AQUATIC TOY AND ENVIRONMENT THEREFORE
A submersible toy figurine and playset therefore with play attractions operable by the underwater figurine within the environs of the playset.
This application claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part of Chinese Patent Application No. 201420230734.4 filed on May 7, 2014 in the State Intellectual Property Office, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/842,604 filed on Jul. 3, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/938,962 filed on Feb. 12, 2014, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties and are all commonly owned.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENTNot Applicable.
REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIXNot Applicable.
RESERVATION OF RIGHTSA portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to intellectual property rights such as but not limited to copyright, trademark, and/or trade dress protection. The owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records but otherwise reserves all rights whatsoever.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Field of the InventionThe present invention relates to the field of toys. In particular, the present invention relates specifically to an aquatic toy and environment therefore.
Embodiments of liquid-filled game devices are disclosed, which may include a tank charged with a liquid, a base for supporting the tank, and a user-actuated pump system for generating liquid currents within the tank. A plurality of semi-buoyant play pieces may be dispersed within the tank, each having protuberances extending outwardly from a body portion, wherein the protuberances may be adapted to impart motion to a play piece upon engaging a liquid current. The tank may further contain ornamental structures with moveable portions, which may be responsive to liquid currents, and may be configured to physically engage the play pieces. Optionally, ornamental structures may be coupled to a user-actuated mechanical system.
Examples of liquid-filled toys operable to move semi-buoyant objects inside a liquid filled volume are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 806,255; 2,100,898; 4,032,141; 4,136,872; 4,142,715; 4,223,471; 4,362,299; 4,363,483; 4,382,597; 4,508,336; 4,923,429; 4,990,118; 5,017,171; 5,098,111; 5,426,878; 5,924,691; 5,951,009; 6,068,262; Des. 250,357; Des. 259,268; Des. 263,606; Des. 300,753; Des. 329,064; Des. 329,471; Des. 329,667; the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.
Examples of swimming toys operable to move inside a liquid filled volume are disclosed in Chinese Patent 2011 20467425.5, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
The present invention includes a playset containing a tank for a swimming toy. The playset is highly interactive with the child and responds to the child's play with action, sound and/or light features, enhancing the entertainment value to the child.
In one embodiment of the present invention, a toy playset includes a water play area enclosing or circumscribing a liquid-filled tank with a first play piece within the liquid-filled tank, a sensor within the water play area providing a first feedback to the user when the first play piece is adjacent the sensor.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a toy playset includes a second play piece and a sensor providing a second feedback to the user when the second play piece is adjacent to the sensor.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a toy playset includes a first play piece within liquid-filled first section, a liquid-filled second section, and a liquid-filled corrider connecting the first and second section thereby providing a means for allowing the movement of the play piece from the first liquid-filled section to the second section.
Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.
In the following drawings, which form a part of the specification and which are to be construed in conjunction therewith, and in which like reference numerals have been employed throughout wherever possible to indicate like parts in the various views:
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “one example” or “an example” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, “one example” or “an example” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable combinations and/or sub-combinations in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, it is appreciated that the figures provided herewith are for explanation purposes to persons ordinarily skilled in the art and that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.
Certain terms are defined below to facilitate understanding of exemplary embodiments for convenience only and is not limiting. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents.
As used herein, the term “amusement device” is intended to mean any toy, object or structure which entertains people, or which has the attribute or objective of appealing to, diverting or occupying at least some of the attention or interest of a person, whether adult or child. The term “amusement device” is particularly intended to encompass mechanical or electromechanical toys, objects or structures controlled or actuated by input from a person or another toy object or structure, including but not limited to those wherein the input is carried on or provided by a separate object or item and communicated to the toy, object or structure by inserting the separate object or item into the toy, object or structure, swiping the object or item through the toy, object or structure, or bringing the object or item into proximity to the toy, object or structure. The term “amusement device” is thus intended to encompass toys of any various form wherein the user provides input, which may be control or command input, that is “read,” i.e., received or perceived and processed or translated into an output such as an action, sound or display.
As used herein, the term “attractions” refers to a thing or place that draws the users attention by providing something of interest or pleasure.
“Design element” as used herein means a three-dimensional object having a surface decoration. Non-limiting examples of design elements include representations of flowers, butterflies, animals, and geometric shapes. In one example, the design element is a skull.
As used herein, the term “humanoid” refers to a humanoid body, which should be understood to include any bipedal animal, whether real or fictional, such as, for example, one having arms and hands with opposable thumbs.
As used herein, the term “power source” includes any type of energy source, including, but not limited to, conventional single-use cell and rechargeable cells as well as cells capable of being recharged via wireless energy transfer.
As used herein, the term “sensor” is broadly used to describe any device that receives a stimulus and converts it into a data stream. The term “sensor” is thus intended to encompass devices with a stimulus receiving element (i.e., sensing element), a communication element, and any associate circuitry.
Although directional references, such as upper, lower, downward, upward, rearward, bottom, front, rear, etc., may be made herein in describing the drawings, these references are made relative to the drawings (as normally viewed) for convenience. These directions are not intended to be taken literally or limit the present invention in any form. In addition, terms such as “first”, “second”, and “third” are used herein for purposes of description and are not intended to indicate or imply relative importance or significance. The words “interior” and “exterior” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the toy vehicle and designated parts thereof. The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.
The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.
An aquatic toy and environment therefore is described herein and below. As illustrated in
The amusement device 10 may feature multiple interconnected areas or rooms below the surface of the transparent liquid 24. These rooms are accessible to one another through passages having openings at each room. These passages are configured to a sufficient extent such that an aquatic toy 60 such as those depicted in
The amusement device 10 may additionally include painted or etched designs on the interior of the container 14 that may become illuminated through the use of black light or LED lights within the container 14. These lights may respond to the presence of the
The amusement device 10 may be constructed of any water-tight material. It can also be constructed of a collapsible material configured to be inflated with air to construct a structure.
The amusement device 10 may be utilized by allowing a toy
The amusement device features multiple underwater attractions or play pieces which can be activated by the
Attractions 100 within the play device 10 are discussed in reference to the other embodiments discussed below. These other attractions 100 may include switches that activate lights or bubble mechanisms within the environment. The attractions 100 may be customized to the preference of the individual using the amusement device 10. The attractions 100 may be placed in different locations within the environment.
As illustrated in
The deck lid 20 includes a cannon attraction 310. As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
In another embodiment, the mast 211 secures within the deck of the ship through a circular aperture. Below the deck, the mast 211 terminates in a hook arm 240 with two opposing ends. Each opposing end provides a point of contact for the swimming
As illustrated in
As illustrated, movement by the
It is envisioned that the attractions disclosed above may be actuated through the use of electronic sensors in lieu of the touch activation currently employed. Through the use of proximity sensors (not shown) located within the attractions and the swimming
The toy play set 10 further includes at least one humanoid figurine 60 for use therewith during play. As shown in
The figurine 60 may be customizable to enable it to perform different functions within the water. Portions of the figurine 60 may be moved or repositioned to allow the figurine to interact with the environment differently. For instance, positioning of the tail of the figurine may cause the device to move differently or communicate a signal to the attractions in the environment to perform a different action.
As shown, each figurine generally includes a head 65 having secured to a torso 70 with upper appendages 72, 74, at least one caudal fin or fluke 76 at the end of the base 78 of the figurine 60, and means for motorized propulsion contained within the figurine. The motorized propulsion may be supplied through use of a power source located within a waterproof torso 70 and configured to rotate a drive shaft connected to the motorized propulsion. A propeller 88 is shown secured to the distal end of the drive shaft, but other means of propulsion may be utilized, including an impeller, magnet or other physical means.
The head 65 of the figurine 60 includes a hair cap 93 affixed to and in a spaced apart relation to an interior waterproof head compartment 91 (visible through venting apertures 92) that provides and includes a weight balance for the swimming action of the figurine 60. The hair cap 93 is affixed to the brow portion 94 of the head 65 and is positioned over the crown 99 portion to then cascade downwards to the torso of the figurine 60. The hair cap 93 is formed of a plastic, rubber or other suitable waterproof material capable of maintaining a shape. The hair cap 93 may be affixed to the sides of the head and the base of the head 65 while allowing a recess between the hair cap 93 and the head compartment 91 and an outlet behind the hair cap 93. The hair cap 93 below the base of the head is preferably spaced apart from the torso to allow water flow. As shown in
As illustrated in
The caudal region section 84 of the figurine 60 is the narrow portion unitary with the base 78 located proximate the two halves of the caudal fin 76 which houses the propeller 88. As shown in
The caudal fin casing 90 has a series of casing supports 98 separated by a series of vents 96 present along the exterior of the caudal region providing fluid access to the interior of the casing to contact the propeller 88. The casing 90 circumscribes the propeller and the caudal fins extend the length of each side of the casing 90. As shown in
As the drive shaft is rotated, the propeller moves and the internal fluid of the playset 10 is contacted to motivate the figurine 60 forward. A base fin 86 may additionally be in a pivoting relationship with the caudal fin 76 of the figurine and configured to move in a front-to-back movement from the front of the figurine 60.
From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention well adapted to obtain all the ends and objects herein set forth, together with other advantages which are inherent to the structure. Although the invention has been described in detail, the same is for purposes of illustration only and should not be taken in any way as a limitation on the scope of the invention. As will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, various other modifications and components are within the scope of the invention. For example, although certain examples of potential feedback in response potential play activities have been discussed, countless other potential sets of feedbacks can be produced by amusement device 10 in response to countless play activities and sequences. Furthermore, additional play components can be included other than those specifically illustrated and described. Similarly, the amusement device 10 may include other features such as a handle for easy of carry. Furthermore, the sensors are not intended to be limited to any particular kind. Rather, the various sensors could be optical, magnetic or of another form. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is to be limited only by the terms of the attached claims.
Claims
1. A playset including:
- a submersible figurine comprising: a body comprising a head, a torso, and a base section, said head with an exterior portion further including a series of venting apertures configured to allow the flow of liquid into and from said exterior portion of said head and said base section pivotally connected to said torso section to allow movement of said base section in a front-to-back direction; a motorized propulsion configured to impart rotational movement to a drive shaft having a distal end; a propeller secured to said distal end of said drive shaft; a casing housing said propeller and connected to said base section, said casing comprising a base, a series of vents to allow a flow of liquid into said casing to contact said propeller, and a fin affixed to said base of said casing, said fin in an angular arrangement to said body of said figurine; and
- a container defining a reservoir for retaining a liquid;
- at least one attraction configured to respond to the presence of said figurine when said figurine is proximate said at least one attraction, said at least one attraction having a body with at least a portion of said body deployed within said reservoir.
2. The playset of claim 1, said at least one attraction further comprising:
- a submerged attraction having a base with a lid pivotally connected to said base, said base further including an interior space;
- an interior design element secured within said interior space, said interior design element comprising a buoyant material;
- a releasable latch configured to open said lid;
- wherein said interior design element is configured to move from a first restricted position within said base to a second released position outside of the base.
3. The playset of claim 1, said at least one attraction further comprising;
- a cannon having a cannon stand and a bore;
- a projectile secured within said bore; and
- an activating mechanism comprising a lever arm extending downwards from said cannon and having a portion submerged within said liquid.
4. The playset of claim 3, wherein said cannon is configured to move said projectile from a first position with said projectile recessed within said bore to a second position with said projectile having a portion extending outside of said bore.
5. The playset of claim 3, said projectile further having a design element.
6. The playset of claim 1, said at least one attraction further comprising:
- a mast having two opposing ends, a first opposing end having a crow's nest circumscribing the diameter of said mast and a second opposing end having a contact arm deployed within said liquid of said reservoir.
7. The playset of claim 1, wherein said at least one attraction is configured to respond to pressure exerted by said figurine.
8. A submersible figurine comprising:
- a body;
- a motorized propulsion mechanism configured to impart rotational movement to a drive shaft having a distal end; and
- a caudal fin portion unitary with said body, said caudal fin portion comprising: a casing having a series of casing supports circumscribing at least a portion of said motorized propulsion mechanism; a series of vents between said casing supports to allow a flow of liquid into said casing; a caudal fin structure having a first fin portion secured to a first side of said casing and a second fin portion secured to an opposing side of said casing; a fin proximate said base of said casing, said fin in an angular arrangement to said body of said figurine.
9. The submersible figurine of claim 8, said body further comprising a head with an exterior portion having a series of venting apertures configured to allow the flow of liquid from said exterior portion of said head.
10. The submersible figurine of claim 8, said body further comprising:
- a torso; and,
- a base section pivotally connected to said torso to allow movement of said base section in a front-to-back direction.
11. The submersible figurine of claim 8 further comprising a humanoid body.
12. The caudal fin portion of claim 8 further comprising:
- said casing having a distance between a top and a bottom;
- said first fin portion and said second fin portion extending along said distance.
13. A playset including:
- a container defining a reservoir for retaining a liquid; and
- at least one attraction configured to respond to the presence of a figurine when the figurine is proximate said at least one attraction, said at least one attraction having a body with at least a portion of said body deployed within said reservoir.
14. The playset of claim 13, said at least one attraction further comprising:
- a submerged attraction having a base with a lid pivotally connected to said base, said base further including an interior space;
- an interior design element secured within said interior space, said interior design element comprising a buoyant material;
- a releasable latch configured to open said lid;
- wherein said interior design element is configured to move from a first restricted position within said base to a second released position outside of the base.
15. The playset of claim 13, said at least one attraction further comprising;
- a cannon having a cannon stand and a bore;
- a projectile secured within said bore; and
- an activating mechanism comprising a lever arm extending downwards from said cannon and having a portion submerged within said liquid.
16. The playset of claim 15, wherein said cannon is configured to move said projectile from a first position with said projectile recessed within said bore to a second position with said projectile having a portion extending outside of said bore.
17. The playset of claim 15, said projectile further having a design element.
18. The playset of claim 13, said at least one attraction further comprising:
- a mast having two opposing ends, a first opposing end having a crow's nest circumscribing the diameter of said mast and a second opposing end having a contact arm deployed within said liquid of said reservoir.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 2, 2014
Publication Date: Feb 11, 2016
Inventors: Andrew M. Wiseman (Bella Vista, AR), Corey Feit (St. Louis, MO), Chad Stuemke (St. Louis, MO), Justin Salter (St. Louis, MO)
Application Number: 14/322,334