WO2011144894A1

WO2011144894A1 - Liquid displacement devices

Info

Publication number: WO2011144894A1
Application number: PCT/GB2011/000753
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tim Robertson
Original assignee: Tim Robertson
Priority date: 2010-05-19
Filing date: 2011-05-18
Publication date: 2011-11-24
Also published as: US20130061384A1; AU2011254366A1; CA2802826A1; EP2571413A1

Abstract

A liquid displacement device (3,13,23,33,43,53,63,73) comprises one or multiple inflatable containers (3,13,23,233,338,336,43,53,63,66,67,73,74), and an attachment (4,14,24,34,45,55,65,66,75) for attaching the liquid displacement device to a liquid storage vessel (1 ) wherein, when inflated and attached to an inner surface (1 1 ) of the liquid storage vessel (1), the liquid displacement device displaces liquid in the liquid storage vessel. The one or more containers (3, 13,23,23a,33a,33b,43,53, 63,66,67,73,74) may reside entirely or partially below the surface (2) of the liquid within the liquid storage vessel (1 ). The attachment comprises a tether (66) or suction means (4,14,24,34,45,55,65,75) such as suction cups. The container comprises a single compartment (3,13,53,63), or multiple compartments (23,23a, 33a, 33b,43,66,67,73,74) connected such that gas can flow between them. The device may be a toy including a storage compartment (35,50,68).

Description

LIQUID DISPLACEMENT DEVICES

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a device for displacement of liquid, particularly water in a storage vessel such as a bath or pool.

Background of the Invention

As fuel costs increase and in light of the growing concerns about carbon dioxide emissions and global warming, considerable emphasis is being placed on saving water, and the energy used to heat water for baths and swimming polls, in residential, commercial and educational premises. A modern bath can hold in excess of 150 litres of water, about three times as much water as is used during a single shower.

Increasingly water authorities, suppliers and industry bodies are actively encouraging consumers to take showers rather than baths. However, there remain a significant number of people who bathe, whether through choice or not.

There are several ways to use less water within a water storage vessel, such as a bath or pool. One way is to manufacture a shallower bath; however this is not a viable solution to premises with large baths already installed. Another way is to use a dense, heavy object, such as a brick to displace a proportion of the water, so entailing that not as much water needs to be used in order to fill a bath to the same height that is suitable for bathing.

However, these are not always desirable or cost effective solutions as the first option - to redesign and install baths - is expensive; and use of a dense, heavy object, is often awkward and not aesthetic or comfortable for the user. Also a relatively small volume of liquid is displaced per 'brick' device.

Inflatable devices designed for use in baths are also known. Typically, such devices take the form of inflatable chairs designed to assist elderly or infirm in entering or exiting a bathtub.

Other known inflatable devices include: children's toys, which may be attached to bathtubs via suction cups. However, such toys are small and do not displace a significant amount of water as they tend to float, rather than sink.

Prior Art

UK Patent Application GB-A-2 322 798 (Roberts) discloses a solid device which is filled with water and is designed to permanently occupy a proportion of the bath space. Such devices are uncomfortable for the user, and often lack flexibility of application.

US Patent US 5 896 598 (Jeans) discloses an inflatable seat which is equipped with a mechanical inflation means, and is designed to assist a person in getting into a bath and then to be deflated once the user has entered the bath, thus negating any water-saving properties.

Another example of a liquid displacement device is disclosed in German Utility Model DE-U1-202008006188 (Rittner). The arrangement disclosed has suction cups to enable it to be attached to walls of a bath tub so as to displace a volume of water and thereby reduce the total amount of water needed.

US Patent US 4 235 041 (Sweet) discloses a toy having suction cups. The suction cups enable it to be used on a smooth surface. Whilst some of the aforementioned devices are intended for use in a bath, such as for example the device depicted in DE-U1-202008006188, none shows the provision of a novelty device, such as a toy, that is intended to displace large volumes of liquid and are suitable for stowage as well as well as providing a degree of entertainment to bathers.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is a liquid displacement device suitable for use in a liquid storage vessel, such as a bath or pool, comprising: one or more containers which are capable of being permanently or temporarily filled with a material such as a gas; and an attachment for attaching the liquid displacement device, whereby in use, liquid displacement device displaces liquid in the liquid storage vessel, characterised in that a novelty device is provided for engaging a user's interest.

A preferred embodiment of the device is collapsible and is ideally provided with webbing or internal supports that ensure the device maintains its shape and structure when inflated and in use in a bath or pool.

This feature is important because internal webbing helps to create a roughly 'box' shaped, parallelepiped device so that it maintains its form when submerged. This aspect is also important in that it ensures that suckers which are formed on or in the base of the device, adhere to the surface of the bath in an even manner and so ensure even distribution of forces.

It is understood that the device may be incorporated into a toy.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a toy including a liquid displacement device suitable for use in a liquid storage vessel, such as a bath or pool, comprising: one or more containers which are capable of being permanently or temporarily filled with a material such as a gas; and an attachment for attaching the liquid displacement device to an inner surface of the bath or pool, whereby in use, liquid is displaced in the liquid storage vessel the toy has internal supports that are provided so as to ensure the toy maintains its shape and structure when inflated and in use.

Ideally an attachment means attaches the liquid displacement device to another object that is at least as dense as water and in use is located in the bath or pool so that, in use, the liquid displacement device displaces liquid.

Optionally the attachment means is a hook and eye system - such as Velcro (Trade Mark)

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a liquid displacement device suitable for use in a liquid storage vessel, such as a bath or pool, comprising: one or more containers which are capable of being filled with a material; and an attachment means for attaching the liquid displacement device to a surface of the bath or pool, whereby in use, the liquid displacement device displaces liquid in the liquid storage vessel, characterised in that a novelty device is provided for engaging a user's interest.

By significantly reducing the volume of water used per bath or pool, an appreciable saving in water and energy costs is achieved. It is to meet this objective that a preferred embodiment of the invention provides a liquid displacement device comprising: an inflatable container which is adapted to attach to an inside of a liquid storage vessel by suction means, said inflatable container, in use, resides predominantly beneath the surface of the liquid within the storage vessel and reveals at least a portion of a novelty device for engaging a user. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a liquid displacement device suitable for use in a liquid storage vessel comprising: a plurality of containers, at least one of which is either temporarily filled with a material, inflated with a gas or permanently inflated with a gas; and an attachment for attaching the liquid displacement device to a liquid storage vessel wherein, when inflated and attached to an inner surface of the liquid storage vessel, the liquid displacement device displaces liquid in the liquid storage vessel and a novelty device engages a user by providing a playing surface.

Alternatively, or in addition to, the liquid displacement device may comprise a toy or play thing or storage device which through its design and features provides entertainment for a bath user and engagement with the user, whether as a toy or through functional purpose.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a liquid displacement device adapted for use in a liquid storage vessel comprising: one or more containers which are filled with a material such as a liquid or a solid, whose density is at least that of water; and an attachment for attaching the liquid displacement device to a liquid storage vessel wherein, so that when located within the liquid storage vessel, the liquid displacement device, displaces liquid in the liquid storage vessel and the device includes a novelty device for engaging a user.

Ideally the device is partially or fully submerged to displace ideally at least 25 litres of water.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a liquid displacement device suitable for use in a liquid storage vessel, such as a bath or pool, comprising: a plurality of containers, at least one of which is capable of being filled with a material that is at least as dense as water; and an attachment means for attaching the liquid displacement device to a surface of the bath or pool, whereby in use, the liquid displacement device displaces liquid in the liquid storage vessel, characterised in that a novelty device is provided for engaging a user's interest.

Ideally the novelty device is an active novelty device and includes a powered element, such as a light or a sound source or any other device that operates so as to provide a sensory perceptive feedback. Other examples of devices that provide sensory perceptive feedback are: bells, buzzers, pumps or vibrating elements or features or arrangements that provide a stimulus or require some form of manual dexterity to accomplish.

Other examples of active novelty devices include: waterwheels, slides, shutes, helter-skelters or miniature buildings or models of life-size features such as vehicles. Such active novelty devices are optionally provided in a kit as separate items.

Passive novelty devices may be provided with the liquid displacement device, either independently or combined with one or more active novelty devices. Examples of passive novelty devices include: specific images, shapes or representations of real world experiences such as: houses, cars, imaginary and real geographical scenes, images or backdrops from television programmes, films, cartoons, video games, figures or characters.

Other examples of passive novelty devices are real or fictitious buildings or places, which may for example, embellish a displacement device, and may be in the form of obelisks on which buildings and landscapes can be formed, such as one on which the Eiffel tower is printed.

Alternatively passive novelty devices may be replicated in the form of imaginary places such as a scene from the legendry world of Atlantis. Alternatively the passive novelty device may be a replica of a famous or iconic view, such as a scale model of the Grand Canyon or Himalayan mountain ranges; or a representation of the moon, showing well known locations and geographical features; or an aerial view of a world city such as London, New York or Paris. Such passive novelty devices may be formed as a three dimensional replica or they may have features printed thereon or they may be produced as a three dimensional form and have printed features thereon. These latter examples of passive novelty devices may be useful as educational aids.

Another alternative of a passive novelty device is a sub-sea location, such as a shipwreck scene, with recesses and indentations and raised portions on which images have been formed such as pirate's flags, sea horses, star fishes, treasure chest, mermaids and fish.

In addition to the passive images and shaped arrangements one or more active novelty devices may be provided. For example with the aforementioned sub-sea location, these might include a light or series of coloured lights that flash on and off and/or a pump for pumping bubbles from a tube extending to the water surface or for pumping bubble bath so as to create bubbles in a bathtub and thereby create an engaging environment to occupy a toddler or young child, enabling them to play with other toys, such as dolls, animals, ships or other bath toys, as well as reduce the overall need for water.

Other examples of passive novelty devices, suitable as water related locations include: a liquid displacement device on which is printed a cave scene, or one on which is printed a desert island, or a village scene with shops and a duck pond, or a garage, or a playground or a hospital or a structure such as an iceberg.

Any of the aforementioned passive novelty devices may also have one or more active novelty features or elements; and all are ideally suited for play with toys or other novelty items, so that for example children are encouraged to take animals or other similar plastic toys into the bathtub so as to improve the play experience.

Alternatively passive novelty devices may include: famous characters, whether real or imaginary, formed or printed on the surface of the liquid displacement device and optionally the liquid displacement device may be formed in the shape of a bust or torso or other body part so as to create a novelty item.

Another embodiment of the water displacement device has features such as: storage elements, raised or lowered formations, regions of varying surface decoration, texture, pattern or colour. Additionally, or alternatively, the passive novelty device may have portions of differing material, printing lettering or other shapes, accessories or embossed regions formed on an outer surface.

Specific examples of passive novelty devices include: faces, pictures of landscapes, famous or iconic images or other items of furniture such as head rests, footrests recliners and back or lumbar supports. These might be designed in unique sizes or shapes.

Larger more aesthetic novelty devices, intended for adult users, include such items as: artificial animals, which may be flexible, such as snakes and conger eels, tables or supports on which drinks or toiletry items may be stored or placed; or even larger items which may be partially submerged and partially above the water level. These larger items may include busts of famous people or sex symbols, such as mannequins of heads or torsos of famous singers or movie stars. These may be combined with interactive devices such as push buttons for singing favourite songs or speaking famous lines or responding to voice commands. Facilities for reproducing music may be provided in the displacement device, permitting sound and/or video recordings to be played from waterproof speakers and waterproof displays, or for receiving l-Pod devices or other interactive personal entertainment equipment.

Liquid displacement devices may be fitted with adjustable lighting or cool cabinets in which drinks and food items may be kept in a cool environment, so that they are insulated from hot bath water.

In a yet further alternative embodiment the entire - or at least a portion of - the surface of the displacement device has a thermochromic dye so that colour changes appear at specific temperatures. This aspect could be incorporated into an aspect of the novelty feature of the device, for example a green colour could be used to signify grass or vegetation (for example on an island) and indicate that the correct temperature has been reached.

In a preferred embodiment one or more containers may be arranged to stack and/or inter-engage one with another, and so reside entirely or partially below the surface of the liquid within the liquid storage vessel.

Preferably, an attachment means comprises one or more suction means. In a preferred embodiment, the suction means includes one or more suction cups. Suction cups are typically manufactured from a synthetic plastics, rubber or other flexible and elastically resilient material, capable of adhering to any smooth surface within a liquid storage vessel.

Bathtubs and pools are typically constructed from smooth-surfaced materials including ceramic, acrylic, fibreglass, enamel or porcelain. Suction means may be fixed to the liquid displacement device so that it/they cannot be separated from the device. Alternatively, the suction means may be detachable from the liquid displacement device. The liquid displacement device is alternatively tethered either to a plug or rack or to a suction device that has limited (or neutral) buoyancy, such that the device is at least partially submerged in the liquid at all times and, once the liquid level exceeds a pre-defined level, the tether causes the displacement device to become more submerged informing the user that the liquid level is too high or that there is a risk of a bath overflowing.

Alternatively the displacement device has negative buoyancy and is adapted to sink. It may be formed from a recycled product such as high density plastics material. There is no limit to whether the displacement device is partially or fully submerged. An indicator may be provided to illustrate the amount of water being displaced.

In one embodiment, the liquid displacement device has one or more orifices which enable one or more suction cups to be releasably retained within orifices and, thereby permit the liquid displacement device to be situated on a variety of surfaces and arranged in a variety of positions.

Alternatively, the water displacement device may offer a mix of one or a multiple of fixed and releasable suction cups.

It is preferred that a container, defining the displacement device comprises: one or more isolated compartments. Alternatively, the container comprises multiple compartments connected such that a fluid pathway is defined between them.

Preferably, when, the container comprises multiple compartments, the compartments are separated physically but may be attached one to another.

The device preferably comprises more than one inflatable containers or a series of chambers which are in fluid communication, one with another. Preferably, the inflatable device is constructed from a synthetic plastics material, rubber or other flexible and elastically resilient airtight material capable of retaining air and contracting/expanding with air to displace water when submerged in the water storage vessel. Advantageously, the device is expandable to 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100 or more times its pre-inflation external volume.

Preferably, when inflated the inflatable device displaces at least 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 25, 30, 50 or more litres of water.

The displacement device may be inflated manually by blowing air in through a mouth piece, or through alternative mechanisms which draw in air until the desired expansion of the device has been achieved.

Preferably, the inflatable displacement device is inflated by mouth. An automated inflation mechanism may be provided; however, the inflatable device is not intended to be deflated in use, and as such the inflation mechanism does not comprise means for controlled deflation of the device.

Preferably, when the one or more containers are inflated with a gas, the containers expand to least twice their external pre-inflation volume.

The liquid displacement device can form a comfortable support for the user of a pool or bathtub. For example, it may be arranged on the sides of the bath, providing a cushioned support to the user. If it is arranged under the user, it advantageously extends for substantially, at least 25%, preferably at least 50% and most preferably for the entire length of the bathtub. The liquid displacement device occupies a fixed volume in use, and is not intended to be inflated or deflated whilst in use.

In a particularly preferred embodiment an interactive device is located in or on the displacement device. The interactive device may be a passive novelty feature - such as a flashing light, device for making a sound - eg a buzzer or bell - or it may an active device which requires some form of input from a user. An example of the former may be a keypad or coloured mat which a user has to press or contact so as to derive a response. This additional feature provides users with a level of engagement, entertainment or challenge which is otherwise not achievable from a conventional bath toy.

The device advantageously can include a storage compartment, into which it can be placed, when not in use.

The liquid displacement device is preferably a water displacement device.

The gas which inflates the liquid displacement device is preferably air but may be an alternative mixture of gases.

Preferably, the liquid displacement device comprises one or more containers which are either temporarily inflated with a gas or permanently inflated with a gas; or liquid or solid and an attachment for attaching the liquid displacement device to a liquid storage vessel.

The invention will now be described, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows a cross section through a first embodiment of a water displacement device according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a cross-section through a suction cup, in use, attached to the inflated water displacement device; Figure 3 is a plan view of a bath in which is installed a second embodiment of a water displacement device, in post-inflated condition, affixed to the inside of a water storage vessel by suction cups;

Figure 4 illustrates, in cross-section, a bath in which is installed the same embodiment of a water displacement device as Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a cross sectional view of a bath in which is installed a third embodiment of a water displacement device, in post-inflated condition, affixed to the inside of a water storage vessel by suction cups;

Figure 6 illustrates, in cross-section, a bath in which is installed the same embodiment of a water displacement device as Figure 5;

Figure 7 illustrates, in cross-section, a bath in which is installed the same embodiment of a water displacement device as Figure 5, folded into an additional variable shape, in post-inflated condition, affixed to the inside of a water storage vessel by suction cups;

Figures 8a to 8c show various views of another device according to the invention;

Figures 9a to 9c show various aspects of a further embodiment - a submarine;

Figures 10a to 10c show various aspects or another embodiment of the invention - a whale;

Figures 11 a to 1 1e show various aspects of yet another aspect of the invention - an island; Figures 12a to 12d show various aspects of another aspect of the invention - an educational character;

Figure 13 illustrates diagrammatically another embodiment of the invention in the form of a castle atop a hill;

Figure 14 illustrates diagrammatically another embodiment of the invention in the form of an island, surrounded by a beach;

Figure 15 illustrates diagrammatically another embodiment of the invention in the form of an island with sunken ships shown embedded on a seabed; and

Figure 16 illustrates diagrammatically another embodiment of the invention in the form of an volcanic island; and

Figure 17 shows in part sectional form illustrates diagrammatically another embodiment of the invention in the form of an exploded view of the embodiment shown in Figure 11c.

An internal webbing structure may be used to control the shape of the inflatable in order to maximise the amount of water displacement caused by the device. The internal webbing may be used to create a roughly 'box' shaped device so that it may closely fit the shape of most baths. The 'box' shape should also help to ease the fixation of the suckers onto the base of the bath and reduce the strain exerted on the suckers. The internal webbing structure may also be combined with printed graphics to create three dimensional features which provide aesthetic appeal.

Detailed Description of the illustrated embodiments Referring now to Figure 1 , a water storage vessel 1 contains a volume of water to a level as illustrated at 2. There is shown introduced into the water storage vessel a first embodiment of a water displacement device in post- inflated condition 3 comprising a generally rectilinear block of a material which after inflation expands to a larger volume.

The device 3 is attached to the inside of the vessel by suction cups 4 so that the inflated device lies affixed to a side of the water storage vessel submerged beneath the surface of the water, thereby displacing the volume of water equivalent entirely or in part to the volume of air contained therein. In this example, the water displacement device 3 is attached to the floor or base of the water storage vessel 1 ; this attachment is generally done by hand with pushing of the device by hand providing enough force to temporarily fix the device to the vessel surface.

Referring now to Figure 2, the suction cup 4 is shown permanently attached to the water displacement device 3. The suction cup 4 has a suction region 5 which is use is pressed against a surface, creating a vacuum which holds it in place and, a fixing region comprising a "T" shaped fixing 6 which is housed within a correspondingly shaped orifice 7 on the water displacement device 3.

Figures 3 and 4 show an alternative second embodiment, in plan view, and cross section respectively. In this example, the water displacement device 13 is attached to the wall 11 of the water storage vessel 1 using suction cups 14. The device 13 forms a u-shaped cushion around the wall 11 of the water storage vessel 1 against which a user can lie as it forms a cushion like structure.

Figures 5 and 6 show plan and cross sectional views respectively of a further alternative third embodiment in which the water displacement device 23 comprises five separated inflated compartments, connected such that air can flow between them to form one continuous device. Alternatively, these compartments may be separated physically but attached to form one device. The device, in use is placed starting at the top of an end 25 of the wall 21 and flowing down the wall 21 onto the base 22 of the water storage device 1. This forms, in effect a full or near to full length body pillow for a person lying down in the bath.

The first compartment 23a is preferably shaped as a roll and can be used as a neck support by a bather. The other compartments are essentially square or rectangular in shape. Although every compartment can be attached to the vessel 1 using suction cups 24, this is not required and for normal use only two or three compartments need the suction cups 24 to retain the device 23 is place.

Figure 7 shows in cross section how this third embodiment 23 can be reshaped to form a pyramid shape which resides entirely or partially beneath the surface of the water 2 within the water storage vessel 1 and which is affixed to the water storage vessel 1 by suction cups 24 thereby displacing the volume of water equivalent entirely or in part to the volume of air contained therein. The device 23 may be used as a cushion.

Figures 8a to 8c show a further embodiment comprising a device 33 which is a box 33a having a lid 33b or a recess in which various items such as balls 34 can be stored and released during bathing.

The device 33 is attached the base 12 of a water storage vessel 1 using suction cups 34 and has a hollow centre 35. The outside of the device 33 can be embossed into the manufacturing process used for messaging 36, such a safety messages or the logos of sponsoring parties. The line around the device may indicate the level of water to be displaced by the device. Figures 9a to 9c show various views of a further embodiment of the invention. In this case, the water displacement device 43 is a toy shaped like a submarine and is also a storage device.

The toy can include a gauge 44 to indicate approximate amount of water displaced by the storage device 1 . The submarine 43 is preferably attached to the bottom 42 of the water storage vessel 1 using suction cups 45. Ideally the submarine includes one or more features such as a periscope 46, port holes 47, a front viewing window 48 and propulsion means 49.

In addition, a storage compartment 50 is included which can store one or more toys, such as balls 51 . The lid may be hinged to the main body or it may be a separate compartment.

In a preferred embodiment, the submarine 43 is interactive and in addition to its purpose of storage may, for example spray or squirt water from various locations such as the periscope 46. This may be controlled using a button on the submarine 43 or by a remote control (neither shown) enabling parent interaction in bath-time playing. The button may complete an electric circuit which provides power to a motorised pump (not shown) or it may depress a mechanical plunger which in turn produces a head of pressure which forces water through an orifice to produce a fountain.

Alternatively, the embodiment can be designed to show other forms of transport, such as a boat, ship, yacht, ferry, hovercraft, barge, pirate ship, amphibious vehicles, oil rig, raft or warship.

Figures 10a to 10c show various aspects or another embodiment of the invention - a whale 53. The whale 53 is preferably attached to the base 52 of a water storage vessel 1 using suction cups 55. The whale 53 includes a breathing spout 56 through which a fountain 57 may be routed. The fountain 57 may be effected by one of a number of methods including using the tail 58 of the whale 53 as a pump. Alternatively, this can be designed with different animals, such as dolphins, sharks, fish, octopus, squid, turtle, ray, frog, water birds, mammals, amphibians, dinosaurs, reptiles such as crocodiles and snakes.

Figures 1 1a to 1 1e show various aspects of yet another embodiment of the invention - an island 63. The island 63 may be attached to the base 62 of a storage vessel 1 using suction cups 65 or, the island 63a may be tethered 66 to a plug 67 for example. The tethered version of the island 63a, 63b being designed with a buoyancy such that a proportion of the island is submerged 63b providing the water displacement according to the invention. The height of the suction cups or suckers 65 is such that the base of the device is held close to the base of the bath so as not to trap infants hands or legs thereunder.

The island 63 is preferably provided in two parts an upper 69 and a lower 69 part having an internal compartment 66. The two parts are hinged 69 together and move between an open and a closed position. When closed the internal compartment is sealed against water ingress and can be used to store toys etc.

Alternatively a displaceable device may be in the form of a container depicting a play scene to enable the user to interact with toys, squeezable devices, recesses and can be designed with different landscapes, for example island (treasure, pirate, desert, etc.), maps, lighthouse, ice bergs, castles, princess tower, beach/sand castle, rock pools, beach huts, city scraper, airport, water cycle. Figures 12a to 12d show various aspects of another aspect of the invention - an educational character 73. In this example, one or more 73a, 73b educational characters (water drops) are removably seated within a seat portion 74 which is attached using suction cups 75 or tethered to a plug (not shown). The educational characters 73a, 73b, (which may be well known characters from well known stories television/film shows or cartoons), can be removed from the seat portion 74 optionally revealing a hidden storage area where other toys can be housed.

The materials used to manufacture the devices 3,13,23,33,43,53,63,73 are typically synthetic plastics, rubber or other flexible and elastically resilient airtight material capable of retaining air, expanding/contracting with air to displace water when submerged and ideally are either coated with an antibacterial and/or a fungicidal coating or the material incorporates such additives within its composition. Such coatings and additives are known in the art and the skilled person would know which would be suitable for this invention.

The Figures are provided for illustrative purposes only. The shape, size, colour, format and location of the device in the bath or pool as well as the shape, size, colour, format and location of the suction cups on the device may be variable and is understood not to be limited by the designs depicted in the Figures.

When inflated, the device occupies a proportion of the volume of the water storage vessel, displacing water and reducing the volumetric content according to the size of the water displacement device post-inflation. For some embodiments for example and not limited to 3,13,23,73,74 it may be advantageous that the device is able to be inflated by the user and then deflated after use for easy storage and cleaning. Optionally anti-bacterial compounds can be impregnated in and/or coated on the surface material so as to prevent mould growth.

Alternatively, some of the embodiments 3, 13, 33, 43, 53, 63, 73,74 may be inflated during a production process such as blow moulding so they retain their shape and are not deflatable. These embodiments which act as anchors, may have a weight incorporated into the inner space produced during manufacture. The weight may be sand or water - ie something inert and not dangerous in the event of a leakage of the weighting material - so as to create negative or neutral buoyancy. Optionally means may be provided to anchor or connect the displacement device to one or more such weighted anchors. The tethering may include a zip fastener and/or a hook-and-eye type material.

Referring briefly to Figure 17, there is shown, in part sectional form, an exploded view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 1 c. A device 199 is in the form of a 'box' and has a top portion 230 side walls 240 and base 250, 250B on which suckers are connected. A tower or turret 200 has a top cover 210, 210B.

An internal webbing 201 , 202, 203 structure is used to control the shape of the device, which in this embodiment is inflatable, in order to maximise the amount of water displacement caused. The internal webbing 201 , 202, 203 creates a roughly 'box' shaped device so that it may closely fit the shape of most baths. The 'box' shape also helps to ease the fixation of the suckers 65 onto the base of the bath and so reduces the strain exerted on the suckers 65. The internal webbing structure may also be combined with printed graphics to create three dimensional features which provide aesthetic appeal, such as the castle turret 200.

It will be appreciated that a water displacement device of this kind is convenient to install requiring no skill or tools, and for baths and pools enables a considerable saving of water and energy used to heat that water. The device may require from time to time cleaning in an inflated position with substances that can be used on such materials.

The material of the water displacement device may be of plastics or rubber or other flexible and elastically resilient airtight material which may be conveniently packaged for purchase and which may retain air inside once inflated.

It is preferable for the device to be installed within a bath or pool in its inflated form in the required position before the water storage vessel is filled with water. Alternatively, it can be installed prior to inflation.

The device as described herein is clearly distinguished from and advantageous over such known devices for a similar purpose including building bricks or other solid objects placed in a bath or pool with the purpose to displace water as an element of user engagement is provided to entertain, educate or amuse a person.

It is to be appreciated that these Figures are for illustration purposes only and other configurations are possible.

The invention has been described by way of several embodiments, with modifications and alternatives, but having read and understood this description, further embodiments and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All such embodiments and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention as defined in the accompanying claims.

Ideally, as the device can be deflated, it is dimensioned and arranged so that it can be packed away into a relatively small package (deflated volume compared with when inflated) and so can be readily delivered to end users and by post. For example it is understood that the displaceable volume may be relatively small, that is less than 1 litre and even smaller than say 150 ml. Additionally a plurality of displaceable devices may be provided.

Another variation is that the device may be produced as a basic modular version with suitable spaces or voids shaped and dimensioned to receive add on components, such as updates with new features.

Furthermore, the displaceable device may have indicators showing how much liquid is displaced.

Claims

1. A liquid displacement device (3,13,23,33,43,53,63,73) suitable for use in a liquid storage vessel, such as a bath or pool, comprising: one or more containers (3,13,23,23a, 33a, 33b,43, 53,63,66,67,73,74) which are capable of being permanently or temporarily filled with a material such as a gas; and an attachment means (4,14,24,34,45,55,65,66,75) for attaching the liquid displacement device, whereby in use, liquid displacement device displaces liquid in the liquid storage vessel, characterised in that a novelty device is provided for engaging a user's interest.

2. A liquid displacement device (3,13,23,33,43,53,63,73) suitable for use in a liquid storage vessel, such as a bath or pool, comprising: one or more containers (3,13,23,23a, 33a, 33b,43, 53,63,66,67,73,74) which are capable of being permanently or temporarily filled with a material of density at least as great as water, whereby in use, the liquid displacement device displaces liquid in the liquid storage vessel, characterised in that a novelty device is provided for engaging a user's interest.

3. A liquid displacement device (3,13,23,33,43,53,63,73) suitable for use in a liquid storage vessel, such as a bath or pool, comprising: a plurality of containers (3, 3,23, 23a, 33a, 33b,43, 53,63,66,67,73,74), at least one of which is capable of being filled with a material that is at least as dense as water; and an attachment means (4,14,24,34,45,55,65,66,75) for attaching the liquid displacement device to a surface of the bath or pool, whereby in use, the liquid displacement device displaces liquid in the liquid storage vessel, characterised in that a novelty device is provided for engaging a user's interest.

4. A device according to claim 1 wherein, in use, the attachment means attaches the liquid displacement device (3,13,23,33,43,53,63,73) to another object that is at least as dense as water and in use is located in the bath or pool so that, in use, the liquid displacement device displaces liquid.

5. A device according to claim 1 wherein the attachment means is a hook and eye system.

6. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the displacement device (3,13,23,33,43,53,63,73) includes: an inflatable container which is adapted to attach to an inside of a liquid storage vessel by suction means, said inflatable container, in use, resides predominantly beneath the surface of the liquid within the storage vessel and reveals at least a portion of a novelty device for engaging a user.

7. A liquid displacement device suitable for use in a liquid storage vessel comprising: one or more containers (3,13,23,23a, 33a, 33b,43,53, 63, 66, 67, 73,74) which are either temporarily filled with a material, inflated with a gas or permanently inflated with a gas; and an attachment (4,14,24,34,45,55,65,66,75) for attaching the liquid displacement device to a liquid storage vessel wherein, when inflated and attached to an inner surface of the liquid storage vessel (1 ), the liquid displacement device displaces liquid in the liquid storage vessel and a novelty device engages a user by providing a playing surface.

8. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the liquid

displacement device comprises a toy or play thing that provides entertainment for a bath user.

9. A device adapted for use in a liquid storage vessel comprising: one or more containers (3,13, 23, 23a, 33a, 33b,43, 53,63,66,67,73,74) which are filled with a material such as a liquid or a solid, whose density is at least that of water; and an attachment means (4,14,24,34,45,55,65,66,75) for attaching the liquid displacement device (3,13,23,23a,33a_>33b_l43,53,63,66,67₎73_l74) to a liquid storage vessel wherein, so that when located within the liquid storage vessel, the liquid displacement device, displaces liquid in the liquid storage vessel (1) and the device includes a novelty device for engaging a user.

10. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the water displacement device has means to provide a feedback signal that is sensory perceptive.

11. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the device is an active novelty device and includes a powered element, such as a light or a sound source or any other device that operates so as to provide a sensory perceptive feedback.

12. A device according to claim 10 wherein the sensory perceptive feedback are from the group comprising: bells, buzzers, pumps or vibrating elements or features or arrangements that provide a stimulus or require some form of manual dexterity to accomplish.

13. A device according to any preceding claim wherein active novelty devices include: waterwheels, slides, shutes, helter-skelters or miniature buildings or models of life-size features such as vehicles.

14. A device according to any preceding claim wherein passive novelty devices include: images, shapes or representations of real world experiences such as: houses, cars, imaginary and real geographical scenes, images or backdrops from television programmes, films, cartoons, video games, figures or characters.

15. A liquid displacement device according to claim 1 wherein the novelty device is an active device and includes a powered element.

16. A liquid displacement device according to any preceding claim wherein the novelty device is a passive novelty device, from the group comprising: devices in the form of obelisks, buildings, imaginary places, sub-sea locations, a shipwreck scene, with recesses and indentations and raised portions on which images are shown.

17. A liquid displacement device according to any preceding claim wherein the novelty device is a passive novelty device, from the group comprising: pirates, sea horses, star fish, treasure chest, mermaids and fish, a cave scene, or one on which is printed a desert island, or a village scene with shops and a duck pond, or a garage, or a playground or a hospital.

18. A liquid displacement device according to any preceding claim wherein the novelty device is a passive novelty device, from the group comprising: famous characters, whether real or imaginary, formed or printed on the surface of the liquid displacement device and optionally the liquid displacement device may be formed in the shape of a bust or torso or other body part so as to create a novelty item.

19. A liquid displacement device (3, 13, 23, 33, 43, 53, 63, 73) according to any preceding claim wherein, the one or more containers (3,13,23,23a,33a,33b,43,53, 63,66,67,73,74) reside entirely or partially below the surface (2) of the liquid within the liquid storage vessel (1 ). ? claim 6

20. A liquid displacement device according to any preceding claim wherein, the attachment comprises a tether (66).

21. A liquid displacement device according to any preceding claim wherein, the attachment comprises suction means (4,14,24,34,45,55,65,75).

22. A liquid displacement device according to claim 11 wherein, the suction means comprises one or more suction cups (4, 14,24,34,45,55,65,75).

23. A liquid displacement device according to claim 22 wherein, one or more of the suction cups are releasable from the liquid displacement device.

24. A liquid displacement device according to claim 23, wherein one or more of the suction cups (4) are fixed with respect to the liquid displacement device.

25. A liquid displacement device according to any of claims 21 to 24, wherein the suction means is formed of a plastic, rubber or other flexible and elastically resilient material capable of adhering to a ceramic, acrylic, fibreglass, enamel, porcelain or other smooth surface within the liquid storage vessel.

26. A liquid displacement device according to any preceding claim wherein, the container comprises a single compartment (3,13,53,63).

27. A liquid displacement device according to any of claims 1 to 26 wherein, the container comprises multiple compartments (23, 23a, 33a, 33b,43,66,67, 73,74) connected such that gas can flow between them.

28. A liquid displacement device according to claim wherein, the container comprises multiple compartments, the compartments are separated physically but attachable one to another (23,23a, 66,67).

29. A liquid displacement device according to any preceding claim wherein, in use at least 5 litres of liquid is displaced by the liquid displacement device.

30. A toy includes a liquid displacement device suitable for use in a liquid storage vessel, such as a bath or pool, comprising: one or more containers which are capable of being permanently or temporarily filled with a material such as a gas; and an attachment for attaching the liquid displacement device to an inner surface of the bath or pool, whereby in use, liquid is displaced in the liquid storage vessel the toy has internal supports that are provided so as to ensure the toy maintains its shape and structure when inflated and in use.

31. A liquid displacement device, substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings

32. A method of manufacturing a device according to any of claims 1 to 29.

31. A toy substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings.