Liquid projectile launching and detecting devices and set thereof

The present invention relates generally to a devices for launching a liquid projectile and to targets made of liquid-reactive substances, and to sets of such devices and targets.

Devices which simulate weapons, or which can be used to simulate combat, are perennially popular. Typically, such devices produce sounds which indicate when the simulated weapon is being fired. Devices simulating weapons were then devised which consisted of a light-projecting mechanism. Such devices were sold with a light-detecting mechanism that could be worn on the body, which emitted sound or light when hit by light projected from an opponent\'s weapon. However, consumers typically preferred that the simulated weapons actually shoot a projectile with sufficient force to strike an opponent or other target. Unfortunately, confusion or disputes often arose during game play concerning whether a player has actually been struck by a projectile.

Sophisticated air- or gas-driven paintball guns are now available, which forcefully project ammunition consisting of a hollow ball filled with paint or dye. The balls burst on impact, leaving no doubt as to whether a target or individual has been struck. These paintball guns, ammunition and related gear are generally expensive. Moreover, the paintballs launched by such guns can be dangerous, requiring protective gear to be worn by individuals during play. The paintballs also produce messy paint splatters on impact, both on individuals playing the game as well as in the game-playing area. Thus, paintball guns are expensive to acquire and maintain, and are not suitable for children.

What is needed, therefore, is device or set of devices simulating weapons or combat, which launch a projectile with sufficient force to strike an opponent but which will not cause injuries or produce an inordinate mess. The device or set of devices would include a means for indicating whether an individual or target has been struck by a projectile. Such a device would desirably be inexpensive to acquire and operate.

Liquid projectiles can be launched from devices which simulate weapons with sufficient velocity to strike an opponent, but without causing injury. Liquid reactive materials can be worn by individuals playing a game, or can comprise part of a target.

The invention thus provides a set comprising at least one first device comprising at least one liquid reservoir and at least one liquid projectile launching mechanism in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir. When actuated by the user, the liquid projectile launching mechanism draws a portion of the liquid from the reservoir and launches this portion of liquid outward from the device. The first device may be designed to be carried by a user or otherwise supported by a user\'s body. The set further comprises at least one second device comprising a liquid reactive material.

The set of the invention can be provided as a kit or a game, comprising at least two first devices and at least two second devices of the invention, and optionally instructions for use or rules for game play.

The invention further provides a method of playing a game, comprising the steps of providing at least a first device of the invention and at least one second device of the invention, and firing liquid projectiles from the first device toward the second device, such that the second device can be struck by the liquid projectiles. The step of firing liquid projectiles can optionally be repeated until the game is concluded.

The invention yet further provides a method of marketing a set of devices, kit or game of the invention, comprising packaging the set of devices, kit or game with at least one additional item.

It will be appreciated that the following description is exemplary and is not intended to define or limit the invention, other than in the appended claims.

A first device of the invention comprises a body which can support at least one liquid reservoir and at least one liquid projectile launching mechanism. The body can be made in any suitable size and shape capable of supporting the liquid reservoir and liquid projectile launching mechanism, for example in the shape of a gun or other hand-held or free-standing weapon. The body can also comprise appendages or other attachments which may move independently of the body or other components of the first device.

Thus, the first device can simulate a gun; e.g., handgun or pistol, rifle, shotgun, machine gun or machine pistol, archaic firearms such as flintlocks, matchlocks, blunderbusses and the like, and archaic projectile weapons such as bows, crossbows, slings and slingshots and the like. The first device can also simulate a free-standing or mobile weapon; e.g., a cannon or carronade, mortar, howitzer, or other artillery piece; or other more archaic projectile-throwing siege engines such as onagers, mangonels, trebuchets, ballistae or other catapults; tanks; mobile guns, and the like.

The first device can comprise one or more colors, designs or indicia, for example for the purpose of decoration or to indicate different group affiliations. Such colors, designs or indicia can be those associated with actual armies, sports teams or sports or military figures.

The first device can be any suitable size which allows a person to handle the device and actuate the liquid projectile launching mechanism, as can be readily determined by one skilled in the art. For example, the device can be from about 10 cm to about 1000 cm (e.g., about 50 cm to about 700 cm, about 150 cm to about 400 cm, or about 250 cm) in length (i.e., from left to right sides), from about 5 cm to about 500 cm (e.g., about 50 cm to about 250 cm, or about 100 cm to about 150 cm) in height, and from about 5 cm to about 25 cm (e.g., about 10 cm to about 20 cm, or about 15 cm) in depth (i.e., from front to back). Greater or lesser values are contemplated for the height, length and breadth of the first device.

All or part of the first device can be fabricated from any suitably rigid material, such as heavy gauge paper or cardboard, woods, metals, plastics, rubbers or synthetic resins, as are known in the art, by standard techniques for producing devices simulating weapons and the like. For example, the first device can be fabricated by injection molding or other suitable technique from commercially-available material such as thermo plastic polyurethane (TPU); ionomer resin; ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA); thermo plastic styrenics (TPS); melt processable rubber (MPR); thermo plastic vulcanate (TPV); thermo plastic olefin (TPO); thermo plastic ester elastomer (TPEE); thermo plastic elastomer (TPE); thermoplastic rubber (TPR); polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terphthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene terpolymer (ABS); a polycarbonate and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene terpolymer blend (PC/ABS); flexible plastic such as polystyrene sheet or polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA, marketed as “PERSPEX” by ICI Acrylics, Inc.); other acrylics; metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, copper); wood; or any combination thereof. Other suitable materials and forming methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art.