Patent Application
20080096458
This disclosure relates generally to a devices for depositing liquid onto an object, for example made of liquid-reactive substances, and to sets, game and uses comprising such devices.
Toys which simulate weapons, or which can be used to simulate combat with such weapons, are perennially popular. Such toys can be made from wood or plastic and have no moving parts. Other such toys can be complicated devices which produce sounds or light which indicate when the weapon has struck an opponent, or when a projectile has struck an opponent. However, toy weapons which shoot a projectile can be dangerous, and many jurisdictions have passed laws or regulations restricting the sale of projectile-firing toys for use by young children. Even the sale of toys which shoot a soft (e.g. foam or sponge) projectile, or which shoot streams or droplets of water, can be restricted.
The increasing popularity of “sword and sorcery” or “fantasy” stories in movies, books and television has caused an increased consumer demand for toys which simulate archaic weapons, or for action figure-type toys which employ such archaic weapons. For example, toys which simulate striking weapons, such as swords, are becoming prevalent. Like toys which fire projectiles, toys simulating or employing archaic weapons can be dangerous, especially if they are solidly designed and are used by young children who may strike a playmate too hard during play.
Nevertheless, those playing with simulated weapons or with action figures simulating combat desire confirmation that the opponent or target has been struck by the weapon. Evidence that the weapon has struck its target can forestall confusion uncertainty or disputes which can arise during game play.
What is needed, therefore, are devices simulating archaic weapons or combat which do not launch a projectile, and which comprises a means for indicating whether an individual or target has been struck by a projectile. Such a device would desirably be inexpensive to acquire and operate.
Liquid can be deposited on an object by a device which simulates a striking weapon. The object can comprise liquid reactive materials that indicate when the object has been struck.
At least one device is provided comprising a body, at least one liquid reservoir supported by the body, and at least one drawing mechanism in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir that draws the liquid into the device and delivers the liquid to at least one aperture in the device. The liquid reservoir can also comprise a liquid-absorbent material which is partially or substantially completely exposed The device may be designed to be carried by a user or otherwise supported by a user's body, or may be part of toy robot or other type of action figure.
The device can be provided as part of a set or a game, comprising at least one device, and optionally instructions for use or rules for game play.
A method of playing a game is also provided, comprising the steps of providing at least two devices, or at least one device and a further item. The device or devices can be manipulated so that liquid is deposited from one device onto the other or onto the further item. The manipulation step can optionally be repeated until the game is concluded.
A method of marketing a device, set or game is also provided, comprising packaging a device, set or game is also provided, with at least one additional item.
For the purpose of illustrating my devices and methods, there are shown in the drawings forms which are exemplary; it being understood, that this disclosure is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
It will be appreciated that the following description is exemplary and is not intended to define or limit my devices and methods, other than in the appended claims.
A device is provided that comprises a body which can support at least one liquid reservoir and at least one liquid drawing mechanism (sometimes called herein a “drawing mechanism”). The body can be made in any suitable size and shape capable of supporting the liquid reservoir and drawing mechanism, for example in the shape of a striking weapon. The body can also comprise appendages or other attachments which may move independently of the body or other components of the device. For example, the body can comprise a figure holding a striking weapon.
Thus, the body can simulate any striking weapon from any culture or time period, for example a sword, knife, spear, javelin, mace, morningstar, axe, staff (rigid or sectioned), nunchaku, sai blades, hammer, club, lance, or the like. The striking weapon can also be an appendage, such as a hand, foot, elbow, knee, heel or any other body part. The body can also be fabricated in the shape of a stylized human being or animal, robot, military vehicle or aircraft, spacecraft, or in a fanciful shape, which holds and includes a striking weapon. The body can also be made in the likeness (including a caricature) of actual sports or military figures. The body can also comprise limbs or appendages, wheels, and the like which may move independently of the body or other toy components.
The body can further comprise one or more structures which allow the device to be free standing. As used herein, “free standing” means that the device can stand upright without support from an outside source, such as a user's hand. Thus, the body can comprise a base portion with extensions, flanges, feet, struts, or other supports that allow the device to remain upright when unsupported from any source independent of the device.
The body can be essentially flat, (i.e., with minimal thickness), or it can be essentially three dimensional (3-D); i.e., with substantial length and depth. For example, in 3-D form, the device can have the ability to stand upright. Alternatively, an essentially flat body can further comprise feet or other supports extending outward from the flat surface of the body to allow the body to stand upright. Thus, both the essentially flat and 3-D bodies can include at least one base member to allow the body to stand upright and to be substantially anchored for game play. The user can hold the toy during game play to provide further stability.
The device can comprise one or more colors, designs or indicia, for example for the purpose of decoration or to indicate different weapon types or styles or group affiliations. For example, such colors, designs or indicia can be those associated with actual countries, historical periods, armies, sports teams or sports or military figures.
The device can be any suitable size which allows a person to handle the device and actuate the drawing mechanism, as can be readily determined by one skilled in the art. For example, the device can be from about 10 cm to about 1000 cm (e.g., about 50 cm to about 700 cm, about 150 cm to about 400 cm, or about 250 cm) in length (i.e., from left to right sides), from about 5 cm to about 500 cm (e.g., about 50 cm to about 250 cm, or about 100 cm to about 150 cm) in height, and from about 5 cm to about 25 cm (e.g., about 10 cm to about 20 cm, or about 15 cm) in depth (i.e., from front to back). Greater or lesser values are contemplated for the height, length and breadth of the device.
All or part of the device can be fabricated from any suitable material, such as heavy gauge paper or cardboard, woods, metals, plastics, rubbers or synthetic resins, as are known in the art, by standard techniques for producing devices simulating weapons and the like. It is understood that those portions of the device which contact liquid must be compatible with the liquid. For example, the device can be fabricated by injection molding or other suitable technique from commercially-available material such as thermo plastic polyurethane (TPU); ionomer resin; ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA); thermo plastic styrenics (TPS); melt processible rubber (MPR); thermo plastic vulcanate (TPV); thermo plastic olefin (TPO); thermo plastic ester elastomer (TPEE); thermo plastic elastomer (TPE); thermoplastic rubber (TPR); polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terphthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene terpolymer (ABS); a polycarbonate and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene terpolymer blend (PC/ABS); flexible plastic such as polystyrene sheet or polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA, marketed as “PERSPEX” by ICI Acrylics, Inc.); other acrylics; metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, copper); wood; or any combination thereof. Other suitable materials and forming methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
The device may be supplied fully assembled or as a kit, wherein a user assembles the device by popping out prefabricated parts along lines of weakness from a flat piece of plastic, metal or any other suitable material, and then attaches the liquid reservoir and liquid drawing mechanism. Generally, the assembly of the device will not require the aid of tools and/or adhesives, and all the parts can be joined together by the snap-fit of the parts themselves.
The liquid reservoir can comprise any closed or open container suitable for holding liquid. For example, the liquid reservoir can comprise a thin-walled plastic container with a removable cap. In practice, the liquid reservoir can be refilled when the liquid has been depleted during play. Alternatively, the liquid reservoir may not include a removable cap or other means for refilling. The device or the liquid reservoir would then be discarded when the liquid in the reservoir is depleted, and the entire device, the portion of the device supporting the liquid reservoir, or the liquid reservoir replaced. It is contemplated that such a liquid reservoir can be disposable, or can be provided in a small, inexpensive disposable device. For example, a disposable or replaceable liquid reservoir can comprise “capsules” or other such containers which can be readily removed from the device when empty, and replaced. In one aspect, the liquid reservoir can be supported by the striking portion, and can be replaced by removing the empty reservoir from the striking portion and inserting a full reservoir, or by replacing the entire striking portion with one containing a full reservoir.
The liquid reservoir can be constructed from any suitable material, such as the materials described above for the body, according to techniques within the skill in the art. The liquid reservoir can also be constructed to withstand internal and/or external pressure, for example if the air and liquid within the reservoir are slightly pressurized or squeezed. The liquid reservoir can be supported by the body. As used herein, “supported by the body” means that the liquid reservoir can be located on the outside of the body, inside the body, or can extend through the body. It is specifically contemplated that the liquid reservoir can be coextensive with the body; for example, the liquid reservoir can be formed by the body, and this configuration is included in the meaning of “supported by the body.”
At least one liquid drawing mechanism is in fluid communication with one or more liquid reservoirs, for example through a tube or other suitable conduit. A drawing mechanism can be supported by the body. As used herein, “supported by the body” means that the drawing mechanism can be located on the outside of the body, inside the body, or can extend through the body. When located outside the body, the drawing mechanism can function independently of the body, and can comprise all the elements (in combination with a liquid reservoir) necessary to store and deliver liquid. Such independently functioning drawing mechanisms can be interchangeable from device to device. Alternatively, the drawing mechanism and the liquid reservoir can be located separately outside the body, and can be removed or interchanged with drawing mechanisms or liquid reservoirs on other devices. The drawing mechanism can also be located in the body, and the liquid reservoir can be separate; for example, when the device simulates a sword, the liquid reservoir can be carried on a belt or back-pack. The drawing mechanism draws liquid from the liquid reservoir and delivers the liquid away from the body and to at least one aperture on the device.
The drawing mechanism can comprise any suitable mechanism or apparatus for drawing a portion of liquid from the liquid reservoir and delivering that liquid to at least one aperture in the device. The liquid then exits the device, and can be deposited onto another device or a target during game play. For example, the drawing mechanism can comprise a simple manual or electric pump mechanism such as are commonly found in plastic squirt guns; see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,892,902 and 5,373,975, the entire disclosures of which is herein incorporated by reference. The pump can force liquid directly through a conduit to aperture(s) in the device, for example by actuating a piston operably connected to series of valves which allow the liquid to be delivered through the drawing mechanism. Alternatively, the pump can pressurize the liquid reservoir such that the liquid travels through a conduit to aperture(s) in the device when a valve between the liquid reservoir and liquid projectile launching mechanism is released. The pump can also be configured to draw liquid into the liquid reservoir to replenish the liquid supply therein.
The drawing mechanism can also comprise a bladder or other flexible-walled container. The bladder or other flexible-walled container can be filled to overcapacity to create internal pressure, such that liquid can be delivered through a conduit in operable connection with the drawing mechanism. The drawing mechanism comprising a bladder or other flexible-walled container (or that portion of the device supporting it) can also be squeezed to deliver the liquid. Where a drawing mechanism comprises a bladder or other flexible-walled container, the drawing mechanism and the liquid reservoir can be essentially coextensive. For example, the bladder or other flexible-walled container comprising the drawing mechanism can be the liquid reservoir. In one aspect, a drawing mechanism/reservoir is contained within the striking portion, and is generally co-extensive with the striking portion. Such a drawing mechanism/reservoir can comprise a mechanism analogous to that used in fountain pens, as described in more detail below.
When actuated, the drawing mechanism delivers liquid through at least one conduit connected thereto. The conduit can be considered part of the drawing mechanism. The portion of the body supporting the conduit can extend away from the main part of the body, and may be constructed so that it can be aimed or moved independently of the body. In one aspect, the portion of the body supporting a conduit can comprise a sword, and the main part of the body can comprise a robot or other action figure (sometimes referred to herein as a “character”). The portion of the body supporting the conduit is sometimes referred to herein as the “striking portion.” A device can have at least one striking portion; for example one, two, three, four, five or more striking portions. A striking portion further comprises at least one aperture to which the conduit(s) deliver liquid. Touching or pressing an object with the striking portion into which liquid has been drawn will deposit liquid onto that object.
A striking portion can be positioned anywhere on the body which allows liquid to be drawn from the liquid reservoir and delivered through one or more conduits to at least one aperture on the striking portion, when the drawing mechanism is actuated. As discussed above, the drawing mechanism can be manually or electronically actuated. The drawing mechanism can also be actuated by physical forces such as gravity, centrifugal force and capillary action. For example, liquid can be delivered by positioning the device such that liquid flows from the liquid reservoir to the aperture, or the device (or a portion thereof) can be spun, or moved rapidly so that liquid is forced from the reservoir outward to the aperture. Liquid can also be delivered by pressing the striking portion against an object and squeezing or otherwise dispensing the liquid from the striking portion.
The velocity of the liquid delivered to the aperture is not sufficient to expel the liquid outward from the device as a projectile (such as a stream or water drop). Rather, the liquid delivered to the aperture will stay at or near the aperture, and can form one or more drops which will be transferred onto an object only by touching an object with the striking portion.
The liquid which can be used in the device can include any suitable liquid which is compatible with the device components, and which has a suitably low viscosity such that it can be drawn from the liquid reservoir by the drawing mechanism and delivered to an aperture. Suitable liquids include water, such as tap water, spring water, salt water, sugar water or mineral water; inks, such as “disappearing” and other non-permanent inks and permanent inks; dyes, for example washable or other non-permanent dyes and permanent dyes; fluorescent liquids; perfumes; juices; liquid candies and acidic or basic liquids. Generally, acidic or basic liquids comprise a weak acid or base, so as not to damage the device or device components and surrounding object, or injure a user.
An exemplary device is generally shown in
A device can also comprise electronic components other than, and optionally connected to, any electronic components comprising the drawing mechanism. Such electronic components can be activated along with any electronic components comprising the drawing mechanism, or can be activated separately. For example, the device can comprise components for the electronic generation of sound and/or light. The device can also comprise attachments that are connected to drive motors activated by the electronics.
Electronics suitable for use in the device can include a power source box, or battery box which can be located suitably in the body, for containing batteries or another suitable power source. Suitable wires can be used to couple operable components such as incandescent lights, LED's, switches and speakers. These components can be contained in the body, located outside and supported by the body, or can extend through the body. For example, one or more portions of the body can be lighted or adapted to glow by providing a suitable light source such as an LED mounted adjacent to a chamber with transparent or translucent portion.
The electronic components can be activated by actuation of the drawing mechanism and/or by the flow of liquid through the device. For example, a switch can be mounted adjacent to a conduit or a flexible or soft portion of a conduit, such as conduit carrying liquid from the liquid reservoir to the striking portion. The deformation or expansion of the conduit can move one contact element of the switch into contact with another element, thus activating the electronics.
With regard to fastening, mounting, attaching or connecting components to form the device, unless specifically described otherwise, such are intended to encompass suitable conventional fasteners such as screws, nut and bolt connectors, threaded connectors, snap rings, detent arrangements, clamps such as screw clamps and the like, rivets, toggles, pins and the like, as are known in the art. Components can also be connected by adhesives, glues, welding, ultrasonic welding, and friction fitting or deformation, if appropriate, and appropriate liquid and/or airtight seals or sealing devices can be used, as are known in the art. Electronic portions of the device can use conventional, commercially available electronic components, connectors and devices such as suitable wiring, connectors, printed circuit boards, microchips, speakers, lights, LED's, liquid crystal displays, pressure sensors, liquid level sensors, audio components, inputs, outputs and the like.
The device, for example the outside of the body of the device, can comprise a liquid reactive material. As used herein, a “liquid reactive material” is any material which undergoes a change when contacted by a liquid. For example, the liquid reactive material can comprise a substance which changes electrical characteristics (such as impedance), changes color, or loses or gains opacity when contacted with a liquid. Suitable liquid reactive materials include a plastic or cloth that changes color when becoming wet, or a surface which has been coated with a particulate (e.g., dust, sand, fiberglass, or the like) on the surface, which particulate changes color or becomes transparent when wet, revealing an underlying color.
For example, the device can comprise a liquid-responsive switch closing or opening an electric circuit between a battery and a light or sound source when in contact with liquid. A suitable liquid-responsive switch, as is known in the art, comprises a pair of electric terminals impressed with a certain voltage potential. When in the dry state, the impedance between the terminals is very high and the current allowed to circulate is virtually nil. However, when wet, the impedance is dramatically reduced establishing an electrical path which sets a simple transistor circuit in the conduction state, closing the electric circuit between the battery and the light source. Thus, the device can be activated to emit sound and/or light when contacted by a liquid. This arrangement can be used to indicated a “score” or “hit” by a striking portion of another device when simulating combat or team sports play with the devices. A liquid-activated switch can also be operably connected to a drawing mechanism, such that the drawing mechanism is temporarily inactivated or rendered inoperable when the device is contacted by liquid.
Other suitable liquid reactive materials include materials which react when contacted with an acidic or basic solution, such as a pH indicator which changes color upon contact with an acid or a base. A suitable pH indicator is one which changes to a certain color (e.g., blue) when contacted with an acidic solution, and changes to another color (e.g., pink or red) when contacted with a basic solution. Thus, set or game can comprise at least two devices comprising a pH indicator. One of the devices can carry an acidic liquid in its liquid reservoir, and another device can carry a basic solution. Hits from the device carrying the acidic solution will cause the other device to turn a first color, whereas hits from the device carrying the basic solution will cause the other device to turn a second color. The initial color of the pH indicator on a given device can be restored by removing the acidic or basic solution (such as by washing with water), or by neutralizing with an acidic or basic solution, as appropriate.
The set or game can comprise numerous configurations. For example, a game can comprise at least one device comprising a handheld item such as a simulated striking weapon, and another device can comprise an article to be worn or carried by a user, such as a shirt, vest, chest plate or other articles worn on the torso; pants; socks, shin guards, shoes or shoe coverings, or other articles worn on the feet or legs; belt (including a harness or Sam Browne belt); badge, necklace, medallion or the like; helmet, hat or other headcovering; gloves, rings or other articles worn on the hands; forearm or wrist guards or other articles worn on the arms; mask, eyeglasses or other articles worn on the face; a shield or the like; or combinations thereof. An exemplary wearable article can comprise a full or partial suit of armor. For example, multiple wearable articles can be provided with the set or game, which comprise different articles of clothing or pieces of armor (e.g., a chest plate and a back plate, connected by shoulder straps, or the like). These articles can also comprise at least one liquid reactive material.
A set or game can also comprise a free-standing, independently-moving or randomly-appearing item, such as an obstacle or target. Exemplary targets can include items that are thrown or otherwise projected into the air, or “pop-up” targets representing opponents which appear at random intervals and/or locations during game play. Such “pop-up” targets can be controlled by electronics such as are described above, as is known in the art. These articles can also comprise at least one liquid reactive material.
Different portions of the devices or other items comprising a set or game can comprise at least two liquid reactive materials which react differently from each other when wet. For example, one portion of the device or item can comprise a material which turns a first color (e.g., green) when wet, and a second portion of the same device or item can comprise a material which turns a second color (e.g., blue) when wet.
My devices, sets or games can be marketed by packaging the device, set or game with at least one additional item for sale, such as candy or gum, stickers, electronic items, and promotional items such as contests or lotteries and team or league paraphernalia.
The devices can be utilized to play games in which a user is required to contact an opponent's device with the user's striking portion. Thus, the set or game can comprise at least two devices, and suggested rules of play. For example, the set or game can comprise sufficient devices for two teams or armies of players, with each team or army comprising 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 20, 50 or more devices.
Generally, a game can be played in an open indoor or outdoor area. The playing surface can be natural or artificial, and can be, for example, generally planar, uneven or multi-leveled.
The area in which a game is played can be marked or otherwise carry indicia which simulate, for example, battle fields or fields of play for one or more team sports. It is understood that the markings or indicia which simulate a battle field or field of play can include rear areas, sideline areas or other areas where individuals not actively participating in the group activity would be located. One skilled in the art is familiar with the indicia, relative dimensions and configurations of fields of play for team sports, and can readily adapt such indicia, dimensions or configurations for use.
The set or game can also comprise other items as described above, or such as a foldable housing to contain the devices when not in use, extra liquid or liquid reservoirs, scorecards or other devices to record game statistics and results, candy or gum, toys, electronic devices (such as for producing light and sound effects or play-by-play announcements during game play), a timing device, stickers or the like for decorating the devices or items, and promotional items such as contests or lotteries and team or league paraphernalia.
The precise rules of play for a game depend on the type of game desired to be played. For example, the game can comprise rules of play simulating combat. Such rules can be readily designed and understood by one skilled in the art.
In one such game, devices sufficient for two armies can be provided. The individuals playing the game decide beforehand which army shall have initial possession of which parts of the battle field, and which army can attack first. For example, the armies can occupy different sections of the battlefield, or one army can occupy the entire battle field, and the second army can attempt to “invade” the occupied territory.
The game is begun by one or more individuals of a given army attacking individuals of the other army by attempting to contact individuals of the other army with the striking portions of individuals from their army. A player will be “wounded” or “killed” if his or her second device is contacted by a striking portion, such that liquid from the striking portion is deposited. The “wounded” or “killed” player is then removed from the battlefield or left in place, and game play continues. “Wounded” players may be re-introduced to the game after a suitable amount of time has passed, simulating recovery of the wounded soldier.
The game progresses with each army attempting to secure the predetermined objective, and continues until the expiration of a predetermined time period, the objective is achieved or all the individuals of one army have been “wounded” or “killed.” The surviving army or army in possession of the predetermined objective wins the game.
While my devices and methods have been described in connection with the examples discussed above and the various figures, it is to be understood that other similar examples may be used, or modifications or additions may be made to the described examples for performing the same function without deviating therefrom. Therefore, the devices and methods should not be limited to any single example, but rather should be construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the recitation of the appended claims.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/852,806, filed Oct. 19, 2006.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60852806 | Oct 2006 | US |
