Water fortress

• US 5,779,240 A
• Filed: 06/20/1997
• Issued: 07/14/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 06/20/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Andrew W. Santella
• Original Assignee: Andrew W. Santella
• Inventors: Santella, Andrew W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Grieb, William H.
• Application Number:
  US08/879,585
• Time in Patent Office: 389 Days
• Field of Search: 273/349
• US Class Current: 273/349
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2250/0428 being squirted
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 33/008 Playhouses, play-tents, big enough for playing inside
• CPC Class Codes: F41B 9/0053 the external source being a pressurised water supply system, e.g. the municipal water supply system or a water supply system onboard a ship

Abstract

A water fortress used in a game or as a toy which has a hollow plastic frame connected to a garden hose. The water fortress receives a continuous supply of pressurized water from a garden hose. Access points along the plastic frame are used to supply the pressurized water to targets and water pistols. The front section of the frame has a canvas shield to protect the player within the water fortress from an opponent'"'"'s water gun. The object of the game is for opposing players to shoot at the targets of the opposing player with the water pistols. When the targets are hit, they release pressurized water which sprays the opponent. The water fortress permits easy assembly/disassembly and multiple water fortresses may receive water from a singular garden hose at the same time.

Claims

1. A water fortress apparatus, comprising:

(a) a frame defining a space capable of retaining a player therein, the frame comprising hollow members which are capable of internal water flow,

(b) a water connection in water communication with the hollow members, permitting pressurized water flow in and through the hollow members;

(c) a target mounted to the frame comprising means for releasing pressurized water from the frame when the target is activated;

(d) a water gun supply port capable of dispensing water from the hollow members; and

,

(e) a water gun detachably connected to the water gun supply port.

2. The water fortress according to claim 1, further having a shield attached to the frame and positioned between the hollow members.

3. The water fortress according to claim 1, further having a water reservoir in water communication with the hollow members.

4. The water fortress according to claim 3, wherein the reservoir further has a trap door allowing water release from the reservoir when the target is activated.

5. The water fortress according to claim 1, comprising a water gun permanently fixed to the frame.

6. The water fortress according to claim 1, wherein the frame has a front section comprising the hollow members and a back section which supports the front section in an upright position.

7. The water fortress according to claim 6, wherein the front and back sections of the frame are connected by folding lock hinges.

8. The water fortress according to claim 1, wherein the target comprises a constricting tube in water communication with the hollow members.

9. The water fortress according to claim 1, wherein the frame comprises plastic tubing.

10. The water fortress according to claim 6, wherein the front section comprises a compressible spring which enables the front section to be expanded to an open position.

11. The water fortress according to claim 6, wherein the front section comprises hinges, wherein the hinges are used to open and close an expandable part of the front section.

12. The water fortress according to claim 1, wherein the frame comprises detachable sections.

13. The water fortress according to claim 1, wherein the frame further comprises a hose in water communication with the hollow members for delivering pressurized water through the hose to the hollow members.

14. The water fortress according to claim 1, wherein the frame further comprises a valve for obstructing the water flow within the hollow members.

15. A water fortress array comprising a plurality of water fortresses, each water fortress comprising:

(a) a frame defining a space capable of retaining a player therein, the frame comprising hollow members which are capable of internal water flow, a water connection in water communication with the hollow members, permitting pressurized water flow in and through the hollow members;

a target mounted to the frame comprising means for releasing pressurized water from the frame when the target is activated;

a water gun supply port capable of dispensing water from the hollow members; and

, a water gun detachably connected to the water gun supply port; and

,

(b) a water connection between each fortress and another fortress which allows water flow from the hollow members of one fortress to the hollow members of another fortress.

16. A method for playing a water fortress game, comprising:

(a) providing a water fortress comprising a frame defining a space capable of retaining a player therein, the frame comprising hollow members which are capable of internal water flow;

a water connection in water communication with the hollow members, permitting pressurized water flow in and through the hollow members;

a target mounted to the frame comprising means for releasing pressurized water from the frame when the target is activated;

a water gun supply port capable of dispensing water from the hollow members; and

a water gun detachably connected to the water gun supply port; and

,

(b) spraying the target with water from a water gun.

17. The method for playing a water fortress game according to claim 16, further including the step of:

releasing water from a reservoir through a trap door when the target is activated.

18. The method for playing a water fortress game according to claim 16, further including the step of:

releasing a constricted tube and thereby allowing water release through the tube when the target is activated by spraying water against the target.

19. The method for playing a water fortress game according to claim 16, including the steps of:

disconnecting the water gun from the water gun supply port; and

then,

filling the water gun from a quick fill port attached to the frame.

20. The method for playing a water fortress game according to claim 16, including the step of:

disconnecting the water gun from the water gun supply port; and

then,

connecting a different water gun to the water gun supply port.