CA2092760A1 - Action figure with the ability to shoot water - Google Patents

Action figure with the ability to shoot water

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Publication number
CA2092760A1
CA2092760A1 CA 2092760 CA2092760A CA2092760A1 CA 2092760 A1 CA2092760 A1 CA 2092760A1 CA 2092760 CA2092760 CA 2092760 CA 2092760 A CA2092760 A CA 2092760A CA 2092760 A1 CA2092760 A1 CA 2092760A1
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
action
reservoir
water
release
avenue
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA 2092760
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Bruce M. D'andrade
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
D'ANDRADE BEUCE M
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US07/895,272 external-priority patent/US5305918A/en
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of CA2092760A1 publication Critical patent/CA2092760A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
The present invention is an action figure with the ability to shoot water by means of an air pressurized water chamber. The action figure includes a body which is at least partially hollow and at least one body orifice. A water storage reservoir is connected to the body and it has orifice for adding water thereto. It is also connected to a pressurizing means. The pressurizing means is for pressurizing the reservoir with air after water has been added and is attachable to the body, the reservoir or both.
There is an avenue of release which runs from the reservoir to a nozzle and a water release means for regulating the fluid flow through the avenue of release. The water release means is operably connected to the avenue of release and extends outwardly therefrom to permit manual operation.
A nozzle at the end of the avenue of release controllably releases water when the water release means is actuated. The action figure may be a mammal or other character/ with the pressurizing means being embodied partially in an appendage and the nozzle being located in an appendage. The water storage reservoir may be within the body of the action figure, or externally located and connected thereto. If external, it may be detachable or non-detachable.

Description

ACTION FIGURE WITH THE ABILI~rY
TO SE~OOT WATER

BACK(~ROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention The present invention is directed to an action figure with the ability to shoot water by means o~ an air pressurized water chamber. More specifically, it relates to an action figure having movable extremities ~nd having separate pressurizing and releasing mechanisms for pumping up and shooting liquid therefrom.
2. _Prior Art Statement Many toys and similar products have been -2- s~ 3 developed over the years which pertain to dispensing water. Some have been to combine ~unction with entertainment for children, e.g.
shampoo dispensing, others have been to mimic or recreate bodily functions, e.g. crying, urinating, etc., while others have been for pure entertainment, e.g. water spraying with figures or dolls.
The following patents represent a chronological history of such diverse prior art:

United States Patent No. 928,059, describes a soap dispenser having a force pump with animated features. The force pump is immersed in li~uid, e.g. soap and the pump stroke causes direct dispensing.
United States Patent No. 1,266,~06 describes :
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a toy whale with wind up, sprinq loaded wheels which move a reciprocating plunyer which causes :
pushing force on a flexible xeservoir. When this is filled with water and the whale is moving, the plunger causes the whale to "blow" water.
United States Patent No. 1,893,972 shows a novelty gasoline pump with an elephant encasement, the trunk of which is the pump hose~
The hose is extendable and automatically retractable through the elephant's trunk.
United States Patent No. 3,388,835 describes a dispenser for lotion or bubble bath. The de~ice has a container of toy-like cllaracter, a dispensing mechanism including a plunger tube attached to one end of a suction cylinder. The plunger tube extends downwardly into the liquid _4~ 2 '~ ~ ~

contained within the container, the plunger tube being attached at the lower end of the suction cylinder. A sidewardly extencling flexib].e tube out of which the liquid is dispensed, is included, and an upper plunger tube is connected to the upper end of the suction cylinder, the upper plunger tube having a press-button at its upper end.
United States Patent No. 3,420,412 sets forth a spraying device enclosure. It has an attractive hollow body simulating an animal in shape and of soft and flexible material to enclose a pressurized spray can. The body has an adjustable opening on the bottom for introduction of the can and opposing openings at the top, one of the openings permitting projection of the mouth of the spray can such as the bill of an animal, and the other opening permitting the introduction of the usar~s finger for operation of the plunger of the spray can.
United States Patent No. 3,769~745 5110W5 a toy doll which will produce tearing and simultaneously move its arms (in response thereto) to provide the appearance of a crying doll. A fluid reservoir~ located in the head of the doll includes ducking to carry the fluid from that reservoir tG the eyes of the doll. The eyes of the doll are arranged with respect to:the ducting so as to deflect the fluid passing therethrough to create the appearance of a crying or tearing doll. An elastically compressible bulb, connected to the fluid reservoir, is . , ,:

located in the passageway between the head and the body of the doll and is aligned along the axis of rotation of the head. When the bulb is compressed, the fluid contained therei~ is displaced and passes from the fluid reservoir to the eyes of the doll. The tearing system has no overflow or air intake ports inside the doll.
United States Patent No. 3,775,901 describes a child's doll with an internal reservoir into which a liquid may be introduced through the mouth ori~ice of the doll. The reservoir is also provided with a discharge valve whose opening is effected by the close proximity of a permanent magnet; such a magnet being provided attached to a training seat with chamber-pot. The doll is ` provided with an orifice at its lower extremity . ~.
.:, :, flexible reservoir and the eye sockets of the doll and means is provided for compressing the flexible reservoir when the doll i8 in a generally horizontal pos.ition to force liquid ~rom the reservoir through the conduit to the eye sockets, in order to simulate weeping or teari.ng.
United States Patent No. 3,855,729 describes a tearing reservoir which is pressurized by inflatable sack connected to a bellows mounted in figure toy head and receiving air ~rom water-impervious, hollow torso in fluid communication with bellows through a neck plug connected to the bellows and the torso in such a manner that water entering head when figure toy is immersed will not pass into torso. A reed-type noise maker may be mounted in the neck plug.

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United States Patent No. 4,193,517 is directed to a large capacity water squirting implement in the form of a cane. T~is water squirting implement utilizes a reciprocal plu~ger hand pump which is mounted at the top of a hollow, elongated tube which provides the large water storage capacity. A head is slidably secured to the top of the cane, enclosing the pump in such a way that reciprocal motion of the head is transmitted to the plunqer of the pump to cause squirts of water to be emitted from a tube extending from the outlet of the pump to the exterior of the head.
United States Pat~nt No. 4,578,045 coYers an action figure such as a human. The action figure includes two arms mounted to the figure's torso , - ' ' ,; `, ' ': "; ' ::': . '' ~ ' . .

_9_ for rocking movement toward the torso about laterally spaced axes, the action ~igure also including two legs that are mounted for pivotal movement to the torso in a scissors-like fashion.
Integral with the rockable mounting means ~or each arm is an inwardly extending shank, the shanks projecting into end portions of a coil spring. When either arm is moved laterally toward the side of the torso, the spring is flexed into a V-shaped configuration. A link extends downwardly from the center of the spring so that the flexing action imparted to the spring causes the link to mo~e downwardly or upwardly.
Each unit for pivotally mounting the legs includes a crank pin that is receivable in forwardly and rearwardly located slots at the ,.~
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lower end of the link. The arms can be independently swung from a position adjacent the sides o~ the figure to overhead or outstretched positions without affecting their ability to oscillate the legs in a scissors-like manner and thereby simulate running, sw.i~ning and kiclcing movements.
United States Patent No. 4,601,672 is directed to toy actions figures which include upper and lower hollow torso portions. An actuating mechanism is contained in the upper torso and acts through a helical gear mechanism to rotate the lower torso portion and the legs attached thereto about a longitudinal axis when one of figure's arms is swung from a diverging ` relation towaxd one side o~ the figure. A spring . . , ~ , . ., . ~ . .
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2~ 3~3 is used to return the actuating mechanism and the limbs associatPd therewith bac:k to their nor~al or unactuated positions. Another spring releases or disconnects the lower torso portion from the actuating mechanism should the child attempt to twist the two torso portions relative to each other by using too much force.
United States Patent No. 4,623,319 covers an activity toy with a body including a hollow cylindrical portions supported on a base and having pivotally mounted arms has a hollow upper member including a skull with extrusion openings.
The bottom of the upper member has a loading opening for a plastic amorphous solid substance.
Attachable about and spaced from the skull is a clear plastic mask formed of separable halves . , , , clamped together at the bottom by the engagement of hooks and tabs and at the top by a detachable hairpiece. Near the bottom, the mask is maintained in a relatively tight relation to a flange on the hollow upper member. The upper member with thP mask attached is secured to the body by a bayonet lock. Within the body is a piston with diametrically opposed gear racks that are engaged by gear segments on arms pivotally mounted to the body. Movement of the arms from an upraised position down to a lower position drives the piston into the hollow member through the loading opening to extrude the plastic ,:
amorphous substance out of the extrusion openings in the skull and fill the clear plastic mask.

United States Patent No. 4l630,756 cover~ a ` -13~ 7~ :

liquid squirting simulated creature compri~ed of a f ront section having a body, legs and head, and a rear section which is asse~led thereto. The front section is comprised of top and bottom elements defining a cavity therebetween ancl front and rear apertures, as well as apertnres extending along the sides thereof through which a multiplicity of legs extend. The rear section is a resiliently compressible bulbous member providing a chamber therewithin to contain fluid and having a neck portion extending through the aperture in the rear wall of the front section.
A tubular conduit is seated in an opening in the neck portion of the rear section and extends to a , front aperture in the front section so as to provide the conduit for discharge of f luid from . .' ' !, ' ' ,' ~ ' -1~- 2~2 ~

the chamber therethrough. The leg members are comprised of a web on each side interconnecting a multiplicity of legs on that side of the front section, and flexible portions which extend through apertures along the sides of the front section.
Uniked States Patent No. 4,723,931 describes various patterns of receptor holes formed in the torso, arms and legs of a plastic toy acti.on figure to permit various accessories, ~lso of ~ .
plastic, having compllant press-in pins to be selectively added to and removed from the toy figure. Additionally, a rotatable coupling mechanism extends through the tor~o, the coupling mechanism having a receptor hole at each end thereof, the holes in the coupling mechanism -15- `~2 7$~

being in a predetermined relatio~ with respect to prearranged patterns of receptor holes in -the front and rear of the torso. In this way, accessories can be plugged into the ends of the coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism is provided with two sets of facial teeth or serrations that are normally resiliently urged into engagement but which disengage if the coupling mechanism is subjected to an excessive amount of twisting force, thereby avoiding breakage. Associated with the coupliny mechanism is a sound creating device that produces an audible clicking as the coupling mechanism is rotated in either direction.
lS United States Patent No. 4,76B,681 descxibes a water action toy which is worn on a child's :, . , . ~ . .

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~16-hand by means of a glove secured to and underneath a housing in which a water reservoir, a water pump, an electrical motor and a battery pack are housed. ~ pair of actuators are ~ounted on a thumb sheath and a forefinger sheath of the glove. When the actuators are brought together by finger manipulation, the motor drives the pump to eject water in a series of spurts from the :
toy.
United States Patent No. 4,982,874 sets forth a shampoo di~pensing container in the shape of an action figure, such as an army figure, and has a fluid pumping system that operates to dispense shampoo ~rom the container .in an exploding type pattern as vne o~ the arms of the action figure is operated in a combat type :: : . . ,: ., . :
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movement.
United States Patent No. 5,071,387 describes a figurine-shaped toy that sg[uirts water out of its mouth by cranking ~n arm. ~`
United States Patent No. 5,083,~65 covers an interactive doll system incorpoxates both liquid handling elements for receiving liquid through the mouth of the doll when the doll is in a first range of positions, then dispensing that liquid through the eyes of the doll when the doll is i.n a second range of positions or through an anal opening of the doll when the doll is in a third range of positionsO It also incorporates an electronic assembly for s~nsing the attitude and motion of the doll, as well as feeding o~ the doll, and for producing a range of sounds in -18- ~276~3 response thereto, including s~unds produced randomly at times in response to motion of the doll.
United States Patent No. 5,073,140 discloses toy action figures and detachable accessories therefore incorporating audio generating apparatus. The audio generating apparatus is entirely contained within the accessory and generates both speed and sound effects. The detachable accessories have a configuration and ~isual appearance coordinated wLth the configuration and visual appearance of the toy action figure. For example, the accessory may be a backpack configured and having a visual appearance to coordinate with a soldier, spaceman or policeman action figure. The audio generating .. . ...

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apparatus includes separate controls for causing the audio generating apparatus to independently g~nerate speech and sound effects. ~he accessories in configuration, appearance and sound content are made to be attachable and applicable to different types of action figures.
United States Patent No. 4,239,129 to Gary F. ~sposito describes a water pistol and/or flashlight structure which includes a reciprocal pump within a liquid chamber or tank located itself within the gun housing. The pump i5 used to pressurize air within the tank after the water has been added, and a trigger is used for subsequent release of the water. Hattery 1~ operated lights and sound are also provided.
United States Patent No~ 3,578,789, issued . ~ ....
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to Giampiero E'erri, describes a water pistol which includes a main liquid reservoir and a pressurized liquid reservoir contained within the main liquid reservoir. The triqger-actuated pump is used with a manually operated three way valve to selectively supply liquid: (a) from the pump to the pr~ssurized reservoir; (b) from the pump to the nozzle and to the pressurized liquid reservoir; or, (c) from the pressurized liquid reservoir.
Notwithstanding the plethora of prior art, none teaches or renders obvious the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE ~NVENTION
The present invention is an action figure with the ability to shoot water by mean~ of an , . . ...

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air pressurized water chamber. The action figure i.ncludes a body which is at least partiall~
hollow and has at least one body orifice. A
water storage reservoir is connected to the body and it has at least one orifice for adding water thereto. It is also connected to a pressurizing means. The pressurizing means i5 for pressurizing the reservoir with air a~ter water has been added and is attachable to the body, the reservoir or both. There is an avenue of release which runs from the re~ervoir to a nozzle and a water release means for regulating the ~luid flow through the avenue of release. The water release means is operably connected to the avenue of release and extends outwardly therefrom to permit manual ~pera~ion. A nozzle at the end of the -`

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avenue of release controllably releases water when the water release means is actuated. The action figure may be a mammal or other character, with the pressurizing means being embodied partially in an appendage and the noz21e being located in an appendage. The water storage reservoir may be within the body of the action figure, or externally located and connected thereto. If external, it may be detachab]e or non-detachable.
BRIEF DESC~IPTION OF T~E DRAWINGS
The invention will be more fully understood hy referring to the following detailed specific~tions, the ~bove ~pecification and ~he claims set forth herein, when taken in connection with the drawings appended hereto, wherein.

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Figure 1 shows an objective front view of one preferred embodiment acti.on figure of the present invention;
Figure 2 shows the side view of a hand which may replace a weapon shown on one appendage of the action figure preferred embodiment expressed in Figure 1;
Figure 3 shows the side view of the Figure 1 action figure but with a hand replacing a weapon on one appendage;
Figure 4 shows the front view of the preferred e~odiment expressed by Figure 3, but with the head and pressurizing means removed;
Figure 5 shows a selective front cut view of a portion of khe action figure preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in .
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Figure 1, with sections removed to better show interior ~echanisms;
Figure 6 illustrates a partially cut partial side view of the action figure of the present invention shown in Figure 3, to illustrate a water release mechanism;
Figures 7 and 8 i.llustrate top and si.de views of an alternative embodimen-t of the present invenkion animal character action figure with the ability to shoot water;
: ' Figure 9 shows a side view of a present invention action figure with an external, removable reservoir; and, Figure 10 illustrates a side view of a present invention action figure with the ability to shoot water with an external water reservoir ~,: , . ,,. :......... . , : :. , . . ., , . ~ . : . .:

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which is non-remo~able.

DET ILED DESCRIPTION OF THE_ pRESENT . Il~lVENTION
The present invention is, as mentioned, directed toward a toy action figure with the ability to shoot water that uses air to pressurixe a watQr reservoir and to subsequently propel the water through a narrow nozzle as desired. Pressurized water toys are not llew;
they have ~een in existence for decadea. Water pressure has been used in the toy industry for everything from launching toy rockets to propelling toy cars. Pressurized water toys come in two primary types. First there are water toys that use mechanical means to directly compress and pressurize water. Such toys represent a -26- 2~2~

majority of the water toys ma:nufactured today, and are exemplified by tra~itional water guns that use a trigger operated pump or a battery powered motor to squirt small amounts of water.
The problem with toys tha~ directly pump water is that to reach the required pressure for a satisfactory squirt, a small diameter piston is required. This in turn limits the amount of water that can be squirted in each shot. In addition, the speed at which the pump is activated, whether manually or by motor, affects the distance of the shot, and it requires many cycles to project any significant amount of wat~r.
To solve these problems, toy manufactur2rs have turned to the technology of compressed air -27- 2~7~

to pressurize a reservoir of water. Air is easily compressed to high pressures and this high pressure can be transferred to stored water.
This technology is easily adapted to a child's strength and allows a relati~ely large amount of water to be pressurized at one time. l'his large reserve o~ pressurized water allows a water gun to fire a large oontinuous stream of water at one time or multiple single streams of water sequentially without the need for repeated pumplng cycles.
The problem with air pressurized toys is one of safety. Toys are designed to be inexpensive so as to be widely marketable. As such, most toys are made of plastics or other inexpensive m~terials. Such materials do not have large , .. , ., ~ -, ...

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tensile strengths or fatigue characteristics, and therefore do not lend themselves well to containing pressurized fluids. Plastic containers for pressurized :Liquids, if not properly designed, can rupture and explode causing severe injury.
The present invention has a unique design that allows for both the use o high pressure air and the elimination of potential rupturing hazards. The present invention has a cylindrical water reservoir which is encompassed withln the body of an action figure, or, external to it but connected to it, and formed of essential thickness and shape to maximize capacity and safety. The water storage reservoir utilized preferably has rounded cylinder ends which serve -29- ~ 7 ~ ~

to maintain the integrity of the water reservoir walls and minimize the leak points throughout the material of the water reservoir, thereby allowing for the safe use of higher pre-sures. A single S orifice connection from the water storage reservoir to the body of the action figure or within the body of the action figure was designed so that both the pressurized air from the air pump and the exiting pressurized water utilize the same opening without backflow problems to either. Additionally, since the water reservoir must be periodically refilled with water, in those cases where it is within the body of the action figure, a single orifice for removal of the pressuring means and for adding water is provided. Where the water storage tank is .--, . ~ . , ,... . ,; ,. , : ,.: ", ~,, -.. l . , ., . ,, .-., . : :-: ,. :
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attached externally to the body it is removable for filling, or a separate fill cap is provided.
The present invention action }gure has both character features and water gun features and is operated by filling the reservoir, pumping up the pressure and selectively releasing the pressurized water through a narrow nozzle.
The selective release of the pressurized water is controlled by a water release means which is separate from the pump mechani~m. Since the present invention has the ability to operate at high pressures~ the water release mechanism performs two functions. First it controls the amount of water released and, second, it serves as a sa~ety valve. The water release means of the present invention has an extension that ~31- ~$27~

plnches the exit hosing of the pressurized water.
The pinching force is created by a spri~q. When the water release means is pressed, the spring bias o~ the pinching member is overcome and water is released. Similarly, when the pressure in the water reservoir xeaches beyond safety limitations, the force of the compressed water will overcome the spring bias of the pinching member allowing water to be released until the pressure within the reservoir reaches a safe level.
The present invention is thus directed toward a toy action figure which is operated by selectively releasing water from a water reservoir that is pressurized with air. The wat~r pressurizlng means, e.g. an air pump, ? ` .. ~

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pressurizes a water reservoir and consequently pressurizes any water found therein. The pressurized water has an avenue of release that is regulated by the water release means of the invention. ~hen no force is applied to the water release means, the pressurized water is held at bay with no means of release. ~hen force is applied to it, water is released from the pressurized reservoir and is channeled through the avenue of re1ease and then throu~h a narrow nozzle. The escape of the pressurized water through the narrow nozzle creates a stream of propelled water that lasts as long as the water release means is enga~ed or until the pressure on the water in the reservoir equals the ambient air pressure.

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Water is added to the present invention via at least one fill opening on the water reservoir.
The reservoir itself is non-detachable from the action figure when it is contained therein and in - 5 some embodiments where it is external to the action figure. Other embodiments include removable reservoirs. There is an orifice on the reservoir on those e~bodiments whQre the reservoir is in the action figure and it is connected to the body of the action figure and serves as both the entrance point of pressurized air from the air pump, and the exit point of the pressurized water. The water reservoir is formed apart from the body of the action figure so that the integrity of the reservoir' 5 walls remains intact, allowing the water reser~oir to hold high .

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pressures without fear of rupture. Additionally, the danger of rupture is eliminated by the water release means, which, as mentioned, automatically ~nd safely dischar~es pressurized water when o~er pressurized, but does not release the waker automatically until the maximum allowable pressure is reached.
Referring now to Figure 1 there is shown an oblique frontal view of an action figure of a ~;
robotic characteristic which is one preferred embodiment of the present invention. Shown in this Figure 1 is the general action figure 1, having a main body 3, legs 5 and 7, and arms 9 and 11. There is a le~t hand 13, with appendages represented by finger 15. Legs 5 and 7 have feet -~
15 and 17, as shown~ Elongated appendages such ,, -35~ 2~

as toe 19, are included. Right foot 15 exempli~ies the motion capabil.ities as hinged vertical motion is achieved wi.th hinge 22 and rotational movement by member 21.
The legs 5 and 7 are also hingeable at the knees such as socket 23, shown. Likewise, hip motion is achieved by socket and collar such as sockets 25 and collar 26. Arm movements are likewise varied and compound. For example, left arm 11 has wrist rotation at member 27, forearm movement at member 29 and socket and collar movement at shoulder 31. Head 33 includes eyes 37 and other features shown and unscrewable neck 35. Head 33 is freely rotatable and pumpable within neck 35 and this is discussed in conjunction with Figure 5 below.

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The right arm 9 of action figure 1 has rotation movement at mel~er 39 and shoulder 47.
Simulated weapon 41 includes ,an ejection noz~le 4~, barrel 43, water release means 49 and 5 attachment-detachment mechani~m 51. These are discussed in more detail below.
Figure 2 shows a hand 63 with attachment mechanism (snap on) 77 and extended tubing portion 75. Fingers 61, 65 and 67 and thumb 66 are included.
Referring now to Figures 1, 2 and 3, Figure 3 shows a side view of the action Figure 1 of Figure l but with weapon 41 removed and replaced by hand 63. Like parts are all like numbered.
As seen in thi~ view, appendage motion ~arm 9, leg 5 and foot 15) is more vivid. Also, note .

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that water release means 49 extends outwardly from forearm 73. It is kept biased ~ia spring 71 and, in this position, pinches a tube (avenue of release) within the arm 9, as discussed with Figure 6 below. If desired, the spring could be located internally within the arm 9 and can be in form of leaf spring or other spring type mechanism~ Likewise, the water release means may be located elsewhere, without exceeding the scope of the invention.
:
Figure 4 shows a front view of the action figure 1 of Figure 1 to illustrate more details of the arms 9 and 11 and legs 5 and 7. Like parts are all like numbered. ~ere, head 33 has been removed to show reser~oir orifice 36 with collar 112 and threads 38, and body collar 35.

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~igure 5 shows a partial cut front view of action ~igure 1 of Figures 1, 3 and 4. Referring to Figureis 4 and 5, body 3 of action.figure 1 i.s at least partially hollow. ~ikewise, appendages such as leg 5 and arm 9 and elements such as elements 25 and 27 have hollow areas 105, 107, 109 and 113, as shown. Within hollow portion 103 is water storage reser~oir 111, which has a single orifice 127 at its top, and is constructed to withstand high pressures, e.g. about 80 to about 100 pounds per square inch. As can be seen, it is structured to fit snugly within hollow 103 and thus obtains additional sttuctural support. Collar 35 appears in earlier Figures 1, 3 and 4 and it is a collar through which reservoir collar 112 extends with its threads 38.

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.~ ., _39_ ~ 7~i3 Pressurizing means 114 includes air pump cylinder 119, pump rod 117 and piston 121 and threaded neck 123. Threaded neck 1~3 screws onto threaded reservoir collar 112. Pump rod 117 extends beyond neck 123 and acts as a slider.
~ead 33 is atta~hed to pump rod 117 and acts as a slider handle. As shown by arrow 130, head 33 may be moved or pumped up and down while neck 123 is screwed securely onto collar 112. One way val~e 122 permits air to be pumped into reservoir 111 but does not allow air to exit. Hence, :
pumping increases the air pressure within reservoir 111 to pPrmit subsequent release of water therefrom. . ~.
Fiqure 6 shows a partial side cut vie~ of the action figure 1 of Figure 5 with like parts ~40- 2~7~

:Like numbered~ This Figure illustrates the exit end of avenue o~ release 135 through hollow areas 109 and 107. Spring 71 biases water release means 49 pressed ~gainst and shutting off a ~lexible portion of avenue of release 135, as it is rotatably mounted with pin 50O As discussed in conjunction with Fiyure 2 above, there is a portion of an avenue of release 136, which extends through finger 67 of hand 63 to nozzle 69.
The water storage reservoir 111 has an orifice 127 with a threaded collar 112 which is removabl.y sealed to pressurizing means neck 123.
The neck 123 ~orms a selective watertight and airtight seal between the reservoir 111 and the pressurizing means 114. Thus the water reservoir .. . .

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111 and the pressurizing means 114 may be sealed from the ambient environment, the only air passing between these components through ~alve means 122 described below, except when the pressurizing means 114 is removed for filling the reservoir 111 with water.
To fill the water reservoir 111 with water 151, the pressurizing means 114 is removed from the fill opening or port 127, e.g. by unscrewing neck 123; water 151 is then placed into the reservoir 111 and the neck 123 is rethreaded into a sealed, airtight position.
Once filled with water 151, the action figure 1 is operated by pressurizing the water storage reservoir 111 with air in space 141 above the water 151. Air is forced into the reservoir -42- ~ 7~

111 by the relative movement of the piston 121 within the air pump cylinder :Ll9. The piBton 121 i5 operated by the pump rod 1:17 that is connected to the piston 121 at one end and to the head 33, which acts as a slider handle, at the other end.
The pump rod 117 is anchored to the slider handle head 33 and head 33 has a hollow 115 so as to maximize the stroke. Head 33 acting as a slider handle is operated manually by the user of the action figure 1. A user holds the head 33 with one hand and the action figure 1 with the other.
The head 33 is then stroked or moved ba~k and forth, i.e. pumped its full distance. The back and forth action is transferred to the piston 121, which forces air from atmosphere, through a one way valve in the top o~ the pump or throu~h a ., . ~ : : .: ::
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one way valving ring around piston 121 (not shown) which would permit air (below th~ piston) into cylinder 119 but no~ out of cylinder 119 (above the piston). It then flows past a one w~y flow valve 122, and into the water storagc reser~oir 111. Air is continuously added to the water storage reservoir 111 until a desired pressure is reached.
Once under pressure, the water 151 is .
selectively prevented from flowing freely through the conduit or avenue of release 135, comprising first section 134 and second section 136, by a water release means 49. A preferred release means as shown in this embodîment includes a spring biased pinch bar end 54 that clamps the avenue of release 135, i.e. outlet tubing, against a stop 55 that is part of the arm 7.
Preferably, all of the tubing may be flexible tubing or, at least a portion is flexible when a pinch bar is used as the water release means S The pinch bar e~d 54 is biased against the skop 55 by a calibrated spring 71. The spring is held at one end by a formation oE the arm 9 and pu~.hes outwardly on release means 49. The strength of the spring 71 in its biased configuration i~
calibrated, so that when the pressure on the water 151 within the outlet tubing 135 re~ches a predetermined maximum value, the spring 71 will allow the pinch bar end 54 to rise and water 151 will be released until safe pressure is mainkained. Thu~, the predetermined maximum value for the yielding of the spring 71 or other . . .

~45~ 2~

release means may preferably be between about 50 pounds per square inch and abc,ut 90 pounds per square inch. Other predetermined pressures of higher or lower value, e.g. at least about 100 pounds per square inch, may be used depending upon the particular components and specific configuration of a particular embodiment.
Other than the automatic water release for an overly high pressure, water 151 is released in the following manner. Rearwardly directed force ~; `
is applled to the water release means 49, and is transferred to the pinch bar end 54 via the leve~ed configuration that rotates around pivot pin 50. The transferred force applied to the pinch bar end 54 acts in opposition to the biasing force o~ spring 71~ When the force of :, ~ ~ . . . . ... . . . . . ..

-46~ 7~

the release means 49 overcomes the force of the spring 71 the pinch bar end 54 is lifted from the outlet tubing 135 and water 151 is allowed to pass through the outlet tubing 13S and 136 S terminating at a no2zle 69 (which has a narrow opening). Water 151 streams out of the na:rrow opening of nozzle 69 until either the force on the water release means 49 is released or until the air pressure within the water reservoir 111 reaches ambient~ This may be in one long continuous stream or a series of bursts of water.
Figures 7 and 8 show a top view and a side view of an alternative embodiment action figure water gun of the present invention. Referring both to Figures 7 and 8 there is shown a present invention action igure ~01 having a main body :

.

-~7- 2~27~

203, legs 205r 207, 209 and 211. ~ea~ 213 ;~
includes a nose 215 with a nozzle ~17 ~xtending therefrom. Horn 219 is located on the top of head 213 and acts as a pressure release means.
~ead 213 is connected to main body 203 at rotatable neck 221. The appendages such as leg 205 includes multiple rotati~nal members such as members 225, 227 and 2290 All four of the legs have such members and these permit action figure ::
201 to have various positions, including bending, walking, standing, etc. Contained within main housing 203 is a water and air storage reservoir ~not shown) which is similar to reservoir 111 shown is Figure S. Likewise, a pressurizing ::
m~ns is contained within cylinder 237 similar to pressurizing means 114 shown in Figure 1, which ' : . : : :, ' :' " :, .~ , . , `

-48- 2~

would include an air pump cylinder, (not shown) a piston (not shown) and pump rod 233. Cap 235 has threading on its inside and may be screwed onto threaded neck 241 located in the rear 243 of main body 203. Threaded neck 241 has an orifice 235 which connects directly to the water and air storage reservoir contained therein. Tail 231 acts similarly to head 33 of Figure 5 in that it acts as a pump handle. Appropriate one way valves similar to those discussed in conjunction with Figure 5 are likewise included.
A user will fill up the reservoir contained within main body 203 via orifice 245 (e~g~ with some air space remaining), screw cap 235 on to throat of neck 241, and pump tail 231 back and forth so as to move pump rod 233 within the air , ,.
- . . : . :
, . . ~
. .:

:. . .~ ": . . . , . ,, ~ . :

_4g_ 2~2~

pump cylinder contained therein so as to pressurize the storage reser~oir. There is an avenue of release from the reservoir to nozzle 217 and there is also a water release means 219, with a spring bias (not shown) which opens the avenue of release to the flow of water f ro~ the reservoir when release means (horn) 219 is depressed by the user. When action figure water gun 201 is properly f illed with water and pressurized air, depression of release means horn 219 permits water to be released via nozzle 217. ~:
This may be in short. spurts, or for a very long sequence due to the pressurization within the storage reservoir.
lS Figure 9 shows a side view of an actiQn figure 301 which is similar to the action figure ~, . ... . .. .... . . .. . .

-50- 2~27~

shown in Figures 1 through 6. However~ here, the water and air storage reservoir 309 is located externally from main body 3. Further, all parts identical to those shown such as in Figure 3 are identically numbered hereO Note that there is an extension 303 off of main body 3 which has an internally threaded section 305 ~or receiving reservoir 309. Brace 307 likewise extends from main body 3 to secure reservoir 309. Reservoir 309 is unscrewed from section 305 and filled with water. It is then screwed back on and the pump mechanism contained within action figure 301 is very much like that shown is Figure 5 except that the pressurizing means i5 not contained within the reservoir but is contained within main body 3. Here, the one way valve at the bottom of the : . , , : : , :: " - ~ :: . .:, pump cylinder would not open directly into the water and air storage reservoir but would have tubing or a line connecting from the main body into extension 303 and down into reservoir 309.
Fiyure 10 shows a side view of another alternative embodiment action ~igure with the ability to shoot water of the present invention.
Again, all parts which are identical to those shown in Figures 1 through 6 are identically numbered. In this case, extension 403 includes a ring member 405 through which water reservoir 409 is permanently attached. Tuhing or other line runs from reservoir 409 through extension 403 and into main body 3 to connect with the pressurizin~
means. Reservoir 49, in this case, is non-removable and is filed by removal of cap 407.

' . '` .. ' ' ''~' '''., ' ~ ' ' . .

2~

Once reservoir 409 has been f:illed and cap 407 :
tightened, present invention ~ction fi~ure with th~ ability to shoot water 401 is, from this point forward, operated identically to that shown in Figures 1 through 6 for selective short spurt or continuous squirting.
..
Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is thexefore understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically ~escribed herein.

:,: - :

Claims (37)

1. An action figure with the ability to shoot water by means of an air pressurized water chamber, comprising:

(a) a body having a hollow portion and having at least one body orifice;

(b) a water and air storage reservoir connected to said body and having at least one orifice;

(c) a pressuring means for pressuring said reservoir with air, said means being attachable to at least one of said reservoir and said body;

(d) an avenue of release for water displaced by pressurized air in said reservoir, said avenue of release being located within and extending from said reservoir to a nozzle;
(e) said nozzle being disposed at one end of said avenue of release; and, (f) a water release means for regulating the fluid flow through said avenue of release and out of said nozzle.
2. The action figure of claim 1, wherein said reservoir in located within said body.
3. The action f figure of claim 2, wherein said reservoir has a single orifice through which air and water enter said storage reservoir.
4. The action figure of claim 2, wherein said pressurizing means is inserted into said reservoir through said single orifice.
5. The action figure of claim 2, wherein airflow from said reservoir to said pressurizing means is prevented by a one way flow device.
6. The action figure of claim 2, wherein waterflow from said reservoir into said pressurizing means is prevented by a one way flow device.
7. The action figure of claim 2, wherein said nozzle has a narrow orifice therethrough with a cross-sectional area less than that of said avenue of release.
8. The action figure of claim 4, wherein said body has a threaded collar at its orifice and said pressurizing means is screwably attached to said collar and extends into said reservoir located within said body.
9. The action figure of claim 8, wherein a portion of said pressurizing means extends outside of said body in the form of an appendage of said action figure.
10. The action figure of claim 9, wherein said pressurizing means is a hand operated air pump with a slider and said appendage with said portion of said pressurizing means acts as both a portion of the character of said action figure and as a handle for said slider.
11. The action figure of claim 9, wherein said action figure is a character with various appendages including ambulatory appendages and said appendage with said portion of said pressurizing means is a head.
12. The action figure of claim 2, wherein said avenue of release extends out of said body and through an appendage of said action figure with said nozzle being located in that appendage at the end of said avenue of release.
13. The action figure of claim 9, wherein said avenue of release extends out of said body and through an appendage of said action figure with said nozzle being located in that appendage at the end of said avenue of release.
14. The action figure of claim 1, wherein said water storage reservoir is located outside of said body.
15. The action figure of claim 14, wherein said reservoir is not removably attached to said body of said action figure.
16. The action figure of claim 15, wherein said reservoir has a single orifice through which air and water enter said reservoir.
17. The action figure of claim 15, wherein said pressurizing means is inserted into said reservoir through said single orifice.
18. The action figure of claim 15, wherein airflow from said reservoir to said pressurizing means is prevented by a one way flow device.
19. The action figure of claim 15, wherein waterflow from said reservoir into said pressurizing means is prevented by a one way flow device.
20. The action figure of claim 15, wherein said nozzle has a narrow orifice therethrough with a cross-sectional area less than that of said avenue of release.
21. The action figure of claim 15, wherein a portion of said pressurizing means extends outside of said body in the form of an appendage of said action figure.
22. The action figure of claim 15, wherein said pressurizing means is a hand operated air pump with a slider and said appendage with said portion of said pressurizing means acts as both a portion of the character of said action figure and as a handle for said slider.
23. The action figure of claim 21, wherein said action figure is a character with various appendages including ambulatory appendages and said appendage with said portion of said pressurizing means is a head.
24. The action figure of claim 14, wherein said water storage tank is removably attached to said body.
25. The action figure of claim 24, wherein said reservoir has a single orifice through which air and water enter said reservoir.
26. The action figure of claim 23, wherein said pressurizing means is inserted into said reservoir through said single orifice.
27. The action figure of claim 24, wherein airflow from said reservoir to said pressurizing means is prevented by a one way flow device.
28. The action figure of claim 24, wherein waterflow from said reservoir into said pressurizing means is prevented by a one way flow device.
29. The action figure of claim 24, wherein said nozzle has a narrow orifice therethrough with a cross-sectional area less than that of said avenue of release.
30. The action figure of claim 24, wherein a portion of said pressurizing means extends outside of said body in the form of an appendage of said action figure.
31. The action figure of claim 24, wherein said pressurizing means is a hand operated air pump with a slider and said appendage with said portion of said pressurizing means acts as both a portion of the character of said action figure and as a handle for said slider.
32. The action figure of claim 24, wherein said action figure is a character with various appendages including ambulatory appendages and said appendage with said pressurizing means is a head.
33. The action figure of claim 1, wherein said water release means is a spring biased pinch bar that clamps said avenue of release, thus selectively restricting waterflow therethrough, and said water release means has a portion extending outwardly from said action figure to permit manual operation thereof.
34. The action figure of claim 33, wherein said spring biased pinch bar has a spring bias which is calibrated to yield to pressure within said avenue of release, when said pressure within said avenue of release exceeds a predetermined maximum value.
35. The action figure of claim 34, wherein said maximum value for the yielding of said spring bias to said presseure within said avenue of release is between about 50 pounds per square inch and about 90 pounds per square inch.
36. The action figure of claim 1, wherein said avenue of release has a first section and a second section and said first section extends out of said body and through an appendage to an end of said appendage, and said action figure includes one or more removable accessories removably attachable to said appendage, and said second section of said avenue of release and said nozzle are located within said accessory, and said second section having a first end to align with said first section of said avenue of release when said accessory is attached to said appendage and a second end connected to said nozzle.
37. The action figure of claim 36, wherein said accessory is selected from parts of the action figure itself and parts selectably attachable to said figure.
CA 2092760 1992-06-08 1993-03-26 Action figure with the ability to shoot water Abandoned CA2092760A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US07/895,272 US5305918A (en) 1990-09-06 1992-06-08 Action figure with the ability to shoot water
US07/895,272 1992-06-08

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2092760A1 true CA2092760A1 (en) 1993-12-09

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ID=25404248

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
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Country Status (1)

Country Link
CA (1) CA2092760A1 (en)

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