US3665638A - Hydraulically actuated children{40 s toy - Google Patents

Abstract

A hydraulically actuated children''s toy to which the user adds a controlled amount of water or other fluid in order to produce a particular visual effect simulating a realistic phenomenon. The addition of fluid causes a float member to move a visual representation of a natural object between a concealed and a visible position. The float and the visual effect element are connected by conventional linkage appropriate to produce the required relative movement. The upward movement of the float in response to the rising level of supporting fluid causes the visual effect element either to appear from the interior of the toy or to disappear within it depending on the linkage. The fluid is contained within a closed hydraulic system wherein means are provided for returning the fluid to a portable container whereby the motion of the visual effect element is reversed. Specific embodiment disclosed are directed to devices simulating the growth of a plant from within a flower pot and the extinguishment of a fire within a building.

Description

United States Patent [151 3,665,638 Weistrop 1 May 30, 1972 54] HYDRAULICALLY ACTUATED 57 ABSTRACT I CHILDREN S TOY A hydraulically actuated childrens toy to which the user adds a controlled amount of water or other fluid in order to produce a particular visual effect simulating a realistic phenomenon. The addition of fluid causes a float member to [72] Inventor: Elizabeth N. Weistrop, 505 Dolores Ave.,

Half Moon Bay, Calif.

[ Filedi J 27, 1971 move a visual representation of a natural object between a [21] AppL NO; 0,087 concealed and a visible position. The float and the visual effect element are connected by conventional linkage appropriate to produce the required relative movement. The up- [52] US. Cl ..46/41 ward movement of the float in response to the rising level of [51] Int. Cl. ..A63h 29/08 supporting fluid causes the visual effect element either to ap- [58] Field 6: Search ..46/4i, 1 i6 p from the interior of the y or to disappear Within it pending on the linkage. The fluid is contained within a closed [56] References Cited hydraulic system wherein means are provided for returning the fluid to a portable container whereby the motion of the UNITED STATES PATENTS visual effect element is reversed. Specific embodiment disclosed are directed to devices simulating the growth of a lant 2,883,794 4/1959 Ellman ..46/41X from within a flower pot and the extinguishmem of 5 3,022,603 2/1962 Kawabata. ..46/41 within abuilding' 3,570,765 3/1971 de Gast ..46/41 12 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures Primary ExaminerLouis G. Mancene Assistant ExaminerD. L. Weinhold Attorney-Townsend and Townsend Patented May 30, 1972 I 3,665,638

3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVEN 46 ELIZABETH N. wElST g WWW/7.1M

ATTORNEYS Patented May 30, 1972 15 Shoe 1.sSheet 'r FlG 2b INJJLILLLZILVJA .1 41.1mm

L. ZQ J! INVENTOR ELIZABETH N. WEISTROP ATTORNEYS Patented May 30, 1972 I5 Sheets-Sheet I FIG 3b INVENTOR ELIZABETH N. WEISTROP ATTORNEYS HYDRAULICALLY ACTUATED CHILDREN'S TOY The present invention relates to children's amusement devices and is more particularly directed to a hydraulically actuated toy to which a child adds a controlled amount of water or other fluid in order to produce a particular visual effect which provides him with a feeling of satisfaction, accomplishment or amusement.

It is well known that the amount of enjoyment which a child derives from a toy is to a large extent related to the degree to which the child can participate in the operation of the device. In addition, the child's interest is further stimulated if his interaction with the toy produces a result which is subjectively rewarding and provides him with a feeling of accomplishment due to the attainment of a laudatory objective. The present invention satisfies both elements of this formula for commercial success, namely, active participation by the child in the accomplishment of a praiseworthy goal, by a simple structure which is relatively inexpensive to produce on a large scale.

The present invention is based on the principle of causing a hydraulically actuated float member to move a visual representation simulating a natural object between a concealed and a visible position. The structure involves the connection of the float and the visual effect element by a conventional linkage mechanism appropriate to produce the necessary relative movement. The movement of the float in response to changes in the level of supporting fluid moves the visual effect element from its concealed position to its fully visible position, or vice versa depending on the linkage.

As the child adds fluid to the toy the rising float causes the visual effect element either to appear from the interior of the toy or to disappear within the toy depending on whether the linkage produces a direct or an inverse transfer of motion from the float to the visual effect element.

A variety of visual representations can be employed with appropriate conventional linkage in the present invention in order to produce effects which adequately simulate, in the child's imagination, a range of natural phenomena and realistic situations. The particular visual effect created by the toy is more difficult to produce in reality than the simulated analog due either to the complexity of the phenomenon, the time required, safety considerations, or the like.

By way of example, one phenomenon which may be so simulated is the growth of a plant or flower after being watered. In reality, the biological processes involved are quite complicated involving the interaction of sunlight, water and soil chemicals through the mechanism of photosynthesis. To the child, however, the process can be satisfactorily analogized by the simple expedient of substituting a hydraulicmechanical system to achieve a similar visual effect; namely, plant growth as a result of irrigation. Further, the time scale is greatly compressed since the growth rate is exaggerated and the child can see the results of his efforts immediately. The internal structure of such a toy involves the connection of a simulated plant or flower through a direct linkage such as a rod to the float member. The toy is so constructed that when the fluid container in which the float lies is empty and the float is at its lowest position, the plant or flower is in a concealed or semi-concealed position within the body of the toy. This can be accomplished for example by using a simulated flower pot into which the plant or flower is retracted when the toy is empty of water. Upon the addition of water and the rise of the float member, the plant or flower emerges from within the flower pot into view of the child, conveying the impression that he has grown the plant or flower.

Another example of a simulated, realistic situation illustrating a different application of the basic principles of the present invention is the extinguishment of a burning house or other structure by the application of water thereto, as for example, from a fire engine. By suitably connecting a simulated flame to the float element of the present invention, and enclosing the structure within a miniature building, the child can extinguish the fire by adding water to the burning building. In this situation, the linkage between the float element and the visual effeet element, the simulated flame, is of the inverse translation type such as a pivotally mounted rod joining the two elements. When the toy is empty of water and the float is at its lowest position, the simulated flame is exposed above the top of the toy as, for example, through an aperture in the roof of the building. Upon the addition of water to the toy and the elevation of the float member, due to the pivotal connection the flame is retracted within the building and disappears from the view of the child thereby conveying the illusion that he has quenched the tire.

Other examples of phenomena or situations which may be readily simulated by the present invention will be apparent to the reader and the specific embodiments illustrated herein are given by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a hydraulically actuated childrens toy wherein the child takes an active role in producing a visual effect which simulates a realistic situation or phenomenon by merely adding a controlled amount of water or other fluid to the toy.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be more readily apparent after a reading of the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. la is a partially exposed view of one embodiment of the present invention showing a simulated flower pot and attached watering can with the flower in the fully retracted or concealed position;

FIG. lb is a partially exposed view of the flower pot and watering can of FIG. 1a with the flower in its fully elevated or visible position;

FIG. 2a is a partially exposed view of another embodiment of the present invention showing a simulated flower bed containing several flowers and plants together with an attached watering can;

FIG. 2b is a plan view of one portion of the internal supporting structure of the flower bed toy of FIG. 2a;

FIG. 3a is an exterior view of still another embodiment of the present invention showing a simulated burning house and an associated fire engine truck; and

FIG. 3b is a partially exposed view of the house of FIG. 3a with an amount of water being applied thereto to move a simulated flame into its concealed position.

Referring now to FIGS. 1a and lb a simulated flower pot and watering can toy is shown having the following internal structure. An air filled float piston 12 is disposed within fluid containing cylinder 14 which is provided with a drain port 16 on its bottom surface. The float piston 12 has a diameter which is slightly smaller than the bore of cylinder 14 so that the cylinder walls restrain movement of the float piston in response to changes in the supporting fluid level within cylinder 14 to a substantially vertical path. Cylinder 14 is suspended from the lower surface of support plate 18. Cylindrical shroud 20 is also suspended from the lower surface of support plate 18 at its outer periphery in such a way as to conceal cylinder 14 and the internal structure of the device from view.

Mounted on the upper surface of support plate 18 is simulated flower pot 22 the bottom surface of which is provided with a centrally located aperture 24. Support plate 18 is provided with a similar centrally disposed aperture 26 in registration with flower pot aperture 24. Simulated plant stem 28 is mounted on float piston 12 and extends upwardly through support plate aperture 26 and flower pot aperture 24. Mat 30 made of a material which simulates grass or soil is attached at its periphery to the side walls of flower pot 22 at the upper portion thereof. A plurality of slits 32 are cut through mat 30 and radiate outwardly from a point in the center of mat 30 which is in vertical alignment with stem 28. The slits form a number of resilient segmented sections 33 in mat 30. The length of stem 28 is such that when cylinder 14 is empty of water and float piston 12 is at its lowest position flower 34 attached to the upper end of stem 28 is concealed within flower pot 22 below the surface of mat 30 as shown in FIG. la. Further, the dimensions of the toy are adjusted so that when cylinder 14 is filled to capacity and float piston 12 is at its highest position, flower 34 will be fully visible above the surface of flower pot 22 as in FIG. 1b.

Flexible hose 36 is attached at one end to cylinder drain port 16 and at the other end to port 38 located at the bottom of portable watering can 40. A one way check valve 42 is provided in hose 36 near the point of connection to watering can 40. Check valve 42 allows gravity urged fluid flow from cylinder 14 into watering can 40 through hose 36 when watering can 40 is placed at a level below cylinder drain port 16 as in FIG. 1a. This allows the cylinder to be drained merely by lowering the watering can to an inferior position. Check valve 42 however does not allow fluid flow in the reverse direction, that is from watering can 40 to cylinder 14, so that when watering can 40 is raised above the level of cylinder drain port 16 as for example to add water to flower pot 22 from watering can 40 through its spout 44 as shown in FIG. lb no amount of water within watering can 40 can flow through hose 36 and into cylinder 14. In other words, the only way to add water to cylinder 14 and thereby produce the desired visual effect is to pour it from watering can spout 44 into flower pot 22. Depending from the lower periphery of cylindrical shroud are legs 46 supporting the entire structure with the exception of the portable watering can 40.

In operation, with cylinder 14 empty of water, the child raises watering can 40 which contains an amount of water and pours the water through the spout 44 into flower pot 22. The water flows through slits 32 in simulated grass mat and down into cylinder 14. As the fluid level rises, float piston 12 and attached stem 28 move upwardly forcing flower 34 into contact with the underside of resilient mat segments 33. As float piston 12 rises further resilient segments 33 yield allowing flower 34 to move upward through mat 30. After flower 34 has passed upwardly through the slitted portion of mat 30, the segments 33 return to their initially horizontal position around stem 28 thereby concealing the internal structure of the toy and providing the desired illusion of plant growth.

To return the device to its initial condition the child merely places portable watering can 40 below the level of cylinder drain port 16 as in FIG. la. Fluid within cylinder 14 flows under the action of gravity through hose 36 and check valve 42 and through port 38 into watering can 40. In response to the falling fluid level within cylinder 14 float piston 12 and attached stem 28 move downward forcing flower 34 downwardly through the segmented area of mat 30. After flower 34 has been sufficiently retracted below the surface of mat 30, the slitted segments 33 of mat 30 return to their initial horizontal position thereby concealing flower 34 beneath mat 30 and returning the toy to its starting configuration.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b stem 28 is restrained to a vertical path by being attached to float piston 12 which is guided by the inner walls of cylinder 14. This is necessary to insure that stem 28 and attached flower 34 will contact mat 30 at the center of the slitted area of mat 30 so as to more easily pass through segments 33. An alternative approach contemplates utilizing support plate aperture 26 as a guide means for stem 28 thereby preventing any appreciable horizontal movement of stem 28. This structure eliminates the necessity of utilizing a piston and cylinder arrangement wherein the piston and attached stem are guided by the cylinder walls and permits the float member to be constructed of floatable material of various shapes and sizes. One example of this approach contemplates using as the float element a simple cork of a size which is relatively small in comparison to the interior dimensions of the fluid reservoir in which it floats.

FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention in which a plurality of simulated plants or flowers can be independently caused to appear through the surface of a simulated flower bed by application of an amount of water to the flower bed at the appropriate location. In the device shown in FIG. 2 three plant assemblies are provided each comprising a float piston 50 disposed within a fluid containing cylinder 52 and carrying a simulated plant stem 54 which supports a simulated flower 56. Cylinders 50 are suspended from funnel shaped ducts 58 the upper edges of which contact the under surface of mat 62 which is made of material simulating grass or soil. Mat 62 and funnel shaped ducts 58 are attached to the interior walls of planter box 60 which forms a concealing outer structure for the toy. Ducts 58 collect water draining through slits 64 formed in mat 62 and radiating outwardly from points directly above stems 54 and direct the water into the cylinder beneath. These funnel shaped sections 58 are formed with a rectangular cross-section at the upper surface which contacts the underside of mat 62. These rectangular orifices divide the total mat area between them in such a way that any water applied to the upper surface of mat 62 at any location will flow into one of the orifices and be directed to the cylinder beneath. This can be most clearly seen in the plan view of the funnels shown in FIG. 212. Further the slits are so formed as to readily allow flower 56 to be urged upwardly past the slitted segments and through mat 62 in response to the buoyant force of the rising fluid level within cylinders 52 on float pistons 50. The lower surface of funnel shaped sections 58 are formed with circular apertures 59 in registration with the bore of cylinders 52.

Each cylinder is provided with a drain port 66 on its lower surface and drain tubes 68 connect cylinder drain ports 66 with a common fluid outlet pipe 70. A flexible hose 72 is connected between outlet pipe 70 and port 74 on the lower surface of portable watering can 76. A one way check valve 78 is provided in each drain tube 68 just below cylinder drain port 66. These check valves allow gravity urged fluid flow from cylinder 52 to watering can 76 through drain tubes 68, outlet pipe 70, and hose 72. Check valves 78 do not allow fluid flow in the reverse direction, that is from drain tubes 68 into cylinders 52. This result is necessary for two reasons. First, when watering can 76 is raised above flower bed 60 as for example to add water thereto through spout 80 it is undesirable to have any water within watering can 76 flow into cylinders 52 through flexible drain hose 74, outlet pipe 70 and drain tubes 68. That is, any water which enters the cylinders 52 and causes float pistons 50 to rise should come only from watering can 76 through spout 80. The second reason for the inclusion of check valve 78 is to prevent any water from draining out of one cylinder 52 and into another through the outflow system comprising drain tubes 68 and outlet pipe 70.

The operation of the device is basically the same as that described above in connection with a single float piston arrangement with the following exception. Depending on the area of the flower bed surface to which the water is added a corresponding one of the flowers concealed beneath the mat 62 will become visible through the surface. By means of this structure different floral or plant varieties and species can be independently grown through different areas of the flower bed. This concept is of course extendable to situations where a relatively larger number of plants and flowers may be grown.

An alternative embodiment contemplates a system wherein the growth of individual flowers is related rather than independent. Under this approach separate fluid containing cylinders are not employed and instead a single common fluid reservoir contains all the float elements. Vertical movement of float and stem is controlled by having the stems pass through a plurality of guide rings mounted just above the highest float position. In this case the rising fluid level within the common reservoir will cause each float element to be elevated a similar amount. However, by controlling the length of the stem attached to the float the various plants and flowers can be made to appear through the surface of the flower bed at staggered intervals, and in fact it is possible to add a total amount of water to the toy sufficient to cause only certain selected plants and flowers to appear.

Referring now to FIGS. 3a and 3b another embodiment of the present invention is shown having the external appearance of a miniature building 86 and an associated portable fire en gine vehicle 88 which is attached to building 86 by flexible hose 90. Building 86 supports and conceals two fluid containing reservoirs 92 each of which houses a float element 94 mounted on one end of rod 96 which is pivotally mounted at a central point between the side walls of building 86 by pin 97. Simulated flame element 98 is affixed to the opposite end of rod 96.

The relative dimensions of the fluid reservoir 92, float element 94, rod 96, and flame element 98, are adjusted so that when reservoir 92 is empty of water and float element 94 is at its lowest position, flame element 98 protrudes through roof aperture 100 above the upper surface of building 86 so as to be fully visible.

Reservoirs 92 are each provided with drain ports 102 on their lower surfaces and attached to drain ports 102 are drain tubes 104 which are both connected at their lower end to a common outlet pipe 106. Fluid reservoir 92, drain tubes 104 and outlet pipe 106 are all concealed within the body of the building 86. The outflow end of outlet pipe 106 is connected to the underside of simulated fire hydrant 108 which is visibly mounted on the exterior of building 86. One end of flexible drain hose 90 is attached to simulated fire hydrant 108 and the other end of flexible drain hose 90 is attached to the interior of portable fire engine vehicle 88. One way check valves 110 are provided in each drain tube 104 just below the point of connection to reservoir drain port 102. Check valves 110 allow fluid flow in one direction only with the result that when portable fire engine vehicle 88 is placed below the level of fluid outlet pipe 106 as in FIG. 3a any water contained within fluid reservoirs 92 will flow under the action of gravity out reservoir drain ports 102 through check valves 110, drain tubes 104, outlet pipe 106, fire hydrant 108 and hose 90 into the interior of fire engine 88 which comprises a fluid container 112. One way check valves 110 will not allow fluid flow in the reverse direction, that is from drain tubes 104 into fluid reservoirs 92. If any fluid does flow out of fire engine 88 and into hose 90 it can proceed no further than check valves 110. This is desirable for two reasons. First, when fire engine 88 is raised above the level of fluid reservoirs 92 as for example to add water to the interior of building 86 through roof apertures 100 it is undesirable for any water to enter fluid reservoirs 92 from container 112 through drain hose 90 and the outflow systems of fluid reservoirs 92 comprising drain pipes 104, and fluid outlet pipe 106. This is because any movement of float elements 94 and in turn flame elements 98 caused by changes in the fluid level within reservoirs 92 should be caused only by the addition of water to reservoirs 92 from simulated hose spout 114 mounted on the front of fire engine 88 and communicating with fluid container 112. Second, it is desired to avoid the situation where any water drains from one reservoir 92 into another through the reservoir outflow system comprising drain tubes 104 and outlet pipe 106. Thus, the second effect of check valves 110 is to maintain the independent action of the fluid reservoirs and the mechanical elements internal thereto.

In operation with both fluid reservoirs 92 empty of water, float elements 94 are at their lowest position which due to the pivotal connection, causes flame elements 98 to be in their fully elevated position protruding through roof apertures 100 so as to be fully visible above the surface of the building 86 as shown in FIG. 3a. The child adds an amount of water to fire engine container 112 through filler cap 116. He then raises fluid containing fire engine 88 above the upper surface of building 86 and pours an amount of water from container 112 through fire hose spout 114 into one of the fluid reservoirs 92 through the corresponding roof aperture 100 as shown in FIG. 3b. The rising fluid level within reservoir 92 causes float element 94 to move upwardly which in turn causes flame element 98 to move downwardly. As more water is added to reservoir 92 flame element 98 moves down through roof aperture 100 and is retracted within building 86 so as to be partially or completely concealed from view. The child then proceeds to extinguish the other flame 98 by repeating the above procedure by adding water to the corresponding reservoir 92.

When one or both flames have been extinguished the child places fire engine 88 below the level of outlet pipe 106 and water drains from reservoirs 92 through the respective outflow systems comprising drain ports 102, check valves 110, drain tubes 104 and outlet pipe 106, and thereafter flows through hydrant 108 and flexible hose 90 and back into fire engine container 112. In response to the falling fluid level within reservoir 92 float alements 94 move downwardly causing flame elements 98 to move upwardly so as to once again be visible above the upper surface of the building 86.

It will be apparent that various modifications of the above structures can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the basic operating principles of the invention are equally applicable to the embodiments wherein a larger number of reservoirs are distributed at various locations within a simulated building, beneath a simulated forest or backyard garden and so on.

What is claimed is:

1. A closed-system hydraulically actuated childrens toy for simulating a realistic phenomenon wherein a particular visual effect is produced by the addition of a controlled amount of fluid to the toy, comprising:

a. fluid containing means having a drain port at the lower portion thereof;

b. float means mounted within said fluid containing means for substantially vertical movement in response to the level of supporting fluid within said fluid containing means;

c. visual effect means;

d. linkage means operably connecting said visual effect means and said float means for causing said visual effect means to move between a concealed position within said toy and a visible position extending above the top of said toy in response to the vertical movement of said float means;

. a portable fluid container external to said fluid containing means; and

f. fluid conduit means connecting said portable fluid container and said drain port whereby said fluid containing means is drained of said fluid by lowering said external container to an inferior position relative thereto.

2. A closed-system hydraulically actuated childrens toy for simulating the natural phenomenon of plant growth following irrigation, comprising:

a. fluid containing means having a drain port at the lower portion thereof;

b. float means mounted within said fluid containing means for substantially vertical movement from a low position to a high position in response to the level of supporting fluid within said fluid containing means;

0. simulated soil containing means mounted above said fluid containing means;

d. at least one simulated plant having a stem portion mounted on said float means and passing through said simulated soil containing means and a flower portion mounted on the upper end of said stem portion, said stem portion being connected to said float means for vertical movement from a low position when said float means is at its low position wherein said flower portion is concealed within said simulated soil containing means to a high position when said float means is at its high position wherein said flower portion is fully visible above said simulated soil containing means;

e. external container means for adding fluid to said fluid containing means; and

. means for withdrawing fluid from said fluid containing means and for returning said fluid to said external container means.

3. A toy as recited in claim 2 wherein said external container means comprises a portable watering can and said means for withdrawing fluid comprisesa flexible hose connecting said watering can with said drain port.

4. A toy recited in claim 2 wherein said fluid containing means comprises a cylinder and said float means comprises a float piston disposed within said cylinder having a diameter slightly less than the diameter of said cylinder whereby said cylinder walls restrain said float piston to a substantially vertical path of movement.

5. A toy as recited in claim 2 wherein said simulated soil containing means comprises a simulated flower pot mounted above said fluid containing means and having an orifice in the bottom surface thereof, through which said stem portion protrudes.

6. A toy as recited in claim 2 wherein said fluid containing means comprises a reservoir tank, said float means comprises a plurality of float elements each restrained to a substantially vertical path of movement within said tank, and each having mounted thereon one of said simulated plants and said soil simulating means comprises a simulated flower bed through the bottom of which protrude the stem portions of said simulated plants.

7. A toy as recited in claim 2 wherein said fluid containing means comprises a plurality of cylinders, said float means comprises a like number of float pistons each disposed within a corresponding one of said cylinders for substantially vertical movement therein; and each having mounted thereon one of said simulated plants, and said simulated soil containing means comprises a simulated flower bed through the bottom of which protrude the stem portions of said plants.

8. A closed-system hydraulically actuated childrens toy for simulating the extinguishment of a fire within a burning structure upon application ofwater thereto, comprising:

a. a simulated miniature building;

b. fluid containing means mounted within said building and having a drain port at the lower portion thereof;

c. float means mounted within said fluid containing means for substantially horizontal movement from a low position to a high position in response to the level of supporting fluid within said fluid containing means;

d. at least one flame simulating element;

e. linkage means pivotally connecting said flame simulating element and said float means for causing said flame simulating element to move from a high position when said float means is at its low position wherein said flame is visible above said simulated building to a low position when said float means is at its high position wherein said flame element is retracted within and concealed by said buildf. external container means for adding fluid to said simulated building; and,

g. means for withdrawing fluid from said simulated building and for returning said fluid to said external container means.

9. A toy as recited in claim 8 wherein said means for adding fluid external container means comprises a portable simulated fire engine vehicle and said means for withdrawing fluid comprises a flexible hose connecting said simulated fire engine with said drain port.

10. A toy as recited in claim 8 wherein said fluid containing means comprises a cylinder and said float means comprises a float piston disposed therein having a diameter slightly less than the diameter of said cylinder whereby said cylinder walls restrain said float piston to a substantially vertical path of movement and said linkage means comprises a rod connected to said float piston at one end and connected to said flame simulating element at its other end and being pivotally mounted at a position intermediate to said ends.

11. A toy as recited in claim 8 wherein said fluid containing means comprises a plurality of cylinders, said float means comprises a like number of float pistons each disposed within a corresponding one of said cylinders for substantially vertical movement therein and each having pivotally connected thereto one of said flame simulating elements.

12. A toy as recited in claim 8 wherein said fluid containing means comprises a reservoir tank, said float means comprises a plurality of float elements each having pivotally attached thereto one of said flame simulating elements.

mg UmTED's'TATEs PATENT CERTIFICATE @F CURRECTION Patent No. 3,665,638 Dated May 30, 1972 lnvent flsz) ELIZABETH N. WEISTROP It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

In claim 8,

Column 7, line 35, please change "'horizontal" to --vertical--.

Signed; end ealed this 3rd day of'December 1974.

- (SEAL) Attest: v

c. MARSHALL DANN v Commissioner of Patents McCOY M. GIBSON JR. Attesting Officer

Claims (12)

1. A closed-system hydraulically actuated children''s toy for simulating a realistic phenomenon wherein a particular visual effect is produced by the addition of a controlled amount of fluid to the toy, comprising: a. fluid containing means having a drain port at the lower portion thereof; b. float means mounted within said fluid containing means for substantially vertical movement in response to the level of supporting fluid within said fluid containing means; c. visual effect means; d. linkage means operably connecting said visual effect means and said float means for causing said visual effect means to move between a concealed position within said toy and a visible position extending above the top of said toy in response to the vertical movement of said float means; e. a portable fluid container external to said fluid containing means; and f. fluid conduit means connecting said portable fluid container and said drain port whereby said fluid containing means is drained of said fluid by lowering said external container to an inferior position relative thereto.

2. A closed-system hydraulically actuated children''s toy for simulating the natural phenomenon of plant growth following irrigation, comprising: a. fluid containing means having a drain port at the lower portion thereof; b. float means mounted within said fluid containing means for substantially vertical movement from a low position to a high position in response to the level of supporting fluid within said fluid containing means; c. simulated soil containing means mounted above said fluid containing means; d. at least one simulated plant having a stem portion mounted on said float means and passing through said simulated soil containing means and a flower portion mounted on the upper end of said stem portion, said stem portion being connected to said float means for vertical movement from a low position when said float means is at its low position wherein said flower portion is concealed within said simulated soil containing means to a high position when said float means is at its high position wherein said flower portion is fully visible above said simulated soil containing means; e. external container means for adding fluid to said fluid containing means; and f. means for withdrawing fluid from said fluid containing means and for returning said fluid to said external container means.

3. A toy as recited in claim 2 wherein said external container means comprises a portable watering can and said means for withdrawing fluid comprises a flexible hose connecting said watering can with said drain port.

4. A toy recited in claim 2 wherein said fluid containing means comprises a cylinder and said float means comprises a float piston disposed within said cylinder having a diameter slightly less than the diameter of said cylinder whereby said cylinder walls restrain said float piston to a substantially vertical path of movement.

5. A toy as recited in claim 2 wherein said simulated soil containing means comprises a simulated flower pot mounted above said fluid containing means and having an orifice in the bottom surface thereof, through which said stem portion protrudes.

6. A toy as recited in claim 2 wherein said fluid containing means comprises a reservoir tank, said float means comprises a plurality of float elements each restrained to a substantially vertical path of movement within said tank, and each having mounted thereon one of said simulated plants and said soil simulating means comprises a simulated flower bed through the bottom of which protrude the stem portions of said simulated plants.

7. A toy as recited in claim 2 wherein said fluid containIng means comprises a plurality of cylinders, said float means comprises a like number of float pistons each disposed within a corresponding one of said cylinders for substantially vertical movement therein; and each having mounted thereon one of said simulated plants, and said simulated soil containing means comprises a simulated flower bed through the bottom of which protrude the stem portions of said plants.

8. A closed-system hydraulically actuated children''s toy for simulating the extinguishment of a fire within a burning structure upon application of water thereto, comprising: a. a simulated miniature building; b. fluid containing means mounted within said building and having a drain port at the lower portion thereof; c. float means mounted within said fluid containing means for substantially horizontal movement from a low position to a high position in response to the level of supporting fluid within said fluid containing means; d. at least one flame simulating element; e. linkage means pivotally connecting said flame simulating element and said float means for causing said flame simulating element to move from a high position when said float means is at its low position wherein said flame is visible above said simulated building to a low position when said float means is at its high position wherein said flame element is retracted within and concealed by said building; f. external container means for adding fluid to said simulated building; and, g. means for withdrawing fluid from said simulated building and for returning said fluid to said external container means.

9. A toy as recited in claim 8 wherein said means for adding fluid external container means comprises a portable simulated fire engine vehicle and said means for withdrawing fluid comprises a flexible hose connecting said simulated fire engine with said drain port.

10. A toy as recited in claim 8 wherein said fluid containing means comprises a cylinder and said float means comprises a float piston disposed therein having a diameter slightly less than the diameter of said cylinder whereby said cylinder walls restrain said float piston to a substantially vertical path of movement and said linkage means comprises a rod connected to said float piston at one end and connected to said flame simulating element at its other end and being pivotally mounted at a position intermediate to said ends.

11. A toy as recited in claim 8 wherein said fluid containing means comprises a plurality of cylinders, said float means comprises a like number of float pistons each disposed within a corresponding one of said cylinders for substantially vertical movement therein and each having pivotally connected thereto one of said flame simulating elements.

12. A toy as recited in claim 8 wherein said fluid containing means comprises a reservoir tank, said float means comprises a plurality of float elements each having pivotally attached thereto one of said flame simulating elements.

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