Patent Publication Number: US-8113963-B2

Title: Water based entertainment device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/082,427 filed Jul. 21, 2008 entitled WATER BASED ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/086,681 filed Aug. 6, 2008 entitled WATER BASED ENTERTAINMENT DEVICE, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Disclosure 
     The present application relates to a water based entertainment device. In particular, the present application relates to a device that is utilized to provide a three dimensional (3D) enclosure with walls made of water in which an individual may remain without being exposed to water spray. 
     2. Related Art 
     Sprinklers have long been the source of summer fun for children, particularly those who do not have access to pools. However, since most sprinklers are designed for the utilitarian purpose of irrigation, they are typically not intended for entertainment purposes. 
     SUMMARY 
     It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a water based entertainment device. 
     A water based entertainment device in accordance with an embodiment of the present application includes a connector operable for connection to a hose, a tube in fluid communication with the connector such that water from the garden hose flows in the tube and a diffusion head positioned on a top end of the tube such that an opening is provided between a bottom surface of the diffusion head and the top end of the tube when water is flowing in the tube to provide a substantially smooth wall of water flowing out from the diffusion head to define an enclosure. 
     A water based entertainment device in accordance with an embodiment of the present application includes an arch, a connector operable for connection to a hose positioned at a bottom of the arch, a connection hose connected to the connector and a diffusion head mounted on a top of the arch and connected to the connection hose such that water from the hose is provided to the diffusion head, the diffusion head operable to provide a smooth wall of water on at least one side of the arch. 
     A portable water based entertainment device in accordance with an embodiment of the present application includes a connector operable for connection to a hose, a tube in fluid communication with the connector such that water from the hose flows in the tube and a flange positioned at the top of the tube and operable to deflect water flowing out the top of the tube to provide a substantially smooth wall of water defining an enclosure. 
     A portable water based entertainment device in accordance with an embodiment of the present application includes a connector operable for connection to a hose, a tube in fluid communication with the connector such that water from the hose flows in the tube, wherein a top of the tube is flared outward such that water flowing out the top of the tube provides a substantially smooth wall of water defining an enclosure. 
     A portable water based entertainment device in accordance with an embodiment of the present application includes a base structured to provide a stable platform, a tube extending from the base, a pump mounted in the base operable to pump water from an adjacent water source into the tube and a diffusion head positioned on a top end of the tube such that an opening is provided between a bottom surface of the diffusion head and the top end of the tube when water is flowing in the tube to provide a substantially smooth wall of water flowing out from the diffusion head to define an enclosure. 
     A water based entertainment device in accordance with another embodiment of the present application includes a base with a substantially flat bottom to provide a stable platform, a hollow portion formed in a top surface of the base, a tube mounted in the hollow portion and extending upward therefrom, an inlet formed in the bottom surface of the hollow portion, a pump mounted in the base between the inlet and the tube and operable to pump fluid from the hollow portion of the base via the inlet and into the tube and a diffusion head position on a top end of the tube such that an opening is provided between a bottom surface of the diffusion head and the top end of the tube when water is flowing in the tube to provide a substantially smooth wall of fluid flowing out from the diffusion head to define an enclosure. 
     Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention which refers to the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S) 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a water based entertainment device in accordance with an embodiment of the present application. 
         FIG. 2  is a cross sectional view of the device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of a water based entertainment device in accordance with another embodiment of the present application. 
         FIG. 4  is a cross sectional view of a water based entertainment device in accordance with another embodiment of the present application. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the device of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is another perspective view of the device of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a water based entertainment device in accordance with another embodiment of the present application. 
         FIGS. 7A-7F  illustrate diffusion heads of different shapes for use in the water based entertainment device of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 8  is a photograph of a diffusion head and stabilizing stem of the water based entertainment device of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is a photograph illustrating the relationship between the diffusion head and stabilizing stem of  FIG. 8  and a stabilizing collar of the water based entertainment device of  FIGS. 7-8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a photograph of an alternative embodiment of a diffusion head of the water based entertainment device of the present application. 
         FIG. 10A  is a photograph of the alternative diffusion head of  FIG. 10  with the head separated from the collar. 
         FIG. 11  is a photograph of a bottom view of the alternative diffusion head of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIGS. 12A-12F  illustrate various embodiments of a water based entertainment device in accordance with the present application using diffusion heads of different shapes. 
         FIG. 13  includes photographs of water based entertainment devices in accordance with the present application including vertical tubes of different heights. 
         FIG. 14  is an illustration of an alternative embodiment of a water based entertainment device in accordance with an embodiment of the present application. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates an embodiment of the device of claim  14  utilizing a different diffusion head. 
         FIG. 16  is an embodiment of a water based entertainment device in accordance with another embodiment of the present application. 
         FIG. 17  is an embodiment of a water based entertainment device in accordance with an embodiment of the present application. 
         FIG. 17A  is an exemplary block diagram of a power source switch and light source for use in the water based entertainment device of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 17B  is an illustration of a bottom surface of a base of the water based entertainment device of  FIG. 17  in accordance with an embodiment of the present application. 
         FIG. 17C  is an illustration a water based entertainment device in accordance with another embodiment of the present application. 
         FIG. 18  is an illustration of an alternative embodiment of a diffusion head suitable for use with the water based entertainment device of the present application. 
         FIG. 19  is an illustration of a water based entertainment device of the present application utilizing the diffusion head of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 20  is an illustration of a water based entertainment device in accordance with another embodiment of the present application. 
         FIG. 21  is an illustration of a water based entertainment device in accordance with another embodiment of the present application. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a water based entertainment device  10  in accordance with an embodiment of the present application. As can be seen in  FIG. 1 , the device  10  preferably includes a tube  12  which is connected to a base  14  such that it preferably extends upward from the base. The base  14  includes a connector  16  that is suitable for connection to a hose  20  to provide water to the device  10 . 
     As can be seen in the cross sectional view of the device  10  illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the tube  12  may include a hollow central portion  12   a  and a water channel  12   b  extending around the outer portion of the tube  12 . The inner wall  12   d  forms the inner surface of the water channel  12   b  and the outer surface of the hollow central portion  12   a . The hose  20  is connected to the connector  16  to provide water to the device  10 . A regulator  18  may be provided in the path of the water in order to regulate the pressure of the water in the device  10  to a desired level. Thereafter, the water flows into the reservoir area  19  and up through the water channel  12   b  as indicated by the arrows until it reaches the flange  15  positioned at the open end of the water channel. The flange  15  deflects the water outward (see dotted lines in  FIG. 2 ). The resulting sheath of water surrounding the tube  12  defines a substantially enclosed dry area, or enclosure,  30  around the device  10  that is substantially free of water spray. That is, the sheath of water forms substantially smooth walls of water that enclose a defined area. This enclosure is considered “dry” because it is largely free of water spray. In a preferred embodiment, this enclosed area is large enough for a user to stand or sit in without interfering with the wall of water. The wall of water is substantially smooth in that at least a substantial portion of the wall is continuous and does not include voids or spaces. In this particular embodiment, the enclosure has a cocoon or umbrella like shape. That is, the device  10  provides a sort of water cocoon into which a user may step, and avoid water spray if desired. Naturally, users may move into and out of this cocoon area, as well, to enjoy the cooling effects of the water. The flange  15  may have a tapered shape similar to that of the top portion of the tube  112  discussed below and illustrated in  FIG. 4 , for example, if desired. 
     While the tube  12  is illustrated as being substantially cylindrical in shape, it need not be limited to this shape. It is noted that the shape of the tube  12  and the flange  15  may be changed in order to change the shape of the enclosed dry area  30 . The tube  12  may be of any desired height such that the device  10  may be used by children and adults alike. The hose  20  is preferably a typical garden hose, but need not be limited thereto. The regulator  18  is typically used to reduce the pressure of the water provided by the hose  20  since typical garden hose pressure is usually too high to produce a smooth shaped dry area  30 , however, under certain conditions it may be necessary to boost water pressure as well. Further, as is described below, the regulator  18  may be eliminated altogether in certain embodiments. 
     The base  14  preferably has a substantially flat bottom surface as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2  such that the device can be positioned on the ground easily. In an alternative embodiment, a spike  40  may be removably connected to the bottom surface as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . The spike  40  allows the device  10  to be positioned on an uneven surface such a lawn, for example. Otherwise, the device of  FIG. 3  is identical to that of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Indeed, in a preferred embodiment, the device of  FIGS. 1 and 2  includes an opening to removably mount the spike  40  therein when desired. 
     An alternative embodiment of a water based entertainment device  100  is illustrated in  FIG. 4 . In this embodiment, the tube  112  has a substantially cylindrical shape on a bottom portion thereof but is flared at the top portion thereof. In this embodiment, the inner wall  112   d  serves to deflect the water flow outward to provide the dry area  130 , and thus the flange of  FIGS. 1-3  is unnecessary. The diameter of the flared top portion may be adjusted to provide for a larger or smaller dry area  130  as desired. That is, a larger diameter will generally provide for a larger dry area  30 . Further, the regulator  118  may be positioned between the reservoir area  119  and the channels  112   b  to regulate the pressure of water flowing into the channels to ensure a smooth sheath of water is provided to define the dry area  30 . The connector  116  is similar to the connector  16  of  FIG. 1  and is preferably connected to the hose  120 . Further, the base  114  is similar to the base  14  of  FIG. 1 . 
     In both embodiments, the size of the opening at the top of the water channels  12   b ,  112   b  may be varied in order to provide the continuous sheath of water that defines the dry areas  30 ,  130 . In a preferred embodiment, the opening is relatively narrow, or thin, to encourage the sheet-like appearance of the sheath of water that defines dry areas  30 ,  130 . Further, the angle at which the water exits these openings may be adjusted to adjust the size of the dry areas  30 ,  130 . The regulators  18 ,  118  provide a desired pressure for the water provided to the water channels  12   b ,  112   b . Thus, the regulators ensure that the sheath that defines the dry areas  30 ,  130  is generally continuous. However, as noted below, the regulators are not necessary. The base  114  of the device  100  of  FIGS. 4-6  may also include a spike similar to spike  40  illustrated in  FIG. 3 , if desired. The height of the tube  12 ,  112  is preferably set such that the enclosed dry area  30 ,  130  is suitable for use by children, as illustrated in  FIGS. 5-6 , for example, however, any height may be used. 
       FIG. 5  is an illustration of children playing in the dry area of an entertainment device similar to that illustrated in  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 6  is similar to  FIG. 5  except that one of the children is passing through the wall of water.  FIG. 7  illustrates another embodiment of a water based entertainment device  200  in accordance with an embodiment of the present application. In this embodiment, hollow tube  212  extends from the base  214 , which is connected to a hose via the connector  216  in a manner similar to that discussed above. A diffusion head  231  is mounted at the top end of a stabilizing stem  232 , which is inserted into the top end of the tube  212 . A plurality of stabilizing elements  234  are preferably provided to stabilize the head  231  relative to the tube  212 . 
     While  FIG. 7  illustrates the use of pins as the stabilizing elements  234 , they may be any shape. For example, the photograph of  FIG. 8  illustrates the insertion of fin-shaped stabilizing elements  234  in the stem  232 . The stabilizing elements  234  may be of any shape provided that they minimize flow interruption of water through the tube  212  and keep the head  231  stable relative to the tube  212 . That is, they minimize lateral movement of the stem  232  and the diffusion head  231  relative to the tube  212 . The bottom surface of the head  231  is preferably tapered, as illustrated, such that that it has a diameter less than that of the tube  212  at its narrowest point and fits therein. The stem  232  is positioned in the tube  212  such that water will flow through the tube and out between a top of the tube  212  and the bottom surface of the head  231 . The pressure of the exiting water will be increased based on the weight of the head  231  bearing down on the top of the tube  212 . That is, the weight of the head  231  will restrict the size of the opening that the water will exit through, and thus, increase the output pressure thereof. Adjusting the output pressure allows for adjustment of the size of the dry area, or enclosure,  230 . The diffusion head  231  may have a set weight, or may have a weight that can be adjusted, for example by filling it with water in order to set or adjust the size of the dry area  230 . A hollow portion may be provided in the top of the diffusion head  231  to accommodate water, or any other material that may be used to adjust the weight of the head. 
     In a preferred embodiment, a stabilizing collar  236  is provided at the top of the tube  212  as illustrated in the photograph of  FIG. 9 . The head  231  then interacts with the collar  236  rather than directly with the top of the tube  212  itself. The collar  236  also helps to stabilize the head  231  relative the tube  212 . 
     While  FIG. 7  illustrates a generally round diffusion head  231 , also shown in  FIG. 7A , a variety of shapes may be used. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 7B , a square shape may be used. Alternatively as illustrated in  FIG. 7C , a rectangular shape may be used. In addition, as illustrate din  FIG. 7D , the head  231  may be shaped to provide a smooth wall, or curtain of water. Similarly, the head  231  may be shaped and textured to provide a rougher wall of water as illustrated in  FIG. 7E . 
     In another embodiment, the diffusion head  231  and stem  232  may be replaced by the screw down diffusion head  331  of  FIG. 10 . Preferably the head  331  is threadedly engaged in the collar  336 , which is attached to the top of the tube  212 , for example, such that the spacing between the bottom surface of the head  331  and the top surface of the collar  336  can be adjusted.  FIG. 10A  illustrates the head  331  separated from the collar  336 . In this manner, the pressure of the water exiting through this opening can be adjusted to control the size of the dry area  330  (see  FIG. 12A-12D  for example) in a simple manner. As can be seen in  FIG. 11 , the threaded bolt  337  passes though a bore  338  formed in a center section  338   a  of the collar  336 . The center section  338   a  is supported by the intersecting walls  339 , which allow water to flow through the openings  339   a  therebetween. The threaded bolt  337  may also be used to secure the collar portion  336  to the tube  212 , for example. In this case a similar center section and bore is provided in the top part of the tube  212 . While  FIG. 10  illustrates a circular head  331 , as can be seen in  FIGS. 12  A-D, the head  331  may have any one of several different shapes including but not limited to a square, a star, an oval and a lotus-type shape. The head  330  may also be shaped to provide a curtain of water as illustrated in  FIG. 12E . 
     While particular embodiments of the diffusion head are illustrated and described herein, other embodiments are possible provided that the shape allows water to escaped between the bottom surface of the diffusion head and the top of the tube  212 , for example, to provide the smooth walls of water discussed herein. For example, the diffusion head may simply be a sphere with a maximum diameter that is slightly larger than the diameter of the tube  212  so that a portion of the sphere will fit in the top of the tube.  FIG. 7F  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a spherical diffusion head  231   a . The spherical head  231   a  may be mounted on a stem similar to stem  232  or simply positioned at the top of the tube without the stem. The spherical head  231   a  may be weighted to maintain an opening of a desired size between its bottom surface and the top of tube. Alternatively, the spherical head  231   a  may include a recess or hollow portion where material can be added to adjust weight to adjust the opening size. Otherwise the device works in substantially the same manner as described above with reference to  FIG. 7 . 
     In another embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 12F , for example, a pump may be provided in the base  14 ,  114 ,  214  and placed in a pool, or other water source, for example. The pump is used to draw water into the device  10 ,  100 ,  200  without the need for a garden hose. In this manner, the same water can be reused over and over, and thus, water can be conserved. The pump is preferably battery operated and safe for use in a submerged environment. Otherwise operation of the device in  FIG. 12F  is similar to that described above. This makes the device portable since there is no need to be near a hose in order to use it. 
     In another embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the device  400  may be mounted on an arch  440  such that a curtain of water falls from the top of the arch. While  FIG. 14  illustrates the arch  440  as an arcuate element, it is noted that the arch need not be limited to this specific embodiment. Any suitable structure that raises the diffusion head  431  up such that a user can pass directly underneath it may be used. As is mentioned above, the device  200  for example may include a diffusion head that provides for a curtain for water. Users can crawl or slide through the arch  440 , and thus the curtain of water. This embodiment would be useful in combination with a Slip &#39;N Slide® (a registered trademark of Wham-O Inc.) water slide, for example, to allow a user to slide under the arch  440  and the curtain of water falling therefrom. In this embodiment, a connector  416  for connection to the garden hose, or other suitable water source is preferably located at a bottom of the arch and a connection piece  412  is used to provide a connection between the connector  416  and the diffusion head  431  at the top of the arch  440 . That is, the connection piece  412  takes the place of the tube described above. This connection piece  412  is in fluid communication with the connector  416  and a lower collar  436  similar to the stabilizing collar  236  discussed above, on which the diffusion head  431  is mounted. In this case, there is no need for the stem on the diffusion head since there is no tube to mount it in. Alternatively, the head  431  may be screwed to the collar  436  in a manner similar to that described above with reference to  FIG. 10 . 
     Alternatively, a more typical diffusion head  431   a  may be used to provide an enclosed dry area, or enclosure,  430  similar to the areas  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  330  described above where the dry area  430  surrounds the arch  440 . This is illustrated in  FIG. 15 , for example. 
     In another embodiment, the water based entertainment device  500  may be hand held, as illustrated in  FIG. 16 . In this embodiment, a handle  510  is preferably formed at the bottom of the tube  512  to aid a user in holding the device  500 . The connector  516  is connected to a garden hose, or other suitable water supply and water flows up the tube  512  and out the diffusion head  531  in a manner similar to that described above. The diffusion head  531  may be mounted on the tube  512  in any of the ways described above. 
     In another alternative embodiment, the water based entertainment device  600  may include a light source  610 , for example, a light emitting diode LED&#39;s. If desired, multiple light sources  610  may be provided. The light source, or sources,  610  are preferably mounted in the base  614  of the device  600 . Specifically, the light source  610  is preferably mounted adjacent to the flow path of water entering the base via connector  616  and flowing toward the tube  612 . In a preferred embodiment the light source  610  projects light upward through the tube  612 , and the water flowing therethrough, such that the water exiting the tube is luminescent. A water proof lens may be provided between the light source and the water. This embodiment is illustrated in  FIG. 17C , for example, which illustrates a lower portion of the device  600 . A power source  660  to power the light source  610  and a switch  662  are also preferably positioned in the base  614 . The power source  660  is preferably a battery, or batteries, that provide suitable power to the light source  610 .  FIG. 17A  illustrates an exemplary block diagram illustrating the relative connections of the power source  660 , switch  662  and light source  610 . The switch  662  is preferably accessible from the bottom surface of the base  614  which helps to isolate it from water and also helps prevent accidental activation. However, the switch  662  may be positioned elsewhere, if desired. In addition, access to the power source  660  may be provided from the bottom surface of the base, as well, via access door  664 , for example, as illustrated in  FIG. 17B . In this manner, all of the electrical elements can be isolated in the base  614  and protected from exposure to water. Alternatively, the light source  610 , may be mounted in the diffusion head  631  to. The light source  610  may be mounted on the bottom surface of the diffusion head  631  adjacent to the opening that is formed between the diffusion head and the tube  612 , or collar  636 . An example of such a device  600  is illustrated in  FIG. 17 . The inclusion of the light source  610  is particularly useful for use at night. The light source  610  may be incorporated into or used in conjunction with any of the diffusion heads described herein. Regardless of which embodiment is used, The light source  610 , power source  660  and switch  662  should be made safe for use in an environment where they are likely to get wet. In another embodiment, the water based entertainment device  700  may be used to provide a wall of water that forms the partially enclosed dry area  730 , but includes an opening in the wall of water that allows users to enter the dry area without getting wet at all. See  FIG. 19 , for example. In this embodiment, the diffusion head  731  includes a notch  770  as illustrated in  FIG. 18 . As a result, the smooth wall of water does not completely surrounding the device  700  as can be seen in  FIG. 19 . The notch  770  serves to divert water such that an opening in the water wall is formed. 
     In another embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 20 , a projector  879  may be provided to project a movie or other video image on the smooth walls of water that define the dry area, or enclosure  830  to further enhance the entertainment value of the device  800 . In one embodiment, the projector  879  is mounted in the base  814  and projects images on an inner surface of the wall of water. In an alternative embodiment, the projector may be mounted in the base in a manner similar to the light source  610  described above and project inverted images into the tube and the water therein such that they are visible when the water exits the tube and forms the wall of water. The projector  879  could be powered via the power source  660  described above, or may be provided with a separate power source  860 . A power switch  862  is also preferably provided to turn the projector on and off. The device  800  is otherwise similar to the device  200  described above. 
     In another alternative embodiment, the device  900  may be reduced in size such that it is suitable for positioning on a table top, for example. Naturally, in this embodiment, the dry area  930  will not be large enough for a user to enter it. The base  914  forms a reservoir of water that is used with the device. The reservoir area is preferably formed by a hollow portion formed on the top of the base  914  as illustrated in  FIG. 21 , for example. An inlet opening  902  is provided in a bottom surface of the hollow portion and is connected to a pump  904  mounted in the base  914  such that the pump pumps water out of the reservoir area. The tube  912  is connected to the output of the pump  904  such that the water sucked into the inlet  902  is pumped up into the tube  912 . A diffusion head  931  is provided at the top of the tube. The diffusion head  931  is similar to the diffusion heads described above, for example, diffusion head  231  and provides for smooth walls of water that define the dry space  930  in a manner similar to that described above. In addition, if desired, the tube  912  may include an ornament, for example, for decorative or entertainment purposes. The pump  904  may be powered by a battery, or any other suitable power source and may be turned on and off with a switch. In  FIG. 21 , the power source  660  and switch  662  of  FIG. 17C  are illustrated, but any suitable power source and switch may be used. 
     In general, for all embodiments, the tube  12 ,  112 ,  212 ,  312 ,  512 ,  612 ,  712 ,  812 ,  912  has a diameter of approximately 2 inches. The maximum diameter of the diffusion head  231 ,  331 ,  531 ,  631 ,  731  is preferably about 2.5 inches. The tubes are generally cylindrical in shape but may be other shapes if desired. While a garden hose is the preferred water source, any hose, or any other suitable pressurized water source may be used. Naturally, if desired, different sized tubes and heads may be used. In addition, the average pressure of the water exiting the garden hose  20 , for example, is about 70 PSI. Generally, the pressure of the water exiting the device is about 7 PSI. However, as is noted above, the output pressure can be adjusted by reducing the exit size, if desired. While internal pressure regulation may be provided, a suggested in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-6 , such internal pressure regulation is not necessary. For example, the device  200  of  FIG. 7  does not use any internal pressure regulation. The volume of the water in the device provides sufficient output pressure to form the enclosed dry area discussed herein. Further, the spacing between any diffusion head and any tube or collar can be adjusted to adjust this pressure without the need for an internal regulator. The tubes may be of any desired height. For Example,  FIG. 13  illustrates photographs of devices that utilize a 26-inch tube, a 3-foot tube, a 4-foot tube and a 6-foot tube. All of these devices happen to use the head  331  mentioned above, but tube height may be varied regardless of which embodiment is used. In addition, an extension tube may be provided and added to the tubes, for example, to provide for height adjustment. Further, it is preferred that a shut off valve be provided between the connector and the hose so that the flow of water to the device van be shut off. 
     While the entertainment device of the present application is illustrated with reference to specific embodiments, it is noted that there are many ways in which the enclosed dry areas  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  330 ,  430 ,  530 ,  630 ,  730 ,  830 ,  930  may be provided and the present application is not limited to the embodiments described herein. 
     While the device of the present application has been described as a water based entertainment device, it is noted that the device would be suitable for use with virtually any fluid. Thus, the term water, as used herein, refers more broadly to any fluid. For example, the smaller device  900  described above with reference to  FIG. 21 , could be used in conjunction with an alcoholic beverage, for example, as entertainment for a social event. 
     Although the present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is preferred, therefore, that the present invention be limited not by the specific disclosure.