Abstract:
An apparatus designed to fill multiple water balloons and other water-based toys at the same time is herein disclosed. The apparatus takes the form of a large stand approximately thirty-four (34) inches high and twenty-four (24) inches wide made using polyvinylchloride (PVC) piping and fittings. The apparatus is supported across the bottom using two (2) “T”-shaped legs, also made of PVC pipe. A water connection to a standard garden hose is provided on one (1) leg near the bottom. Four (4) angled valves are provided across a top portion, such that up to four (4) users can use the apparatus simultaneously to refill water-based toys such as squirt guns or water balloons. When finished at each station, each user can easily turn off an individual valve, thus avoiding the wasting of water.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in a notarized Official Record of Invention on Jun. 5, 2007, that is on file at the offices of Montgomery Patent and Design, LLC, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to an apparatus designed to fill multiple water balloons and other water-based toys at the same time and, more particularly, to said apparatus comprising polyvinylchloride (PVC) piping and fittings, a water connection to a standard garden hose, and four (4) angled valves, such that up to four (4) users can use the apparatus simultaneously to refill water-based toys such as squirt guns or water balloons. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Just about all of us have fond memories of summertime when we were children. Playing with or in water is usually part of this fun, whether in a pool or running through a sprinkler. Using a squirt gun or playing with water balloons may be part of this fun as well. Typically, when filling such a toy, a water spigot or garden hose is used. While such a water source does the job, it does present several disadvantages. First, only one child can use the water source at a time. This obviously presents a problem when a large number of kids are present and definitely cuts into the “fun” time. Secondly, in the case of a hose, it is usually left on between fills, thus wasting water. Finally, the large opening of the spigot or hose make it difficult to attach the small opening of a water balloon or the fill opening of a squirt gun. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which water-based toys can be easily filled without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the invention herein fulfills this need. 
     The present invention is an apparatus designed to fill multiple water balloons and/or squirt guns at the same time from a garden hose. The apparatus takes the form of a large square stand approximately thirty-four (34) inches high and twenty-four (24) inches wide, made of one-half (½) inch, three-fourths (¾) inch and one (1) inch PVC pipe. The apparatus is supported across the bottom using two (2) “T”-shaped legs, also made of PVC pipe. A water connection to a standard garden hose is provided on one (1) leg near the bottom. A set of four (4) small water flow valves are provided across the top portion with two (2) angled out to each side. In such a manner four (4) users can use the apparatus simultaneously to refill water based toys such as squirt guns or fill water balloons. When finished at each station, the user can easily turn off the water supply to each individual valve, thus avoiding the wasting of water. The use of the present apparatus provides a means for filling almost any type of water based toy in a manner which is not only quick, easy and effective, but allows for multiple fillings at the same time while reducing water waste. 
     Several attempts have been made in the past to provide watering systems. U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,872, issued in the name of Cahill et al., discloses a toy carwash unit comprised of a free-standing frame, a water-carrying conduit supported by the frame, and a spray head. However, the Cahill et al. device is designed to allow passage of a vehicle to a washing location within the frame. Furthermore, the Cahill et al. device does not have four (4) water valves being angled outwardly to allow multiple users to simultaneously fill or refill water-based toys. Also, the Cahill et al. device does not have a “T”-shaped leg structure, a panel, a border, and a pair of pockets for holding water-based toys among other differences. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,753,196, issued in the name of Lack et al., discloses a water line suspended from drop cables for carrying water or other fluids for poultry or other animals. Furthermore, U.S. Pat. No. 3,537,430, issued in the name of Peppler, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,282,440 and 5,857,429, issued in the name of Hostetler, also disclose poultry watering systems. However, unlike the present invention, all of these poultry watering systems are not capable of standing upright on the ground and do not allow multiple users to simultaneously fill or refill water-based toys. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,591,782, issued in the name of Googe, Jr. et al., discloses a field watering device for game birds that comprises a body for holding water, a ground anchor portion for securely fixing the body into the ground, and at least one (1) water dispensing nipple for dispensing water from the body to the game birds. However, the Googe, Jr. device does not have a horizontal manifold, a first upright, a second upright, a pair of free, and a pair of pockets among other differences. Furthermore, the Googe, Jr. et al. device does not allow multiple users to simultaneously fill or refill water-based toys. 
     Additionally, various ornamental designs for watering systems have been provided, particularly, U.S. Pat. Number D 348,546. However, none of these designs are similar to the present invention. 
     None of the prior art particularly describes an apparatus designed to fill multiple water balloons and other water-based toys comprising PVC piping and fittings, a water connection to a standard garden hose, and four (4) angled valves, such that up to four (4) users can use the apparatus simultaneously to refill water-based toys such as squirt guns or water balloons that the instant invention possesses. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which water based toys can be easily filled simultaneously without the disadvantages as described above. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, it has been observed that there is need for a means by which water based toys can be easily filled simultaneously comprising PVC piping and fittings, a water connection to a standard garden hose, and four (4) angled valves, such that up to four (4) users can use the apparatus simultaneously to refill water-based toys such as squirt guns or water balloons. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to provide a water-based toy refilling apparatus comprising a horizontal manifold comprising a first end connected to a first top end of a first upright by a first elbow fitting and having a second end connected to a second top end of a second upright by a second elbow fitting at an opposite end. 
     A further object of the present invention is having the apparatus comprise the first upright having a first bottom end connected to a first foot portion by a first tee fitting and the second upright having a second bottom end connected to a second foot portion by a second tee fitting. 
     Another object of the present invention is having the apparatus comprise at least one (1) water flow valve mounted thereto the horizontal manifold by at least one (1) water flow valve tee fitting and a garden hose adapter affixed thereto a lower portion of the first upright or the second upright by a third tee fitting providing a fluid connection means thereto a standard garden hose, thereby providing a water flow to the apparatus. 
     Another object of the present invention is having the refilling apparatus enable a plurality of users to simultaneously fill a plurality of water-based toys. 
     A further object of the present invention is having the apparatus further comprise a panel having a front surface and a rear surface connected to the first upright and the second upright by at least one (1) panel clamp and at least one (1) pocket attached to the front surface and the rear surface of the panel by a border portion, wherein the at least one (1) panel clamp wraps around the first upright and the second upright and is affixed thereto the front surface and the rear surface of the panel. 
     Another object of the present invention is having the panel comprise a sturdy vertical flat surface made using plastics or metal materials being approximately twelve (12) inches tall and one-eight (⅛) to one-quarter (¼) inch thick. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is the at least one (1) panel clamp is an open-ended clip which provide a clamping friction-fit thereto the first upright and said second upright and affix to said front surface and said rear surface of said panel by a first plurality of fasteners, the pockets comprise three (3) sided open-top enclosures made using open nylon or polypropylene mesh webbing with an elastic upper edging affixed using adhesives, sewing techniques, or similar means and, the border comprises a flat plastic or metal plate approximately one (1) inch wide covering a side edge and a lower edge of the pocket, thereby clamping the pocket securely thereagainst the panel by a second plurality of fasteners. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is having the water flow valves each comprise an “L”-shaped handle or a “T”-shaped handle and an outlet port which provides an attachment means thereto a nozzle, thereby providing a gripping and a holding means thereto one of said plurality of water-based toys. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is the at least (1) water flow valve is angularly mounted thereto the horizontal manifold by at least (1) water flow valve tee fitting. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is having the apparatus comprise four (4) panel clamps and two (2) pockets. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is having the apparatus comprise four (4) water flow valves and four (4) water flow valve tee fittings. 
     Still another object of the present invention is having the four (4) water flow valves each angularly mounted downwardly from a horizontal plane at an approximately forty-five degree (45°) angle therefrom the horizontal manifold by the four (4) water flow valve tee fittings, wherein the water flow valve tee fittings are arranged such that two (2) water flow valve tee fittings face in a forward direction and two (2) water flow valve tee fittings face in a rearward direction in a staggered or alternating pattern. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is having the first foot portion and the second foot portion form two (2) parallel stabilizing members being approximately thirty (30) inches in length and arranged approximately thirty-four (34) inches therebetween providing a stable foundation thereby preventing sliding or tipping of said apparatus during use. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is having the horizontal manifold, the first upright, and the second upright form an inverted “U”-shaped structure approximately twenty-four (24) inches wide and approximately thirty-four (34) inches high. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is having the first upright and the first foot portion form a “T”-shaped leg structure. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is having the second upright and the second foot portion form a “T”-shaped leg structure. 
     Still another object of the present invention is having the garden hose adapter comprise a standard plumbing fitting being fastened thereto the third tee fitting. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is having the garden hose adapter made using PVC, brass, copper, or a combination thereof. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is having the horizontal manifold, the first upright, the second upright, the first foot portion, and the second foot portion each made of common PVC piping. 
     Still another object of the present invention is having the horizontal manifold, the first upright, the second upright, the first foot portion, and the second foot portion each made of brass, copper, or similar materials. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is providing a method for using a water-based toy refilling apparatus that allows a plurality of water-based toys to be easily filled simultaneously by a plurality of users. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a filling station for water-based toys  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 2  is a side section view of a filling station for water-based toys  10  taken along section A-A, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 10 
                 filling station for water-based toys 
               
               
                   
                 20 
                 piping 
               
               
                   
                 21 
                 tee fitting 
               
               
                   
                 22 
                 elbow fitting 
               
               
                   
                 24 
                 garden hose adapter 
               
               
                   
                 25 
                 cap fitting 
               
               
                   
                 26 
                 water flow valve 
               
               
                   
                 27 
                 handle 
               
               
                   
                 28 
                 nozzle 
               
               
                   
                 29 
                 water flow valve tee fitting 
               
               
                   
                 40 
                 panel 
               
               
                   
                 41 
                 clamp 
               
               
                   
                 42 
                 first set of fasteners 
               
               
                   
                 43 
                 pocket 
               
               
                   
                 44 
                 elastic 
               
               
                   
                 45 
                 border 
               
               
                   
                 46 
                 second set of fasteners 
               
               
                   
                 50 
                 horizontal manifold 
               
               
                   
                 51 
                 first upright 
               
               
                   
                 52 
                 second upright 
               
               
                   
                 53 
                 foot 
               
               
                   
                 60 
                 balloon 
               
               
                   
                 70 
                 ground surface 
               
               
                   
                 80 
                 garden hose 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 and 2 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes an apparatus and method for a filling station for water-based toys (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , comprising a large stand made using polyvinylchloride (PVC) plumbing elements which provides a filling means for a plurality of water balloons  60  or other water-based toys. The apparatus  10  provides a connection thereto a common garden hose  80  which supplies a water flow thereto four (4) small water flow valves  26  being angled outwardly toward either side of the apparatus  10 . In such a manner, up to four (4) users such as children can use the apparatus  10  simultaneously to fill or refill water-based toys such as balloons  60 , squirt guns, or the like. When finished at each station, a user may easily turn off said water supply, thus conserving water usage. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a front perspective view of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a horizontal manifold  50 , a first upright  51 , a second upright  52 , a pair of feet  53 , a garden hose adapter  24 , four (4) water flow valves  26 , a panel  40 , four (4) panel clamps  41 , a first set of fasteners  42 , a second set of fasteners  46 , and a pair of pockets  43 . The horizontal manifold  50 , a first upright  51 , a second upright  52  comprise a one-piece assembly of common PVC piping  20  and fittings forming an inverted “U”-shaped structure approximately twenty-four (24) inches wide and approximately thirty-four (34) inches high. The horizontal manifold  50 , first upright  51 , and second upright  52  also provide a conduit means thereto a flow of water therethrough to four (4) valves  26  being angularly mounted thereto the horizontal manifold  50 . The horizontal manifold  50  further comprises a linear assembly of four (4) water flow valve tee fittings  29  being interconnected by lengths of piping  20  envisioned to be one-half (½) or three-quarter (¾) inch plumbing. The water flow valve tee fittings  29  are arranged such that two (2) water flow valve tee fittings  29  face in a forward direction and two (2) water flow valve tee fittings  29  face in a rearward direction in a staggered or alternating pattern. Furthermore, said water flow valve tee fittings  29  are angled downwardly therefrom a horizontal plane at approximately a forty-five degree (45°) angle. Each water flow valve tee fitting  29  provides an attachment means thereto a water flow valve  26  providing a filling means thereto a toy or balloon (see  FIG. 2 ). The horizontal manifold  50  further provides an attachment means thereto a first upright  51  and a second upright  52  via joining elbow fittings  22  located at opposite end portions. The first  51  and second  52  uprights each form a “T”-shaped leg structure comprising a vertical length of PVC piping  20  extending downwardly therefrom said elbow fitting  22  thereto a tee fitting  21  located adjacent thereto a ground surface  70 . Each tee fitting  21  in turn provides an attachment means thereto a pair of PCV piping elements  20  which extend perpendicularly therefrom in opposing directions forming a horizontal foot  53 . The foot portions  53  of the first  51  and second  52  uprights form two (2) parallel stabilizing members being approximately thirty (30) inches in length and arranged approximately thirty-four (34) inches therebetween providing a stable foundation, thereby preventing sliding or tipping of the apparatus  10  during use. 
     The piping  20  and fittings  21 ,  22 ,  25 ,  29  described herein are envisioned to be common one-half (½) or three-quarter (¾) inch commercially available plumbing fittings; however, it is understood that custom molded fittings combining functions of two (2) or more included fittings may be provided to improve manufacturability or economics and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the invention  10 . Furthermore, the piping  20  and fittings  21 ,  22 ,  25 ,  29  are envisioned being preferably made using a PVC material; however, the use of other pressure-bearing materials may provide equal benefit such as brass, copper, or the like, without deviating from the concept and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the invention  10 . 
     Said vertical piping portions  20  of the first  51  and second  52  uprights provide an attachment means thereto a panel  40  which spans therebetween said vertical piping portions  20  being connected thereto via four (4) clamps  41 . The panel  40  comprises a sturdy vertical flat surface made using plastic or metal materials being approximately twelve (12) inches tall and one-eighth (⅛) to one-quarter (¼) inch thick. The panel clamps  41  comprise flexible plastic molded fixtures which wrap around each vertical piping portion  20  of the first  51  and second  52  uprights being affixed thereto front and rear surfaces of the panel  40  using screw-type fasteners  42  or the like. The panel clamps  41  comprise open-end clips which provide a clamping friction-fit thereto the first  51  and second  52  uprights when fastened thereto the panel  40 . The panel  40  also provides an attachment means thereto a pair of pockets  43  affixed therealong opposite side surfaces. The pockets  43  provide a temporary holding means thereto full or empty balloons  60  and/or other water-based toys. The pockets  46  comprise three-sided open-top enclosures made using preferably, but not exclusively, open nylon or polypropylene mesh webbing with an elastic upper edging  44  affixed thereto using adhesives, sewing techniques, or the like. The pockets  43  further comprises an attachment means thereto the panel  40  via a border  45 . The border  45  comprises a flat plastic or metal plate approximately one (1) inch wide covering side and lower edges of the pocket  43 , thereby clamping said pocket  43  securely thereagainst the panel  40 . The border  45  is affixed thereto the panel  40  using common fasteners  46  such as screws, rivets, or the like. The pocket  43  is illustrated here being held in place using a flat border  45 ; however, other methods may also be provided with equal benefit such as button snaps, hook- and loop fasteners, or the like, and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the invention  10 . The panel  40  is envisioned to be introduced in a variety of decorative colors and patterns and may also display various printed indicia being suitable to particular events such as birthdays, community events, and the like. 
     The second upright portion  52  further provides a water inlet means thereto the apparatus  10  via a tee fitting  21  and a garden hose adapter  24  affixed thereto and located at a lower portion of the vertical piping portion  20  of the second upright  52 . The garden hose connector  24  provides a fluid connection means thereto a standard three-quarter (¾) inch garden hose  80 , thereby providing a water flow thereto the apparatus  10 . The garden hose connector  24  is envisioned to comprise a standard plumbing fitting being fastened thereto the tee fitting  21  via threads or adhesives using common plumbing joining methods. The garden hose connector  24  is envisioned being made using PVC, brass, copper, or a combination thereof. 
     The apparatus  10  is illustrated here depicting a preferred embodiment comprising at least four (4) water flow valves  26 ; however, it is understood that different models of the apparatus  10  may provide a lesser or greater number of valves  26  located along a shorter or longer horizontal manifold  50  based upon an anticipated number of participants without deviating from the concept. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a side section view of the apparatus  10  taken along section A-A, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a horizontal manifold  50 , a first upright  51 , and four (4) water flow valves  26 . The horizontal manifold  50  provides an attachment means thereto four (4) outwardly angled water flow valve tee fittings  29  (two shown here). Each water flow valve tee fitting  29  provides an attachment means thereto a water flow valve  26  via a threaded or cemented connection using conventional plumbing joining techniques being common in the industry. The valves  26  comprise preferably of quarter-turn ball valves; however, said valves  26  may be provided in other valve styles such as a push-pull, gate, lever-activated, or the like. The valves  26  are preferably made using PVC materials with brass or stainless steel internal components; however, other materials may be provided such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), brass, copper, stainless steel, or a combination thereof. The valves  26  comprise expected features such as an “L” or “T”-shaped handle  27  and an outlet port which provides a threaded or cemented attachment means thereto a nozzle  28  which provides a gripping and holding means thereto a balloon  60  during filling. The nozzle  28  comprises an enlarged annular ring located at an end portion thereof allowing a participant to stretch a balloon  60  around the nozzle  28 , thereby helping to hold said balloon  60  thereto said nozzle  28  during filling. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: placing the apparatus  10  securely upon a level ground surface  70  using the foot portions  53 ; installing the panel  40  thereto the first  51  and second  52  uprights using the clamps  41  and provided first set of fasteners  42 , if not previously assembled; attaching the pockets  43  and border portion  45  thereto the panel  40 , if not previously assembled; connecting a common garden hose  80  thereto the garden hose connector  24 ; remotely supplying a flow of water via said garden hose  80  thereto the apparatus  10 ; placing new empty balloons  60  within the pockets  43 ; stretching a balloon  60  over the nozzle  28 ; opening the valve  26  by manually turning the handle  27  approximately ninety (90) degrees; filling the balloon  60  with water thereto a desired size; closing the valve  26  using the handle  27 ; removing the balloon  60  from the nozzle  28 ; tying the balloon  60  shut in an expected manner; filling water-based toys in like manner; repeating the process of filling balloons  60  and water-based toys as desired; and, enjoying a convenience of coincidentally dispensing and filling water-based toys and balloons  60  by a plurality of participants while also minimizing water consumption. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.