Firearms Patents (Class 222/79)
  • Patent number: 7185787
    Abstract: A toy water gun system includes a primary water gun having a housing, a pressurizable reservoir, an outlet nozzle in flow communication with the reservoir, and an actuating trigger, with the primary toy water gun adapted to discharge an output stream of water through the outlet nozzle in response to actuation of the trigger. The housing includes a first receiving area and a second receiving area, with each receiving area having an output port in flow communication with the reservoir via a conduit, a pair of valves to control flow through the conduits. A first detachable water toy mounts to the housing at the first receiving area and receives water from the reservoir, and a second detachable water toy mounts to the housing at the second receiving area. The first and second detachable water toys are selectively removable from the primary water toy for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Brown, Fred D. Eddins
  • Patent number: 7152990
    Abstract: A multifunctional law enforcement tool, preferably includes several of the tools needed by law enforcement and security personnel. In one embodiment the multifunctional tool comprising a flashlight, stun gun, deterrent spray, glass breaker, I.D. holder, deterrent spray stun and cartridge housings. The cartridge housings allow the user to fire non-lethal rounds such as stun, bean bag, rubber bullets, balls and other projectiles. It may also fire tactical rounds such as colored smoke, breach rounds and concussion rounds. The cartridge housings may also house other battery powered devices such as cameras, audio and video recorders. In a second embodiment the cartridge housings are removed for a lighter more compact unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Inventor: Craig Allen Kukuk
  • Patent number: 7131557
    Abstract: A toy water gun having a water supply tank which can be filled with water, and a water pump located on the housing for pumping water from the supply tank to at least one water pressure chamber. The water pressure chamber includes a fixed wall, and a moveable wall which substantially sealingly engages the fixed wall and is slidable away from a first end wall as water is pumped into the water pressure chamber and toward it as water is discharged. An air pressure chamber is located on an opposite side of the moveable wall from the water pressure chamber and is pressurizable with compressed air to bias the moveable wall toward the first end wall. A pump is connected to a selector valve assembly which, in a first state, allows air to be pumped into the air pressure chamber for pressurizing it with compressed air and, in a second state, places the pump in communication between the water supply tank and the water pressure chamber to allow water to be pumped from the supply tank to the water pressure chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Buzz Bee Toys, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Zimmerman, Chor Ming Ken Ma
  • Patent number: 7097073
    Abstract: A toy water gun having a water supply tank which can be filled with water, and a water pump located on the housing for pumping water from the supply tank to at least one water pressure chamber. The water pressure chamber includes at least one fixed wall, and a moveable wall which substantially sealingly engages the at least one fixed wall and is slidable away from a first end wall as water is pumped into the water pressure chamber and toward the first end wall as water is discharged. An air pressure chamber located on an opposite side of the moveable wall from the water pressure chamber and is pressurizable with compressed air to bias the moveable wall toward the first end wall. An air pump is connected to the air pressure chamber for pressurizing the air pressure chamber with a user desired air pressure. Upon actuation of the release valve, the air pressure acts on the moveable wall to force water under pressure from the water pressure chamber so that a stream of water is ejected from the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Buzz Bee Toys, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 7080757
    Abstract: The present invention provides a simple, inexpensive, and reliable toy water gun configuration for launching a blast of water. For example, the water gun has a reservoir for storing fluid and a nozzle for expelling fluid. A user then propels the water from the reservoir down a neck and towards the nozzle via a motion applied to the entire water gun. The water then exits the gun through the nozzle in a blasting form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Inventor: Jarret Peter Cuisinier
  • Patent number: 7032837
    Abstract: A toy water gun of the type for ejecting fluid therefrom. The toy water gun may include a housing having a longitudinal axis and a reservoir attached to the housing for holding fluid. A holding area may be included which is selectively in fluid communication with the reservoir. A pump may be provided for generating pressure differential across a pair of one-way valves to move fluid from the reservoir to the holding area and from the holding area to at least one nozzle. The at least one nozzle may rotate as the pump is being actuated by a user. A rotating bezel may be provided to vary the angle of the nozzle relative to the longitudinal axis of the toy water gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Hasbro Inc.
    Inventors: Fred Daniel Eddins, Robert L. Brown
  • Patent number: 7025228
    Abstract: The present invention provides a separable toy gun configuration capable of being split into multiple, independently operable toy guns. For example, a toy gun has two housings integrated via a connector. Each of these housings further includes a controller (e.g. trigger) and, while connected, these controllers are jointly operable. However, the user can separate the two housings into two independent and operable toy guns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventor: Jarret Peter Cuisinier
  • Patent number: 6994126
    Abstract: A squirt gun includes a hollow housing in the form of a gun with a liquid dispensing assembly within the housing. The liquid dispensing assembly includes a rigid pressure vessel having either a gas-filled compressible bladder or a spring-loaded piston disposed within. The vessel is connected to a flexible tube with a nozzle at one end, and the gun is adapted to receive and expel water to and from the vessel through the nozzle. A pivotable trigger cooperates with the flexible tube to either enable both the receiving and expelling, or to deny the expelling of the water. To fill the gun, water is forced into the vessel under pressure, which compresses the air bladder or the piston to retain that pressure within the water-filled vessel. To expel the retained water, the trigger is moved to an “open” position, which allows the water to be forced from the pressurized water-filled vessel, through the nozzle, and from the gun as the air bladder or the piston expands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Inventor: Frank Marino
  • Patent number: 6959838
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a toy gun system that may include a toy gun having a housing with a nozzle, wherein the toy water gun may be adapted to discharge an output stream of liquid through the nozzle. The toy gun system may further include a wheel fabricated from an absorbent material, and a support member mounted on the housing of the toy gun that may have the wheel rotatably mounted thereon. The wheel may be disposed proximate the nozzle of the toy gun and positioned such that at least a portion of the output stream of liquid impacts the at least a portion of the wheel to cause the wheel to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred D. Eddins, Robert L. Brown, Walter Bezaniuk
  • Patent number: 6935531
    Abstract: A toy water gun provides a plurality of nozzles for discharging water in a variety of directions, volumes or spray patterns. A multi-position trigger or similar device controls selection of nozzles individually or in combinations whereby an operator can quickly choose among various modes of discharge by moving the trigger through corresponding positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventor: Richard A. Clayton
  • Patent number: 6929151
    Abstract: A water squirting toy including a freestanding base upon which a water gun is supported. The toy includes a garden hose connector to facilitate connection of the toy to a household water supply. The gun can be operated to discharge water directly from the household supply while supported upon the base. The toy may be provided with couplers for releasably joining the gun to the base, and the gun may include a water storage reservoir, so that the gun can be separated from the base and independently operated to discharge water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Inventor: Richard A. Clayton
  • Patent number: 6922931
    Abstract: A weapon system comprising a firearm having a barrel through which a projectile may be propelled and further comprising a non-lethal means for selectively ejecting a stream of fluid, such as an incapacitant, in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the barrel and aligned with the sights of the firearm. The system removably houses a fluid containing pressurized canister, the outlet of the canister co-operating with a nozzle for the release of said fluid from said canister under control of a nozzle trigger mechanism. The pressurized canister, nozzle and trigger mechanism may be removably mounted on said firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventors: Eran Nicodemus Bauer, Gerard Miet Bauer, Michael Peter Moore
  • Patent number: 6892902
    Abstract: The present invention provides a toy water gun including a pump for pressurizing the gun for shooting out a stream of water, a trigger for controlling the flow of the water, and a source of electricity and at least one light source for illuminating the stream, wherein the device is adapted to provide a lighted coherent stream of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: All Season Toys, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Hornsby, Ryan A. Wolfinbarger, Joseph L. McGowan, Chad P. Stuemke, Marcellus R. Benson, David B. Midgett, Kurt V. Ulmer
  • Publication number: 20040261902
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a quick fill cap for a toy gun capable of discharging an output stream of liquid, the toy gun having a liquid reservoir for storing a quantity of liquid and a fill port for depositing liquid in to the liquid reservoir. The quick fill cap may include a cap portion having a throughbore, with the cap portion demountably attaching to the fill port of the toy gun when the cap portion is disposed thereon, and forming a substantially air-tight and water-tight seal with the fill port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: HASBRO, INC.
    Inventors: Fred D. Eddins, Leif J. Askeland
  • Patent number: 6802435
    Abstract: A water backpack and gun assembly for allowing users to shoot water for entertainment and activity-related purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Gerald A. Brawner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6802756
    Abstract: A diaphragm actuated toy water gun is provided which includes a housing having a handle with a trigger as well as a barrel with a water ejection nozzle located thereon. A water supply tank is connected to the main housing which can be filled with water. A pump is located on the housing for pumping water from the supply tank to at least one diaphragm chamber located on the housing. The diaphragm chamber is formed between a fixed wall and a flexible diaphragm, which can be deflected and expanded from its neutral position into a diaphragm housing. A release valve C the diaphragm assembly. Actuation of the release valve allows a stream of water to be ejected from the diaphragm water gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Jeffrey C Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20040164090
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a toy gun system that may include a toy gun having a housing with a nozzle, wherein the toy water gun may be adapted to discharge an output stream of liquid through the nozzle. The toy gun system may further include a wheel fabricated from an absorbent material, and a support member mounted on the housing of the toy gun that may have the wheel rotatably mounted thereon. The wheel may be disposed proximate the nozzle of the toy gun and positioned such that at least a portion of the output stream of liquid impacts the at least a portion of the wheel to cause the wheel to rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Fred D. Eddins, Robert L. Brown, Walter Bezaniuk
  • Publication number: 20040159719
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a toy gun system that may include a toy gun having a housing with a nozzle, wherein the toy water gun may be adapted to discharge an output stream of liquid through the nozzle. The toy gun system may further include a wheel fabricated from an absorbent material, and a support member mounted on the housing of the toy gun that may have the wheel rotatably mounted thereon. The wheel may be disposed proximate the nozzle of the toy gun and positioned such that at least a portion of the output stream of liquid impacts the at least a portion of the wheel to cause the wheel to rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Fred D. Eddins, Robert L. Brown, Walter Bezaniuk
  • Publication number: 20040155058
    Abstract: A foam shooting toy having a head containing a hand operated pump that compresses air into a container. When foaming solution is placed in the container, compressed air from the pump passes through a foamer, which foams the solution. The foam is released from the container through a nozzle by a trigger. The foam shooting toy may contain a valve permitting the alternative use of shooting water instead of foam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Steven P. Dunham, Dean F. Robinson
  • Patent number: 6752238
    Abstract: A water resistant audible toy, such as a toy water gun, includes a speaker having a water resistant speaker cone. The water resistant audible toy includes a switch to activate the speaker to generate sounds. The water resistant audible toy may further include a light to generate lighting effects and a motor to generate a vibration. A pressure equalizer may be further included in the water resistant audible toy. Seals may be provided as part of the water resistant audible toy. The toy water gun includes a trigger to actuate the switch. The speaker may be part of a water resistant sound effects module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Shoot the Moon Products 11, LLC
    Inventors: David Small, Paul S. Rago
  • Publication number: 20040045981
    Abstract: A squirt gun includes a hollow housing in the form of a gun with a liquid dispensing assembly within the housing. The liquid dispensing assembly includes a rigid pressure vessel having either a gas-filled compressible bladder or a spring-loaded piston disposed within. The vessel is connected to a flexible tube with a nozzle at one end, and the gun is adapted to receive and expel water to and from the vessel through the nozzle. A pivotable trigger cooperates with the flexible tube to either enable both the receiving and expelling, or to deny the expelling of the water. To fill the gun, water is forced into the vessel under pressure, which compresses the air bladder or the piston to retain that pressure within the water-filled vessel. To expel the retained water, the trigger is moved to an “open” position, which allows the water to be forced from the pressurized water-filled vessel, through the nozzle, and from the gun as the air bladder or the piston expands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Frank Marino
  • Patent number: 6658779
    Abstract: A weapon system comprising a firearm having a barrel through which a projectile may be propelled and further comprising a non-lethal means for selectively ejecting a stream of fluid, such as an incapacitant, in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the barrel and aligned with the sights of the firearm. The system removably houses a fluid containing pressurized canister, the outlet of the canister co-operating with a nozzle for the release of said fluid from said canister under control of a nozzle trigger mechanism. The pressurized canister, nozzle and trigger mechanism may be removably mounted on said firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventors: Eran Nicodemus Bauer, Gerard Miet Bauer, Michael Peter Moore
  • Patent number: 6651702
    Abstract: A squirt gun includes a hollow housing in the form of a gun with a liquid dispensing assembly within the housing. The liquid dispensing assembly includes a rigid pressure vessel having either a gas-filled compressible bladder or a spring-loaded piston disposed within. The vessel is connected to a flexible tube with a nozzle at one end, and the gun is adapted to receive and expel water to and from the vessel through the nozzle. A pivotable trigger cooperates with the flexible tube to either enable both the receiving and expelling, or to deny the expelling of the water. To fill the gun, water is forced into the vessel under pressure, which compresses the air bladder or the piston to retain that pressure within the water-filled vessel. To expel the retained water, the trigger is moved to an “open” position, which allows the water to be forced from the pressurized water-filled vessel, through the nozzle, and from the gun as the air bladder or the piston expands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Frank Marino
  • Patent number: 6644505
    Abstract: A self-defense device and a method of use, the device including: (a) a chamber having: (i) a rigid outer wall section, and (ii) a flexible outer wall section attached to the rigid outer wall section; (b) an ejection assembly fixed inside and extending through the outer wall of the chamber, the ejection assembly including: (i) a tube extending through the chamber, and fluidly communicating therewith; (ii) a nozzle attached to an upward end of the tube and extending through the chamber, and (c) a noxious fluid disposed within the chamber, wherein the chamber is designed and constructed so as to be completely filled by the fluid, and wherein external pressure exerted upon the flexible outer wall section increases an internal pressure of the chamber, such that the fluid is forcefully ejected out of the device through the ejection assembly and out of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventor: Chaim Davidian
  • Patent number: 6631830
    Abstract: A spring-controlled snap action valve assembly and an apparatus for dispensing pressurized liquid using the valve assembly, the apparatus including a connection to a source of pressurized liquid, the spring-controlled snap action ball valve assembly including a snap action ball valve and an inlet and an outlet, a conduit in fluid communication from the connection to the valve assembly inlet, a nozzle in fluid communication with the valve assembly outlet, and an actuator connected to the valve assembly to actuate the snap action ball valve from a closed position to an open position and from an open position to a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Larami Limited
    Inventors: Chor Ming Ma, George L. Skinner, Jeffrey Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20030178439
    Abstract: The present invention provides a toy water gun including a pump for pressurizing the gun for shooting out a stream of water, a trigger for controlling the flow of the water, and a source of electricity and at least one light source for illuminating the stream, wherein the device is adapted to provide a lighted coherent stream of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventors: James R. Hornsby, Ryan A. Wolfinbarger, Joseph L. McGowan, Chad P. Stuemke, Marcellus R. Benson, David B. Midgett, Kurt V. Ulmer
  • Patent number: 6540108
    Abstract: A water gun (10) is provided having a storage tank (18), a expandable pressure tank (19) having an elastic bladder (30) encased within an outer shell (29), and a pump (32) for conveying liquid from the storage tank to the expandable pressure tank. The conveyance of liquid into the expandable pressure tank causes the liquid to be pressurized by the biasing force of the elastic bladder. The pressurized liquid is released through a nozzle (21) coupled to the expandable pressure tank by actuation of a trigger (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Johnson Research & Development Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Lonnie G. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20030034358
    Abstract: A spring-controlled snap action valve assembly and an apparatus for dispensing pressurized liquid using the valve assembly, the apparatus including a connection to a source of pressurized liquid, a spring-controlled snap action ball valve assembly including a snap action ball valve, an inlet and an outlet, a conduit in fluid communication from the connection to the valve assembly inlet, a nozzle in fluid communication with the valve assembly outlet, and an actuator connected to the valve assembly to actuate the snap action ball valve from a closed position to an open position and from an open position to a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Applicant: Larami Limited
    Inventors: Chor Ming Ma, George L. Skinner, Jeffrey Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 6521304
    Abstract: The present invention relates to luminescent playthings such as candles, table lights, pen lights, illumination, illuminating playthings for camp, illuminating playthings for night fishing, fish-gathering lamps, safety candles, neon lights, luminescent inks, luminescent pens, luminescent coatings or luminescent writing implements, in which a soft light of an indescribable tone of color not obtainable from flames of conventional candles is emitted via seawater, lake and marsh water, river water, ground water, tap water or mineral drinking water by utilizing 3 components of luciferin, luciferase and ATP or 4 components of these components plus a metal salt, out of components necessary for bioluminescence in fireflies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Kikkoman Corporation
    Inventors: Naoki Kajiyama, Ayumi Arai, Eiichi Nakano, Hiroki Tatsumi, Teruo Watarai, Naoki Eisaki, Tatsuya Sakakibara, Masaru Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6474507
    Abstract: The present invention provides a toy water gun including a pump for pressurizing the gun for shooting out a stream of water, a trigger for controlling the flow of the water, and a source of electricity and at least one light source for illuminating the stream, wherein the device is adapted to provide a lighted coherent stream of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Trendmasters, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Hornsby, Ryan A. Wolfinbarger, Joseph L. McGowan, Chad P. Stuemke, Marcellus R. Benson, David B. Midgett, Kurt V. Ulmer
  • Patent number: 6446837
    Abstract: A liquid reservoir for a toy water gun is provided, the reservoir comprising: a housing having an internal chamber for containing a quantity of liquid; a fill opening situated on the housing leading to the internal chamber; and a valve plate situated adjacent to the fill opening, the valve plate being movable between a first position and a second position; in the first position, the valve plate covers the fill opening thereby preventing flow of liquid into and out of the internal chamber; in the second position, the valve is spaced apart from the fill opening thereby allowing flow of liquid into and out of the internal chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Original Ideas, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan D. Crawford
  • Patent number: 6446838
    Abstract: A liquid valve assembly for a toy water gun is provided, the assembly comprising: a conduit being designed to transport liquid therethrough from a liquid source, the conduit comprising an inlet and terminating in a tube, the tube having opposing ends, one of the ends forming a closed tip; and a movable sleeve, the tube being inserted within the sleeve, the sleeve having an outer end, the outer end having a central passage, the sleeve being movable relative to the tube from a first position to a second position, in the first position, the sleeve locates the closed tip and forms a fluid tight connection with the central passage thereby preventing flow of liquid through the central passage, in the second position, the sleeve locates the outer end spaced from the tube thereby permitting flow of liquid through the central passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Original Ideas, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan D. Crawford
  • Publication number: 20020092864
    Abstract: A water resistant audible toy, such as a toy water gun, includes a speaker having a water resistant speaker cone. The water resistant audible toy includes a switch to activate the speaker to generate sounds. The water resistant audible toy may further include a light to generate lighting effects and a motor to generate a vibration. A pressure equalizer may be further included in the water resistant audible toy. Seals may be provided as part of the water resistant audible toy. The toy water gun includes a trigger to actuate the switch. The speaker may be part of a water resistant sound effects module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventors: David Small, Paul S. Rago
  • Patent number: 6412594
    Abstract: A water gun includes a sound effects module. The water gun includes a trigger to squirt water. The trigger actuates a switch coupled to the sound effects module. The sound effects module has an interior volume with a speaker at one end. A speaker cover seals the periphery of the speaker. The sound effects module also has a sealed compartment containing a keypad to control the sound effects module and a printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Shoot the Moon Products II, LLC
    Inventors: David Small, Paul S. Rago
  • Patent number: 6364219
    Abstract: A toy gun for discharging a shaped stream of liquid under pressure is provided. The toy gun includes an expandable bladder located in a housing, and the expandable bladder is adapted to provide a generally constant pressure discharge of liquid contained therein. A release valve is connected to a trigger for regulating a discharge of liquid from the expandable bladder to a discharge outlet. A turret mounted rotatable nozzle assembly having a plurality of nozzles is connected to the housing. Each nozzle is selectively rotatable to a position in fluid communication with the discharge outlet. At least two of the plurality of nozzles include different shaped, non-circular stream nozzle orifice arrangements. Actuation of the trigger regulating the release of pressurized liquid through the discharge outlet and the selected one of the plurality of nozzles results in the liquid being discharged in a shaped stream having a generally constant form defined by the shape of the selected nozzle orifice arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Larami Limited
    Inventors: Jeffrey Zimmerman, Jay E. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20020020712
    Abstract: The present invention provides a toy water gun including a pump for pressurizing the gun for shooting out a stream of water, a trigger for controlling the flow of the water, and a source of electricity and at least one light source for illuminating the stream, wherein the device is adapted to provide a lighted coherent stream of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventors: James R. Hornsby, Ryan A. Wolfinbarger, Joseph L. McGowan, Chad P. Stuemke, Marcellus R. Benson, David B. Midgett, Kurt V. Ulmer
  • Patent number: 6345732
    Abstract: Toy water guns having removable pre-pressurizable water cartridges and the pre-pressurizable cartridges themselves and water charging systems for them. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a toy water gun having a pre-pressurizable water cartridge which can be charged using a pump located on the water gun or an auxiliary adapter connected to an external pressurized water source for quickly charging the pre-pressurizable water cartridge either installed in the water gun or separately, the pre-pressurizable water cartridges, recharge adapters and methods of filling the pre-pressurizable cartridges when installed in a water gun and when removed from a water gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Larami Limited
    Inventors: Jeffrey Zimmerman, George L. Skinner
  • Patent number: 6325246
    Abstract: A hand operated water gun which utilizes a base section which can be mounted on the upper arm of the user or carried by the user. The base section may include an elastic bladder and a pumping apparatus. The elastic bladder connects with a reservoir. The pumping apparatus is manually operated by a movable section which can comprise a handle. The movable section is pivotally mounted to the base section. Movement of the movable section causes water to flow from the reservoir into the elastic bladder causing the elastic bladder to expand. A discharge nozzle is connected to the elastic bladder with the discharge nozzle being normally closed preventing flow of water therethrough by a discharge valve. The discharge valve is to be manually openable to cause the dispensing of the water in the form of a stream. The water is to be supplied into the elastic bladder until it expands to a certain degree prior to opening of the discharge nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Inventors: Alan D. Crawford, Robert A. DeMars
  • Publication number: 20010045436
    Abstract: A liquid reservoir for a toy water gun is provided, the reservoir comprising: a housing having an internal chamber for containing a quantity of liquid; a fill opening situated on the housing leading to the internal chamber; and a valve plate situated adjacent to the fill opening, the valve plate being movable between a first position and a second position; in the first position, the valve plate covers the fill opening thereby preventing flow of liquid into and out of the internal chamber; in the second position, the valve is spaced apart from the fill opening thereby allowing flow of liquid into and out of the internal chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventor: Alan D. Crawford
  • Publication number: 20010040171
    Abstract: A liquid valve assembly for a toy water gun is provided, the assembly comprising: a conduit being designed to transport liquid therethrough from a liquid source, the conduit comprising an inlet and terminating in a tube, the tube having opposing ends, one of the ends forming a closed tip; and a movable sleeve, the tube being inserted within the sleeve, the sleeve having an outer end, the outer end having a central passage, the sleeve being movable relative to the tube from a first position to a second position, in the first position, the sleeve locates the closed tip and forms a fluid tight connection with the central passage thereby preventing flow of liquid through the central passage, in the second position, the sleeve locates the outer end spaced from the tube thereby permitting flow of liquid through the central passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventor: Alan D. Crawford
  • Patent number: 6280277
    Abstract: A toy includes a main body which, in a first orientation, resembles a water gun and, in a second orientation, resembles a vehicle. Within the main body is an air/water reservoir which may be filled with water, the reservoir being in communication with a source of air pressured by a hand-pump to cause water to be forcibly expelled from the reservoir upon opening a valve at a water outlet of the reservoir. The water outlet is controlled by a trigger mechanism which, when the toy is in the first orientation, resembles the trigger of a gun and permits opening and closing ofthe valve to occur upon pulling and release of the trigger. In the second orientation, the trigger mechanism is latched upon pulling the trigger in order to permit continued expulsion of water upon release of the trigger so that the expulsion of water serves to propel the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Shelcore, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Greenberg, Richard J. Greenberg
  • Patent number: 6279562
    Abstract: A toy gun projects matter from a plurality of discharge ports, such as barrels or nozzles, which are irregularly located on the gun. The gun may incorporate a figurine in its structure to simulate an object such as a creature or a vehicle. The discharge ports may simulate a plurality of weapons carried by or on the figurine, such as cannons, machine guns, lasers or the like and may be adapted to project matter in solid or liquid forms, such as darts or water. A pump mechanism pressurizes gas or liquid, typically air or water, to facilitate the discharge of such projected matter. A distribution mechanism conducts the pressurized gas or liquid to the discharge ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: Richard A. Clayton
  • Patent number: 6257448
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gun assembly for dispensing a fluid with a quick charge adapter. The gun assembly includes a plurality of expandable bladders located in housings which are connected to a supply manifold. The supply manifold is connected to a remotely located gun which is adapted to dispense fluid stored in the bladders upon activation of a trigger. The fluid may be dispensed through a selected one of multiple ejection nozzles located on the gun that can be selected by the user. A recharge nozzle located on the gun is adapted to be inserted into the quick charge adapter to quickly expand and fill the bladders from a pressurized supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: Bruce M. D'Andrade
  • Patent number: 6234347
    Abstract: A toy water gun operable in accordance with two distinct modes of operation. In a first mode of operation, the toy water gun receives and stores pressurized water directly from a municipal water supply. This is achieved using an adapter which allows water to flow under pressure into a reservoir of the gun such that the user need only depress a trigger to cause water to eject through the nozzle of the gun. In a second mode of operation, a fill cap or other opening is exposed so that unpressurized water may be poured in or otherwise received into the gun. A manually operable pump is included so that the unpressurized water may be pressurized whereupon depression of the trigger will cause the water to be ejected from the gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Amron Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Amron
  • Patent number: 6196419
    Abstract: A chemical irritant dispensing apparatus for dispensing pepper spray, mace, tear gas or the like, includes a frame having a handle with a cavity and a barrel. The barrel has a bore that is preferably cylindrically shaped, having a central longitudinal axis that defines a line of fire. A chemical irritant fluid containing canister occupies the cavity during use, the canister having an upper end portion with a trigger receptive recess. A trigger pivots upon the frame, the trigger being positioned to dispense the contents of the canister when depressed by a user. The trigger has a stop portion that prevents rotation in a direction that would enable the canister to be removed from the frame. A safety prevents any movement of the canister relative to the frame when in a safety, non-firing position. The safety can be moved to a non-firing position by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Diversified Safety Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric I. Haney, Klaus O Pust, Larry C. Martin
  • Patent number: 6193107
    Abstract: The present invention is a toy water gun for containment and ejection of water which includes a housing, an ejection nozzle, a bladder and an outlet connection which runs from the bladder to the nozzle. The expandable bladder is located in the housing and has a first end connected to the outlet connection and has a carriage attachment located at the second end. The bladder carriage attachment is movable and guided generally linearly in the housing as the bladder is expanded. The bladder is a tubular member having a weakened section with a larger diameter than the remaining portion of the tubular member and has a variable diameter which varies from larger at the first end to smaller at the second end. In one embodiment, the bladder has a variable diameter, larger at it's front end and smaller at it's back end. In another embodiment, the bladder has a constant diameter with a wall thickness gradient. Combined variable diameters and wall thickness may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Larami Limited
    Inventor: Bruce M. D'Andrade
  • Patent number: 6167925
    Abstract: A toy gun having a housing is provided. A trigger is attached to the housing and a liquid storage tank is provided on the housing along with a pressure chamber having an opening which receives an expandable bladder. Also attached to the housing is a pump which is in fluid communication with the liquid storage tank. The pump is adapted to transfer liquid from the liquid storage tank to the expandable bladder in order to charge the expandable bladder with pressurized liquid as the pump is actuated by a user. In addition, a release valve is included for regulating a discharge of liquid contained in the expandable bladder. A path of fluid communication provides fluid communication between the expandable bladder, the pump, the storage tank and a nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly is adapted for insertion into a quick charge device. The quick charge device is adapted to force liquid from the quick charge device and through the nozzle assembly in order to recharge the expandable bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventor: Bruce M. D'Andrade
  • Patent number: 6158631
    Abstract: A gun for dispensing fluids having a positionable spout comprises a handle provide with a trigger which is posteriorly coupled, by means of a rotatable connection, to a flexible fluid feed pipe and which anteriorly bears a spout destined to be introduced into an access of a container to be filled with fluid. The spout is sealedly connected to the handle by means of a connection which is rotatable about an axis of rotation which is not parallel to an axis of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: PIUSI S.p.A.
    Inventor: Otto Varini
  • Patent number: 6158619
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gun device for dispensing a fluid with a quick charge adapter. The gun device includes a bladder located within a housing. The bladder is connected to a remotely located control unit which is adapted to dispense fluid stored in the bladder upon activation of a trigger located on the control unit. The fluid is dispensed from a remotely located nozzle which may be worn on a user's head. A recharge nozzle located on the control unit is adapted to be inserted into the quick charge adapter to quickly expand and fill the bladder from a pressurized fluid source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventors: Bruce M. D'Andrade, deceased, by Mary Ann D'Andrade, executix
  • Patent number: 6138871
    Abstract: A toy water gun for ejecting a liquid is provided. The toy gun includes a housing and a pressurizable storage tank which receives liquid and is connected to the housing. Also provided on the housing is a pump which is adapted to pressurize the liquid in the pressurizable storage tank. In addition, a release valve is located in the housing. The gun includes a path of fluid communication between the pressurizable storage tank, the pump and the release valve. The release valve is adapted to regulate a discharge of liquid from the pressurizable storage tank, and a trigger is attached to the release valve. Also connected to the release valve is a nozzle assembly adapted for insertion into a recharge adapter to force liquid through the nozzle assembly displacing the release valve in such a way that allows liquid to flow through a part of said path of fluid communication and into the pressurizable storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Larami Limited
    Inventor: Bruce M. D'Andrade, deceased