Bath play tube

Abstract

A bath toy includes an elongated housing having an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion defines an opening at a top end of the elongated housing. A transparent tube is carried by the housing and configured to be oriented vertically when the housing is in a vertical orientation. The tube is exposed on a side of the housing opposite a suction cup to form a viewing window into the tube. A door is movable between a closed position in which the door defines a lower extent of a water chamber within the tube, and an open position in which water from the water chamber may drain. A water-buoyant float is sized to fit through the opening and within the tube, such that a vertical position of the float within the tube indicates an amount of water in the tube.

Description

[0001] Atty Docket No.: 43852-0122WO1

[0002] BATH PLAY TUBE TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to toys, and more particularly to a bath play tube.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Many early childhood development toys stimulate development and learning during play, particularly when the play involves grasping motor control and visual and tactile stimulation. It is desirable to have bath toys that can stimulate development and learning during bath time. These toys can provide an opportunity for play and learning in an environment that can sometimes be challenging for young children.

[0006] SUMMARY

[0007] One implementation of the present disclosure includes a bath toy, including: an elongated housing removably securable to a vertical tub surface and having an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion defining an opening at a top end of the elongated housing; a transparent tube carried by the housing and configured to be oriented vertically when the housing is in a vertical orientation, the tube exposed on a side of the housing to form a viewing window into the tube; and a door movable between a closed position in which the door defines a lower extent of a water chamber within the tube, and an open position in which water from the water chamber may drain into the tub.

[0008] In some implementations, the bath toy further includes a water-buoyant float sized to fit through the opening and within the tube, such that a vertical position of the float within the tube indicates an amount of water in the tube, wherein the float is spherical.

[0009] In some implementations, the opening defined at the top end of the elongated housing is circular and has a diameter approximately equal to an inner diameter of the tube.

[0010] In some implementations, the door is attached to the lower portion of the housing at a pivot via a flexible hinge, such that the door is pivotable between the open and closed positions.

[0011] In some implementations, the pivot is located at a side of the housing nearest a suction cup extending from the lower portion of the housing.Atty Docket No.: 43852-0122WO1

[0012] In some implementations, the housing includes two suction cups extending from one side of the housing.

[0013] In some implementations, one of the two suction cups extends from the upper portion of the housing and the other of the two suction cups extends from the lower portion of the housing.

[0014] One implementation of the present disclosure includes a bath toy, including: an elongated housing having a first side and a second side; a transparent tube carried by the housing; a suction cup extending from the first side of the housing for securing the housing to a vertical surface; and a door coupled to a lower portion of the housing and movable between an open position and a closed position.

[0015] In some implementations, the transparent tube is configured to be oriented vertically when the housing is secured to the vertical surface.

[0016] In some implementations, the bath toy further includes a water-buoyant float sized to fit within the transparent tube, such that a vertical position of the float within the tube indicates an amount of water in the tube.

[0017] In some implementations, the elongated housing defines an opening at a top end configured to receive the water-buoyant float.

[0018] In some implementations, the opening has a diameter approximately equal to an inner diameter of the transparent tube.

[0019] In some implementations, the door is attached to the lower portion of the housing at a pivot, such that the door is pivotable between the open and closed positions.

[0020] In some implementations, the pivot is located at a portion of the door nearest the first side of the housing.

[0021] One implementation of the present disclosure includes a bath toy including: an elongated housing having an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion defining a circular opening at a top of the elongated housing; two suction cups extending from a first side of the housing, one suction cup extending from the upper portion and one suction cup extending from the lower portion; a transparent tube carried by the housing and configured to be oriented vertically when the housing is secured to a vertical surface, the tube exposed on a second side of the housing opposite the first side to form a viewing window into the tube; and a door coupled to the lower portion of the housing and movable between a closed position in which the door defines a lower extent of a water chamber within the tube, and an open position.Atty Docket No.: 43852-0122WO1

[0022] In some implementations, the bath toy further includes a water-buoyant float sized to fit through the circular opening and within the tube, such that a vertical position of the float within the tube indicates an amount of water in the tube.

[0023] In some implementations, the circular opening has a diameter approximately equal to an inner diameter of the transparent tube.

[0024] In some implementations, the bath toy defines, in its vertical orientation, a watertight chamber extending from the door up to the circular opening.

[0025] In some implementations, the door is attached to the lower portion of the housing at a pivot located at a portion of the door nearest the first side of the housing, such that the door is pivotable between the open and closed positions.

[0026] In some implementations, the two suction cups are aligned vertically when the housing is secured to the vertical surface.

[0027] The details of one or more implementations of the present disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

[0028] DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG. 1 illustrates a bath toy secured to the inner wall of a bathtub.

[0029] FIGs. 2A and 2B illustrate perspective views of the bath toy.

[0030] FIGs. 3A and 3B illustrate exploded and assembled cross-sectional views, respectively, of the coupling between the transparent tube and the upper portion of the housing.

[0031] FIGs. 4A and 4B illustrate exploded and assembled cross-sectional views, respectively, of the coupling between the transparent tube and the lower portion of the housing.

[0032] FIGs. 5A and 5B illustrate exploded and assembled cross-sectional views, respectively, of the lower portion, the pivot, and the plug.

[0033] FIG. 5C shows the plug in a closed position.

[0034] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

[0035] DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG. 1 illustrates a bathtub 102 having a side wall 104. A bath toy 106 is coupled to the side wall 104 of the bathtub 102 above the water line.Atty Docket No.: 43852-0122WO1

[0036] The bath toy 106 has an elongated housing 112 with an upper portion 114 and a lower portion 116. The upper portion 114 defines a top opening 118 at its upper end.

[0037] The bath toy 106 includes one or more suction cups 126 extending from the first side of the housing 112, for securing the housing 112 in a vertical orientation to the side wall 104 of the bathtub 102. In this example, the bath toy 106 includes two suction cups 126 extending from the first side of the housing 112. One of the two suction cups 126 extends from the upper portion 114 of the housing 112, while the other extends from the lower portion 116 of the housing 112. The toy is shown secured to the tub wall with the two suction cups 126 aligned vertically.

[0038] A transparent tube 128 is carried by the housing 112 and is configured to be oriented vertically when the housing 112 is in the vertical orientation. The tube 128 is exposed on the second side of the housing 112, opposite the suction cup(s) 126, to form a viewing window into the tube 128.

[0039] The lower portion 116 of the housing 112 comprises a door 130 movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the door 130 defines a lower extent of a water chamber within the tube 128. With the door in an open position, water from the reservoir drains into the bathtub 102. The door 130 is attached to the lower portion 116 of the housing by a flexible hinge 132, such that the door 130 is movable between the open and closed positions. The hinge 132 is preferably located on the same side of the housing 112 as the suction cups. The door 130 forms a plug 134 that plugs the lower end of the housing to create a water-tight seal when the door 130 is in the closed position.

[0040] With the door closed, the bath toy 106 defines, in its vertical orientation, a watertight chamber extending from the door 130 up to the top opening 118. The top opening 118 defined at the top of the elongated housing 112 may be circular, with a diameter approximately equal to an inner diameter of the tube 128.

[0041] A removable and water-buoyant float 110 or ball is sized to fit through the top opening 118 and within the tube 128. The vertical position of the float 110 within the tube 128 indicates the amount of water in the tube 128. In some implementations, the float 110 is spherical.

[0042] During operation, the bath toy 106 is coupled to the side wall 104 of the bathtub 102. A user (e.g., a child) can use a pitcher or another bath toy to fill up the bath toy 106 with water through the top opening 118. The user can then place the float 110 inside the bath toy 106, where the float 110 at the surface of the water. The user can then open theAtty Docket No.: 43852-0122WO1

[0043] door 130 to drain the water and the float 110 through the lower opening. The user can continue playing with the bath toy 106 by repeatedly positioning the float 110 within the bath toy 106 with or without water.

[0044] While FIG. 1 illustrates the bath toy 106 in a bathtub 102, in some implementations, the bath toy 106 can be utilized in environments outside of a bathtub. For example, the bath toy 106 can be utilized in a sink or outdoors, providing versatility in play environments.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 2 A and 2B, bath toy 106 includes an upper portion 114 forming the top section of the device. A transparent tube 128 extends vertically through the center of the bath toy 106. A float 110 is positioned adjacent to the transparent tube 128, illustrating how the float 110 fits within the transparent tube 128 during play. In some implementations, the float 110 is spherical in shape. The bath toy 106 also includes a lower portion 116 permanently connected to the bottom of the transparent tube 128. A suction cup 126 extends from the side of the bath toy 106 for attachment purposes. A closable door (e.g., the plugl34) is positioned at the bottom of the assembly.

[0046] The upper portion 114 defines a top opening at its upper end. In some implementations, the top opening is circular, with a diameter approximately equal to the inner diameter of the transparent tube 128. This configuration allows the float 110 to be easily inserted into the transparent tube 128 through the top opening.

[0047] The transparent tube 128 is enclosed between the upper portion 114 and the lower portion 116, with the suction cup 126 mounted on the side. The plug 134 is integrated into the bottom of the assembly, creating a sealed lower end when closed.

[0048] The assembled bath toy 106 may be used in various play environments 100, such as a bathtub or other water-containing vessel. The suction cups 126 allow the bath toy 106 to be securely attached to a vertical surface, while the transparent tube 128 and float 110 provide visual interest and interactive play opportunities for a user.

[0049] Referring next to FIGs. 3 A and 3B, the upper portion 114 of the housing is overmolded onto the upper end of the transparent tube 128. The upper portion 114 includes a first end 300 and a second end 302. An annular shoulder 304 extends inward adjacent to the first end 300. A plurality of spacing ribs 306 are positioned adjacent to the first end 300 and abut the annular shoulder 304. The spacing ribs 306 are spaced apart from each other and from a surface of the upper portion 114 to define an annular cavity 308. The annular cavity 308 is positioned below the annular shoulder 304.Atty Docket No.: 43852-0122WO1

[0050] In some implementations, the upper portion 114 includes a molded recess 310 positioned between the first end 300 and the second end 302. The molded recess 310 may extend into a neck of the suction cup 126 to provide additional structural support to the suction cup 126.

[0051] The transparent tube 128 includes a tube ring 314 positioned on a top end of the transparent tube 128. The tube ring 314 includes a plurality of rib openings 316 that are spaced apart in a manner consistent with the spacing ribs 306 of the upper portion 114. During the overmolding process, the resin forming the upper portion 114 flows into these rib openings 316, effectively locking the upper portion 114 onto the transparent tube 128.

[0052] The annular shoulder 304 of the upper portion 114 is configured to abut the tube ring 314. This configuration prevents the transparent tube 128 from extending outward beyond the top opening 118 of the elongated housing 112.

[0053] The transparent tube 128 includes a tab 318 extending from its side. This tab 318 is configured to be received by the molded recess 310 of the upper portion 114. The engagement between the tab 318 and the molded recess 310 helps to secure the transparent tube 128 to the upper portion 114 and may provide additional structural support to the neck of the suction cup 126.

[0054] In some implementations, the transparent tube 128 includes a circumferential rib 322 that is positioned a distance from the tube ring 314. The circumferential rib 322 is configured to abut the second end 302 of the upper portion 114. This configuration prevents the upper portion 114 from sliding down the transparent tube 128.

[0055] The overmolding process results in a secure and stable connection between the transparent tube 128 and the upper portion 114 of the housing 112. This process ensures proper alignment and functionality of the bath toy 106. The design also incorporates additional structural support for the suction cup 126, enhancing the overall durability and performance of the bath toy 106.

[0056] During the overmolding process, the upper portion 114 is formed directly onto the upper end of the transparent tube 128. The resin flows into the rib openings 316 of the tube ring 314, creating a strong mechanical bond. The tab 318 of the transparent tube 128 becomes encapsulated within the molded recess 310 of the upper portion 114, further securing the connection. This process eliminates the need for separate assembly steps, reducing manufacturing complexity and improving the overall integrity of the bath toyAtty Docket No.: 43852-0122WO1

[0057] The resulting structure provides a seamless integration between the upper portion 114 and the transparent tube 128, with the overmolded material conforming precisely to the contours of the tube. This not only ensures a watertight seal but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the bath toy 106 by creating a smooth, unified appearance.

[0058] Referring to FIGs. 4A and 4B, the lower portion 116 includes a first end 400 and a second end 402. The distance between the first end 400 and the second end 402 is variable. For example, the first end 400 and the second end 402 are spaced a first distance on the first side of the housing 112 and a second distance on the second side of the housing 112. This configuration results in the first end 400 of the lower portion 116 being angled relative to the second end 402.

[0059] An annular shoulder 404 extends inward adjacent to the second end 402 of the lower portion 116. A plurality of connecting ribs 406 are positioned adjacent to the second end 402 and abut the annular shoulder 404. Each of the connecting ribs 406 is spaced apart from the others and from the surface of the lower portion 116, defining an annular cavity 408. The annular cavity 408 is positioned above the annular shoulder 404.

[0060] The lower portion 116 includes a support chamber 410 that contains an alignment pin 412. The support chamber 410 is positioned between the first end 400 and the second end 402 of the lower portion 116 and extends into a neck of the suction cup 126, providing additional structural support to the suction cup 126.

[0061] The transparent tube 128 includes a bottom ring 414 positioned on its bottom end. The bottom ring 414 features a plurality of rib openings 416 spaced apart in a manner consistent with the connecting ribs 406 of the lower portion 116. These rib openings 416 are configured to receive the connecting ribs 406, coupling the transparent tube 128 to the lower portion 116.

[0062] The annular shoulder 404 of the lower portion 116 is designed to abut the bottom ring 414, preventing the transparent tube 128 from extending outward beyond the elongated housing 112.

[0063] A support protrusion 418 on the transparent tube 128 includes a pin opening 420. This support protrusion 418 is configured to fit into the support chamber 410 of the lower portion 116, with the alignment pin 412 of the lower portion 116 positioned in the pin opening 420. This arrangement couples the transparent tube 128 to the lower portion 116 and provides additional structural support to the neck of the suction cup 126.

[0064] The transparent tube 128 also features a circumferential rib 422 positioned at a distance from the bottom ring 414. This circumferential rib 422 is designed to abut theAtty Docket No.: 43852-0122WO1

[0065] first end 400 of the lower portion 116, preventing the lower portion 116 from sliding along the transparent tube 128.

[0066] FIG. 4B illustrates the lower portion 116 coupled to the transparent tube 128 in the assembled configuration. The rib openings 416 are coupled to the connecting ribs 406, and the support protrusion 418 is positioned in the support chamber 410 of the lower portion 116. The alignment pin 412 of the lower portion 116 is inserted into the pin opening 420, securely coupling the transparent tube 128 to the lower portion 116.

[0067] This coupling mechanism ensures a secure and stable connection between the transparent tube 128 and the lower portion 116 of the housing 112, while also providing additional structural support to the suction cup 126. The design accommodates the angled configuration of the lower portion 116, allowing for proper alignment and functionality of the bath toy 106.

[0068] Referring next to FIGs. 5A-5C, the lower portion 116 of the housing has a flexible tail extending integrally from a side of the housing at a flexible hinge and defining a hole sized to fit over a head 512 of plug 134 to form door 130.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 5 A, lower portion 116 includes an annular recess 500 adjacent to the second end 402. An angled surface 502 is positioned between the second end 402 and the annular recess 500, facilitating the opening and closing of the door 130.

[0070] The flexible hinge 132is coupled to the lower portion 116 adjacent to the second end 402. It comprises an arm 504 and a coupling means 506. The coupling means 506 is configured to connect the flexible hinge 132 to the plug 134. Examples of coupling means may include, but are not limited to, snap-fit connections, pin-and-socket joints, or interlocking tabs and slots.

[0071] The flexible hinge 132is designed to rotate about a pivot point 508, allowing movement between open and closed positions. In some implementations, the flexible hinge 132 may be located at a portion of the door 130 nearest the first side of the elongated housing 112.

[0072] The plug 134 includes a lip 510 that allows a user to manually operate the plug 134 and, consequently, the flexible hinge 132. A head 512 on the plug 134 is configured to engage with the coupling means 506, securing the plug 134 to the flexible hinge 132. The plug 134 also features an annular ring 514, which serves as a sealing element.

[0073] FIG. 5B illustrates the plug 134 coupled to the flexible hinge 132, with the head 512 engaged in the coupling means 506. This figure shows the door 130 in the openAtty Docket No.: 43852-0122WO1

[0074] position, decoupled from the lower portion 116. The pivot arm 504 is shown rotated about the pivot point 508, demonstrating the door's range of motion.

[0075] FIG. 5C depicts the plug 134 coupled to the lower portion 116 in the closed position. The annular ring 514 of the plug 134 is positioned within the annular recess 500 of the lower portion 116, creating a watertight seal. The angled surface 502 of the lower portion 116 plays a crucial role in this process, guiding the annular ring 514 into the lower portion 116 and facilitating its secure placement in the annular recess 500.

[0076] During operation, a user can engage the lip 510 to remove the plug 134 from the opening of the lower portion 116 of the housing. This action allows for the removal of the float 110 and / or the draining of water from the transparent tube 128. The door mechanism and sealing system enable the bath toy 106 to retain water within the transparent tube 128 when closed, while providing easy access for draining or cleaning when opened.

[0077] This design enhances the functionality and play value of the bath toy 106 across various play environments 100, such as a bathtub 102 or other water-containing vessels. The robust sealing mechanism ensures water retention during play, while the user-friendly door operation allows for quick and easy maintenance or adjustment of the toy's contents.

[0078] While a number of examples have been described for illustration purposes, the foregoing description is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. There are and will be other examples and modifications within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. Atty Docket No.: 43852-0122WO1WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A bath toy, comprising:an elongated housing removably securable to a vertical tub surface and having an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion defining an opening at a top end of the elongated housing;a transparent tube carried by the housing and configured to be oriented vertically when the housing is in a vertical orientation, the tube exposed on a side of the housing to form a viewing window into the tube; anda door movable between a closed position in which the door defines a lower extent of a water chamber within the tube, and an open position in which water from the water chamber may drain into the tub.

2. The bath toy of claim 1, further comprising a water-buoyant float sized to fit through the opening and within the tube, such that a vertical position of the float within the tube indicates an amount of water in the tube, wherein the float is spherical.

3. The bath toy of claim 1, wherein the opening defined at the top end of the elongated housing is circular and has a diameter approximately equal to an inner diameter of the tube.

4. The bath toy of claim 1, wherein the door is attached to the lower portion of the housing at a pivot via a flexible hinge, such that the door is pivotable between the open and closed positions.

5. The bath toy of claim 4, wherein the pivot is located at a side of the housing nearest a suction cup extending from the lower portion of the housing.

6. The bath toy of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises two suction cups extending from one side of the housing.

7. The bath toy of claim 6, wherein one of the two suction cups extends from the upper portion of the housing and the other of the two suction cups extends from the lower portion of the housing.Atty Docket No.: 43852-0122WO18. A bath toy, comprising:an elongated housing having a first side and a second side;a transparent tube carried by the housing;a suction cup extending from the first side of the housing for securing the housing to a vertical surface; anda door coupled to a lower portion of the housing and movable between an open position and a closed position.

9. The bath toy of claim 8, wherein the transparent tube is configured to be oriented vertically when the housing is secured to the vertical surface.

10. The bath toy of claim 9, further comprising a water-buoyant float sized to fit within the transparent tube, such that a vertical position of the float within the tube indicates an amount of water in the tube.

11. The bath toy of claim 10, wherein the elongated housing defines an opening at a top end configured to receive the water-buoyant float.

12. The bath toy of claim 11, wherein the opening has a diameter approximately equal to an inner diameter of the transparent tube.

13. The bath toy of claim 8, wherein the door is attached to the lower portion of the housing at a pivot, such that the door is pivotable between the open and closed positions.

14. The bath toy of claim 13, wherein the pivot is located at a portion of the door nearest the first side of the housing.

15. A bath toy comprising:an elongated housing having an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion defining a circular opening at a top of the elongated housing;two suction cups extending from a first side of the housing, one suction cup extending from the upper portion and one suction cup extending from the lower portion;Atty Docket No.: 43852-0122WO1a transparent tube carried by the housing and configured to be oriented vertically when the housing is secured to a vertical surface, the tube exposed on a second side of the housing opposite the first side to form a viewing window into the tube; anda door coupled to the lower portion of the housing and movable between a closed position in which the door defines a lower extent of a water chamber within the tube, and an open position.

16. The bath toy of claim 15, further comprising a water-buoyant float sized to fit through the circular opening and within the tube, such that a vertical position of the float within the tube indicates an amount of water in the tube.

17. The bath toy of claim 15, wherein the circular opening has a diameter approximately equal to an inner diameter of the transparent tube.

18. The bath toy of claim 15, wherein the bath toy defines, in its vertical orientation, a water-tight chamber extending from the door up to the circular opening.

19. The bath toy of claim 15, wherein the door is attached to the lower portion of the housing at a pivot located at a portion of the door nearest the first side of the housing, such that the door is pivotable between the open and closed positions.

20. The bath toy of claim 15, wherein the two suction cups are aligned vertically when the housing is secured to the vertical surface.

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