Water tower assembly with variable water level

Details Water tower assembly with variable water level Water tower assembly with variable water level

2000-02-10

2001-11-06

Ricci, John A. (Department: 3712)

Amusement devices: toys

Simulated dispenser or pump

C040S406000, C446S129000, C446S267000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06312311

ABSTRACT:

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to toy vehicle track. More specifically, it relates to a toy vehicle track with a water tower assembly, wherein the fluid level within the tower can be made to appear full or empty.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the toy vehicle industry, small toy trains are often run on plastic or wooden tracks. These railway systems are designed to grow with the child. In other words, railway configurations can range from very simple ovals to complex systems incorporating bridges, buildings, tunnels, and towns. Many other accessories are available as well, such as toy figurines, bushes, shrubs, and trees to lend the system a realistic effect; playmats, playboards, and play tables on which to build a railway system; carry bags and boxes in which to store the railway system when not in use; and, storybooks, iron-ons, decals, and coloring books to further stimulate the child's imagination.
The railway configurations are built from individual track sections. The track sections range in size and shape. There are countless possibilities for individual track sections: some are straight; some feature switching mechanisms; some are curved; and, some are ascending for connection to another track positioned at a higher level. One of the most important aspects of these railway systems is that the track sections be interchangeable. Accordingly, most track sections include male and/or female connectors at opposing ends. This allows the track sections to be connected end to end in a variety of configurations. Adding to the interchangeability of the track sections is the fact that these track sections are usually reversible having rails impregnated on both sides.
In addition, designers are constantly seeking to impart realism to the toy railway systems. In order to do this, designers have sought to introduce miniature accessories that resemble their real life counterparts. For example, locomotive turntables, highway crossings, lighthouses, tunnels, engine sheds, platform stations, draw bridges, windmills, and locomotive roundhouses are but a few of the many accessories available to add realism to the toy railway systems.
In particular, designers have discovered that children enjoy playing with accessories that have moving parts and/or produce sounds. Accordingly, many of the accessories currently available include movable parts such as levers, rotational handles, lifting mechanisms, and the like. Other accessories produce sounds. These include toy tracks that are designed to reproduce the sound an actual locomotive makes as it travels on actual train tracks, and locomotive whistles.
Thus, toy designers are always seeking to improve toy railway systems by introducing novel and interesting accessories which will capture a child's imagination.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a fluid tower for incorporation into a toy vehicle set. The fluid tower comprises a fluid holding assembly, and a two-piece tower support. In use, the fluid tower simulates the transfer of a fluid, such as water or fuel, from the fluid holding assembly to a toy vehicle.
The fluid holding assembly includes a fluid vessel having an open end. The fluid vessel is attached to the two-piece tower support. The fluid vessel contains a piston or inner cylinder. The inner cylinder is dimensioned such that there is a gap for receiving a fluid level between the fluid vessel and the inner cylinder. A first magnet is attached to the inner cylinder.
The fluid holding assembly further includes a spigot or first arm which is rotatably attached to the fluid tower. The fluid holding assembly also includes a pivoting or second arm. The pivoting arm is joined to the two-piece tower support.
A second magnet is fixedly attached to the pivoting arm. The second magnet may be selectively, axially aligned with the first magnet which is fixedly attached to the inner cylinder. A force between the first and second magnets is used to selectively raise and lower the piston within the fluid vessel.
When the fluid tower is in a ready state such that the spigot is in a raised positioned, the fluid level in the fluid vessel substantially fills the gap between the fluid vessel and the inner cylinder. Thus, in the ready state, it appears as though the fluid vessel is completely filled with fluid.
When the fluid tower is in the activated state, the spigot is in a lowered position. The fluid level within the gap between the fluid vessel and the inner cylinder is at a lower level than the ready state. Thus, in the activated state, it appears as though the fluid vessel has experienced a decrease in the amount fluid.
Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the following drawings.


REFERENCES:
patent: 2589757 (1952-03-01), Williams
patent: 3071888 (1963-01-01), Knott
patent: 3733738 (1973-05-01), Kramer
patent: 5236384 (1993-08-01), Frabricant et al.
patent: 444632 (1927-05-01), None
“Esso Magic Gas Pump”, from Amsco Toys 1966 catalog.*
1997 Wholesale Catalog by Learning Curve Toys p. 27.

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