Abstract:
A hand-held balloon launch device is provided. The device has a launch support with a handle. The device has at least two elastic thrust bands connected to the launch support and configured to creating potential energy when the elastic portion is drawn away from the launch support. The device has a balloon basket portion connected to the elastic thrust bands opposite the lunch support, The balloon basket has a first elastic cord and a second elastic cord and a balloon support connected to and extending between a portion of the first and second elastic cords.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/317,584, filed Mar. 25, 2010, naming Timothy J. Raymond as an inventor. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates in general to amusement devices involving launching or tossing, and in particular to the launching of projectiles such as a water balloon. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Games are known that include the launching of objects such as water balloons, tennis balls, and snowballs. Slingshot type devices may be used to launch such objects. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,909,518, 5,579,749, and 7,331,337 details typical water balloon launching devices. Other examples of slingshot devices can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,240,396, 5,154,515, and 6,851,675. Game devices pertaining to water balloons can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,243,220, and 4,684,137. 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,909,518 describes an enclosure for a water balloon game with side walls and an overhead protector. Water balloons can be launched from the inside of the enclosure through an opening large enough for the participant to launch a water balloon. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,579,749, a water balloon is mounted in a hollow barrel which simulates a bazooka. An elastic band is secured to the water balloon, and stretched and anchored to the front end of the barrel. An activation of a trigger mechanism detaches the elastic band and allows the launching of the water balloon from the hollow barrel. Another water balloon launching device comprising a shaft and a slit designed to hold water balloons by their knotted end is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,331,337. 
         [0005]    In U.S. Pat. No. 4,240,396, a slingshot device utilizing a funnel as a holder is disclosed. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,515, a toe sling device with multiple elastic thrust bands and a foot strap is used to launch projectiles into the air. U.S. Pat. No. 6,851,675 discloses a tossing game apparatus with a launching device which utilizes a launch support and a slingshot. 
         [0006]    In U.S. Pat. No. 4,243,220, a game device with a plurality of balloons which are connected to a source of water are suspended and mounted over a player. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,684,137, a simulated war game weapon consisting of a chamber capable of breaking into fragments, such as an inflatable balloon, is filled with slurry and launched. 
         [0007]    The present inventors have recognized that known prior art launching devices described, and others, have been disadvantageous for various reasons. For example, some of the prior art games are entirely too large and bulky to be easily transported and used. Moreover, they do not allow the user to enjoy launching projectiles in any position, including lying or sitting positions. 
         [0008]    The present inventors have recognized the need for a lightweight launching apparatus that is easily transportable, collapsible, and allows for user mobility by providing an effective launching device regardless of what position the user is in. The launcher can also be used on the wrist or alternatively placed on a surface. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    A hand-held balloon launch device is disclosed. The device has a launch support with a handle. The device has at least two elastic thrust bands connected to the launch support and configured to creating potential energy when the elastic portion is drawn away from the launch support. The device has a balloon basket portion connected to the elastic thrust bands opposite the lunch support, The balloon basket has a first elastic cord and a second elastic cord and a balloon support connected to and extending between a portion of the first and second elastic cords. 
         [0010]    In one embodiment, the device has a base section attached to a handle. In one embodiment, the base section is comprised of a frame constructed from a rigid material, such as metal. The metal frame is preferably two pronged such that the size of a user&#39;s hand can fit between the prongs to grasp the handle. 
         [0011]    In one aspect of the device, the launch support is comprised of a frame constructed from a rigid material, such as metal. The metal frame is two pronged such that each prong can be connected to each of the ends of the slingshot. The frame is constructed from a rod such that its cross section is round, so as to allow for tubing material to be connected. Tubing material is connected to the launch support frame using a tube insert to prevent tubes from slipping from the frame. 
         [0012]    In one aspect of the device, the slingshot is constructed with stretchable thrust bands that are connected to the launcher bag. The stretchable thrust bands can be constructed with materials having resilient or elastic characteristics, such as rubber tubing. Several segments of stretchable thrust bands can be connected using tube connectors or the like. Tube connectors can be three-pronged tube connectors such as U or T-shaped connectors for tubing. 
         [0013]    In one aspect of the device, the launcher bag is of sufficient size to hold projectiles such as water balloons, tennis balls, and snow balls. The launcher bag preferably is constructed such that the edges of the launcher bag provide sleeves through which stretchable thrust bands can be inserted to connect the launcher bag with the stretchable thrust bands that make up the slingshot. A strap is attached to the launching bag to allow the user to pull the launching bag containing a projectile, and launch the projectile upon release of the strap. 
         [0014]    In use, the projectile launching device can be used while placed on the wrist, or on a surface. The user places the desired projectile into the launcher bag and pulls the launching bag strap towards the user to stretch the thrust bands, and releases the strap to project the projectile. 
         [0015]    Numerous other advantages and features of the present invention will be become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the embodiments thereof, from the claims and from the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a projectile launching device of an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of a projectile launching device of an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3A  is a rear view of the launch support as seen from the perspective of a user when the launch device is in use. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3B  is a side view of the launch support. 
           [0020]      FIG. 3C  is a top view of the launch support. 
           [0021]      FIG. 3D  is a perspective view of the launch support. 
           [0022]      FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of the base section. 
           [0023]      FIG. 4B  is a top view of the base section. 
           [0024]      FIG. 4C  is a side view of the base section. 
           [0025]      FIG. 4D  is a view of the base section as seen from the perspective of a user when the launch device is in use. 
           [0026]      FIG. 5A  is a bottom view of the back handle piece. 
           [0027]      FIG. 5B  is a top view of the back handle piece. 
           [0028]      FIG. 5C  is an angled perspective view of the back handle piece. 
           [0029]      FIG. 5D  is a longitudinal cross section view of the back handle piece. 
           [0030]      FIG. 5E  is a view of the back handle piece as seen from the perspective of a user when the launch device is in use. 
           [0031]      FIG. 6A  is a top view of the front handle piece. 
           [0032]      FIG. 6B  is an angled perspective view of the front handle piece. 
           [0033]      FIG. 6C  is a longitudinal cross section view of the front handle piece. 
           [0034]      FIG. 6D  is a side view of the front handle piece. 
           [0035]      FIG. 6E  is a front view of the front handle piece. 
           [0036]      FIG. 7  is an angled perspective view of a three-pronged connector. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0037]    While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings, and will be described herein in detail, specific embodiments thereof with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. 
         [0038]      FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate the various components of the invention. The projectile launching device comprises a base section  100 , a handle section  200 , a launch support  300 , and a slingshot  400  that includes a launcher bag  500 . The handle section  200  encloses a portion of the launch support  300 , and the base section  100 . The base section  100  and the launch support  300  interlock near the bottom of the handle  200 . The slingshot  400  is connected to the launch support  300  using tubing inserts  420 , and connected to the launcher bag  500  using three-prong connectors  430 . 
         [0039]    The various components of the invention will now be discussed in detail. 
       The Base Section 
       [0040]    The base section is shown in  FIGS. 4A-4D .  FIG. 4A  illustrates the side view of the base section  100 . The base section can be a frame-like structure with two prongs  110  which are aligned apart such that the user&#39;s hand can comfortably fit between the prongs  110 . The prongs  110  are aligned sufficiently apart and in an orientation to support the projectile launching device if placed on a surface. 
         [0041]      FIG. 4B  illustrates one embodiment where the two prongs  110  are parallel. The base section is preferably made of metal. In another embodiment, a wrist pad  600  can be attached to the end prongs  140  of the base frame  100  as shown in  FIG. 2 , such that when the user puts their hand between the prongs  110  to grasp the handle section  200 , the wrist pad rests on the wrist. The base frame  100  has a generally rectangular interlocking section  150 , defined by interlocking legs  120  that extend upwards and generally perpendicular to the plane defined by the end prongs  110 , and an interlocking bar  130  at 90 degree angles to the interlocking legs  120 , and within the same plane defined by the interlocking legs  120 . The interlocking legs  120  come in contact with the tail portion  350  of the launch support  300 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . In one embodiment, the prongs  110  can be curved with the end of the prongs  140  coming in contact with a surface (not shown). 
       The Launch Support 
       [0042]      FIGS. 3A-3D  illustrates the launch support.  FIG. 3A  is a view of the launch support as seen from the perspective of the user when the projectile launching device is in operation. The launch support comprises a generally Y-shaped frame  300 . The end branches  310  of the Y-shaped frame comprise end segments  320  that extend generally perpendicular from a plane defined by the end branches  310  of the Y-shaped frame. In the embodiments shown, the end segments  320  extend in parallel to one another in a direction toward the user. 
         [0043]      FIG. 3B  illustrates a side view of the launch support. The launch support also consists of a stem portion  330  of the Y-shaped frame, which is encased in the handle section  200 . The bottom portion of the launch support Y frame consists of a kinked section  340 , and a tail portion  350 , which contribute to interlocking with the base support frame. The kinked section  240  and portion of the tail portion  350  are also encased in the handle section  200  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . In one embodiment, the launch support frame is preferably made of a metal rod, such that the cross section of the frame at its end segments  320  is round. 
       The Handle 
       [0044]    The handle section  200  is a two piece generally cylindrical handle with one back handle piece  220  closest to the user, and one front handle piece  210  on the opposite side as shown in  FIG. 2 . The handle pieces are preferably made from the same sturdy material, such as plastic. The back handle piece  220  is illustrated in  FIGS. 5A-E . The front handle piece  210  is illustrated in  FIGS. 6A-E . In one embodiment, the handle pieces  210  and  220  preferably contain concave curved portions  230  to allow for better user grip. The handle pieces can have internal stiffening rib structures  240  that intersect at right angles. In one embodiment, the back handle piece  220  can have a protruding interlocking mechanism  250  to inter-engage with a corresponding recessed interlocking mechanism  260  in the front handle piece  210  to provide for better connection between the two pieces  210 ,  220 , of the handle. 
         [0045]    The two pieces of the handle  210 ,  220  each have U-shaped channels  270  that run along a portion of its length, such that when the two pieces  210 ,  220  inter-engage, the round channel that forms allows for the stem portion  330  of the Y-shaped launch support frame to be disposed within the handle  200 . The U-shaped channels are formed in a portion of the rib structure  240 . The two pieces of the handle  210 ,  220  each have U-shaped channels  280  that run transverse to the handle, such that when the two handle pieces  210 , 220  inter-engage, the round channel that forms allows for the interlocking bar  130  of the base section frame  100  to be disposed transversally within the handle  200 . The U-shaped channels  270  run longitudinally until reaching the transverse U-shaped channels  280 . 
         [0046]    The kink  340  in the launch support frame  300  engages the interlocking bar  130  of the base support frame  100  to create a hinge-like mechanism that allows the launch support  300  and the enclosing handle  200  to pivot about the axis of the transverse U-shaped channel  280 . The hinge created by the interaction of the kink  340  and the interlocking bar  130  is enclosed in the handle portion  200 , near the location of the transverse U-shaped channel  280 . The hinge allows the launch support  300  and the handle  200  to pivot towards and away from the user when in use. 
         [0047]    As seen in  FIGS. 5A , and  5 C- 5 E, the bottom of the back handle piece  220  has curved regions  290  which curve inwards towards the central longitudinal axis of the back handle piece  220  to allow for the tail portion  350  of the launch support frame  300  to extend outwards at a bottom of the back handle piece  220 . The tail portion  350  of the launch support frame  300  that extends outwards from the back handle piece  220  allows the fins  360  of the tail portion  350  to come in contact with the interlocking legs  120  of the interlocking section  150 . The fins  360  in contact with the interlocking legs  120  of the interlocking section  150  prevents the launch support frame  300  and handle  200  from pivoting further towards the user. 
         [0048]    As seen in  FIGS. 6A-6E , the front handle piece has protrusions  295  near the bottom of the front handle piece  210 . These protrusions  295  interact with the interlocking legs  120  of the interlocking section  150  of the base frame  100 , such that the protrusions  295  prevent the handle  200  and the launch support  300  from pivoting about the axis of the transverse channels  280  in a direction away from the user. The protrusions  295  and the fins  360  interact with the legs of the interlocking section  120  to allow for the handle  200  and launch support  300  to maintain a locked, generally upright position without needing user intervention. The protrusions  295  are of a sufficient size to come in contact with the interlocking legs  120  to prevent the launch support  300  and handle  200  from tilting in a direction away from the user when locked in an upright position, and are also of a small enough size to allow for the user to disengage the interlocking mechanism by tilting the handle  200  and launch support system  300  away from the user by applying minimal force to pivot the handle  200  such that the protrusions  295  can be snapped out of their engaged, locked, upright position, to collapse the launching device. Therefore the launching device has an in-use position shown in the figures and a collapsed position (not shown). To move the device from the in-use position to the collapsed position the top of the handle is pressed forward from the rear user position to cause the handle and the end branches to rotate forward relative to the base about the interlocking bar  130  until the end segments  320  are parallel with a portion of the prongs  110  or until the end segments are contact the wrist pad  600 . 
       The Sling Shot 
       [0049]      FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate the slingshot portion  400  of the launching device. The slingshot portion  400  of the launching device includes two main stretchable thrust bands  410  which can be made with materials having resilient or elastic characteristics, such as rubber tubing. The rubber tubing is connected to the end segments  320  that extend generally perpendicular from a plane defined by the end branches  310  of the Y-shaped frame. Tubing material is preferably connected to the end segments  320  of the Y-shaped launch support frame  300  using a tube insert  420  to prevent thrust bands  410  from slipping from the end segments  320  of the Y-shaped frame. In another embodiment, the thrust bands  410  are secured to the end segments  320  by fasteners or adhesive. 
         [0050]    Several segments of stretchable thrust bands can be connected using tube connectors  430  or the like. Tube connectors  430  can be three pronged tube connectors such as a U-shaped connector for tubing as shown in  FIG. 7 , or a T-connector for tubing (not shown). The tube connector  430  has raised receiving portions at each end  431 ,  432 ,  433 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  each thrust band  410  attaches at one end to an end segment  420  and at an opposite end to a tube connector  430 . 
       The Launcher Bag 
       [0051]      FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate the launcher bag  500  section of the launching device. In one embodiment, the launcher bag is made with sleeves  520  through which stretchable thrust bands  440  can be inserted to connect the launcher bag  500  with the main stretchable thrust bands  410  that make up the slingshot  400 . The stretchable thrust bands  440  that can be inserted into the sleeves  520  of the launcher bag  500  to connect the launcher bag  500  with the main stretchable thrust bands  410  using a three-pronged connector  430 . A strap  510  is attached to the launcher bag  500  to allow the user to pull the launching bag  500 , and launch a projectile cradled on the bag on a side opposite the strap  510  upon release. 
         [0052]    From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred.