Abstract:
A squirting toy is comprised of a cylindrical housing and a bellows that compresses in response to an outside force in order to expel water therefrom. The ends of the squirting toy may provide buoyancy sufficient for the toy to float in water.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention is a water squirting apparatus for use at play. More specifically, it is a soft floating tubular toy with a bellows chamber for use such as in a swimming pool or swimming area by participants in or adjacent to the water. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Squirt guns are well known in many forms in the prior art. Numerous squirt guns and squirting toys are made and have been made over the years for use by persons while swimming in or standing adjacent to a swimming pool, which are adapted to take in water from the swimming pool for squirting. Additionally, many squirt guns of the prior art are constructed in a manner that entraps air and thereby inadvertently enables those guns to partially float in water. The degree of such buoyancy is relative to the amount of water that has been taken into the gun and the longevity of such buoyancy is relative to the to the amount of air leakage from the housing. 
         [0003]    There are also floating toy “swimming noodles” in the prior art, which are made of resilient floating closed-cell polymer foam. These toys are used to provide buoyancy to the user while swimming. Because these toys are often left floating in the pool when not in use, their softness eliminates the safety threat that they would otherwise pose. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention comprises a squirting toy that includes a compressible bellows, the bellows having a closed end and an opening end. Attached to the opening end of the bellows is a squirting end that includes a longitudinal tube that extends from the opening end of the bellows to an outlet aperture. The tube provides fluid communication between the bellows and the outside environment. Compression of the bellows causes air and/or fluid to be exhaled through the outlet aperture, and expansion of the bellows causes air and/or fluid to be inhaled through the tube. In embodiments, the squirting toy includes a handle attached to the bellows at the end opposite the opening end. The handle has a gripping portion to facilitate moving the handle away from and towards from the squirting end to respectively cause the bellows to expand and contract. At least a portion of the handle is covered in a foam shell which provides buoyancy and imparts a safe soft outer surface. 
         [0005]    Another exemplary embodiment includes a compressible bellows, the bellows having a closed end and an opening end. Attached to the opening end of the bellows is a squirting end that includes an inlet aperture, an outlet aperture, a first tube, and a second tube. The first tube extends axially from approximately the opening end of the bellows to the outlet aperture which provides fluid communication between the bellows and the outside environment. The second extends axially from approximately the opening end of the bellows to the inlet aperture which provides fluid communication between the bellows chamber and the outside environment. The squirting end includes a securing element attached to the bellows chamber so as to form a substantially airtight seal and secure the first tube and the second tube. A valve connects to the securing the element. Compression of the bellows causes the valve to be in a substantially closed position preventing air and/or fluid from being exhaled through the second tube and also causing air and/or fluid to be exhaled through the first tube. Expansion of the bellows causes the valve to be in a substantially open position allowing air and/or fluid to be inhaled through at least one of the first tube and second tubes. 
         [0006]    A housing unit encloses the first tube, second tube, securing element and the valve. The housing unit can be made from a foam shell which provides buoyancy and imparts a safe soft outer surface. 
         [0007]    In embodiments, the squirting toy includes a handle attached to the bellows at the end opposite the opening end. The handle has a gripping portion to facilitate moving the handle away from and towards the squirting end and cause the bellows to respectively expand and contract. At least a portion of the handle is covered in a foam shell which provides buoyancy and imparts a safe soft outer surface. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    The features and advantages of the disclosure can be more fully understood with reference to the following description of the disclosure when taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a squirting toy according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional side view of a squirting toy according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIGS. 3A-3B  are side views of a squirting toy according to exemplary embodiments. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional side view of a of a squirting toy according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a squirting toy according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a squirting toy according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional side view of a of a squirting toy according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is an exploded cross-sectional side view of a section of the squirting toy of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 9A  is a right end view of a squirting toy according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 9B  is a transverse cross-sectional side view of a squirting toy according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention taken through line B-B of  FIG. 7  looking in the direction of the arrows. 
           [0019]      FIGS. 10A-B  are enlarged and scaled cross-sectional side views of a valve of a squirting toy according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is a side view of a squirting toy expelling water according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  is view of a squirting toy with one end in a pool of water according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain figures may be shown in exaggerated or generalized form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  shows a side view of toy  100  in a rest state or position according to exemplary embodiments. Toy  100  may include a first end  102  that is attached to a bellows  104 , which in turn is attached to second end  106 . Although  FIG. 1  shows the first end  102 , the bellows  104 , and the second end  106  of essentially the same diameter, the diameter of the three sections may vary relative to each other. In this regard, the diameter of the first and the second ends  102 ,  106  may be different and the diameter of the bellows  104  may be larger, smaller, or the same as the diameter of either end. Similarly, although the respective lengths of the first end  102 , the bellows  104 , and the second end  106  are shown in  FIG. 1  as approximately equal to each other, the length of each is independent of each other. Thus the length of the ends  102 ,  106  may be the same or different, and the length of the bellows  104  can be longer, or shorter, or equal to either end portion. As described further below, in some embodiments of this invention, first end  102  may be eliminated. 
         [0024]    In exemplary embodiments, the first end  102  may be a single and/or integral piece made from one or more materials, which may be soft and may provide buoyancy for toy  100 . In some exemplary embodiments, one or more foam-like materials, such as, for example, closed-cell polyethylene foam, ethylene vinyl acetate closed-cell foam, and the like may be used for the first end  102  or as a coating or shell  103  forming the outer surface of first end  102  that may provide flexibility as well as softness. Materials such as, for example polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE) may also be used so as to provide sufficient ‘softness’ to form a safe squirting toy, i.e. the toy  100  having at least the first end  102  which will not injure a person hit with the toy at typical velocities according to exemplary embodiments. 
         [0025]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , the first end  102  may be affixed or attached to the bellows  104  through any suitable manner, such as for example, as tape, glue, epoxy, melting screw means, etc, without puncturing the bellows  104 . Similarly, the second end  106  may also be affixed to the bellows utilizing to any suitable means. 
         [0026]    In some exemplary embodiments, the first end  102  and/or the second end  106  may be removably attached to the bellows  104 . 
         [0027]      FIG. 2  shows, according to exemplary embodiments, a cross-sectional view of toy  100 . As shown the second end  106  of toy  100  may include a shell  108  that encloses a tube  110 . For example, the second end  106  may define at least in part a cylindrical-like shape that surrounds the tube  110 . The shell  108  may be made from any one of the foam-like materials described herein, and further may provide a softness and buoyancy for toy  100 . The tube  110  may be formed from any suitable plastic to transport or hold fluids, such as water flowing through. 
         [0028]    In exemplary embodiments, the second end  106  may include and/or be attached to a threaded connector  112  for connecting to the bellows  104 . For example, the connector  112  may be attached to one end of the shell  108  and an end of the tube  110 . Referring to  FIG. 2 , the connector  112  may be embedded and/or enclosed by the shell  108 . The connector  112  may be affixed and/or attached by any suitable means, such as tape, glue, epoxy, opposing friction, melting, screw means, and the like. In exemplary embodiments, the connector  112  may attach to an open end of the bellows  104  and the tube  110  so air and/or liquid can only enter and/or leave the bellows  104  via the tube  110 . The tube may extend from the opening end of the bellows to the opening  120 . For example, the connector  112  may include a screw thread  115  to attach and screw around a corresponding threaded open end of the bellows  104 . In this regard, the connector  112  and second end  106  may be removable from toy  100  by reversibly rotating the bellows  104  relative to the connector  112 . 
         [0029]    In other exemplary embodiments, a connector may be affixed to both the bellows  104  and the tube  110  using any type of adhesive, sealant, of sealing process. For example, a connector may be heat-sealed to the bellows  104  and the tube  110  so as to provide a substantially airtight pathway from the bellows  104  to the tube  110 . 
         [0030]    In the various figures herein, the cross sections of first end  102 , the bellows  104 , and the second end  106  are shown to be cylindrically shaped. This is not meant to be a limitation as toy  100  may include components having various cross sectional shapes. In exemplary embodiments, toy  100  may be shaped, at least at the first end  102  and second  106  similar to a “swimming noodle”, which is well known in the context of recreational water activities. In an exemplary embodiment toy  100  may have a consistent shape throughout. For example, the first end  102 , the bellows  104 , and the second end  106  may each have the same cross-sectional shape and dimensions. In some exemplary embodiments toy  100  may have an appearance similar, at least in part to a common “swimming noodle”. This emulated swimming noodle may be of any cross-sectional shape, e.g. round, polygonal, elliptical, oval, or some combination of shapes including generally polygonal with rounded sides. In some exemplary embodiments, one or more components of toy  100 , such as one or more of the first end  102 , the bellows  104 , and the second end  106  may have differing shapes, cross-sections, and/or dimensions. 
         [0031]    In exemplary embodiments, bellows  104  may be a reversibly compressible and/or collapsible container or chamber which can hold fluids and/or air. For example, as shown in various figures, the bellows  104  has an accordion-like shape. The accordion-like shape allows the bellows  104  to collapse.  FIGS. 3A and 3B  respectively show a side view of the water toy  100  in a normal and in a compressed state. 
         [0032]    In operation, the water toy  100  is compressed as shown in  FIG. 3A  while outlet  120  is submerged below the surface of the water. The water toy  100  is then allowed or caused to expand to the orientation shown in  FIG. 3B . During the expansion to the configuration shown in  FIG. 3A , water is caused to travel through the outlet  120 , through the tube  110  into the bellows section by suction. Thereafter, water can be expelled through the outlet  10  by the forceful contraction of the water toy  100 . Specifically, the contraction of the bellows  104  reduces the volume of the bellows  104  causing water to be forced through the tube  110  and exiting the outlet  120 . The force of the water stream is generally dependent on the force applied to contract the bellows  104 , with a greater contraction force causing water to be ejected at a faster rate. 
         [0033]    In exemplary embodiments, at least the first end  102  and/or the second end  106  can provide buoyancy when the toy  100  is in a body of water, such as a pool. For example, even when toy  100  is filled with water, the first end  102  and the second end  106  may provide buoyancy so the toy  100  does not sink. 
         [0034]    In other exemplary embodiments, toy  100  may contain the bellows  104 , the connector  112 , and the tube  110  formed as an integral part. In such an embodiment, shell  108  attachs to tube  110 . 
         [0035]    In some embodiments, toy  100  may include a plurality of tubes communicating with the outside environment (not shown). In this regard, when toy  100  contains water and is compressed, water streams out of the plurality of tubes. For example, toy  100  may have a bellows component with two open ends and tubes connecting on each end so that water can stream out of both ends of toy  100 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 4  shows a water toy  300 . Water toy  300  may be similar to water toy  100 , except it does not have an extending second end or a tube. Instead, the bellows  304  communicates directly with the outlet  300 . Water toy  300  has a first end  302 , a bellows  304 , and a relatively short second end  306 , akin to the water toy  100 . However, the second end  306 , has only a connector  314 , and an opening  320  at the end of connector  314  for allowing water to enter and/or exit. The connector  314  may form a substantially airtight seal with respect to the bellows, The connector  314  is covered by shell  300 . The shell  408  can be made of the same material as shell  108 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the water toy  500  of the present invention. Water toy  500  has a first end  502 , a bellows  504 , and a second end  506 . 
         [0038]    While the various water toys are described having two ends connected to a bellows, this not required.  FIG. 6  shows water toy  600  with bellows  604  connected to an end  906  according to an exemplary embodiment. The end  606  may be configured according to the various embodiments described herein. 
         [0039]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional side view of water toy  500 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the first end  502  includes a plurality of elements such as a shell  508 , a cap  510 , and a tubular core  512 . As shown, the tubular core  512  is formed of two pieces  512   a  and  512   b . The bellows chamber  520  connects to the first end  502  via the tubular core  512 . The tubular core  512  may be constructed as one or more elements  512   a ,  512   b  which attach to the closed end of the bellows chamber  520  through any suitable means such as, for example, being melted to the bellows chamber  520 , being glued to the bellows chamber  520 , snap fastened to the bellows chamber, screwing to at least part of the bellows, opposing friction means, and other mechanical methods, to name a few. 
         [0040]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , the first end of tubular core  512  is formed with an internal flange  513  when elements  512   a  and  512   b  are joined. The closed end of bellows  504  is formed with a knob  505 . When the tubular core  512  is assembled the internal flange  513  captures knob  505  on the end of bellows  54  thereby fastening the bellows  504  to the first end  502 . The first end  502  may include a shell  508 . In exemplary embodiments, the shell  508  may be constructed from one or more foam materials, such as, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), and the like, to name a few. The shell  508  may substantially copy the tubular core  512  or extend beyond the tubular core  512  or cover a portion of the tubular core  512 . The shell  508  may be attached to the tubular core  512  through any suitable means described herein. 
         [0041]    In an exemplary embodiment, the first end  502  includes a cap  510  that is fastened to one end of the housing element  508 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the cap  510  fits around the end of the tubular core  512 . The cap  510  connects to the tubular core  512  by adhesive, heat, friction or by any other suitable means helping to keep the elements  512   a  and  512   b  together to form the tubular core  512 . The cap  510  may be formed out any suitable material, including one or more plastics and may be constructed by an injection molding process. The exterior facing side of the cap  510  may include ornamental designs thereon, such as, for example, logos, letters, pictorial representations, and the like. 
         [0042]    In other exemplary embodiments, the first end  502  may include only a shell  508  with or without a cap  510 . For example, the shell  508  may be one or more pieces, and may be a solid cylinder, which attaches to the bellows chamber  504 . The first end  502  may emulate, at least in part, a “swimming noodle”. For example, the emulated swimming noodle may be of any cross-sectional shape, e.g. round, polygonal, elliptical, oval, or some combination of shapes including generally polygonal with rounded sides. 
         [0043]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , the bellows chamber  504  connects to the second end  506  via the securing element  555 .  FIG. 8 , is an exploded cross-sectional view of securing element  555 , which includes bulkhead  555   a , a cover  555   b , and a valve  560 . The cover  555   b  has a central aperture  567 . The cover  555   b  engages the bulkhead  555   a  through the engagement of mounting posts  563 ,  563  with receptacles  564   a ,  564   b , respectively. The securing element  555 , may include threaded means  556  for attachment to the bellows chamber  520 , as shown Alternatively, the securing element  555  may be separately mounted between the bellows chamber  504  and the second end  506 . In such cases, the bulkhead  555   a  of the securing element  555  functions as a fluid tight bulkhead between the bellows chamber  504  and the second end  506 . 
         [0044]    The bulkhead  555   a  includes an outlet  565  and one or more inlets  562 . The outlet  565  and the inlet  562  are connected to tubes  575  and  570  respectively, When connected to the bellows chamber  504  the bulkhead  555   a  provides a substantially fluid tight seal such that air and/or fluids may only enter or exit the bellows chamber  504  by passing through the inlet  565 , outlet  562  and tubes  570 ,  575 . Referring to  FIG. 7 , the securing element  555  and may hold or “secure” the tubes  570 ,  575  in place. The tubes  575 ,  570  may be attached to the bulkhead by insertion into recesses  569 ,  571 , respectively. The tubes are retained therein by friction, adhesive or through any other suitable means. 
         [0045]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , the second end  506  of the water toy  500  includes the securing element  555 , cap  590 , and a tubular connector  592  extending between the securing element  555  and the end cap  590 . The tubular connector  592  may be of any desired length. Optionally, the tubular connector  592  may be covered by a shell  585  made of any of the materials described with regard to a shell  508 . The facing sides of bulkhead  555  and the end cap  590  are each provided with extending flanges  594 ,  596  on the bulkhead  555  and cap  590 , respectively. The flanges  594 ,  596  within the tubular connectors  592  and may be fastened by friction, adhesive or the like. 
         [0046]    An outlet tube extends from recess  569  in the bulkhead  555   a  to a corresponding recess  598  in the cap  590 . The length of the outlet tube  575  is approximately equal to the length of the tubular connector  592 . Similarly, an inlet tube  570  mounted at one end to a recess  571  in the bulkhead  555   a  extends from the facing surface of the bulkhead  555   a  to a corresponding recess  535  formed in the interface of the cap  590 . 
         [0047]    Cap  590  also includes an outlet aperture  580  which communicates with the inlet tube  575 . The end cap  590  also includes an inlet aperture  582  which communicates with the inlet tube  570 . 
         [0048]    Although not shown, there may be more than one inlet aperture and corresponding inlet tubes and recesses and/or more than one outlet aperture and corresponding outlet tubes and recesses. When assembled, the bellows reservoir  520  is in fluid communication with the outside environment through the outlet  565 , connected to the outlet tube  575  which in turn is connected to the outlet aperture  580  in end cap  590 . Likewise, the inlet aperture  582  is in fluid communication with the bellows reservoir  520  through the inlet tube  570  attached to the inlet aperture  562 . 
         [0049]    The visible face of cap  590  may include ornamental designs thereon, such as, for example, logos, letters, pictorial representations, and the like. The cap  590  may be formed from any suitable materials, including one or more plastics. 
         [0050]    In order to shorten the time needed to “reload” the squirting toy  500  or to reduce the force required to expand the bellows section  504 , the water toy  500  may include a valve  560 . Preferably, the valve  560  is a one-way valve which may substantially prevents air and/or fluids from flowing in one general direction through such valve but can allow air and/or fluids to flow in the opposite direction. 
         [0051]      FIGS. 10A and 10B  show an enlarged cross-sectional side views of valve in a closed and open position respectively. Referring to  FIG. 10A , the valve  560  is a flap valve having a living hinge  532  and a stopper  536 . The valve  560  may be formed of silicon rubber, neoprene or any similar flexible material. The valve  560  is mounted to the bellows side of the bulkhead  555   a  and the cover outlet aperture  562 . Valve  560  mounts to stub  540  by friction although other suitable mounting means can be provided. The valve  560  is designed to respond to air and/or fluid pressure so that it assumes a closed position when air and/or fluid is being exhaled from the bellows  504 . In such case, as shown in  FIG. 10A , the stopper  606  rotates around hinge  532  closing the inlet aperture  562  when the bellows  504  is caused to collapse. 
         [0052]    Referring to  FIG. 10B , upon expansion of the bellows  504 , the stopper  530  rotates around the hinge  604  opening the inlet aperture  562  thereby providing a parallel path for air or fluid to fill the bellows  504 . The additional path shortens the time for air or fluid to refill the bellows and/or reduces the force needed to expand the bellows  504  to the orientation shown in  FIG. 3A . 
         [0053]    Although valve  560  is shown as a flopper valve with a living hinge  532  and a stopper  530 , other configurations or constructions of a one-way valve can be utilized. 
         [0054]    During expansion of the bellows, air or fluid is cause to enter the squirting toy  500  through the inlet aperture  582  communicating with the environment. The air or fluid then passes through the inlet tube  570 , past the inlet aperture  562  and the valve stopper  606  into the bellows  504 . 
         [0055]    It is anticipated that the second end  506 , and by extension the shell  585  may also emulate, at least in part, a “swimming noodle” and may be of any cross-sectional shape, e.g. round, polygonal, elliptical, oval, or some combination of shapes including generally polygonal with rounded sides. 
         [0056]    The first end  502  and the second end  506  may function as handles, so a user can grab the water toy  500  at the first end  502  and the second end  506  and cause the bellows  504  of the water toy  500  to be compressed and to cause any fluid and/or air within the bellows  504  to be pushed or exhaled out through the outlet aperture  580 . During compression, the valve  560  rotates to the closed position preventing air or fluid from passing through the inlet  562 . Instead, the full force of air or fluid is directed through outlet aperture  565  into outlet tube  575  and ultimately out of outlet aperture  580 . To refill or reload the water toy  500 , after the bellows  504  is compressed, the user may subsequently place the end of the toy in a pool of fluid, e.g., water, as shown in  FIG. 12 , and apply a tensile force so as to expand the bellows and cause water/fluid to be drawn in the water toy  500 . During expansion, the water may be drawn into the bellows  504  through the outlet aperture  580 , the outlet tube  575  and the outlet  565  and, if valve  560  is present, water also enters the bellows  504  through inlet aperture  582 , inlet tube  570 , inlet  562  past valve  560 . 
         [0057]    In exemplary embodiments, the inlet and outlet tubes  570 ,  575  as well as the corresponding inlet and outlet apertures of the water toy, e.g.,  562  and  565 ,  582  and  580  may have the same or different diameters. Since it is desirable to be able to reload the bellows  504  with water quickly, the diameter of the inlets and the inlet tube  570  are larger than the outlets and outlet tubes as shown in  FIGS. 6 . Larger inlets and inlet tubes also allow a user such as a child to refill the water toy using less force than a toy without valve  560 . Alternatively, although not shown, one inlet valve, tube and opening may be used. 
         [0058]    In exemplary embodiments, the inlet tube  570  and/or the inlet aperture  582  may have an inner diameter in the ranges of approximately 3 mm to 6 mm, 4 mm to 5 mm, 5 mm to 6 mm, or 5.5 mm to 5.8 mm. For example, the inside diameter of tube  570  may be approximately 5.75 mm. In some exemplary embodiments, the diameter of tube  570  may be greater than 13 mm. 
         [0059]    In exemplary embodiments, the outlet tube  575  and/or outlet aperture  580 , may have a diameter in the range of approximately 2.5 mm to 5.5 mm, 3 mm to 5 mm, and may have a diameter that is approximately 4.0 mm. A 4.0 mm diameter has been found to represent a size that results in a satisfactory stream of water without requiring excessive force to compress the toy. 
         [0060]    In some exemplary embodiments, other securing elements (not shown), may be used, such as those shaped or configured similarly to a bottle cap. This securing element may snap or twist over the open end of bellows  504 . The cap can include one or more holes, but otherwise provide a substantially airtight seal around the opening of the bellows chamber. In this regard, such holes may lead and/or partially hold tubes which may lead to an outside environment. Such a cap may also include one or more one-way valves. 
         [0061]    In exemplary embodiments, a compressive force may be applied to any one of the water toys described herein so as to cause the bellows to shrink. For example, when a bellows contains a fluid, e.g., water, applying a compressive force will result in a fluid being expelled from the bellows, through the outlet and out of the water toy. The amount of fluid in the bellows as well as the magnitude of the compressive force may influence how fast a fluid may stream out of tube  110 . For example,  FIG. 11  shows when water toy  1100  has been compressed a water stream  50  exiting from end  1106 . Water toy  1100  may be implemented or configured according to any of the water toys described herein. In exemplary embodiments, a user may compress the toy so that bellows shrinks by grabbing water toy  1000  at ends  1002  and  1006 , and applying a compressive force to cause the ends  1002 ,  1006  towards each other. The resulting pressure generated in the bellows can result in expelling liquid out of bellows and through the tube and/or through of the toy. 
         [0062]    In exemplary embodiments, while being compressed, the bellows may, like a spring, store up a restorative force. Therefore when there is no longer a compressive force acting on the bellows, the bellows may “spring” or extend back to its approximately prior and/or initial rest position. In some exemplary embodiments, a user may need to apply a tensile force to extend a compressed bellows back to its original position. The bellows may be formed from flexible materials that allow a user, such as a child, to repeatedly and easily collapse and extend the bellows while maintaining its overall shape. In exemplary embodiments, the bellows may be formed using plastics and/or polymers, such as, for example, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polythene (PE), rubber, and the like, and combinations thereof, to name a few. In embodiments, the bellows may be made from a combination of EVA and PP. In one embodiment, the bellows may be made from approximately 75% EVA and 25% PP. In other exemplary embodiments, the bellows may consist approximately of 70%-80% EVA with 30%-20% PP, 60%-90% EVA with 40%-10% EVA, and 50% EVA with 50% PP. 
         [0063]    The bellows may be opaque, transparent, translucent, or semi-transparent and may allow a user to see the amount of fluid located within bellows. In some exemplary embodiments, bellows may be at least partially surrounded by additional layer of material, such as foam-like materials described herein. 
         [0064]    In exemplary embodiments, applying a compressive force to water toy  1000  when there is little or no fluid contained within the bellows may result in air being forced out of such a toy. For example, water toy  1100  can be at least partially refilled with water after compressing water toy  1100 . For example, after applying compressive force toy  1100  but before extending or allowing the bellows  1004  to extend back, a user may immerse at least the second end  1106  into a body of fluid. 
         [0065]      FIG. 12  shows water toy  1100  with the one end being in a pool of water W. As the toy  1100  is extended with the opening end of the toy in the water W, the bellows  1004  will cause water to be drawn into one or more tubes (not shown) and into the bellows  1004  from the body of water W. Repeated expansion and contraction of bellows  1004  while the second end  1006  remains under water will cause the expunging of air and will allow the bellows to fill completely with water as it extends. In other exemplary embodiments, a user may direct and/or funnel fluid into the tube. The second end  1106  may be placed so that water exiting from a hose or faucet flows into the one or more tubes. In some situations, the second end  1106  may be removed and fluids can be directed directly into the bellows  1004 . While toy  1100  has been described as being refilled, any of the exemplary water toys described herein may be substituted and refilled similarly. 
         [0066]    It will be understood that that any of the above steps and/or elements can be combined, separated, using any suitable combination and/or separation thereof, and/or taken in any order. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the applicable arts that the foregoing is merely one of many possible embodiments of the invention, and that the invention should therefore only be limited according to the following claims.