Title:
WATER GUNS AND WATER EMITTING TARGET
United States Patent 3843127
Abstract:
A game toy including a plurality of water gun units to be aimed by different players toward a central device, which device is adapted to be turned to different positions about an axis by water streams from the units and which in those different positions directs water back toward the players respectively.
US Patent References:
Sprinkler toy
Washburn - June 1956 - 2752156
Water target
Thereau - February 1959 - 2874967
Gun and target with inflatable indicator
Martell - August 1967 - 3336030
Water gun target with displaceable element
Barrett - September 1967 - 3342492
SWIMMING POOL RECREATIONAL DEVICE
Sable - May 1970 - 3509584
Sprinkler toy
Washburn - June 1956 - 2752156
Water target
Thereau - February 1959 - 2874967
Gun and target with inflatable indicator
Martell - August 1967 - 3336030
Water gun target with displaceable element
Barrett - September 1967 - 3342492
SWIMMING POOL RECREATIONAL DEVICE
Sable - May 1970 - 3509584
Application Number:
05/388327
Publication Date:
10/22/1974
Filing Date:
08/13/1973
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
472/128, 273/440, 446/154, 446/156
International Classes:
A63B67/00; A63B71/02
Field of Search:
273/101,12.1R,12.1C,12.1G,105.2,1R 272/1B 46/1E,91,6
US Patent References:
| 3572712 | MOVING TARGET AND WATER GUN WITH INDICATING MECHANISM | March 1971 | Vick |
Primary Examiner:
Pinkham, Richard C.
Assistant Examiner:
Siskind, Marvin
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Green, William P.
Claims:
I claim
1. A game toy comprising:
2. A game toy as recited in claim 1, in which said means mount said target structure to turn about an essentially vertical axis between said different conditions of aim toward said units respectively; and in which said units are adapted to be held by the players at different positions circularly about said axis.
3. A game toy as recited in claim 1, in which said mounting means include a swivel connection mounting said remotely controlled target structure for said rotary movement and conducting water to said target structure for emission therefrom.
4. A game toy as recited in claim 1, including flexible conduits for delivery of water to said units respectively.
5. A game toy as recited in claim 1, in which said means include a mounting structure connectible to a source of water and mounting said target structure for said rotary movement and supplying water thereto.
6. A game toy as recited in claim 1, in which said means include a mounting structure connectible to a source of water and mounting said target structure for said rotary movement and supplying water thereto, and flexible conduits conducting water from said mounting structure to said units respectively.
7. A game toy as recited in claim 1, in which said units are shaped as water guns.
8. A game toy as recited in claim 1, in which said mounting means have a downwardly projecting portion insertible into the ground to support said mounting means therefrom.
9. A game toy as recited in claim 1, in which said target structure has a main portion lying essentially within a generally vertical plane; said means mounting said target structure to turn about a generally vertical axis lying approximately within said plane.
10. A game toy as recited in claim 1, in which said target structure is constructed to represent a person, and said portions thereof include arm portions projecting in approximately a common direction at spaced locations.
11. A game toy as recited in claim 1, in which said mounting means include a water conducting mounting structure connectible to a source of water, a swivel connection mounting said target structure to said mounting structure for rotation about a generally vertical axis between said different conditions of aim and constructed to conduct water to said target structure for emission therefrom toward said units, said toy including flexible conduits for conducting water from said mounting structure to said units respectively.
12. A game toy as recited in claim 11, in which said mounting structure has a post portion projecting downwardly therefrom and insertible into the ground to support said mounting structure therefrom; said units being shaped to represent guns, said target structure being shaped to represent a person and having a main portion lying generally within a vertical plane, said portions of the target structure including two arm portions projecting outwardly from said plane at an angle thereto at locations spaced in opposite directions from said axis.
13. A game toy as recited in claim 1, in which said units include valve means controllable by said players to turn said first streams of water on or off.
14. A game toy comprising:
1. A game toy comprising:
2. A game toy as recited in claim 1, in which said means mount said target structure to turn about an essentially vertical axis between said different conditions of aim toward said units respectively; and in which said units are adapted to be held by the players at different positions circularly about said axis.
3. A game toy as recited in claim 1, in which said mounting means include a swivel connection mounting said remotely controlled target structure for said rotary movement and conducting water to said target structure for emission therefrom.
4. A game toy as recited in claim 1, including flexible conduits for delivery of water to said units respectively.
5. A game toy as recited in claim 1, in which said means include a mounting structure connectible to a source of water and mounting said target structure for said rotary movement and supplying water thereto.
6. A game toy as recited in claim 1, in which said means include a mounting structure connectible to a source of water and mounting said target structure for said rotary movement and supplying water thereto, and flexible conduits conducting water from said mounting structure to said units respectively.
7. A game toy as recited in claim 1, in which said units are shaped as water guns.
8. A game toy as recited in claim 1, in which said mounting means have a downwardly projecting portion insertible into the ground to support said mounting means therefrom.
9. A game toy as recited in claim 1, in which said target structure has a main portion lying essentially within a generally vertical plane; said means mounting said target structure to turn about a generally vertical axis lying approximately within said plane.
10. A game toy as recited in claim 1, in which said target structure is constructed to represent a person, and said portions thereof include arm portions projecting in approximately a common direction at spaced locations.
11. A game toy as recited in claim 1, in which said mounting means include a water conducting mounting structure connectible to a source of water, a swivel connection mounting said target structure to said mounting structure for rotation about a generally vertical axis between said different conditions of aim and constructed to conduct water to said target structure for emission therefrom toward said units, said toy including flexible conduits for conducting water from said mounting structure to said units respectively.
12. A game toy as recited in claim 11, in which said mounting structure has a post portion projecting downwardly therefrom and insertible into the ground to support said mounting structure therefrom; said units being shaped to represent guns, said target structure being shaped to represent a person and having a main portion lying generally within a vertical plane, said portions of the target structure including two arm portions projecting outwardly from said plane at an angle thereto at locations spaced in opposite directions from said axis.
13. A game toy as recited in claim 1, in which said units include valve means controllable by said players to turn said first streams of water on or off.
14. A game toy comprising:
Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an original water toy to provide amusement and recreation to two or more players.
The toy is of a general type in which different contestants compete in attempting to control the flow of water to accomplish a predetermined purpose.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A toy embodying the invention includes a plurality of water guns or other water emitting units adapted to be manipulated and controlled by different players in a manner directing different streams of water toward a predetermined target structure. This target structure is itself adapted to emit water back toward the players, and is actuable between different conditions in which the water emitted by the target is aimed at the different players respectively. The change in condition of the target is controlled remotely by the streams from the players' guns, in accordance with the manner in which those guns are manipulated by the players. The object of the game is for each player to so control his gun as to actuate the target to aim water at the other player or players and get them wet.
Structurally, the target may be a simple rotary structure, mounted to turn about a preferably vertical axis relative to a supporting base, to vary the direction of emission of water therefrom. The players may be located at different positions about the rotary axis of the target, desirably at diametrically opposite locations when only two players are involved. The base on which the target is mounted may be a water conducting structure, having a tubular swivel connection to the target to permit its rotation while conducting water thereto. The different guns held by the players may also receive water from this same base, desirably through individual flexible hoses. In the presently preferred arrangement, the base is itself supported stationarily in fixed position by means of a projection extending downwardly from the base and insertible into the ground.
The target may be shaped to represent a person, desirably having a main essentially planar portion and a pair of arms projecting outwardly therefrom to present target surfaces in different planes for facilitating movement of the target by the water streams from the guns.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The above and other features and objects of the invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of the typical embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective representation of a game toy assembly constructed in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged front elevational view taken primarily on line 2--2 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a transverse vertical section taken primarily on line 3--3 of FIG. 2; and
FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse vertical section taken on line 4--4 of FIG. 3.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
With reference first to FIG. 1, I have shown in that Figure a toy assembly embodying the invention and including a central water emitting target unit 10 mounted for pivotal movement relative to a supporting base 11 about a vertical axis 18. Two or more players 12 control the rotary movement of unit 10 by appropriately aiming individual water streams 17 from separate water guns 13, fed by flexible hoses 14. The central unit 10 also emits water, in the form of a stream 19 which is preferably horizontal and perpendicular to axis 18, and which travels far enough from the axis to reach the players and get them wet when appropriately aimed. The number of these players is preferably two, located at essentially diametrically opposite sides of the target and its axis, as shown. The stream 17 from each gun 13 has sufficient force to reach the rotary unit 10, but can not reach the other player or his gun. The water for all three of the streams 17, 17 and 19 is delivered to base 11 through a garden hose 15 or the like connected to a valve controlled water outlet 16.
As seen best in FIG. 4, the base 11 may take the form of a hollow body forming and containing an inner chamber 25 for fluid conduction. Attached to the underside of base 11 is a rigid projection of supporting post 20, which extends downwardly along axis 18, and is pointed at its lower end 21 for insertion into the ground 26 in a relation mounting base 11 stationarily above the ground. Post 20 may be connected to base 11 in any appropriate manner, as by reception of the upper end of the post within a downwardly facing socket 111 on base 11 in a tight friction fit relation.
Base 11 may be essentially a three way T type structure, forming at its left side as seen in FIG. 4 a female internally threaded annular fitting 22 centered about a horizontal axis 24 normal to axis 18. Fitting 22 opens into hollow chamber 25 in base 11, and is connectible to a conventional male externally threaded fitting 23 of garden hose 15 to receive water therefrom. An externally threaded fitting 27 communicating with chamber 25, and an internally threaded cap 28 thereon, are located at the opposite side of base 11, and are desirably centered about the same axis 24 as fitting 22. Cap 28 is connected to the previously mentioned hoses 14, as by provision in the cap of two circular openings 29 (FIGS. 3 and 4) of a suitably small diameter to form a fluid tight seal with the two flexible hoses 14 inserted therein. The hoses may be retained against removal from these openings in any suitable manner, as by cementing them in place, retaining them by tight frictional engagement in the openings, providing enlarged flanges 114 at their inner ends as shown, or other suitable means. The water guns 13 are attached to, and receive water from, the remote outer ends of the flexible hoses 14. These guns contain inner passages 113 leading the water to tubular nozzle structures 213 formed at the ends of the gun barrels and shaped to emit the narrow directional streams 17 which are aimed toward element 10. It is contemplated that guns 13 may either be constructed to emit water continuously so long as water under pressure is supplied to the toy, or to allow the players to turn streams 17 on and off under the control of valves 313 in the guns controlled by triggers 413. It is also contemplated that water emitting units or nozzle structures of other types may be substituted for the illustrated gun-shaped parts 13 if desired.
For mounting target unit 10 rotatively to base 11, the latter has an externally threaded upwardly projecting fitting portion 31 at its top, communicating with chamber 25 and centered about axis 18, and carrying an internally threaded cap 32. Cap 32 and a vertical downwardly projecting tube 33 of the rotary unit 10 form together a swivel connection through which water is delivered to unit 10. For this purpose, cap 32 has a tubular internally cylindrical portion 34, centered about vertical axis 18 and rotatably receiving tube 33. To confine the tube against axial or vertical movement, the tube is fitted with two vertically spaced annular flanges 35 near its lower end, whose distance apart is essentially equal to the length of the downwardly directed tubular portion 34 of cap 32. The external diameter of the outer cylindrical surface of tube 33 is approximately equal to the diameter of the internal cylindrical surface of cap portion 34. The tolerance of these parts of the swivel structure should be small enough to provide a good water seal at the swivel connection, but large enough to allow free rotation of tube 33 essentially about axis 18.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the central rotary target unit 10 includes the discussed water tube 33 and an attached structure 36 which is preferably in the form of a man's head and arms. The lower portion of tube 33 may be secured to the bottom of structure 36 by passage through an opening 39 formed in a horizontally turned position 40 of the structure. Except at the locations of the portion 40 and arms 38, structure 36 may be essentially flat and planar, lying essentially within a vertical plane 118 which is parallel to and desirably very closely proximate to (or may contain) main axis 8. Above opening 39, tube 33 may extend upwardly along the back side of structure 36, preferably to the location of the mouth of the man represented by structure 36. At that point, tube 33 has a right angle bend 44 to extend forwardly through an opening 41 in structure 36, and form a nozzle 45 which emits the narrow directional stream 19 essentially normal to the primary plane 118 of structure 36.
Structure 36 can of course vary greatly in form. In the arrangement typically illustrated in the figures, it is in the form of a man's head and outstretched arms as mentioned. The arms, or portions of the arms, may in this case be formed as two forwardly extending typically planar parallel projections 38, spaced equal distances from axis 18 at opposite sides thereof. These arms may lie in planes which are vertical and are perpendicular to the main portion 37 of structure 36. The outer ends of arms 38 may form circular essentially planar `hands` 46 of the structure.
In placing the toy in use, the players first mount the central structure in an appropriately open area by forcing post 20 downwardly into the ground, and then connect inlet fitting 22 of base structure 11 to a source of pressurized water through hose 15. The players take their positions at opposite sides of unit 10, as shown in FIG. 1, and aim their guns toward unit 10. Nozzle 45 of unit 10 continuously emits the stream 19 radially and horizontally outwardly from axis 18, at a location spaced a short distance d above ground level, and far enough to reach the players and guns and get the players wet when unit 10 is in appropriate rotary settings. The object of the game is for each player to so manipulate his gun and aim its stream 17 as to cause unit 10 to aim its water jet toward the other player and get him wet.
The essentially planar character of the bulk of unit 10 and its Figure 36, combined with its essentially normal arm portions 38, form a number of surfaces facing in different directions upon which the streams of water from the players' nozzles can exert force. The silhouette visible to each player in each position of structure 10 is great enough to allow him to effectively influence the direction of the water stream emitted by structure 10. The capacity of unit 10 for free and unrestrained rotation about axis 18, and the relatively great moment arm of forces exerted at its extremities, insures a fast-moving game with little chance of total dominance by one player over another.
This invention relates to an original water toy to provide amusement and recreation to two or more players.
The toy is of a general type in which different contestants compete in attempting to control the flow of water to accomplish a predetermined purpose.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A toy embodying the invention includes a plurality of water guns or other water emitting units adapted to be manipulated and controlled by different players in a manner directing different streams of water toward a predetermined target structure. This target structure is itself adapted to emit water back toward the players, and is actuable between different conditions in which the water emitted by the target is aimed at the different players respectively. The change in condition of the target is controlled remotely by the streams from the players' guns, in accordance with the manner in which those guns are manipulated by the players. The object of the game is for each player to so control his gun as to actuate the target to aim water at the other player or players and get them wet.
Structurally, the target may be a simple rotary structure, mounted to turn about a preferably vertical axis relative to a supporting base, to vary the direction of emission of water therefrom. The players may be located at different positions about the rotary axis of the target, desirably at diametrically opposite locations when only two players are involved. The base on which the target is mounted may be a water conducting structure, having a tubular swivel connection to the target to permit its rotation while conducting water thereto. The different guns held by the players may also receive water from this same base, desirably through individual flexible hoses. In the presently preferred arrangement, the base is itself supported stationarily in fixed position by means of a projection extending downwardly from the base and insertible into the ground.
The target may be shaped to represent a person, desirably having a main essentially planar portion and a pair of arms projecting outwardly therefrom to present target surfaces in different planes for facilitating movement of the target by the water streams from the guns.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The above and other features and objects of the invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of the typical embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective representation of a game toy assembly constructed in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged front elevational view taken primarily on line 2--2 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a transverse vertical section taken primarily on line 3--3 of FIG. 2; and
FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse vertical section taken on line 4--4 of FIG. 3.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
With reference first to FIG. 1, I have shown in that Figure a toy assembly embodying the invention and including a central water emitting target unit 10 mounted for pivotal movement relative to a supporting base 11 about a vertical axis 18. Two or more players 12 control the rotary movement of unit 10 by appropriately aiming individual water streams 17 from separate water guns 13, fed by flexible hoses 14. The central unit 10 also emits water, in the form of a stream 19 which is preferably horizontal and perpendicular to axis 18, and which travels far enough from the axis to reach the players and get them wet when appropriately aimed. The number of these players is preferably two, located at essentially diametrically opposite sides of the target and its axis, as shown. The stream 17 from each gun 13 has sufficient force to reach the rotary unit 10, but can not reach the other player or his gun. The water for all three of the streams 17, 17 and 19 is delivered to base 11 through a garden hose 15 or the like connected to a valve controlled water outlet 16.
As seen best in FIG. 4, the base 11 may take the form of a hollow body forming and containing an inner chamber 25 for fluid conduction. Attached to the underside of base 11 is a rigid projection of supporting post 20, which extends downwardly along axis 18, and is pointed at its lower end 21 for insertion into the ground 26 in a relation mounting base 11 stationarily above the ground. Post 20 may be connected to base 11 in any appropriate manner, as by reception of the upper end of the post within a downwardly facing socket 111 on base 11 in a tight friction fit relation.
Base 11 may be essentially a three way T type structure, forming at its left side as seen in FIG. 4 a female internally threaded annular fitting 22 centered about a horizontal axis 24 normal to axis 18. Fitting 22 opens into hollow chamber 25 in base 11, and is connectible to a conventional male externally threaded fitting 23 of garden hose 15 to receive water therefrom. An externally threaded fitting 27 communicating with chamber 25, and an internally threaded cap 28 thereon, are located at the opposite side of base 11, and are desirably centered about the same axis 24 as fitting 22. Cap 28 is connected to the previously mentioned hoses 14, as by provision in the cap of two circular openings 29 (FIGS. 3 and 4) of a suitably small diameter to form a fluid tight seal with the two flexible hoses 14 inserted therein. The hoses may be retained against removal from these openings in any suitable manner, as by cementing them in place, retaining them by tight frictional engagement in the openings, providing enlarged flanges 114 at their inner ends as shown, or other suitable means. The water guns 13 are attached to, and receive water from, the remote outer ends of the flexible hoses 14. These guns contain inner passages 113 leading the water to tubular nozzle structures 213 formed at the ends of the gun barrels and shaped to emit the narrow directional streams 17 which are aimed toward element 10. It is contemplated that guns 13 may either be constructed to emit water continuously so long as water under pressure is supplied to the toy, or to allow the players to turn streams 17 on and off under the control of valves 313 in the guns controlled by triggers 413. It is also contemplated that water emitting units or nozzle structures of other types may be substituted for the illustrated gun-shaped parts 13 if desired.
For mounting target unit 10 rotatively to base 11, the latter has an externally threaded upwardly projecting fitting portion 31 at its top, communicating with chamber 25 and centered about axis 18, and carrying an internally threaded cap 32. Cap 32 and a vertical downwardly projecting tube 33 of the rotary unit 10 form together a swivel connection through which water is delivered to unit 10. For this purpose, cap 32 has a tubular internally cylindrical portion 34, centered about vertical axis 18 and rotatably receiving tube 33. To confine the tube against axial or vertical movement, the tube is fitted with two vertically spaced annular flanges 35 near its lower end, whose distance apart is essentially equal to the length of the downwardly directed tubular portion 34 of cap 32. The external diameter of the outer cylindrical surface of tube 33 is approximately equal to the diameter of the internal cylindrical surface of cap portion 34. The tolerance of these parts of the swivel structure should be small enough to provide a good water seal at the swivel connection, but large enough to allow free rotation of tube 33 essentially about axis 18.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the central rotary target unit 10 includes the discussed water tube 33 and an attached structure 36 which is preferably in the form of a man's head and arms. The lower portion of tube 33 may be secured to the bottom of structure 36 by passage through an opening 39 formed in a horizontally turned position 40 of the structure. Except at the locations of the portion 40 and arms 38, structure 36 may be essentially flat and planar, lying essentially within a vertical plane 118 which is parallel to and desirably very closely proximate to (or may contain) main axis 8. Above opening 39, tube 33 may extend upwardly along the back side of structure 36, preferably to the location of the mouth of the man represented by structure 36. At that point, tube 33 has a right angle bend 44 to extend forwardly through an opening 41 in structure 36, and form a nozzle 45 which emits the narrow directional stream 19 essentially normal to the primary plane 118 of structure 36.
Structure 36 can of course vary greatly in form. In the arrangement typically illustrated in the figures, it is in the form of a man's head and outstretched arms as mentioned. The arms, or portions of the arms, may in this case be formed as two forwardly extending typically planar parallel projections 38, spaced equal distances from axis 18 at opposite sides thereof. These arms may lie in planes which are vertical and are perpendicular to the main portion 37 of structure 36. The outer ends of arms 38 may form circular essentially planar `hands` 46 of the structure.
In placing the toy in use, the players first mount the central structure in an appropriately open area by forcing post 20 downwardly into the ground, and then connect inlet fitting 22 of base structure 11 to a source of pressurized water through hose 15. The players take their positions at opposite sides of unit 10, as shown in FIG. 1, and aim their guns toward unit 10. Nozzle 45 of unit 10 continuously emits the stream 19 radially and horizontally outwardly from axis 18, at a location spaced a short distance d above ground level, and far enough to reach the players and guns and get the players wet when unit 10 is in appropriate rotary settings. The object of the game is for each player to so manipulate his gun and aim its stream 17 as to cause unit 10 to aim its water jet toward the other player and get him wet.
The essentially planar character of the bulk of unit 10 and its Figure 36, combined with its essentially normal arm portions 38, form a number of surfaces facing in different directions upon which the streams of water from the players' nozzles can exert force. The silhouette visible to each player in each position of structure 10 is great enough to allow him to effectively influence the direction of the water stream emitted by structure 10. The capacity of unit 10 for free and unrestrained rotation about axis 18, and the relatively great moment arm of forces exerted at its extremities, insures a fast-moving game with little chance of total dominance by one player over another.