Toy water blaster

Abstract

A toy water blaster with a reservoir having an actuatable compression valve provided in an end cap of the reservoir can allow for ease of filling of the reservoir with water or other fluid through submersion of the end cap in a volume of water or other fluid.

Description

TOY WATER BLASTERCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 573,403 filed April 2, 2024, is hereby claimed and the disclosure is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] The disclosure relates to a toy water blaster and in particular to a toy water blaster having a filling capability through submersion of the reservoir in water.BACKGROUND

[0003] Conventional water blasters are filled through a small port in fluid communication with a water reservoir. Filling can be tedious and difficult with outdoor water sources such as a hose, due to the small port through the reservoir is typically filled.SUMMARY

[0004] A toy water blaster in accordance with the disclosure can include a body; a nozzle extending from the body to release water or other fluid from the blaster; a reservoir attached to the body for retaining water or other fluid, wherein the reservoir; a first end cap attached to the reservoir and comprising an opening through which water or other fluid can flow into the reservoir; a compression valve disposed in the first end cap and comprising a valve plate and a valve plate cover that is arranged to sealingly engage with the opening, wherein the valve plate is bias to a closed position in which the valve plate cover seals the opening and the valve plate is adapted to be actuated to an open position upon submersion of at least a portion of the first end cap into a volume of water or other fluid, wherein in the open position, the valve plate cover is disposed away from the opening and the opening is exposed to allow water or other fluid to fill the reservoir comprises an air release hole and a fluid release port; a second end cap attached to the reservoir opposite the first end cap, the second end cap comprising a fluid release port and an air release hole; a fluid flow path extending through the body and fluidly coupling the reservoir through the fluid release port and the nozzle; and an air vent in fluid communication with the air release hole of the reservoir for venting air within the reservoir during filling of the reservoir.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] In order to complement the description being made and in order to assist in a better understanding of the features of the invention, in accordance with a preferred example of a practical embodiment thereof, a set of drawings is attached hereto as an integral part of the said description, in which the following is illustratively and non-lim iting ly depicted:

[0006] FIG. 1 shows a front view of a toy water blaster in accordance with the disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 2 shows a first perspective view of the toy water blaster of Figure 1 .

[0008] FIG. 3 shows a second perspective view of the toy water blaster of Figure 1 .

[0009] FIG. 4 shows a right view of the toy water blaster of Figure 1 .

[0010] FIG. 5 shows a left view of the toy water blaster of Figure 1 .

[0011] FIG. 6 shows a top view of the toy water blaster of Figure 1 .

[0012] FIG. 7 shows a bottom view of the toy water blaster of Figure 1 .

[0013] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the toy water blaster of Figure 1 .

[0014] FIG. 9 shows a bottom perspective view of a toy water blaster in accordance with the disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 10 shows a bottom perspective view of a compression valve and first end cap a toy water blaster in accordance with the disclosure, with the compression valve in a closed position.

[0016] FIG. 11 shows a top perspective view of the compression valve and first end cap shown in FIG. 10.

[0017] FIG. 12 is a view of the compression valve and first end cap with the compression valve in an open position.

[0018] FIG. 13 shows a side perspective view of the compression valve and first end cap of FIG. 12.

[0019] FIG. 14 shows a top perspective view of a compression valve and a first end cap of a toy water blaster in accordance with the disclosure, with the compression valve in a closed position.

[0020] FIG. 15 shows FIG. 14 with the compression valve in transparent view.

[0021] FIG. 16 shows a top perspective view of a trigger and a fluid flow path of a toy water blaster in accordance with the disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 17 shows a close-up view of a pump of the fluid flow path of FIG. 16.

[0023] FIG. 18 shows a front view of a toy water blaster in accordance with the disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 19 shows a first perspective view of the toy water blaster of FIG 18.

[0025] FIG. 20 shows a second perspective view of the toy water blaster of FIG 18.

[0026] FIG. 21 shows a right view of the toy water blaster of FIG. 18.

[0027] FIG. 22 shows a left view of the toy water blaster of FIG. 18.

[0028] FIG. 23 shows a top view of the toy water blaster of FIG. 18.

[0029] FIG. 24 shows a bottom view of the toy water blaster of FIG. 18.

[0030] FIG. 25 shows a front view of a trigger of the toy water blaster of FIG. 18.

[0031] FIG. 26 shows a second end cap of a toy water blaster in accordance with the disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 27 shows an attachment portion of a toy water blaster in accordance with the disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 28 shows a front view of a toy water blaster in accordance with the disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 29 shows a first perspective view of the toy water blaster of FIG. 28.

[0035] FIG. 30 shows a second perspective view of the toy water blaster of FIG. 28.

[0036] FIG. 31 shows a right view of the toy water blaster of FIG. 28.

[0037] FIG. 32 shows a left view of the toy water blaster of FIG. 28.

[0038] FIG. 33 shows a top view of the toy water blaster of FIG. 28.

[0039] FIG. 34 shows a bottom view of the toy water blaster of FIG. 28.

[0040] FIG. 35 shows a front, transparent view of a trigger attached to a reservoir of a toy water blaster in accordance with the disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 36 shows an opaque view of the trigger a toy water blaster in accordance with the disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 37 shows a transparent view of the trigger a toy water blaster in accordance with the disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 38 shows a top perspective view of the reservoir a toy water blaster in accordance with the disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 39 shows additional features of a toy water blaster in accordance with the disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 40 shows a front view of a toy water blaster in accordance with the disclosure, with an air vent in a closed position.

[0046] FIG. 41 shows the toy water blaster of FIG. 41 oriented slightly upwards.

[0047] FIG. 42 show the toy water blaster of FIG. 41 with the air vent in an open position.

[0048] FIG. 43 shows a close-up of the air vent of FIG. 42.

[0049] FIG. 44 shows a perspective view of the air vent of the FIG. 42.

[0050] FIG. 45 is an exploded view of the air vent of FIG. 44.

[0051] FIG. 46 is a first top view of the air vent of FIGS. 42-45.

[0052] FIG. 47 is a second top view of the air vent of FIG. 46.

[0053] FIG. 48 shows a perspective view an air vent of a toy water blaster in accordance with the disclosure.

[0054] FIG. 49 shows a perspective view an air vent of a toy water blaster in accordance with the disclosure.

[0055] FIG. 50 shows a front view of another example of a toy water blaster in accordance with the disclosure.

[0056] FIG. 51 shows a front view of another example of a toy water blaster in accordance with the disclosure.

[0057] FIG. 52 shows a front view of another example of a toy water blaster in accordance with the disclosure.

[0058] FIG. 53 shows a front view of another example of a toy water blaster in accordance with the disclosure.

[0059] FIG. 54 shows a front view of another example of a toy water blaster in accordance with the disclosure.

[0060] FIG. 55 shows a front view of another example of a toy water blaster in accordance with the disclosure.

[0061] FIG. 56 shows a front view of another example of a toy water blaster in accordance with the disclosure.

[0062] FIG. 57 shows a front view of another example of a toy water blaster in accordance with the disclosure.

[0063] FIG. 58 shows a front view of another example a toy water blaster in accordance with the disclosure.

[0064] FIG. 59 shows a front view of another example of a toy water blaster in accordance with the disclosure.

[0065] FIG. 60 shows a front view of another example of a toy water blaster in accordance with the disclosure.

[0066] FIG. 61 shows a front view of another example of a toy water blaster in accordance with the disclosure.

[0067] FIG. 62 shows a front view of another example of a toy water blaster in accordance with the disclosure.

[0068] FIG. 63 shows a front view of another example of a toy water blaster in accordance with the disclosure.

[0069] FIG. 64 shows a front view of another example of a toy water blaster in accordance with the disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] Toy water blasters in accordance with the disclosure provide for filling through submersion of at least a portion of the reservoir into water or other liquid source. The toy water blasters in accordance with the disclosure can allow for rapid and easy filling without the need to slowly flow water into a small opening or use a hose or specialty attachment, as with conventional water blasters. While reference is made herein to filling of the toy blaster with water, it should be understood that the toy blaster can be filled with any desired fluid.

[0071] FIGS. 1-17 illustrate an example of a toy water blaster 100 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The toy water blaster 100 generally includes a body 104, a nozzle 108 extending from the body 104 to release water or other fluid from the toy water blaster 100, and a reservoir 112 attached to the body 104 to retain water or other fluid. The reservoir 112 includes a reservoir body 113 having an air release hole 114 and a fluid release port 115, a first end cap 116 coupled to an end of reservoir body 113 opposite the body 104, a second end cap 117 coupled to the reservoir body 113 opposite the first end cap 116. The toy water blaster 100 further includes an air vent 118 disposed exterior of the second end cap 117 and in fluid communication with the air release hole to vent air from the reservoir 112 when filling the reservoir 112. The first end cap 116 includes an opening 125 through which water can flow into the reservoir 112 during filling. A compression valve 120 is coupled to the first end cap 116 and extends into the reservoir 112. The compression valve 120 is positioned in the end cap 116, such that a valve plate cover 123 actuates between a closed position in which the valve plate cover 121 seals the opening 125 and an open position in which the valve plate cover 121 is arranged away from and exposed the opening 125 to thereby allow water to flow through the opening 125 and into the reservoir 112. For example, the valve plate cover 121 in the open position can be disposed internally within the first end cap 116 to thereby expose the opening 125. The valve plate cover 121 can be to the closed position and actuatable to the open position by a force of the fluid during filling. The toy water blaster 100 further includes a fluid flow path128, with the fluid flow path extending through the body 104 to fluidly couple the fluid release port 120 and the nozzle 108.

[0072] The body 104 can house and secure various pieces of the machinery of the toy water blaster 100 includes a frame 105 and a trigger 106 mechanically coupled to the frame 105. Referring to FIG. 1 , the frame 105 can be generally L-shaped and includes a handle 105a and a tube portion 105b extending perpendicular to the handle 105a. For example, the frame 105 can made of a plastic material, or any other suitable material, including but not limited to a metal, acrylic, or polycarbonate. The trigger 106 is coupled to both the handle 105a and the tube portion 105b and is generally a rectangular shape made of a hard plastic. It will be appreciated that the trigger may located at another point of the frame (e.g., only on the handle) and may be any shape or composed of any suitable materials (e.g., metal or acrylic).

[0073] The nozzle 108 extends from the body 104 of the toy water blaster 100 and release water from the toy water blaster 100. Any nozzle arrangement and water propelling mechanisms can be used as are known in the art. For example, the nozzle 108 can be generally cylindrical and includes a nozzle body 109 coupled to the tube portion 105b of the frame 105 and an outlet 110 at an end of the nozzle body 109 opposite the tube portion 105b of the frame 105. For example, the nozzle 108 can be, for example, a conventional single stream nozzle that produces a continuous, focused stream of water or other fluid. However, one of skill in the art will appreciate that the nozzle may be of any type, including, for example, a multiple stream nozzle (e.g., not focused one point), a fan nozzle, a misting nozzle, or a rotating nozzle. Moreover, the nozzle 108 may be adjustable between one or more types of nozzles, or it may provide a non-continuous stream of water (e.g., a burst or pulse).

[0074] The reservoir 112 is in fluid communication with nozzle 108 and includes an interior volume to retain water or other fluid within the reservoir 112 for the toy water blaster 100. The reservoir 112 can be made of a hard plastic. However, the reservoir 112 may be made of any hard material suitable for retaining liquid, including but not limited metal or acrylic. Referring to FIG. 1 , the reservoir 112 can be shaped like a rectangular prism, with the second end cap 117 coupled to the body 104 and the reservoir body 113 and the first end cap 116 extending away from the body 104. In other examples, the reservoir 112 may have a different cross-sectional shape including, for example, a circle, square, or triangle, and the shape of the reservoir 112 may taper from one end to the other. Moreover, the reservoir 112 can angled such that a centerline 119 extending through the center of the reservoir body 113 from the first end cap 116 to the second end cap 117 is angled relative to the direction of flow out of the nozzle. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 , the reservoir112 is angled about 60° to about 100° relative to the direction of flow out of the nozzle, but one of skill in the art will appreciate that the reservoir 112 may be at other angles relative to flow out of the nozzle, including, for example, 30° or parallel to the flow. For example, as shown in FIGS. 18, other angles of the reservoir 112 are contemplated herein. In other embodiments, the reservoir can be arranged parallel to the direction of flow out of the nozzle. In particular, the reservoir 312, as shown in FIG. 28, is disposed adjacent to and coupled to the frame 305. The centerline 319 of the reservoir 312 is arranged parallel relative to the direction of the flow out of the nozzle 108. Moreover, although the reservoir 312 has a substantially similar cross-section to the reservoir 112, the reservoir body 313 of the reservoir 312 is longer than that of the reservoir body 113.

[0075] The reservoir can optionally be detachable from the frame. For example, the reservoir can be removably detachable from the frame 105 of the body 104. As shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the toy water blaster 200 can include an attachment portion 236 configured for engaging with the second end cap 217 such that the reservoir 212 still includes an air release hole 114 and a fluid release port 115. For example, the attachment portion 236 engages the second end cap 217 in a snap fit, but one of skill in the art will appreciate that other mechanisms are suitable for removably engaging the reservoir 212 to the frame 105 including, for example, a latch, a threaded insert, or a form of epoxy or glue.

[0076] The air release hole 114 can be disposed in the second end cap 117 of the reservoir 112 and release air from the reservoir 112 through the air vent 118 when the toy water blaster 100 is being filled with water or other fluid. One of skill in the art will appreciate that air release hole 114 may be a single hole in fluid communication with the air vent 118, or it may be a plurality of holes that each individually or collectively are placed in fluid communication with the air vent 118. Referring to FIG. 8, in some embodiments, the air release hole can be provided as a plurality of air release holes and serve additionally as the air vent 118. That is in embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 8, air vent is not a separate structure from the air release hole. Alternatively, the air release hole 114 may have the same number as holes as the air vent 118, or it may have a fewer or greater number of holes as the air vent 118. In any event, air release hole 114 and the air vent 118 can allow for improved fluid flow rate during filling and prevent leakage. Moreover, although the air release hole 114 is disposed in the second end cap 117 in the illustrated embodiment, it is also contemplated herein that the air release hole may be disposed at any point along the reservoir 112 so long as it is positioned to allow air to vent from the reservoir. FIGS 26 and 27 illustrate an embodiment of the end cap in which a single air hole 114 is provided and is arranged to be in fluid communication with an air vent (not shown).

[0077] The fluid release port 115 fluidly couples the reservoir 112 to the fluid flow path 128 and the nozzle 108. Referring to FIG. 8, the fluid release port is formed by an opening in the second end cap 117 configured to mechanically and fluidly couple to a portion of the fluid flow path 128. For example, the fluid release port 115 can be a single, circular opening. It is also contemplated herein that the fluid release port 115 may be formed of more than one opening, or it may have a different shape (e.g., a square, rectangle, or triangle).

[0078] The first end cap 116 can enclose an end of the reservoir 112 and to couple the compression valve 120 to the reservoir body 113. For example, the first end cap 116 can be composed of any suitable material, such as a hard plastic. The first end cap 116 can have a cross-sectional shape dependent on the reservoir cross-sectional shape, such that the first end cap 116 can be securely attached to the reservoir 112. For example, referring to FIG. 1 , the first end cap 115 can have a generally rectangular cross-section, with at least a portion of the first end cap 116 engaging with the reservoir body 113 to seal and prevent any water or other fluid from leaking from the reservoir 112 when the toy water blaster 100 is in use. The material, length, width, and cross-sectional shape of the first end cap 116 may differ to accommodate, for example, the compression valve 120, but the cross-sectional shape with nevertheless be that which allows the first end cap 116 to engage and create a seal with the reservoir body 113.

[0079] The second end cap 117, which is substantially similar to the first end cap 116, can enclose an end of the reservoir 112 opposite the first end cap 116. As with the first end cap 116, the second end cap can have any suitable cross-sectional shape to allow it to engage with the reservoir body 113 to seal and prevent any water or other fluid from leaking from the reservoir 112 when the toy water blaster 100 is in use. The material, length, width, and cross-sectional shape of the second end cap 117 may differ to accommodate, for example, the air release hole 114 and the fluid release port 115, but the cross-sectional shape will nevertheless be that which allows the second end cap 117 to engage and create a seal with the reservoir body 113.

[0080] The air vent 118 can be disposed on or adjacent to the second end cap 116 and is in fluid communication with the air release hole 114 of the reservoir 112 such that the reservoir 112 can vent air when filling the reservoir 112 with water or other fluid.

[0081] Various configurations of air vents can be provided. For example, referring to FIG. 8, the air vent 118 can include a plurality of holes spaced apart from each other and separately in fluid communication with the air release hole 114. In particular, as best illustrated by FIGS. 1 and 8, the air vent 118 includes 30 holes that are about 1 .2 mm in diameter, but one of skill in the art will appreciate that any number and size of holes may beincluded in the air vent 118 (e.g., 1 , 5, 10, 20, 40, or 50 holes), and the holes may be smaller or bigger than presently shown (e.g., 0.5, 1 , 2, 3, or 5 mm).

[0082] Referring to FIG. 18, in an alternative configuration, the air vent 218 can include a straw 219 having a chimney structure that is attached to the second end cap 217 and placed in fluid communication with the air release hole 114 in the second end cap 217 that allows air to flow out of the internal reservoir out the second end cap and through the straw 219. The straw 219 can be hollow and have cylindrical shape that extends away from the second end cap 217, for example. Other cross-sectional shapes are contemplated herein, as well as other lengths than shown in the illustrated embodiment. Additionally, the straw 219 can be positioned on an angle to prevent leakage. Any suitable angle can be used and can be selected based on an orientation of the straw within the blaster.

[0083] As another example, referring to FIGS. 38-39, an air vent 318 can be provided with a more elongated structure and having a U-shape.

[0084] As another example, referring to FIGS. 40-47, the air vent 418 can be provided as a rocker valve with a ball situated within the valve to actuate the valve between open and closed position. Referring to FIGS. 43-46, the air vent 418 can include a rocker body 448, a compartment 452 formed by the rocker body 448, a rocker ball 456 movably disposed within the compartment 452, and a sealing element 460 coupled to the rocker body 448. The rocker body 448 can have a first end 449 adjacent the reservoir 412 and a second end 450 opposite the first end 449 that is skinnier than the first end 449. The rocker body is rotatably coupled to the frame 405 of the body 404 of the toy blaster 400 at a pivot 451 adjacent the first end 449 of the rocker body 449. The pivot 451 is of conventional type (i.e., a sleeve bearing design) and allows for a small range of motion (>90°) around the pivot 451 in response to a change in the orientation of the toy water blaster 400. The compartment 452 is formed by the rocker body 448 and can house and allow motion of the rocker ball 456. The compartment 452, like the rocker body 448, includes a first end 453 adjacent the reservoir 412 and a second end 454 opposite the first end 453 that is skinnier than the first end 453. When the rocker body 448 rotates around the pivot 451 , the rocker ball 456 is movable in the compartment 452 between the first end 453 and the second end 454. For example, the rocker ball 456 is substantially spherical. The rocker ball can be formed, for example, of a smooth plastic material. The rocker ball 456 may be composed of a different material including, for example, metals or alloys. Any suitable material can be used so long as the rocker ball 456 has enough mass to rotate the rocker body 448 around the pivot 451 as the rocker ball 456 moves within the compartment 452. The sealing element 460 removably engages with the air release hole arranged in the second end cap or alternatively arranged in a portion of the reservoir 412 such that, when the sealing element is engaged air releasehole, as illustrated in FIGS. 40-41 , the sealing element 460 prevents the venting of any air from the reservoir 412. Moreover, when the sealing element is disposed away from the reservoir 412, as shown in FIGS. 42-43 and when the reservoir 412 is being filled with water or other fluid, the air vent 418 allows for the venting of air to allow for improved fluid flow rate during filling and to prevent leakage. In any case, it will be appreciated that the air vent 418 functions in a similar way to allow for the venting of air from the reservoir 412 when the reservoir 412 is being filled with a water or other fluid.

[0085] As another example, referring to FIG. 48, an air vent 518 can be provided as a bead style release. For example, the air vent 518 can include a cylinder 564 with a small opening 565 and a maze 566 that allows air to flow out of an open hole 567 on the top of the cylinder 564. When the blaster is held upside down, at a 45° angle upward, or at other such angles, the water will push a bead 568 shut, preventing leakage of air from the reservoir 512.

[0086] As another example, referring to FIG. 49, an air vent 618 can be provided with ball style release. For example, the air vent 618 can include includes a long cylinder 670 with a ball 671 placed over an air release hole 672 in fluid communication with the reservoir 612. When the toy water blaster 600 is submerged into water, the ball 671 rolls into a position in the long cylinder 670 where the ball 671 allows air to flow freely out of the air release hole 672. Then when the toy water blaster 600 is tilted upward (firing position), the ball 671 rolls back and blocks the air release to prevent leakage from the reservoir 612. The ball can be, for example, a metal ball, or other material so long as it has sufficient weight to be displaced only in response to significant changes in orientation of the blaster.

[0087] Referring to FIGS. 9-13, the compression valve 120 is an actuatable compression valve that sealingly engages with an opening 125 in the first end cap 116, through which water or other fluid can flow into the reservoir 112 for filling the toy water blaster 100 during submission of the reservoir 112 in a volume of water or other fluid. Referring to FIG. 9, the compression valve 120 includes a valve plate 123, a valve plate cover 121 that engagement with the opening 125, and an actuation portion 124 that allows for actuation of the valve plate and movement of the valve plate cover 121 between the open and closed positions. The compression valve 120 can further include a sealing element 122 disposed between the valve plate 123 and valve plate cover 121 to enhance the seal between the valve plate cover 121 and the opening to prevent leakage of fluid out of the reservoir during play operation of the toy blaster. The actuation portion 124 includes an actuation body 124a, one or more posts 124b disposed with the actuation body 124a and coupled to the valve plate 123, and a biasing element 124c disposed within the actuation body 124a and circumferentially surrounding the one or more posts 124b. The actuation portion 124 biases the valve plate 123 and correspondingly the valve plate cover 121 such that the valve plate cover 121sealingly engages with the opening 125. The biasing element 124c is provided such that the force of fluid upon submerging the end cap into a volume of water is sufficient to overcome the force biasing the valve plate 123 closed and allows the valve plate 123 and correspondingly the valve plate cover 121 to actuate upwards and into the end cap 116, unseating the valve plate cover 121 from the opening and exposing the opening 125 to allow fluid to flow into the reservoir. The open configuration is illustrated, for example, in FIG. 13, with the opening 125 being exposed to allow water or other fluid to fill the reservoir 112.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 9, the valve plate cover 121 forms the outer surface of the compression valve and is designed for sealingly engaging with the opening 125. The valve plate cover 121 can have any shape desired, and generally has a shape and size corresponding to that of the opening 125 to allow for sealing engagement with the opening 125 when the valve is in the closed position. For example, the valve plate cover 121 can have a stadium shaped cross-section. Other cross-sectional shape (e.g., elliptical, oval, square, or rectangle) are also contemplated herein.

[0089] The sealing element 122, which can create and / or enhance a seal between the compression valve 120 and the first end cap 116, can be a gasket or any other known sealing element. For example, the sealing element 112 can be a gasket composed of a foam material (i.e., EVA foam). The sealing element 122 can have a shape and size corresponding to the valve plate cover 121 , which can ultimately correspond to the opening. Referring to FIG 10, when the compression valve 120 is in the closed position, the sealing element 122 engages with a portion of the opening 125 in the first end cap 116 such that a seal is created between the compression valve 120 and the opening 125 in the first end cap 116 to thereby prevent leakage of fluid from out of the reservoir 112 through the opening 125. The sealing element 122 can be formed of any materials capable of creating a seal, including, for example, rubber, silicone, or plastic. Moreover, in other examples, the sealing element may have a different shape (e.g., elliptical, oval, square, or rectangle), but one of skill in the art will appreciate that the cross-sectional of the sealing element will generally be the same as that of the valve plate cover 121 .

[0090] The actuation portion 124 actuates the compression valve 120 between a closed position, in which is the valve plate cover 121 and sealing portion 122 are sealingly engaged with the opening 125 of first end cap 116, and an open position, in which valve plate cover 121 is disposed away from the opening 125 and the opening 125 is exposed to allow water or other fluid to enter the reservoir 112. Actuation of the compression valve 120 can be accomplished by a force of fluid pushing against the valve plate cover 121 when the reservoir 112 is submerged in a volume of water or other fluid. In particular, the force of the water or other fluid against the valve plate 123 during the submersion actuates thecompression valve 120 forcing the valve plate 123 inwards towards the interior volume of the reservoir 112 to the open position in which the valve plate cover 121 is unseated from the aperture in the first end cap 116 and the opening 125 is formed. The actuation body 124a may have any suitable size or cross-sectional shape to accommodate the valve plate 123, the one or more posts 124b, and the biasing element 124c. The one or more posts 124b can be coupled to the valve plate 123 at one end and extend away from the valve plate 123. The one or more posts 124b can have a generally cylindrical shape. However, the one or more posts may have any suitable size and cross-sectional shape (e.g., a square or rectangle). Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the actuation portion 124 can include, for example, three posts disposed in a line along the valve plate 123. Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the actuation portion 124 can alternatively include a single post. Other arrangements, such as, two posts, or more than three posts are also contemplated herein.

[0091] The biasing element biases the compression valve to the closed position (i.e., the valve plate cover 121 , and sealing element 122 sealingly engaged with the opening 125) when the reservoir is not being filled with water or other fluid. For example, , the biasing element 124c can include one or more springs that correspond to the one or more posts 124b. Referring to FIG. 11 , for example, the biasing element includes three springs, each of which circumferentially surround one of the one or more posts 124b. Other biasing mechanism as known in the art can be included in the compression valve. For example, magnetic biasing or pneumatic or hydraulic actuators can be used herein. The actuation portion 124 further includes one or more openings 124d disposed at an end of the actuation body 124a opposite the valve plate 123 that movably engage the one or more posts 124b when the compression valve 120 moves between the closed position and the open position.

[0092] The fluid flow path 128 fluidly couples the reservoir 112 to the nozzle 108 through the fluid release port 115. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 16-17, the fluid flow path includes a tube 129, a pump 130, and an intake 131. The tube 129, which extends between the nozzle 108 and an interior surface of the first end cap 116, is of conventional type, and one of skill in the art will appreciate that the tube may have any size, cross-sectional, or material suitable for transporting water or other fluid between the reservoir 112 and the nozzle 108. The pump 130 can force the water out of the nozzle 108 and the toy water blaster 100 in response to an input on the trigger 106. The pump 130 is in fluid communication with the tube 129 and is disposed adjacent to and mechanically coupled to the trigger 106, and includes a spring and piston system, as best shown in FIG. 17. In response to an input on the trigger 106, the internal spring and piston is compressed and water or other fluid inside the piston flows through a one-way valve and out of the nozzle 108. When the trigger returns to its initial (normal) position, it draws water or other fluid from the reservoir 112 through the one-wayvalve and stores it in the piston of the pump 130. One of skill in the art will appreciate that other systems for propelling the water or other fluid out of the nozzle may be used, including, for example, an air pressure chamber or an elastic bladder or diaphragm. The intake 131 , which can draw water or other fluid from reservoir 112 to fill the pump 130, is disposed at the end of the tube 129 adjacent the first end cap 116. For example, the intake is of conventional type, and one of skill in the art will appreciate that any suitable intake may be used for drawing water or other fluid from the reservoir 112 and into the tube 129. Any known mechanisms for drawing water from a reservoir to exit a nozzle can be used herein.

[0093] Various configurations of the blaster including body shapes, body accessory features, internal trigger operation, reservoir orientations, air vent mechanisms, and compression valves can be used herein. The figures illustrate various configurations by way of example only. It should be understood that any of the body configurations herein can be used in connection with any of the internal operations such as air venting and compression valves for water intake, as described herein.

[0094] FIGS. 18-27 illustrate an example of a toy water blaster 200 that is constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. As illustrated in this example, different trigger styles can be used, with the illustrated embodiment showing a pump trigger 206. Indeed, in contrast to the trigger 106, such as shown in the example of FIG. 1 , the 206 includes a grip 207 circumferentially surrounding a cylinder 208, with the trigger 206 being actuated by moving the grip 207 along the cylinder 208 in a direction parallel to the flow of the water out of the nozzle 108 through a one-way valve 209, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 25. In particular, when the grip 207 is pushed forward, water can be suctioned into the pump 130 from the tube 129 and the reservoir 212. When the grip 207 is pulled back, the water or other fluid in the cylinder 208 is blocked from flowing back reservoir 212 by the one-way valve 209, and instead shoots out of the nozzle 108.

[0095] FIGS. 28-39 illustrate another example of a toy water blaster 300 that is constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the toy water blaster 300 has trigger 306 that is similar to the trigger 206 but is more elongated in a direction parallel to the flow out of the nozzle 108, as illustrated by FIGS. 35-37. In particular, the trigger includes a grip 307 and a cylinder 308 that extends longer than the grip 307 such that the grip 307 is movable within the bounds of the cylinder 308, in contrast to the grip 307 and cylinder 208 in the toy water blaster 200. However, it is nevertheless understood by one of skill in the art that the grip 307 and the cylinder 308 in the toy water blaster 300 function in substantially the same way as the grip 207 and cylinder 308 in the toy water blaster 200. The illustrated embodiment shows additional features which can optionally be included in any of the toy water blasters described herein. In particular, the toywater blaster 300 shown in FIG. 28 further includes a stock 340 and a scope 344. The stock 340 is of conventional design and is coupled to the frame 305 of the body 304 of the toy water blaster 300 at the back end of the toy water blaster 300. The scope 344 is of conventional design and is coupled to the frame 305 of the body 304 of the toy water blaster 300. The scope 344 is generally cylindrical, with the center of the scope 344 being arranged parallel to the direction of the flow out of the nozzle.

[0096] FIGS. 50-64 illustrate additional examples of the toy water blasters that are constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure and are substantially similar to first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth examples discussed herein. These additional examples may include various configurations of the reservoir shape and location, blaster shape, trigger mechanism, and flow paths.

[0097] It will be appreciated that each of the examples of the toy water blaster discussed herein function in a substantially similar manner. Indeed, the reservoir of the toy water blaster of any of the examples herein is first placed in a volume of water or other fluid in order to fill the reservoir with water or other fluid. When the reservoir is placed in the volume or other fluid, the compression valve of any of the above discussed examples moves from a first position in a which the sealing element is engaged with first end cap of the reservoir to a second position in which the sealing element is offset from the first end cap, creating the opening that allows water to enter the reservoir. In this position, the air vent of any of the above examples is configured for releasing air from the reservoir to allow for improved fluid flow rate during filling of the reservoir and to prevent leakage. Once the reservoir is at least partially filled with water or other fluid, the toy water blaster may be used for releasing water from the nozzle of any of the above discussed examples. Indeed, actuation of the trigger of compresses an internal spring / piston to force water to flow through a one-way valve and out of the nozzle. When the trigger returns to its initial (normal position), it draws water from the reservoir through the one-way valve and stores it in the piston.

[0098] The foregoing description is given for clearness of understanding only, and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom, as modifications within the scope of the disclosure may be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art.

[0099] All patents, patent applications, government publications, government regulations, and literature references cited in this specification are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In the case of conflict, the present description, including definitions, will control.

[0100] Throughout the specification, where the compounds, compositions, methods, and / or processes are described as including components, steps, or materials, it iscontemplated that the compounds, compositions, methods, and / or processes can also comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of any combination of the recited components or materials, unless described otherwise. Component concentrations can be expressed in terms of weight concentrations, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Combinations of components are contemplated to include homogeneous and / or heterogeneous mixtures, as would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art in view of the foregoing disclosure.

Claims

What is claimed is:1 . A toy water blaster, comprising: a body; a nozzle extending from the body to release water or other fluid from the blaster; a reservoir attached to the body for retaining water or other fluid, wherein the reservoir; a first end cap attached to the reservoir and comprising an opening through which water or other fluid can flow into the reservoir; a compression valve disposed in the first end cap and comprising a valve plate and a valve plate cover that is arranged to sealingly engage with the opening, wherein the valve plate is bias to a closed position in which the valve plate cover seals the opening and the valve plate is adapted to be actuated to an open position upon submersion of at least a portion of the first end cap into a volume of water or other fluid, wherein in the open position, the valve plate cover is disposed away from the opening and the opening is exposed to allow water or other fluid to fill the reservoir comprises an air release hole and a fluid release port; a second end cap attached to the reservoir opposite the first end cap, the second end cap comprising a fluid release port and an air release hole; a fluid flow path extending through the body and fluidly coupling the reservoir through the fluid release port and the nozzle; and an air vent in fluid communication with the air release hole of the reservoir for venting air within the reservoir during filling of the reservoir.

2. The toy water blaster of claim 1 , wherein the reservoir is positioned such that a centerline of the reservoir is parallel a direction of flow out of the nozzle.

3. The toy water blaster of claim 1 , wherein the reservoir is angled such that a centerline of the reservoir is angled relative to a direction of flow out of the nozzle.

4. The toy water blast of claim 2, wherein the reservoir is angled about 60° to about 100° relative to the direction of flow out of the nozzle.

5. The toy water blaster of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vent comprises a compartment arranged over an air release hole of the reservoir, the compartment comprises a metal ball that is movable between a position covering the air release hole and a position removed from the air release hole, wherein the metal ball is actuatable upon a change in orientation of the blaster.

6. The toy water blaster of claim 5, wherein the reservoir is arranged parallel to the direction of flow of water or other fluid from the nozzle, and the metal ball is arranged inthe compartment to actuate away from the air release hole when the reservoir including the valve plate is submerged in water to thereby allow for release of air from the reservoir during filling of the reservoir with water or other fluid, and the metal ball is adapted to actuate to the position covering the air release hole when the blaster is oriented in a firing position for releasing the water or other fluid through the nozzle.

7. The toy water blaster of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the air vent comprised a rocker valve and a ball, wherein the rocker valve comprises a sealing element for covering the air release hole and the ball is arranged to actuate the rocker valve upon a change in orientation of the blaster between an open position in which the sealing element is disposed away from the air release hole and a closed position in which the sealing element seals the air release hole, wherein the rocker valve is in the open position when the compression valve is in the open position to allow in water or other fluid to fill the reservoir.

8. The toy water blaster of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the compression valve comprises one or more springs as a biasing element for biasing the valve plate in the closed position.

9. The toy water blaster of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the compression valve comprises a sealing element arranged between the valve plate and the valve plate cover.

10. A method of filling the toy water blaster of any one of claims 1 to 7 with water or other fluid, comprising submerging at least a portion of the first end cap into a volume of water or other fluid to thereby actuate the valve plate of the compression valve to the open position and expose the opening through the water or other fluid can enter to fill the reservoir, wherein upon submerging the first end cap into the volume of water, the air vent is opened to release air from the reservoir as water or other fluid enters the reservoir.11 . The method of claim 10, wherein submerging the at least a portion of the first end cap into the volume of water or other fluid comprises changing the orientation of the toy water blaster as compared to a firing position and wherein the air vent is opened upon the change in orientation of the toy water blaster.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein a centerline of the reservoir is parallel to the nozzle such that upon submerging the at least a portion of the first end cap into the volume of water or other fluid, the nozzle is also submerged.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein submerging at least a portion of the first end cap into the volume of water or other fluid is done in substantially the same orientation as an orientation of the blaster when releasing the water or other fluid through the nozzle.

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