Abstract:
A catapult device for hurling objects towards a target includes a support structure and a pivot bracket pivotally mounted on the support structure and provided with a bearing arrangement. A lever arm is pivotally connected to the support structure and is engageable with the pivot bracket. A spring-biased motion translation arrangement is coupled to the lever arm and is engageable with the bearing arrangement on the pivot bracket. A pivot arm is pivotally secured to the support structure and the motion translation arrangement. The pivot arm is provided with a receiver for holding an object to be hurled. Pivotal movement of the lever arm develops a spring force in the motion translation arrangement and enables the pivot bracket to pivot such that the motion translation arrangement moves along the bearing arrangement, and releases the spring force causing the pivot arm to swing and hurl the object.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application is based on and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/451,798 filed Mar. 4, 2003. 
   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention generally relates to a coin catapult device for use in an amusement game in which objects are projected toward various targets within an enclosed playing area, and specifically an amusement game in which the catapult receives coins and projects the coins toward scoring targets. The present invention more specifically relates to a coin catapult that includes a lever arm that controls the amount of force applied to the catapult to control the distance an object or coin is projected. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Various amusement games are known in which a player tosses or projects objects toward various targets. Such games typically employ a catapult device or launching mechanism designed with different actuators, pivot arms, force transmitting components, belts, control rods and the like to hurl a projectile with certain forces over different distances. 
   It remains desirable to provide a catapult device or launcher which can be used to flip or shoot objects, such as coins, ping pong balls, tennis balls and baseballs, through the air with a force designed for that particular application. Such catapult device should be flexible enough to be adapted for use in small applications, such as arcade redemption games, or more demanding applications, such as tennis ball serving or baseball pitching machines. In addition, the catapult device should be capable of providing consistent and reliable high cycle operation with a minimum of maintenance requirements. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   It is a general object of the present invention to provide a catapult device for propelling objects towards a target. 
   It is also an object of the present invention to provide a catapult device which utilizes the release of a compressed spring force to launch an object from a pivot arm. 
   It is a further object of the present invention to provide a catapult device which is capable of catapulting various objects. 
   It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a catapult device employing a unique motion translation arrangement. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide a catapult device which is designed to endure substantially continuous operation with a minimum of service required. 
   In one aspect of the invention, a catapult device is provided for hurling objects towards a target. The catapult device includes a support structure and a pivot bracket pivotally mounted on the support structure and provided with a bearing arrangement. A lever arm is pivotally connected to the support structure and is engageable with the pivot bracket. A spring-biased motion translation arrangement is coupled to the lever arm and is engageable with the bearing arrangement on the pivot bracket. A pivot arm is pivotally secured to the support structure and the motion translation arrangement, the pivot arm being provided with a receiver for holding an object to be hurled. A pivotal movement of the lever arm develops a spring force in the motion translation arrangement and enables the pivot bracket to pivot such that the motion translation arrangement moves along the bearing arrangement and releases the spring force causing the pivot arm to swing and hurl the object. 
   In the preferred embodiment, the support structure includes a pair of parallel support panels held separated from each other by spacer structure. The pivot bracket includes a first adjustable stop for limiting movement of the lever arm in a first direction. The pivot bracket also includes a pair of parallel side plates mounted externally of the support panels. The pivot bracket is provided with an end block for mounting the bearing arrangement. The bearing arrangement is preferably comprised of a set of ball bearings. The lever arm is mounted for pivotal movement between the support panels and the side plates. The lever arm is engageable with a second adjustable stop mounted between the support panels for limiting movement of the lever arm in a second direction. The motion translation arrangement includes a spring retainer having parallel sidewalls, an intermediate endwall and a closed endwall spaced from the intermediate endwall. The spring retainer defines a spring cavity therein. A trigger rod extends between the lever arm and the spring retainer, and is received in the spring cavity. The trigger rod has an enlarged end located in the spring cavity, and an opposite connection end pivotally joined to the lever arm. A compression spring surrounds the trigger rod and extends between the enlarged end of the trigger rod and the closed endwall of the spring retainer. The closed endwall is engageable with the bearing arrangement on the pivot bracket. The trigger rod runs beneath the bearing arrangement. The compression spring is compressible between the enlarged end of the trigger rod, and the closed endwall of the spring retainer as the lever arm is moved to define the spring force. An end of the spring retainer opposite the closed endwall is pivotally attached to the pivot arm. A first return spring is attached between the lever arm and the support structure. A second return spring is attached between the pivot bracket and the support structure. A locking rod is selectively engaged with the support structure to prevent movement of the lever arm. 
   In another aspect of the invention, a catapult device is provided for hurling objects toward a target. The catapult device includes a support structure and a pivot bracket pivotally mounted on the support structure and provided with a bearing arrangement. A lever arm is pivotally connected to the support structure between a rest position and an operating position, the lever arm being engageable with the pivot bracket. A spring retainer has parallel sidewalls with an open end, a closed endwall spaced from the open end and an intermediate endwall between the open end and the closed endwall. The closed endwall is engageable with the bearing arrangement, and the spring retainer defines a spring cavity therein. A trigger rod extends between the lever arm and the spring retainer, and is received in the spring cavity. The trigger rod has an enlarged end located in the spring cavity and an opposite connection end pivotally joined to the lever arm. A compression spring surrounds the trigger rod and extends between the enlarged end of the trigger rod and the closed endwall of the spring retainer. A pivot arm is pivotally secured to the support structure and to the open end of the spring retainer, the pivot arm having a receiver for holding an object to be hurled. A return spring arrangement is connected between the support structure and the lever arm, and between the support structure and the pivot bracket. The return spring arrangement includes an adjustment device. A solenoid assembly is attached to the support structure and includes a locking rod for preventing movement of the lever arm from the rest position. 
   Various other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be made apparent from the following description taken together with the drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated of carrying out the invention. 
     In the drawings: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an amusement game employing the catapult device of the present invention; 
       FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  4  are side views of the catapult device in various operating positions thereof,  FIG. 2  being taken on line  2 — 2  of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIGS. 5 ,  6  and  7  are enlarged, fragmentary side views in partial cross section corresponding to  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  4 ; 
       FIG. 8  is a partial rear view of the catapult device; 
       FIG. 9  is a rear view in partial cross section similar to  FIG. 8  showing a locking mode for the catapult device; and 
       FIG. 10  is a schematic view of the catapult device. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Referring now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  illustrates an automated amusement game  10  employing a catapult device  12  of the present invention for launching projectiles, such as coins or tokens, towards a target  14 . 
   As initially seen schematically in  FIG. 10 , the catapult device  12  is generally comprised of a lever arm  16 , a pivot bracket  18 , a motion translation arrangement  20 , a pivot arm  22  and a return spring system  24 . 
   With further reference to  FIGS. 2 ,  5 ,  8  and  9 , the catapult device  12  has a support structure  26  which is adaptively mounted within the amusement game  10 . The support structure  26  includes a pair of parallel support panels  28 ,  30  which are preferably constructed of a transparent plastic or plexiglas material. The support panels  28 ,  30  are held separated apart by a series of spacers  32  which are retained between the panels  28 ,  30  by bolts  34  and nuts  36  or other pin retainers  37 . 
   A pair of elongated attachment brackets  38 ,  40  is secured outside the support panels  28 ,  30  to facilitate further installation of the device  12  within the amusement game  10 . As best seen in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , a solenoid assembly  42  is connected externally to the support panel  30  by a mounting plate  44 . The solenoid assembly  42  includes a solenoid  46  having a moveable plunger  48 , one end of which is linked to a retractable and extendable locking rod  50 . The solenoid  46  acts to selectively move the locking rod  50  into and out of engagement with a pair of retaining sleeves  52 ,  54  secured in the support panels  28 ,  30 .  FIG. 8  shows the locking rod  50  in retracted position to allow movement of the lever arm  16 .  FIG. 9  depicts the locking rod  50  in extended position to prevent movement of the lever arm  16 . The locking rod  50  moves across a guide strip  55  fixed to the rear of the lever arm  16 . A pivoting latch  56  is engageable with an enlarged portion  58  of the locking rod  50  when it is desired to hold the rod  50  in the retracted position of FIG.  8 . A first microswitch  60  is attached directly to the support panel  28  and responds to movement at a forward end of pivot bracket  18 . A second microswitch  62  is fixed on a bracket  64  joined by fasteners  65  to the support panel  28  and responds to movement at a rearward end of the pivot bracket  18 . The microswitches  60 ,  62  are operatively connected with operational and display components of the amusement game  10 . 
     FIGS. 2-4  illustrate the lever arm  16  having an upper cylindrical portion  64  which receives and is connected to a lower bar portion  66  by fasteners  68 . The lower bar portion  66  is pivotally secured at  70  between the support panels  28 ,  30  so that the lever arm  16  is moveable back and forth over a predetermined range. Forward movement of the lever arm  16  is limited by an adjustable stop  72  mounted on the end of a spring-surrounded screw  74 . The screw  74  is received by a nut  76  on a retaining bar  78  fixed between the support panels  28 ,  30 . Rearward movement of the lever arm  16  is restricted by an adjustable contact member  80  at the top, rear portion of the pivot bracket  18  as will be further detailed below. The front of the lower bar portion  66  has an eyehook  82  which receives part of the return spring system  24 . The eyehook  82  is retained inside the lower bar portion  66  of lever arm  16  by a retainer pin  83 . The return system  24  includes a coil spring  84 , a holder  86  having a first block  88 , a second block  90  fixed by pin retainers  91  between support panels  28 ,  30  and an elongated adjustment screw  92  having a rotatable, knurled knob  94 . Coil spring  84  has one end received by the eyehook  82  and an opposite end engaged with the holder  86 . Screw  92  is threadably received in a nut  96  on second block  90  and freely passes through an aperture in the first block  88 . All the components  84 - 96  lie between the support panels  28 ,  30  and are used to regulate the return force on the moveable lever arm  16 . It should be understood that manipulation of the knob  94  will alter the tension of spring  84  as desired for a particular application. 
   As best illustrated in  FIGS. 2 ,  8  and  9 , the pivot bracket  18  is constructed of a pair of triangularly-shaped, parallel sideplates  98 ,  100  fabricated preferably from transparent plastic or plexiglas. The sideplates  98 ,  100  are pivotally mounted to the fixed support panels  28 ,  30  about pin retainer  37 . Extending along the upper rear portions of the sideplates  98 ,  100  is a pair of release brackets  102 ,  104  having upper extensions  106 ,  108 . A mounting block  110  carrying the adjustable contact member  80  is positioned between the side plates  98 ,  100  and extensions  106 ,  108  at the rear of the pivot bracket  18 . Screws  112  fasten the extensions  106 ,  108  to the mounting block  110  at the top, and an elongated screw  114  passes through the mounting block  110  at the bottom, and is held in place by a nut  116 . The contact member  80  includes an adjustable stop  118  on the end of a screw  120  provided with a first rotatable, knurled ring  121 . A second knurled ring  122  is rotatably positioned on screw  120  behind stop  118 . The ring  121  is prevented from being removed from screw  120  by a nut  123 . The screw  120  is threadably received on the mounting block  110  so that rotation of ring  121  or  122  will establish the position of stop  118  to limit rearward travel of lever arm  16 . An end block  124  ( FIG. 5 ) is positioned between the sideplates  98 ,  100  at the front of the pivot bracket  18 , and held fixed in place by elongated screws  126 ,  128 . Screw  126  passes through the release brackets  102 ,  104  on sideplates  98 ,  100  and through the end block  124 , and is retained by a pair of nuts, one being seen at  130 . Screw  128  passes through sideplates  98 ,  100  and through end block  124 , and is retained by a nut  132 . End block  124  has a recess for pivotally mounting a set of ball bearings  134  ( FIG. 5 ) on a pin  136  extending across the end block  124 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the return spring system  24  also includes a coil spring  138  having a lower end connected to a retainer  140  extending outwardly from support panel  28 . An upper end of a spring  138  is engaged with an S-hook  142  looped over screw  126  behind nut  130 . The spring  138  assists in returning the pivot bracket  18  to its original position. 
   Referring to  FIG. 5 , the motion translation arrangement  20  includes a spring retainer  144 , an elongated trigger rod  146  and a compression spring  148 . The spring retainer  144  has a pair of parallel, metallic sidewalls  150 ,  152 , having a closed rearward endwall  154  which is engaged with the ball bearings  134 , and an open end  156  which is pivotally secured to the pivot arm  22  by a screw  158  and a nut  160 . A medial portion of the spring retainer  144  is provided with a fixed block  162  which defines an intermediate endwall  164 . A lower portion of the spring retainer  144  defines a spring cavity  166  which extends between the endwalls  154 ,  164 . The trigger rod  146  normally extends between the lever arm  16  and the intermediate endwall  164  and is moveable with respect thereto. A rearward end of trigger rod  146  is pivotally mounted to the lower bar portion  66  of lever arm  16  by a pin  168 . The trigger rod  146  runs beneath the ball bearings  134  and extends upwardly and forwardly into spring cavity  166  terminating in a nut  170  normally engaged with intermediate endwall  164 . The compression spring  148  surrounds the trigger rod  146  and extends between the closed endwall  154  of the spring retainer  144  and a washer  172  encircling the rod  146  and abutting the nut  170 . As lever arm  10  is pulled rearwardly as shown by arrow  173  in  FIG. 6 , the spring  148  is compressed against the closed endwall  154  of the spring retainer  144 . 
   The pivot arm  22  is pivotally mounted for swinging motion to the top, forward end of the support panels  28 ,  30  by means of a pivot pin  174 . A rearward end of the pivot arm  22  includes a receiver  176  for holding an object, such as a coin, which is to be hurled, launched, or catapulted forwardly towards a target. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the receiver  176  is positioned to receive a coin from a chute arrangement such that when the catapult device  12  is used in an amusement/arcade game, a coin deposited by the user is placed on the receiver  176 . The receiver  176  can have a variety of styles depending upon the object to be launched. For example, the receiver  176  may be a spoon-like or cup-like device or a simple paddle. The receiver  176  can be designed to swing up at a variety of speeds, distances or angles, or can be made to push an object forward without swinging motion. 
   The launching action of the catapult device  12  will now be described. With the locking rod  50  in retracted position as seen in  FIG. 8 , the lever arm  16  is free to be actuated.  FIGS. 2 and 5  represent the starting or rest position of the catapult device  12 .  FIGS. 3 and 6  represent movement of the lever arm  16  towards stop  118 . When the lever arm  16  is initially pulled rearwardly, as shown by arrow  173  in  FIG. 6 , the spring  148  is compressed against endwall  154  by movement of trigger rod  146 , and return spring  84  is tensioned as depicted in FIG.  3 .  FIGS. 4 and 7  represent the resulting motion caused by contact of stop  118  by lever arm  16 . Upon the lever arm  16  contacting stop  118 , the triangular pivot bracket  18  pivots upwardly about pin  37  tensioning return spring  138 . As pivot bracket  18  pivots, the ball bearings  134  supported in end block  124  are pivoted upwardly and away from endwall  154  of spring retainer  144  as shown in both  FIGS. 4 and 7 . When the ball bearings  134  pivot upward, the bias force on the compressed spring  148  is released, and causes the spring retainer  144  to forcefully move in the direction of arrow  178 . The movement of the spring retainer  144  causes the pivot arm  22  with receiver  176  to swing upward as shown by arrow  180  so that a coin in the receiver  176  is catapulted towards a target. Once the application force is removed from lever arm  16 , return spring  84  then pulls lever arm  16  forwardly until stop  72  is contacted. At the same time, return spring  138  relocates pivot bracket  18  to its original position shown in  FIGS. 2 and 5  so that ball bearings  134  again contact endwall  154  of spring retainer  144 . At this point, the catapult device  12  is ready to be actuated again. 
   Although the trigger rod  146  is pulled back in the preferred embodiment by the lever arm  16 , it is contemplated that other means may be used depending on the specific application. The range of the catapult device  12  is controlled primarily by the strength of the compression spring  148 , but it is also affected by the length of the pivot arm  22 , the weight of the object being thrown and the angle at which the object is launched. While the invention has been described in terms of catapulting a coin, it should be understood that the catapult device  12  can be designed to shoot, hurl, launch or pitch other objects such as ping pong balls, tennis balls and baseballs. 
   While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain substitutions, alterations and omissions may be made without departing from the spirit thereof. Accordingly, the foregoing description is meant to be exemplary only and should not be deemed limitative on the scope of the invention set forth with the following claims.