Liquid Dispensing Toy

Abstract

A liquid dispensing toy is disclosed. The liquid dispensing toy contains a first piston, a first piston housing surrounding the first piston, a first shaft associated with the first piston, a first liquid housing surrounding at least a portion of the first piston housing, wherein the first liquid housing is configured to retain liquid, a first input valve coupled with the first piston housing, and a first output valve coupled with the first piston housing.

Description

FIELD

The present invention relates to a liquid dispensing toy. More particularly, the present invention relates to a liquid dispensing toy capable of squirting liquid.

BACKGROUND

Liquid squirting toys are well known in many forms in the prior art. Numerous liquid squirting toys are made and have been made over the years for use by persons while swimming in or standing adjacent to a swimming pool, which are adapted to quickly take in water from the swimming pool for squirting. One such toy 10 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Toy 10 basically comprises a housing 15 having a nozzle at its squirting end 20. A piston 25, which includes a graspable handle 30, is adapted to slide within the housing 15 so that, when the nozzle end 20 of the housing 15 is submerged in the water 35 and the piston 25 is pulled backwards (shown by arrow 40 in FIG. 1), water 35 is drawn into the housing 15 through the nozzle end 20. And when the piston 25 is subsequently forced forwardly (shown by arrow 45 in FIG. 2), the water 35 is forced from the housing 15, through the nozzle 20, towards a target, in a powerful stream. The main limitation of the toy 10 is the need for the toy 10 to always be adjacent to the swimming pool to allow the user to refill it after every shot.

Embodiments disclosed e present disclosure overcome the limitations of the prior art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 depicts a cross-section view of a liquid squirting toy known in the art showing the intake of water.

FIG. 2 depicts the cross-section view of the liquid squirting toy shown in FIG. 1 showing the expulsion of water.

FIGS. 3 a-4b depict a cross-section view of a liquid dispensing toy according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 5-6 depict a cross-section view of another liquid dispensing toy according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 depicts a cross-section view of another liquid dispensing toy according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 depicts a cross-section view of another liquid dispensing toy according to the present disclosure.

In the following description, like reference numbers are used to identify like elements.

Furthermore, the drawings are intended to illustrate major features of exemplary embodiments in a diagrammatic manner. The drawings are not intended to depict every feature of every implementation nor relative dimensions of the depicted elements, and are not drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to clearly describe various specific embodiments disclosed herein. One skilled in the art, however, will understand that the presently claimed invention may be practiced without all of the specific details discussed below. In other instances, well known features have not been described so as not to obscure the invention.

Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” and “mounted,” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms “connected” and “coupled” and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

A liquid dispensing toy 300 according to some embodiments presently disclosed is shown in FIGS. 3A-4B. In some embodiments, the toy 300 comprises a piston housing 305 surrounding a piston 310, wherein the piston housing 305 comprises a first end 306 and a second end 307. In some embodiments, the piston 310 is associated with a shaft 315. In some embodiments, a force can be applied to the shaft 315 to push the piston 305 towards the first end 306 of the piston housing (as shown by the arrow 308 in FIG. 4A). In some embodiments, another force can be applied to the shaft 315 to pull the piston 305 towards the second end 307 of the piston housing 305 (as shown by arrow 309 in FIG. 3A).

In some embodiments, the shaft 315 is associated with a handle 320. In some embodiments, the toy 300 comprises a liquid housing 325 surrounding at least a portion of the piston housing 305. In sonic embodiments, the toy 300 comprises the liquid housing 325 surrounding the entire piston housing 305. In some embodiments, the piston housing 305 spans the entire length of the housing 325. The liquid housing 325 is configured to retain liquid. In some embodiments, the liquid in the liquid housing 325 is water.

In accordance with some embodiments presently disclosed, a one way output valve 330 is coupled with the first end 306 of the piston housing 305. In accordance with some embodiments presently disclosed, a one way input valve 335 is coupled adjacent with the first end 306 of the piston housing 305.

In some embodiments, the input valve 335 is configured to allow at least some of the liquid and/or air in the liquid housing 325 to enter the piston housing 305 when the piston 310 is pulled towards the second end 307. In some embodiments, the output valve 330 is configured to prevent liquid and/or air from escaping or entering the piston hosing 305 when the piston 310 is pulled towards the second end 307.

In some embodiments, the output valve 330 is configured to allow at least some of the liquid and/or air in the piston housing 305 to exit the piston housing 305 when the piston 310 is pushed towards the first end 306. In some embodiments, the input valve 335 is configured to prevent liquid and/or air from escaping or entering the piston hosing 305 when the piston 310 is pushed towards the first end 306.

In accordance with some embodiments presently disclosed, the piston housing 305 can have any reasonable cylindrical shape, such as, but not limited to, round cylindrical, square cylindrical, polygonal cylindrical, star cylindrical, triangular cylindrical, or any other reasonable cylindrical shape. The piston housing 305 may comprise substantially rigid material like, for example, plastic, metal, and/or carbon.

In accordance with some embodiments presently disclosed, the shaft 315 and/or piston 310 can be substantially cylindrical in shape. In accordance with some embodiments presently disclosed, the shaft 315 and/or piston 310 can have any reasonable cylindrical shape, such as, but not limited to, round cylindrical, square cylindrical, polygonal cylindrical, star cylindrical, triangular cylindrical, or any other reasonable cylindrical shape. In accordance with some embodiments presently disclosed, the shaft 315 and/or piston 310 can be substantially solid, can be substantially tubular, and/or any combination thereof The shaft 315 and/or piston 310 may comprise, for example, plastic, metal, and/or carbon material.

In accordance with some embodiments presently disclosed, the shaft 315 and/or piston 310 is tubular (e.g., has an opening passing through at least some of the length its body) the cross sectional shape of the internal surface (not shown) can be any reasonable shape, such as, but not limit to round, square, polygonal, triangular, star shaped, or any other reasonable shape. For ease, the cross sectional shape of shaft 315 and/or piston 310 is depicted/described as round, this is in no way meant to be a limitation.

In accordance with some embodiments presently disclosed, the piston 310 comprises a seal (e.g., on O-ring) (not shown) designed to allow the piston 310 to displaceable move within the length of the piston housing 305 while forcing water out of the piston housing 305. In some embodiments, the seal (not shown) of the piston 310 comprises rubber material.

In accordance with some embodiments presently disclosed, the shaft 315, the piston 310, and/or handle portion 320 can include a coupling region. In some embodiments, the coupling region can be located such that shaft 315 can be coupled to piston 310 and/or a handle portion 320. In some embodiments, the coupling region of one component (e.g., shaft 315, piston 310, and/or handle portion 320) can be coupled to the coupling region of another component (e.g., shaft 315, piston 310, and/or handle portion 320) by inserting the coupling region of one component into the coupling region of another component. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the coupling region of one component can remain coupled to the coupling region of another component by any reasonable interaction, such as, but not limited to, a mechanical interaction (e.g., thread interaction, frictional interaction, etc.), a chemical interaction (e.g., bonding, melting, etc.), an adhesive interaction (e.g., adhesively contacting the coupling regions), or any other reasonable interaction capable of coupling the coupling regions.

In accordance with some embodiments presently disclosed, the shaft 315, the piston 310, and/or handle portion 320 can be substantially one unit. For ease, they are depicted as a one unit, this is in no way meant to be a limitation.

In some embodiments, the liquid housing 325 comprises, for example, plastic, metal, and/or carbon material. In some embodiments, the input valve 335 and/or output valve 330 comprise, for example, plastic, metal, rubber and/or carbon material.

A liquid dispensing toy 500 according to some embodiments presently disclosed is shown in FIGS. 5-6. In some embodiments, the toy 500 comprises at least two piston housings 505, 605 surrounding at least two pistons 510, 610 respectively. The piston housing 505 comprises a first end 506 and a second end 507. The piston housing 605 comprises a first end 606 and a second end 607. In some embodiments, the piston 510 is coupled with a shaft 515. In some embodiments, a force can be applied to the shaft 515 to push the piston 505 towards the first end 506 of the piston housing (as shown by the arrow 609 in FIG. 6). In some embodiments, another force can be applied to the shaft 515 to pull the piston 505 towards the second end 507 of the piston housing 505 (as shown by arrow 508 in FIG. 5). In some embodiments, the piston 610 is coupled with a shaft 615. In some embodiments, a force can be applied to the shaft 615 to push the piston 605 towards the first end 606 of the piston housing (as shown by the arrow 609 in FIG. 6), in some embodiments, another force can be applied to the shaft 615 to pull the piston 605 towards the second end 607 of the piston housing 605 (as shown by arrow 508 in FIG. 5).

In some embodiments, the shaft 515 is associated with a handle 520 (shown in FIGS. 5 and 6). In some embodiments, the shaft 615 is associated with a handle 620 (shown in FIGS. 5 and 6). In some embodiments, a force can be applied only to the shaft 515. In some embodiments, a force can be applied only to the shaft 615. In some embodiments, the shaft 515 and the shaft 615 are associated with a handle 621 (shown in FIG. 7). In this embodiment, a force can be applied simultaneously to the shafts 515 and 615.

In some embodiments, the toy 500 comprises a liquid housing 525 surrounding at least a portion of the piston housings 505 and 605. In some embodiments, the toy 500 comprises the liquid housing 525 surrounding the entire piston housing 505 and 605 (shown in FIGS. 5-7). In some embodiments, the piston housing 505 and/or piston housing 605 span the entire length of the housing 525. The liquid housing 525 is configured to retain liquid. In some embodiments; the liquid in the liquid housing 525 is water.

In some embodiments, the toy 500 comprises a liquid housing 725 surrounding at least a portion of the piston housing 505 and a liquid housing 825 surrounding at least a portion of the piston housing 605. In some embodiments, the toy 500 comprises the liquid housing 725 surrounding the entire piston housing 505 and comprises the liquid housing 825 surrounding the entire piston housing 605 (shown in FIG. 8). In some embodiments, the piston housing 505 spans the entire length of the housing 725. In some embodiments, the piston housing 605 spans the entire length of the housing 825. The liquid housings 725 and 825 are configured to retain liquid. In some embodiments, the liquid in the liquid housings 725 and/or 825 is water,

In accordance with some embodiments presently disclosed, a one way output valve 530 is coupled with the first end 506 of the piston housing 505. In accordance with some embodiments presently disclosed, a one way input valve 535 is coupled adjacent with the first end 506 of the piston housing 505. In accordance with some embodiments presently disclosed, a one way output valve 630 is coupled with the first end 606 of the piston housing 605. In accordance with some embodiments presently disclosed, a one way input valve 635 is coupled adjacent with the first end 606 of the piston housing 605.

In some embodiments, the input valve 535 is configured to allow at least some of the liquid and/or air in the liquid housing 525 to enter the piston housing 505 when the piston 510 is pulled towards the second end 507. In some embodiments, the output valve 530 is configured to prevent liquid and/or air from escaping or entering the piston hosing 505 when the piston 510 is pulled towards the second end 507. In some embodiments; the input valve 635 is configured to allow at least some of the liquid and/or air in the liquid housing 625 to enter the piston housing 605 when the piston 610 is pulled towards the second end 607. In some embodiments, the output valve 630 is configured to prevent liquid and/or air from escaping or entering the piston hosing 605 when the piston 610 is pulled towards the second end 607.

In some embodiments, the output valve 530 is configured to allow at least some of the liquid and/or air in the piston housing 505 to exit the piston housing 505 when the piston 510 is pushed towards the first end 506. In some embodiments, the input valve 535 is configured to prevent liquid and/or air from escaping or entering the piston hosing 505 when the piston 510 is pushed towards the first end 506. In some embodiments, the output valve 630 is configured to allow at least some of the liquid and/or air in the piston housing 605 to exit the piston housing 605 when the piston 610 is pushed towards the first end 606. In some embodiments, the input valve 635 is configured to prevent liquid and/or air from escaping or entering the piston hosing 605 when the piston 610 is pushed towards the first end 606.

In accordance with some embodiments presently disclosed, the piston housing 505 can have any reasonable cylindrical shape, such as, but not limited to, round cylindrical, square cylindrical, polygonal cylindrical, star cylindrical, triangular cylindrical, or any other reasonable cylindrical shape. The piston housing 505 may comprise substantially rigid material like, for example, plastic, metal, carbon, etc.

In accordance with some embodiments presently disclosed, the piston housing 605 can have any reasonable cylindrical shape, such as, but not limited to, round cylindrical, square cylindrical, polygonal cylindrical, star cylindrical, triangular cylindrical, or any other reasonable cylindrical shape. The piston housing 605 may comprise substantially rigid material like, for example, plastic, metal, carbon, etc.

In accordance with some embodiments presently disclosed, the shaft 515 and/or piston 510 can be substantially cylindrical in shape. In accordance with some embodiments presently disclosed, the shaft 515 and/or piston 510 can have any reasonable cylindrical shape, such as, but not limited to, round cylindrical, square cylindrical, polygonal cylindrical, star cylindrical, triangular cylindrical, or any other reasonable cylindrical shape. In accordance with some embodiments presently disclosed, the shaft 515 and/or piston 510 can be substantially solid, can be substantially tubular, and/or any combination thereof.

In accordance with some embodiments presently disclosed, the shaft 615 and/or piston 610 can be substantially cylindrical in shape. In accordance with some embodiments presently disclosed, the shaft 615 and/or piston 610 can have any reasonable cylindrical shape, such as, hut not limited to, round cylindrical, square cylindrical, polygonal cylindrical, star cylindrical, triangular cylindrical, or any other reasonable cylindrical shape. In accordance with some embodiments presently disclosed, the shaft 615 and/or piston 610 can be substantially solid, can be substantially tubular, and/or any combination thereof.

In accordance with some embodiments presently disclosed, the shaft 515 and/or piston 510 is tubular (e.g., has an opening passing through at least some of the length its body) the cross sectional shape of the internal surface (not shown) can be any reasonable shape, such as, but not limit to round, square, polygonal, triangular, star shaped, or any other reasonable shape. For ease, the cross sectional shape of shaft 515 and/or piston 510 is depicted/described as round, this is in no way meant to be a limitation.

In accordance with some embodiments presently disclosed, the shaft 615 and/or piston 610 is tubular (e.g., has an opening passing through at least some of the length its body) the cross sectional shape of the internal surface (not shown) can be any reasonable shape, such as, but not limit to round, square, polygonal, triangular, star shaped, or any other reasonable shape. For ease, the cross sectional shape of shaft 615 and/or piston 610 is depicted/described as round, this is in no way meant to be a limitation.

In accordance with some embodiments presently disclosed, the piston 510 comprises a seal (e.g., an O-ring) (not shown) designed to allow the piston 510 to displaceably move within the length of the piston housing 505 while forcing water out of the piston housing 505. In some embodiments, the seal of the piston 510 comprises rubber material.

In accordance with some embodiments presently disclosed, the piston 610 comprises a seal (e.g., an O-ring) (not shown) designed to allow the piston 610 to displaceably move within the length of the piston housing 605 while forcing water out of the piston housing 605. In some embodiments, the seal of the piston 610 comprises rubber material.

In accordance with some embodiments presently disclosed, the shaft 515, the piston 510, and/or handle portion 520 can include a coupling region. In some embodiments, the coupling region can be located such that shaft 515 can be coupled to piston 510 and/or a handle portion 520. In some embodiments, the coupling region of one component (e.g., shaft 515, piston 510, and/or handle portion 520) can be coupled to the coupling region of another component (e.g., shaft 515, piston 510, and/or handle portion 520) by inserting the coupling region of one component into the coupling region of another component. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the coupling region of one component can remain coupled to the coupling region of another component by any reasonable interaction, such as, but not limited to, a mechanical interaction (e.g., thread interaction, frictional interaction, etc.), a chemical interaction (e.g., bonding, melting, etc.), an adhesive interaction (e.g., adhesively contacting the coupling regions), or any other reasonable interaction capable of coupling the coupling regions.

In accordance with some embodiments presently disclosed, the shaft 615, the piston 610, and/or handle portion 620 can include a coupling region. In some embodiments, the coupling region can be located such that shaft 615 can be coupled to piston 610 and/or a handle portion 620. In some embodiments, the coupling region of one component e.g., shaft 615, piston 610, and/or handle portion 620) can be coupled to the coupling region of another component(e.g., shaft 615, piston 610, and/or handle portion 620) by inserting the coupling region of one component into the coupling region of another component. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the coupling region of one component can remain coupled to the coupling region of another component by any reasonable interaction, such as, but not limited to, a mechanical interaction e.g., thread interaction, frictional interaction, etc.), a chemical interaction (e.g., bonding, melting, etc.), an adhesive interaction (e.g., adhesively contacting the coupling regions), or any other reasonable interaction capable of coupling the coupling regions.

In accordance with some embodiments presently disclosed, the shaft 515, the piston 510, and/or handle portion 621 can include a coupling region. In some embodiments, the coupling region can be located such that shaft 515 can be coupled to piston 510 and/or a handle portion 621. In some embodiments, the coupling region of one component (e.g., shaft 515, piston 510, and/or handle portion 621) can be coupled to the coupling region of another component (e.g., shaft 515, piston 510, and/or handle portion 621) by inserting the coupling region of one component into the coupling region of another component. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the coupling region of one component can remain coupled to the coupling region of another component by any reasonable interaction, such as, but not limited to, a mechanical interaction (e.g., thread interaction, frictional interaction, etc.), a chemical interaction (e.g., bonding, melting, etc.), an adhesive interaction (e.g., adhesively contacting the coupling regions), or any other reasonable interaction capable of coupling the coupling regions.

In accordance with some embodiments presently disclosed, the shaft 615, the piston 610, and/or handle portion 621 can include a coupling region. In some embodiments, the coupling region can be located such that shaft 615 can be coupled to piston 610 and/or a handle portion 621. In some embodiments, the coupling region of one component (e.g., shaft 615, piston 610, and/or handle portion 621) can be coupled to the coupling region of another component (e.g., shaft 615, piston 610, and/or handle portion 621) by inserting the coupling region of one component into the coupling region of another component. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the coupling region of one component can remain coupled to the coupling region of another component by any reasonable interaction, such as, but not limited to, a mechanical interaction (e.g., thread interaction, frictional interaction, etc.), a chemical interaction (e.g., bonding, melting, etc), an adhesive interaction (e.g., adhesively contacting the coupling regions), or any other reasonable interaction capable of coupling the coupling regions.

In accordance with some embodiments presently disclosed, the shaft 515, the piston 510, and/or handle portion 520 can be substantially one unit. For ease, they are depicted as a one unit (FIGS. 5-6), this is in no way meant to be a limitation.

In accordance with some embodiments presently disclosed, the shaft 615, the piston 610, and/or handle portion 620 can be substantially one unit. For ease, they are depicted as a one unit (FIGS. 5-6), this is in no way meant to be a limitation.

In accordance with some embodiments presently disclosed, the shaft 515, the piston 510, and/or handle portion 621 can be substantially one unit. For ease, they are depicted as a one unit (FIG. 7), this is in no way meant to be a limitation.

In accordance with some embodiments presently disclosed, the shaft 615, the piston 610, and/or handle portion 621 can be substantially one unit. For ease, they are depicted as a one unit (FIG. 7), this is in no way meant to be a limitation.

In some embodiments, the features of the toy 500 as described above comprise plastic, metal, rubber and/or carbon materials.

While several illustrative embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, numerous variations and alternative embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Such variations and alternative embodiments are contemplated, and can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. The term “plurality” includes two or more referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. 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 the disclosure pertains.

The foregoing detailed description of exemplary and preferred embodiments is presented for purposes of illustration and disclosure in accordance with the requirements of the law. It is not intended to be exhaustive nor to limit the invention to the precise form(s) described, but only to enable others skilled in the art to understand how the invention may be suited for a particular use or implementation. The possibility of modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. No limitation is intended by the description of exemplary embodiments which may have included tolerances, feature dimensions, specific operating conditions, engineering specifications, or the like, and which may vary between implementations or with changes to the state of the art, and no limitation should be implied therefrom. Applicant has made this disclosure with respect to the current state of the art, but also contemplates advancements and that adaptations in the future may take into consideration of those advancements, namely in accordance with the then current state of the art. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims as written and equivalents as applicable. Reference to a claim element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated. Moreover, no element, component, nor method or process step in this disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. Sec. 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for . . . ” and no method or process step herein is to be construed under those provisions unless the step, or steps, are expressly recited using the phrase “step(s) for . . . ”

Claims

1. A liquid dispensing toy comprising: a first piston;a first piston housing surrounding the first piston, wherein the first piston housing comprises a first end and a second end;a first shaft associated with the first piston;a first liquid housing surrounding at least a portion of the first piston housing, wherein the first liquid housing is configured to retain liquid;a first input valve coupled with the first piston housing adjacent to the first end of the first piston housing, wherein the input valve is configured to allow the liquid from the first liquid housing to enter the first piston housing when the first piston is pulled towards the second end of the first liquid housing; anda first output valve coupled with the first piston housing adjacent to the first end of the first piston housing, wherein the first output valve is configured to allow the liquid to exit the first piston housing when the first piston is pushed towards the first end of the first piston housing.

2. The liquid dispensing toy of claim 1, wherein the liquid is water.

3. The liquid dispensing toy of claim 1, wherein the first liquid housing surrounds the entire first piston housing.

4. The liquid dispensing toy of claim 1 further comprises: a second piston;a second piston housing surrounding the second piston, wherein the second piston housing comprises a first end and a second end; anda second shaft associated with the second piston.

5. The liquid dispensing toy of claim 4 further comprises: a second input valve coupled with the second piston housing adjacent to the first end of the second piston housing, wherein the input valve is configured to allow the liquid from the first liquid housing to enter the second piston housing when the second piston is pulled towards the second end of the second piston housing; anda second output valve coupled with the second piston housing adjacent to the first end of the second piston housing, wherein the second output valve is configured to allow the liquid to exit the second piston housing when the second piston is pushed towards the first end of the second piston housing.

6. The liquid dispensing toy of claim 4 further comprises: a second liquid housing surrounding at least a portion of the second piston housing, wherein the second liquid housing is configured to retain liquida second input valve coupled with the second piston housing adjacent to the first end of the second piston housing, wherein the input valve is configured to allow the liquid from the second liquid housing to enter the second piston housing when the second piston is pulled towards the second end of the second piston housing; anda second output valve coupled with the second piston housing adjacent to the first end of the second piston housing, wherein the second output valve is configured to allow the liquid to exit the second piston housing when the second piston is pushed towards the first end of the second piston housing.

7. The liquid dispensing toy of claim 1 further comprises: a first handle associated with the first shaft.

8. The liquid dispensing toy of claim 4 further comprises: a first handle associated with the first shaft; anda second handle associated with the second shaft.

9. The liquid dispensing toy of claim 4 further comprises: a first handle associated with the first shaft and the second shaft.