Sinkable navy

Abstract

A toy ship and associated toy navy wherein the toy ship has multiple chambers within the hull, each chamber having a plug below the water line to allow entry of water to sink the ship. The child determines as a matter of play that the ship has been struck by a projectile or torpedo and appropriately should have one or more plugs pulled. The child then pulls the plug(s) allowing entry of water to sink the ship. As the ship is struck further, more plugs may be pulled by the child to hasten sinking of the ship. The plugs may be fabricated to remain with the ship when pulled so as not to get lost or become a swallowing hazard for the child. The ship may be provided in association with a toy submarine, a toy airplane and / or a second toy ship, which may be of different design.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit under 35 USC 119(e) of provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 975,172, filed 26 Sep. 2007 by Strebeigh, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field Of The Invention[0003]The present invention pertains generally to the field of water amusement toys, in particular bathtub toys for young children.[0004]2. Background Of The Invention[0005]Tub toys provide multiple useful purposes by engendering a positive outlook in the child with respect to bathing. Tub toys encourage creative thinking and imagination and learning through the experience of interacting with water. With the addition of tub toys to the bathing experience the child looks forward to the bathing experience and stays in the tub longer. The toy not only provides amusement for the child, but the child exercises imagination and creativity by generating play scenarios with the toy. The child learns about floating objects and w...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015]Thus, there is a need for a toy ship for a toy navy that provides a sinkable characteristic that is suitable for 4 to 8...

Problems solved by technology

The ship provides only one mode of sinking, which may be found dull and boring after a relatively short time.

The target mechanism appears far too fragile to withstand the rough treatment of a 4 year old nor is a 4 year old likely to be able to set up the mechanism or fire a projectile to hit the target.

The Schwartz device requires a squirt gun delivering a large amount of water, which may potentially create a big mess in the hands of a 4 year old.

The meniscus is likely to be dependent on surface tension, which is destroyed by soapy water, and thus not suitable as a bathtub toy.

The Springfors mechanism requires close alignment between the top and hull portions, which appears not likely to stand up well to the dropping, slapping, and banging treatment likely to be delivered by a 4 year old.

Further, toy torpedoes and projectiles are likely to pose swallowing hazards.

The mechanism may be beyond the capability of a typical 4 year old to set up.

Further the play requires a projectile, which may present a swallowing hazard.

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