Patent Publication Number: US-6905388-B2

Title: Water toy

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/417,587, filed Oct. 10, 2002, the disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference and priority from the filing date of which is hereby claimed under 35 U.S.C. § 119. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to water toys and more particularly, to water toys for selectively emitting streams of water. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Children, and sometimes adults, enjoy playing with water toys during hot summer days. Often, a sprinkler will be set in a center of a yard and turned on. To cool off, children will run through the sprinkler. During game play, the children may try to reach the sprinkler without getting sprayed by the sprinkler. 
   Although sprinklers are somewhat effective as a water toy, they are not without their problems. Sprinklers eject water in a pattern that is often easy to predict. Thus, during game play, the players may be able to predict the pattern of spray and easily avoid being hit by a stream of water. Further, sprinklers do not provide a means for readily indicating an end to the game, such as upon achievement of a specific goal or upon the ending of a selected time period. Therefore, there exists a need for a water toy that is reliable, economical to manufacture, provides a sufficiently confusing pattern of water spray, and which indicates to players an end to the game. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   One embodiment of a water toy formed in accordance with the present invention is provided. The water toy includes a housing, an inlet for directing liquid into the housing, and a distribution assembly disposed in the housing and coupled in fluid communication with the inlet. The water toy further includes a plurality of outlets each adapted to direct a stream of liquid out of the housing, the outlets coupled in fluid communication with the distribution assembly, wherein the distribution assembly intermittently directs a stream of liquid out of each of the outlets. 
   Another embodiment of a water toy formed in accordance with the present invention is provided. The water toy includes a plurality of outlets, a water distribution system for directing intermittent streams of liquid out of each of the outlets, and a timer for indicating an end of a selected duration of play. The water toy further includes a switch for incapacitating the water distribution system from directing intermittent streams of liquid out of each of the outlets upon manual actuation of the switch into a first position by a user. 
   Still another embodiment of a water toy formed in accordance with the present invention is provided. The water toy includes a distribution assembly for selectively directing an intermittent stream of liquid out of each of a plurality of outlets. The distribution assembly includes a plurality of valves each associated with one of the plurality of outlets. Each of the valves are actuatable between an open position in which a stream of liquid is discharged from one of the plurality of outlets and a closed position in which the stream of liquid is impeded from discharging from the outlet. The water toy further includes a valve drive assembly comprising a rotatable cam having a plurality of lobes, wherein each of the plurality of lobes is adapted to actuate each of the plurality of valves between the open and closed positions as the cam is rotated. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is an isometric view of one embodiment of a water toy formed in accordance with the present invention, depicting a plurality of arms with one arm in a rigid state emitting a stream of water and the remaining arms shown in a limp, coiled state; 
       FIG. 2  is an elevation view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , wherein a portion of a housing has been cut away to better show an operating assembly of the water toy disposed therein; 
       FIG. 3  is an isometric view of the operating assembly depicted in  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 4  is an isometric exploded view of the operating assembly of  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a top view of a distribution assembly of the operating assembly depicted in  FIG. 3  with a cam of a valve drive system shown in a first position; 
       FIG. 6  is a top view of the distribution assembly of the operating assembly depicted in  FIG. 3  with the cam of the valve drive system shown in a second position; and 
       FIG. 7  is a top view of the distribution assembly of the operating assembly depicted in  FIG. 3  with the cam of the valve drive system shown in a third position. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     FIGS. 1-6  illustrate one embodiment of a water toy  10  formed in accordance with the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 1 , generally described, the water toy  10  is adapted to selectively emit a stream of water  12  intermittently out of a nozzle  13  disposed at a distal end of each of a plurality of arms  14 . Preferably, the water streams  12  are emitted out of the arms  14  in a sufficiently confusing pattern or firing order so as to appear somewhat random. The arms  14  may eject water streams independently of each other, and/or simultaneously with one or more other arms  14 . When an arm  14  is pressurized during emitting of the water stream  12 , the arm  14  is configured from a limp state, such as the arms indicated by reference numerals  14 L, to a rigid state, such as the arm indicated by reference numeral  14 R. 
   In the illustrated embodiment, the arms  14 , when in the limp state, are depicted as being in a coiled position. However, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art, that the arms  14  may take other forms when in the limp state, such as a form where the arms  14  lay upon the ground in any selected or random shape, or form some other selected geometric shape. Further, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the arms  14  may take many forms. In the illustrated embodiment, the arms  14  are depicted as tentacles to an octopus or arms of a cartoon character. However, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the arms  14  may take any number of forms, including permanently rigid shapes, such as gun bores, etc. Further, although a particular theme for the water toy  10  is depicted and described herein, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the theme or look of the water toy  10  is purely illustrative in nature, and may be changed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For instance, the water toy  10  may take the form of a galleon having arms which take the form of cannons for ejecting streams of water therefrom. 
   Focusing now on the outer structure of the water toy  10 , the water toy  10  includes a housing  15  formed from a head portion  16  and a base portion  18 . The head portion  16  may include a switch  20 . The switch  20  may be used to toggle the water toy  10  between operating conditions, preferably between an off and on state. In the illustrated embodiment, the switch  20  is positioned and configured to be hit by thrown objects. For instance, the switch  20  may be positioned and configured to be hit by small bean bags, rings, balls, or other objects thrown by a user such that an impact by one of the objects upon the switch  20  actuates the switch  20  to configure the water toy  10  between off and on configurations. The head portion  16  may be configured to rotate to increase the difficulty of hitting the switch  20 . Alternately, the switch  20  may be toggled by other means, such as by a hand of the user. Further, the switch  20  may be enclosed within the housing  15 . 
   The head portion  16  also includes a timer  22 . The timer  22  may be a wind up timer such as illustrated, wherein the timer  22  may be wound a selected amount to operate for a selected duration. The timer  22  may also be of a well known electronic variety, or of any other variety here now known or to be developed. Preferably, the timer  22  indicates to a user the end of a period of play. The timer  22  may indicate the end of a round of play by visual, audio, or other means. For instance, the timer  22  may emit laughter or taunting remarks, flash a light, cease the operation of the water toy  10 , or may produce some other indication to the user that the selected amount of time has past. 
   The base portion  18  is generally cylindrical in shape and houses, along with the head portion  16 , an operating assembly  24  of the water toy  10 . A plurality of legs  26  may support the base portion  18  above a surface, such as a ground surface. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 2-4 , this detailed description will now focus upon the structure of the operating assembly  24  housed within the head and base portions  16  and  18  of the water toy  10 . The operating assembly  24  includes a drive assembly  28  and a water distribution assembly  30 . 
   The drive assembly  28  includes a drive unit  32 , a reduction gear system  34 , and a driveline assembly  36 . The drive unit  32  may be any well known drive means, including an electric motor, hydro motor, hydraulic motor, pneumatic motor, wind up motor, or any other suitable drive unit able to output a force. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive unit  32  is a high speed battery powered electric motor. The drive unit  32  is operatively connected to the switch  20  (See  FIG. 1 ) such that actuation of the switch selectively toggles the drive unit  32  between an energized and running condition, and a de-energized, non-running condition. 
   The reduction gear system  34  is a well known unit able to receive a high revolution per minute (RPM) input, and through gearing, translate the high RPM input into a low RPM output. In the illustrated embodiment, the high RPM input enters the reduction gear system  34  through a drive unit output shaft  38 . The low RPM output exits the reduction gear system  34  through a pinion gear  40  concentrically located about, but not attached, to the output shaft  38 . Moreover, the output shaft  38  may pass through the pinion gear  40  such that the pinion gear  40  may spin about the output shaft  38 . 
   The driveline assembly  36  transfers power produced by the drive unit  32  to the reduction gear system  34  and transfers power from the reduction gear system  34  to the water distribution assembly  30 . The driveline assembly  36  includes the above mentioned output shaft  38  and pinion gear  40 , plus a water distribution assembly input shaft  42  and a bull gear  44 . The bull gear  44  is sized and positioned to cooperatively mesh with the pinion gear  40 . The input shaft  42  is coupled to the bull gear  44  and transfers any forces present in the bull gear  44  to the water distribution assembly  30 . As should be apparent to those skilled in the art, the reduction gear system  34  may be eliminated depending upon the output RPM of the drive unit  32 . More specifically, if the RPM of the drive unit  32  is sufficiently slow, than the reduction gear system  34  may not be needed and eliminated, such that the drive unit  32  drives the input shaft  42  directly. 
   This detailed description will now focus upon the water distribution assembly  30 . The water distribution assembly  30  includes two main sub assemblies, a water manifold system  48  and a valve drive system  46 . The water manifold system  48  includes a water manifold  50  and one or more valves  62  coupled in fluid communication with the water manifold  50 . The water manifold  50  includes a water inlet  54  for directing water into the water manifold  50 . The water manifold system  48  may include a fastener  56  for permitting a water hose  58 , such as a common garden hose, to be coupled in fluid communication with the water inlet  54 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 4 , the water inlet  54  is coupled in fluid communication with four arterial passages  60  disposed in the water manifold  50 . Each arterial passage  60  directs water obtained from the water inlet  54  to a respective valve  62 . Each valve  62  may be selectively actuated between an open position in which water is permitted to be discharged from an associated outlet  61  and a closed position in which water is impeded from discharging from an associated arm. The valves  62  of the illustrated embodiment are illustrated and described as well known butterfly valves, however it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the valves are illustrative in nature and may take any form in which the flow of a fluid may be selectively permitted to pass and be blocked. 
   Turning to  FIG. 2 , each valve  62  includes a disc  70  disposed in a valve body  66 . A stem  68  passes through the valve body  66  and is selectively rotatable therein. Coupled to the stem  68  is the disc  70 . The disc  70  is rotatable within the valve body  66  between a first position, wherein the disc  70  substantially blocks fluid flow through the valve body  66 , and a second position wherein the disc  70  permits fluid flow through the valve body  66 . Coupled to each end of the stem  68  are actuation members  72 , which in the illustrated embodiment, are paddle shaped. A spring  74  is coupled to each of the lower actuation members  72 B, the spring  74  adapted to bias the discs  70  in the closed position. Coupled to the discharge sides of each of the valves  62  are the arms  14  of the water toy  10 . 
   Turning now to  FIG. 5 , the valve drive system  46  includes a cam  76  rigidly mounted to the input shaft  42 . The cam  76  may be a planar structure having one or more lobes  78 . In the illustrated embodiment, the cam  76  includes a first lobe  78 A and a second lobe  78 B. The lobes  78  may be defined as any part of the cam  76  extending beyond a base circle  80 . In the illustrated embodiment, the radius of the base circle  80  is equal to the distance between the center of the cam  76  and the closest point of an actuation member  74 A engageable by the cam  76 . 
   The placement and shape of the lobes  78  upon the cam may be selected to selectively control the discharge of water from the arms. More specifically, the shape of the lobes  78  may be selected to control the duration that water is discharged from the arms. For instance, if a lobe  78  is desired that results in water discharging from an arm for an extended period, then an angular displacement  80  of the portion of the lobe  78  which extends beyond the base circle  80  is increased. For example, lobe  78 A is an extended duration lobe relative to lobe  78 B for the angular displacement  82  of the portion of lobe  78 B which extends beyond the base circle  80  is less than the angular displacement  80  of the portion of lobe  78 A which extends beyond the base circle  80 . 
   Further, the rate at which the valve is opened may be manipulated be selectively shaping the lobe  78 . A steep rise in a leading edge of the lobe results in a quick valve opening, such as shown in a leading edge  84  of lobe  78 B. A slow rise in a leading edge of the lobe conversely results in a slow valve opening, such as shown in a leading edge  86  of lobe  78 A. 
   The shape of the lobe  78  may also be selected to manipulate the extent to which the valve  62  is opened. For instant, if it is desired that the valve be opened only partially, than the distance which the lobe  78  extends outward from the base circle is reduced. Conversely, if it is desired that the valve be opened more fully, than the distance which the lobe  78  extends outward from the base circle is increased. For instance, lobe  78 B will open valve  62 C less than lobe  78 A will open valve  62 A for this reason. 
   Although the cam  76  is described as including two lobes  78 , it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the number of lobes  78  is illustrative in nature, and any number of lobes  78 , from one to near infinity, may be placed upon the cam  76 . Further, although a single cam  76  is illustrated, it should be noted that multiple cams  76  may be incorporated into the water toy  10  without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Preferably, in a multi-cam configuration of the invention, the cams would rotate at different speeds relative to one another to increase the appearance of a random firing order of the water streams  12 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in light of the above description of the water toy  10 , this detailed description will now focus upon describing the operation of the illustrated water toy  10 . The water toy  10  is first placed in an area of play, such as a yard, and coupled to a water hose  58  through the fastener  56 . A valve (not shown) is actuated to permit water to flow through the water hose  58  and into the water toy  10 . The timer  22  may then be set for a selected period of play. The switch  20  may then be hit to start play, and more specifically, to start the drive assembly  28  such that the valve drive system  46  is put in motion. The arms  14  are then selectively actuated to discharge streams of water  12  out of the arms in a preferably confusing pattern or firing order. Players partaking in the game try to actuate the switch  20  to turn off the water toy  10  prior to the timer  22  indicating the end of the play period without being hit by a stream of water  12 . The players may actuate the switch  20  by throwing objects, such as bean bags, balls, rings, etc., or by running up and activating the switch  20  by hand. The object of the game is to actuate the switch  20  prior to the timer  22  indicating the end of play without being hit by water  12  ejected from one of the arms  14 . To increase or decrease the difficulty of the game, the time period in which the task must be completed may be increased or decreased respectfully. Further, to increase and decrease the difficulty of the game, the speed at which the cam rotates may be increased or decreased respectfully. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 5-7 , the operation of the valve drive assembly  46  will now be examined in further detail. Turning to  FIG. 5 , the cam  76  is shown in a first position. In this position, all of the valves  62  are in a closed position such that water is impeded from flowing from the valves  62 . Lobe  78 B is depicted just prior to the moment when the actuation member  74 A is initially engaged by lobe  78 B. Further rotation of the cam  76  in the counterclockwise direction from the first position depicted in  FIG. 5  will cause lobe  78 B to engage and rotate actuation member  74 A clockwise, thereby opening valve  62 C. 
   When the switch of the water toy is actuated, the drive assembly initiates rotation of the cam  76  in a counterclockwise direction from the first position depicted in  FIG. 5  to a second position depicted in FIG.  6 . As the cam  76  rotates to the second position from the position depicted in  FIG. 5 , lobe  78 B actuates valve  62 C from the open to the closed position, and due to the shape of lobe  78 B, the opening of valve  62 C results in a short burst of water from valve  62 C. Referring to  FIG. 6 , lobe  78 A has now engaged the actuation member  74 A of valve  62 A, thereby opening valve  62 A. Due to the shape of lobe  78 A, the valve is opened in a manner to provide a prolonged burst of water out of valve  62 A. Lobe  78 B has already passed actuation member  74 A, intermittently opening valve  62 C such that a short burst of water is emitted from valve  62 C. In the depicted position of the cam  76 , valves  62 B,  62 C, and  62 D are depicted in closed positions. 
   As the rotation of the cam  76  continues from the second position depicted in  FIG. 6  to a third position depicted in  FIG. 7 , lobe  78 B actuates valve  62 D to emit a short burst of water, followed by lobe  78 A actuating valve  62 B to emit a long duration burst. Thus, from the above description, it should be apparent that the firing order from counterclockwise rotation of the cam  76  from the position depicted in  FIG. 5  during one full rotation of the cam  76  is as follows: 
   
     
       
         
             
             
             
           
             
                 
                 
             
             
                 
               VALVE 
               TYPE OF BURST 
             
             
                 
                 
             
           
          
             
                 
               Valve 62C 
               Short burst 
             
             
                 
               Valve 62A 
               Long burst 
             
             
                 
               Valve 62D 
               Short burst 
             
             
                 
               Valve 62B 
               Long burst 
             
             
                 
               Valve 62A 
               Short burst 
             
             
                 
               Valve 62C 
               Long burst 
             
             
                 
               Valve 62B 
               Short burst 
             
             
                 
               Valve 62D 
               Long burst 
             
             
                 
                 
             
          
         
       
     
   
   The above tabulated firing order is repeated for every revolution of the cam  76 . The firing order may be reduced or increased in complexity by removing or adding valves, lobes, and/or cams as discussed within this detailed description. 
   Although the illustrated water toy  10  is depicted with four arms  14 , it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the water toy  10  may be constructed with any number of arms, from one to near infinity. Further, although the water toy  10  is described as emitting water, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the water toy  10  may emit any fluid without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
   While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.