Patent Publication Number: US-2023149824-A1

Title: Bathtub Toy and Methods of Using the Same

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention claims priority to U.S. Prov. Pat. App. No. 63/256,958, titled “Bathtub Toy and Methods of Using the Same,” filed Oct. 18, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a bathtub toy apparatus. Specifically, the present invention comprises a bathtub toy apparatus comprising a housing having a space therein for a fizzing bath bomb sphere, puck, or other shape. The housing comprises an entrance aperture configured to allow entry of water into the housing. Embodiments of the present invention further provide an exit aperture for expelling fizz generated by the fizzing bath bomb sphere or puck. Other embodiments incorporate transparent or translucent panels therein for viewing the fizz generated by the fizzing bath bomb sphere or puck. Methods of using the same are further provided. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Fizzing bath bombs are commonly utilized by people, specifically children, in bathtubs thereby providing an engaging and enjoyable experience. A fizzing bath bomb is typically in the shape of a sphere and contains ingredients that generally provide enjoyable fragrances, colors, and ingredients, typically sodium bicarbonate, that fizz when in contact with water. Fizzing bath bombs may further contain soaps for cleaning skin during a bath, salts for stress relief and other health benefits, and other like ingredients that may enhance a bath. 
     Many bath toys utilize water and suds from existing baths. For example, bath toys are known that have an open bottom whereby sudsy water, such as bath water with bubbles generated within the bath water, such as with bubble bath liquid or the like, can be collected. The sudsy water can then be moved out of the toy itself, such as by pressing down on the toy within the water, causing the sudsy water and bubbles to eject from a top of the toy. For example, a bath toy in the shape of a ship may have an open bottom and funnel shape therein for collecting water and bubbles from a surface of a bath. The toy may have an exit aperture on a top thereof, such as in the shape of a smokestack, so that pushing down on the toy causes the bubbles and water to eject from the smokestack of the toy ship. However, such a toy cannot be used with a fizzing bath bomb as there is not chamber for holding the fizzing bath bomb so that the same may interact with the water to create the fizz. 
     The use of fizzing bath products has been incorporated in toys, but typically the toys utilize the fizz to create locomotion in the toys. For example, fizzing products have been incorporated into toy submarines or ships whereby the fizzing product, when in contact with water, builds pressure within the toy which causes the fizzing product to expel from the toy in such a manner as to cause the submarine or ship to move in the bathtub. In such a product, the fizzing bath product does not incorporate colors, fragrances or other like elements that are common to modern fizzing bath bombs. 
     A need, therefore, exists for an improved bathtub toy apparatus. Specifically, a need exists for an improved bathtub toy apparatus that provides a housing and a space for adding a fizzy bath bomb thereto. More specifically, a need exists for an improved bathtub toy apparatus that allows the fizz generated by the fizzing bath bomb within the toy to be visible to a user thereof. 
     Moreover, a need exists for an improved bathtub toy apparatus having controlled introduction of water within the housing to control the creation of fizz generated by the fizzing bath bomb. In addition, a need exists for an improved bathtub toy apparatus having controlled expulsion of the fizz from the toy so that they same may be enjoyable to a user thereof. Further, a need exists for an improved bathtub toy apparatus whereby the toy may float easily and be stable on a surface of bathtub water for ease of use and enjoyment of the same. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a bathtub toy apparatus. Specifically, the present invention comprises a bathtub toy apparatus comprising a housing having a space therein for a fizzing bath bomb sphere, puck, or other shape. The housing comprises an entrance aperture configured to allow entry of water into the housing. Embodiments of the present invention further provide an exit aperture for expelling fizz generated by the fizzing bath bomb sphere or puck. Other embodiments incorporate transparent or translucent panels therein for viewing the fizz generated by the fizzing bath bomb sphere or puck. Methods of using the same are further provided. 
     To this end, in an embodiment of the present invention, a bath toy apparatus is provided. The bath toy apparatus comprises a housing, a base, and an interior compartment configured to hold a fizzing bath bomb, wherein the bath toy apparatus further comprises an entrance aperture for introducing water to the fizzing bath bomb, and an exit aperture for expelling fizz or bubbles generated by the interaction of the fizzing bath bomb with the water. 
     It is, therefore, an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide an improved bathtub toy apparatus. 
     Specifically, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide an improved bathtub toy apparatus that provides a housing and a space for adding a fizzy bath bomb thereto. 
     More specifically, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide an improved bathtub toy apparatus that allows the fizz generated by the fizzing bath bomb within the toy to be visible to a user thereof. 
     Moreover, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide an improved bathtub toy apparatus having controlled introduction of water within the housing to control the creation of fizz generated by the fizzing bath bomb. 
     In addition, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide an improved bathtub toy apparatus having controlled expulsion of the fizz from the toy so that they same may be enjoyable to a user thereof. 
     Further, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide an improved bathtub toy apparatus whereby the toy may float easily and be stable on a surface of bathtub water for ease of use and enjoyment of the same. 
     Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments and from the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a perspective view of a bath toy apparatus in the shape of a volcano, a fizzing bath bomb puck, and an example of a surprise contained within the bath bomb puck in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  2    illustrates an exploded view of a bath toy apparatus in the shape of a volcano in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a bath toy apparatus submerged in a body of water and illustrating fizz generated by an internal bath bomb puck emanating from holes in the bath toy apparatus. 
         FIG.  4    illustrates an exploded view of a bath toy apparatus in an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a cross-sectional view of a bath toy apparatus in an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a perspective view of a bath toy apparatus in the shape of a castle in an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  7    illustrates an exploded view of a bath toy apparatus in an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  8    illustrates a cross-sectional view of a bath toy apparatus in an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  9    illustrates a perspective view of a bath toy apparatus in the shape of a viewable globe in an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention relates to a bathtub toy apparatus. Specifically, the present invention comprises a bathtub toy apparatus comprising a housing having a space therein for a fizzing bath bomb sphere, puck, or other shape. The housing comprises an entrance aperture configured to allow entry of water into the housing. Embodiments of the present invention further provide an exit aperture for expelling fizz generated by the fizzing bath bomb sphere or puck. Other embodiments incorporate transparent or translucent panels therein for viewing the fizz generated by the fizzing bath bomb sphere or puck. Methods of using the same are further provided. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  1   , a bath toy apparatus  10  is illustrated. The bath toy apparatus  10  is generally in the shape of a volcano and has a base  12 , an extended volcano-shaped element  14 , and a top  16  thereto. The bath toy apparatus may hold a fizzing bath bomb puck  20 , as described below with respect to  FIG.  2   , which may contain a surprise  22  in the shape of a toy dinosaur (or any other shape) that may be contained within the fizzing bath bomb puck  20  such that, when the bath bomb puck  20  dissolves and fizzes within a body of water, such as a bathtub, the surprise  22  may be exposed and revealed, allowing the same to be played with by the user thereof. Of course, it should be noted that the surprise  22  may be any object and any size so as to fit within the fizzing bath bomb puck  20 . 
     The fizzing bath bomb puck  20  may comprise ingredients allowing the fizzing bath bomb puck  20  to create fizz or bubbles when in contact with water. Typically, ingredients may include those causing the fizzing or bubbles to be generated, as well as other ingredients that may be desirable by a user, such as detergents/soaps (for cleaning the user), salts (for de-stressing or other health benefits), skin softeners, colors, scents, or any other ingredient that may be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Preferably, the fizzing bath bomb puck  20  may comprise sodium bicarbonate which may react with water, causing the production of carbon dioxide and, with the detergents within the fizzing bath bomb puck  20 , may cause fizz or bubbles to be created. 
     In use, the fizzing bath bomb puck  20  may be placed inside the bath toy apparatus  10  as illustrated in  FIG.  2   , an exploded view of the bath apparatus  10 . Specifically, the bath apparatus  10  may comprise an outer shell or housing  13  on which a design, such as a lava element  15  may be adhered. The housing may contain an option weight cover  17  that may add weight to the apparatus  10 , such that when added to a bath, the weight may sink the apparatus  10  in the water so as to introduce water thereinto, as described below. A bottom plate  19  may form the base  12  and a bottom cap  21  may be placed onto the bottom plate  19  and held by tabs therein, thereby forming a tray on which the fizzing bath bomb  20  may be placed and held. The bottom cap  21  may have water introduction apertures  23 , which may allow water from a bathtub to be introduced into the shell or housing  13  and allowed to interact with the fizzing bath bomb  20 . Fizz created by the fizzing bath bomb  20  may rise through the shell or housing  13  and exit the shell or housing  13  through holes  24  at the top  16 . After the fizzing bath bomb  20  is completely spent, the surprise  22  may be left on the bottom cap  23  which may be retrieved by removing the bottom cap  23 . 
     Thus, the bath toy apparatus  10  may be introduced to a body of water, such as, preferably, a bathtub with warm bath water therein. The apertures  23  may allow water to enter the bath toy apparatus  10  to contact the fizzing bath bomb puck  20  therein, whereupon fizz or bubbles may be generated. The bath toy apparatus comprises one or more passages extending upwardly through the bath toy apparatus  10  so that the fizz or bubbles created may emanate upwardly through the bath toy apparatus  10  and exit through the holes  24 .  FIG.  3    illustrates the bath toy apparatus  10  submerged within a body of water  40  and fizz or bubbles  42  emanating through a plurality of holes  24  from a top thereof. When the fizzing bath bomb  20  is spent, the surprise  22  may be retrieved by removing the bottom cap  21  from the bottom plate  19 . 
     In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in  FIGS.  4  and  5   , a bath toy apparatus  50  may comprise an outer shell or housing  54  that may further comprise a base  12  and a top  56  thereof. The shell  54  may form an interior space  62  in which a buoyancy stabilizer  64 , such as a floating foam ring or other element, such one or more air pockets or the like, may be disposed. The buoyancy stabilizer  64  may fit within the base  52  thereby providing floating stability for the bath toy apparatus  50 . A bottom cover  66  may cover the bottom opening of the outer shell  54  and may further provide a compartment  68  into which the fizzing bath bomb puck. The compartment  68  may be sized and shaped to fit the fizzing bath bomb puck but it should be noted that the compartment  68  may be other shapes as well for the fizzing bath bomb may be other shapes besides puck shaped. Specifically, the fizzing bath bomb may be in the shape of a sphere, a square or rectangular prism, or other like shape apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, and the present invention should not be limited as described herein. 
     Preferably, the bottom cover  66  may connect and attach to the outer shell  54  thereby holding the buoyancy stabilizer  64  therein. In an embodiment, the bottom cover  66  may have holes or apertures therein forming entrance passages, allowing water to seep or flow into the compartment  68  to interact with the fizzing bath bomb puck therein forming fizz or bubbles. Alternatively, water may enter the compartment  68  by flowing one or more passages  70  in the top  56  of the outer shell or housing  54 . Specifically, the apparatus, after a fizzing bath bomb puck is placed therein, may be submerged within a body of water allowing water to flow into the passage  70  and into the compartment  68 . Fizz or bubbles may be generated which then may travel upwardly through the passage  70  and out the top  56  of the shell or housing  54 . Thus, when fizz or bubbles flow out through the top  56  of the shell or housing  54 , the bath toy apparatus  50  simulates an erupting volcano. When completed, the bottom cover  66  may be removed and a surprise contained within the fizzing bath bomb therein may be retrieved. 
       FIGS.  6 - 8    illustrate a bath toy apparatus  100  in the shape of a castle in an alternate embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the bath toy apparatus comprises a base  112 , a castle-shaped outer shell housing  114 , and a top  116 . The top  116 , or other places within the castle-shaped outer shell  114 , may have a plurality of apertures  118  that are connected to an internal space  120  within the castle-shaped outer shell  114 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  7  and  8   , in an exploded view and cross-sectional view, respectively, of the bath toy apparatus  100 , the outer shell housing  114  may comprise a compartment  122  sized and shaped to receive and hold a fizzing bath bomb puck  124  so that, when interacting with water, fizz or bubbles may be created that may exit the outer shell housing  114  through the apertures  118 . 
     The base  112  may have a space  130  allowing passage of the fizzing bath bomb puck  124 , and a bottom cover  126  may be removably placed over the space  130 , thereby holding the fizzing bath bomb puck  124  within the compartment  122 . For example, the bottom cover  126  may have tabs that engage receiving elements within the base  112  such that twisting the bottom cover  126  holds the bottom cover  126  over the space  130 . The cover may further have one or more entry apertures  128  therein which may allow water to flow into the compartment  122  to interact with the fizzing bath bomb puck  124  contained therein. When the fizzing bath bomb puck  124  is completely expended, a surprise (not shown) may be retrieved by removing the bottom cover  126  to gain access to the compartment  122 . 
     Disposed around the outside of the outer shell housing  114  may be a plurality of buoyancy stabilizers  132  which, in the present embodiment, may be in the form and shape of castle towers. Each of the towers may have a space therein which may hold a pocket of air or a foam or other buoyant material. Therefore, the buoyancy stabilizers  132  may aid in holding the bath toy apparatus  100  upright and floating within water. 
       FIG.  9    illustrates a bath toy apparatus  200  in yet another alternate embodiment of the present invention. The bath toy apparatus  200  may have an outer shell housing  210  and a base  212  into which a compartment (not shown) may be provided for holding a fizzing bath bomb (not shown), such as a puck, sphere, or other like shape. Alternatively, the base  212  may provide a passage into the outer shell housing  210  to place the fizzing bath bomb. The outer shell housing  210  may be in the shape of a sphere and may further be made from a transparent or translucent plastic material so that the internal space contained therein is viewable. Alternately, the outer shell housing  210  may comprise a transparent and/or translucent window into which the housing may be viewable from the outside thereof. 
     Passages may further be contained within the base  212  and/or within the outer shell housing (not shown) allowing water to enter the space therein and/or air to exit the same so that the water may interact with the fizzing bath bomb. Once water is introduced therein, the fizzing bath bomb may create fizz or bubbles, which may have distinct colors which may be viewable through the sphere of the outer shell housing  210  or via a window thereof. Once the fizzing bath bomb is expended, the apparatus  200  may be opened and a surprise, if any contained within the fizzing bath bomb, may be retrieved. 
     It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. Further, references throughout the specification to “the invention” are nonlimiting, and it should be noted that claim limitations presented herein are not meant to describe the invention as a whole. Moreover, the invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.