Abstract
A target toy using water to float or suspend an object with hydraulic surface tension suction trapping water relative to atmospheric pressure differential maintained with a displaceable target atop a capsule pod assembled with a character suit. An upper clear dome of the pod extends above a torso of the suit so a figure character head rises into view while the pod is filled and as long as the target remains atop, but subsequently the character head falls out of view into the lower base portion falling out of view while water is drained when the target is impacted by the projectile. When the target is struck or removed during gameplay its air seal is broken and the water evacuates through the bottom of the pod. The character head sinks as the water drains and the player is considered defeated.
Claims
1. A toy target apparatus comprising: a seal device comprising: a toy target, and a seal deformable plug end; a fluid capsule apparatus comprising: an upper clear dome portion, and a lower base portion; and a suspendable object inside said capsule with fluid to raise said object therein.
2. The toy target apparatus of claim 1, wherein the suspendable object is coupled to the lower base portion of the fluid capsule apparatus.
3. The toy target apparatus of claim 1, wherein the suspendable object is tethered within the fluid capsule apparatus.
4. The toy target apparatus of claim 1, comprising a post coupled to the lower base portion of the fluid capsule apparatus wherein the suspendable object is slidably coupled with the post.
5. The toy target apparatus of claim 1, comprising a helical post coupled to the lower base portion of the fluid capsule apparatus wherein the suspendable object is rotatably coupled with the post.
6. The toy target apparatus of claim 1, comprising a light source and a light pipe for illumination from the lower base portion of the fluid capsule apparatus wherein the suspendable object is coupled slidably and illuminated from the light pipe.
7. The toy target apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lower base portion of the fluid capsule apparatus defines a hole at a bottom of the lower base portion through which fluid inside capsule is allowed to flow.
8. The toy target apparatus of claim 1, comprising a syringe pump wherein the upper clear dome portion of the fluid capsule apparatus defines a hole at top the upper clear dome portion where the syringe pump is received to introduce fluid into the fluid capsule apparatus.
9. The toy target apparatus of claim 1, comprising a bellows pump wherein the lower base portion of the fluid capsule apparatus defines a hole at a bottom of the lower base portion where the bellows pump is received to introduce fluid into the fluid capsule apparatus.
10. The toy target apparatus of claim 1, wherein the upper clear dome portion of the fluid capsule apparatus defines a hole at top the upper clear dome portion where the seal deformable plug end of the toy target seal device is received to maintain fluid inside the fluid capsule apparatus.
11. The toy target apparatus of claim 10, wherein the lower base portion of the fluid capsule apparatus defines a hole at a bottom of the lower base portion through which fluid inside capsule is allowed to flow.
12. The toy target apparatus of claim 11, comprising a housing for receiving the fluid capsule apparatus, said object disposed in relation to said housing for being alternately suspended and obscured from view, respectively, with the presence and absence of fluid inside capsule.
13. The toy target apparatus of claim 12, wherein the housing for receiving the fluid capsule apparatus defines a hole at an internal lower portion of the housing through which fluid from inside capsule is allowed to flow and expel from the hole at an internal lower portion of the housing.
14. A toy target apparatus comprising: a seal device comprising: a toy target, and a seal deformable plug end; a fluid capsule apparatus comprising: an upper clear dome portion, and a lower base portion; a suspendable object inside said capsule with fluid to raise said object therein; and a housing for receiving the fluid capsule apparatus, said object disposed in relation to said housing for being alternately suspended and obscured from view, respectively, with the presence and absence of fluid inside capsule.
15. The toy target apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a dunk playset structure comprising plural fluid capsule apparatus, each comprising upper clear dome and lower base portions with respective suspendable objects supported therein, including plural seal devices with toy targets and seal deformable plug ends.
16. The toy target apparatus of claim 15, wherein the dunk playset structure comprises a fluid capsule apparatus rack having an upper portion and a lower base portion, the lower base portion of the dunk playset capable of receiving fluid, wherein the fluid capsule apparatus are lowered and suspended with the fluid capsule apparatus rack when receiving fluid to the suspendable object within each fluid capsule apparatus allowing the fluid to raise said object therein.
17. The toy target apparatus of claim 16, comprising a syringe pump wherein the upper clear dome portion of the fluid capsule apparatus defines plural holes at top the upper clear dome portions where the syringe pump is received to introduce fluid into the fluid capsule apparatus.
18. The toy target apparatus of claim 17, wherein the actuating the toy target seal devices causes the toy target seal devices to be removed from the holes at the upper clear dome portions of the fluid capsules, allowing the fluid within the fluid capsule apparatus to release and to be received by the lower portion of the dunk playset.
19. A toy target method comprising the steps of: providing a fluid capsule apparatus including an upper clear dome portion, and a lower base portion; defining a hole at top the upper clear dome portion; positioning a seal device having a toy target with a seal deformable plug end at the hole at top the upper clear dome portion; and suspending an object inside said capsule with fluid to raise said object therein.
20. The toy target method of claim 19, further comprising a step of providing a light source for illumination from inside the lower base portion and directed in the fluid capsule apparatus wherein the suspendable object is illuminated.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0008] For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the invention, the accompanying drawings and detailed description illustrate preferred embodiments thereof, from which the invention, its structures, its constructions and operations, its processes, and many related advantages may be readily understood and appreciated.
[0009] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a toy capsule apparatus game system assemblies and methods illustrating inventive toy game assembly with a displaceable or deformable target positioned atop a toy capsule apparatus or pod assembled as a target pod with a figure's character suit where an upper clear dome portion of the pod is positioned between the target and the suit with a lower base portion of the pod located at least partially within the suit. Pod 16 may be provided essentially as an elongated round or cylindrical two-part vessel with a clear upper portion and an obscuring lower portion.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the character suit of the game assembly figure's character within which the lower base portion of the pod located.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the toy capsule apparatus game assembly shown in an environment with portions in broken lines for illustrative purposes.
[0012] FIGS. 4A and 4B are side elevational views of an alternate embodiment pod of the toy capsule apparatus game assembly having the displaceable or deformable target 12 hinged at 13 atop the pod 16 assembled with the target pod at a spring biased arm that may include an arm, a pivot with a torsion spring or a living hinge for a seal deformable plug end such that when the target is hit or moved with a projectile displaced the seal from atop character head falls out of view while the pod is drained of water expelled at opening of lower base portion.
[0013] FIGS. 5A and 5B are front and side elevational views of an alternate embodiment toy capsule apparatus game assembly having an illumination source at or below the pod and within the figure's character suit, e.g., with batteries in its feet, wherein the light up electromechanical suit may incorporate and internal water barrier to protect active electronics.
[0014] FIGS. 6A and 6B are front elevational and partial perspective views of an alternate embodiment pod of the toy capsule apparatus game assembly having the figure character head disposed to spin as pod is drained of water with vertical post having a twisted or helix rail.
[0015] FIGS. 7A through 7G are respective views of the toy capsule apparatus of the present inventions.
[0016] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the toy game and launcher assemblies including the pod where lower base portion is shaped with contours complementary to be received into suit, with the backside of suit being recessed for receiving launcher attachment included in exploded perspective view with one of the launchers shown in the exploded view.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the inventive game apparatus and two players and illustrates two players using launchers to shoot projectiles at opposing targets of the present described game assemblies; FIGS. 9A through 9N are respective views of loading trays for receiving respective toy capsule apparatus of the present inventions.
[0018] FIGS. 10A and 10B are front elevational views of an alternate embodiment toy capsule apparatus in assembly with displaceable or moveable button target as heart shaped as a toggle button atop and along a fluid channel with a horizontal health bar indicators of health status of the player's toy capsule apparatus.
[0019] FIG. 11 is a top plan view of an alternate loading tray with a single water trough while accommodating opposing players'toy capsule apparatus from which channels in the tray divert water as the players are defeated and expel water into lower trough.
[0020] FIG. 12A is a front elevational view showing a revive station syringe coupling rotatably positioned at the top of pod in an alternate revive station embodiment for reviving the apparatus by drawing water into the pod from the bottom thereof using a syringe pump mechanism of FIG. 12B. FIGS. 12C-12D illustrate a further syringe mechanism with a tray where pushing down on syringe end pusher draws water into the pod from below as air is sucked out through a tube. FIGS. 12E-12F illustrate an internal syringe revive mechanism suit to recirculate water into the pod from within the internal syringe revive mechanism.
[0021] FIGS. 13A and 13B are front elevational views alternate embodiments revive mechanism bellows to draw water while pressing revive mechanism bellows pushing water into respective pod apparatus game assemblies providing for drawing water from alternate loading tray.
[0022] FIGS. 14A and 14B are closed and opened view an alternate large syringe revive station mechanism and playset in the form of an enlarged game pod with sides for transport in a fully folded configuration, retainer and handle, and which are opened in FIG. 14B to reveal a target grid matrix with support tray and base where the game apparatus.
[0023] FIGS. 15A, 15B and 15C are partial and partial elevational views showing a further playset embodiment as a Zombie shark playset with a play pattern of the Zombie shark playset to defeat, by hitting all targets of pods to reveal a zombie shark head chamber for a secondary arcade effect as water from these pods reveals a large pod inside.
[0024] FIGS. 16A, 16B and 16C are partial and partial elevational views showing another Zombie shark playset embodiment with a further play pattern of the Zombie shark playset.
[0025] FIGS. 17A and 17B are front elevational views of an alternate embodiment pod 16 of the toy capsule apparatus game assembly having its target at toy capsule apparatus assembled as a target pod with an alternate figure character suit where sucker arms are displaceable, knocking off the target causes appendages to fall off with water expelled through shoulders attachment points, and likewise FIGS. 18A and 18B are front elevational views of an alternate embodiment pod of the toy capsule apparatus game assembly having its target at toy capsule apparatus or pod assembled as a target pod with an alternate figure character where sucker displaceable side features are displaced.
[0026] FIG. 19 is a perspective view an alternative playset embodiment where two players may launch projects at each other player's fluid capsules or one player may launch projectiles at a dunk tank with plural fluid capsules.
[0027] FIGS. 20 and 21 show a perspective view of the dunk tank, with plural fluid capsules and a dunk tank target for lowering all dunk tanks at once.
[0028] FIGS. 22 and 23 show a perspective view of the catch and latch mechanism of the dunk tank target, for lowering the fluid capsules of the dunk tank upon actuation of the dunk tank target.
[0029] FIGS. 24A, 24B, 24C and 24D show a perspective view of the dunk arena playset embodiment in the two-player configuration with the assembly and operation.
[0030] FIGS. 25A, 25B and 25C, show additional fluid capsules of the dunk arena playset as well as the operation of the deformable target of the fluid capsules.
[0031] FIGS. 26A and 26B show the operation of the catch and latch mechanism of the target of the dunk tank.
[0032] FIGS. 26C, 26D and 26E show the refilling of the fluid capsules, resetting dunk tank and resetting the launchers.
[0033] FIGS. 27A, 27B and 27C show the dunk arena playset in a single player configuration, where one launcher launches projectiles at the dunk tank.
[0034] FIGS. 28A, 28B and 29 show a deformable target mask attaching to the deformable target, thereby allowing for customizable graphics to be attached to the deformable target.
[0035] FIGS. 30A and 30B show the single pod dunk tank capable of refilling a single fluid capsule.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0036] The following description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the described embodiments set forth in the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention. Various modifications, equivalents, variations, and alternatives, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Any and all such modifications, variations, equivalents, and alternatives are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0037] Referring FIG. 1, a game apparatus embodiment of the present invention, generally designated 10, is seen in perspective to generally show toy capsule game system assemblies and methods illustrating inventive toy game assembly 10 with a displaceable or deformable target 12 positioned atop a pod 16 of the capsule apparatus. The target 12 employs a seal device structure as a seal deformable plug end. The pod 16 or fluid capsule apparatus has: an upper clear dome portion 30, and a lower base portion 32. A suspendable object 38 such as a character head is provided therein with fluid such as water to raise the object 38. A support housing such as a character suit 14 receives the fluid capsule apparatus 10.
[0038] Object 38 is thus disposed in relation to the housing 14 for being alternately suspended and obscured from view, respectively, with the presence and absence of fluid 33 inside pod 16. Pod 16 assembles with the figure's character suit 14 such that upper clear dome portion 30 is positioned between the target 12 and the suit 14 with a lower base portion 32 located at least partially within the suit 14 such that the upper clear dome portion 30 extends above a torso 26 of the character suit 14 so character head 38 is allowed to rise into view within the upper clear dome portion 30 while the pod 16 is filled with water 33 as long as the target remains atop the dome portion 30 of the pod 16, but subsequently the figure character head 38 falls out of view into the lower base portion 32 of the pod 16 if or when the target 12 is removed, hit or displaced from atop dome portion 30, character head 38 falling out of view while the pod 16 is drained of water 33 as hidden either or both by the lower base portion 32 or the suit 14 by way of the pod 16 lower base portion 32 being located at least partially within the suit 14. The game apparatus 10, FIGS. 1-3, uses water to float or suspend an object 38 with hydraulic surface tension suction trapping water relative to atmospheric pressure differential maintained with a displaceable target atop a capsule pod assembled with a character suit.
[0039] As disclosed herein filling of pod 16 may be achieved in several alternate fashions, and once filled suction force created relative to pressure differential for lower internal pressure for suction force drawing water into pod 16 via partial vacuum sufficient for a lower relative internal pressure inside, creating the suction therein sufficient to maintain water 33. The mechanics/physics of use are like the trapping water in a straw finger trick using the principle of air pressure that occurs when a straw is inserted in water and the top of the straw is covered, the straw is pulled from the water and the water remains in the straw due to atmospheric pressure on trapping water counterbalancing the weight of the water. The lower base portion 32 or bottom half may be opaque to obscure or hide the object 38 when it sits inside the bottom, opaque, half of the pod 16 until the consumer fills the capsule with water through a hole in the top or bottom. Once filled the object 38 floats to the top and is visible in upper clear dome portion 30. Object 38 may be tethered to the bottom with string, ribbon film, cord, e.g., fishing line or tether, or a clear post 40 or shaft for forward facing object 38. As shown in FIG. 1 the target 12 which fits into a hole 34 in the top of dome 30 of pod 16. There is another hole 35 shown in FIGS. 4A, 4Band 7G in the bottom of base portion 32 discussed herein such that when bottom hole 34 is covered and bottom hole 35 is uncovered the described suction force pressure keeps the water 33 from flowing. When the target 12 is knocked from/removed from the top of dome 30 then water 33 flows to expel freely causing the head 38 to sink to the opaque section of lower base portion 32 again.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 1 and the exploded perspective view of FIG. 8 assemblies including the pod 16 where lower base portion 32 is shaped with contours complementary to be received into suit 14, including in exploded perspective a view of vertical post 39 providing rail 40 on which the character head 38 is mounted. The rail 40 is secured to the base 32 of the pod 16 via the tines 42 at the bottom end 44. It is keyed 40a such that the hook 48 at the top always faces the back of the pod 16, and glued or sonic welded into place. Hook 48 at the top of the rail 40 to control the maximum height of the head 38 when suspended in water 33. Tines 42 shapes at the bottom of the rail 40 create bottom end 44 openings at 46 for water 33 to evacuate via the hole 35 in the bottom 32 of the pod. Keyed 40a section provides a rectangular XZ cross-section profile at 40a post ensures that whatever character 38 is mounted will not spin freely along post 39 when travelling up or down due to water or other means. Character Head 38 may be a 2-piece assembly having a front half (face) 38a with two peg holes and the backside half 38b has two pegs and a rectangular channel cut through from the top to bottom. The rectangular channel is slightly larger than the dimensions of the post 40a to provide some play or side-to-side movement while the character head 38 is suspended in water 33. The character head 38 is assembled around post 40 such that the hook 48 overhangs the back half 38b of the character head 38, with the two halves 38a, 38b, of the character head 38 sonic welded. To fill the pod 16 and reveal the character head 38 the user may dunk pod 16 into a cup of water (not shown) pod 16 may be achieved in several alternate fashions, such as forcing fluid into top hole 34 or drawing into bottom hole 35 with a syringe, pump, or other fluid delivery mechanism or via a playset reservoir. Water fills pod 16 from the bottom 35 and air leaves through the top 34. As it is filled, assuming the pod 16 is being filled in a vertical orientation as instructed, the character head 38 rides the rail 40 to the top and appears to the consumer. Target 12 is then inserted into the top 34 of pod 16 creating an air seal at 34 that holds the water 33 therein, while water 33 is drained when the target 12 is impacted by the projectile 52. When the target 16 is removed (shot off during gameplay) the air seal at 34 is broken and the water 33 evacuates through the bottom 35 of the pod 16. The character 38 sinks as the water 33 drains and is considered defeated. It is noted that throughout this detailed description, words such as upper, lower, front, back, rear, top and bottom, as well as similar positional terms, refer to portions or elements of the game apparatus as they are viewed in the drawings, or in relationship to the positions of the apparatus as it will typically be deployed and moved during use, or to movements of elements based on the configurations illustrated.
[0041] FIG. 2 shows a top plan view of an embodiment of the character suit 14 of the game assembly figure's character within which the lower base portion 32 of the pod 16 located partially where the figure character head 38 therein falls out of view into the lower base portion 32 of the pod 16 where water 33 of the pod 16 is drained by gravity from the lower base portion 32 through an opening 36 in the suit 14 in a lower portion within the suit 14. The suit 14 is essentially a receptacle, small case, or container for pod 16. Suit 14 includes a Torso 26, Feet 20, Arms 22, and Hand with a recess 24. FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the toy capsule apparatus game assembly 10 shown in an environment with portions in broken lines for illustrative purposes. The upper clear dome 30 curvature with water further facilitates magnification of object 38 therein.
[0042] Torso 26 of FIG. 2 may further incorporate a Hydrochromic embodiment of character suit 14 with the outside of the toy game assembly figure's character may have hydrophobic surfaces being hydrophilic providing color changing toys with materials covered with hydrochromic ink, film, or other examples including thermochromic ink, or photochromic ink. Other examples may include color changing hydrochromic or thermochromic paint, or the like with the ability to change color or transition go from a color to a translucent layer. U.S. Pat. No. 11,642,606 to Sleman for Hydrochromic building elements and methods of use is hereby incorporated herein by reference, for exposing a hydrochromic building element to water. This advantageous effect can reverse itself once the material dries.
[0043] FIGS. 4A and 4B are side elevational views of an alternate embodiment pod 16 of the toy capsule apparatus game assembly having the displaceable or deformable target 12 hinged atop the pod 16 assembled with the target pod at a spring biased arm that may include an arm, a pivot with a torsion spring or a living hinge for a seal deformable plug end at hole 34 to secure figure character head 38 being allowed to rise into view within the upper clear dome portion 30 while the pod 16 is filled with water 33 as long as the target remains atop the dome portion 30, 34 of the pod 16; a light spring, sprung hinge target as a slight seal is fine. Subsequently the figure character head 38 falls out of view into the lower base portion 32 of the pod 16 when the target 12 is hit or moved with a projectile 52 displaced the seal from atop from hole 34, character head 38 falling out of view while the pod 16 is drained of water 33 expelled at opening 35 of lower base portion 32.
[0044] FIGS. 5A and 5B are front and side elevational views of an alternate embodiment toy capsule apparatus game assembly having an illumination source 60 such as an LED 60 (light emitting diode) at or below pod 16 and within the figure's character suit 14 with a light pipe 62 to light up the sidewalls, as the clear dome is fixed into a solid colored piece, or character that lights up by transmitting the light through the internal shaft light pipe 62 channeling light 64 into a portion upper of pod 16 dome 30, light illuminates at 66 where character head 38 is illuminated, light at 68 illuminates where an upper portion of dome 30 of pod 16 is illuminated below target 12. The suit 14 at or below lower base portion 32 of the pod 16 locates LED 60 within the suit 14 such that water 33 expels at 35 from a separated portion extending behind character suit 14 torso 26 so as to avoid LED 60 while figure character head 38 falls out of view. In this alternate lighted embodiment, e.g., with batteries in its feet 20, the light up electromechanical suit may incorporate and internal water barrier to protect active electronics.
[0045] FIGS. 6A and 6B are front elevational and partial perspective views of an alternate embodiment pod 16 of the toy capsule apparatus game assembly having the figure character head 38 disposed to spin within the upper clear dome portion 30 while the figure character head 38 falls out of view into the lower base portion 32 as pod 16 is drained of water 33 with vertical post 39 having an alternate twisted or helix rail 41 in a corkscrew or spiral shape on which the character head 38 spins according to arrow 41a in moving between the upper clear dome portion 30 and lower base portion 32. FIG. 7A is a front perspective view of the toy capsule apparatus herein. FIG. 7B is a right-side elevational view thereof; FIG. 7C is a left side elevational view thereof; FIG. 7D is a front view thereof; FIG. 7E is a rear view thereof; FIG. 7F is a top view thereof; and FIG. 7G is a bottom view as disclosed and discussed herein.
[0046] FIG. 8 shows an exploded perspective view of the toy game and launcher 18 assemblies including the backside of suit 14 being recessed for receiving launcher attachment 29 at aperture 28 of suit 14, including in exploded perspective a view of one of the launchers shown in the exploded view. The projectile shooter toy 18 shoots a projectile ring 52 or disc shooter toy accessory. U.S. Pat. No. 8,997,727 to Hamel, et al. for Projectile shooter toy is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The projectile shooter toy 18 may be generally shaped in housing halves 18a, 18b to resemble a toy gun, wrist-mounted shooter, armament that launches projectiles such as solid or annularly shaped discs with a circular outer rim. The projectile ring 52, or disc shooter toy with an interior space 54 for holding the projectile in a loaded state and a pathway leading away from the space and along which the projectile moves in a forward direction. One or more actuators 50 are arranged to engage the projectile to move the projectile forward along the pathway. At least two pinching members 56, 58 spaced forwardly along the pathway from the actuator 50. The pinching members are separate from, and movable relative to, the actuator and the sidewall, and are configured to exert a force on the projectile as the projectile passes between the at least two pinching members. The at least two pinching members 56, 58 are spaced forwardly along the pathway 54 from the actuator 50. The pinching members 56 and 58 are separate from actuator 50 and the sidewalls 18a, 18b. Also, the pinching members 56 and 58 are disposed on opposite lateral sides of pathway 54 to apply force on the projectile 52 as it passes through pinching members 56 and 58.
[0047] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the inventive game apparatus and illustrates two players using launchers 18 to shoot projectiles 52 at opposing targets 12 of the present described game assemblies, these game assemblies being positioned within or upon trays 70. Tray 70 may be formed of any suitable plastic. Trays 70 include an upper support surface 70a and a lower trough 70b collecting water. Channels 70c of tray 70 divert water as the players knock out targets 12 to expel water into lower trough 70b. FIGS. 9A through 9N provide perspective, plan and elevational views of respective loading trays for receiving respective toy capsule apparatus.
[0048] FIGS. 10A and 10B are front elevational views of an alternate embodiment toy capsule apparatus in assembly with displaceable or moveable button target 12 herein heart shaped as a toggle button atop and along a fluid channel with a horizontal health bar indicator where 12 indicates full health in FIG. 10A, while in FIG. 10B the health bar 12 shows a partially depleted health status of the player's toy capsule apparatus.
[0049] FIG. 11 shows a top plan view of an alternate loading tray 72 with a single water trough 72a while accommodating opposing players' toy capsule apparatus at 72b from which channels 72c of tray 72 divert water as the players are defeated and expel water into lower trough 72a.
[0050] FIG. 12A is a front elevational view showing a revive station syringe coupling 80 rotatably positioned at the top of pod 16 in an alternate embodiment in FIGS. 12B-12C for reviving the pod 16 capsule apparatus by drawing water into pod 16 from the bottom 82 thereof using a syringe pump station mechanism 84 of FIGS. 12C-12D. One-way valves or a flap valve at syringe coupling 80, and pod 16 placed in the bottom 82 retains and prevents water from flowing out from the bottom while placing the target 12 after the pod 16 is revived with water. FIGS. 12C-12D illustrate a syringe revive station mechanism 84 with a further tray 74, in use, where pushing down on syringe end pusher 86 draws water into the pod 16 from below as air is sucked out through a tube, causing water to flow in from the tray 74. FIG. 12D illustrates an alternate syringe revive station mechanism 86 with multiple valved coupling tubing 88. FIGS. 12E-12F illustrate an internal syringe revive Pump-suit mechanism in feet (push down revive) with suit 90 pull along arrow 92 from incorporated syringe body 94 back torso of suit 90 with syringe end pusher 96 and replacing target 12 from FIGS. 12E to 12F, then pushing down with the players finger cover top hole of syringe end pusher 96 shown with finger in broken lines and arrow 98 recirculates and draws water into the pod from within the internal syringe revive mechanism suit 90 such that its character head object is allowed to rise into view within the upper clear dome portion 30 while the pod 16 is filled with water.
[0051] FIGS. 13A and 13B are front elevational views alternate embodiments revive mechanism bellows 100, 102 to draw water while pressing revive mechanism bellows pushing water into respective pod apparatus game assemblies providing for drawing water from alternate loading tray 74 into pod 16 to raise character head objects 38 into view within the upper clear dome portions as a bellows pump with a one-way valve.
[0052] FIGS. 14A and 14B are closed and opened view an alternate large syringe revive station mechanism 104 and playset in the form of an enlarged game pod with half sides 106 and 108 closed for transport in a fully folded configuration, retainer and handle, and which are opened in FIG. 14B to reveal a target grid matrix with support tray and base where the game apparatus is illustrated in a fully opened configuration. Herein the enlarged revive station playset accommodates multiple, eight shown, targets 12, figure objects 38 of pods having incorporated syringe coupling and valves allowing syringe revive station mechanism 104 being operated to draw water into each pod 16 from trays below; illustrated in a fully folded configuration in that the playset has been rotated about 180 so as to be adjoining the target 12 grid, and game apparatus with the target grid and rotatable loading tray movable between an elevated position above and aligned with the target grid during play and a folded position adjoining the target grid for transport and/or storage.
[0053] FIGS. 15A, 15B and 15C are partial and partial elevational views showing a further playset embodiment as a Zombie shark playset with a play pattern of the Zombie shark playset 110 to defeat, e.g., four top located targets 12 such that hitting all targets of pods fill a Pythagoras cup 114 internal flow water 33 undulating channel 116 of rising and falling outline form of FIG. 15C such that once filled, the water will drain into the zombie shark head 112 chamber, for a second stage arcade effect as water from these pods reveals a large pod inside allows shark head 112 chamber to be revealed.
[0054] FIGS. 16A, 16B and 16C are partial and partial elevational views showing another Zombie shark playset embodiment with a further play pattern of the Zombie shark playset 120, with further steps of use, including the following steps where: [0055] First: Defeat the three (3) Hydropods located at the front of the playset. This will fill the main reservoir with water. [0056] Second: Defeat the four (4) Hydropods in the back. The water from these pods will trickle down into a small reservoir in the back of the Skull head 122. As the skull is hinged, the weight of the water will cause the Skull head to open 128, wherein a plug may be provided in the reservoir for the water to flow into the main reservoir. [0057] Third: Now that the skull has lifted, the Large Pod inside is revealed. Pull the Anchor 124 out of the shipwreck (Syringe). This will cause the big pod to suck up the water from the main reservoir. (mechanism of syringe revive station) [0058] Fourth: Now, lift open Treasure chest 126 (not shown, activated by using the launcher as well). Inside the chest is the heart of the zombie shark. This heart is on a hinge meaning as you hit it, it'll release the seal but quickly reseal itself. This will cause the zombie shark to sink little by little rather than all at once. [0059] Fifth: Once finally the main zombie shark is defeated; the full boss battle complete. At this point easy refilling all the pods allows quick replay, e.g., the anchor/shipwreck syringe mechanism used with the rest of the pods, making everything self-contained.
[0060] FIGS. 17A and 17B are front elevational views of an alternate embodiment 130 with pod 16 of the toy capsule apparatus game assembly having its target 12 at toy capsule apparatus or pod 16 assembled as a target pod with an alternate figure character suit 134 where sucker displaceable. Here knocking off target 12 causes appendages, e.g. arms 132 of a character figure, wheels, or wings of a toy vehicle, and the like, to fall apart or disconnect when the target 12 is hit, and water 33 is expelled through the (shoulders) attachment points. Sucker arms from suit mechanisms include one or more holes through the tube and out the sucker, such that once the target is knocked, the seal is released causing the arms to release from the suckers and also the water to flow out of the suckers. FIGS. 18A and 18B are front elevational views of an alternate embodiment 140 with pod 16 of the toy capsule apparatus game assembly having its target 12 at toy capsule apparatus or pod 16 assembled as a target pod with an alternate figure character vehicle 144 where sucker displaceable vehicle sides 142, e.g. arms of a character figure, wheels, or wings of a toy vehicle, and the like, to fall apart or disconnect when the target 12 is hit, and water 33 is expelled through attachment points, such that once the target is knocked, the seal is released causing the arms to release from the suckers and also the water to flow out of the suckers.
[0061] FIG. 19 is an isometric view of a further playset embodiment as a dunk playset 150. The dunk playset 150 has two configurations. The first has two player stations which may fire projectiles at each other. The second has one player station which fires projectiles at a dunk tank 156. In other words, the dunk playset 150 may be used by two players to fire at each other's targets or for one player to fire at the dunk tank 156. In FIG. 19, the dunk playset has two player stations, the left play station 152 and right play station 154. The left play station 152 comprises a left rail 152a, left launcher 152b, left launch actuator 152c and left player fluid capsule 152d. The right play station 154 comprises a right rail 154a, right launcher 154b, right launch actuator 154c and right fluid capsule 152d. The launchers and fluid capsules follow their respective rails and position may be player controlled. The launch actuators may be used to launch projectiles, which may hit the targets of the opposing fluid capsules. The dunk playset also has a dunk tank 156.
[0062] FIGS. 20 and 21 show an isometric view of the dunk tank 156. The dunk arena may receive fluid capsules 156a. The dunk arena also has a dunk arena target 156b. Upon hitting the dunk arena target 156b, the fluid capsules 156a are received by the lower portion 156c of the dunk tank 156 at once. The fluid capsules 156a may be raised above the lower portion by utilizing the handles 156d. The dunk tank 156 may be utilized by hitting the deformable targets 12 of the fluid capsules 156a or the dunk arena and then hitting the dunk arena target 156b with a projectile 52. The targets 12 may be hit in an alternative order.
[0063] FIGS. 22 and 23 show a close-up view of the target 156b of the dunk tank 156. The dunk tank target 156b has a target latch 156e which couples with a target catch 156f. Upon hitting the target, the target latch 156e disengages with the target catch 156f, causing the fluid capsules to be lowered.
[0064] FIGS. 24A, 24B, 24C and 24D show the dunk playset 150 with two player stations. In other words, the dunk playset 150 is configured for two players to battle each other. The rails are repositionable within dunk playset. The player stations and repositionable rails may be inserted into the dunk playset as shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B. FIGS. 24C and 24D show the right launch actuator 154c actuating the right launcher 154b to fire a projectile 52 at the target of the left fluid capsule 152d. Likewise the left launch actuator 154c may actuate the left launcher 152b to fire a projectile at the target of the right fluid capsule 154d. The fluid capsules and launchers of the player stations may be aligned on their respective rails across from the other player station and the launchers may fire discs or projectiles 52 at the target of the other fluid capsule.
[0065] FIG. 25A show the dunk tank 156 being received by the dunk playset 150. FIG. 25B shows the removal of the deformable target 12 from a capsule apparatus 72b causes fluid to exit from the bottom hole 34. FIG. 25C shows extra capsule apparatus 150a being received by the dunk playset.
[0066] FIG. 26A shows the alternate placement of the dunk tank target 156b. The dunk tank target 156b may be placed in the left location 158a, middle location 158b or right location 158c. FIG. 26B shows the locking mechanism of the dunk tank target 156b. If the target lock 156g is in the upright position, the dunk arena target 156b may not unlock; the target catch 156f will not be unengaged with the target latch 156e, accordingly playset structure may use rack and lock to fluid capsule apparatus where the playset rack has upper portion and lower base portions. The capsule rack of the dunk playset receives the fluid capsules. The lower base portion of the dunk playset is capable of receiving fluid with which plural fluid capsule apparatus are lowered and suspended with the fluid capsule apparatus rack when receiving fluid.
[0067] FIGS. 26C, 26D and 26E show the resetting of the dunk playset 150. First, the fluid capsules 156a are removed from the dunk playset 150. Second, the fluid capsules 156a are placed in water 33 and the deformable target 12 is received by the fluid capsules 156a. Finally, the launchers receive projectiles 52.
[0068] FIGS. 27A, 27B and 27C show the dunk playset 150 with one player station 152. In other words, the dunk playset 150 is configured for single-player use. The player station 152 and its repositionable rail is received by the dunk playset 150. The dunk tank 156 is received by the dunk playset 150. FIG. 27B shows the player station 152 receiving a fluid capsule 152d and the dunk arena receiving a fluid capsule 156a. The launcher 152b is used to launch discs or projectiles 52 at the targets of the fluid capsules 156a or the dunk tank target 156b.
[0069] FIGS. 28A, 28B and 29 show an attachable target mask 12a attaching to the deformable target 12. FIG. 28A shows the attachable target mask 12a and the deformable target 12 separated. FIG. 28B shows the attachable target mask 12a attached to the deformable target 12. The friction fits 12b are part of the attachable target mask 12a and the attachable target mask 12a attaches to the deformable target 12 through friction. If a separating force is applied to the attachable target mask 12a or deformable target 12 then the friction fits apply a friction force to resist the separating force. FIG. 29 shows the attachable target mask 12a in a playset. FIG. 29 also shows a numeral 12c and graphic 12d on the attachable target mask 12 a. The attachable target mask 12a may include a numeral 12c, graphic 12d, both or neither. The numeral 12c may be used to indicate a point value for hitting it with a projectile 52. The graphic 12d may be provided as a logo or other design resembling a character. The attachable target mask 12 a may be replaced or removed so that the numeral 12c or graphic 12d associated with the deformable target can be customized. Therefore, the point value, logo, or character design may be replaced.
[0070] FIGS. 30A and 30B show the single pod dunk tank 160. The single pod dunk tank 160 allows for a toy capsule apparatus 72b to be filled with fluid. The single pod dunk tank lock 162 can be set in a locked or unlocked position and is used to lower the toy capsule apparatus 72b into the single pod dunk tank 160. The method of operation is as follows. First, the single pod dunk tank 160 is filled with fluid. Second, the single pod dunk tank lock 162 is set to the locked position. Third, the toy capsule apparatus 72b is placed on top of the single pod dunk tank. Fourth, the single pod dunk tank lock 162 is set to the unlocked position. The toy capsule apparatus 72b will be lowered into the single pod dunk tank 160 and be filled with the fluid within the single pod dunk tank 160. Fifth, the deformable target 12 is placed on the top of toy capsule apparatus 72b, thereby preventing fluid from exiting the toy capsule apparatus 72b through a fluid differential. Sixth, the toy capsule apparatus 72b is raised above the single pod dunk tank 160 and the single pod dunk tank lock 162 is set to the locked position. The toy capsule apparatus 72b rests atop the single pod dunk tank 160. Projectiles may be fired at the deformable target 12 on the toy capsule apparatus 72b. Alternatively, the toy capsule apparatus 72b may be removed and placed on other playsets, such as the zombie shark playset 110 found in FIG. 15A.
[0071] The method of filling a toy capsule apparatus 72b is similar to that of the dunk arena 156 found in FIGS. 20, 21, 26C and 26D. In both the single pod dunk tank 160 and the dunk arena 156, toy capsule apparatus 72b toy game set referred to as dunk arena fluid capsules 156a in FIGS. 20, 21, 26C and 26D are refilled in a tank of water. Additionally, both the single pod dunk tank 160 and dunk arena 156 both provide a means for raising the fluid capsules after the deformable targets 12 are inserted into the tops of the toy capsule apparatus 72b and for holding the capsule apparatus 72b for projectiles 52 to be fired at them. The toy target apparatus accordingly may be provided with the structure of dunk playset elements for plural fluid capsule apparatus, each comprising upper clear dome and lower base portions with respective suspendable objects supported therein, including plural seal devices with toy targets and seal deformable plug ends.
[0072] Toy target apparatus dunk playset structure may use rack and lock to fluid capsule apparatus where the playset rack has upper portion and lower base portions. The capsule rack of the dunk playset receives the fluid capsules. The lower base portion of the dunk playset is capable of receiving fluid with which plural fluid capsule apparatus are lowered and suspended with the fluid capsule apparatus rack when receiving fluid to the suspendable object within each fluid capsule apparatus allowing fluid therewith. The toy target apparatus play set may use syringe or other pump configurations to the upper clear dome portion of the fluid capsule apparatus through plural holes at top the upper clear dome portions where the syringe pump is received to introduce fluid into the fluid capsule apparatus.
[0073] The actuating of the target seals causes the toy target seal devices to be removed from the holes at the upper clear dome portions of the fluid capsules, allowing the fluid within the fluid capsule apparatus to release and to be received by the lower portion of the dunk playset. The actuating of the toy target seal devices causes the toy target seal devices to be removed from the holes at the upper clear dome portions of the fluid capsules, causing the fluid within the fluid capsule apparatus to not be maintained and thus received by the lower portion of the dunk playset.
[0074] Actuating the dunk playset target causes the lower base portion of the dunk playset to receive the capsule rack of the dunk playset and the received fluid capsules, and for the dunk playset target to be deactivated. Deactivating dunk playset target causes the dunk playset target to not be able to be actuated. The dunk playset further provides for resetting, wherein resetting causes the capsule rack of the dunk playset and the received fluid capsules to be received by the upper portion of the dunk playset, and the target of the dunk playset to be reactivated. Plural player stations shooting apparatus can include an aiming mechanism, and the shooting apparatus further provides for actuation, wherein actuating the shooting apparatus causes projectiles to be launched, the projectiles capable of actuating the targets of the fluid capsule apparatus of any player stations of the dunk playset or the target of the dunk playset.
[0075] From the foregoing, it can be seen that there has been provided a detailed description and features for an improved game apparatus and the playsets as well as a disclosure of a method for assembling the game apparatus. While a particular embodiment of the present invention have been shown and described in detail, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. Therefore, the aim is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. The matters set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings are offered by way of illustrations only, and not as limitations. The actual scope of the invention is to be defined by the subsequent claims when viewed in their proper perspective based on the prior art.
