U.S. patent application number 11/031790 was filed with the patent office on 2005-08-04 for backpack water gun with quick-draw holster.
Invention is credited to Cuisinier, Jarret P..
Application Number | 20050167442 11/031790 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34810467 |
Filed Date | 2005-08-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050167442 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cuisinier, Jarret P. |
August 4, 2005 |
Backpack water gun with quick-draw holster
Abstract
The present invention provides a backpack water gun
configuration capable of storing and unstoring a gun of the
configuration while being worn. For example, a backpack water gun
comprises a backpack with a holster and a connected gun. While the
gun is held in the backpack holster, a handle of the gun is
positioned proximate to the perimeter of the backpack. A user then
stores and unstores the gun while wearing the backpack by grasping
the exposed gun handle and inserting and removing the gun from the
backpack holster.
Inventors: |
Cuisinier, Jarret P.;
(Atherton, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JARRET CUISINIER
150 ALMENDRAL AVE.
ATHERTON
CA
94027
US
|
Family ID: |
34810467 |
Appl. No.: |
11/031790 |
Filed: |
January 6, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60535015 |
Jan 8, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
222/79 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41B 9/00 20130101; F41B
9/0078 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/079 |
International
Class: |
A63H 003/18 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A toy backpack water gun, comprising: a backpack comprising a
holster, a connecting tube, and a gun comprising a nozzle, a shaft,
a controller, and a handle.
2. The backpack water gun of claim 1, wherein said nozzle comprises
a protruding structure capable of receiving water balloons.
3. The backpack water gun of claim 2 wherein said nozzle is further
configured to create a focused water stream.
4. The backpack water gun of claim 2 wherein said holster comprises
an open bottom and wherein said nozzle of said gun fits through
said bottom of said holster when said gun is inserted in said
holster.
5. The backpack water gun of claim 4 wherein said holster is
configured so that said controller protrudes when said gun is in
said holster.
6. The backpack water gun of claim 4 wherein said holster engages
said controller.
7. The backpack water gun of claim 4 wherein said nozzle is further
configured to create a focused water stream.
8. The backpack water gun of claim 4 wherein said nozzle comprises
a plurality of nozzles.
9. The backpack water gun of claim 4, wherein said nozzle comprises
a nozzle system that further comprises a plurality of nozzles.
10. The backpack water gun of claim 4 wherein said backpack has an
indentation proximate said open-ended holster.
11. The backpack water gun of claim 1, wherein said holster
comprises a substantially wider mouth than a nozzle end of said
gun.
12. The backpack water gun of claim 11, wherein said gun comprises
a wider width proximate said handle than proximate said nozzle end
and wherein said expanding width of said gun fits substantially
snugly in said expanding width of said holster.
13. The backpack water gun of claim 1, wherein said handle of said
gun is located proximate a perimeter of said backpack via the
placement of said holster on said backpack and via a length of said
gun.
14. The backpack water gun of claim 1, wherein said holster is
centered on said backpack.
15. The backpack water gun of claim 1, wherein said backpack water
gun comprises multiple said holsters and multiple said guns.
16. The backpack water gun of claim 15, wherein said holsters
cross.
17. The backpack water gun of claim 15, wherein said holsters are
substantially horizontal and located proximate a base of said
backpack.
18. The backpack water gun of claim 1, wherein said backpack water
gun comprises a storage area for a water balloon launcher and
wherein said launcher is accessible to a user wearing said backpack
water gun while said launcher is held in said storage area.
19. The backpack water gun of claim 1, wherein said backpack water
gun further comprises a holster for an independent water gun.
20. The backpack water gun of claim 1, wherein said gun is
separable from said backpack.
21. The backpack water gun of claim 20, wherein said separable gun
connects with a reservoir of said backpack via said connecting
tube.
22. The backpack water gun of claim 21, wherein said separable
water gun comprises a reservoir.
23. A toy backpack water gun wherein said gun comprises a shaft, a
handle, and at least one nozzle issuing a stream parallel to said
shaft and wherein said backpack comprises a holster and wherein
said holster positions said handle of said gun proximate a
perimeter of said backpack such that said handle is graspable to a
user wearing said backpack water gun, thereby allowing said user to
remove and return said gun to said holster while wearing said
backpack.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 60/535,015 entitled "Backpack Water Gun with
Quick-Draw Holster" and filed on Jan. 8, 2004 which is incorporated
herein by reference.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to toy water guns, and more
particularly, to water guns comprising backpack embodiments.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A variety of backpack water gun devices have been described
in the prior art. These devices draw on numerous technologies for
issuing a stream of fluid. However, regardless of the means for
conveying the liquid stream, almost all backpack water gun
configurations are comprised of a gun, a backpack, and a connecting
tube.
[0004] As a result of this multipart configuration, a user is often
left with no convenient location for the gun during storage and
also with the annoyance of a loose gun during use. This annoyance
is particularly frustrating while the backpack is in use, but not
being worn. Such an occurrence is especially prevalent with devices
having multiple functionalities (e.g. devices capable of shooting
water and filling water balloons) as these guns are more frequently
used while the backpack is not being worn.
[0005] In response to this weakness, the inventor first proposed
the use of brackets with such water balloon filling water gun
embodiments in U.S. Pat. No. 5,603,361: Portable Water Balloon and
Container Filler. Here, brackets are used in combination with a
backpack water gun embodiment in order to position a nozzle for
filling water balloons while the backpack is not worn, thereby
facilitating the filling water balloons while the backpack is not
being worn.
[0006] Another significant shortcoming of backpack water guns is
the inability to temporarily store and unstore the gun while the
backpack is being worn. This inability to store and unstore the gun
while still wearing the backpack in turn leads to several
noteworthy drawbacks. First, the inability complicates the task of
putting the backpack on and taking it off as the loose gun must be
held separately if it is to be used later since there is no
temporary storage for the gun. Second, the user cannot temporarily
free his or her hands or use another device since he or she cannot
store the gun while still wearing the backpack.
[0007] This is, again, troublesome with multi-functional devices
like water balloon filling guns as here a user will often want to
set the gun aside (without taking the entire backpack off) in order
to effectively throw a filled water balloon. Additionally, this
inability further denies a user the capability of appearing
unarmed; yet, in actuality, still being armed. Similarly, the
inability to unstore the gun while wearing the backpack further
denies a user the ability to "draw" the gun, a game played by
children using toy guns.
[0008] Accordingly, a backpack water gun configuration comprising a
holster and gun arrangement that effectively stores the gun while
running and jumping is desirable. In addition, a backpack water gun
that allows a user to easily store and unstore the gun while
wearing the backpack embodiment and as well "draw" the gun is also
desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention provides a toy backpack water gun
configuration that permits a user to store and unstore the gun of
the configuration while wearing the backpack of the configuration.
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the backpack water gun configuration comprises a holster
and a gun attached via a connecting tube. The holster and gun
combination are configured such that when the gun is stored in the
holster the location of the holster and the length of the gun place
the handle of the gun proximate to the perimeter of the backpack. A
user then stores and unstores the gun while wearing the backpack by
grasping the exposed gun handle and inserting and removing the gun
from the backpack holster.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Additional aspects of the present invention will become
evident upon reviewing the non-limiting embodiments described in
the specification taken in conjunction with the accompanying
figures, wherein like numerals designate like elements, and:
[0011] FIG. 1a is an exterior front view of an exemplary embodiment
of the backpack water gun with the gun removed from the
holster;
[0012] FIG. 1b is an exterior front view of an exemplary embodiment
of the backpack water gun with the gun stored in the holster;
[0013] FIG. 2a is an exterior side view of an exemplary embodiment
illustrating how a user would grasp the handle of the gun while
inserted in the holster;
[0014] FIG. 2b is an exterior side view of an exemplary embodiment
illustrating how a user would "draw" the gun from the holster and
bring the gun to an active position;
[0015] FIG. 3 is an exterior front view of a preferred embodiment
incorporating an open-ended holster and a gun comprising a nozzle
for filling water balloons;
[0016] FIG. 4 is an exterior front view of an embodiment comprising
two crossing water balloon filling guns and two crossing open-ended
holsters; and,
[0017] FIG. 5 is an exterior front view of an embodiment comprising
two guns and two horizontal interior holsters.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] The following descriptions are of preferred exemplary
embodiments only, and are not intended to limit the scope,
applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather
the following description provides a convenient illustration for
implementing a preferred embodiment of the invention. Various
changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements
described in the preferred embodiments without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention as set forth herein.
[0019] Generally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention, a toy backpack water gun configuration is
provided that permits a user to store and unstore the gun of the
configuration while wearing the backpack of the configuration. The
device is suitably configured to allow a user to reach the handle
of the gun while the gun is stored in a holster on the backpack.
For example, in a preferred embodiment the backpack water gun
configuration comprises a holster and a gun attached via a
connecting tube. The holster and gun combination are configured
such that when the gun is stored in the holster, the location of
the holster and the length of the gun place the handle of the gun
proximate to the perimeter of the backpack. A user then stores and
unstores the gun while wearing the backpack by grasping the exposed
gun handle and inserting and removing the gun from the backpack
holster.
[0020] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
the holster may be suitably configured to be open ended in order to
allow multifunctional use. For example, an open-ended holster may
be used in combination with a gun having a protruding nozzle
capable of filling water balloons. Thus, a user can fill water
balloons from the gun while the gun is inserted in the open-ended
holster.
[0021] Briefly, though specific embodiments are described herein,
it should be appreciated that any number of holster and gun
configurations that place the handle of the gun proximate the
perimeter of the backpack can be used while still falling within
the scope of the present invention, and the present invention
should not be construed as limited to such specific
embodiments.
[0022] Thus, with reference to FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b, in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a backpack
water gun 10 is shown comprising a holster 20, a backpack 30, a
connecting tube 40, and a gun 50. In accordance with this
embodiment, holster 20, backpack 30, connecting tube 40, and gun 50
are made of a polymer. However, in accordance with various
alternate embodiments holster 20, backpack 30, connecting tube 40,
and gun 50 may be substituted with alternative materials including
composites, metals, and the like.
[0023] Furthermore and still in accordance with the present
exemplary embodiment, holster 20 and backpack 30 are integrated
into one consolidated piece, all composed of the same polymer
material. However, in accordance with alternate embodiments,
holster 20 and backpack 30 may be separate parts and composed of
different materials.
[0024] Moreover, in accordance with various alternate embodiments,
the position, size, shape, and number of holster 20, backpack 30,
connecting tube 40, and gun 50 may as well vary. Additionally, the
fluid propellant instrument or instruments (e.g. pressurized
systems, piston pumps, electric motors, etc.) used by backpack
water gun 10 can be any of those known to the prior art and further
includes those not yet known. Moreover, filling methods (e.g.
quick-fill systems, secondary caps, etc.) can as well be any of
those known to the prior art and further includes those not yet
known. Furthermore, complete backpack water gun 10 can be
integrated and used in combination with any number of identical or
different toy gun configurations.
[0025] With continuing reference to FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b, gun 50
further comprises a nozzle 51, a shaft 52, a controller 53, and a
handle 54. In accordance with various alternate embodiments, the
position, size, shape, and number of nozzle 51, shaft 52,
controller 53, and handle 54 may also vary. Preferably, holster 20
is of sufficient size to carry gun 50 and is structured to receive
gun 50 with nozzle 51 entering first. When gun 50 is inserted,
handle 54 is preferably located proximate the top perimeter of
backpack 30. Both the length of shaft 52 and the placement of
holster 54 on backpack 30 govern the location of handle 54
proximate to the top perimeter of backpack 30. In accordance with
present embodiment, holster 20 is preferably located on the back
surface of backpack 30 and centered so as make handle 54 convenient
for both left-handed and right-handed users.
[0026] However, in accordance with various alternative embodiments
of the present invention, holster 20 may be located internally or
externally on backpack 30 as well as in off-center locations.
Furthermore, when gun 50 is inserted, handle 54 preferably radiates
away from the rest of backpack water gun 10 so as to make handle 54
easily identifiable and graspable by the user based on blind,
tactile recognition. That said, in accordance with various
alternate embodiments of the present invention handle 54 may be
parallel with shaft 52.
[0027] In accordance with various other embodiments of the present
invention, handle 54 may be adjustable. For example, handle 54 may
comprise a pivot and via the pivot handle 54 may be positioned in a
radiating position or in a parallel position. Holster 20 and gun 50
preferably have largely matching female/male shapes so that gun 50
snugly fits in holster 20. Additionally, holster 20 is preferably
substantially larger in width at its opening than the nozzle end of
gun 50 so as to better catch gun 50 during blind insertion while
the user wears entire backpack water gun 10 on his or her back.
Again, gun 50 preferably has a similarly larger width near the base
of handle 54 in order to match the increased width of the opening
of holster 20 and thereby ensure a snug fit.
[0028] Thus, in accordance with the present exemplary embodiment of
the invention and now in reference to FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b, a user
can grasp handle 54 of gun 50 while wearing backpack 30. In use,
with respect to the present exemplary embodiment, handle 54 can be
pulled and, via one, preferably quick, motion, gun 50 can be
removed from holster 20 and brought to an active position (FIG.
2b). When the user wishes to store gun 50 while still wearing
backpack 30, the user can reverse this motion. This series of
motions can be repeated as often and as quickly as desirable,
thereby letting him or her repeatedly and rapidly "draw" and store
gun 50.
[0029] With reference now to FIG. 3, a preferred embodiment of the
invention is shown and various additional optional aspects are
described below. These embodiments incorporate various
supplementary features intended to optimize the overall use of the
invention for the user. However, as above, various alternate
embodiments of the present invention may omit some or all of these
features, utilize another combination of these features, or utilize
these and additional features not here described.
[0030] In accordance with one aspect of a preferred embodiment of
the invention, holster 20 is open ended. However, in combination,
holster 20 and gun 50 preferably place handle 54 proximate the top
perimeter of backpack 30. Open-ended holster 20 exposes nozzle 51.
Preferably, nozzle 51 is a protruding nozzle capable of connecting
with and filling water balloons in addition to spraying fluid.
However, and in accordance with alternate embodiments of the
invention, nozzle 51 may suitably be a plurality of nozzles. In
such cases, plural nozzles 51 may be controlled by one controller
53 or multiple independent controllers (e.g. controllers in
parallel) or multiple dependent controllers (e.g. controllers in
series). Additionally, nozzle 51 may comprise nozzle configurations
and nozzle systems known or not yet known to the prior art. In use,
via open-ended holster 20, a user can reach nozzle 51 and fill
water balloons while gun 50 is in holster 20 and backpack water gun
10 is not worn. However, water balloons may as well be filled via
nozzle 51 while gun 50 is outside holster 20 and while backpack
water gun 10 is being worn.
[0031] In accordance with another aspect of a preferred embodiment
of the invention, controller 53 is intentionally exposed by holster
20 via a cutout 22. In use, a user activates controller 53 in the
normal manner, thereby releasing water into an attached balloon.
However, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the
invention, controller 53 may be activated by holster 20. For
example, controller 53 may be a lever trigger mechanism and
controller 53 may rest on holster 20 while gun 50 is inserted in
holster 20. At the same time, holster 20 may be designed to allow
gun 50 to settle further in if it were not for the contact with
lever controller 53. Hence, a user may push gun 10 down into
holster 20 by placing pressure on the base of gun 50 near handle
54. This pressure engages and activates resting lever controller 53
via the contact with holster 20 and thereby releases fluid through
nozzle 51.
[0032] In accordance with another aspect of the preferred
embodiment, a gap 23 is located on holster 20. Gap 23 allows a user
to see gun 50 within holster 20 and increases the overall aesthetic
quality of the device. Alternatively, a transparent material for
holster 20 may be used. Additionally, backpack water gun 10 is
further equipped with a water balloon launcher holder 61
(preferably, holder 61 is also configured in a position accessible
to a user wearing backpack water gun 10), a filled water balloon
container 62, an unfilled water balloon container 63, and a handle
64. Preferably, backpack 30 has an indentation 31 to provide space
for a user to fill water balloons under open-ended holster 20 and
gun 50.
[0033] In accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present
invention, backpack water gun 10 may further comprise a holster for
a separable water gun. Such a separable water gun may comprise a
variety of configurations. For example, the separable water gun may
be an independent water gun or may have a reservoir pressurizeable
by backpack water gun 10.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 4, in accordance with another
alternative embodiment of the present invention, a multi-gun
embodiment is shown. A second gun 55 and a second connecting tube
45 are presented possessing similar configurations as gun 50 and
connecting tube 40. A second holster 25 may also be included. In
use, gun 50 and second gun 55 can be similarly inserted and removed
from holster 20 and second holster 25, respectively. In accordance
with this embodiment, holster 20 and second holster 25 cross so as
to make easier the removal and insertion of gun 50 and second gun
55. Of course, in accordance with alternative embodiments of the
present invention, holster 20 and second holster 25 may have
alternate configurations. For example, holster 20 and second
holster 25 may be parallel and vertical along backpack 30. Again,
both holster 20 and second holster 25 are open ended and have
matching indentations 31 to facilitate the filling of water
balloons when backpack water gun 10 is not worn.
[0035] With reference now to FIG. 5, another alternate embodiment
of the invention is illustrated. In accordance with this
embodiment, a multi-gun configuration comprises horizontal holster
20 and second holster 25 located at the interior base of backpack
30. In combination, holster 20 and gun 50 preferably place handle
54 proximate the perimeter of backpack 30. Furthermore, horizontal
holster 20 preferably has a slight slope to help keep gun 50 in
holster 20 during movement of backpack water gun 10.
[0036] Finally, while the principles of the invention have been
described in illustrative embodiments, many combinations and
modifications of the above-described structures, arrangements,
proportions, the elements, materials, and components, used in the
practice of the invention in addition to those not specifically
described may be varied and particularly adapted for a specific
environment and operating requirement without departing from those
principles.
* * * * *