Toy water gun

• US 6,935,531 B1
• Filed: 06/24/2002
• Issued: 08/30/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 06/25/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Richard A. Clayton
• Original Assignee: Richard A. Clayton
• Inventors: Clayton, Richard A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Mar, Michael
• Assistant Examiner(s): BUECHNER, PATRICK M
• Application Number:
  US10/178,295
• Time in Patent Office: 1,163 Days
• Field of Search: 222/79, 222/401, 222/330, 239/443, 239/446
• US Class Current: 222/79
• CPC Class Codes: F41B 9/0018 the gas being compressed utilising a manual piston pump
• CPC Class Codes: F41B 9/0075 characterised by special nozzle arrangements, e.g. for a swirling effect or a directional effect

Abstract

A toy water gun provides a plurality of nozzles for discharging water in a variety of directions, volumes or spray patterns. A multi-position trigger or similar device controls selection of nozzles individually or in combinations whereby an operator can quickly choose among various modes of discharge by moving the trigger through corresponding positions.

Claims

1. A portable toy water gun comprising:

a frame, a reservoir, at least a first nozzle and a second nozzle, and a trigger mechanism;

said frame serving to support elements of said gun and being formed such that said gun generally simulates the appearance of a firearm including a depending grip;

said grip oriented in general alignment with a longitudinal vertical plane;

said reservoir adapted to store water to be discharged from said nozzles;

said trigger mechanism having a plurality of operational configurations selectable at the discretion of an operator;

said trigger mechanism in a first operational configuration enabling water to discharge from said first nozzle, but not said second nozzle, said trigger mechanism in a second operational configuration enabling water to discharge from said second nozzle, and said trigger mechanism in a third operational configuration preventing discharge from said first and second nozzles;

said first and second nozzles oriented to discharge water from said water gun in a first generally horizontal direction and a second generally horizontal direction, respectively, with respect to said longitudinal vertical plane;

spatial and directional orientation of said nozzles, relative to said gun and to each other, being substantially unaffected by operation or displacement of said trigger mechanism.

2. The water gun of claim 1, further comprising:

a valve mechanism having at least a first operational mode and a second operational mode corresponding to said first and second operational configurations, respectively, of said trigger mechanism;

said valve mechanism in said first mode conducting water to said first nozzle, but not said second nozzle, and said valve mechanism in said second mode conducting water to said second nozzle.

3. The water gun of claim 1 wherein said trigger mechanism comprises a first trigger and a second trigger;

said first trigger operable to cause discharge of water from said first nozzle;

said first trigger operable independently of said second trigger;

said second trigger operable to cause discharge of water from said second nozzle.

4. The water gun of claim 3 wherein said triggers are located adjacent said grip and are adapted to allow an operator to hold said grip and operate said trigger mechanism with a single hand.

5. The water gun of claim 1 wherein said trigger mechanism comprises a handle carried for linear displacement along an axis whereby a user may select among said operational configurations via linear displacement of said handle along said axis.

6. The water gun of claim 1 wherein said trigger mechanism comprises a handle carried for angular displacement about an axis;

said axis generally orthogonal to said longitudinal vertical plane;

whereby a user may select among said operational configurations via angular displacement of said handle about said axis.

7. The water gun of claim 1 further comprising a valve;

said valve independently operable with respect to the nozzle selecting functions of said trigger mechanism;

said valve adapted to selectably block or enable water flow to nozzles selected for discharge by said trigger mechanism.

8. A portable toy water gun comprising:

a frame, a reservoir, a water pressurizing mechanism, a valve mechanism having at least a first output and a second output, and a trigger mechanism interactive with said valve mechanism for operation thereof;

said frame serving to support elements of said gun and being formed such that said gun generally simulates the appearance of a firearm including an elongated barrel portion and a downwardly angled grip;

said grip oriented in general alignment with a longitudinal vertical plane;

said trigger mechanism having at least a first operational mode and a second operational mode;

said valve mechanism having at least a first operational mode and a second operational mode corresponding to said first and second operational modes of said trigger mechanism, respectively;

said valve mechanism having at least one input and at least first and second outputs;

said input coupled to receive water from said reservoir, pressurized by said pressurizing mechanism;

said valve mechanism in said first mode conducting pressurized water to said first output, and substantially blocking the flow of pressurized water to said second output;

said valve mechanism in said second mode conducting water to said second output;

at least a first nozzle and a second nozzle;

said first said output connected to said first nozzle and said second output connected to said second nozzle;

whereby said trigger mechanism in said first mode allows water to discharge from said first nozzle, but not said second nozzle, and said trigger mechanism in said second mode allows water to discharge from said second nozzle;

said first and second nozzles oriented to discharge water from said water gun in a first generally horizontal direction and a second generally horizontal direction, respectively, with respect to said longitudinal vertical plane;

spatial and directional orientation of said nozzles, relative to said gun and to each other, being substantially unaffected by operation or displacement of said trigger mechanism.

9. The water gun of claim 8 wherein said second operational mode of said trigger mechanism allows simultaneous discharge from said first and second nozzles.

10. The water gun of claim 8 wherein said second operational mode of said trigger mechanism prevents discharge from said first nozzle.

11. The water gun of claim 8 wherein said trigger mechanism has a third operational mode;

said third mode preventing discharge from said first and second nozzles.

12. The water gun of claim 8 wherein said trigger mechanism comprises a first trigger and a second trigger;

said first trigger operable to cause discharge of water from said first nozzle;

said first trigger operable independently of said second trigger;

said second trigger operable to cause discharge of water from said second nozzle.

13. The water gun of claim 12 wherein said triggers are located adjacent said grip and are adapted to allow an operator to hold said grip and operate said trigger mechanism with a single hand.

14. The water gun of claim 8 wherein said valve mechanism comprises a first valve and a second valve;

said first valve operable to conduct water to said first nozzle and said second valve operable to conduct water to said second nozzle.

15. The water gun of claim 8 wherein said trigger mechanism comprises a handle carried for linear displacement along an axis whereby a user may select among said operational modes via linear displacement of said handle along said axis.

16. The water gun of claim 8 wherein said trigger mechanism comprises a handle carried for angular displacement about an axis;

said axis generally orthogonal to said longitudinal vertical plane;

whereby a user may select among said operational modes via angular displacement of said handle about said axis.

17. The water gun of claim 8 wherein said valve mechanism comprises a first valve and a second valve;

said first valve operable for selectably blocking or enabling water flow to said second valve;

said second valve operable via said trigger mechanism for selection of nozzles from which water is to be discharged.

18. A portable toy water gun comprising:

a frame, a water reservoir, at least a first nozzle and a second nozzle, a handle, and at least a first valve;

said frame serving to support elements of said gun and being formed such that said gun generally simulates the appearance of a firearm including a barrel portion and a grip angled therefrom in general alignment with a longitudinal vertical plane;

said valve comprising a body and a core;

said core movably disposed within said body;

said body comprising at least a first output port and a second output port;

said handle movably positioned to the exterior of said frame and operatively linked to said valve such that a user may manipulate said handle to move said core within said valve body;

said core having at least a first position and a second position relative to said body;

said core in said first position allowing water to flow through said valve to said first output port, but not said second output port, and said core in said second position allowing water to flow through said valve to said second output port;

said first valve output port connected to said first nozzle and said second valve output port connected to said second nozzle, such that flow through said valve to said first and second output ports results in discharge from said first and second nozzles, respectively;

said nozzles oriented to project water from said gun in general alignment with a horizontal plane.

19. The water gun of claim 18 wherein said second position of said core allows simultaneous flow to said first and second output ports, for simultaneous discharge from said first and second nozzles.

20. The water gun of claim 18 wherein said second position of said core prevents flow through said valve to said first output port, and thereby prevents discharge from said first nozzle.

21. The water gun of claim 18 wherein said core has a third position relative to said body;

said third position preventing flow through said valve to said first and second output ports, thereby preventing discharge from said first and second nozzles.

22. The water gun of claim 18 wherein said second position of said core prevents flow through said valve to said first output port, and further comprising a check valve adapted for unidirectional flow;

said check valve operably connected between said valve outputs and said nozzles to allow flow from said second output port to said first nozzle and to prevent flow from said first output port to said second nozzle.

23. The water gun of claim 18 further comprising a third nozzle, and wherein said valve body has a third output port and said valve core has a third position relative to said body;

said third output port operably connected to said third nozzle;

said core in said third position allowing water to flow through said valve to said third output port, for discharge from said third nozzle.

24. The water gun of claim 18 further comprising a third nozzle;

said first nozzle being aimed in a first direction with respect to said gun;

said second and third nozzles being oriented to aim in second and third directions, respectively, which diverge from said first direction in generally equal and opposite angular relationship.

25. The water gun of claim 24 wherein said third nozzle is in fluid communication with said second valve output port, such that said core in said second position allows simultaneous discharge from said second and third nozzles.

26. The water gun of claim 25 further comprising a fourth nozzle, and wherein said valve body has a third output port and said valve core has a third position relative to said body;

said third output port operably connected to said fourth nozzle;

said core in said third position allowing water to flow through said valve to said third output port, for discharge from said fourth nozzle;

said fourth nozzle being positioned on said gun to project water therefrom in a direction generally opposite said first direction.

27. The water gun of claim 18 wherein said first and second nozzles project water in generally opposite directions.

28. The water gun of claim 27 wherein said water gun is generally elongated in form, having a first end and a second end;

said first nozzle located at or about said first end and said second nozzle located at or about said second end.

29. The water gun of claim 28 wherein said gun is adapted in form such that in normal operation said first end and said first nozzle protrude and discharge generally forward of an operator'"'"'s body and such that said second end and said second nozzle protrude and discharge generally to the rear of an operator'"'"'s body.

30. The water gun of claim 18 wherein said handle is carried for linear displacement along an axis whereby a user may select among said valve core positions via linear displacement of said handle along said axis.

31. The water gun of claim 18 wherein said handle is carried for angular displacement about an axis;

said axis generally orthogonal to said longitudinal vertical plane;

whereby a user may select among said valve core positions via angular displacement of said handle about said axis.

32. The water gun of claim 18 further comprising a second valve;

said second valve independently operable with respect to the nozzle selecting functions of said first valve;

said second valve adapted to selectably block or enable water flow to said first valve.

33. A portable toy water gun comprising:

a frame, a reservoir, a handle mechanism, a first nozzle and a second nozzle;

said frame serving to support elements of said gun and being formed such that said gun generally simulates the appearance of a firearm including a barrel portion and a grip angled therefrom in general alignment with a longitudinal vertical plane;

said handle mechanism having first and second modes of operation selectable at the discretion of an operator;

said first mode allowing water to discharge from said first nozzle and not from said second nozzle, said second mode allowing water to discharge from said second nozzle and not from said first nozzle;

said nozzles oriented to project water from said gun in general alignment with a horizontal plane;

spatial and directional orientation of said nozzles, relative to said gun and to each other, being substantially unaffected by operation or displacement of said handle mechanism.

34. The water gun of claim 33 wherein said handle mechanism has a third mode of operation;

said third mode allowing simultaneous discharge of water from said first and second nozzles.

35. The water gun of claim 33 wherein said nozzles aim in different directions with respect to one another.

36. The water gun of claim 33 wherein said nozzles have differently sized orifices with respect to one another.

37. The water gun of claim 33 wherein said nozzles have different spray patterns with respect to one another.

38. The water gun of claim 33 wherein said handle mechanism comprises a first trigger and a second trigger;

said first trigger operable to cause discharge of water from said first nozzle;

said first trigger operable independently of said second trigger;

said second trigger operable to cause discharge of water from said second nozzle.

39. The water gun of claim 38 wherein said triggers are located adjacent said grip and are adapted to allow an operator to hold said grip and operate said handle mechanism with a single hand.

40. The water gun of claim 33 wherein said handle mechanism comprises a trigger carried for linear displacement along an axis whereby a user may select among said modes of operation via linear displacement of said trigger along said axis.

41. The water gun of claim 33 wherein said handle mechanism comprises a trigger carried for angular displacement about an axis;

said axis generally orthogonal to said longitudinal vertical plane;

whereby a user may select among said modes of operation via angular displacement of said trigger about said axis.

42. The water gun of claim 33 further comprising a valve;

said valve independently operable with respect to the nozzle selecting functions of said handle mechanism;

said valve adapted to selectably block or enable water flow to nozzles selected for discharge by said handle mechanism.

43. A portable toy water gun comprising:

a frame, a reservoir, a valve, a handle, a first nozzle and a second nozzle;

said frame serving to support elements of said gun and being formed such that said gun generally simulates the appearance of a firearm including a barrel portion and a grip angled therefrom in general alignment with a longitudinal vertical plane;

said valve having an output member and a supply member movable relative one another;

said output member having at least two outputs ports;

said supply member comprising at least one passageway for conducting water to at least one said output port;

said valve having at least two modes of operation corresponding to different relative positions of said output member and said supply member;

said handle operatively linked with said valve whereby a user may select among said valve modes of operation via manipulation of said handle;

a first valve mode allowing water to flow from a first output of said valve for discharge from said first nozzle and not from said second nozzle, a second valve mode allowing water to flow from a second output of said valve for discharge from said second nozzle;

said nozzles oriented to project water from said gun in general alignment with a horizontal plane;

positioning of said nozzles on said gun being unaffected by operation of said handle.

44. The water gun of claim 43 wherein said handle is in the form of a trigger.

45. The water gun of claim 43 wherein said second mode of valve operation allows simultaneous flow of water from said valve outputs to said first and second nozzles.

46. The water gun of claim 43 wherein said second mode of valve operation prevents flow of water from said valve to said first nozzle.

47. The water gun of claim 43 wherein said valve has a third mode of operation;

said third mode preventing flow of water from said valve to said first and second nozzles.

48. The water gun of claim 43 wherein said valve output member is stationary and said supply member is movable, both relative to said gun;

said handle being operable by a user to change the position of said supply member relative to said gun.

49. The water gun of claim 43 wherein said handle has a plurality of operational positions;

each said handle position corresponding to a different one of said valve modes.

50. The water gun of claim 43 wherein reciprocative actuation of said handle causes incremental sequencing among said valve modes.

51. The water gun of claim 43 wherein said handle is carried for linear displacement along an axis whereby a user may select among said valve modes via linear displacement of said handle along said axis.

52. The water gun of claim 43 wherein said handle is carried for angular displacement about an axis;

said axis generally orthogonal to said longitudinal vertical plane;

whereby a user may select among said valve modes via angular displacement of said handle bout said axis.

53. A portable toy water gun comprising:

a frame, a reservoir, first and second nozzles, a gate mechanism and a trigger;

said frame serving to support elements of said gun and being formed such that said gun generally simulates the appearance of a firearm including an elongated barrel portion and a downwardly angled grip;

said grip oriented in general alignment with a longitudinal vertical plane;

said gate mechanism comprising a plurality of passages which may be opened or closed to regulate the flow of water from said reservoir to said nozzles;

said trigger having first and second operational modes;

said first operational mode of said trigger opening a passage of said gate mechanism whereby water may be conducted to said first nozzle and not said second nozzle;

said second operational mode of said trigger opening a passage of said gate mechanism whereby water may be conducted to said second nozzle;

said first and second nozzles oriented to discharge water from said water gun in a first generally horizontal direction and a second generally horizontal direction, respectively, with respect to said longitudinal vertical plane;

spatial and directional orientation of said nozzles, relative to said gun and to each other, being substantially unaffected by operation or displacement of said trigger mechanism.

54. The water gun of claim 53 further comprising a third nozzle oriented to discharge water in a third direction;

said trigger operable to open a passage of said gate mechanism whereby water may be conducted to said third nozzle.

55. A portable toy water gun comprising:

a reservoir, a valve, a handle, a first nozzle and a second nozzle;

said valve having an output member and a supply member;

said reservoir functionally coupled in said gun whereby said supply member may be provided with water;

said output member having at least first and second output ports;

said supply member comprising at least one passageway for conducting water to at least one said output port;

said output member and said supply member being adapted for linear motion relative to one another along an axis;

said valve having at least first and second modes of operation corresponding to different relative positions of said output member and said supply member in alignment with said axis;

said handle operatively linked with said valve whereby a user may select among said valve operating modes by altering the relative linear positioning of said valve members via manipulation of said handle;

said first valve mode allowing water to flow from said first output of said valve for discharge from said first nozzle and not from said second nozzle;

said second valve mode allowing water to flow from said second output of said valve for discharge from said second nozzle.

56. The water gun of claim 55 wherein said first valve mode allows water to flow from said first output port and not from said second output port, and wherein said second valve mode allows flow from said second output port and not from said first output port.

57. The water gun of claim 55 wherein said first valve mode allows water to flow from said first output port and not from said second output port, and wherein said second valve mode allows simultaneous flow from said second output port and from said first output port.

58. The water gun of claim 55 wherein said handle is carried for linear displacement along an axis whereby a user may select among said valve modes via linear displacement of said handle along said axis.

59. The water gun of claim 55 wherein said handle is carried for angular displacement about an axis;

said axis generally orthogonal to said longitudinal vertical plane;

whereby a user may select among said valve modes via angular displacement of said handle about said axis.

60. A portable toy water gun comprising:

a reservoir, at least one trigger, a first nozzle and a second nozzle;

said gun having a front end and a rear end;

said first nozzle being supported generally on or about said front end and oriented to project water forwardly with respect to said gun;

said trigger being supported generally intermediate said front and rear ends;

said second nozzle being located on or about said rear end and oriented to project water in a generally rearward direction;

said rear end being substantially elongated and extending rearwardly with respect to the location of said trigger such that in normal operation said second nozzle will be positioned to project water both rearwardly and away from an operator;

said trigger operable to discharge water from said second nozzle.

61. The water gun of claim 60 wherein said trigger is operable to discharge water from said first nozzle.

62. The water gun of claim 61 wherein said trigger has a plurality of operational modes whereby water may be discharged from said first and second nozzles individually or in combination.

63. The water gun of claim 62 wherein said trigger comprises a first member and a second member;

said first member being independently operable to discharge water from said first nozzle only;

said second member being independently operable to discharge water from said second nozzle only;

said first and second members being operable simultaneously for simultaneous discharge from said first and second nozzles.

64. The water gun of claim 60 further comprising a second trigger;

said second trigger operable to discharge water from said first nozzle.

65. The water gun of claim 61 further comprising a third nozzle and a fourth nozzle, and having a left side and a right side relative to said front and rear ends;

said third nozzle oriented to project water generally to the left and said fourth nozzle oriented to project water generally to the right;

said trigger operable to selectively cause or allow discharge of water from said nozzles or predetermined combinations thereof.

66. A portable toy water gun comprising:

a reservoir, at least one trigger, and at least first, second and third nozzles;

said gun having a front end and a rear end, a left side and a right side;

said first nozzle oriented to project water in a forward direction with respect to said gun;

said second nozzle oriented to project water in a leftward direction with respect to said gun;

said third nozzle oriented to project water in a rightward direction with respect to said gun;

said trigger having at least a first operational position and a second operational position;

said trigger in said first operational position enabling water discharge from said first nozzle and not from said second and third nozzles;

said trigger in said second operational position enabling discharge from said second nozzle.

67. The water gun of claim 66 wherein said trigger in said second operational position enables simultaneous discharge from said second and third nozzles.

68. The water gun of claim 66 wherein said trigger in said second operational position enables simultaneous discharge from said first, second and third nozzles.

69. The water gun of claim 66 further including a third trigger position and a fourth nozzle;

said fourth nozzle oriented to project water in a rearward direction with respect to said gun;

said third trigger position enabling discharge from said fourth nozzle.

70. The water gun of claim 69 wherein said third trigger position enables simultaneous discharge from said first, second, third and fourth nozzles.

71. The water gun of claim 68 further including a third trigger position wherein discharge from said first, second and third nozzles is prevented.

72. The water gun of claim 67 further comprising a valve;

said valve independently operable with respect to the nozzle selecting functions of said trigger;

said valve adapted to selectably block or enable water flow to nozzles selected for discharge by said trigger.