US4142724A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Water maze game with super-hydrophobic surface
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1976-04-30
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Granted: 1979-03-06
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Expires: 1996-04-30
Abstract
Abstract A toy, game or other play device wherein a trackway, slide, maze or other play surface is coated with super-hydrophobic material that is highly water repellent, whereby a drop of water applied thereto forms into a ball that can then be manipulated by a player to carry out predetermined play activities. Alternatively, a tiny vehicle or other toy body having a hydrophilic coating thereon may be wetted with water and placed on the super-hydrophobic surface whereby the slightest force applied thereto causes the body to skim at high speed over the surface.
Inventors
- 👤 Franklin G. Reick
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 05:43
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63F; A63F7/00; A63F7/22; A63F7/36; A63F7/3603; A63H; A63H18/00; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S273/00; Y10S273/29
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
81 words
A toy or game device comprising a playing board formed by a substrate having a face layer thereon formed by super-hydrophobic material having virtually no force of adhesion with respect to water whereby a drop of water supported thereon assumes a substantially spherical form, and a material consisting essentially of water on said layer to create a substantially spherical body movable on said board, said board being a maze having channels forming a circuitous path which is traversed by said body.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
81 words
A toy or game device comprising a playing board formed by a substrate having a face layer thereon formed by super-hydrophobic material having virtually no force of adhesion with respect to water whereby a drop of water supported thereon assumes a substantially spherical form, and a material consisting essentially of water on said layer to create a substantially spherical body movable on said board, said board being a maze having channels forming a circuitous path which is traversed by said body.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
A device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said layer is constituted by hydrophobic fumed silicon dioxide particles.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
A toy as set forth in claim 1, wherein said channels have a V-shaped cross-section defined by inclined walls.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1982-03-05 | 1982-09-04 | 1983-03-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-03-05 | 1986-09-04 | 1987-03-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-03-05 | 1990-09-04 | 1991-03-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |