Abstract
A play apparatus has a gas filled balloon and an opening through which fluid is squirted or otherwise released. Fluid is delivered to the opening from an adjacent or nearby reservoir which is connected to at least one hollow tube whereby liquid is transferred from the reservoir to the release point on or adjacent to the balloon, such that the buoyancy of the balloon is unimpeded, for the purposes of play and amusement.
Claims
1. A play apparatus comprising: an inflated balloon; a connector attached to the balloon for holding the balloon at a location above the ground; at least one reservoir defining a reservoir chamber adapted to contain a body of liquid; at least one orifice disposed on an external surface of the play apparatus, the at least one orifice being located above the ground and being in fluid communication with the reservoir; and a mechanism that is operative to cause liquid in the reservoir to be expelled through the at least one orifice.
2. The play apparatus of claim 1 wherein: the apparatus further comprises at least one tube that defines a passageway that is in fluid communication with the reservoir; the at least one orifice is in fluid communication with the passageway; and the mechanism is operative to move liquid from the reservoir to the at least one orifice via the passageway.
3. The play apparatus of claim 2 wherein at least a portion of the tube extends generally vertically.
4. The play apparatus of claim 2 wherein the tube is flexible.
5. The play apparatus of claim 2 wherein the connector comprises at least a portion of the tube.
6. The play apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one orifice is positioned to direct a stream of liquid to a location distant from the balloon.
7. The play apparatus of claim 1 wherein the mechanism includes an apparatus manipulatable by the user to control the flow of liquid from the reservoir chamber to the at least one orifice.
8. The play apparatus of claim 1 wherein the reservoir is located adjacent to the balloon.
9. The play apparatus of claim 1 wherein the reservoir is coupled to the balloon.
10. The play apparatus of claim 9 wherein the reservoir is coupled to the balloon by hook and loop fastener material attached to a surface of the reservoir and a surface of the balloon respectively.
11. The play apparatus of claim 1 wherein: the balloon comprises a containment wall that defines a balloon chamber, which chamber contains inflation gas; and at least a portion of the reservoir is located inside the balloon chamber.
12. The play apparatus of claim 1 wherein the reservoir is located at a distance from the balloon.
13. The play apparatus of claim 1 wherein reservoir is located near the hand of a person holding the connector.
14. The play apparatus of claim 1 wherein the connector: is substantially rigid and extends generally vertically; and supports the balloon and reservoir at a location above the ground.
15. The play apparatus of claim 1 wherein the reservoir comprises a wall that defines the reservoir chamber, at least a portion of the wall being movable such that a person can control the flow of liquid by manually squeezing the reservoir.
16. The play apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an electric pump operable to control the flow of liquid.
17. The play apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one orifice oriented to spray liquid radially relative to the connector.
18. The play apparatus of claim 17 further comprising a fan oriented to disburse the liquid radially outwardly relative to the connector.
19. The play apparatus of claim 1 wherein the balloon is lighter than air.
20. The play apparatus of claim 1 wherein: the connector is flexible; and the balloon is sufficiently buoyant to suspend the connector above the ground.
21. The play apparatus of claim 20 wherein: the play apparatus is not tethered to the ground; and the balloon is insufficiently buoyant to lift a person holding the apparatus.
22. A play apparatus comprising: an inflated balloon; at least one reservoir located below the balloon, the reservoir defining a reservoir chamber adapted to contain a body of liquid; a connector attached to the balloon for holding the balloon at a location above the reservoir and that is secured at an attachment location that is remote from the balloon, the connector comprising a flexible tube that defines a passageway that is in fluid communication with the reservoir; at least one orifice disposed on an external surface of the play apparatus, the at least one orifice being located above the reservoir and being in fluid communication with the passageway; and a mechanism that is operative to move liquid from the reservoir to the at least one orifice via the passageway and that is operative to increase the pressure of fluid within the passageway and thereby rigidify and straighten the tube and cause the balloon to move away from the attachment location.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] The accompanying drawings, incorporated in and forming a part of the specification, illustrate several arrangements.
[0033] In the drawings:
[0034] FIG. 1A is a side view of a rod-supported squirting balloon with an external reservoir operable either manually, powered to transport liquid or air.
[0035] FIG. 1B is a side view of a rod-supported squirting balloon with an external reservoir with the pump lever depressed.
[0036] FIG. 1C is a rear view of a rod-supported squirting balloon with an external reservoir.
[0037] FIG. 1D is an isometric view of a rod-supported squirting balloon with an external reservoir.
[0038] FIG. 2A is a side view of a rod-supported squirting balloon with a gas or liquid reservoir inside the balloon.
[0039] FIG. 2B is a lower isometric view of a rod-supported squirting balloon with a reservoir inside the balloon.
[0040] FIG. 3A is a side view of a squirting balloon with a squeeze pump.
[0041] FIG. 3B is a lower isometric view of a squirting balloon with a squeeze pump.
[0042] FIG. 4A is a side view of a squirting balloon with a squeeze pump and an external reservoir closer to the pump than the balloon.
[0043] FIG. 4B is a lower isometric view of a squirting balloon with a squeeze pump and an external reservoir.
[0044] FIG. 5A is a side view of a rotating squirting balloon.
[0045] FIG. 5B is a lower isometric view of a rotating squirting balloon.
[0046] FIG. 5C is a bottom view of a rotating squirting balloon.
[0047] FIG. 5D is an upper isometric view of a rotating squirting balloon.
[0048] FIG. 5E is a side view of a rotating squirting balloon with downward angled nozzles.
[0049] FIG. 5F is a front view of a rotating squirting balloon with downward angled nozzles.
[0050] FIG. 5G is a side view of a rotating squirting balloon with upward angled nozzles.
[0051] FIG. 5H is a front view of a rotating squirting balloon with upward angled nozzles.
[0052] FIG. 6A is a side view of a squirting udder balloon.
[0053] FIG. 6B is an angled section view of a squirting udder balloon.
[0054] FIG. 6C is a lower view of a squirting udder balloon.
[0055] FIG. 6D is an angled view of a person holding a squirting udder balloon.
[0056] FIG. 7A is a side view of a hand piston pump.
[0057] FIG. 7B is an upper isometric view of a hand piston pump.
[0058] FIG. 7C is a side cross section view of a hand piston pump in the pull position.
[0059] FIG. 7D is a side cross section view of a hand piston pump in the push position.
[0060] FIG. 8A is a top view of a spinning disc assembly.
[0061] FIG. 8B is an isometric view of a spinning disc assembly.
[0062] FIG. 8C is a front view of a spinning disc assembly.
[0063] FIG. 8D is a front exploded view of a spinning disc assembly.
[0064] FIG. 8E is an isometric exploded view of a spinning disc assembly.
[0065] FIG. 9A is a front view of a squirting fan balloon.
[0066] FIG. 9B is an isometric view of a squirting fan balloon.
[0067] FIG. 9C is a front view of a squirting fan balloon with a horizontal fan.
[0068] FIG. 9D is an isometric view of a squirting fan balloon with a horizontal fan.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0069] Referring to FIGS. 1A through 9B, there is illustrated therein a new and improved method of balloon water play previously summarized.
[0070] While the apparatus has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment or embodiments, it is not intended to limit the scope of the apparatus to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be within the spirit and scope of the apparatus as defined by the listed claims.
[0071] FIG. 1A is a rod-supported squirting balloon comprising of an inflated balloon, 101, a handle, 102, a connector that is a rod, 103. A mechanism is provided to cause liquid to be expelled from the apparatus. The mechanism includes a nozzle, 104, having an orifice, a water reservoir, 105, that defines a reservoir chamber that contains a body of water, a trigger button, 106, a pump lever, 107, and a reservoir fill inlet, 108. The orifice is in fluid communication with the reservoir so that water in the reservoir can be pumped through the orifice. The mechanism, including the trigger button, 106, and the pump lever, 107, is manipulatable by the user to control the flow of liquid from the reservoir chamber to the orifice.
[0072] In the apparatus of FIG. 1A, the reservoir is located adjacent to the balloon. In particular, the reservoir touches the balloon. The reservoir can be coupled to the balloon in various ways, advantageously by Velcro hook and loop fastener material (not shown) attached to a surface of the reservoir and to a facing surface of the balloon respectively.
[0073] Creating a squirting balloon is a difficult task because water is heavy and balloons need to be light to float. The arrangement of FIG. 1A solves the problem by supporting the balloon, 101, above the ground with a substantially rigid connector, in particular, a rod, 103. The rod, 103, can be sized so that it is lightweight and flexible. The rod, 103, provides support for the balloon but it can also move around like a floating balloon. The rod, 103, could be made out of spring steel, fiberglass, plastic or any other material that is strong and flexible enough to serve this purpose. This also means that the balloon, 101, doesn't have to be filled with helium which is expensive and doesn't last long. The water can be stored in a reservoir, 104, at the top of the pole, 103, as shown, or it could be located remotely and connected with a tube. The water reservoir, 104, could also be mounted directly to the bottom of the handle, 102. If the water is located at the top of the rod, 103, it doesn't have to be pumped up, but the downside is it is a heavy thing to hold and requires a stronger rod, 103. Having the water located below requires it to be pumped up to the nozzle, 104, but it is easier to carry. The handle, 102, can also be a powered device that transports the liquid or air by battery power or other power source such that physical squeezing by a hand is not required to move the medium through the tube and/or string support.
[0074] FIG. 1B shows the pump lever, 107, is depressed. The user can repeatedly squeeze the pump lever, 107, to build up pressure for firing the water by pushing the trigger button, 106, which emits or projects the liquid, 109 radially relative to the connector. Alternatively, the system could be pressurized by the hose pressure when it is being filled. The reservoir fill inlet 108 could a hole for pouring water in, or it could be a quick release fitting for a pressurized fill of a fluid-tight reservoir. Another way to pressurize the water would be by the use of one or more electric pumps. In such an arrangement, the handle, 102, contains batteries, and the trigger button, 106, would activate the electric pump or pumps when pressed. In the configuration using an electric pump, the hand pump lever, 107, would not be needed.
[0075] FIGS. 2A and 2B show a variation of the rod-supported apparatus shown in FIG. 1. In the apparatus of FIGS. 2A and 2B, the balloon, 101, comprises a containment wall that defines a balloon chamber, which chamber contains inflation gas. The water reservoir is located inside the balloon chamber (not visible). In other arrangements, a portion of a reservoir may be located inside a balloon chamber. The nozzle, 202, projects the liquid, 203. This utilizes the space available and results in a cleaner look showing only the balloon polygon. As illustrated, the nozzle, 202, has an orifice positioned to direct a stream of water to a location distant from the balloon. In particular, the orifice is at a sufficient elevation and oriented such that the stream of water extends sufficiently horizontally that water squirted from the apparatus does not fall onto a user standing under the balloon and holding the handle, 102.
[0076] FIGS. 3A and 3B shows a squirting balloon apparatus comprised of a balloon, 301, and a connector that is attached to the balloon for holding the balloon at a location above the ground. In the arrangement of FIG. 3A-3B, the connector is a flexible and small diameter tube, 302, that defines a passageway to contain a flow of water. All or only a portion of a tube could serve as the connector that holds the balloon in position. The illustrated apparatus also has a tube attachment fitting, 303, a nozzle, 304, and a squeeze pump, 305. The connector is secured at an attachment location that is remote from the balloon, which attachment location is at the squeeze pump, 305, in the particular apparatus of FIGS. 3A and 3B. The balloon, 301, in this embodiment is a lighter than air gas, such as helium-filled balloon, so it floats. The balloon is sufficiently buoyant to overcome the weight of the connector and suspend the connector, in particular the tube, 302, which therefore extends generally vertically above the ground. The squeeze pump, 305, is the reservoir where the water is stored and it is held by the user, the balloon being located above the reservoir. The nozzle, 304, has an orifice that is located above the reservoir and is in fluid communication with the passageway. The squeeze pump/reservoir, 305, has a wall that defines the reservoir chamber. At least a portion of the wall is movable such that a person can control the flow of liquid by manually squeezing the squeeze pump/reservoir When released, the squeeze pump, 305, acts as a weight and keeps the balloon, 301, from flying or otherwise releasing away. The squeeze pump, 305, is flexible, and when squeezed, its volume is reduced which forces water through the tube, 302, and out the nozzle, 304. The squeeze pump, 305, can be refilled by sucking water in from the nozzle, 304, or there can be a fill cap attached to the squeeze pump, 305.
[0077] And, while the instant embodiment shows a manual activation with a hand, nothing limits reservoir release to only manual means. Other means such as mechanical or electrical or other non manual manipulation may also be utilized. This configuration only allows for a few of shots of water at a time, but the benefit is that it is light enough to float on its own when filled with a lighter-than-air gas such as helium.
[0078] FIGS. 3A and 3B show a tube, 302, that is curved because it is made out of a flexible tube material. When the user pumps water into the tube, 302, the water pressure stresses the tube material and straightens it. This straightening of the tube, 302, aligns the length of the tube, 302, vertically which raises the height of the balloon, 301, as a result. This allows the user to raise and lower the balloon, 301, by pumping water. In other words, the mechanism is operative to increase the pressure of fluid within the passageway and thereby rigidify and straighten the tube and cause the balloon to move away from the attachment location.
[0079] FIGS. 4A and 4B is an embodiment similar to the squeeze pump balloon shown in FIG. 3, but the apparatus of FIGS. 4A and 4B has an additional external water reservoir, 403, that is located at a distance from the balloon. There is an extension tube, 402, which connects the external water reservoir, 403, to a fitting, 401. The fitting, 401, has check valves which only allow the water to flow towards the nozzle. For example, it can be a T fitting or other method witch accomplishes the same thing. When the squeeze pump, 305, is squeezed, it pushes water through the T fitting, 401, and to the tube, 302. When the squeeze pump, 305, is released, it sucks water in from the external reservoir, 403, through the T fitting, 401. The external water reservoir, 403, can be worn by the user. For example, it can be clipped to their belt. This allows for the reservoir to be a larger size and therefore can carry a greater amount of water, but only the light weight tube, 302, needs to be suspended by the gas filled balloon, 301, so it will still float on its own. Although not shown, the reservoir can be supported via a backpack configuration, or otherwise attached to the user. The water reservoir, 403, can be a bottle or bladder that unscrews from the extension tube, 402, so it can easily be filled with unpressurized water. This also permits a larger reservoir. The reservoir, 403, can be attached anywhere on a person via an arm strap, hip or belt or leg connection, or backpack. This embodiment could also be combined with the rod “string” supported squirting balloons shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, where it uses a support rod instead of the water tube, 302. In that case, it would use a hand pump or electric pump instead of the squeeze pump, 305, shown.
[0080] Another arrangement would include a mechanism whereby the user exerts pressure on a handle to squirt liquid. In the illustrated apparatus of FIG. 4a, the tube, 302, defines a passageway to contain a flow of water. A user squeezes pump 305 and releases it to draw liquid from a reservoir 403 with an inner one way valve and into the pump. Squeezing the pump a second time forces liquid contained therein through an outer one way valve, through the passageway, and out of the nozzle 304; the pump then refills when the pump is released by the user.
[0081] FIG. 5A shows a squirting balloon with offset nozzles, 501.
[0082] FIG. 5B shows that there are two offset nozzles, 501, and they are pointed in opposite directions. When the balloon squirts, and water is shot out of the two nozzles, 501, this creates a force couple which causes the balloon, 301, to spin in place. It should be appreciated that the number and placement of the nozzles can be in any configuration or height in relation to each other.
[0083] FIG. 5C is a bottom view that shows the nozzles, 501, are pointing 180 degrees apart, and projecting a liquid, 502. The angle and the offset distance from the center of the balloon, 301, could be changed to change the spinning performance of the balloon, 301. The farther out from the center of the balloon, 301, the nozzles are, 501, the more spinning torque will be generated for the same water flow. FIG. 5D is another orientation wherein only one of the nozzles are visible.
[0084] FIG. 5E is a side view showing the eccentric water nozzles, 501, that are angled downward. This downward angle causes the balloon to spin and also rise. FIG. 5F is a front view showing the eccentric water nozzles, 501, that are angled downward, projecting a liquid, 502. It should be appreciated that the size and width of the stream of liquid may differ wherever liquid projection is shown in the drawings, and the stream shown in 502 and elsewhere is shown as one of many examples of the types of streams that can be projected from the disclosed device. The nozzles, 501, are still oriented 180 degrees apart, but they also have a downward tilt. A force couple still exists which creates torque around the balloon, but there is also a force pushing the balloon up. FIG. 5G is a side view showing the eccentric water nozzles, 501, that are angled upward, with a liquid stream also projecting upward, 5H, 502.
[0085] This upward angle causes the balloon to spin and also sink. FIG. 5H is a front view showing the eccentric water nozzles, 501, that are angled upward. The nozzles, 501, are still oriented 180 degrees apart, but they also have an upward tilt. A force couple still exists which creates torque around the balloon, but there is also a force pushing the balloon down. The nozzle angles could be adjusted to achieve whatever angle is desired. They can be adjusted remotely so the user can control the angle to maneuver the balloon as they desire.
[0086] FIG. 6A shows a squirting balloon stylized after a cow udder. It is shown using the squeeze pump, 305, design, but it would also work with any other pumping method. It is comprised of an udder balloon, 601, with four protruding teats, 602.
[0087] FIG. 6B is an angled section view that cuts through two of the teats, 602, and shows the inside of the udder balloon, 601. This configuration shows that the water tube, 302, goes into the udder balloon, 601, and branches off into four teat tubes, 603. These go through the teat protrusions, 602, and lead to the teat nozzles, 604. It is also possible to have any number of the teats actually squirt, such as just one, or only the front two. FIG. 6C shows a squeeze pump attached to the udder balloon. FIG. 6D shows a person, 605, holding onto the squeeze pump, 305, and the udder balloon, 601, is floating.
[0088] Additionally, the tubes feeding the teats need not go through the balloon, but can be run along the surface of the balloon to the teat apertures.
[0089] FIG. 7A is a side view of a hand piston pump comprising of a cylinder, 701, a handle attachment, 702, a handle lever, 703, an inlet tube, 704, an outlet tube, 705, and an arm, 706. This pump is used to pump water to the balloon. The inlet, 704, has a check valve which only lets water in, and the outlet, 705, has a check valve that only lets water out. FIG. 7B is an isometric view of the hand pump. FIG. 7C is a side cross section view showing the hand pump in the pull position. This position pulls the piston, 707, outward and sucks water into the cylinder, 701, from the inlet, 704.
[0090] FIG. 7D is a side cross section view showing the hand pump in the push position. This position pushes the piston, 707, into the cylinder, 701, which force water out through the outlet, 705.
[0091] FIG. 8A shows a spinning disc assembly comprising of a ring, 801, a cross tube, 802, and offset tubes, 803, with a liquid projecting from two locations on the ring, 807. The ring, 801, provides rigidity for the extended tubes. The offset tubes, 803, are positioned eccentrically from the center of the disc to create a force couple when water squirts out of the tubes.
[0092] FIG. 8B is an isometric view of a spinning disc assembly. This view shows the outlet holes, 805, positioned on the disc, 801. It also shows the inlet bushing, 806, and the inlet stem, 804. FIG. 8C is a front view of a spinning disc assembly. FIG. 8D is a front exploded view of a spinning disc assembly. This shows that the inlet bushing, 806, is a separate part that snaps onto the inlet stem, 804. This bushing, 806, allows the disc, 801, to spin freely without tangling the water tube which will attach to the inlet bushing, 806. FIG. 8E is an exploded isometric view of a spinning disc assembly.
[0093] FIG. 9A is a front view of a squirting fan balloon FIG. 9B is an isometric view of that shown in FIG. 9A. It is comprised of a balloon, 301, a water tube, 302, a pump, 305, a fan, 901, and a water nozzle, 902. Although not shown, the pump may be a device such as that shown in FIG. 1, 102, 106, 107, and FIG. 4, 305, 401, 402, 403, or another mechanism that achieves the same or similar result and function. The fan, 901, spins and keeps the balloon afloat. The fan, 901, also has adjustable speed and position so the balloon can be controlled. The user can move the balloon in any direction and adjust the speed by adjusting the fan, 901. The user can also pump water with the hand pump, 305, and it shoots water out of the water nozzle, 902, which fires into the fan, 901. The liquid sprays out radially after hitting the fan blades, 901. Although shown in only one orientation, it is evident that the fan may be angled at different orientations to either alter the direction of the spray action, or to assist in directional control. One example is rotating the fan 90 degrees so it pushes the balloon forwards.
[0094] FIGS. 9C and 9D shows the balloon with a propeller or fan rotated 90 degrees so it blows air horizontally. It is comprised of a balloon, 301, a water tube, 302, a pump, 305, a horizontal fan, 903, and a cross tube, 904. FIG. 9D shows the water outlet, 905, in the center of the fan. In this embodiment, water is pumped through the water tube, 302, through the cross tube, 904, and into the horizontal fan, 903. The water turns an internal turbine which turns the outer fan blades, 903. The water exits the water outlet, 905, and the fan, 903 moves air which moves the balloon.
[0095] The propeller can be controlled so it changes directions to allow the user to control the movement of the balloon. Multiple fixed propellers can also be placed on the balloon facing different directions so that activating the various propellers will control movement without requiring them to change direction. For example there can be two propellers, one facing forward, and the other facing sideways to control the balloon's movement on a 2D plane. Or there can be three propellers, one facing forward, one facing sideways, and the other facing vertically, so that the balloon can be moved in three dimensions.
[0096] There are different ways to power the propeller or fans. One way is for water to squirt onto the fan blades which cause the fan to spin which moves the air. Another way is for water to squirt onto an internal turbine which is connected to the external fan blades. The water hitting the internal turbine blades turn the hub which rotates the fan blades which move air. Another way to power the fan is with offset water streams. For example, fan blades could be added to the disc shown in FIG. 8, so that when the disc spins, the fan blades moves air. Also the fan could be electrically powered.
[0097] The direction of the fans or water nozzles can be adjusted a variety of ways including cables, electrical valves or hydraulic valves. Nozzles and fans can also be adjusted manually. For example the user can plug certain nozzles and unplug others to change the way the balloon moves. The user can also adjust rings that snap and rotate so that they block off certain orifices while opening other ones. These various nozzles can oriented in different directions so changing which nozzle is open will change how the balloon moves.
[0098] There are many other styling designs that are appropriate for squirting balloons. Some of these include zeppelins, a Death Star, dolphins, and Manneken Pis statues. Lights could also be placed near the nozzle so the water stream could be colored for additional effect. Speakers could be added to the described devices to emit sounds appropriate for the polygon balloon used. For example, a cow's “moo” sound could be added to the udder design in conjunction with the squirting or in addition to it. Additionally, air or compressed air could be substituted for water or added in concert with water from one or multiple tubes for all of the previously described embodiments. One tube could transmit air and water both at different times, or separate tubes could transport gas or liquid concurrently or in sequence. The air could also help offset the loss of buoyancy caused by the addition of water to, through, or adjacent to the balloon, and could be manipulated in concert.
[0099] While the apparatus has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the apparatus to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be within the spirit and scope of the apparatus as defined by the appended claims.
