You can freely build on How the Super Soaker's Pinch-Trigger and Built-In Tank Work
This patent expired in 2012. Every claim — 0 independent, 0 dependent — is now unenforceable. Anyone can use, reproduce, manufacture, sell, or offer for sale this technology without a license.
Original assignee
Individual
Patent granted
1994
Expired
2012
Forward citations
27
What this patent covers
This patent describes a high-pressure toy water gun that uses compressed air to shoot a continuous stream of water. A hand pump built into the gun's body forces air into a non-detachable external water tank, pressurizing the air and water inside. A flexible tube runs from the bottom of this tank, through the gun's barrel, to the nozzle. To keep the water from shooting out immediately, a spring-loaded metal bar pinches this tube shut. When you pull the trigger, it lifts the pinch bar off the tube, allowing the highly pressurized water to escape through the narrow nozzle in a powerful, steady stream.
What is now free to use
All 0 claims of US 5305919 are in the public domain. Specifically:
The 0 dependent claims add narrowing limitations and are also free.
What is NOT covered
Patent expiry frees this specific invention. Separately-patented improvements made after expiry may still be protected.
Does not cover water guns with detachable water tanks that screw off to be refilled.
Does not cover water guns that use motorized or electric pumps to pressurize the water.
Does not cover trigger mechanisms that use traditional sliding piston valves instead of pinching a flexible tube.
Does not cover pressurized water guns where the pressurized chamber is completely separate from the main water reservoir.
Who is building on this today
Hasbro, which acquired Larami (the original licensee of Lonnie Johnson's patents), continues to dominate the water blaster market with the Super Soaker brand, while competitors like Buzz Bee Toys have built similar pressurized systems.
Products built on expired version of this technology
Larami Super Soaker models with fixed, non-removable tanks
Classic air-pressurized toy water blasters from the mid-1990s
How to cite this patent in your documentation
Individual. US Patent 5305919. Pinch trigger hand pump water gun with non-detachable tank. Granted 1994, expired 2012. Now in the public domain.
Note: This is a convenience citation. Consult a patent attorney for formal freedom-to-operate analysis.
PatentBrief is an educational resource and does not provide legal advice. Patent expiration information is derived from USPTO records and may not reflect continuation patents, divisional filings, or separately-patented improvements. For commercial use or production decisions, obtain a formal freedom-to-operate (FTO) opinion from a registered patent attorney.