Patent Publication Number: US-6981701-B2

Title: Fluid-filled game device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES 
   The present U.S. Patent application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/466,818, entitled “Liquid Filled Entertainment Device,” filed on Apr. 29, 2003, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 

   BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
   Embodiments of fluid-filled game devices are disclosed, which may include a tank charged with a fluid, a base for supporting the tank, and a user-actuated pump system for generating fluid currents within the tank. A plurality of semi-buoyant play pieces may be dispersed within the tank, each having protuberances extending outwardly from a body portion, wherein the protuberances may be adapted to impart motion to a play piece upon engaging a fluid current. The tank may further contain ornamental structures with moveable portions, which may be responsive to fluid currents, and may be configured to physically engage the play pieces. Optionally, ornamental structures may be coupled to a user-actuated mechanical system. 
   Examples of fluid-filled games operable to move semi-buoyant objects inside a liquid filled volume are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 806,255; 2,100,898; 4,032,141; 4,136,872; 4,142,715; 4,223,471; 4,362,299; 4,363,483; 4,382,597; 4,508,336; 4,923,429; 4,990,118; 5,017,171; 5,098,111; 5,426,878; 5,924,691; 5,951,009; 6,068,262; Des. 250,357; Des. 259,268; Des. 263,606; Des. 300,753; Des. 329,064; Des. 329,471; Des. 329,667; the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a fluid-filled game device with a tank disposed on a base, the tank containing play pieces and an ornamental structure with moveable parts, and the base shown to include two actuating devices and a pump system, a portion of which is shown as dashed structure. 
       FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the device of  FIG. 1 , showing components of an exemplary pump system. 
       FIGS. 3A–3D  are cross-sectional views of various nozzle configurations suitable for use in the device of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIGS. 4A–4B  are simplified cross-sectional views of the device of  FIG. 1 , illustrating the operation of components of an exemplary pump system. 
       FIG. 5  depicts various play pieces suitable for use in the device of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 6  is an isometric view of parts of the device of  FIG. 1 , with portions of the exterior surfaces cut away to show internal structure. 
       FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional of the device of  FIG. 1 , showing components and operation of an exemplary mechanical system to move parts of the ornamental structure. 
       FIG. 8  is an isometric view of another fluid-filled game device with a tank disposed on a base, the tank containing play pieces and a moveable ornamental structure, and the base shown to include two actuating devices. 
       FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the device of  FIG. 8 , showing components and operation of an exemplary pump system to move an ornamental structure. 
       FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the device of  FIG. 8 , showing components and operation of an exemplary mechanical system to move an ornamental structure. 
       FIG. 11  is an isometric view of yet another fluid-filled entertainment device with a tank disposed on a base, the tank containing play pieces and three ornamental structures, and the base shown to include one actuating device. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     FIG. 1  shows an exemplary embodiment of a game device  10 , which may include a generally transparent tank  12  supported by a base  14 . Tank  12  may be bounded by an interior surface  16  that may further include a bottom surface  18 , and may be charged with a generally transparent fluid  20  such as water. Tank  12  may also contain a plurality of semi-buoyant play pieces  22  within fluid  20 , as well as ornamental structures  24  mounted on interior surface  16 . Ornamental structures  24  may be moveable with respect to interior surface  16 , or may have moveable portions  26 . 
   Base  14  may include a shaped exterior wall  28 , configured to hold tank  12  in a generally upright orientation when device  10  is placed on a flat surface, and/or when held, such as in a user&#39;s hand. Base  14  also may include an actuating system  30 , parts of which protrude outwardly from exterior wall  28 . Actuating system  30  may be arranged to be manually engaged such as by a user&#39;s thumbs. 
   Base  14  also may include a pump system  32  operably coupled to actuating system  30 . Pump system  32 , a part of which is shown in  FIG. 1  in dashed structure, may be configured to generate fluid currents within tank  12 . These fluid currents may engage, and/or impart motion to, play pieces  22  and/or moveable portions  26  of ornamental structures  24 . Such motion may provide entertainment value to a user of device  10 . 
     FIG. 2  shows examples of structural elements that may be disposed within base  14 , including exemplary components of actuating system  30  and pump system  32 . Actuating system  30 , which may include an actuating device  34 , may be positioned substantially within base  14 . A generally hollow, cup-shaped housing  36  of actuating device  34  may include a first end  38 , part of which may protrude outwardly from exterior wall  28  through an opening  40 , and which may terminate in a button  42 . Housing  36  may also include a second end  44  terminating in an annular rim or flange  46 . A brace or stop  48  may be provided to abut flange  46 . 
   Pump system  32  also may be positioned within base  14 , and may include a pump mechanism  50 . A bellows  52  of pump mechanism  50  may include a closed end section  54 , which may fit securely within first end  38  to effectively mount housing  36  on bellows  52 . Bellows  52  may also include a shoulder  56  to fit securely within an aperture  58  in a support wall  60  of base  14 , stabilizing bellows  52  within base  14 . 
   A hollow boss  62  on bellows  52 , generally within shoulder  56 , may be connected by a length of tubing  64  to a fitting  66 , which may terminate in a nozzle  68 . Nozzle  68  may protrude generally upwardly through bottom surface  18  of tank  12 . 
   In some embodiments, such as those shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , nozzle  68  may be coupled to ornamental structure  24  within tank  12 , such that fluid may move through nozzle  68  through a channel  70  in ornamental structure  24 , or through channel  70  into nozzle  68 . In some embodiments, nozzle  68  may simply protrude into tank  12  without any additional structure coupled to the nozzle, such as that depicted in  FIG. 3C . In other embodiments, such as shown in  FIG. 3D , nozzle  68  may be flush with bottom surface  18  of tank  12 . 
   Pump system  32  may be coupled to actuating system  30  such that the actuating system may operate pump system  32  to produce fluid currents within tank  12  that flow through nozzle  68 . 
   For example, bellows  52  may be compressed by a force applied to button  42 , such as by a player&#39;s thumb, to move actuating device  34  inwardly in a direction toward base  14 , until flange  46  abuts support wall  60 , as shown in  FIG. 4A . Compression of bellows  52  may cause a flow or current of fluid  20  to be forced through tubing  64  and ejected from nozzle  68  through channel  70  and into tank  12 , generally in the direction in which nozzle  68  is oriented. Ejection of fluid  20  from nozzle  68  into tank  12  may generate fluid currents within tank  12 , as indicated by arrows  72 . 
   Upon release of force applied to compress bellows  52 , the structural resiliency of the bellows and the weight of fluid  20  in tank  12  may be sufficient to automatically expand bellows  52  and urge actuating device  34  outwardly in a direction away from base  14 , until flange  46  abuts stop  48 , as shown in  FIG. 4B . Optionally, expansion of bellows may optionally be assisted by use of a spring (not shown) or other urging or biasing member. Expansion of bellows  52  may result in a flow of fluid  20  from tank  12  back through nozzle  68 . Flow of fluid  20  into nozzle  68  also may generate fluid currents within tank  12 , as indicated by arrows  74 . 
   Referring again briefly to  FIG. 1 , dispersed throughout fluid  20  in tank  12  is a plurality of semi-buoyant play pieces  22 , which may be adapted to move around in response to fluid currents generated in tank  12 . As can also be seen in  FIG. 5 , each play piece may include a body portion  76  and a plurality of protuberances  78  extending outwardly from the body portion. In the depicted embodiment, play pieces  22  and ornamental structures  24  resemble characters and scenery from the children&#39;s cartoon SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS®, but other embodiments may be based on different themes, combinations thereof, or no theme. 
   Play pieces  22  may be formed of a material such as known polyolefin or vinyl polymer of a specific gravity slightly greater than that of the surrounding fluid, to provide the illusion that play pieces are suspended in fluid  20 . Such material may optionally have sufficient flexibility to allow protuberances  78  to move relative to body portion  76 , to provide the illusion of independent animation as the play pieces move through fluid  20 . The flexibility and seeming suspension of the play pieces in fluid  20  may create the appearance that play pieces  22  swim around in an underwater setting, enhancing the entertainment value of device  10 . 
   Further, the resiliency or flexibility of protuberances  78  may impart rotational and/or translational motion to the play pieces upon engagement with fluid currents within tank  12 , generated, for example, by operation of pump system  32 , causing play pieces  22  to move in a tumbling, swirling motion through fluid  20 . The tumbling, swirling motion of play pieces  22  within tank  12  may further enhance the entertainment value of device  10 . 
   Other features of device  10  also may be configured to enhance play. For example, the configuration of pump system  32  may include additional structure such as manifolds, joints, fittings, and the like, to direct fluid flow to a plurality of nozzles disposed within the tank. Similarly, actuating system  30  may include additional structure such as additional actuating devices and/or buttons. Thus, device  10  may contain a plurality of pump mechanisms operable by means of a corresponding plurality of buttons. 
   Ornamental structures  24  within tank  12  may also be configured to enhance play, for example, by taking a variety of different forms, some of which may include moveable portions  26 . Moveable portions  26  may be configured, for example, to physically engage play pieces  22  and/or to create turbulence in fluid  20  by moving relative to the ornamental structure, either of which may alter the movement of play pieces  22 , further augmenting the entertainment value of the device. 
     FIG. 6  depicts device  10  of  FIG. 1  with portions cut away to reveal internal structure, to illustrate exemplary configurations as described above. Ornamental structures  24  (specifically,  24   a  and  24   b ) are disposed on bottom surface  18 . Moveable portions  26  may be hingedly connected to ornamental structure  24   b , or may be formed of a material of sufficient resiliency to allow movement relative to ornamental structure  24   b.    
   In the depicted example, ornamental structure  24   b  is shaped to resemble the cartoon character SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS®, and moveable portions  26  are shaped to resemble the character&#39;s arms. Continuing the theme, ornamental structure  24   a  is shaped to resemble a coral formation or an underwater volcano. 
   The device of  FIG. 6  also may include pump system  32 , which may further include a first pump mechanism  50   a  disposed in base  14 . Pump mechanism  50   a  may have a bellows  52   a , coupled by a length of tubing  64   a  to a lower manifold  80 , which in turn may be coupled to two nozzles  68   a  disposed on bottom surface  18  of tank  12 . 
   Pump system  32  also may include a second pump mechanism  50   b  partially disposed in ornamental structure  24   b . Second pump mechanism  50   b  may include a bellows  52   b  coupled by a length of tubing  64   b  to an upper manifold  82  within ornamental structure  24   b . Upper manifold  82  in turn may be coupled to two nozzles  68   b  disposed within ornamental structure  24   b , which may be oriented generally toward moveable portions  26 . 
   Pump system  32  may be coupled to actuating system  30 , which may include separate actuating devices  34   a ,  34   b  to operate each of pump mechanisms  50   a ,  50   b . For example, first pump mechanism  50   a  is coupled to first actuating device  34   a , and second pump mechanism  32   b  is coupled to second actuating device  34   b.    
   Each of pump mechanisms  50   a ,  50   b  may be operated by force applied to buttons  42   a ,  42   b , such as by a player&#39;s thumbs. As described in greater detail above, force applied to button  42   a  may generate fluid currents within tank  12 , expelled from nozzles  68   a . Analogously, force applied to button  42   b  may generate fluid currents, expelled from nozzles  68   b , which may be oriented such that fluid currents expelled therefrom will engage moveable portions  26 , causing the “arms” to move up and down. 
   Thus, in the exemplary embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 6 , play pieces  22  may swirl and tumble around in fluid  22  in response to fluid currents expelled from nozzles  68   a ,  68   b , turbulence created by the movement of moveable portions  26 , physical contact with moveable portions  26  or with other play pieces  22 , or any combination thereof. Such fluid currents, turbulence, and movement may be generated by operation of buttons  42   a ,  42   b , such as by a user of device  10 . 
   Using the concepts described above, several variations are possible in the configuration of one or more components of devices according to the present disclosure. For example, moveable portions of ornamental structures may be configured to move by mechanical means alternatively or in addition to moving in response to fluid flow. 
     FIG. 7  illustrates such an exemplary configuration in a device labeled  10 ′ to indicate the inclusion of structural components, such as various mechanical members, which may not be included in device  10 . Specifically, actuating system  30  may be coupled to a gear assembly  84  or other mechanical members disposed within base  14 , including a strut  86  coupled to actuating device  34 . Strut  86  may engage a pair of intermeshing gears  88   a ,  88   b , which are coupled to a post  90  hingedly connected to moveable portions  26  of ornamental structure  24   b.    
   Actuating device  34  may be partially housed in a compartment  92  and coupled to a biasing member  94  such as a spring. Thus, force exerted to move actuating device  34  inwardly toward base  14  may result in movement of moveable portions  26  in an up-and-down motion relative to ornamental structure  24   b . Upon release of force applied, actuating device  34  may then be urged outwardly from base  14  by biasing member  94  as allowed by the configuration of compartment  92 . 
   In other embodiments, ornamental structures mounted to an interior surface of the tank may be configured to move in entirety, in addition or alternatively to having moveable portions. For example,  FIG. 8  depicts a device  100  which may include an ornamental structure  124  mounted to a bottom surface  118  of a tank  112  by means of a support  96 . Support  96  may be configured to move relative to bottom surface  118 , correspondingly moving ornamental structure  124 . Specifically, support  96  (and thus ornamental structure  124 ) may pivot about a vertically oriented axis (indicated at A). Further, ornamental structure  124  may include a target region  98 . 
   Device  100  may also include a plurality of nozzles  168  disposed on bottom surface  118 . Analogous to embodiments described above, device  100  may also include an actuating system  130  including two actuating devices  134 , one of which may be operably coupled to a pump system (not shown) to generate fluid current in tank  112  through nozzles  168 , and the other of which may be configured to pivot ornamental structure  124  from side to side. 
   Ornamental structure  124  may be pivoted, for example, as depicted in  FIG. 9 , wherein a nozzle  168  may be oriented to direct fluid current generated by a pump system  132  into a turbine  102  disposed in support  96 . Optionally, as depicted in  FIG. 10 , actuating system  130  may be coupled to a gear assembly  184 , operable to pivot a post  190  coupled to support  96 . 
   A user of device  100  may thus generate fluid currents within tank  112  and pivot ornamental structure  124  and target region  96  using actuating devices  134 , moving and attempting to catch play pieces  122 . 
   Variations also are possible in other component configurations. For example, some embodiments may include an actuating system with only one actuating device configured to move play pieces and to move moveable portions of ornamental structures. 
   For example,  FIG. 11  depicts a device  200  which may include a fluid-filled tank  212  with a plurality of semi-buoyant play pieces  222  dispersed therein and three ornamental structures  224  disposed on a bottom surface  218 . Each of ornamental structures  224  may optionally include moveable portions  226  and/or an interior channel  270 , sized and shaped to accommodate one of play pieces  222 . In the depicted example, ornamental structures  224  are shaped to resemble houses and other items based on the SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS® theme. 
   Nozzles (not shown) may be disposed within channels  270 , configured to direct fluid currents generated by a pump system (not shown) disposed within a base  214  and coupled to an actuating system (not shown) that may include an actuating device  234 . Actuating device  234  may additionally be operable to eject fluid currents to move moveable portions  226 . 
   A user of device  200  may thus generate fluid currents within tank  212  using actuating device  234 , causing moveable portions  226  to move and causing play pieces  222  to swirl and tumble around and perhaps move into channels  270 . 
   It will be appreciated that other variations are also possible within the configuration of other components of the exemplary devices herein described, and/or their inclusion or arrangement within the devices. For example, channels within ornamental structures may be sized and shaped to vary the force with which fluid current is expelled into a tank, and/or may further include irregularities, baffles, or other interior surface structure configured to create turbulence in a fluid current expelled from a nozzle, resulting in erratic and/or unpredictable movement of play pieces. 
   In a pump mechanism, tubing may be fabricated of a non-elastic material, or may be optionally be formed of a somewhat elastomeric material so that it may tend to expand as a bellows is compressed and fluid flows from the bellows. When formed of such a material, the tubing may act as an accumulator in that as the bellows is compressed and shortly thereafter, the fluid flow from the bellows may be sustained to a minor extent as the tubing contracts after bellows has been fully compressed. 
   While the inventions defined in the following claims have been particularly shown and described with reference to the foregoing examples, those skilled in the art will understand that many variations may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventions. Other combinations and sub-combinations of features, functions, elements, component, actions, and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of the present claims or presentation of new claims in this or a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to different combinations or directed to the same combinations, whether different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are also regarded as included within the subject matter of the present disclosure. 
   The foregoing embodiments are illustrative, and no single feature, component, or action is essential to all possible combinations that may be claimed in this or later applications. Where the claims recite “a” or “a first” element or the equivalent thereof, such claims should be understood to include one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. Further, cardinal indicators, such as first, second, and third, for identified elements or actions are used to distinguish between the elements and actions, and do not indicate a required or limited number of such elements or actions, nor does it indicate a particular position or order of such elements or actions unless otherwise specifically stated.