Bathtub Construction Set

Abstract

A toy that is comprised of diverse cylindrical tubes, channels, and spouts to provide entertainment and educational value for the user through engineering a route for the transfer of water and other objects. These tubes are positioned in manners of various directions and secured to a surface, likely a shower wall or bath tub, with rubber suction cups or other affixing mechanism, which are easily repositioned and moved by the user. The issue addressed with this invention is as follows: children become easily bored and unengaged in the shower or bath, and this toy would provide for not only entertainment, but engineering experience for the child, as they would be constructing an effective path for the water.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to an apparatus for use in a bath, the apparatus providing the user with entertainment and/or educational value.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,056,620 describes a set of marble tracks which can be arranged on a planar or columnar surface, such as a tree or refrigerator. The apparatus contains a construction set which includes a collection of ramps and other mechanisms which are intended to be set in a predetermined fashion for traversing a marble.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,577,675 describes a toy that is mounted on the inside wall of a bathtub with rotating items. This toy provides for the fluid to move only in a pre-determined route and does not allow for the user to manipulate the route of the water or the placement of the items.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,621,928 describes a trough-like apparatus which hooks onto the edge of a bathtub, catching fluid that splashes out of noted tub and diverting the water back into the tub so that no excess fluid escapes onto the floor. The apparatus includes water wheels for entertainment purposes.

However, prior approaches to bath apparatus lack flexibility as they are limited to immobile structures and are otherwise designed to remain stationary so that they intercept only the fluid which is splashed from the tub. Moreover, prior approaches do not embody apparatus which transfers fluid and must be engineered (in that it is arranged to properly intercept and dispatch fluid and other toys through positioning and otherwise arrangement) by a user, providing entertainment and/or educational value.

Accordingly, there is a need for an apparatus intended for use as a vessel to transfer water, instead of merely preventing splashes. There is also a need for a bath apparatus embodying mobile structures and that accepts fluid contained within a bath, as well as apparatus that is engineered by a user to provide entertainment and/or educational value.

The present disclosure addresses these and other needs.

SUMMARY

Briefly and in general terms, the present invention is directed towards an apparatus for use in a bath, the apparatus configured to provide the user with entertainment and/or educational value. In one embodiment, the apparatus is intended to embody a tube or other mechanism to be arranged parallel to planar or curved surfaces in the bath, shower, or elsewhere. In one or more aspects, the apparatus is arranged to direct the flow of fluid and/or objects through a system of the apparatus, where the course of the fluid includes open air and underwater trajectory, which include diversions and spouts along the route.

In one or more embodiments, the apparatus of the present disclosure can include tubes that can be linear, curved, or otherwise shaped, allowing for the continuous motorized or non-motorized flow of fluid and/or objects through them. The apparatus may include an entrance such as a cup or funnel positioned at the mouth of said tube to funnel fluid in the desired fashion through the tube. The positioning of these tubes is intended to conduct the fluid and/or objects, so that the user may situate the subsequent tube or other apparatus in a manner that provides a temporary receptacle for the fluid and/or objects and additionally channels the flow elsewhere to be discharged, manipulated, stored or continued into succeeding apparatuses. Various objects may be positioned on, within, or near the tubes that interact with the fluid or user and provide entertainment and educational value. The present apparatus herein described creates a path to be predominantly traversed by fluid, such as water, but can additionally support other objects, such as but not limited to bath toys, round objects, sponges, air bubbles, small animals, and further articles which can traverse the system of tubes and mechanisms with or without the aid of fluid.

These and other features of the disclosure will become apparent to those persons skilled in the art upon reading details of the systems and methods as more fully described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view, depicting an internally hollow tube of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view, depicting the internally hollow tube of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view, depicting a wide mouthed funnel apparatus of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a side view, depicting an internally hollow hose-like apparatus of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a side view, depicting an internally hollow angled tube of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 a. is a side view, depicting an internally hollow tube which diverges from one path into two separate routes.

FIG. 6 b. is a top view, depicting the diverging tube of FIG. 6a.

FIG. 7 is a side view, depicting an internally hollow tube with small apertures along the sides.

FIG. 8 a. is an end view, depicting a cross section of a J-shaped apparatus with wheel

FIG. 8 b. is a side view, depicting the J-shaped apparatus of FIG. 8a.

FIG. 9 a. is a side view, depicting a U-shaped apparatus of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 b. is an end view, depicting a cross section of the U-shaped apparatus of FIG. 9a.

FIG. 10 a. is a top view, depicting another approach to an apparatus of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 b. is a front view of apparatus of FIG. 10a.

FIG. 11 a. is a top view, depicting an alternate version of apparatus of FIG. 10a.

FIG. 11 b. is a front view, depicting the alternate version of apparatus of FIG. 11a.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Before the present system and related methods are described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular embodiments described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting since the scope of the present disclosure will be limited only by the appended claims.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present disclosure, the preferred methods and materials are now described.

This toy could be used by a child for entertainment during their bath, shower, or other water related activities. The child would arrange the apparatuses in a manner that allows the fluid to traverse the system for maximum entertainment value. The child could arrange the apparatuses in a way that provides for the best fluid retention, the most interesting path, or in whatever fashion suits them. This toy would also provide educational value, as the child would have to think about the best way in which to position the apparatuses so that they retain, manipulate, and pass the fluid.

The apparatus depicted in FIG. 1., an internally hollow tube, includes the following: 1 A wide opening at the mouth of the tube, 2, The elongated tube for fluid or other objects to pass through, maintaining momentum so that it is discharged through 5, a spout-like opening at the end of the tube, as well as 3 and 4, which are suction cups to allow adherence to the vertical curved or planar surface.

The depiction of FIG. 2. includes: 6, an area for the fluid and other objects to pass through, and 8., the suction cup noted in claim 2.

FIG. 3. embodies 9, which intercepts the flow of fluid from the faucet and is discharged through 10, an opening at the end of the cusp of the tube. It also adheres to the vertical curved or planar surface using suction cups, 7 and 11.

FIG. 4. demonstrates the long hose-like apparatus described as part of claim 1, illustrating an appliance which secures all sides of the flexible opening to the faucet, ensuring that the water is transported easily to the tube 12. which curbs a portion of fluid from the faucet, and directs it through an elongated pipeline, 14, until it is discharged out through a spout like opening, 15. It is attached to the vertical planar or curved surface using suction cups, 13.

FIG. 5. portrays an angled tube which is attached to the vertical planar or curved surface with suction cups 17, into which fluid and/or other objects enter through a widened portion of the tube, 16 and is directed in a bent fashion, 19. It is then discharged through an opening, 18.

FIG. 6.a shows an apparatus which adheres to the vertical planar through suction cups (21, 23.). It intercepts the flow of fluid and/or objects through 20 and splits the flow into two separate streams, one of which passes underneath the other in 22, and is then ejected through 24 and 25. FIG. 6.b shows how the water enters the tube (27), is split, 28 and is directed underneath the other (29) It then flows out of the tube through 30.

The depiction of FIG. 7. includes a widened interceptor 31 to catch the fluid and/or objects which were discharged by the previous apparatus, and propel them so that they either continue out through the vacuity on the end of the tube, or are divulged in small amounts through the small apertures (32) in the sides and/or bottom of the tube. The apparatus attaches to the wall using suction cups (33)

FIG. 8a portrays a cross section, in which a suction cup (37) can attach to a vertical planar or curved surface a J-shaped apparatus (35) from which protrudes an axle, 38, around which turns a waterwheel (39). FIG. 8b shows a front view of the J-shaped (40) apparatus into which fluid enters through a scoop-shaped point at the front of the appliance, 41, in doing so turning a triad of water wheels, 43, 44, 45. The apparatus adheres to the vertical planar or curved surface using suction cups (42, 36)

FIG. 9a shows a U-shaped (46) into which fluid and/or objects enter through a widened end, 47, and proceed through the span of the apparatus and be discharged through a spout-like end, 49. The piece is positioned on the wall using suction cups (48) FIG. 9b portrays how the apparatus is adhered to the wall through suction cups (50), and the U-shape of the entire contraption (51).

FIG. 10a shows an apparatus (53) which attaches to the wall using suction cups (52) and includes two horizontal water wheels (55a, 55b) which gyrate, rotating small objects (56a, 56b, 57a, 57b, 57c, 57d, 57e). FIG. 10b, a front view of the apparatus noted in FIG. 10a, with same suction cup (69), main body (66) and gyrating objects (67a, 67b, 68a, 68b, 68c, 68d, 68e).

FIG. 11a refers an apparatus (60) which also adheres to the surface using suction cups (59). This apparatus channels fluid in a way so that it turns a gear (62) from which protrudes a vertical shaft that suspends an object (58) above the wheel itself, keeping it upright by weighing down the posterior of the vertical shaft. FIG. 11b depicts a front view of noted suction cup (63) attached to the apparatus (65) of FIG. 11a, including the interchangeable object (64) of claims 15 and 16, and the support rod (61) made from a rigid plastic material.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to the specific embodiments thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process, process step or steps, to the objective, spirit and scope of the present disclosure. All such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A set of positionable tubes, suction cups, and further contraptions for arrangement adjacent to a surface as well as adherence to a surface, comprising: a multiplicity of internally hollow tubes, which when in cross section are orbicular in shape, that attach to formerly mentioned suction cups or other means of adherence, and direct the flow of fluid from the preceding tube or further contraption into the subsequent, each of referred to tubes having optional means of altering and/or advancing the route of the fluid, allowing for it to be stored or discharged in a modified fashion by cause of the current orientation of said tube.

2. The set of claim 1, further comprising a means for establishment and the reliable ability to move said tubes into subjective or consistent reference including suction cups, magnets, glue, velcro, hooks, posts, trays, tacks, nails, screws, straps, stands, racks, sticky pads, or other means.

3. The set of claim 1, said tubes including an expandable flexible hose or tube, a funnel-like apparatus fitted with or without an adherence apparatus, and an apparatus with an adaptable mouth fitted with an adherence apparatus.

4. The set of claim 1, further including use of materials and objects, excluding marbles, for means of traversing noted tubes and mechanisms with or without the aid of fluid. Materials include soap, light, sound, air, other gases, oil, dye, wood, and other viscous substances. Objects include but are not limited to bath toys, wheels, tumbling figures, sponges, round objects (excluding marbles), inflatable items, living creatures, towels, and cups.

5. The set of claim 1 wherein the apparatuses are rigid, flexible, expandable, removable, interchangeable, or able to be reshaped or disassembled. The apparatuses can be made of multiple parts which can be disassembled and reassembled for entertainment, variation, or cleaning purposes.

6. The set of claim 1 wherein the surface is planar, curved, jagged, or otherwise irregular

7. The set of claim 1 wherein the surface is vertical, horizontal, or otherwise positioned

8. The set of claim 1 wherein the noted surface is associated with a bath or shower

9. The set of claim 8 wherein an object that traverses said tubes is a marble.

10. The set of claim 1, wherein the tube being non-linear so that it directs the flow of fluid and/or objects in a non-linear course, which is intended to allow for it to be guided to an additional planar or otherwise surface, including, but not limited to, where two walls meet in the tub.

11. The set of claim 1, wherein the tube can be shaped, curved, bent or otherwise manipulated before or after attachment to a surface

12. The set of claim 1, wherein the tube begins as a singular hollowed cylinder, and splits into two separate tubes to divert the fluid into independent passages, allowing for disjointed paths that can be manipulated separately

13. The set of claim 1, wherein the tube is fitted with varying apertures including allowing limited discharge of the fluid and/or objects through said apertures and the remaining discharge to continue through specified tube and allowing complete discharge of the fluid and/or objects through said apertures.

14. The set of claim 1, wherein the tube has varying cross sectional shapes including but not limited to J shape, the elongated uppermost section outwardly attaching to said suction cup or other means of adherence to said planar or curved surface, a U shape, possibly allowing for the user to interact with the fluid or other material as it traverses through the tube, a C shape, possibly allowing for some fluid to escape, or a V shape.

15. The set of claim 1, further comprising one or more axles that move including axles mounted horizontally or vertically on which wheels or other devices are affixed, or axles on which a simulation of an animate being are affixed.

16. The set of claim 1, further comprising an apparatus that cause an object to inflate or fill.

17. The set of claim 1, wherein an apparatus stores fluid and including an apparatus that allows the remaining fluid to be expelled into the succeeding tube or mechanism or an apparatus that stores fluid until the apparatus reaches a set amount at which time the fluid is discharged.

18. The set of claim 1, further including but not limited to variation with lights, sounds, color, material, shape, as well as themes.

19. The set of claim 1, further including use of motors, pumps or other mechanisms which are intended to aid the flow of the fluid and/or other objects which are intended to navigate the system of tubes and other mechanisms.

20. The set of claim 1, further including use of water wheels or other water-powered gyrating objects.

21. The set of claim 17, further including use of water wheel or other water-powered gyrating object that moves small objects in a repeated motion suspended above said apparatus using a connector between noted wheel and object.

22. The set of claim 1, wherein structure are manipulated or supported by hand.

23. The set of claim 1, further including electronics that may generate light, sound, actuation, or movement.

24. The set of claim 1, further including a remote control device to actuate an apparatus in the set of claim 1

25. The set of claim 1, further including a means of preventing unwanted splashes is included

26. The set of claim 1, further including a means of positioning the apparatus is to use hooks to affix the tubes on, into or over a surface

27. The set of claim 1, further including a means of positioning the set of apparatuses is a pre-made curved or planar surface on which the apparatuses can be positioned that may include suction cups, slots, pegs, holes, hooks, sticky surfaces, or other means of establishment

28. The set of claim 1, wherein some or all apparatuses are pre-mounted on an object, surface, or other structure and the object, surface, or other structure can be outfitted with adherence mechanisms such as suction cups, slots, pegs, hooks, stick surfaces, or other means of establishment.

29. The set of claim 1, wherein apparatuses, objects and/or fluid glow, reflect or emit light

30. The set of claim 1, wherein the apparatuses and/or objects can be attached to each other for stabilization, support, manipulation, or for entertainment purposes