Apparatus and method for detecting and reacting to the presence of a fluid

Abstract

A fluid detection and reaction apparatus that physically responds to fluid contact. An open-ended chamber with a hinged cover holds a compressed springy material. The cover/lid is subjected to pressure by the compressed springy material to open the chamber end. A latch is formed between the chamber cover and the rim of the chamber end to generate a holding force that keeps the cover in place. The latch is formed by a water-reactive material that is adapted to will fail or sever under stress when wet. When water contacts the water-reactive material, the material tears, allowing the cover to open the chamber and release the springy material.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present disclosure relates generally to fluid presence detection and alerting for entertainment, and more particularly, to a system and method for a toy that senses and / or responds to a water for amusement.BACKGROUND[0002]For many decades, children and adults have found amusement in throwing water at each other. Similarly, children and adults enjoy playing the game of tag. One of the primary issues and frustrations with any tag game is discerning whether or not a person has been tagged; tag detection and indication is a problem for tag games / entertainment.[0003]When playing with thrown water, batteries and electronic components are less desirable due to the sealing requirement, replacement, costs, and potential health issues. A non-electronic water tag sensing / indicator / response is desirable.[0004]Safe play is also important; thus, a tag is desired to be soft, light weight, non-toxic, smooth, wearable, and generally non-interfering with running or oth...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0016]The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for detecting and reacting to sensing / indicator / response fluid presence for amusement. The present invention provides a series of improvements over conventional water detection and reaction sensing / indicator / response methods, including: significantly shrinking the apparatus; minimizing interference to a player's actions; mitigating any potential harm to a player; maximizing visibility / observability that water has been detected; ease-of-play; and enablement of rapid and easy resetting.

Problems solved by technology

One of the primary issues and frustrations with any tag game is discerning whether or not a person has been tagged; tag detection and indication is a problem for tag games / entertainment.

When playing with thrown water, batteries and electronic components are less desirable due to the sealing requirement, replacement, costs, and potential health issues.

Even if the balloons are made of a biodegradable material, these pieces still represent an eyesore or stain to the view, with the possibility of an ingestion and digestion issue for any animals or pets that might cross the play region.

Clean up can be quite tedious and time consuming.

cumbersome, obtrusive to play, requiring specific placement, constraining what to wear and where to place tag, etc.

Images