Patent Publication Number: US-11648448-B2

Title: Magnus effect cylindrical projectile and launcher

Description:
CLAIM TO PRIORITY 
     This application claims under 35 U.S.C. § 120, the benefit of the Application 63/024,885, filed May 14, 2020, titled “Magnus Effect Cylindrical Projectile and Launcher” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARK NOTICE 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. Trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 
     BACKGROUND 
     An object in flight that spins around an axis that is not aligned with its direction of travel is subject to the Magnus Effect. 
     As an object in motion spins, the part of the object that is spinning into the oncoming air creates a small area of high pressure. Conversely, the part of the object that is spinning away from the oncoming air creates an area of low pressure. The areas of low pressure and high pressure produce a vectored force that can cause an object in flight to alter its direction. This movement is known as the Magnus Effect in fluid dynamics. The Magnus Effect enables cylindrical or tubular projectiles, when given sufficient linear and rotational velocities, to achieve lift and to move in a generally looping fashion. 
     In the toy industry, the Magnus Effect has been implemented to affect interesting projectile flight patterns. The problem with existing technologies is the complexity of use. For instance, mechanisms that require wrapping a projectile with an elastic cord or string require hand and eye coordination that is beyond the skillset of many children and adults. In addition, elastic cords or strings are not easily aligned in the center of such a projectile. As a consequence, the projectile can easily be launched off-balance, destroying the necessary aerodynamic conditions and ruining the desired looping effect. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Certain illustrative embodiments illustrating organization and method of operation, together with objects and advantages may be best understood by reference detailed description that follows taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a projectile consistent with certain aspects of the present invention; 
         FIG.  2    is a side view of the projectile of  FIG.  1    showing the forces that act upon the projectile in flight consistent with certain aspects of the present invention; 
         FIG.  3    is an isometric view of a generally spool-shaped projectile consistent with certain aspects of the present invention; 
         FIG.  4    is front view of the generally spool-shaped projectile of  FIG.  3    consistent with certain aspects of the present invention; 
         FIG.  5    is a side view of the generally spool-shaped projectile of  FIG.  3    consistent with certain aspects of the present invention; 
         FIG.  6    is an isometric view of a launch device embodiment with band uncurled consistent with certain aspects of the present invention; 
         FIG.  7    is a side view of the launch device embodiment of  FIG.  6    consistent with certain aspects of the present invention; 
         FIG.  8    is a rear view of the launch device embodiment of  FIG.  6    consistent with certain aspects of the present invention; 
         FIG.  9    is an isometric view of the launch device embodiment with band curled consistent with certain aspects of the present invention; 
         FIG.  10    is an isometric view of the assembly consisting of the generally spool-shaped projectile of  FIG.  3    loaded onto the launch device embodiment of  FIG.  9    consistent with certain aspects of the present invention; 
         FIG.  11    is a side view of the assembly of  FIG.  10    consistent with certain aspects of the present invention; 
         FIG.  12    is a front view of the assembly of  FIG.  10    consistent with certain aspects of the present invention; 
         FIG.  13    is an in-use view of the assembly of  FIG.  10    consistent with certain aspects of the present invention; and 
         FIG.  14    is a side view of the handle of a launch device embodiment consistent with certain aspects of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail specific embodiments, with the understanding that the present disclosure of such embodiments is to be considered as an example of the principles and not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown and described. In the description below, like reference numerals are used to describe the same, similar or corresponding parts in the several views of the drawings. 
     The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one, or more than one. The term “plurality”, as used herein, is defined as two, or more than two. The term “another”, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having”, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled”, as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. 
     Reference throughout this document to “one embodiment”, “certain embodiments”, “an exemplary embodiment” or similar terms means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of such phrases or in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments without limitation. 
     The present invention is a toy projectile and launcher system. The projectile is cylindrical in shape and lightweight. The projectile has an exterior surface that is symmetrically disposed about an imaginary longitudinal axis. 
     Although the present invention projectile and launcher can be embodied in many ways, only a few embodiments of the invention are illustrated and described. These embodiments are selected in order to set forth some of the best modes contemplated for the invention. The illustrated embodiments, however, are merely exemplary and should not be considered limitations when interpreting the scope of the appended claims. 
     In an embodiment, the present invention is a toy cylinder and launcher system characterized by a cylindrical projectile and a shaft-shaped launcher. The lightweight cylindrical projectile has an exterior surface symmetrically disposed about an imaginary longitudinal axis and in an embodiment is generally spool-shaped. The launcher is a shaft to which a flexible curled band is attached. The flexible curled band holds the projectile snugly within its curvature. When the launcher is rotated by a user using a general throwing motion the band uncurls, thereby launching the projectile into flight. The band may be made of any number of materials including, by way of non-limiting example, steel or other metal, plastic, fabric, and/or rubber. The band may be covered with one or more materials to enhance tactility, safety, and/or aesthetic appeal. Such cover materials may be any number of materials including, by way of non-limiting example, rubber, cloth, tape and/or paper. 
     In an embodiment, the present invention is a toy launcher system characterized by a cylindrical projectile having an exterior surface that is symmetrically disposed about an imaginary longitudinal axis and a launcher having a band attached to a shaft at the proximal end of said band. The band is flexible and holds said cylindrical projectile through circumferential application of a normal force. The band is flexibly able to curl into a circular shape that is capable of holding the cylindrical projectile snugly within the circumference defined by the circular shape. A user launches the cylindrical projectile through application of a linear motive force that acts upon the cylindrical projectile at a substantially right angle to said imaginary longitudinal axis. When the user provides such motive force manually, by application of a general throwing motion, or through application of a spring element or pneumatic piston element, the band uncurls and imparts to the cylindrical projectile both a linear velocity and a rotational velocity. The combination of said linear motive force and said normal force, imparting linear and rotational velocities, enables lift in the cylindrical projectile. This lift is in a direction perpendicular to said imaginary longitudinal axis. The cylindrical projectile, once airborne, proceeds to move along a generally looping path. 
     Referring to  FIG.  1    and  FIG.  2   , a Standard Projectile  10  is shown. The Standard Projectile  10  has a Cylindrical Body  12  with a length L 1  and a diameter D 1 . The Cylindrical Body  12  may be mostly hollow or composed of a lightweight substance, such as by way of non-limiting example, foam or foam rubber, in order to minimize weight. The length L 1  is preferably at least three times as long as the diameter D 1  is wide. The Cylindrical Body  12  is symmetrically formed about an imaginary long axis  14  that runs along its length L 1  through the center of the Standard Projectile  10 . The Cylindrical Body  12  can be fabricated from any suitably durable and lightweight material, including by way of non-limiting example, plastic, laminated paper, foam or foam rubber, among other materials. 
     In  FIG.  2   , the Standard Projectile  10  is shown in flight, wherein it is traveling in the primary direction of arrow  15 . As the Standard Projectile  10  is traveling in the direction of arrow  15 , it is also spinning about its long axis  14  in the direction of arrow  17 . The spinning of the Standard Projectile  10  moves some of the air near the Exterior Surface  16  of the Standard Projectile  10 . This air moved by the Standard Projectile  10  creates a slight high pressure under the Standard Projectile  10  and a slight low pressure above the Standard Projectile  10 . The high pressure and low pressure act upon the Standard Projectile  10  and create a vectored Magnus force in the direction of arrow  19 . The Magnus force is generally perpendicular to the forward direction of flight. The Magnus force therefore initially creates an upward force that inclines the direction of flight. As the Magnus force continues, it tends to cause the Standard Projectile  10  to fly vertically in a circle, therein producing a loop in flight. As such, the Magnus force tends to cause the Standard Projectile  10  to loop and return to its point of origin. 
     Turning now to  FIG.  3   , an isometric view of a generally spool-shaped projectile consistent with certain aspects of the present invention is shown. The generally Spool-Shaped Projectile  30  is composed of Cylindrical Body  12  and End Plates  34 . End Plates  34  are composed of thin, lightweight, semi-rigid material such as but not limited to paper, plastic, foam, or foam rubber. In an embodiment End Plates  34  are about one-sixteenth inch in thickness. End Plates  34  are roughly circular in shape, with an outside diameter greater than the outside diameter of Cylindrical Body  12 . In an embodiment the length of Cylindrical Body  12  is about four times the diameter of Cylindrical Body  12 . While the specific measurements and shapes described herein refer to a particular embodiment of the invention, each measurement and shape can be varied without changing the nature of the invention. 
     Turning now to  FIG.  4   , a front view of the generally spool-shaped projectile of  FIG.  3    consistent with certain aspects of the present invention is shown. End Plates  34  are chemically or mechanically attached to Cylindrical Body  12 . 
     Turning now to  FIG.  5   , a side view of the generally spool-shaped projectile of  FIG.  3    consistent with certain aspects of the present invention is shown, such that only one End Plate  34  is visible. 
     Turning now to  FIG.  6   , an isometric view of the launch device embodiment with band uncurled consistent with certain aspects of the present invention is shown. Launch device  60  includes Shaft  62  and Flexible Curled Band  64 . In an embodiment, Flexible Curled Band  64  may be, by way of non-limiting example, a steel ribbon or bi-stable steel ribbon. Other materials may be employed for Flexible Curled Band  64  such as, but not limited to, plastic, fabric, rubber, and paperboard. Flexible Curled Band  64  may be entirely covered in a safe, durable, flexible, and decorative material such as, by way of non-limiting example, silicone rubber. Among other non-limiting materials for the covering are plastic film, plastic tape, paper tape, and fabric. In an embodiment, such covering may increase the friction between the Flexible Curled Band  64  and any object against which it is placed. Flexible Curled Band  64  is secured to Shaft  62  at the proximal end of Flexible Curled Band  64 , the other end of Flexible Curled Band  64  being free to alternately extend away from the user or to curl inwardly upon itself in a generally concentric fashion. In an embodiment the total length of the free end of Flexible Curled Band  64  is about equal to the outside circumference of the Cylindrical Body (not shown). 
     Turning now to  FIG.  7   , a side view of the launch device embodiment of  FIG.  6    consistent with certain aspects of the present invention is shown. Shaft  62  tapers from end of Handle  74  to tip of Launchpad  76 . In an embodiment Shaft  62  is generally S-shaped and measures about fifteen inches from the end of Handle  74  to tip of Launchpad  76 . Launchpad  76  forms the portion of Shaft  62  from Main Bend  78  to the tip of Launchpad  76 . In an embodiment, Main Bend  78  has an inside angle measurement of about 140 degrees. Flexible Curled Band  64  extends about from Main Bend  78  to the tip of Launchpad  76 . While the specific measurements and shapes described herein refer to a particular embodiment of the invention, each measurement and shape can be varied without changing the nature of the invention. 
     Turning now to  FIG.  8   , a rear view of the launch device embodiment of  FIG.  6    consistent with certain aspects of the present invention is shown. In the figure, only Shaft  62  is visible. 
     Turning now to  FIG.  9   , an isometric view of the launch device embodiment with band curled consistent with certain aspects of the present invention is shown. Flexible Curled Band  64  is chemically or mechanically attached to Shaft  62  at the proximal end of Flexible Curled Band  64 . 
     Turning now to  FIG.  10   , an isometric view of the Assembly  1000  consisting of the generally spool-shaped projectile of  FIG.  3    loaded onto the launch device embodiment of  FIG.  9    consistent with certain aspects of the present invention is shown. Spool-Shaped Projectile  30  is shown with Flexible Curled Band  64  wrapped around it such that the free end of Flexible Curled Band  64  curls over the top of Spool-Shaped Projectile  30  and holds Spool-Shaped Projectile  30  against the front of Shaft  62 . 
     Turning now to  FIG.  11   , a side view of the assembly of  FIG.  10    consistent with certain aspects of the present invention is shown. Spool-Shaped Projectile  30  is shown held against the front of Shaft  62 . 
     Turning now to  FIG.  12   , a front view of the assembly of  FIG.  10    consistent with certain aspects of the present invention is shown. Spool-Shaped Projectile  30  is shown held against the front of Shaft  62  by Flexible Curled Band  64 . 
     Turning now to  FIG.  13   , an in-use view of the assembly of  FIG.  10    consistent with certain aspects of the present invention is shown. In an embodiment, User  1300  holds the assembly of  FIG.  10    in one hand and moves the assembly with a general throwing motion, moving the assembly from First Position  1320  to Second Position  1321 . In an embodiment, the thumb of the throwing arm of User  1300  lays along the surface of the Shaft  62  that is opposite to the surface of the Shaft  62  upon which the Flexible Curled Band  64  is affixed (not shown). At First Position  1320 , Flexible Curved Band  64  securely holds Spool-Shaped Projectile  30  within the space defined by its curvature. As User  1300  moves the assembly along Arc  1310  from First Position  1320  into Second Position  1321 , forces caused by User&#39;s motion cause the Flexible Curved Band  64  to uncurl, generally imparting a Rapid Rotational Velocity  1314  to Spool-Shaped Projectile  30 . User&#39;s motion also imparts to Spool-Shaped Projectile  30  a linear velocity while it is spinning. The forward projection away from User  1300  and the Rapid Rotational Velocity  1314  creates a Magnus force that launches Spool-Shaped Projectile  30  into flight. The Spool-Shaped Projectile  30  tends to fly up and around in a Looping Flight Path  1312 . Alternatively, Standard Projectile  10  may be substituted for Spool-Shaped Projectile  30  (not shown.) 
     Turning now to  FIG.  14   , a side view of the handle of a launch device embodiment consistent with certain aspects of the present invention is shown. At  1400 , the thumb of the throwing arm of a user lays along the rear of Shaft  62 . The rear of Shaft  62  is the surface of Shaft  62  that is opposite to the surface of the Shaft  62  upon which the Flexible Curled Band (not shown) is affixed. 
     While certain illustrative embodiments have been described, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, permutations and variations will become apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description.