U.S. patent application number 15/522163 was filed with the patent office on 2017-11-02 for longitudinal underwater toy and method for loading such a toy.
This patent application is currently assigned to Neptun Toys AS. The applicant listed for this patent is Neptun Toys AS. Invention is credited to Jan CAPJON.
Application Number | 20170312642 15/522163 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56014260 |
Filed Date | 2017-11-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170312642 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CAPJON; Jan |
November 2, 2017 |
LONGITUDINAL UNDERWATER TOY AND METHOD FOR LOADING SUCH A TOY
Abstract
An underwater toy includes a longitudinal body with a nose
portion, an aft portion and an elastic element. A longitudinal tail
with a first end is inserted into a substantially cylindrical
portion of the longitudinal body. A second end of the longitudinal
tail has an ejection opening for water. The first end includes a
portion for sealing between the substantially cylindrical portion
of the body and the first end of the longitudinal tail. The tail is
thereby provided in the body and is movable in a longitudinal
direction inside the body. A cavity is defined by the substantially
cylindrical portion of the body and the longitudinal tail. The
ejection opening for water is in fluid communication with the
cavity. An elastic element is attached in the body and in the
tail.
Inventors: |
CAPJON; Jan; (Nesoddtangen,
NO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Neptun Toys AS |
Nesoddtangen |
|
NO |
|
|
Assignee: |
Neptun Toys AS
Nesoddtangen
NO
|
Family ID: |
56014260 |
Appl. No.: |
15/522163 |
Filed: |
November 18, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
November 18, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/NO2015/050217 |
371 Date: |
April 26, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 23/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63H 23/04 20060101
A63H023/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 18, 2014 |
NO |
20141383 |
Claims
1. A longitudinal underwater toy with a density close to or
somewhat lower than the density of water, wherein the water toy
includes a longitudinal body with a nose portion, an aft portion
and an elastic element, wherein the water toy furthermore
comprises: a longitudinal tail with a cylindrical portion with a
forward part, a mid section, and an end section forming a first,
inner, through duct with a first cross sectional area A, inserted
in an inner, substantially cylindrical portion in the longitudinal
body, extending from the aft portion of the body, and a tail
portion forming a second, inner, through duct with an ejection
opening for water with a second cross sectional area B, as wherein
the tail portion adjoins the end section and wherein the
longitudinal tail is movable in a longitudinal direction in the
body; and a cavity defined by the substantially cylindrical portion
of the body and the first, inner, through duct and the second,
inner, through duct in the longitudinal tail, such that the
ejection opening for water is in fluid communication with the
cavity; wherein the elastic element is attached in a forward
portion of the body and in the end section of the cylindrical
portion, wherein the underwater toy may adopt a first short
configuration where the tail is completely inserted in the body and
a second extended configuration where the tail is withdrawn from
the body and where the elastic element is tensioned with a force
between the body and the longitudinal tail.
2. The longitudinal underwater toy according to claim 1, wherein
the elastic element extends along 2/3 of the total length of the
longitudinal body when the toy is in the retracted position.
3. The longitudinal underwater toy according to claim 1, where the
first cross sectional area A extending through the forward end and
the mid portion is larger than the second cross section area B
extending through the tail portion.
4. The longitudinal underwater toy according to claim 1, wherein
the longitudinal body furthermore includes fins.
5. The longitudinal underwater body according to claim 1, where the
longitudinal tail furthermore includes fins.
6. The longitudinal underwater toy according to claim 1, wherein
the nose portion furthermore includes a check valve provided to
prevent outflow of water from the cavity defined by the
substantially cylindrical portion of the body and the longitudinal
tail.
7. The longitudinal underwater toy according to claim 1, wherein
the tail includes a buoyancy element.
8. The longitudinal underwater toy according to claim 1, wherein
the body includes a buoyancy element.
9. The longitudinal underwater toy according to claim 1, wherein
the first end includes a portion for sealing between the
substantially cylindrical portion of the body and the first end of
the longitudinal tail.
10. The longitudinal underwater toy according to claim 9, wherein
the portion of the longitudinal tail for sealing between the
substantially cylindrical portion of the body and the first end of
the longitudinal tail includes a seal.
11. The longitudinal underwater toy according to claim 1,
furthermore including a locking mechanism for locking the tail in
an extended position of the body where the elastic element is in an
extended position.
12. A method for charging a longitudinal underwater toy as defined
in claim 1 including submerging the toy under water, and pulling
the longitudinal tail in a direction away from the body.
Description
[0001] The present invention concerns an underwater toy for use in
for instance a pool or bathtub. The toy is propelled with a spring
loaded mechanism providing thrust in that water is ejected out at a
rear end at the same time as an adjusted buoyancy and weight
distribution gives the underwater toy a change of direction upwards
towards the end of its submerged motion.
[0002] The toy has a longitudinal streamlined shape and can for
instance be designed as a fish, a sea animal, a swimmer, a
submarine, a torpedo or a "water dart arrow". The toy may also be
used as a propulsion motor for attachment to a boat or a similar
device. The toy is adapted for use in for instance a bathtub or a
swimming pool and is in one embodiment adapted for diving from
above the water surface, below the water surface and then up again
to the water surface while the front or nose of the toy all the
time points at the direction of travel.
[0003] In the prior art developed by the same applicant and as
defined by U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,662, it is known a solution where a
change of direction upwards resulting from diminishing velocity is
achieved by a location of the center of the gravity and horizontal
guide fins. In this solution, the toy is however not given extra
speed through the water.
[0004] It exists underwater toys that are given thrust from a
spring loaded piston tensioned by a thread. Such a thread is
obstructive when it is extended, prevents a free motion, and is
esthetically undesirable. Furthermore may the thread be jammed, get
tangled or break. A hanging thread, typically with a small handle
or another gripping element will also break and prevent a free
motion through the water while making the motion gets less
predictable.
[0005] In US 2004/0235387 it is shown an underwater toy with an
ejection opening and an inner elastic element extending from a
forward portion of a body to a rearward portion. The rearward
portion has a narrow duct extending from a forward end to the
ejection opening. Such a solution provides a limited room for an
elastic element as the elastic element is placed entirely in front
of the reward portion. In such a solution is the "cylinder stroke"
short compared to the total length of the toy, such that the toy
only can move a relatively short distance.
[0006] It is a purpose with the present invention to provide a toy
with a long "cylinder stroke" that will be able to move underwater
with a relatively long duration. Furthermore, it is a purpose with
the invention to provide a solution that imposes relatively modest
requirements to the spring or the elastic element such that the
elastic element maintains its properties in time.
[0007] It is a purpose with the present invention to provide an
underwater toy of the above-mentioned type but where a separate
element for actuating or tensioning the toy not is required.
[0008] In one embodiment, it is furthermore a purpose with the
invention to provide a toy that is easier to fill with water as the
invention in this embodiment may be filled with water through a
valve in the nose.
[0009] An essential element with the underwater toy of to the
present invention is that the toy runs in a predictable path
through the water. A predictable path through the water enables the
toy to be used in games and competitions that involve precision and
calculation. It is furthermore a purpose with the present invention
to provide an underwater toy that is simple and quick to charge
with water.
[0010] It is furthermore a purpose with the present invention to
provide an underwater toy with a center of buoyancy that can move
under operation of the underwater toy such that a path of the toy
through the water is changed along the way.
[0011] In the following discussion are expressions such as "body",
"tail" and "nose" used to simplify the description and to provide
an intuitive understanding of the invention. These expressions are
however not meant to limit the invention even if more natural terms
in some connections for instance could be "upper body" and "under
body" or "bow" and "stern portion". Furthermore, is the term "fins"
used, but the fins may in other connections be considered as
"rudders".
[0012] The present invention concerns a longitudinal underwater toy
with a density that is close to or somewhat lower than the density
of water. The underwater toy includes a longitudinal body with a
nose portion, and aft portion and an elastic element. The
underwater toy furthermore includes a longitudinal tail with a
cylindrical portion with a forward part, a midsection and an end
section forming a first, inner, duct extending there through with a
first cross section. The longitudinal tail is inserted into an
inner substantially cylindrical portion in the longitudinal body
extending in from the rear portion of the body. The longitudinal
tail also includes a tail portion forming a second, inner duct
extending there through with an ejection opening for water with a
second cross sectional area. The tail portion adjoins the end
section. The longitudinal tail is movable in a longitudinal
direction in the longitudinal body. A cavity is defined by the
substantially cylindrical portion of the body, the first inner duct
extending there through, and the second inner duct extending there
through, such that the ejection opening for water is in fluid
communication with the cavity. The elastic element is attached to a
forward portion of the body and to the end section of the
cylindrical portion. The underwater toy may take a first short
configuration where the tail is completely inserted in the body and
a second elongated configuration where the tail is extended from
the body and where the elastic element is tensioned with a force
between the body and the longitudinal tail.
[0013] The elastic element may extend along 2/3 of the total length
of the longitudinal body when the toy is in the retracted
position.
[0014] The first cross sectional area A of the duct extending
through the forward end and the center portion may be larger than
the ejection opening and the second cross sectional area B of the
duct extending through the tail portion.
[0015] The first cross sectional area A extending through the
forward end and the mid portion may be larger than the second cross
sectional area B extending through the tail portion.
[0016] The longitudinal body and/or the longitudinal tail may
furthermore include fins or rudders.
[0017] The nose portion may furthermore include a check valve
provided for preventing ejection of water from the cavity defined
by the substantially cylindrical portion of the body and the
longitudinal tail.
[0018] The tail and/or body may include one or several buoyancy
elements.
[0019] The portion of the longitudinal tail for sealing between the
substantially cylindrical portion of the body and the first end of
the longitudinal tail may furthermore include a seal or gasket.
[0020] The underwater toy may furthermore include a locking
mechanism for locking the tail in an extended position in relation
to the body when the elastic element is in an extended
position.
[0021] Furthermore, the invention includes a method for charging a
longitudinal underwater toy as defined above including submerging
the underwater toy underwater and pulling the longitudinal tail in
a direction away from the body.
[0022] Short description of the enclosed figures:
[0023] FIG. 1 is a cross-section of an underwater toy according to
the invention;
[0024] FIG. 2 is a side elevation of a first shape of an underwater
toy in a first embodiment of the invention;
[0025] FIG. 3 is a side elevation of a second shape of an
underwater toy in a second embodiment of the invention;
[0026] FIG. 4 is a side elevation of an alternative embodiment of
the invention shaped as a dart arrow or torpedo;
[0027] FIG. 5 corresponds to FIG. 4 but is a cross-sectional
drawing; and
[0028] FIG. 6 corresponds to FIG. 5 but shows the dart arrow in an
extended position.
[0029] Detailed description of the invention with reference to the
enclosed figures:
[0030] FIG. 1 shows an underwater toy with a body 1 equipped with
guide fins 14. A longitudinal tail 2 with guide fins 15 is inserted
in the body 1. An end cover 5 that allows a tool to be pulled out
during manufacture and casting of the body 1 is secured to the body
1 through a press fit, adhesive bonding or by welding at transition
17. An elastic element in the form of a spring 5 is biased between
the body 1 and the longitudinal tail 2, and the forms and actuating
mechanism to achieve a pumping effect. The spring may be
substituted with an elastic band. The spring is supported/attached
in to locking pins 10 with centering grooves. A lip seal 4 placed
at the forward end of the longitudinal tail 2 ensures a sliding
seal between the body 1 and the longitudinal tail 2. The seal 4
allows water to flow into the body 1 during charging, but seals
when the spring 5 pulls the parts together during "swimming". A
valve ball 6, locked in position by the locking pin 10, forms a
part of a check valve in that it opens for inlet of water through a
hole 11 during charging (along with inflow at the rear and by the
seal), and closes for outlet of water forwards during swimming. The
longitudinal tail 2 has an ejection opening 9 (can be several
openings if desirable) at the aft portion where water flows out
under pressure created by the spring 5 in the swimming mode. The
water-flow under pressure gives the toy forward thrust.
[0031] After the underwater toy has been charged under water, it
may be sent in the direction that the user desires in that it is
let go such that the tail is allowed to be pulled into the body by
the spring. If the toy is sent downwards towards deeper water, will
the speed diminish when the spring reaches an inner position. The
toy will then swim along a sloping path up towards the surface. To
ensure that water flowing in a gap formed between the body and the
tail in a swimming position form an opposing force towards the
water flow directed forwards, the end cover (3) includes open slots
(16), such that water velocity inwards is reduced.
[0032] To achieve a proper weight balance and buoyancy may the
specific gravity of the material in the body and tail by adapted,
for instance by casting the toy in plastic. If the plastic has a
higher specific gravity than desirable may annular, foam based
buoyancy elements be located at a front and aft. These are sketched
as forward buoyancy element 18 and aft buoyancy element 19. To be
able to lock the toy in an extended position before it is sent, may
the end cover 3 and the longitudinal tail 2 be equipped tangential
slots that are locked and released by twisting (not shown) as in a
bayonet joint.
[0033] The longitudinal tail includes a cylindrical portion with a
forward part 22, a mid section 23 and an end section 24. The
cylindrical portion forms a first, inner, duct extending there
through with a first cross sectional area A. Furthermore, the
longitudinal tail includes a tail portion forming a second, inner
duct 26 extending there through with an ejection opening 9 for
water with a second cross sectional area B. The tail portion
adjoins the end section of the cylindrical portion.
[0034] The cavity is defined by the substantially cylindrical
portion of the body 1, the first inner duct 25 extending there
through and the second internal duct 26 extending there through in
the longitudinal tail, such that the ejection opening 9 for water
is in fluid communication with the cavity. The elastic element 5 is
attached in a forward portion of the body 1 and in the end section
24 of the cylindrical portion. The aft lock pin 10 extends through
the end section 24 of the cylindrical portion.
[0035] The underwater toy may adopt a first short configuration
with a length L1 where the longitudinal tail 2 is completely
inserted in the body 1 and in a second extended configuration with
a length L2 where the tail is extended from the body and where the
elastic element is tensioned with a force between the body 1 and
the longitudinal tail 2.
[0036] The elastic element 5 may extend in a length exceeding half
the length of the longitudinal body when the underwater toy is in
the first short configuration.
[0037] The elastic element preferably extends for more than 2/3 of
the total length of the body 1 when the toy is in the retraced
position and extends over 4/5 of the longitudinal body when the toy
is in the extended position. In the retracted position the toy has
a length L2 that is approximately 1.4 times longer than in the
retracted position L1. The cross sectional area of the first inner
duct 24 of the cylindrical portion or the "first cross section" is
larger than the cross sectional area B of the ejection opening 9
and of the second inner duct 26. The second inner duct 26 may be
conical or nozzle shaped.
[0038] The spring 5 is spiral spring that is attached to the nose
of the body and in the end section 24 of the cylindrical portion
and has a diameter preferably larger than the diameter of the
ejection opening such that the spring 5 in a limited degree limits
the water flow through the duct where it is located. The spring may
alternatively be formed by an elastic pipe or "surgical rubber"
that is attached at the same locations as the shown spring. In this
case, will the water flow internally in the pipe or house.
[0039] The duct 26 extending through the tail portion of the
longitudinal tail 2 is shown slightly tapered or conical towards
the ejection opening 9. This "second" through duct 26 with a
smaller "second" cross sectional area results in an accelerated
water flow through the ejection opening 9. The first, inner,
through duct 25 with a first cross sectional area A is larger than
the area of the ejection opening 9 to give an extended room for the
spring 5 and to provide a larger volume of water internally in the
toy. A large room for the spring 5 makes it easier to find a spring
with a correct spring characteristics. In a preferred embodiment
the spring is not extended more than 1.64 times its initial length.
In this connection is initial length intended to describe the
length the spring has in its first position in the toy. This is not
meant to exclude a preloading of the spring in this position.
[0040] In an embodiment may also the fins be slightly angled such
that the toy rotates during swimming. The toy may also be equipped
with light reflecting stickers on the body or tail to reflect light
towards the surface and for creating a flashing effect under
water.
[0041] The toy may also easily be printed with graphical
expressions that varies with the function (for instance
fish/submarine/motor) or a varying expression (for instance
aggressive, cute, happy, feminine or masculine).
[0042] FIG. 2 shows an example of the exterior of a fish with a
neutral, somewhat abstractive front portion with an underwater hull
20, and in FIG. 3 is a toy shown as a submarine with an underwater
hull 21 and a body (bow portion 1 and a tail/aft portion 2).
[0043] In the FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 show an alternative embodiment of
the invention designed as "dart arrows" that can be controlled
towards a floating target, and thereby provides a "water-dart
game". Both the body 1 and the longitudinal tail 2 are longitudinal
and are cylindrical both externally and internally and can
therefore be described as tubular. Guide fins 14 on the body may
alternatively be located on an outer, adjustable sleeve for
adjusting the motion of the arrow in the water. This adjustable or
shifting sleeve can also be given a certain gravity such that the
center of gravity may be adjusted by shifting the sleeve back and
forth. Alternatively may the fins and the mass be shifted
individually such that the effect of the fins and the center of
gravity may be adjusted individually. The FIGS. 4 and 5 show the
arrow when the tail is inserted into the body, and FIG. 6 shows the
tail in an extended position. The guide fins 15 on the tail may
alternatively be made adjustable/pliable as an additional
adjustment possibility to adjust the motion of the arrow in the
water. The fins may also be adjusted such that the arrow can
revolve around its own axis through the water. A cross section of
the arrow in a transversal direction shows the opening 9 and guide
fins 15 of the tail and guide fins 14 on the body. Hole 11 extends
through the "head" of the arrow for section of water.
[0044] In the above described solution it is achieved a change of
direction towards the surface during operation in that the spring
pulls the parts together at the same time as the speed diminishes.
The buoyancy and the location or geometry of the fins may then
effect a gradual and "controlled" ascent. Due to the thrust or
proportion will the underwater toy move longer than a corresponding
toy without proportion.
TABLE-US-00001 1 Body 2 Tail 3 End cover 4 Seal 5 Spring 6 Ball 7
Valve seat (ball seat) 8 Releasing front cover 9 Opening 10 Locking
pin 11 Hole 12 Tail in an extended position 13 Seal in tail in an
extended position 14 Guide fins 15 Guide fins 16 Slots 17 Welding
18 Forward foam based buoyancy element 19 Rear foam buoyancy
element 20 Fish hull 21 Submarine hull
* * * * *