools include a circulation system which includes a re-circulating filtering system. Such circulation systems typically include an intake drain, typically at the bottom of the swimming pool, through which water is directed or diverted to a filter. The filtered water is then redirected and returned to the pool through a return line (also known as a return inlet or return jet) that is usually positioned on an interior sidewall of the pool.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, one preferred embodiment of the toy 10 of the present invention comprises a tubular mounting means, preferably in the form of a hollow, tubular connection port 12, for connecting to and receiving a constant stream of water from a return line of a swimming pool circulation system. The connection port 12 includes a first end 14 which connects to the return line, and a second extended end 16 which extends into a proximal end 22 of a hollow foam tube, or noodle 20. The hollow foam tube 20 includes a channel 21 for receiving and shooting water therethrough which spans the full length of the tube 20 along its longitudinal axis. This channel 21 is bounded by cylindrical inner walls 23 which create an inner diameter 25 for the tube. The foam tube or noodle portion 20 also includes a distal end 24 from which the constant flow of water coming from the return line exits the channel 21 of the hollow foam tube to provide a constant stream of water shooting out of the toy.

Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 2, showing the toy 100 with a long tubular connection port or mounting means 112 having a first end 114 and a second end 116. The first end 114 of the mounting means 112 is connected to the return line 140 in the sidewall 142 of the swimming pool. The diameter of the first end 114 can be sized to match the appropriate size/diameter of the user's swimming pool return line 140. The second end 116 of the connection port connects and extends into the proximal end 122 of the hollow foam tube. When connected, a continuous stream of water flows from the return line 140 of the pool's circulation system, through the mounting means 112 and the channel 121 of the hollow foam tube 120, and then out of the distal end 124 of the hollow foam tube. The hollow foam tube 120 is typically non-absorbing, soft and buoyant, and can stay afloat indefinitely. While the proximal end 122 of the hollow foam tube will necessarily be submerged in water when secured to the connection port, which is secured to the return line (which is beneath the water), the distal end 122 of the hollow foam tube will be un-tethered, and thus will rest on top of the water surface when not being handled by a user, due to the buoyant properties of the foam tube.

The tubular connection port of the invention is hollow and is typically manufactured to match the size of a standard swimming pool return line. There are typically four (4) standard sizes for swimming pool return lines, 1 inch, 0.75 inches, 0.5 inches and 0.375 inches in diameter, the most popular being the 0.75 inch return line. In one embodiment, shown in FIGS. 1 and 3A-B, the first end 14 of the connection port 12 is made of a resilient, flexible and soft material that is able to be initially squeezed and inserted within the end of the return line 140, and then released to create a tight seal with the return line. There is an indentation just above a triangular-shaped ring within the first end which serves to secure the port in place when connected to the return jet of the swimming pool. FIG. 3A shows the first end 14 of the connection port 12 being squeezed and inserted into the return line 140 by a human hand 150, and FIG. 3B shows the foam noodle 20 attached to the swimming pool sidewall 142 via the connection between the connection port 12 and the return line 140, after insertion. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the first end 114 of the port can be made of a harder material that includes an externally threaded collar 115 which couples with the internal threading of the return line 140. Either way, it is intended for the first end of the connection port to create a tight seal with the return line so that the constant stream of water coming through the return line also passes directly through the connection port, and from there through the channel of the hollow foam tube and out the distal end of the tube.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, typically the second end (16, 116) of the tubular connection port is substantially surrounded or covered by the hollow foam tube (20, 120), the foam tube providing both a soft protective surface and buoyancy. The second end (16, 116) of the connection port preferably fits together to create a secure fit with the inner walls (23, 123) of the hollow foam tube, so that the foam tube does not slide off of the connection port when in use. This ensures that the constant stream of water coming through the connection port passes directly through the hollow foam tube (20, 120). The second end (16, 116) of the port can be manufactured from a material that is resilient, flexible and soft enough to be squeezed, inserted and then released to create a secure fit within the channel of the noodle, or it can be a harder material that includes serrations or an externally threaded collar which couples with internal threading present within the channel of the noodle. In another embodiment, the second end (16, 116) of the connection port can be permanently coupled or joined to the inner walls (23, 123) of the hollow foam tube by gluing, heat sealing, or other means known in the art, such as the use of a securing shaft with a series of radially extending flared ridges, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,052,347 and 7,318,762 to Goldmeier, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 1, the length of the second end 16 of the connection port is much shorter than the length of the hollow foam tube 20 when the two are connected to one another, to allow freedom of movement of the distal end 24 of the hollow foam tube for holding and shooting water by a user. In such an embodiment, the distal end 24 of the hollow foam tube is “floppy,” and the length of the second end 16 of the connection port is typically between about 1 inch to about 6 inches, but can be up to one-half of the length of the noodle. In one embodiment, also shown in FIG. 1, the channel 21 of the hollow foam tube can include reinforcement lining 26 about the inner diameter 25 for providing strength to the inner walls 23 of the hollow tube 20. The reinforcement lining 26 illustrated in FIG. 1 can be made of reinforcing fibers arranged in right-handed and opposing left-handed parallel spiraling lines along its length, forming a cross-hatched pattern about the longitudinal axis of the inner walls 23 of the noodle, or by other means known in the art. This can allow for radial stretching of the inner diameter 25 of the noodle, so that the water pressure generated within the noodle does not cause the noodle material to tear or split. Materials for the reinforcement lining can be a woven or braided polymeric material such as polypropylene, polyester, nylon, urethane, Teflon, etc. This embodiment, having reinforcement lining, is typically used when the length of the connection port 12 is much shorter than the length of the hollow foam tube 20 (see paragraph immediately above), such that the lining reinforces the floppy distal end 24 of the noodle and gives the noodle added strength to prevent it from tearing or splitting.

In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 2, the second end 116 of the connection port has a length that is only slightly less than the total length of the hollow foam tube 120, such that the second end 116 of the connection port extends substantially all the way through the channel 121 to the distal end 124 of the hollow foam tube, but does not extend completely through the tube. The long connection port 112 provides the noodle channel 121 with a strong lining to prevent it from splitting; however, the distal end 124 of the noodle may have a more limited freedom of movement and thus not be as floppy as is in other embodiments, discussed above. In this embodiment, reinforcement netting is not needed to protect the inner walls 123 of the noodle, since the connection port 112 is typically made of materials strong and resilient enough to prevent tearing, splitting or other damage to the noodle caused by the force of the constant stream of water.

The hollow foam tubes or “noodles” used with the present invention are typically long, cylindrical and flexible, but still stiff enough that they aren't flimsy or fragile, such that they do not spontaneously fold over or kink when held upright. Typically, each tube measures between about 18 inches to about 60 inches in length, between about 1.0 inch to about 4.0 inches in outer diameter, and between about 0.25 inches to about 1.0 inches in inner diameter. Modern low density plastic closed-cell foam materials are intended for use with the hollow foam tubes of the present invention. The preferred material is extruded polyethylene closed-cell foam, which may be molded in a variety of colors. The preferred material is buoyant enough that a cylindrical form 2.75 inches in diameter and five feet in length can buoyantly support a grown adult in the water. Other closed-cell foam materials may be substituted for polyethylene foam, such as polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, poly methyl chloride, styrene, cellulose, and expanded polystyrene or expanded polyethylene.

For best results during use, the inner diameter of the noodle is preferably less than (or at most, equal to) the diameter of the return line, so that the velocity of the constant stream of water exiting the noodle is at least as large as the velocity of water exiting the return line. According to the laws of fluid dynamics, assuming a constant volumetric flow rate of water through the return line, a decrease in the diameter from the return line to the hollow tube will create an increase in velocity. Thus, the water toy of the invention can shoot water with a velocity that is at least equal to, if not greater than, the velocity of the water at the return line. In contrast, making the inner diameter of the noodle greater than the diameter of the return line will cause the noodle to expel water with less velocity. That is, if the noodle's inner diameter is too large compared to the diameter of the return line, then the water will lose velocity as it passes through the noodle, and the stream of water will just dribble out the end of the noodle, which can be much less fun for the user.

FIG. 4 illustrates a kit 200 for assembling a toy for receiving and shooting water. It can include a plurality of hollow foam tubes 202 for receiving and shooting water therethrough, and a plurality of tubular connection ports 204 for connecting to a return line of a swimming pool circulation system. For example, a first hollow foam tube 206 which has been in use in the pool with one of a plurality of connection ports 204, can be replaced with other foam tubes of different lengths (such as foam tube 208), colors and shapes (such as a gun style noodle 210 or a fish-shaped noodle 212). Also, for example, connection port 214 can have an elongated second end 215 as compared to port 216, and the kit 200 can also include a connection port 218 which is designed to fit increasing diameter sizes of return lines, and thus has multiple first ends 219a-219c which are removably attachable to one another. This provides the convenience of being able to fit three of the four standard sizes for swimming pool return lines with a single connector, i.e. 1.0 inch (219a), 0.75 inches (219b), and 0.5 inches (219c). Finally, the kit 200 includes connection port 220 which has a first end that fits a return line that is 0.375 inches in diameter. It can be appreciated from viewing FIG. 4 that the channel diameters of the gun 210 and the fish 212 noodle are sized to fit the diameters of connectors 218 (note the small diameter of the second end of 219c) and 220, while noodles 206 and 208 fit connectors 214 and 216. Thus, the kit provides a variety of noodles and connectors to choose from.

While the present invention has been illustrated in considerable detail by the description of embodiments thereof, it is not intended to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A toy for shooting a constant stream of water, comprising:

a) a tubular connection port for connecting to a return line of a swimming pool circulation system, the connection port including a first end and a second end, wherein the first end connects to the return line; and

b) a hollow foam tube comprising a channel extending between a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end connects to the second end of the tubular connection port, the hollow foam tube further comprising a soft material that has buoyancy sufficient to keep the toy afloat in water.

2. The toy of claim 1, wherein the soft material of the hollow foam tube is closed-cell polymer foam.

3. The toy of claim 1, wherein the length of the second end of the connection port is much shorter than the length of the hollow foam tube, such that it proceeds only partially into the channel of the hollow foam tube when connected thereto.

4. The toy of claim 3, wherein the length of the second end of the connection port is between about 1 inch to about 6 inches.

5. The toy of claim 1, wherein the channel of the hollow foam tube includes a reinforcement lining for providing strength to the inner walls of the tube.

6. The toy of claim 1, wherein the length of the second end the connection port is only slightly less than the length of the hollow foam tube, such that the second end of the connection port extends substantially all the way through the channel of the hollow foam tube to the distal end of the tube.

7. The toy of claim 1, wherein the hollow foam tube measures between about 18 inches to about 60 inches in length, between about 1.0 inch to about 4.0 inches in outer diameter, and between about 0.25 inches to about 1.0 inches in inner diameter.

8. A toy for shooting a constant stream of water, comprising a hollow foam tube including a channel extending between a proximal end and a distal end, the hollow foam tube connected to a return line of a swimming pool circulation system via a tubular mounting means, wherein a first end of the mounting means is sized to connect to the return line and a second end of the mounting means is sized to connect to the proximal end of the hollow foam tube, and wherein water flows from the return line, through the mounting means and the hollow foam tube, and then out of the distal end of the tube when connected, to provide a constant flow of water shooting out of the toy.

9. The toy of claim 8, wherein the hollow foam tube comprises a soft material that has buoyancy sufficient to keep the toy afloat in water.

10. The toy of claim 9, wherein the soft material of the hollow foam tube is closed-cell polymer foam.

11. The toy of claim 8, wherein the length of the second end of the tubular mounting means is much shorter than the length of the hollow foam tube, such that it proceeds only partially into the channel of the hollow foam tube when connected thereto.

12. The toy of claim 11, wherein the length of the second end of the tubular mounting means is between about 1 inch to about 6 inches.

13. The toy of claim 11, wherein the channel of the hollow foam tube includes a reinforcement lining for providing strength to the inner walls of the tube.

14. The toy of claim 8, wherein the tubular mounting means has a length that is only slightly less than the length of the hollow foam tube, such that the second end of the tubular mounting means extends substantially all the way through the channel of the hollow foam tube to the distal end of the tube.

15. The toy of claim 8, wherein the hollow foam tube measures between about 18 inches to about 60 inches in length, between about 1.0 inch to about 4.0 inches in outer diameter, and between about 0.25 inches to about 1.0 inches in inner diameter.

16. A kit for assembling a toy for shooting a constant stream of water, comprising:

a) a plurality of hollow foam tubes, each hollow foam tube including a channel extending between a proximal end and a distal end, wherein each hollow foam tube is made of a soft material that has a buoyancy sufficient to keep the toy afloat in water; and

b) a plurality of tubular connection ports for connecting to a return line of a swimming pool circulation system, each connection port including a first end for connecting to the return line, and a second end for connecting to the proximal end of one of the plurality of hollow foam tubes.

17. The toy of claim 16, wherein the length of the second end of at least one of the plurality of connection ports is much shorter than the length of at least one of the hollow foam tubes, such that it proceeds only partially into the channel of the hollow foam tube when connected thereto.

18. The toy of claim 17, wherein the length of the second end of the connection port is between about 1 inch to about 6 inches.

19. The toy of claim 17, wherein the channel of at least one of the plurality of hollow foam tubes includes a reinforcement lining for providing strength to the inner walls of the tube.

20. The toy of claim 16, wherein at least one of the plurality of connection ports has a length that is only slightly less than the length of at least one of the hollow tubes, such that the second end of the connection port extends substantially all the way through the channel of the hollow foam tube to the distal end of the tube.