TOY SHIELD

Abstract

A toy shield may have a base with a first side and a second side. The base may have a compartment operably connected to the second side. The compartment may take the form of netting or a mesh fabric. The compartment may selectively receive objects such as water balloons, disks, balls, snow balls or other toys. A user may engage in a water balloon battle and easily carry water balloons in the compartment and simultaneously block any incoming targets.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to a provisional patent application having Ser. No. 62/334,094, which was filed on May 10, 2016, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Outdoor activity is beneficial for the body and mind. Children especially need time away from electronic devices and more time outside enjoying outdoor play and reaping the benefits of physical activity. A favorite game of any child is water balloon battles. Small balloons are filled with water and are stored in some container, such as a bucket. Alternatively, a child may choose to carry water balloons in their hands and arms.

[0003] One limitation of any participant in a water balloon battle is that they can only carry a limited number of water balloons. The participant may be constrained to stay closer to an area that contains the filled water balloons. Further, protecting oneself from oncoming targets is nearly impossible. Participants may need to dodge water balloons by hiding behind trees or bushes. Using one's body normally results in becoming wet, which is sometimes an undesirable condition.

SUMMARY

[0004] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key factors or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0005] The present invention is related to a toy shield, and more specifically to a toy shield to be used to carry water balloons and shield the user from oncoming targets, such as water balloons, toy arrows, toy bullets, toy discs or other toy battle items. A toy shield may have a base with a first side and a second side. The base may have a compartment operably connected to the second side. The compartment may take the form of netting or a mesh fabric. The compartment may selectively receive objects such as water balloons, disks, balls, snow balls or other toys. A user may engage in a water balloon battle and easily carry water balloons in the compartment and simultaneously block any incoming targets.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] What is disclosed herein may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, and will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:

[0007] FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of the present invention.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view of the present invention shown in FIG. 1.

[0009] FIG. 3 is another rear elevational view of the present invention.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a side view of the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 5A is a front elevational view of another implementation of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 5B is a rear elevational view of FIG. 5A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are generally used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. It may be evident, however, that the claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the claimed subject matter.

[0014] A toy shield 8 may comprise a base 10 having a first side 12 and a second side 14. The second side 14 may be oppositely disposed from the first side 12. The base has a perimeter 16 and a certain thickness 18. The perimeter 16 may take any shape chosen with sound engineering judgment. As a non-limiting example, the perimeter 16 may be a circle, square, oval, triangle, rectangle, any alphanumeric shape or any other customizable shape. The thickness 18 may be of any depth or density of material chosen with sound engineering judgment that provides the base 10 with sufficient durability and resilience to absorb the impact of oncoming targets.

[0015] The base 10 may comprise a single layer of material or a plurality of layers of material. As showing in FIGS. 1-4, the base 10 may have a first layer 20 and a second layer 22. In this nonlimiting example, the first layer 20 may take the form of a polymer. In one implementation, the polymer may be a foam polymer such as an ethylene and vinyl acetate. The second layer 22 may be a corrugated or honeycomb type substrate such as cardboard, plastic or other material. The second layer 22 may be adhered to the first layer 20 with an adhesive such as glue, rivets, fasteners, or hook and loop fasteners, but any method chosen with sound engineering judgment may be utilized that maintains the secure relationship between the first layer 20 and the second layer 22. In another nonlimiting implementation, the first layer 20 may be selectively removable from the second layer 22. In this manner the second layer 22 may have customizable aesthetic elements such as artwork, but not limited thereto, to represent a favorite sports team, character, design motif, personal names or other desired insignia. The base 10 may be provided to the consumer in a manner where the entire customized toy shield 8 is sold as a unit, or the second layer 22 may be sold separately so that the user can selectively change the outward appearance without the need of purchasing the entire unit every time he or she wants to update the look and feel of the second layer 22. The base 10, the first layer 20 and/or the second layer 22 may incorporate glow-in-the dark features. The toy shield 8 may also incorporate lights (not shown) which may illuminate for added ornamentation. In another implementation, the lights may be of sufficient power to act as a flashlight for playing in the twilight hours. The lights may be white or any other color.

[0016] The second side may comprise a handle 30 for the user configured to easily carry the toy shield 8. The handle may be flexible straps 32 securely attached to the base 10, and for example, to the second side 14. In a nonlimiting example, the straps may comprise hook and loop fasteners so that the user may easily adjust the size of the opening to accommodate different size arms and hands of various users. The handle 30 may be integrally formed to the second side 14 of the base. The handle 30 may take the form of a rigid or semi rigid piece that may be constructed of a plastic material or other material. The handle 30 may be attached to the base 10 with any means of securement including without limitation, fasteners, glue or it may be integrated with the base 10.

[0017] The second side 14 may also comprise a compartment 34 configured to selectively store objects 48, such as toys, including without limitation, water balloons, balls, discs, or other toy ammunition. The compartment 34 may also hold snow balls. The compartment 34 may have holes 36 for drainage of material such as accumulated water, but not limited thereto. The compartment 34 may be formed by a rigid material such that the size of the compartment is substantially constant. In one nonlimiting implementation, the compartment 34 may be formed by expandable net material or mesh fabric. The expandable net material may provide for adjustment to the compartment size to more securely contain the selected toys. A drawstring enclosure may be used to narrow the opening of the compartment. When not storing any toys, the net material may lay flat against the second side 14. In the example of water balloons, the net material may expand, and thus expanding the size of the compartment, to securely surround and secure the water balloons. The compartment 34 may be of any size chosen with sound engineering judgment and may hold up to any number of filled water balloons. The compartment may hold up to five, ten, or even twenty water balloons depending upon the size of the toy shield 8. The expandable net material may be securely fastened to a lower end of the second side 14 of the base 10 with any type of fastener 28, such as rivets, staples, glue, nails, or screws. In one implementation, plastic rivets may secure the net material into the first layer 20 made of foam where the foam maintains the stems of the rivets in a secure fashion.

[0018] The second side 14 may also comprise a holster 24 to hold a water gun or other toy. The holster may be located anywhere on the base 10. In one implementation, the holster 24 may be positioned on the second side 14 above the handle to enable the user to have continued easy access to the compartment 34.

[0019] It should be recognized that the toy shield 8 may be made of any material chosen with sound engineering judgment. The base may be a single injection molded piece. It may be any plastic or polymer material chosen with sound engineering judgment.

[0020] With reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, another implementation of the toy shield 50 is shown. The toy shield 50 may comprise a base 51 having a first side 52 and a second side 54. The second side 54 may be oppositely disposed from the first side 52. The base has a perimeter 56. The perimeter 56 may take any shape chosen with sound engineering judgment. As a non-limiting example, the perimeter 56 may be a circle, square, oval, triangle, rectangle, any alphanumeric shape or any other customizable shape. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the perimeter has a generally rounded perimeter at a bottom end 56a and a crested rounded top end 56b, which may enable the user to more effectively take cover from incoming targets. The thickness 58 may be any amount chose to with sound engineering judgment that provides the base 51 with sufficient durability and resilience to absorb the impact of oncoming targets.

[0021] The base 51 may comprise a single layer of material or a plurality of layers of material. The base 51 may have customizable aesthetic elements such as artwork, but not limited thereto, to represent a favorite sports team, character, design motif, personal names or other desired insignia. The base 51 may incorporate glow-in-the dark features. In another implementation, the base 51 may have a plurality of layers as previously described.

[0022] The second side 54 may comprise a handle 60 for the user configured to easily carry the toy shield 50. The handle 60 may be integrally attached to the base 51 or selectively removable from the base 51. The handle 60 may be attached to the base through any sort of fastener chosen with sound engineering judgment, including without limitation, rivets, clips, plastic screws or other fastener. The handle may have a grasping portion 62 and a strap portion 64. The strap portion 64 may permeate through the base 51 and be secured by a clip 66. Further, the strap portion may be adjustable for easier handling of the toy shield 50. The grasping portion 62 may be a tube that slides over the strap portion 64.

[0023] The second side 14 may also comprise a compartment 84 configured to selectively store objects 48, such as toys, including without limitation, water balloons, balls, discs, or other toy ammunition. The compartment 84 may also hold snow balls. The compartment may have an interior space 54a. The compartment 84 may be formed by a rigid material such that the size of the compartment 84, and thus the interior space 84a, is substantially constant. The compartment 84 may have holes 76 for drainage of material such as accumulated water, but not limited thereto. In one nonlimiting implementation, the compartment 84 may be formed by expandable net material or mesh fabric 68. The expandable net material may provide for adjustment to the interior space 84a to more securely contain the selected objects 48, such as toys. A drawstring enclosure may be used to narrow an opening 84b of the compartment 84. The compartment 84 may have a perimeter 70. The perimeter 70 may have a first portion 72 and a second portion 74. The first portion may be operably attached to the base 51. In one nonlimiting limitation, the first portion may be at least partially secured to the second side 54 of the base 51. The second portion 74 may not be attached to the base 51 to form the opening 84b of the compartment 84. When not storing any toys, the net material may lay flat against the second side 54. In the example of water balloons, the net material may expand, and thus expanding the size of the compartment, to securely surround and secure the water balloons. The compartment 84 may be of any size chosen with sound engineering judgment and may hold up to any number of filled water balloons. The compartment may hold up to five, ten, or even twenty water balloons depending upon the size of the toy shield 50. The compartment 84, such as the expandable net material may be securely fastened to any part of the base 51, such as the first side 52, the second side 54 or a combination thereof. In one implementation, the compartment 84 may be attached to the lower end of the second side 54 of the base 51 with any type of fastener, such as rivets, staples, glue, nails, or screws.

[0024] The second side 14 may also comprise a holster 80 to hold a water gun or other toy. The holster 80 may be located anywhere on the base 51. In one implementation, the holster may be positioned on the second side 54 above the handle to enable the user to have continued easy access to the compartment 84.

[0025] It should be recognized that the toy shield 8 may be made of any material chosen with sound engineering judgment. The base may be a single injection molded piece. It may be any plastic or polymer material chosen with sound engineering judgment.

[0026] There may be a variety of games used in conjunction with the toy shield 8, 50.

[0027] In one implementation, a plurality of players each has the toy shield 8, 50. One of the players sets a timer for a preselected amount of time, such as ten minutes, but not limited thereto. Each player attempts to be the driest player at the end of the preselected time. The driest is the winner. Players may be judged to see who is the driest by process of elimination.

[0028] In another implementation of the present invention, the player sets the timer for a preselected amount of time, such as ten minutes, but not limited thereto. Players may be divided into teams. Players are responsible for protecting themselves while working with their teammates to soak the opposing team. Each player for a team is assigned a number. For example a team with four players will number the players 1, 2, 3, 4 and so forth. The players then engage in a water battle using for example, water balloons and possibly other water toys. At the end of the preselected time, each team decides the order of their players. For example, team one would order their team as players 4, 3, 2, 1. Team two would order their players, such as players 3, 1, 2, 4. Players for each team are compared. In this nonlimiting example, player 4 from team one is compared to player 3 of team two. Player 3 of team one is compared to player 1 of team two. Player 2 of team 1 is compared to player 2 of team 2. Player 1 of team one is compared to player 4 of team two. The driest player between each comparison is provided a point. This comparing of players is done for each player and in the preselected order. The order of players may be written down at the beginning of the game and not known by the opposing team. The team with the most victory point is the driest team, which is the winner. If there is a tie, each team may selects one player to be in a water balloon egg toss, which is throwing a water balloon back and forth under hand style and taking a step back after both players make the catch. The player that has the water balloon breaking on them is the losing team.

[0029] In yet another nonlimiting implementation of the present invention, the time may be set for a preselected amount of time, such as ten minutes but not limited thereto. The players may be divided into teams. Each team chooses one player on its team to be the captain. The captain is the only player without a toy shield 8, 50 and is worth 2 victory points at the end of the game. Players are responsible for protecting their captain and themselves while trying to soak the opposing team. The captains are allowed to throw water balloons as well. Captains are also only compared for points against other captains. Each player for a team, excluding the captain, is assigned a number. For example a team with five players will have the captain and then number the players 1, 2, 3, 4. The players then engage in a water battle using for example, water balloons and possibly other water toys. At the end of the preselected time, each team decides the order of their players. For example, team one would order their team as players 4, 3, 2, 1. Team two would order their players, such as players 3, 1, 2, 4. Players for each team are compared. In this nonlimiting example, player 4 from team one is compared to player 3 of team two. Player 3 of team one is compared to player 1 of team two. Player 2 of team 1 is compared to player 2 of team 2. Player 1 of team one is compared to player 4 of team two. The driest player between each comparison is provided a point. This comparing of players is done for each player and in the preselected order. The order of players are written down at the beginning of the game and not known by the opposing team. The team with the most victory point is the driest team, which is the winner. If there is a tie, each team selects one player to be in a water balloon egg toss, which is throwing a water balloon back and forth under hand style and taking a step back after both players make the catch. The player that has the water balloon breaking on them is the losing team.

[0030] In yet another nonlimiting implementation of the present invention, the time may be set for a preselected amount of time, such as ten minutes but not limited thereto. Players are divided into teams. Players are considered out of the game if a water balloon thrown by the opposing team makes any contact with a body part. The team with the most players left when the time is up is the winner or the team that gets the opposing players out first wins.

[0031] In yet another nonlimiting implementation of the present invention, the time may be set for a preselected amount of time, such as ten minutes but not limited thereto. Every 4 minutes the area of play is condensed forcing players closer as if someone is invading your space. Since there are two 4 minute marks in a 10 minute game, the area of play is condensed twice. The last 2 minutes all players must drop and finish the game without a toy shield 8, 50. The driest team wins.

[0032] In yet another nonlimiting implementation of the present invention, players may play alone or on teams. Players utilize their toy shield 8, 50 to block oncoming targets. If an opponent's target makes skin contact with a player, the struck player is out of play. The last person remaining wins.

[0033] In yet another nonlimiting implementation of the present invention, players may be divided into teams. The team plays by points. Points may be awarded in a variety of ways, such as by striking a player on the opposing team by skin contact. At the end of a predetermined time, the team with the most points wins. In another implementation, the game may end when a team is first to reach a predetermined number of points.

[0034] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, the term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or." That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, "X employs A or B" is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then "X employs A or B" is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. Further, at least one of A and B and/or the like generally means A or B or both A and B. In addition, the articles "a" and "an" as used in this application and the appended claims may generally be construed to mean "one or more" unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form.

[0035] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims. Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize many modifications may be made to this configuration without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed subject matter.

[0036] Also, although the disclosure has been shown and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art based upon a reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. The disclosure includes all such modifications and alterations and is limited only by the scope of the following claims. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (e.g., elements, resources, etc.), the terms used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary implementations of the disclosure.

[0037] In addition, while a particular feature of the disclosure may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms "includes," "having," "has," "with," or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising."

[0038] The implementations have been described, hereinabove. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above methods and apparatuses may incorporate changes and modifications without departing from the general scope of this invention. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations in so far as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A toy, comprising: a base having a first side and a second side; a compartment operably connected to the second side.

2. The toy of claim 1, the compartment being a net.

3. The toy of claim 1, the compartment having at least one hole.

4. The toy of claim 1, the compartment being integrally attached to the base.

5. The toy of claim 1, the compartment being selectively removable from the base.

6. The toy of claim 1, further comprising a handle positioned on the second side of the base and above the compartment.

7. The toy of claim 1, the base being a polymer.

8. The toy of claim 7, the polymer being an ethylene and vinyl acetate.

9. The toy of claim 1, the base having undulations.

10. The toy of claim 1, the base having a plurality of layers.

11. The toy of claim 10, the plurality of layers comprising a foam layer and a second corrugated layer affixed to the foam layer.

12. The toy of claim 1, the compartment to receive associated objects.

13. The toy of claim 12, the objects being at least one of water balloons, snowballs, balls and disks.

14. The toy of claim 13, further comprising a water gun selectively storable on the base.

15. A toy shield, comprising: a base having a first side and a second side; a compartment operably connected to the second side, the compartment to receive associated objects.

16. The toy shield of claim 15, the objects comprising at least one of water balloons, snowballs, balls and disks.

17. The toy shield of claim 15, further comprising a handle disposed on the base.

18. The toy shield of claim 15, the base having a first layer and a second layer, the first layer being selectively removable from the second layer, the first layer having at least one aesthetic element.

19. The toy shield of claim 15, the compartment being a mesh netting, the mesh netting having a perimeter, the mesh netting perimeter having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being operably attached to the base, the second portion being unattached to the base.

20. A toy shield, comprising: a base having a first side and a second side; a compartment operably connected to the second side, a mesh netting to selectively receive water balloons, the mesh netting partially attached to the base to securely and selectively receive the water balloons; a handle disposed on the second side of the base and above the compartment; and a water toy selectively removable from the base.