TOY

Abstract

An inflatable pool, beach or garden toy is described, the toy comprising an inflatable body; at least one valve disposed on the inflatable body; and a sound generator optionally comprising recorded media. Methods of manufacturing and inflatable pool, beach or garden toy are also described.

Claims

1. An inflatable pool, beach or garden toy comprising: a. an inflatable body; b. at least one valve disposed on the inflatable body; and c. a sound generator.

2. The toy according to claim 1, wherein the sound generator comprises a speaker and a recorded media, optionally wherein the recorded media comprises one or more pre-determined sound recording or simulation.

3. The toy according to claim 2, wherein the recorded media comprises three or more pre-determined sound recording or simulation, optionally different or distinct from one another, optionally capable of being played in rotation, a randomised order, or a pseudo-randomised order.

4. The toy according to claim 1, wherein the sound generator comprises: a. a microcontroller; b. a speaker; c. a power source; d. optionally an actuating switch; and e. optionally a microchip, wherein the microchip comprises the recorded media which optionally comprises the one or more pre-determined sound recording and/or sound simulation, wherein the recorded media is operatively connected to the speaker, and not under the control of any mobile device and/or any peripheral device.

5. The toy according to claim 4, wherein the microchip is incapable of receiving outside signals.

6. The toy according to claim 4, wherein the sound recording or sound simulation plays for a duration of between one (1) minute and three (3) minutes; between ten (10) seconds and one (1) minute; between ten (10) seconds and thirty (30) seconds; or between twenty (20) and twenty-five (25) seconds.

7. The toy according to claim 1, wherein the inflatable body comprises a soft, flexible material adapted to hold fluid, optionally water, air or gas, optionally wherein the inflatable body is adapted to form the shape of an animal, a vehicle, or a machine, when the inflatable body is inflated, and wherein the inflatable body optionally further includes one or more of a seat or saddle, at least one handle and a canopy.

8. The toy according to claim 1, wherein the toy is a flotation toy.

9. The toy according to claim 1, wherein the toy is a free-standing toy.

10. The toy according to claim 2, wherein the sound recording is a recording or simulation of an animal sound and correlates with the shape of the inflatable body.

11. The toy according to claim 4, wherein the microcontroller sends output pre-determined sound signals in response to the actuating switch, optionally wherein the microcontroller is programmed to comprise an auto-stop to stop output of the pre-determined sound signals from the microchip to the speaker after a defined time period.

12. The toy according to claim 4, wherein the microchip comprises a library of sound recordings, the library comprising at least three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more sound recording, optionally wherein the sound recordings are different or distinct from one another.

13. The toy according to claim 12, wherein the sound generator activates the output of sound from the library of sound recordings in a pre-determined sequence, optionally in rotation.

14. The toy according to claim 12, wherein the sound generator activates the output of sound from the library or sound recordings in a randomised order or a pseudo-randomised order, optionally in rotation.

15. The toy according to claim 1, wherein the sound generator is contained within a housing, optionally wherein the housing is waterproof.

16. The toy according to claim 1, further comprising a fluid distributor operable as a sprinkler, the fluid distributor comprising at least one spraying nozzle in fluid communication with a flexible hose, the flexible hose connectable to a fluid source.

17. The toy according to claim 1, further comprising at least one wall sealingly connected to at least one floor, the at least one wall and the at least one floor between them defining a cavity within which fluid is receivable.

18. The toy according to claim 1, wherein the toy is a ride-on toy.

19. A method of manufacturing a toy according to claim 1, wherein the method includes the steps of: a. providing an inflatable body; b. providing a housing for the sound generator; c. inserting the sound generator into the housing; d. sealing the sound generator within the housing, optionally wherein the sealing is heat-sealing, optionally wherein the seal is water resistant or waterproof; and e. optionally providing a canopy.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0113] In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to identical elements. The drawings are provided by way of example only, wherein:

[0114] FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing illustrating one embodiment of a toy according to the invention, wherein the inflatable body is in the shape of a crocodile, the sound generator generates crocodile sounds, and the actuating switch comprises a motion sensor.

[0115] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating several embodiments of a typical toy according to the invention for use by children, wherein the inflatable body is in the shape of a dinosaur (2A); a polar bear (2B), a sloth (2C), a flamingo (2D); a hippopotamus (2E), an otter (2F); and a narwhal (2G).

[0116] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating several embodiments of a typical toy according to the invention for use by younger children and/or toddlers, wherein the inflatable body is a tube with a head in the shape of an animal or a fantasy animal; a pirate parrot (3A); a kangaroo (3B), a pony (3C), a unicorn (3D); a pelican (3E), a sea horse (3F); a dragon (3G); a llama (3H); and a shark (31I).

[0117] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating several embodiments of a typical toy according to the invention for use by babies, optionally with a drop-in seat with the leg holes, wherein the inflatable body is in the shape of a baby seat with a head in the shape of a duck (4A); a dinosaur (4B), a pig (4C), and a unicorn (4D), a monkey (4E), a crocodile (4F), and an elephant (4G).

[0118] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating several embodiments of the typical toy according to the invention for use by babies, optionally with a drop-in seat with a leg holes wherein the inflatable body is in the shape of a vehicle or fantasy vehicle; a fire engine (5A); a spaceship (5B), and a police car (5C).

[0119] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating several embodiments of a typical toy according to the invention wherein the toy is in the form of a ride-on toy and is for use by more than one user, wherein the inflatable body is in the shape of an animal or a fantasy animal: a hippopotamus (6A), a dinosaur (6B), a dragon (6C), and a unicorn (6D).

[0120] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating several embodiments of a typical toy according to the invention wherein the toy comprises a fluid distributor operable as a sprinkler, wherein the inflatable body is in the shape of an animal or a fantasy animal: a Tyrannosaurus rex (7A), a brontosaurus (7B), and a unicorn (7C).

[0121] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating several embodiments of a typical toy according to the invention wherein the toy comprises a cavity operably defining a pool and a canopy, wherein the inflatable body comprises extensions in the shape of the head or other body part of an animal or a fantasy animal: a mermaid's tail (8A), a turtle (8B), and a unicorn (8C).

[0122] FIG. 9 shows a pair of photographs illustrating an embodiment of the method of manufacturing a toy according to the invention, showing the housing before the sound generator is inserted (9A) and after the sound generator is heat-sealed in the housing (9B).

[0123] FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of a method of manufacturing a typical toy of the invention.

[0124] Skilled addressees will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the relative dimensions of some elements in the drawings may be distorted to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0125] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a pool, beach or garden toy which may be used by children. Other embodiments of the present invention relate to a method of manufacture of a pool, beach or garden toy for use by children. The present invention is of significant advantage because it has interactive play features in the form of sounds that may be actuated by a child, in the absence of a mobile device and/or a peripheral device which sounds are automatically switched off after a pre-determined duration.

[0126] The present invention is directed to an inflatable pool or beach toy 10 comprising an inflatable body 12; at least one valve 14 (not shown) disposed on the inflatable body 12; and a sound generator 16.

[0127] In some embodiments, the toy 10 is a ride-on toy. In some embodiments, the ride-on toy is shaped and dimensioned to accommodate a single user. Such embodiments may be large relative to a child and typically between 70 cm and 80 cm in length, and between about 70 cm and 90 cm in width. Typical dimensions are as follows: 72 cm78 cm; 72 cm84 cm; and 72 cm86 cm.

[0128] In other embodiments, the right-on toy 10 is shaped and dimensioned to accommodate more than one user. Such embodiments may be large and typically between 150 cm and 180 cm in length, between about 140 cm and 160 cm in width and between about 80 cm and 120 cm in height. Typical dimensions are as follows: 158 cm138 cm110 cm; 165.1 cm96.52 cm88.9 cm; 158 cm138 cm110 cm; or 175 cm96.52 cm88.9 cm.

[0129] In some embodiments, the toy 10 is in the form of a flotation toy for use in water.

[0130] The inflatable body 12 is made from a soft, flexible material adapted to hold fluid, such as water, air or gas. The flexible material may be polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Mylar@, Latex, rubber, or polyurethane. The material may be transparent, semi-transparent, or non-transparent material.

[0131] The inflatable body 12 further includes one or more of a seat or saddle 18, and at least one handle 20.

[0132] In one embodiment, the toy 10 is a ride-on toy comprising an inflatable body 12 made from PVC that is non-transparent, the inflatable body 12 including a seat and at least one handle 20, wherein the inflatable body 12 is adapted to form the shape of a crocodile when inflated. FIG. 1 shows a schematic drawing of such an embodiment.

[0133] In some embodiments, the toy 10 further comprises self-inflating apparatus 22 and/or a solar panel 31 (not shown). The solar panel 31 may be integral with, or operatively connected to the inflatable body 12 and connected to the sound generator 16.

[0134] The sound generator 16 comprises: a microcontroller 24; a microchip 26; a speaker 28; a power source 30; and an actuating switch 32.

[0135] In most embodiments, the power source 30 is a battery, such as a long-life lithium battery.

[0136] The battery may be charged by wireless charging. Alternatively, the battery may be connected to and charged by a solar panel 31 (not shown).

[0137] The microchip 26 may be a Peripheral Interface Controller (PIC), an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), or a Chip on Board (COB).

[0138] The recorded media or microchip 26 comprises one or more pre-determined sound recording and/or sound simulation 34 stored in a memory. The pre-determined sound recordings and/or sound simulations 34 are provided in recorded media, wherein the recorded media is operatively connected to the speaker 28, and not under the control of any mobile device and/or any peripheral device. The sound recording 34 is a recording or simulation of an animal sound and typically correlates with the shape of the inflatable body 12. The recorded media or microchip 26 is typically incapable of receiving Rf signals, such as WiFi and Bluetooth.

[0139] In some embodiments, the inflatable body 12 is adapted to form the shape of an animal or fantasy animal when inflated. In such embodiments, the inflatable body 12 is adapted to form the shape of an animal or a fantasy animal selected from the group comprising, but not limited to, a monkey, a crocodile, a pig, a duck, a dragon, a parrot, a sea horse, a pony, a unicorn, a dinosaur, a hippopotamus, a turtle, a fish, and a mermaid.

[0140] Examples of such embodiments are shown in FIG. 2, wherein the inflatable body 12 is in the shape of a dinosaur (2A); a polar bear (2B), a sloth (2C), a flamingo (2D), a hippopotamus (2E), and otter (2F), or a narwhal (2G). Such embodiments are typically for use by children. Typical dimensions of such embodiments are about 70 cm to 80 cm in length and between about 70 cm and 90 cm in width.

[0141] In alternative embodiments, the inflatable body 12 is in the shape of the tube with an extension adapted to form the shape of the head or other body part of an animal when the inflatable body 12 is inflated. The extension of such embodiments is adapted to form the shape of the head or other body part of an animal or a fantasy animal selected from the group comprising a monkey, a crocodile, a pig, a duck, a dragon, a parrot, a sea horse, a pony, a unicorn, a dinosaur, a hippopotamus, a turtle, a fish, and a mermaid.

[0142] Examples of such embodiments are shown in FIG. 3, wherein the inflatable body 12 is in the shape of a tube with an extension forming the shape of a pirate parrot (3A), a kangaroo (3B), a pony (3C), a unicorn (3D), a pelican (3E), a sea horse (3F), a dragon (3G), a llama (3H), and a shark (31). Such embodiments are typically for use by younger children or toddlers. Such embodiments are typically between about 100 cm and 140 cm in diameter, preferably about 120 cm in diameter.

[0143] In still other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, the inflatable body 12 is in the shape of a baby seat with a head in the shape of a duck (4A), a dinosaur (4B), a pig (4C), a unicorn (4D), a monkey (4E), a crocodile (4F), and an elephant (4G). The baby seat is typically in the form of a drop-in seat with leg holes.

[0144] In further alternative embodiments, the inflatable body 12 is adapted to form the shape of the vehicle, a fantasy vehicle, a machine or machinery. Such embodiments include an inflatable body 12 adapted from the shape of a vehicle or fantasy vehicle selected from the group comprising emergency vehicles including a fire engine, an ambulance, a police car, an aeroplane, a spaceship, a boat, a yacht, and a submarine.

[0145] Examples of such embodiments are shown in FIG. 5, wherein the inflatable body 12 is in the shape of a vehicle or fantasy vehicle such as a fire engine (5A), a spaceship (5B), or a police car (5C).

[0146] In further alternative embodiments, the inflatable body 12 is adapted to form the shape of a machine, or machinery, selected from the group comprising, but not limited to, construction vehicles or machinery (not shown) such as a bulldozer, a digging vehicle, an excavator, a tractor, a truck, and a lorry.

[0147] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, the toy 10 is in the form of a ride-on toy and is for use by more than one user, wherein the inflatable body 12 is in the shape of an animal or a fantasy animal such as a hippopotamus (6A), a dinosaur (6B), a dragon (6C), and a unicorn (6D).

[0148] As shown in FIG. 1, in use a user activates the actuating switch 32 and the microcontroller 24 responds by the output of sound generation signals (not shown) that cause the sound recording or sound simulation 34 to play for a period of time. The sound recording or sound simulation typically plays for a duration of between one (1) second and three (3) minutes; between one (1) second and one (1) minute; one (1) second and thirty (30) seconds; between ten (10) seconds and thirty (30) seconds; between twenty (20) and twenty-five (25) seconds.

[0149] In some embodiments, each sound recording or sound simulation plays for a duration of between one (1) second and one (1) minute.

[0150] In other embodiments, each sound recording or sound simulation plays for a duration of between twenty (20) and twenty-five (25) seconds.

[0151] In other embodiments, in which the sound recording or sound simulation comprises the sound of a cow mooing or a pig oinking, the sound recording or sound simulation 34 plays for a duration of about three (3) seconds.

[0152] In one embodiment, the sound recording or sound simulation 34 plays for a duration of between twenty (20) and twenty-five (25) seconds.

[0153] In further embodiments, wherein the inflatable body 12 is adapted to form the shape of a crocodile when inflated, the sound recording 34 is a recording or simulation of crocodile sounds.

[0154] Further embodiments, wherein the inflatable body 12 is adapted to form the shape of a vehicle, the sound recording 34 is a recording or simulation of a respective corresponding vehicle. For example, when the inflatable body 12 is adapted to form the shape of a boat, the sound recording 34 is a recording or simulation of a boat sound.

[0155] In some embodiments, the recorded media or microchip comprises a library 35 of sound recordings 34, the library 35 of sound recordings 34 comprising at least three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more sound recordings 34. In preferable embodiments, the library 35 of sound recordings 34, comprises at least three sound recordings 34.

[0156] In embodiments comprising a lively 35 of sound recordings 34, the sound generator 16 is adapted to activate the output of sound from the library 35 of sound recordings 34 in a pre-determined sequence.

[0157] Alternatively, in other embodiments, the sound generator 16 is adapted to activate the output of sound from the library 35 of sound recordings 34 in a randomised order or a pseudo-randomised order.

[0158] The microcontroller 24 is further programmed to comprise an auto-stop 36. After a pre-determined time period from activation of the actuating switch 32, the microcontroller 24 stops output of the pre-determined sound signals (not shown), thereby causing the sound recording or sound simulation 34 to cease playing.

[0159] In some embodiments, the actuating switch 32 is a push button 38, located on the inflatable body 12, typically on at least one handle 20 of the inflatable body 12. In these embodiments, the push button switch 38 is actuated by a user gripping the at least one handle 20.

[0160] In other embodiments, the actuating switch 32 comprises a motion sensor 40. In these embodiments, the motion sensor switch 40 is actuated by a user mounting the ride-on toy.

[0161] The toy 10 may further comprise one or more LED 42 in communication with the power source 30, wherein when the toy 10 is in the shape of an animal, the one or more LED 42 is disposed in the inflatable body 12 at a location corresponding to the at least one eye of the shape of the animal.

[0162] In embodiments wherein the toy 10 is in the shape of a vehicle having at least one headlight 41 (not shown), or taillight, or rooflight, or navigation light, the one or more LED 42 is disposed in the inflatable body 12 at a location corresponding to the at least one headlight, to light, rooflight, or navigation light.

[0163] The sound generator 16 is contained within a housing 44. The housing 44 is typically the same material as that of the inflatable body 12 and is typically waterproof. The housing 44 may be resistant to high fluid pressure, such as high air pressure or high water pressure, when the toy 10 is inflated.

[0164] In some embodiments, the housing 44 is heat sealed and is attached to the interior of the inflatable body 12.

[0165] In other embodiments, the housing 44 is heat sealed and is attached to the exterior of the inflatable body 12.

[0166] In such embodiments, the seal is typically water resistant or water proof. Preferably the seal is water proof to a depth of one, two, five, ten, twenty-five metres.

[0167] In other embodiments, the toy 10 is freestanding for use out of the water.

[0168] In some freestanding embodiments for use out of the water, the toy 10 further comprises a fluid distributor 46, operable as a sprinkler. The fluid distributor 46 comprises at least one spraying nozzle 48 in fluid communication with a flexible hose 50, the flexible hose 50 connectable to a fluid source 52.

[0169] The at least one spring nozzle 48 is optionally pivotally operable.

[0170] Examples of such embodiments were in the toy 10 further comprises a fluid distributor 46, operable as a sprinkler, as shown in FIG. 7, wherein the inflatable body 12 is in the shape of an animal or a fantasy animal such as a Tyrannosaurus Rex (7A), a brontosaurus (7B), and a unicorn (7C). The fluid distributor 46 is typically located in the mouth 54 of an animal, in embodiments were in the inflatable body 12 is in the shape of an animal with a mouth 54. Such embodiments are typically about 180 cm to about 190 cm in length, about 160 cm to about 210 cm in width, and about 80 cm to 110 cm in height, for example 185 cm192 cm82 cm; 183 cm167 cm102 cm; and 180 cm202 cm88 cm. In other embodiments, wherein the inflatable body 12 is in the shape of a vehicle having simulated hose equipment 56 (not shown), the fluid distributor is located in the simulated hose equipment 56.

[0171] In other freestanding embodiments for use out of the water, the toy 10 further comprises at least one wall 58 sealingly connected to at least one floor 60, the at least one wall 58 and the at least one floor 60 between them defining a cavity 62. Fluid, such as water, is receivable in the cavity which, when water is received in the cavity 62, defines a pool.

[0172] Such embodiments optionally further comprise a canopy 64 which is inflatable. Such embodiments are typically about 140 cm to about 160 cm in length, about 120 cm to about 150 cm in width, and about 100 cm to 130 cm in height. For example, such embodiments may comprise the following dimensions: 150 cm140 cm125 cm.

[0173] Optionally, the canopy 64 is separate from the toy 10 and attachable to the toy 10 by way of at least one canopy faster 66 disposed on the canopy 64 and/or the toy 10. The at least one canopy faster 64 typically comprises one or more press-fit fasteners or hook-and-loop fabric fasteners, such as Velcro.

[0174] In alternative embodiments, the canopy 64 is integral with the inflatable toy 10. The canopy 54 may be co-inflatable with the toy 10. Alternatively, the canopy 64 may be independently inflatable.

[0175] In some embodiments, the toy 10 comprises at least one wall 58 sealingly connected to at least one floor 60, the at least one wall 58 and the at least one floor 60 between them defining a cavity 62 within which fluid is receivable, the toy further comprising a canopy 64.

[0176] Examples of such embodiments are shown in FIG. 8, wherein the toy 10 comprises a cavity 62 operably to defining a pool and a canopy 64, wherein the inflatable body 12 comprises extensions in the shape of the head or other body part of an animal or a fantasy animal such as a mermaid's tail (8A), a turtle (8B), and a unicorn (8C).

[0177] As shown in FIG. 10, the toy 10 is typically manufactured according to a method 300 which includes the steps of: providing 302 an inflatable body 12; providing 304 a housing for the sound generator 16; inserting 306 the sound generator 16 into the housing; and sealing 308 the sound generator 16 within the housing 44. In preferred embodiments, the sound generator 16 is heat sealed within the housing 44. FIG. 9A shows the housing 44 before the sound generator 16 is inserted and FIG. 9B shows the housing 44 after the sound generator 16 is heat-sealed in the housing (B).

[0178] In some embodiments of the method 300, the method 300 further comprises the step of providing 310 at least one wall 58 and at least one floor 60; and sealingly connecting 312 the at least one wall 58 to the at least one floor 60, thereby defining a cavity 62 within which fluid is receivable.

[0179] In a further embodiment of the method 300, the method 300 further comprises the step of providing 314 a fluid distributor 46, wherein the fluid distributor 46 comprises at least one spring nozzle 48 in fluid communication with a flexible hose 50, the flexible hose connectable to a fluid source 52.

[0180] The at least one spraying nozzle 48 may be pivotally operable.

[0181] In embodiments in which the toy 10 is in the shape of an animal with a mouth, the fluid distributor 46 is located in the mouth.

[0182] In embodiments in which the toy 10 is in the shape of a vehicle or machine with simulated hose equipment 56, the fluid distributor 46 is located in the simulated hose equipment 56.

[0183] In some embodiments of the method 300, the method 300 further comprises the step of providing 316 a canopy 64.

[0184] The canopy may be separate from the toy 10.

[0185] In embodiments where in the method 300 comprises the step of providing 316 a canopy 64 that is separate from the toy 10, the method 300 further comprises the step of providing 318 at least one canopy fastener 66 for attaching the canopy 64 to the toy 10.

[0186] The at least one canopy fastener 66 typically comprises one or more press-fit fasteners. Alternatively, the at least one canopy fastener comprises hook-and-loop fabric fasteners, such as Velcro.

[0187] In embodiments where the method 300 comprises the steps of providing 316 a canopy 64, wherein the canopy is separate from the toy 10 and providing 318 at least one canopy fastener 66 for attaching the canopy 64 to the toy 10, the method 300 further comprises the step of locating 320 the at least one canopy fastener 66 to the canopy and/or to the toy 10.

[0188] Advantageously, the toy of the invention comprises an auto-stop programmed into the microcontroller which facilitates a relatively short duration of the sound recording or sound simulation. This assists in prolonging the life of the battery of the sound generator. The prolonged life of the battery assists in prolonging the life of the toy and allows the sound generator to be permanently sealed, such as by way of heat-sealing, within the housing such that it is not necessary for a user to replace the battery. Such permanent heat-sealing of the housing facilitates the inexpensive production of a waterproof compartment for the sound generation means and accordingly reduces costs of large-scale production of the toy.

[0189] A further advantage of the invention is that the recorded media is operatively connected with the speaker and not under the control of any mobile device and/or any peripheral device. This allows a child or movement to activate the actuating switch without the need for a mobile device and/or any peripheral device and decreases the risk of water damage to such expensive items.

[0190] In this specification, the terms comprises, comprising or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely but may well include other elements not listed.

[0191] Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. Persons skilled in the relevant art may realize variations from the specific embodiments that will nonetheless fall within the scope of the invention.