APPARATUS FOR MOVING AN OBJECT FOR USE AS A TOY

Abstract: An apparatus (1, 1', 1'') for moving an object (2) for use as a toy. The apparatus (1, 1', 1'') comprises a shooting element (5, 5', 5'') which has an actuation portion (3, 3', 3'') and a kicking portion (4, 4', 4''). Upon actuation of the actuation portion (3, 3', 3'') the kicking portion (4, 4', 4'') moves out of a rest position and initiates movement of an object (2). The shooting element (5, 5', 5'') is held by an axle (8, 8', 8'') extending through the kicking portion (4, 4', 4''). The kicking portion (3, 3', 3'') such that after actuation of the actuation portion (3, 3', 3'') the kicking portion (3, 3', 3'') automatically returns to the rest position ready for a new actuation.

Description: Apparatus for moving an object for use as a toy DESCRIPTION This invention relates to a mechanical hand operated toy, in particular to an apparatus for moving an object for use in a game . It is often the case that in the age of multi-media, adults, and in particular children, spend a significant amount of time affixed to either a computer screen or television screen. Thus, endless hours are spent being physically inactive and the time is usually passed in solitude. This is detrimental to the health of the user, and in particular, games are sought seeking more mobility, creativity and which can be played with friends and family in a more socially inter-communicative manner. The present invention concerns an apparatus for moving an object for use as a toy. The apparatus comprises a shooting element which has an actuation portion and a kicking portion. Upon the actuation of the actuation portion, the kicking portion moves out of a rest position and initiates movement of an object. Such apparatus for moving objects are known. For example, US 5,653,442 relates to a game with a toy pistol for movement of game pieces on a substrate. Also, US 5,697,613 relates to a device for use in a game in which a game player is required to propel a game ball on a playing surface . The invention seeks to provide an apparatus for moving an object of the above-mentioned kind wherein automatic resetting is made possible without any complicated mechanisms. The object of the invention is solved by providing a shooting element which is held by an axle extending through the kicking portion and in that the kicking portion is heavier than the actuation portion such that after actuation of the actuation portion, the kicking portion automatically returns to the rest position ready for a new actuation. The apparatus for moving an object in accordance with the invention has a number of advantages. The apparatus of the present invention is more effective, simpler in design, produces an appropriate amount of momentum for striking an object and can operate in the use of a wide variety of games. It is universal in that the apparatus may be used in a numerous variety of games, for example, golf, croquet, bowling and the such like. The apparatus is simple to construct requiring, for example, only a single plastic mold for a major part of the apparatus. The apparatus has a simple mode of operation so that a child of very young age can operate the apparatus. Further, the apparatus can be used to provide effective momentum to an object in the right amount to play the game in order to obtain better control of the object. Furthermore, the present invention provides inspiration to the game player, in particular a child, to create any game the child chooses to imagine using the apparatus of the invention. In accordance with the invention, the object is accomplished in an apparatus for moving an object as defined in claim 1. Embodiments of the apparatus are defined in the dependent claims . The apparatus comprises a shooting element which may be made from one piece. Such a shooting element would be simpler and cheaper to produce. The actuation portion and the kicking portion are essentially orthogonal to each other. This enables striking in a downward manner and results in the kicking portion kicking the object in a horizontal manner so that the direction of actuation and the movement of the object is orthogonal to each other. The actuation portion is longer than the kicking portion. A length of the actuation portion of the shooting element essentially corresponds to a distance of the bearing element and stop element. A longer actuation portion length results in a greater momentum imparted on the object. The shooting element may further comprise an axle wherein the axle extends through a passage in the shooting element at a position essentially where the actuation portion and the kicking portion are adjacent. This arrangement allows for actuation of the actuation portion and kicking of the kicking portion . The apparatus further comprises bearing elements for receiving the axle. The bearing elements provide support for the axle and act in a cradle-like manner. The axle extends on both sides of the shooting element at respective axle outer portions. This positioning of the axle enables the axle to be held in place. The axle outer portions are respectively received in essentially U-shaped grooves of two members of the bearing element. The U-shaped grooves allow easy removal and easy insertion of the axle. Stop elements limit the range of movement of the actuation portion and can prevent the shooting out of the shooting element. The stop elements act to control the object upon striking . The shooting element is removably received in the bearing element. The shooting element can be easily mounted and dismounted on the cradle of the bearing elements. Bearing elements and the stop element are mounted on a base element, in particular they are respectively mounted on either end of the base element. The base element provides stability to the entire structure. All other elements must be affixed to the base element. Additional support elements may extend from the base element to provide additional stability to the base element and for better positioning of the object before shooting when the support element protrudes from the recess. The shooting element is received in the bearing element such that the kicking portion extends through the base element. The recess in the base element serves to block the movement of the kicking portion after striking the object. The apparatus further comprises a striking member for actuating the actuation portion of the shooting element which is preferably a hammer. The striking member enables control of power imparted on object upon striking the actuation portion without the use of hands. The object used may be a ring. A ring can be positioned in the recess of the base element so it can be properly struck by the kicking portion in the horizontal position thereby preventing the shooting up of the object. The apparatus further comprises accessories such as a ramp which changes the movement of the object and can be used in combination with the apparatus to play a variety of games. All parts of apparatus may be integrally formed as a single piece. When all the parts of the apparatus are integrally formed this prevents the removal of any one part which enhances child safety. Since young children are prone to insert objects into their mouths this can be prevented when the apparatus is produced as a single piece. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout the drawings the same or similar parts or components are designated by like reference numerals. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a sectional view of a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a top view of the first embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is a top perspective view of the first embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 is a top view of the first part of a second embodiment of the invention without the shooting element; Figure 5 is a side view of the first part of the second embodiment of the invention without the shooting element; Figure 6 is a partially perspective side view of the shooting element with an axle of the second embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 is a partially perspective side view of the shooting element with an axle and a second stop element of the second embodiment of the invention; Figure 8 is a top view of the shooting element of the second embodiment of the invention; Figure 9 is a side view of the second embodiment of the invention in an actuated state; Figure 10 is perspective view of a first part of a third embodiment of the invention without a second part or shooting element and with an object to be moved in place; Figure 11 is a perspective view of the second part or shooting element of the third embodiment with an object to be moved and second stop element; Figure 12 is a side view of first part of the third embodiment; Figure 13 is a side view of the shooting element and object to be moved by the apparatus of the third embodiment of the invention; Figure 14 is a side view of the shooting element of Figure 13 mounted on the cradle of Figure 12 and with an object to be moved by the apparatus of the third embodiment ; Figure 15 is a perspective view of the apparatus of the third embodiment in a resting position; Figure 16 is a perspective view of the apparatus of the third embodiment after actuation; Figure 17 is a top view of an object to be moved by the apparatus of the present invention for use in combination with the apparatus; Figure 18 are various views of different striking members (a) to (e) for use in the apparatus of the present invention; Figure 19 is a side view of a ramp to be used in combination with the apparatus of the present invention; Figure 20 is a front view of a gate to be used in combination with the apparatus of the present invention; Figure 21 is a top view illustrating a first use of the apparatus of the present invention; Figure 22 is a perspective view illustrating a second use of the apparatus of the present invention; Figure 23 is a perspective view illustrating another use of the apparatus of the present invention to play a version of croquet; Figures 24-26 are perspective views illustrating another use of the apparatus of the present invention to play a version of bowling; and Figures 27 & 28 are perspective views illustrating another use of the present invention to play a version of basket ball in combination with differently arranged members defining target areas. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figures 1 to 3 illustrate various views of a first embodiment of the apparatus 1 for moving an object 2 of the present invention . As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the apparatus 1 for moving an object essentially comprises two parts: " a first part which is essentially a cradle and comprises a pair of bearing elements 6,7 and a first stop element 10 respectively positioned at opposite ends of a base element 11; and a second part comprises a shooting element 5 and an axle 8. The shooting element comprises an actuation portion 3 and a kicking portion 4. The axle 8 is provided for insertion in the shooting element 5. The two parts of the apparatus can be very easily assembled in such a way that the second part with the shooting element 5 is removably mounted on the first part. When the shooting element 5 is mounted on the cradle it can swing in a pendulum-like manner. The base element 11 is shown in Figure 1 and can be any suitable shape, and is preferably essentially a flat rectangular shaped block. The base element 11 has a recess 21 as shown in Figure 2 which enables the object 2 to be suitably positioned, thereby defining a shooting position, such that the object 2 is struck appropriately in the horizontal position with the kicking portion 4 in a vertical position resting against the recess 21. The recess 21, thus prevents erratic shooting of the object 2, for example, the upward shooting of the object 2. The base element 11 should be sufficiently heavy so that it does not topple over and stays in position wherever it is placed after an object is struck. For this purpose, the base element 11 may have additional support elements protruding from the base element 11. The base element 11 must also be sufficiently supportive since it must support all other components affixed to it. The other components comprising the cradle and the shooting element 5 are affixed on the base element 11 by some suitable affixing means. Upon the base element 11 there extends upwardly therefrom the pair of bearing elements 6,7 as shown in Figure 2. The bearing elements 6,7 may be affixed to -the base element 11 by a suitable affixing material such as glue or some mechanical means. The bearing elements 6,7 can form any angle to the base elements 6,7 and the angle is preferably about 90°. The bearing elements 6,7 are essentially two oblong fork-like extensions which act like a cradle for receiving and allowing the pendulum motion on the shooting element 5. The bearing elements 6,7 are positioned at corners of the base element 11 at one of the short sides of the rectangular block. The bearing elements 6,7 are fixed on the base element 11 such that the bearing elements 6,7 are aligned with the edge of the base element 11. The first stop element 10, preferably a rectangular shaped block is positioned on the base element 11 at the end of the base element 11 which is opposite the bearing elements 6,7 (as shown in Figure 1) . The edge of the stop element does not have to be aligned with the edge of the base element but a gap may exist between the edge of the first stop element 10 and the base element 11. The first stop element 10 functions to limit the range of downward movement of the actuation portion 3 and also limits thereby the upward motion of the kicking portion 4 by hitting against the base element 11. The bearing elements 6,7 have essentially U-shaped grooves or recesses at the top of the bearing elements 6,7. The axle 8 is inserted into a passage 9 in the shooting element 5 at a position essentially where the actuation portion 3 and the kicking portion 4 are adjacent. The axle 8 extends on both sides of the shooting element 5 defining two axle outer- portions 8a, 8b (as shown in Figure 2) with respect to the pair of bearing elements 6,7. Both axle outer portions 8a, 8b are received in the U-shaped openings of the two members of the bearing elements 6,7. Thus, the shooting element 5 is received in the bearing elements 6,7 such that the kicking portion 4 extends through the -base element 11. The axle 8 may be removed from shooting element 5 or it may be permanently attached by a suitable affixing means. The axle 8 and shooting element 5 may be a single integral piece. The actuation portion 3 and kicking portion 4 forming the shooting element 5 can form any angle with respect to each other, which angle is preferably about 90°. An angle of about 90° enables the downward striking of the actuation portion 3 (see arrow I in Figure 1) which generates an orthogonal shooting of the object 2 in a horizontal manner (see arrows II and III of Figure 1) . The actuation portion 3 can be any length compared to the kicking portion, preferably the actuation portion 3 is longer than the kicking portion 4, and more preferably, the length of the actuation portion 3 essentially corresponds to the distance from the U-shaped grooves in the bearing elements 6,7 to the edge of the stop element essentially aligned with the base element 11. A lever effect is generated with a longer actuation portion 3 length such that the longer the length of the actuation portion 3 the greater the momentum imparted on the object 2. An important attribute of the present invention is the weight distribution in the shooting element 11. The weight of the kicking portion 4 is important to provide sufficient momentum for movement of the object 2 and for resetting the shooting element 5 back to its initial resting position. For this purpose, the kicking portion 4 should be heavier than the actuation portion 3. This can be accomplished by increasing the mass or volume of the kicking portion 4, for example, by making the mass or volume of the kicking portion 4 twice that of the actuation portion 3. As a consequence, the kicking portion 4 may take the form of a variety of shapes to accommodate different mass or 'volume di-stributions with respect to the actuation portion 3. The kicking portion 4 may be the same or different material compared to the actuation portion 3. The kicking portion 4 may be made heavier by incorporating a weight inside, for example a material comprising lead. In operation of the first embodiment of the apparatus for moving an object of the present invention, there exists: a rest position; an actuated position; and all positions therebetween. In the rest position, as shown in Figure 1, the shooting element 5 is ready to be struck by any downward force by a striking member 20, for example, a hammer or malet. Upon the application of the force to the actuation portion 3 (see arrow I in Figure 1) , the kicking portion 4 moves out of its rest position (see arrow II) which occurs about a rotation through the axle 8 and thus initiates movement of an object 2 (see arrow III) . When the actuation portion 3 is fully depressed, an actuated position is defined such that the kicking portion 4 is fully extended from the base element 11. After actuation of the actuation portion 3, the kicking portion 4 can automatically reset to return to its rest position for a new actuation. For automatic resetting, the kicking portion 4 should be heavier than actuation portion 3. The kicking portion 4 may also be manually reset. Figures 4 to 9 illustrate the second embodiment of the invention. The second embodiment is essentially similar to the first embodiment. However, as shown, there are some differences, notably the top surface of first stop element 10' is bevelled and there is a second stop element 12 in the actuation portion 3'. Further, the pair of bearing elements 6 ',7' and the bevelled surface of first stop element 10' are integrally part of the base element 11'. Figure 4 illustrates a top view of the first part of the second embodiment without the shooting element 5. Recess 21', which is similar to the recess 21 shown in Figure 2 of the first embodiment, is positioned at the front portion of the bearing elements 6', 7' facing the object 2 and defines a path for the kicking portion 4' to move. Figure 5 illustrates a side view of the first part of the second embodiment of the invention without the second part comprising the shooting element 5. The bevelled surface of the first stop element 10' is emphasized in Figure 5 along with the U-shaped grooves or recesses at the top of the pair of bearing elements 6 ',7'. Figure 6 illustrates a partially perspective side view of the second part comprising the shooting element 5' of the second embodiment of the invention. The shooting element 5' is shown as one piece comprising the actuation portion 3' and the kicking portion 4'. The kicking portion 3' is heavier with respect to the actuation portion 4 ' and the kicking portion 3' is typically about twice the weight or volume of the actuation portion ' . Also shown in Figure 6 is the axle outer portion 8a' extending from the shooting element 5'. Figure 7 illustrates a partially perspective side view of the shooting element 5' depicting the second stop element 12 and axle outer portion 8a'. The second stop element 12 is shown as a bar with a rectangular cross-section. The second stop element 12 prevents the shooting element 5' from jumping out of the cradle. The provision of two stop elements 10', 12 function to provide more effective control of the object 2 upon striking. Figure 8 illustrates a top view of the shooting element 5' of the second embodiment of the invention.- The axle 8' is inserted into a passage 9' in the actuation portion 3' of the shooting element 5' so that axle outer portions 8a ',8b' are defined as shown in the Figure. Also shown are the outer extending portions 12a, 12b of the second stop element 12. In Figures 6 to 8 the weight distribution of the actuation portion 3' relative to the kicking portion 4' is important to permit automatic resetting of the shooting element 5'. The actuation portion 3' is longer in length compared to the kicking portion 4'; however, the kicking portion 4' is heavier or more voluminous compared to the actuation portion 3'. For example, the kicking portion 4' can be twice as broad as the actuation portion 3' if the actuation portion 3' and kicking portion 4' are made of the same material. Figure 9 is a side view of the second embodiment of the invention after actuation. The axle 8' is inserted in the passage 9' of the shooting element 5' which axle 8' is then positioned in the U-shaped grooves of the bearing elements 6 ',7'. As shown in the Figure, the shooting element 5' is fully depressed after striking the object 2. When fully depressed, the shooting element 5' is limited simultaneously by the first stop element 10' and second stop element 12. In this regard, the stop element 12 also serves to prevent the dismounting of the shooting element 5' from the U-shaped grooves of the bearing elements 6,7. After actuation of the actuation portion 3', the kicking portion 4' can be automatically reset to return to its rest position for a new actuation because of the slidable rotation about the axle 8 ' . For automatic resetting, the kicking material 4 ' is made heavier than the actuation portion 3'. Figures 10 to 16 illustrate a third embodiment of the present invention. The third embodiment is essentially similar to the second embodiment, namely that the bearing elements 6", 7" and the bevelled top surface of the stop element 10" are integrally part of the base element 11" as shown in Figures 10 and 12. Also present is the second stop element 12 ' . However, the third embodiment comprises an additional support element 121 which extends from the base element 11" as shown in Figure 10. The object 2 rests upon the support element 121 such that the portion of the object 2 nearest the bearing elements 6", 7" is essentially positioned in the recess 21". The support element 121 can essentially take the shape of the object 2 and has a circular-like opening 122 nearest the recess 21". The support element 121 can provide additional support for the base element 11". Also, this could be beneficial for shooting the object from the apparatus positioned in mid-air without the use of, for example, a floor or table. Figures 11 and 13 illustrate perspective and side views of the shooting element 5" respectively. The shooting element 5" is shown with the object 2 and a second stop element 12' . As shown in the Figures, the shooting element may comprise of a single integral piece of material. The operation of the third embodiment is shown in Figures 14 to 16. Figures 14 and 15 illustrate the rest position where the apparatus 1" is ready for actuation. Figure 16 illustrates the apparatus 1" after actuation wherein the object 2 shoots off when a striking member 20 hits the actuation portion 3" of the shooting element 5". The various components of the apparatus 1, 1', 1" in the embodiments described above can be made of any suitable material, for example, wood, plastic or metal. The material used for the components may be the same for all the components or different. For example, the various components can be made from one piece of ' material -such as plastic which, for example, has been injection molded. The plastic used may be any suitable conventional plastic, for example, polypropylene. The axle 8, 8', 8" and second stop elements 12, 12' can be made of any suitable material such as metal, plastic, composite, or alloy, for example, steel. Figure 17 is a top view of an object 2 to be moved of the apparatus 1, 1', 1" of the present invention for use in combination of the apparatus 1, 1', 1". The object 2 may take any form, for example, square, triangle and preferably is a ring. The ring can be made of any suitable material and is made of a preferably metallic or composite material. The object 2 may also incorporate audio-visually entertaining features in order to attract the attention of young children, for example, the object 2 could be a musical saucer-like object wherein the object acts as a whistle when an airstream passes through the object when the object is in flight. The object 2 may also be guided to its final destination by the use of a light source such as a flashlight laser standing alone or mounted in the apparatus 1, 1', 1" such as in the shooting element, wherein a light source is emitted in the direction where the object 2 will follow after shooting. Figure 18 (a) to (e) illustrate various views of different types of striking members 20 for use in the apparatus 1, 1', 1" of the present invention. Striking members 20 (a) , (c) , (d) and (e) are shown in perspective view whereas striking member (b) is shown in a side view. Striking members, (a) to (e) , have a head like a club or a hammer and serve to transfer momentum to the object 2. Figure 19 is a side view of a ramp 21 to be used in combination with the apparatus 1, 1', 1" of the present invention. The ramp 21 is placed in the path of the object 2 and can change the trajectory ' of the object 2, for example, in an upward or curved manner. Thus, the ramp 21 can act as an aid to overcoming obstacles 22, for example, to change momentum to surmount a large object 2. The ramp 21 can be formed in a variety of different shapes and sizes for overcoming obstacles of different shapes and sizes. Figure 20 is a front view of a gate or door 23 to be used as an accessory in combination of the apparatus 1, 1', 1" of the present invention. The gate 23 can function as an obstacle wherein the object 2 can be propelled to proceed through the gate 23. Figure 21 shows a top view illustrating a first use of the apparatus 1, 1', 1" of the present invention as a game. Accessories such as a door or gate 23, a ramp 21 and various other obstacles 22 can be placed in the path of the object 2. After actuation of the actuation portion 3, 3', 3", the object 2 can be carried passed obstacle 22 through the gate 23, pass another obstacle 22 by means of a ramp 21 and finally the object may touch the flag pole of the goal 25. However, any of the obstacles 22 may also act as a goal. The apparatus 1, 1', 1" is repositioned after each strike after passing over each obstacle 22. The first game player to hit the flag pole of the goal is the winner of the game. Figure 22 is a perspective view illustrating a second use of the apparatus 1, 1', 1" of the present invention showing a number of various shooting possibilities for the object 2 from different starting positions. Figure 22 also serves to illustrate that the game is not confined to a closed area, and moreover the game is not confined to a floor space. For example, the game can be played on table tops as shown. Also, the game can be played indoors or outdoors. The apparatus 1, 1', 1" of thd present -invention can be used to play numerous variety of games including variations of popular sports games such as golf, croquet and bowling. In addition, the game player is free to create whatever game the user's mind can imagine, for example, a version of basket ball (described below) . For golf, the apparatus 1, 1', 1" can be used in combination with a ring, ramp and a flag pole which acts as a goal. The apparatus 1, 1', 1" may be used starting from a table. From this starting position, the ring can be catapulted via a ramp over an obstacle, such as a vase or ashtray or such like, to the floor. The first game player to hit the flag pole with the object 2 wins the game. For croquet, the apparatus 1, 1', 1" is used in combination with a ring, a number of hoops and a flag pole. The hoops are arranged in series or one above the other (as shown in Figure 23) . The aim of the game is to shoot the object 2 through the hoops and then to hit the flag pole. The first game player to hit the flag pole with object 2 wins the game. For bowling, the apparatus 1, 1', 1" is used with a ring and a number of standing figure pieces. As shown in Figures 24 to 26 the figure pieces can be arranged in different ways, as a single row or multiple rows one behind the other. The aim of the game is to see how many shooting attempts are necessary to make the standing figure pieces fall to the ground or for the object to fall on top of the figure piece thereby encircling the figure piece. The first game player to achieve this objective wins the game. Figures 27 and 28 illustrate the game of basket ball where the apparatus 1, 1', 1" is used in combination with the rings and various arranged members as shown defining target areas. The aim of the game is to shodt the object into the confines of the bounded area defined by the arranged members with the aid of a ramp, if necessary, or with the aid of a ramp and a wall. The first game player to achieve this objective wins the game . While various features and embodiments of the invention are described above, they can readily be combined with each other resulting in further embodiments of the invention.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. Apparatus (1, 1', 1") for moving an object (2) for use as a toy wherein the apparatus (1) comprises a shooting element (5, 5 ',5") comprising an actuation portion (3, 3') and a kicking portion (4, 4 ',4") wherein upon an actuation of the actuation portion (3, 3', 3") the kicking portion (4, 4', 4") moves out of a rest position and initiates movement of an object (2) characterised in that the shooting element (5, 5', 5") is held by an axle (8, 8') extending through the .kicking portion (4) and in that the kicking portion (4, 4', 4") is heavier than the actuation portion (3, 3', 3") such that after actuation of the actuation portion (3, 3', 3") the kicking portion (4, 4', 4") automatically returns to the rest position ready for a new actuation. 2. The apparatus (1, 1', 1") according to claim 1, wherein the a shooting element (5, 5', 5") is made of one piece. 3. The apparatus (1, 1', 1") according to any of claims 1 or 2, wherein the actuation portion (3, 3', 3") and kicking portion (4, 4', 4") are essentially orthogonal to each other. 4. The apparatus (1, 1', 1") according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the actuation portion (3, 3', 3") is longer than the kicking portion (4, 4', 4"), preferably the length of the actuation portion (3, 3', 3") of the shooting element (5, 5', 5") essentially corresponds to the distance of the bearing element (6, 7, 6', 7', 6", 7") and the stop element (10). 5. The apparatus (1, 1', 1") according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the axle (8, 8', 8") extends through a passage (9, 9') in the shooting element (5, 5', 5") at a position essentially where the actuation portion (3, 3', 3") and the kicking portion (4, 4') are adjacent. 6. The apparatus (1, 1', 1") according to claim 5, wherein the apparatus further comprises a bearing element (6, 7, 6', 7') for receiving the axle (8, 8'). 7. The apparatus (1, 1', 1") according to claim 6, wherein the axle (8, 8', 8") extends on both sides over the shooting element (5, 5', 5") at respective axle outer portions (8a, 8b, 8a', 8b', 8a" ,8b"). 8. The apparatus (1, 1', 1") according to claim 7, wherein both axle outer portions (8a, 8b, 8a', 8b', 8a", 8b") are respectively received in essentially U-shaped recesses of two members of the bearing element (6, 7, 6' , 7', 6", 7") . 9. The apparatus (1, 1', 1") according to any of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a first stop element (10, 10', 10") to limit the range of movement for the actuation portion (3, 3' , 3") . 10. The apparatus (1, 1', 1") according to any of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a second stop element (12, 12') which is a bar positioned in the actuation portion (3, 3', 3") with extending outer portions on either side of the actuation portion wherein the second stop element (12, 12') serves to limit the range of movement for the actuation portion (3, 3', 3") when the second stop element (12, 12') makes contact with the bearing elements (6' , 7' , 6", 7") . 11. The apparatus (1, 1', 1") according to any of claims 6 to 10, wherein the shooting element (5, 5', 5") is removably received in the bearing element (6, 7, 6', 7', 6", 7") . 12. The apparatus (1, 1', 1") according to any of claims 9 to 11, further comprising a base element (11, 11', 11") on which the bearing elements (6, 7, 6', 7', 6", 7") and the stop element (10, 10', 10") are mounted preferably on either end of the base element (11, 11', 11"). 13. The apparatus (1, 1', 1") according to any of claims 6 to 12, wherein the shooting element (5, 5') is received in the bearing element (6, 7, 6', 7', 6", 7") such that the kicking portion (4, 4', 4") extends through the base element (11, 11' , 11") . 14. The apparatus (1, 1', 1") according to any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the base element (11, 11', 11") has an additional support element (121). 15. The apparatus (1, 1', 1") according to any of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a striking member (20) for actuating the actuation portion (3, 3', 3") of the shooting element (5, 5', 5"), and wherein preferably the striking member (20) is a hammer. 16. The apparatus (1, 1', 1") according to any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the object (2) is a ring. 17. The apparatus (1, 1', 1") according to any of claims 1 to 16, further comprising an accessory such as a ramp (21) which changes the trajectory of the object (2). 18. Use of the apparatus (1, 1', 1") of claims 1 to 17 in a game to play golf, croquet, bowling or basket ball.

Inventors: SZEKELY LASZLO, SZEKELY, LASZLO
Applicants: SZEKELY LASZLO, SZEKELY, LASZLO
Application year: 2001
Main classification: A63F7
IPC codes: A63F7, A63F9