New York, NY -- The freshest new concept to make a splash at this year’s American International Toy Fair is "Water Wheels"™ – a self-contained, pump-operated squirt gun system for bicycles. (Booth #5756, Level One.)
Water toys remain one of the most popular and durable categories for retailers and manufacturers alike, as evidenced by the continuing success of the Super Soaker™ line and similar pressurized squirt gun products. This newest entry adds the fun of mobility, featuring twin handlebar-mounted guns, a storage tank that is attached to the bike frame, and a pump powered by the motion of the bicycle’s wheel. With its ability to squirt water up to 30 feet or more, "Water Wheels"™ adds the excitement of extreme sports and bicycles to the proven popularity of water guns.
"Water Wheels"™ is the creation of Timothy P. Englert, a 43-year old engineer/designer from St. Petersburg, Florida. What started out as a project he fiddled with in his spare time has grown into a full-time passion, consuming virtually every minute of every day. Now with his handful of patents, a fully-operational prototype, his "Water Wheels"™ exhibition truck and trailer, and his product on display at Booth #5756 Level One, Englert is looking forward to this Toy Fair as the moment he’s dreamed about for years – the chance to see his invention finally brought to market.
There’s more to the "Water Wheels"™ phenomenon than just a bike squirt gun. Englert has developed a complete line of options, accessories and apparel, from helmets, knee pads and gloves to bike pants, jerseys, even tooth brushes, backpacks and pajamas. He’s also created an animated "Water Wheels"-inspired cartoon adventure show that has received a prestigious Addy award, along with enthusiastic critical praise.
Along with the gang of kids in his neighborhood clamoring for their own "Water Wheels"™, the buzz over his invention is gaining momentum across the country. During the past year, Englert’s "Water Wheels"™ has been the subject of articles in the Houston Chronicle, New York Times and Providence Journal, and he and his bike squirt gun system were featured in a news story on WTSP-TV, a central Florida CBS affiliate.
After years of refining his concept, Englert is now here at the Toy Fair offering "Water Wheels"™ sales, licensing, investment and buy-out opportunities that he conservatively claims to be worth anywhere from several hundred of million to approximately one billion dollars worldwide.
"Water Wheels"™ consists of a self-contained, mechanical pump-operated squirt gun system attached to the bicycle. For smaller children, a battery-operated pump will be available.
The central component of the system is a storage tank attached to the bicycle’s frame. A main tank is positioned along the frame bar extending from below the handlebars down toward the pedals. A second (optional) tank could be installed behind the seat. A connection hose runs from the bottom of the water storage tank to plastic squirt guns mounted on the handlebars. Similar (optional) “tailguns” can also be mounted behind the seat, facing toward the rear of the bike.
The guns are set to be aimed independently by a hand/thumb lever system. The bicycle rider does not have to turn the handle bars and steer into his or her target. The rider only needs to move the thumb lever to aim the guns and then push a button to fire the water guns.
A pump powered by the motion of the bicycle’s wheel controls the flow of the water. By pressing the “trigger” corresponding to either the right or left squirt gun, water is drawn under pressure from the storage tank, channeled through the gun and propelled outward at a distance of up to 30 feet.
Englert claims his "Water Wheels"™ concept “will do for bikes, squirt guns and extreme sports, what the movie ‘Easy Rider’ and actor Peter Fonda did for Harley-Davidson and motorcycles.” It’s an idea he feels will appeal to kids from five to 50.
"Water Wheels"™ can be marketed as an after-market product to be fitted to an existing bicycle or as optional equipment included with the purchase of a new bike.
This exciting new product represents an excellent opportunity for the right manufacturer or investor. For additional information, or to discuss licensing and/or investing, opportunity, visit the "Water Wheels"™ booth, #5756, Level One.
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