Patent Publication Number: US-2007119440-A1

Title: Projectile shooting device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 60/739,533, filed Nov. 25, 2005, and 60/749,224, filed Dec. 9, 2005, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      The invention relates to the field of projectile launching. More particularly, the invention relates to a device for launching projectiles, wherein the device uses a direct activation launching mechanism.  
     BACKGROUND  
      Toys that simulate robots, soldiers or the like, and particularly those including devices that launch projectiles, provide a constant source of amusement for children. Typically, the devices found in the art utilize the stored energy of elements such as springs, where the stored energy is released in the direction of the projectile, to launch the projectile. However, such devices can pose a danger to young children, causing injury as a result of a projectile being launched and inadvertently striking a bystander, for example, in the eye. Thus, due to the potential risks involved with the launching of projectiles using stored energy as described above, toys utilizing such methods and devices are disfavored and even illegal in some countries.  
      As a result, there is a need within the industry for a device that utilizes a direct activation mechanism to launch a projectile, thereby reducing or even eliminating the occurrence of injury from launching the projectile.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      A device for launching a projectile without using stored energy is provided. The device comprises a body, and a direct activation launching mechanism supported by the body, comprising a striking member, optionally a bias element exerting force on the striking member in the direction away from the projectile and configured such that the release of any stored energy in the bias member is not transferred to the projectile in a manner which launches the projectile, and a plunger that, upon application of force by a user, engages the striking member and directly transfers the force exerted by the user to the projectile. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings a form which is presently preferred; it being understood, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.  
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary device of the invention.  
       FIG. 2  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an exemplary device of the invention.  
       FIG. 3  is a frontal view of an exemplary device of the invention.  
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an exemplary device of the invention.  
       FIG. 5  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an exemplary device of the invention.  
       FIG. 6  is a top view of an exemplary device of the invention.  
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an exemplary device of the invention.  
       FIG. 8  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an exemplary device of the invention.  
       FIG. 9  is a top view of an exemplary device of the invention.  
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an exemplary device of the invention.  
       FIG. 11  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an exemplary device of the invention.  
       FIG. 12  is a bottom view of an exemplary device of the invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
      It will be appreciated that the following description is intended to refer to specific embodiments of the invention selected for illustration in the drawings and is not intended to define or limit the invention, other than in the appended claim.  
      As used herein, “stored energy” refers to energy that is stored by a bias element which is operably connected to a striking member, wherein upon release of the bias element, the energy stored in the bias element is released and transferred to another element of the device.  
      The invention can be used as a stand-alone device, or alternatively, utilized in conjunction with a game or toy such as, for example, an action figure or doll, animal, robot, military vehicle or aircraft, spacecraft, or fanciful shape.  
      In the FIGs., in which like reference numerals indicate like elements, there is shown exemplary devices ( 1 ) of the invention. Generally, the invention comprises a body ( 100 ) or housing and a direct activation launching mechanism supported by the body ( 100 ).  
      As shown in the FIGS., the body ( 100 ) comprises a discharge pathway ( 110 ); optionally a loading pathway ( 120 ) extending upwardly from the discharge pathway ( 110 ) such that the loading pathway ( 120 ) gravitationally feeds projectiles ( 300 ) into the discharge pathway ( 110 ) for launching. Typically, the components of the body ( 100 ) have a tubular configuration, however, any configuration capable of supporting the direct activation launching mechanism and launching a projectile is contemplated. Thus, while the body ( 100 ) will be described herein in its tubular configuration, the modifications for other configurations (e.g., at least one of the pathways being square (as shown in  FIGS. 1, 4  and  7 ), triangular, rectangular, polygonal, etc., in shape) will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.  
      The discharge tube ( 110 ) comprises both a first portion ( 114 ) and a second portion ( 115 ). The first portion ( 114 ) comprises a wall ( 111 ) defining a portion of an interior of the discharge tube ( 110 ). The portion of the wall ( 111 ) beneath the exit pathway traveled by the projectile ( 300 ) can have a ramped portion ( 112 ), whereby the thickness of the wall ( 111 ) increases in the direction of the projectile&#39;s exit pathway, thereby forming a lip ( 113 ) for aiding in launching the projectile ( 300 ).  
      The second portion ( 115 ) of the discharge tube ( 110 ) typically supports the plunger ( 230 ) and/or striking member ( 210 ) and/or bias element ( 220 ), however some or all of these components may be supported either in total or in part by the first portion ( 114 ). The first ( 114 ) and second ( 115 ) portions can have an in-line configuration (as shown in  FIG. 2 ), disposed at an angle with respect to one another (as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 8 ) or any other configuration so long as the components of the direct activation launching mechanism are in mechanical communication where the force applied by the user is transferred to the projectile ( 300 ).  
      The loading tube ( 120 ) comprises an upper portion ( 121 ) and lower portion ( 122 ) and can further comprise a projectile valve ( 123 ) in the lower portion ( 122 ). The projectile valve (also called a projectile-flow restrictor) ( 123 ) serves to allow loading of a projectile ( 300 ) into the invention, whereby once the projectile ( 300 ) is loaded it is sufficiently retained in the device ( 1 ) by the projectile valve ( 123 ). Thus, the projectile valve ( 123 ) prevents the projectile ( 300 ) from traveling back through the loading tube ( 120 ) and inadvertently falling out of the loading tube ( 120 ) or the discharge tube ( 110 ) during use.  
      The projectile valve ( 123 ) may be formed using resilient tabs or projections disposed at or near the bottom of the lower portion ( 122 ) of the loading tube ( 120 ), as well as any other mechanical, magnetic, electrical or other device, that, without being actuated or otherwise directly manipulated by a user, allows entry of the projectile ( 300 ) into the discharge tube ( 110 ). The resilient tabs can be formed from any flexible or semi-rigid material. When the loading tube ( 120 ) is formed integrally in two halves by a molding process, the resilient tabs can be sandwiched between the two halves as they are brought together for welding. Alternatively, the resilient tabs can be molded into the loading tube ( 120 ), such that, the resilient tabs and loading tube form a unitary structure. Further, the resilient tabs can be attached to an inner surface ( 124 ) of the loading tube ( 120 ) using an appropriate adhesive, which would be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Typically, the resilient tabs extend inwardly into an interior space defined by the loading tube ( 120 ). Furthermore, the resilient tabs can extend downwardly towards, or even into the interior space of, the discharge tube ( 110 ) at an angle measuring 90 degrees or greater as measured from the inner surface ( 124 ) directly above the resilient tabs. The opening defined by the resilient tabs is smaller than the dimensions of the projectile ( 300 ).  
      The body ( 100 ) can be fabricated from, in whole or in part, any suitably rigid material capable of allowing the device to maintain its form and function during normal use. Exemplary materials include heavy gauge paper or cardboard, woods, metals, plastics, rubbers or synthetic resins, as are known to those skilled in the art. The body ( 100 ) can be fabricated by standard techniques for producing toys, as are known in the art. For example, the body ( 100 ) can be fabricated by injection molding or other suitable technique from commercially-available materials such as thermo plastic polyurethane (TPU), ionomer resin, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), thermo plastic styrenics (TPS), melt processible rubber (MPR), thermo plastic vulcanite (TPV), thermo plastic olefin (TPO), thermo plastic ester elastomer (TPEE), thermo plastic elastomer (TPE), thermo plastic rubber (TPR), polypropylene (PP), poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene terpolymer (ABS), a polycarbonate and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene terpolymer blend (PC/ABS), flexible plastic such as polystyrene sheet of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA, marketed as “PERSX” by ICI Acrylics, Inc.), other acrylics, metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum and copper), wood, or any combination of these materials. Other suitable materials and forming methods will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.  
      The direct activation launching mechanism comprises a striking member ( 210 ), an optional bias element ( 220 ) exerting force on the striking member ( 210 ) in the direction away from the projectile ( 300 ) and configured such that the release of any stored energy in the bias element ( 220 ) is not transferred to the projectile ( 300 ) in a manner which launches the projectile ( 300 ), and a plunger ( 230 ) that, upon direct activation by a user, engages the striking member ( 210 ) and transfers the force exerted by the user to the projectile ( 300 ).  
      The striking member ( 210 ) is generally characterized by a surface area ( 211 ) for contacting the projectile ( 300 ) and is designed to strike the projectile ( 300 ) at a generally pre-determined orientation. The striking member ( 210 ) can have the same configuration as the discharge tube ( 110 ), so as to maximize the surface area contacting the projectile ( 300 ) and readily transferring the force exerted by the user to the projectile ( 300 ) without transferring substantially any of the force to other parts of the device ( 1 ). For example, when the discharge tube ( 110 ) is cylindrical, the striking member ( 210 ) is also preferably cylindrical. Moreover, the striking member ( 210 ) can be either solid or fully or partially hollow.  
      At rest, the striking member ( 210 ) can be prevented from contacting the projectile ( 300 ) by the bias element ( 220 ) (e.g., a spring, rubber band or the like), such that the striking member ( 210 ) is biased in the non-launching position where any stored energy is directed away from the projectile ( 300 ) and cannot be transferred to the projectile ( 300 ) in a manner which would cause the projectile ( 300 ) to be launched. Therefore, in order to launch the projectile ( 300 ) a user must actively apply or exert enough force on the plunger ( 230 ) to overcome the resistance provided by the bias element ( 220 ). In one embodiment, the striking member ( 210 ) can also act as the plunger ( 230 ). In another embodiment, the striking member ( 210 ) can be an articulated arm (as shown in  FIG. 5 ), where upon being actuated by the plunger ( 230 ), the force exerted by the user is transferred to the projectile ( 300 ). In another embodiment, the striking member ( 212 ) can be a lever arm pivotally secured to the body ( 100 ) using a pin, rivet, nail, snap or other suitable means (as shown in  FIG. 11 ), which acts as a fulcrum. Thus, the lever arm pivots around the fulcrum so that the force actively applied by a user to the plunger is ultimately transferred to the projectile ( 300 ). The articulated arm and lever arm can be formed using those materials set forth below; however, it can also be fully or partially hollow and contain a child-safe nontoxic fluid (e.g., air, water, an oil or the like), wherein fluid dynamics act to transfer the force exerted by the user to the projectile ( 300 ) to effectuate its launch.  
      The striking member ( 210 ) can be constructed of any material capable of launching the projectile ( 300 ) while maintaining its structural integrity under normal use. Exemplary materials include heavy gauge paper or cardboard, woods, metals, plastics, rubbers or synthetic resins, as are known to those skilled in the art. The striking member ( 210 ) can be fabricated by standard techniques for producing toys, as are known in the art. For example, the striking member can be fabricated by injection molding or other suitable technique from commercially-available materials such as thermo plastic polyurethane (TPU), ionomer resin, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), thermo plastic styrenics (TPS), melt processible rubber (MPR), thermo plastic vulcanite (TPV), thermo plastic olefin (TPO), thermo plastic ester elastomer (TPEE), thermo plastic elastomer (TPE), thermo plastic rubber (TPR), polypropylene (PP), poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene terpolymer (ABS), a polycarbonate and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene terpolymer blend (PC/ABS), flexible plastic such as polystyrene sheet of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA, marketed as “PERSX” by ICI Acrylics, Inc.), other acrylics, metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum and copper), wood, or any combination of these materials. Other suitable materials and forming methods will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.  
      The optional bias element ( 220 ) for use in the invention can be any element known to those skilled in the art, including a spring, piston, or a resilient member or cord (e.g., rubber band or bungee cord) where the bias element ( 220 ) serves to return the striking member ( 210 ) to its at-rest position. Other suitable bias elements ( 220 ) will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. The bias element ( 220 ) exerts a force on the striking member ( 210 ) in the direction away from the projectile ( 300 ). In one embodiment, the bias element ( 220 ) can be contained within an interior space defined by a fully or partially hollow striking member ( 210 ). In another embodiment, the bias element ( 220 ) can surround the striking member ( 210 ), where the striking member ( 210 ) travels within an interior space defined by the bias element ( 220 ). In still another embodiment, the bias element ( 220 ) may be entirely separate from the striking element ( 210 ), where the bias element ( 220 ) is connected at a first end ( 231 ) to the first ( 114 ) or second ( 115 ) portion of the discharge tube ( 110 ) and at a second end ( 232 ) to the striking member ( 210 ). The bias element ( 220 ) is arranged within the device ( 1 ) such that, if the bias element ( 220 ) contains any stored energy, the release of that stored energy cannot be transferred to the projectile ( 300 ) in a manner which would launch the projectile ( 300 ).  
      In those embodiments which employ a bias element ( 220 ), the bias element ( 220 ) can be chosen or configured to provide sufficient opposing force to the plunger ( 230 ) and striking member ( 210 ) such that the force imparted to launch the projectile ( 300 ) is lessened. This can be advantageous, because the projectile ( 300 ) can be prohibited from being launched with a velocity that is capable of producing injury.  
      In another embodiment, the direct activation launching mechanism does not have a biasing element ( 220 ). In this embodiment, the plunger ( 230 ) and striking member ( 210 ) are returned to the ready position after launching a projectile ( 300 ) by pulling backwards or upwards on the plunger ( 230 ), so that the direct activation launching mechanism is reset and ready to launch another projectile ( 300 ).  
      The plunger ( 230 ) is typically an elongated member having a first end ( 231 ) and a second end ( 232 ). The first end ( 231 ) typically comprises a disc such that, upon cross-section, the first end is generally T-shaped. The disc provides a large surface area for a user to engage the plunger ( 230 ). Thus, the increased surface area allows the user to exert a great amount of force on the first end ( 231 ), thereby providing sufficient force to launch the projectile ( 300 ). Thus, the speed/velocity of a launched projectile ( 300 ) is largely dependent upon force/power delivered by a user to the plunger ( 230 ) when operating the device ( 1 ). Other shapes for the plunger ( 230 ), and in particular the first end ( 231 ) of the plunger ( 230 ), are contemplated.  
      The second end ( 232 ) of the plunger ( 230 ) can also have a variety of configurations. For example, the second end ( 232 ) can be square such that the surface contacting the projectile ( 300 ) is flat (particularly in those instances where the plunger is also the striking member) as shown in  FIG. 2 ; rounded such that the force exerted upon it is focused on a particular portion of the striking member ( 210 ) as shown in  FIG. 5 ; or chamfered or beveled, whereby the plunger ( 230 ) slidably engages the striking member ( 210 ) as shown in  FIG. 8 . Other configurations will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art.  
      The plunger ( 230 ) may be constructed of any material capable of exerting sufficient force on the striking member, causing the striking member to launch the projectile while maintaining its structural integrity under normal use. Exemplary materials include heavy gauge paper or cardboard, woods, metals, plastics, rubbers or synthetic resins, as are known to those skilled in the art. The plunger ( 230 ) can be fabricated by standard techniques for producing toys, as are known in the art. For example, the plunger ( 230 ) can be fabricated by injection molding or other suitable technique from commercially-available materials such as thermo plastic polyurethane (TPU), ionomer resin, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), thermo plastic styrenics (TPS), melt processible rubber (MPR), thermo plastic vulcanite (TPV), thermo plastic olefin (TPO), thermo plastic ester elastomer (TPEE), thermo plastic elastomer (TPE), thermo plastic rubber (TPR), polypropylene (PP), poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene terpolymer (ABS), a polycarbonate and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene terpolymer blend (PC/ABS), flexible plastic such as polystyrene sheet of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA, marketed as “PERSX” by ICI Acrylics, Inc.), other acrylics, metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum and copper), wood, or any combination of these materials. Other suitable materials and forming methods will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.  
      A projectile ( 300 ) suitable for use in the invention is a shooting piece that can be made from a variety of materials such as, for example (and without limitation), ceramics, paper, glass, metal, wood or plastic. The projectile ( 300 ) can be made by the grasping of paper into a generally compressed surface area, forming glass or ceramic into a spheroid shape (e.g., a marble), or by the blow molding or injection molding of plastic material such as high impact polystyrene, polypropylene or polyethylene. Other suitable materials and forming methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In various embodiments, the diameter of the projectile ( 300 ) may range from about 0.8 centimeters to about 1.6 centimeters, however, the general shape and size of the projectile ( 300 ) will be determined by an array of factors, including its application in various devices or toy concepts.  
      The device ( 1 ) of the invention can comprise one or more colors, designs or indicia, for example for the purpose of decoration or to indicate different group affiliations. The colors, design or indicia can be those associated with actual armies, countries, sports teams or sports or military figures.  
      The device ( 1 ) of the invention can be removably attached to a toy such as, for example a robot, soldier, action figure or other doll, vehicle, ship or vessel, aircraft, spacecraft or the like, animal or in a fanciful shape associated with each. The device ( 1 ) can be attached to these toys using any method known to those skilled in the art, such as by magnetism, snap-fits, friction-fit, and the like.  
      In use, the device ( 1 ) of the invention is actuated by a user striking or otherwise imparting force to the plunger ( 230 ). The plunger ( 230 ) then moves forcibly against the striking member ( 210 ) and imparts the force provided by the user to the striking member ( 210 ). This force causes the striking surface of the striking member ( 210 ) to forcibly move against the projectile ( 300 ), which had been previously positioned within the loading tube ( 120 ). The force imparted by the user, having traveled through the plunger ( 230 ) to the striking member ( 210 ) is then transferred to the projectile ( 300 ), causing it to launch outwardly from the device ( 1 ). The force imparted to the projectile ( 300 ) can be mitigated by controlling the force imparted by the user, and/or by employing a biasing element ( 220 ) which is configured to partially oppose the force transferred through the plunger ( 230 ) and/or striking member ( 210 ). After the projectile ( 300 ) is launched, the striking member ( 210 ) and plunger ( 230 ) are returned to their starting (or “ready”) positions by the user, or by action of the bias element ( 220 ).  
      A variety of modifications to the embodiments described will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure provided herein. Thus, the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification, as indicating the scope of the invention.