U.S. patent application number 11/975087 was filed with the patent office on 2008-04-24 for device and method for depositing liquid on an object.
This patent application is currently assigned to Home Focus Development Limited. Invention is credited to Jacob R. S. Andersen.
Application Number | 20080096458 11/975087 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38924452 |
Filed Date | 2008-04-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080096458 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Andersen; Jacob R. S. |
April 24, 2008 |
Device and method for depositing liquid on an object
Abstract
A device is provided comprising a body, at least one fluid
reservoir supported by the body, at least one drawing mechanism
supported by the body and in fluid communication with the fluid
reservoir, which delivers liquid from the liquid reservoir to the
surface of the body through one or more apertures in the device.
The liquid can be deposited onto an object by contacting that
object with the device. Set or games comprising the device are also
provided.
Inventors: |
Andersen; Jacob R. S.; (Hong
Kong, CN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
IP GROUP OF DLA PIPER US LLP
ONE LIBERTY PLACE
1650 MARKET ST, SUITE 4900
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103
US
|
Assignee: |
Home Focus Development
Limited
Tortola
VG
|
Family ID: |
38924452 |
Appl. No.: |
11/975087 |
Filed: |
October 17, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60852806 |
Oct 19, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/26 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41B 9/00 20130101; A63H
3/24 20130101; A63H 13/06 20130101; F41B 13/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/026 |
International
Class: |
A63H 33/00 20060101
A63H033/00 |
Claims
1. A device comprising a body, at least one fluid reservoir
supported by the body, at least one drawing mechanism supported by
the body and in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir, which
delivers liquid from the liquid reservoir to the surface of the
body through one or more apertures in the device.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the liquid reservoir is
disposable.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the liquid reservoir comprises
flexible walls.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the drawing mechanism comprises a
pump.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the drawing mechanism is manually
actuated.
6. The device of claim 1, further comprising at least one liquid
reactive material.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the drawing mechanism is
electronically activated.
8. The device of claim 1, further comprising electronics which are
separate from the drawing mechanism.
9. The device of claim 8, wherein the electronics generate sound
and/or light.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein the liquid reservoir is
replaceable and contained within the striking portion.
11. The device of claim 10, wherein the liquid reservoir is
replaced by replacing the striking portion.
12. The device of claim 1, wherein the device simulates an item
selected from the group consisting of a sword, knife, spear,
javelin, mace, morningstar, axe, staff, nunchaku, sai blade,
hammer, club and lance, or a character carrying such an item.
13. The device of claim 6, wherein the liquid reactive material
comprises a substance which changes electrical characteristics,
changes color, or loses or gains opacity when contacted with a
liquid.
14. The device of claim 6, wherein the liquid reactive material
comprises a liquid-responsive switch.
15. The device of claim 6, wherein the liquid reactive material
comprises a pH indicator.
16. A set or game comprising at least one device of claim 1.
17. The set or game of claim 16, further comprising at least one
article to be worn or carried by a user.
18. The set or game of claim 17, wherein the at least one article
to be worn or carried by a user is at least one selected from the
group consisting of articles worn on the torso, articles worn on
the feet or legs, articles worn on the head, articles worn on the
hands, articles worn on the arms and articles worn on the face.
19. The set or game of claim 16, further comprising at least one
free-standing, indepently-moving or randomly-appearing item.
20. The set or game of claim 17, wherein the article comprises at
least one liquid reactive material.
21. The set or game of claim 19, wherein the item comprises at
least one liquid reactive material.
22. The set or game of claim 16, further comprising instructions
for use.
23. The set or game of claim 16, wherein the game simulates
combat.
24. A method of playing a game, comprising the steps of: (1)
providing at least two devices of claim 1, or at least one device
of claim 1 and a further item; (2) contacting one of the devices
with the striking portion of the other, such that water is
deposited from the striking portion onto the struck device, or
contacting the further item with the striking portion of the at
least one device; and (3) optionally repeating step (1).
25. The device of claim 1, wherein the body is fabricated in the
shape of a robot.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/852,806, filed Oct. 19, 2006.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates generally to a devices for
depositing liquid onto an object, for example made of
liquid-reactive substances, and to sets, game and uses comprising
such devices.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Toys which simulate weapons, or which can be used to
simulate combat with such weapons, are perennially popular. Such
toys can be made from wood or plastic and have no moving parts.
Other such toys can be complicated devices which produce sounds or
light which indicate when the weapon has struck an opponent, or
when a projectile has struck an opponent. However, toy weapons
which shoot a projectile can be dangerous, and many jurisdictions
have passed laws or regulations restricting the sale of
projectile-firing toys for use by young children. Even the sale of
toys which shoot a soft (e.g. foam or sponge) projectile, or which
shoot streams or droplets of water, can be restricted.
[0004] The increasing popularity of "sword and sorcery" or
"fantasy" stories in movies, books and television has caused an
increased consumer demand for toys which simulate archaic weapons,
or for action figure-type toys which employ such archaic weapons.
For example, toys which simulate striking weapons, such as swords,
are becoming prevalent. Like toys which fire projectiles, toys
simulating or employing archaic weapons can be dangerous,
especially if they are solidly designed and are used by young
children who may strike a playmate too hard during play.
[0005] Nevertheless, those playing with simulated weapons or with
action figures simulating combat desire confirmation that the
opponent or target has been struck by the weapon. Evidence that the
weapon has struck its target can forestall confusion uncertainty or
disputes which can arise during game play.
[0006] What is needed, therefore, are devices simulating archaic
weapons or combat which do not launch a projectile, and which
comprises a means for indicating whether an individual or target
has been struck by a projectile. Such a device would desirably be
inexpensive to acquire and operate.
SUMMARY
[0007] Liquid can be deposited on an object by a device which
simulates a striking weapon. The object can comprise liquid
reactive materials that indicate when the object has been
struck.
[0008] At least one device is provided comprising a body, at least
one liquid reservoir supported by the body, and at least one
drawing mechanism in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir
that draws the liquid into the device and delivers the liquid to at
least one aperture in the device. The liquid reservoir can also
comprise a liquid-absorbent material which is partially or
substantially completely exposed The device may be designed to be
carried by a user or otherwise supported by a user's body, or may
be part of toy robot or other type of action figure.
[0009] The device can be provided as part of a set or a game,
comprising at least one device, and optionally instructions for use
or rules for game play.
[0010] A method of playing a game is also provided, comprising the
steps of providing at least two devices, or at least one device and
a further item. The device or devices can be manipulated so that
liquid is deposited from one device onto the other or onto the
further item. The manipulation step can optionally be repeated
until the game is concluded.
[0011] A method of marketing a device, set or game is also
provided, comprising packaging a device, set or game is also
provided, with at least one additional item.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] For the purpose of illustrating my devices and methods,
there are shown in the drawings forms which are exemplary; it being
understood, that this disclosure is not limited to the precise
arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
[0013] FIG. 1 is partial cut-away view of an exemplary device.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a partial cut-away view of an exemplary striking
portion.
[0015] FIG. 3 is an exemplary set of devices.
[0016] FIGS. 4A and 4B show partial cut-away views of a further
exemplary striking portion.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] It will be appreciated that the following description is
exemplary and is not intended to define or limit my devices and
methods, other than in the appended claims.
[0018] A device is provided that comprises a body which can support
at least one liquid reservoir and at least one liquid drawing
mechanism (sometimes called herein a "drawing mechanism"). The body
can be made in any suitable size and shape capable of supporting
the liquid reservoir and drawing mechanism, for example in the
shape of a striking weapon. The body can also comprise appendages
or other attachments which may move independently of the body or
other components of the device. For example, the body can comprise
a figure holding a striking weapon.
[0019] Thus, the body can simulate any striking weapon from any
culture or time period, for example a sword, knife, spear, javelin,
mace, morningstar, axe, staff (rigid or sectioned), nunchaku, sai
blades, hammer, club, lance, or the like. The striking weapon can
also be an appendage, such as a hand, foot, elbow, knee, heel or
any other body part. The body can also be fabricated in the shape
of a stylized human being or animal, robot, military vehicle or
aircraft, spacecraft, or in a fanciful shape, which holds and
includes a striking weapon. The body can also be made in the
likeness (including a caricature) of actual sports or military
figures. The body can also comprise limbs or appendages, wheels,
and the like which may move independently of the body or other toy
components.
[0020] The body can further comprise one or more structures which
allow the device to be free standing. As used herein, "free
standing" means that the device can stand upright without support
from an outside source, such as a user's hand. Thus, the body can
comprise a base portion with extensions, flanges, feet, struts, or
other supports that allow the device to remain upright when
unsupported from any source independent of the device.
[0021] The body can be essentially flat, (i.e., with minimal
thickness), or it can be essentially three dimensional (3-D); i.e.,
with substantial length and depth. For example, in 3-D form, the
device can have the ability to stand upright. Alternatively, an
essentially flat body can further comprise feet or other supports
extending outward from the flat surface of the body to allow the
body to stand upright. Thus, both the essentially flat and 3-D
bodies can include at least one base member to allow the body to
stand upright and to be substantially anchored for game play. The
user can hold the toy during game play to provide further
stability.
[0022] The device can comprise one or more colors, designs or
indicia, for example for the purpose of decoration or to indicate
different weapon types or styles or group affiliations. For
example, such colors, designs or indicia can be those associated
with actual countries, historical periods, armies, sports teams or
sports or military figures.
[0023] The device can be any suitable size which allows a person to
handle the device and actuate the drawing mechanism, as can be
readily determined by one skilled in the art. For example, the
device can be from about 10 cm to about 1000 cm (e.g., about 50 cm
to about 700 cm, about 150 cm to about 400 cm, or about 250 cm) in
length (i.e., from left to right sides), from about 5 cm to about
500 cm (e.g., about 50 cm to about 250 cm, or about 100 cm to about
150 cm) in height, and from about 5 cm to about 25 cm (e.g., about
10 cm to about 20 cm, or about 15 cm) in depth (i.e., from front to
back). Greater or lesser values are contemplated for the height,
length and breadth of the device.
[0024] All or part of the device can be fabricated from any
suitable material, such as heavy gauge paper or cardboard, woods,
metals, plastics, rubbers or synthetic resins, as are known in the
art, by standard techniques for producing devices simulating
weapons and the like. It is understood that those portions of the
device which contact liquid must be compatible with the liquid. For
example, the device can be fabricated by injection molding or other
suitable technique from commercially-available material such as
thermo plastic polyurethane (TPU); ionomer resin; ethylene vinyl
acetate (EVA); thermo plastic styrenics (TPS); melt processible
rubber (MPR); thermo plastic vulcanate (TPV); thermo plastic olefin
(TPO); thermo plastic ester elastomer (TPEE); thermo plastic
elastomer (TPE); thermoplastic rubber (TPR); polypropylene (PP),
polyethylene terphthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC),
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene terpolymer (ABS); a polycarbonate
and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene terpolymer blend (PC/ABS);
flexible plastic such as polystyrene sheet or
polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA, marketed as "PERSPEX" by ICI
Acrylics, Inc.); other acrylics; metal (e.g., stainless steel,
aluminum, copper); wood; or any combination thereof. Other suitable
materials and forming methods will be apparent to those skilled in
the art.
[0025] The device may be supplied fully assembled or as a kit,
wherein a user assembles the device by popping out prefabricated
parts along lines of weakness from a flat piece of plastic, metal
or any other suitable material, and then attaches the liquid
reservoir and liquid drawing mechanism. Generally, the assembly of
the device will not require the aid of tools and/or adhesives, and
all the parts can be joined together by the snap-fit of the parts
themselves.
[0026] The liquid reservoir can comprise any closed or open
container suitable for holding liquid. For example, the liquid
reservoir can comprise a thin-walled plastic container with a
removable cap. In practice, the liquid reservoir can be refilled
when the liquid has been depleted during play. Alternatively, the
liquid reservoir may not include a removable cap or other means for
refilling. The device or the liquid reservoir would then be
discarded when the liquid in the reservoir is depleted, and the
entire device, the portion of the device supporting the liquid
reservoir, or the liquid reservoir replaced. It is contemplated
that such a liquid reservoir can be disposable, or can be provided
in a small, inexpensive disposable device. For example, a
disposable or replaceable liquid reservoir can comprise "capsules"
or other such containers which can be readily removed from the
device when empty, and replaced. In one aspect, the liquid
reservoir can be supported by the striking portion, and can be
replaced by removing the empty reservoir from the striking portion
and inserting a full reservoir, or by replacing the entire striking
portion with one containing a full reservoir.
[0027] The liquid reservoir can be constructed from any suitable
material, such as the materials described above for the body,
according to techniques within the skill in the art. The liquid
reservoir can also be constructed to withstand internal and/or
external pressure, for example if the air and liquid within the
reservoir are slightly pressurized or squeezed. The liquid
reservoir can be supported by the body. As used herein, "supported
by the body" means that the liquid reservoir can be located on the
outside of the body, inside the body, or can extend through the
body. It is specifically contemplated that the liquid reservoir can
be coextensive with the body; for example, the liquid reservoir can
be formed by the body, and this configuration is included in the
meaning of "supported by the body."
[0028] At least one liquid drawing mechanism is in fluid
communication with one or more liquid reservoirs, for example
through a tube or other suitable conduit. A drawing mechanism can
be supported by the body. As used herein, "supported by the body"
means that the drawing mechanism can be located on the outside of
the body, inside the body, or can extend through the body. When
located outside the body, the drawing mechanism can function
independently of the body, and can comprise all the elements (in
combination with a liquid reservoir) necessary to store and deliver
liquid. Such independently functioning drawing mechanisms can be
interchangeable from device to device. Alternatively, the drawing
mechanism and the liquid reservoir can be located separately
outside the body, and can be removed or interchanged with drawing
mechanisms or liquid reservoirs on other devices. The drawing
mechanism can also be located in the body, and the liquid reservoir
can be separate; for example, when the device simulates a sword,
the liquid reservoir can be carried on a belt or back-pack. The
drawing mechanism draws liquid from the liquid reservoir and
delivers the liquid away from the body and to at least one aperture
on the device.
[0029] The drawing mechanism can comprise any suitable mechanism or
apparatus for drawing a portion of liquid from the liquid reservoir
and delivering that liquid to at least one aperture in the device.
The liquid then exits the device, and can be deposited onto another
device or a target during game play. For example, the drawing
mechanism can comprise a simple manual or electric pump mechanism
such as are commonly found in plastic squirt guns; see, e.g., U.S.
Pat. Nos. 6,892,902 and 5,373,975, the entire disclosures of which
is herein incorporated by reference. The pump can force liquid
directly through a conduit to aperture(s) in the device, for
example by actuating a piston operably connected to series of
valves which allow the liquid to be delivered through the drawing
mechanism. Alternatively, the pump can pressurize the liquid
reservoir such that the liquid travels through a conduit to
aperture(s) in the device when a valve between the liquid reservoir
and liquid projectile launching mechanism is released. The pump can
also be configured to draw liquid into the liquid reservoir to
replenish the liquid supply therein.
[0030] The drawing mechanism can also comprise a bladder or other
flexible-walled container. The bladder or other flexible-walled
container can be filled to overcapacity to create internal
pressure, such that liquid can be delivered through a conduit in
operable connection with the drawing mechanism. The drawing
mechanism comprising a bladder or other flexible-walled container
(or that portion of the device supporting it) can also be squeezed
to deliver the liquid. Where a drawing mechanism comprises a
bladder or other flexible-walled container, the drawing mechanism
and the liquid reservoir can be essentially coextensive. For
example, the bladder or other flexible-walled container comprising
the drawing mechanism can be the liquid reservoir. In one aspect, a
drawing mechanism/reservoir is contained within the striking
portion, and is generally co-extensive with the striking portion.
Such a drawing mechanism/reservoir can comprise a mechanism
analogous to that used in fountain pens, as described in more
detail below.
[0031] When actuated, the drawing mechanism delivers liquid through
at least one conduit connected thereto. The conduit can be
considered part of the drawing mechanism. The portion of the body
supporting the conduit can extend away from the main part of the
body, and may be constructed so that it can be aimed or moved
independently of the body. In one aspect, the portion of the body
supporting a conduit can comprise a sword, and the main part of the
body can comprise a robot or other action figure (sometimes
referred to herein as a "character"). The portion of the body
supporting the conduit is sometimes referred to herein as the
"striking portion." A device can have at least one striking
portion; for example one, two, three, four, five or more striking
portions. A striking portion further comprises at least one
aperture to which the conduit(s) deliver liquid. Touching or
pressing an object with the striking portion into which liquid has
been drawn will deposit liquid onto that object.
[0032] A striking portion can be positioned anywhere on the body
which allows liquid to be drawn from the liquid reservoir and
delivered through one or more conduits to at least one aperture on
the striking portion, when the drawing mechanism is actuated. As
discussed above, the drawing mechanism can be manually or
electronically actuated. The drawing mechanism can also be actuated
by physical forces such as gravity, centrifugal force and capillary
action. For example, liquid can be delivered by positioning the
device such that liquid flows from the liquid reservoir to the
aperture, or the device (or a portion thereof) can be spun, or
moved rapidly so that liquid is forced from the reservoir outward
to the aperture. Liquid can also be delivered by pressing the
striking portion against an object and squeezing or otherwise
dispensing the liquid from the striking portion.
[0033] The velocity of the liquid delivered to the aperture is not
sufficient to expel the liquid outward from the device as a
projectile (such as a stream or water drop). Rather, the liquid
delivered to the aperture will stay at or near the aperture, and
can form one or more drops which will be transferred onto an object
only by touching an object with the striking portion.
[0034] The liquid which can be used in the device can include any
suitable liquid which is compatible with the device components, and
which has a suitably low viscosity such that it can be drawn from
the liquid reservoir by the drawing mechanism and delivered to an
aperture. Suitable liquids include water, such as tap water, spring
water, salt water, sugar water or mineral water; inks, such as
"disappearing" and other non-permanent inks and permanent inks;
dyes, for example washable or other non-permanent dyes and
permanent dyes; fluorescent liquids; perfumes; juices; liquid
candies and acidic or basic liquids. Generally, acidic or basic
liquids comprise a weak acid or base, so as not to damage the
device or device components and surrounding object, or injure a
user.
[0035] An exemplary device is generally shown in FIG. 1. With
reference to FIG. 1, the exemplary device 100 comprises a body 110
(shown in partial cut-away view) supporting a liquid reservoir 115
containing liquid 120. Liquid drawing mechanism 125 is located
above liquid reservoir 115, and further comprises conduit 130 for
transporting liquid to striking portion 135. Striking portion 135
supports conduit 140 which receives liquid from conduit 130 and
delivers it to aperture 145. As an alternative to drawing mechanism
125, the drawing mechanism can comprise a flexible portion 145 of
body 110 which can be squeezed by a user to compress liquid
reservoir 115 and force water through conduit 130 and conduit 140
to aperture 145.
[0036] FIG. 2 generally shows an exemplary striking portion 200 in
the shape of a sword. Striking portion 200 supports conduit 210 in
blade portion 215, which is shown in partial cut-away view. Conduit
210 travels through handle portion 220, and would communicate with
a conduit connected to a liquid reservoir when the striking portion
200 is positioned on a body. Liquid travels through conduit 210 to
aperture 225, where it appears on the surface of blade portion 215
as drop 230.
[0037] FIG. 3 generally shows a game set 300 comprising a first
device 310 and a second device 315. Each device comprises a body, a
liquid reservoir supported by the body, and a drawing mechanism in
fluid connection with the liquid reservoir. The liquid reservoir
and drawing mechanism are inside the body, and are not visible in
FIG. 3. The devices also comprises a striking portion 320 or 320',
through which a conduit (not shown) runs to deliver liquid from the
liquid reservoir on actuation of the drawing mechanism. Upon
touching of the striking portion 320 of the first device 310 onto
the body of second device 315, liquid which has been delivered to
an aperture on striking portion 320 is deposited onto the body of
second device 315 and is visible as spot 325. As discussed on more
detail below, the device bodies can comprise liquid reactive
material.
[0038] FIGS. 4A and 4B, where like reference numbers indicate like
structures, generally shows an exemplary striking portion 400 in
the shape of a sword. Striking portion 400 supports a flexible
reservoir 410 in cavity 415 inside blade portion 420 (which is
shown in partial cut-away view). Liquid can be drawn into the
reservoir by raising plunger 425 which is supported by handle
portion 430 along line A. Raising plunger 425 reduces the air
pressure inside cavity 415. The striking portion 400 is then placed
into a container of liquid such that aperture 430 is immersed in
the liquid. The plunger 420 is then depressed along line B, so that
the air pressure in cavity 415 is increased (represented by arrows
C), and reservoir 410 is at least partially collapsed. As the air
pressure inside cavity 415 is equalized, the reservoir 410 expands,
drawing liquid in through the aperture 430 (represented by arrows
D). As shown in FIG. 4B, liquid can then be released from the
reservoir by pressing that part of the striking portion 400
comprising the aperture 430 against an object. This pressure causes
a portion 435 of the liquid to be expelled from the reservoir
through the aperture, and be deposited on the object. In this
aspect, the drawing mechanism comprises the cavity 415, reservoir
410, plunger 425, aperture 430 and other components in striking
portion 400 which allow liquid to be drawn into and expelled from
the striking portion. The design and use of such a drawing
mechanism is within the skill in the art, and is analogous to the
ink re-filling and dispensing mechanism of a fountain pen.
[0039] A device can also comprise electronic components other than,
and optionally connected to, any electronic components comprising
the drawing mechanism. Such electronic components can be activated
along with any electronic components comprising the drawing
mechanism, or can be activated separately. For example, the device
can comprise components for the electronic generation of sound
and/or light. The device can also comprise attachments that are
connected to drive motors activated by the electronics.
[0040] Electronics suitable for use in the device can include a
power source box, or battery box which can be located suitably in
the body, for containing batteries or another suitable power
source. Suitable wires can be used to couple operable components
such as incandescent lights, LED's, switches and speakers. These
components can be contained in the body, located outside and
supported by the body, or can extend through the body. For example,
one or more portions of the body can be lighted or adapted to glow
by providing a suitable light source such as an LED mounted
adjacent to a chamber with transparent or translucent portion.
[0041] The electronic components can be activated by actuation of
the drawing mechanism and/or by the flow of liquid through the
device. For example, a switch can be mounted adjacent to a conduit
or a flexible or soft portion of a conduit, such as conduit
carrying liquid from the liquid reservoir to the striking portion.
The deformation or expansion of the conduit can move one contact
element of the switch into contact with another element, thus
activating the electronics.
[0042] With regard to fastening, mounting, attaching or connecting
components to form the device, unless specifically described
otherwise, such are intended to encompass suitable conventional
fasteners such as screws, nut and bolt connectors, threaded
connectors, snap rings, detent arrangements, clamps such as screw
clamps and the like, rivets, toggles, pins and the like, as are
known in the art. Components can also be connected by adhesives,
glues, welding, ultrasonic welding, and friction fitting or
deformation, if appropriate, and appropriate liquid and/or airtight
seals or sealing devices can be used, as are known in the art.
Electronic portions of the device can use conventional,
commercially available electronic components, connectors and
devices such as suitable wiring, connectors, printed circuit
boards, microchips, speakers, lights, LED's, liquid crystal
displays, pressure sensors, liquid level sensors, audio components,
inputs, outputs and the like.
[0043] The device, for example the outside of the body of the
device, can comprise a liquid reactive material. As used herein, a
"liquid reactive material" is any material which undergoes a change
when contacted by a liquid. For example, the liquid reactive
material can comprise a substance which changes electrical
characteristics (such as impedance), changes color, or loses or
gains opacity when contacted with a liquid. Suitable liquid
reactive materials include a plastic or cloth that changes color
when becoming wet, or a surface which has been coated with a
particulate (e.g., dust, sand, fiberglass, or the like) on the
surface, which particulate changes color or becomes transparent
when wet, revealing an underlying color.
[0044] For example, the device can comprise a liquid-responsive
switch closing or opening an electric circuit between a battery and
a light or sound source when in contact with liquid. A suitable
liquid-responsive switch, as is known in the art, comprises a pair
of electric terminals impressed with a certain voltage potential.
When in the dry state, the impedance between the terminals is very
high and the current allowed to circulate is virtually nil.
However, when wet, the impedance is dramatically reduced
establishing an electrical path which sets a simple transistor
circuit in the conduction state, closing the electric circuit
between the battery and the light source. Thus, the device can be
activated to emit sound and/or light when contacted by a liquid.
This arrangement can be used to indicated a "score" or "hit" by a
striking portion of another device when simulating combat or team
sports play with the devices. A liquid-activated switch can also be
operably connected to a drawing mechanism, such that the drawing
mechanism is temporarily inactivated or rendered inoperable when
the device is contacted by liquid.
[0045] Other suitable liquid reactive materials include materials
which react when contacted with an acidic or basic solution, such
as a pH indicator which changes color upon contact with an acid or
a base. A suitable pH indicator is one which changes to a certain
color (e.g., blue) when contacted with an acidic solution, and
changes to another color (e.g., pink or red) when contacted with a
basic solution. Thus, set or game can comprise at least two devices
comprising a pH indicator. One of the devices can carry an acidic
liquid in its liquid reservoir, and another device can carry a
basic solution. Hits from the device carrying the acidic solution
will cause the other device to turn a first color, whereas hits
from the device carrying the basic solution will cause the other
device to turn a second color. The initial color of the pH
indicator on a given device can be restored by removing the acidic
or basic solution (such as by washing with water), or by
neutralizing with an acidic or basic solution, as appropriate.
[0046] The set or game can comprise numerous configurations. For
example, a game can comprise at least one device comprising a
handheld item such as a simulated striking weapon, and another
device can comprise an article to be worn or carried by a user,
such as a shirt, vest, chest plate or other articles worn on the
torso; pants; socks, shin guards, shoes or shoe coverings, or other
articles worn on the feet or legs; belt (including a harness or Sam
Browne belt); badge, necklace, medallion or the like; helmet, hat
or other headcovering; gloves, rings or other articles worn on the
hands; forearm or wrist guards or other articles worn on the arms;
mask, eyeglasses or other articles worn on the face; a shield or
the like; or combinations thereof. An exemplary wearable article
can comprise a full or partial suit of armor. For example, multiple
wearable articles can be provided with the set or game, which
comprise different articles of clothing or pieces of armor (e.g., a
chest plate and a back plate, connected by shoulder straps, or the
like). These articles can also comprise at least one liquid
reactive material.
[0047] A set or game can also comprise a free-standing,
independently-moving or randomly-appearing item, such as an
obstacle or target. Exemplary targets can include items that are
thrown or otherwise projected into the air, or "pop-up" targets
representing opponents which appear at random intervals and/or
locations during game play. Such "pop-up" targets can be controlled
by electronics such as are described above, as is known in the art.
These articles can also comprise at least one liquid reactive
material.
[0048] Different portions of the devices or other items comprising
a set or game can comprise at least two liquid reactive materials
which react differently from each other when wet. For example, one
portion of the device or item can comprise a material which turns a
first color (e.g., green) when wet, and a second portion of the
same device or item can comprise a material which turns a second
color (e.g., blue) when wet.
[0049] My devices, sets or games can be marketed by packaging the
device, set or game with at least one additional item for sale,
such as candy or gum, stickers, electronic items, and promotional
items such as contests or lotteries and team or league
paraphernalia.
[0050] The devices can be utilized to play games in which a user is
required to contact an opponent's device with the user's striking
portion. Thus, the set or game can comprise at least two devices,
and suggested rules of play. For example, the set or game can
comprise sufficient devices for two teams or armies of players,
with each team or army comprising 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 20, 50 or more
devices.
[0051] Generally, a game can be played in an open indoor or outdoor
area. The playing surface can be natural or artificial, and can be,
for example, generally planar, uneven or multi-leveled.
[0052] The area in which a game is played can be marked or
otherwise carry indicia which simulate, for example, battle fields
or fields of play for one or more team sports. It is understood
that the markings or indicia which simulate a battle field or field
of play can include rear areas, sideline areas or other areas where
individuals not actively participating in the group activity would
be located. One skilled in the art is familiar with the indicia,
relative dimensions and configurations of fields of play for team
sports, and can readily adapt such indicia, dimensions or
configurations for use.
[0053] The set or game can also comprise other items as described
above, or such as a foldable housing to contain the devices when
not in use, extra liquid or liquid reservoirs, scorecards or other
devices to record game statistics and results, candy or gum, toys,
electronic devices (such as for producing light and sound effects
or play-by-play announcements during game play), a timing device,
stickers or the like for decorating the devices or items, and
promotional items such as contests or lotteries and team or league
paraphernalia.
[0054] The precise rules of play for a game depend on the type of
game desired to be played. For example, the game can comprise rules
of play simulating combat. Such rules can be readily designed and
understood by one skilled in the art.
[0055] In one such game, devices sufficient for two armies can be
provided. The individuals playing the game decide beforehand which
army shall have initial possession of which parts of the battle
field, and which army can attack first. For example, the armies can
occupy different sections of the battlefield, or one army can
occupy the entire battle field, and the second army can attempt to
"invade" the occupied territory.
[0056] The game is begun by one or more individuals of a given army
attacking individuals of the other army by attempting to contact
individuals of the other army with the striking portions of
individuals from their army. A player will be "wounded" or "killed"
if his or her second device is contacted by a striking portion,
such that liquid from the striking portion is deposited. The
"wounded" or "killed" player is then removed from the battlefield
or left in place, and game play continues. "Wounded" players may be
re-introduced to the game after a suitable amount of time has
passed, simulating recovery of the wounded soldier.
[0057] The game progresses with each army attempting to secure the
predetermined objective, and continues until the expiration of a
predetermined time period, the objective is achieved or all the
individuals of one army have been "wounded" or "killed." The
surviving army or army in possession of the predetermined objective
wins the game.
[0058] While my devices and methods have been described in
connection with the examples discussed above and the various
figures, it is to be understood that other similar examples may be
used, or modifications or additions may be made to the described
examples for performing the same function without deviating
therefrom. Therefore, the devices and methods should not be limited
to any single example, but rather should be construed in breadth
and scope in accordance with the recitation of the appended
claims.
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