US20120100775A1 - Tpr aquatic toy - Google Patents
Tpr aquatic toy Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20120100775A1 US20120100775A1 US13/219,022 US201113219022A US2012100775A1 US 20120100775 A1 US20120100775 A1 US 20120100775A1 US 201113219022 A US201113219022 A US 201113219022A US 2012100775 A1 US2012100775 A1 US 2012100775A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- water
- toy
- buoyant
- molding
- thermoplastic rubber
- 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
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- 229920002725 thermoplastic elastomer Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 79
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 72
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 33
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 claims description 30
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 14
- 239000004576 sand Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 7
- 230000009975 flexible effect Effects 0.000 description 6
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 6
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000009189 diving Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000006872 improvement Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000009182 swimming Effects 0.000 description 2
- 208000027418 Wounds and injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 1
- 208000014674 injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000009191 jumping Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000007779 soft material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H23/00—Toy boats; Floating toys; Other aquatic toy devices
Definitions
- At least one example in accordance with the present invention relates generally to aquatic toys.
- Aquatic toys are oftentimes used by children when swimming or playing in a body of water (i.e. a pool, a lake, a river, etc.). For example, aquatic toys are commonly used by children in water related games or as diving toys. Aquatic toys may be designed to float on top of water, float submerged below the surface of the water, and/or sink to the bottom of a body of water.
- an aquatic toy comprising a main body, the main body comprising a buoyant portion comprised of thermoplastic rubber, and a weighted portion coupled to the buoyant portion, wherein the weighted portion contains material which is heavier than water and is configured to maintain the aquatic toy submerged when the aquatic toy is placed in a body of water.
- the weighted portion comprises a pocket of thermoplastic rubber, the pocket encompassing the material which is heavier than water.
- the material which is heavier than water is sand.
- the buoyant portion while the aquatic toy is maintained submerged by the weighted portion, the buoyant portion is configured to float and be projected upwardly in an erect fashion in relation to the weighted area.
- the buoyant portion comprises a body of thermoplastic rubber absent a buoyancy pocket.
- the buoyant portion while the buoyant portion is projected upwardly, the buoyant portion is further configured to become animated when in contact with moving water.
- the buoyant portion while the buoyant portion is projected upwardly, the buoyant portion is further configured to undulate when in contact with moving water.
- the main body is molded in the shape of a ring. According to another embodiment, the main body is molded in the shape of a stick.
- the present invention features a method of creating an aquatic toy, the method comprising inserting thermoplastic rubber into an injection molding apparatus, and molding the thermoplastic rubber to provide a main body, the main body comprising a buoyant portion comprised of thermoplastic rubber, and a weighted portion coupled to the buoyant portion, wherein the weighted portion is configured to contain material which is heavier than water and to maintain the aquatic toy submerged when the aquatic toy is placed in a body of water.
- the method further comprises inserting the material which is heavier than water into the weighted portion.
- inserting the material into the weighted portion includes inserting sand into the weighted portion.
- molding the thermoplastic rubber includes molding the main body into the shape of a ring. According to one embodiment, molding the thermoplastic rubber includes molding the main body into the shape of a stick.
- molding the thermoplastic rubber includes molding the weighted portion into a pocket which is configured to encompass the material which is heavier than water. In one embodiment, molding the thermoplastic rubber includes molding the buoyant portion into a body that is configured to float and be projected upwardly in an erect fashion in relation to the weighted area when the aquatic toy is submerged under water.
- molding the buoyant portion into a body includes molding the buoyant portion into a body absent a buoyancy pocket. In one embodiment, molding the buoyant portion into a body includes molding the buoyant portion into a body that is further configured to become animated when in contact with moving water. In another embodiment, molding the buoyant portion into a body includes molding the buoyant portion into a body that is further configured to undulate when in contact with moving water.
- the present invention features a dive stick comprising a main body molded in the shape of a stick, the main body comprising an upper portion comprised of thermoplastic rubber, a lower portion comprised of thermoplastic rubber, and a stick portion comprised of thermoplastic rubber coupled between the upper portion and the lower portion, wherein the upper portion, the lower portion and the stick portion are fluidly connected via an internal chamber, wherein material that is heavier than water is located in the internal chamber, within at least one of the upper portion, the lower portion and the stick portion, and wherein the material that is heavier than water is configured to maintain the dive stick submerged when the dive stick is placed in a body of water.
- FIG. 1 is an image of a ball TPR toy construction in accordance with aspects of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is an image of another ball TPR toy construction in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is an image of a disk TPR toy construction in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is an image of a ring TPR toy construction in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is an image of a vehicle TPR toy construction in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is an image of a stick TPR toy construction in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
- Common aquatic toys are often used by children when swimming or playing in a body of water.
- Common aquatic toys may be constructed of solid polymers such as hard plastic.
- the hard plastic of a common aquatic toy may be constructed in such a way as to include buoyancy pockets. Buoyancy pockets are designed to maintain an air pocket within an aquatic toy, the air pocket keeping the toy afloat on top of the water.
- a potential downside to aquatic toys constructed of hard plastic is that they may be dangerous. For example, if a hard plastic aquatic toy is submerged at or near the bottom of the body of water, a child playing near the toy may step on the hard toy, potentially resulting in an injury. In another example, if a hard plastic toy is at the bottom of the pool, top of the pool, or slightly submersed under the surface of the water, a child diving or jumping into the water may not see the toy and may be injured when he jumps/dives into contact with the toy.
- the current invention provides a relatively safe and buoyant aquatic toy constructed of ThermoPlastic Rubber (TPR).
- TPR is a soft material consisting of both thermoplastic and elastomeric properties (i.e. elastic and flexible).
- TPR is relatively easy to use in manufacturing, for example, by injection molding, and may be molded into a variety of different shapes and forms.
- a TPR toy maintains its soft, elastic, and flexible properties, making the TPR toy relatively safe in the event of an impact with a child.
- TPR is lighter than water and thus, an aquatic toy made of TPR may be buoyant absent the use of buoyancy pockets.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an image of one embodiment of the current invention.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a ball toy 100 .
- the ball toy 100 consists of a TPR shell 102 molded into the shape of a ball.
- the TPR shell 102 is entirely sealed to prevent external access to an interior pocket.
- the ball toy 100 may also include a hook 104 molded to the shell 102 .
- the hook 104 may be used for a variety of purposes (i.e. to hang the toy in storage, or to catch the toy using the fishing type rod of a children's game).
- the ball toy 100 may also include a plurality of soft bristles 106 and a grip area 108 molded in the outside of the shell 102 .
- the ball toy 100 is comprised of TPR, the ball toy 100 is soft, elastic and flexible. In addition, it also is to be appreciated that because the ball toy 100 is made of TPR, the ball toy 100 is buoyant and will float at the top of a body of water.
- FIG. 2 illustrates an image of another embodiment of the current invention, in particular another ball toy 200 .
- the ball toy 200 consists of a TPR shell 202 molded into the shape of a ball.
- the TPR shell 202 is entirely sealed to prevent external access to the interior of the shell 202 .
- the ball toy 200 may also include a hook 204 molded to the shell 202 .
- the hook 204 may be used for a variety of purposes (i.e. to hang the toy in storage, or to catch the toy using the fishing type rod of a children's game).
- the ball toy 200 may also include a plurality of soft bristles 206 and a raised stitch area 208 molded into the outside of the shell 202 .
- the ball toy 200 is comprised of TPR, the ball toy 200 is soft, elastic and flexible. In addition, it also is to be appreciated that as a result of the ball toy 200 being made of TPR, the ball toy 200 is buoyant and will float at the top of a body of water.
- FIG. 3 illustrates an image of another embodiment of the current invention.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a disk toy 300 .
- the disk toy 300 consists of a substantially flat TPR disk area 302 .
- the ends 304 of the TPR disk area 302 may curve away from the TPR disk area 302 in a plane substantially perpendicular to the TPR disk area 302 (i.e., the TPR disk area 302 is convex).
- the disk toy 300 may also include a plurality of soft bristles 306 molded on the outside of the TPR disk area.
- the disk toy is soft, elastic and flexible.
- the disk toy 300 is buoyant and will float at the top of water.
- FIG. 4 illustrates an image of another embodiment of the current invention.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a ring toy 400 .
- the ring toy 400 consists of a ring area 402 and a weighted area 404 molded as a unit.
- the ring area 402 is made of TPR and the weighted area 404 includes a sealed, internal pocket capable of being filled with material that is heavier than water (e.g. sand).
- the ring toy 400 may also include a plurality of soft bristles 406 .
- the weighted area 404 sinks to the bottom of the pool and keeps the ring toy 400 submerged.
- the TPR ring area 402 is made of buoyant TPR, the ring area 402 is still buoyant and extends upwardly from the weighted area 404 , maintaining the ring area 402 in an upright position and enabling a child to more easily grab the ring toy 400 .
- the TPR ring area 402 may become “animated” by the movement of water around it (i.e. by moving currents or waves in the water) and provide a unique demonstrable kinetic animated effect.
- FIG. 5 illustrates an image of another embodiment of the current invention.
- FIG. 5 illustrates a vehicle toy 500 .
- the vehicle toy 500 consists of a TPR area 502 and a weighted area 504 , molded as a unit.
- the weighted area 504 includes a sealed, internal pocket capable of being filled with material that is heavier than water (e.g. sand).
- the TPR area 502 and the weighted area 504 are molded together.
- the weighted area 504 sinks and keeps the vehicle toy 500 submerged.
- the TPR area 502 is made of buoyant TPR, the TPR area 502 floats and extends upwardly from the weighted area 504 , maintaining the TPR area 502 in an upright position.
- the TPR area 502 may become animated by the movement of water around it (i.e. by moving currents or waves in the water) and provide a unique demonstrable kinetic animated effect.
- FIG. 6 illustrates an image of another embodiment of the current invention.
- FIG. 6 illustrates a stick toy or dive stick 600 .
- the stick toy 600 comprises a TPR stick area 602 molded into the shape of a tube, a lower portion 604 and an upper portion 606 .
- the TPR stick area 602 , the lower portion 604 and the upper portion 606 are sealed together to form a pocket including an interior region capable of being filled with material that is heavier than water (e.g. sand).
- the lower portion 604 and upper portion 606 are fluidly connected via the TPR stick area 602 .
- the heavier-than-water material is capable of freely moving between the lower portion 604 , the upper portion 606 and the stick area 602 .
- the heavier-than-water material may move so that it is located in the lower portion 604 and a portion of the stick area 602 .
- the heavier-than-water material may move completely into the lower portion 604 or upper portion 606 .
- the heavier-than-water material included within the stick toy 600 causes the stick toy 600 to sink and keeps the stick toy 600 submerged.
- the parts of the stick toy 600 that do not include the heavier-than-water material, being buoyant will extend upward from the portion of the stick toy 600 including the heavier-than-water material.
- the stick area 602 and the upper portion 606 will float and extend upwardly from the lower portion 604 , maintaining the stick toy 600 in an upright position.
- the upper portion 606 and stick area 602 may become animated by the movement of water around them (e.g. by moving currents or waves in the water) and provide a unique demonstrable kinetic animated effect.
- the heavier-than-water material is sand; however, in other embodiments, the heavier-than-water material may be any type of material that is heavier than water.
- TPR ThermoPlastic Rubber
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- Toys (AREA)
Abstract
According to one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide an aquatic toy comprising a main body comprised of thermoplastic rubber, the main body comprising a buoyant portion comprised of thermoplastic rubber, and a weighted portion coupled to the buoyant portion, wherein the weighted portion contains material which is heavier than water and is configured to maintain the aquatic toy submerged when the aquatic toy is placed in a body of water.
Description
- This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/406,671, entitled “TPR AQUATIC TOY”, filed Oct. 26, 2010, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- At least one example in accordance with the present invention relates generally to aquatic toys.
- 2. Discussion of Related Art
- Aquatic toys are oftentimes used by children when swimming or playing in a body of water (i.e. a pool, a lake, a river, etc.). For example, aquatic toys are commonly used by children in water related games or as diving toys. Aquatic toys may be designed to float on top of water, float submerged below the surface of the water, and/or sink to the bottom of a body of water.
- Aspects in accord with the present invention are directed to an aquatic toy. In one aspect the present invention features an aquatic toy comprising a main body, the main body comprising a buoyant portion comprised of thermoplastic rubber, and a weighted portion coupled to the buoyant portion, wherein the weighted portion contains material which is heavier than water and is configured to maintain the aquatic toy submerged when the aquatic toy is placed in a body of water.
- According to one embodiment the weighted portion comprises a pocket of thermoplastic rubber, the pocket encompassing the material which is heavier than water. In one embodiment, the material which is heavier than water is sand.
- According to another embodiment, while the aquatic toy is maintained submerged by the weighted portion, the buoyant portion is configured to float and be projected upwardly in an erect fashion in relation to the weighted area. In another embodiment, the buoyant portion comprises a body of thermoplastic rubber absent a buoyancy pocket. In one embodiment, while the buoyant portion is projected upwardly, the buoyant portion is further configured to become animated when in contact with moving water. According to another embodiment, while the buoyant portion is projected upwardly, the buoyant portion is further configured to undulate when in contact with moving water.
- According to one embodiment, the main body is molded in the shape of a ring. According to another embodiment, the main body is molded in the shape of a stick.
- In another aspect, the present invention features a method of creating an aquatic toy, the method comprising inserting thermoplastic rubber into an injection molding apparatus, and molding the thermoplastic rubber to provide a main body, the main body comprising a buoyant portion comprised of thermoplastic rubber, and a weighted portion coupled to the buoyant portion, wherein the weighted portion is configured to contain material which is heavier than water and to maintain the aquatic toy submerged when the aquatic toy is placed in a body of water.
- According to one embodiment, the method further comprises inserting the material which is heavier than water into the weighted portion. In one embodiment, inserting the material into the weighted portion includes inserting sand into the weighted portion.
- According to another embodiment, molding the thermoplastic rubber includes molding the main body into the shape of a ring. According to one embodiment, molding the thermoplastic rubber includes molding the main body into the shape of a stick.
- According to one embodiment, molding the thermoplastic rubber includes molding the weighted portion into a pocket which is configured to encompass the material which is heavier than water. In one embodiment, molding the thermoplastic rubber includes molding the buoyant portion into a body that is configured to float and be projected upwardly in an erect fashion in relation to the weighted area when the aquatic toy is submerged under water.
- According to another embodiment, molding the buoyant portion into a body includes molding the buoyant portion into a body absent a buoyancy pocket. In one embodiment, molding the buoyant portion into a body includes molding the buoyant portion into a body that is further configured to become animated when in contact with moving water. In another embodiment, molding the buoyant portion into a body includes molding the buoyant portion into a body that is further configured to undulate when in contact with moving water.
- In one aspect, the present invention features a dive stick comprising a main body molded in the shape of a stick, the main body comprising an upper portion comprised of thermoplastic rubber, a lower portion comprised of thermoplastic rubber, and a stick portion comprised of thermoplastic rubber coupled between the upper portion and the lower portion, wherein the upper portion, the lower portion and the stick portion are fluidly connected via an internal chamber, wherein material that is heavier than water is located in the internal chamber, within at least one of the upper portion, the lower portion and the stick portion, and wherein the material that is heavier than water is configured to maintain the dive stick submerged when the dive stick is placed in a body of water.
- The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various FIGs. is represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:
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FIG. 1 is an image of a ball TPR toy construction in accordance with aspects of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is an image of another ball TPR toy construction in accordance with aspects of the present invention; -
FIG. 3 is an image of a disk TPR toy construction in accordance with aspects of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 is an image of a ring TPR toy construction in accordance with aspects of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 is an image of a vehicle TPR toy construction in accordance with aspects of the present invention; and -
FIG. 6 is an image of a stick TPR toy construction in accordance with aspects of the present invention. - For the purposes of illustration only, and not to limit the generality, the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. This disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.
- As described above, aquatic toys are often used by children when swimming or playing in a body of water. Common aquatic toys may be constructed of solid polymers such as hard plastic. In addition, in order to provide buoyancy, the hard plastic of a common aquatic toy may be constructed in such a way as to include buoyancy pockets. Buoyancy pockets are designed to maintain an air pocket within an aquatic toy, the air pocket keeping the toy afloat on top of the water.
- However, a potential downside to aquatic toys constructed of hard plastic is that they may be dangerous. For example, if a hard plastic aquatic toy is submerged at or near the bottom of the body of water, a child playing near the toy may step on the hard toy, potentially resulting in an injury. In another example, if a hard plastic toy is at the bottom of the pool, top of the pool, or slightly submersed under the surface of the water, a child diving or jumping into the water may not see the toy and may be injured when he jumps/dives into contact with the toy.
- As such, the current invention provides a relatively safe and buoyant aquatic toy constructed of ThermoPlastic Rubber (TPR). TPR is a soft material consisting of both thermoplastic and elastomeric properties (i.e. elastic and flexible). As a result, TPR is relatively easy to use in manufacturing, for example, by injection molding, and may be molded into a variety of different shapes and forms. It is to be appreciated that, upon being molded into a desired shape or figure, a TPR toy maintains its soft, elastic, and flexible properties, making the TPR toy relatively safe in the event of an impact with a child. In addition, it also is to be appreciated that TPR is lighter than water and thus, an aquatic toy made of TPR may be buoyant absent the use of buoyancy pockets.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates an image of one embodiment of the current invention.FIG. 1 illustrates aball toy 100. Theball toy 100 consists of aTPR shell 102 molded into the shape of a ball. TheTPR shell 102 is entirely sealed to prevent external access to an interior pocket. Theball toy 100 may also include ahook 104 molded to theshell 102. Thehook 104 may be used for a variety of purposes (i.e. to hang the toy in storage, or to catch the toy using the fishing type rod of a children's game). Theball toy 100 may also include a plurality ofsoft bristles 106 and agrip area 108 molded in the outside of theshell 102. It is to be appreciated that as theball toy 100 is comprised of TPR, theball toy 100 is soft, elastic and flexible. In addition, it also is to be appreciated that because theball toy 100 is made of TPR, theball toy 100 is buoyant and will float at the top of a body of water. -
FIG. 2 illustrates an image of another embodiment of the current invention, in particular anotherball toy 200. Theball toy 200 consists of aTPR shell 202 molded into the shape of a ball. TheTPR shell 202 is entirely sealed to prevent external access to the interior of theshell 202. Theball toy 200 may also include ahook 204 molded to theshell 202. Thehook 204 may be used for a variety of purposes (i.e. to hang the toy in storage, or to catch the toy using the fishing type rod of a children's game). Theball toy 200 may also include a plurality ofsoft bristles 206 and a raisedstitch area 208 molded into the outside of theshell 202. It is to be appreciated that as theball toy 200 is comprised of TPR, theball toy 200 is soft, elastic and flexible. In addition, it also is to be appreciated that as a result of theball toy 200 being made of TPR, theball toy 200 is buoyant and will float at the top of a body of water. -
FIG. 3 illustrates an image of another embodiment of the current invention.FIG. 3 illustrates adisk toy 300. Thedisk toy 300 consists of a substantially flatTPR disk area 302. According to one embodiment, theends 304 of theTPR disk area 302 may curve away from theTPR disk area 302 in a plane substantially perpendicular to the TPR disk area 302 (i.e., theTPR disk area 302 is convex). Thedisk toy 300 may also include a plurality ofsoft bristles 306 molded on the outside of the TPR disk area. It is to be appreciated that as the disk toy is comprised of TPR, thedisk toy 300 is soft, elastic and flexible. In addition, it also is to be appreciated that as a result of thedisk toy 300 being made of TPR, thedisk toy 300 is buoyant and will float at the top of water. -
FIG. 4 illustrates an image of another embodiment of the current invention.FIG. 4 illustrates aring toy 400. Thering toy 400 consists of aring area 402 and aweighted area 404 molded as a unit. According to one embodiment, thering area 402 is made of TPR and theweighted area 404 includes a sealed, internal pocket capable of being filled with material that is heavier than water (e.g. sand). Thering toy 400 may also include a plurality ofsoft bristles 406. - When placed in a pool, the
weighted area 404 sinks to the bottom of the pool and keeps thering toy 400 submerged. However, as theTPR ring area 402 is made of buoyant TPR, thering area 402 is still buoyant and extends upwardly from theweighted area 404, maintaining thering area 402 in an upright position and enabling a child to more easily grab thering toy 400. Also, according to one embodiment, as theTPR ring area 402 is lighter than water, theTPR ring area 402 may become “animated” by the movement of water around it (i.e. by moving currents or waves in the water) and provide a unique demonstrable kinetic animated effect. -
FIG. 5 illustrates an image of another embodiment of the current invention.FIG. 5 illustrates avehicle toy 500. Thevehicle toy 500 consists of aTPR area 502 and aweighted area 504, molded as a unit. According to one embodiment, theweighted area 504 includes a sealed, internal pocket capable of being filled with material that is heavier than water (e.g. sand). TheTPR area 502 and theweighted area 504 are molded together. - When placed in a pool, the
weighted area 504 sinks and keeps thevehicle toy 500 submerged. However, as theTPR area 502 is made of buoyant TPR, theTPR area 502 floats and extends upwardly from theweighted area 504, maintaining theTPR area 502 in an upright position. Also, according to one embodiment, as theTPR area 502 is lighter than water, theTPR area 502 may become animated by the movement of water around it (i.e. by moving currents or waves in the water) and provide a unique demonstrable kinetic animated effect. -
FIG. 6 illustrates an image of another embodiment of the current invention.FIG. 6 illustrates a stick toy ordive stick 600. Thestick toy 600 comprises aTPR stick area 602 molded into the shape of a tube, alower portion 604 and anupper portion 606. TheTPR stick area 602, thelower portion 604 and theupper portion 606 are sealed together to form a pocket including an interior region capable of being filled with material that is heavier than water (e.g. sand). Thelower portion 604 andupper portion 606 are fluidly connected via theTPR stick area 602. According to one embodiment, the heavier-than-water material is capable of freely moving between thelower portion 604, theupper portion 606 and thestick area 602. For example, in one embodiment, the heavier-than-water material may move so that it is located in thelower portion 604 and a portion of thestick area 602. In another embodiment, the heavier-than-water material may move completely into thelower portion 604 orupper portion 606. - When placed in water, the heavier-than-water material included within the
stick toy 600 causes thestick toy 600 to sink and keeps thestick toy 600 submerged. According to one embodiment, if the heavier-than-water material moves entirely into thelower portion 604 orupper portion 606, the parts of thestick toy 600 that do not include the heavier-than-water material, being buoyant, will extend upward from the portion of thestick toy 600 including the heavier-than-water material. For example, while submerged, if the heavier-than-water material is located entirely within thelower portion 604, then thestick area 602 and theupper portion 606 will float and extend upwardly from thelower portion 604, maintaining thestick toy 600 in an upright position. Also, according to one embodiment, as thestick toy 600 is lighter than water (i.e., made of TPR), theupper portion 606 andstick area 602 may become animated by the movement of water around them (e.g. by moving currents or waves in the water) and provide a unique demonstrable kinetic animated effect. - As described above, the heavier-than-water material is sand; however, in other embodiments, the heavier-than-water material may be any type of material that is heavier than water.
- It is to be appreciated that by providing a soft, elastic and flexible ThermoPlastic Rubber (TPR) aquatic toy, the current invention avoids the safety problems associated with hard plastic toys, as described above. It also should be appreciated that, through the use of TPR, the current invention provides aquatic toys capable of being buoyant without the need for buoyancy pockets.
- Having thus described at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, various alternations, modifications and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications and improvements are intended to be within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Accordingly, the foregoing description is by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting. The disclosure's limit is defined only in the following claims and equivalents thereto.
Claims (20)
1. An aquatic toy comprising:
a main body, the main body comprising:
a buoyant portion comprised of thermoplastic rubber; and
a weighted portion coupled to the buoyant portion, wherein the weighted portion contains material which is heavier than water and is configured to maintain the aquatic toy submerged when the aquatic toy is placed in a body of water.
2. The aquatic toy of claim 1 , wherein the weighted portion comprises a pocket of thermoplastic rubber, the pocket encompassing the material which is heavier than water.
3. The aquatic toy of claim 2 , wherein the material which is heavier than water is sand.
4. The aquatic toy of claim 1 , wherein while the aquatic toy is maintained submerged by the weighted portion, the buoyant portion is configured to float and be projected upwardly in an erect fashion in relation to the weighted area.
5. The aquatic toy of claim 4 , wherein the buoyant portion comprises a body of thermoplastic rubber absent a buoyancy pocket.
6. The aquatic toy of claim 4 , wherein while the buoyant portion is projected upwardly, the buoyant portion is further configured to become animated when in contact with moving water.
7. The aquatic toy of claim 6 , wherein while the buoyant portion is projected upwardly, the buoyant portion is further configured to undulate when in contact with moving water.
8. The aquatic toy of claim 1 , wherein the main body is molded in the shape of a ring.
9. The aquatic toy of claim 1 , wherein the main body is molded in the shape of a stick.
10. A method of creating an aquatic toy, the method comprising:
inserting thermoplastic rubber into an injection molding apparatus; and
molding the thermoplastic rubber to provide:
a main body, the main body comprising:
a buoyant portion comprised of thermoplastic rubber; and
a weighted portion coupled to the buoyant portion, wherein the weighted portion is configured to contain material which is heavier than water and to maintain the aquatic toy submerged when the aquatic toy is placed in a body of water.
11. The method of claim 10 , further comprising inserting the material which is heavier than water into the weighted portion.
12. The method of claim 11 , wherein inserting the material into the weighted portion includes inserting sand into the weighted portion.
13. The method of claim 10 , wherein molding the thermoplastic rubber includes molding the main body into the shape of a ring.
14. The method of claim 10 , wherein molding the thermoplastic rubber includes molding the main body into the shape of a stick.
15. The method of claim 10 , wherein molding the thermoplastic rubber includes molding the weighted portion into a pocket which is configured to encompass the material which is heavier than water.
16. The method of claim 10 , wherein molding the thermoplastic rubber includes molding the buoyant portion into a body that is configured to float and be projected upwardly in an erect fashion in relation to the weighted area when the aquatic toy is submerged under water.
17. The method of claim 16 , wherein molding the buoyant portion into a body includes molding the buoyant portion into a body absent a buoyancy pocket.
18. The method of claim 16 , wherein molding the buoyant portion into a body includes molding the buoyant portion into a body that is further configured to become animated when in contact with moving water.
19. The method of claim 16 , wherein molding the buoyant portion into a body includes molding the buoyant portion into a body that is further configured to undulate when in contact with moving water.
20. A dive stick comprising:
a main body molded in the shape of a stick, the main body comprising:
an upper portion comprised of thermoplastic rubber;
a lower portion comprised of thermoplastic rubber; and
a stick portion comprised of thermoplastic rubber coupled between the upper portion and the lower portion,
wherein the upper portion, the lower portion and the stick portion are fluidly connected via an internal chamber,
wherein material that is heavier than water is located in the internal chamber, within at least one of the upper portion, the lower portion and the stick portion, and
wherein the material that is heavier than water is configured to maintain the dive stick submerged when the dive stick is placed in a body of water.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US13/219,022 US20120100775A1 (en) | 2010-10-26 | 2011-08-26 | Tpr aquatic toy |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US40667110P | 2010-10-26 | 2010-10-26 | |
US13/219,022 US20120100775A1 (en) | 2010-10-26 | 2011-08-26 | Tpr aquatic toy |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20120100775A1 true US20120100775A1 (en) | 2012-04-26 |
Family
ID=45973412
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/219,022 Abandoned US20120100775A1 (en) | 2010-10-26 | 2011-08-26 | Tpr aquatic toy |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20120100775A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2756271A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140148077A1 (en) * | 2012-11-28 | 2014-05-29 | Daniel Hunter | Game of retrieving selected objects from underwater environment |
US20170100653A1 (en) * | 2015-10-08 | 2017-04-13 | John J. Melman | Diving devices configured to make and/or to emit distinct noises and associated methods for the use of the diving devices |
US20180028887A1 (en) * | 2016-07-27 | 2018-02-01 | Colleen Marie HOFMANN | Aquatic Game Apparatus and Method of Playing Aquatic Game |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6332822B2 (en) * | 1999-06-25 | 2001-12-25 | Shelcore, Inc. | Soft diving stick |
US20080132142A1 (en) * | 2006-12-05 | 2008-06-05 | Scott Frybarger | Disc and a method for using same |
-
2011
- 2011-08-26 US US13/219,022 patent/US20120100775A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2011-10-26 CA CA2756271A patent/CA2756271A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6332822B2 (en) * | 1999-06-25 | 2001-12-25 | Shelcore, Inc. | Soft diving stick |
US20080132142A1 (en) * | 2006-12-05 | 2008-06-05 | Scott Frybarger | Disc and a method for using same |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140148077A1 (en) * | 2012-11-28 | 2014-05-29 | Daniel Hunter | Game of retrieving selected objects from underwater environment |
US20170100653A1 (en) * | 2015-10-08 | 2017-04-13 | John J. Melman | Diving devices configured to make and/or to emit distinct noises and associated methods for the use of the diving devices |
US20180028887A1 (en) * | 2016-07-27 | 2018-02-01 | Colleen Marie HOFMANN | Aquatic Game Apparatus and Method of Playing Aquatic Game |
US10610754B2 (en) * | 2016-07-27 | 2020-04-07 | Colleen Marie HOFMANN | Aquatic game apparatus and method of playing aquatic game |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2756271A1 (en) | 2012-04-26 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: AQUA-LEISURE INDUSTRIES, INC., MASSACHUSETTS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MARCIANO, RALPH C.;REEL/FRAME:026932/0594 Effective date: 20110919 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |