Patent ID: 12257523

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention. Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps. The drawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale. The word ‘couple’ and similar terms do not necessarily denote direct and immediate connections, but also include connections through intermediate elements or devices. For purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional (up/down, etc.) or motional (forward/back, etc.) terms may be used with respect to the drawings. These and similar directional terms should not be construed to limit the scope in any manner. It will also be understood that other embodiments may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention, and that the detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and that elements may be differently positioned, or otherwise noted as in the appended claims without requirements of the written description being required thereto.

Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations in turn, in a manner that may be helpful in understanding embodiments of the present invention; however, the order of description should not be construed to imply that these operations are order dependent.

Referring now, collectively, to the alternative and adoptive element noted inFIGS.1through19B, a launching device and system100using a pressurized fluid launch engine with a fluid input and a source of compressed air (referred to herein as the fluid).

Launching device and system100provides the structure and elements for providing a method for launching a toy210, shown here in a nonlimiting example, as a toy ball210, using pressurized air as a fluid medium in a pre-launch programmable and selectable manner to assist individual or group toy-play.

Launching device and system100includes a fluid pressure control system200for operating and dispensing a fluid input (compressed air) and an automated launch direction control system300which retains releases toy ball210upon one of a plurality of user-selected automated launch sequences based upon a user input.

Launching device and system100includes a base housing101, having an outer base with battery access opening102for securely storing batteries to power launching device and system100. Four outer leg extensions103includes respective openings103A for stakes (not shown) to secure device100to a turf game field.

A pressure gauge104is provided to reflect the stored pressure in the compressed air canister and which is in fluid communication with pump211, having a pump engagement base211aand the inflation and release system as shown. One or more speakers105in speaker housings105aare provided in communication with a control board306for providing pre-recorded sound announcements, such as ‘hike’ and ‘go long’ and ‘ready’ as well as sound indicators of several musical notes related to pre-programed movements of the automated control launching system300upon the triggering of launching device100.

A lock trigger button106on the top of base housing101triggers an automated lock/unlock motor controller as will be discussed in automated control launch system300so as to releasably engage (at a beginning of a pressurized step) the open mouth of the compressed air canister in the ball210.

Fluid pressure control system200includes a pump211including an external air inlet and a one-way air check valve outlet211A and a pump handle212for reciprocal motion to draw air into fluid pressure control system200and (via the one-way check valve) pressurizing air into a cavity for compressed air213in ball210. Ball210includes an outer protective foam cover214and an open mouth215having an inwardly projecting member216of the compressed air canister213. Open mouth215includes securing components (seeFIG.12) securing an outer access ring215awith an inwardly projecting securing lug (as shown) and one or more outer rigid locking members217in a fixed position on the open mouth215. Middle support ring215hengages with a compression ring215cto compress and secure the open mouth215to the cavity for compressed air213in a unified and secure matter. Following this, during assembly, the outer foam protective cover214is attached by adhesive using receiving grooves218to ensure alignment.

As is noted in reference combination toFIGS.1and18, as pump handle212is raised, an internal one-way check valve opens to draw in ambient air and as pump handle is depressed, the one-way check valve closes and compressed fluid (air) is injected via a pneumatic tube219and reaches pressure gauge104via a Y-fitting and thereafter reaches and is transmitted to the cavity for containing compressed air213and is sored therein. As pump handle212is next-extended reciprocally, more air is drawn in, the one-way check valve functions and air pressure builds as the pump200is operated to build appropriate pressure based on the gauge104(short-pass length 25 psi, medium-pass-length 35 psi, long-pass-length 45 psi (maximum) as will be understood by those of skill in this art).

A protective basket110is provided at the end of the bayonet member of the automated control launching system300so as to provide initial guidance (pivot and traverse) to ball210during a launch sequence and during movement into a desired passing zone position (left, right, up, down) and distances (short, medium, long) noted on ‘passing zone display’221as will be discussed.

The automated launch control system or automated launching direction system300includes a number of integrated components and systems to securely retain and then release ball210containing pressurized air in cavity213, as will be discussed, these include pivot rotation assembly340(up-down motion) and pivot-traverse system350(right-left motion), upon command.

When actuated via the on/off switch301, stable base310supports a rotational motor support311(seeFIG.18) supporting a pivot shell352(seeFIG.17) within and upon base housing101which includes a first rotation motor351A on a traverse support351C for pivotably (left-right) rotating pivot-rotation assembly340via a gearing assembly351B, and a second rotation motor353via gearing assembly353B for elevationally pivoting-indexing rotation assembly340so that those of skill in this art will recognize that pivot-rotation assembly340via an integrated launch control system370is controlled to pivot (left-right) and elevate (up-down) relative to base housing101so as to position an extending bayonet member360at one of three elevation points (short, medium, long) and at one of four distance traverse points (left, left-off, right-off, right) and in any other elevation points and distant points as may be provided by the programmer control board306during a use thereof (and in a non-limiting manner).

Pivot-rotation member340includes, along with pivot traverse system350and as shown, within the combined automated control launching system300, an inner opening along the longitudinal length from the pneumatic tube for air219to the cavity for compressed air213in the ball210so as to convey fluid pressure to the ball210during a use. Bayonet member360includes an outer spiral groove361, as shown, for sliding engagement with the member216provided in the open mouth215of ball210so that ball210will be guided to spiral upon release.

Pivot-rotation member340includes an outer housing341having two parts and which secures the base bayonet362in position thereon when assembled. Therein, a pressurizing-lock-release-launch motor364is securely received in a motor housing365and thorough a series of reduction gears366operates to engage a rotational lock-unlock member367relative about bayonet360on a sliding washer367athrough engagement teeth. Lock-unlock member367includes one or more inwardly extending engagement lugs368,368which slidingly engage (and release) the respective one or more outwardly extending lock members217on the open mouth215forming an operating intake and release manifold or an operative valve lock and release system driven by the triggering of motor364.

Control board member306includes a control board with any necessary elements to operate launching device and system100according to the methods and steps herein. Lock trigger106is a control step that indicates to control board member306which is in operative motor control of motor364to rotate the engagement ring lock and unlock member367containing engagement lugs368,368. In this situation, it is understood that in the fluid pressure control system200that ball213and thus the open mouth thereof215is positioned downwardly over the bayonet mount360in a sliding engagement so that respective lugs217are available to be slidingly engaged with lugs3689which rotate thereto, and draw inwardly and seal open mouth215to the pivot-rotation member340and the bayonet mount360for pressurization via pump200. This forms a closed pressurization system for storing compressed air therein (mainly within cavity for compressed air213but also in part within pneumatic air tube219which communicates from the one-way check valve in pump200to pressure gauge104and thus to the cavity213)

The user then operates pump handle212and follows instructions to reach a low (25 psi), medium (35 psi), or high pressure (45 psi) reading on the pressure gauge104.

Next, a user, selects, via a selection trigger107(up/down, left/right) one of the LED indicated (via indicator pass-pathway displays221) passing zones (left, left-left, right-right, and right) and distances the pressure on the pressurized gauge104has reached. At that point, the user presses the start button109or ‘hike’ button109to begin a pre-recorded stored series of play moves by the pivot-rotation member340(left/right, up/down) and the pivot-traverse system350(left-right) ultimately ending in a position where the central axis (center line) of the bayonet360is positioned at the user-desired orientation, and at that time, the timing sequences triggers motor364to rotate (now in a reverse-locking-direction to release) the inwardly projecting lock members368,368. Thus, upon sufficient rotation of the outer lock ring367the compressed air in the compressed air cavity213is no longer sealingly restrained (constrained) and the ball210is ejected under pressure linearly while member216rides groove361causing a rotational moment to be imparted to ball210in transit providing greatly enhanced stability during flight so as to enhance a user-desired game play.

An adaptive series of assembly and game-playing steps alternatively incudes but is not limited to those shown additionally inFIGS.16A to16B(an illustrated flow process extending in Steps 1-13 fromFIG.16AtoFIG.16B, as shown). The assembly set up for the system includes the following steps but may be modified or augmented depending upon the preferences of a user.Step 1: Unpackage the product and access the battery compartment.Step 2: Insert batteries and close and securely fasten the battery compartment.Step 3: Optional step to insert the bayonet movement assembly (which may be provided pre-assembled).Steps 4-5: Insert the pump and rotate for secure engagement in a threaded installation.Step 6: Turn on the launching device and power the internal motor.Step 7: Slide the ball on to the launch tube of the bayonet housing assembly, and align the guide member on the inside of the football receiver with the spiral groove on the exterior of the launch tube of the bayonet housing assembly and fully insert the ball down over the launch tube to seat the ball within the basket safety housing.Step 8: Select a passing zone, via the play select feature, shown as a button, one of a distance and a play direction to select a desired passing zone (short, medium or long, and left, right, or center), which additionally causes the LED (light indicating diodes) in the passing zone indicia to light indicating the selected passing zone.Step 9: Actuate the lock button feature to engage the ball and secure against premature launching. This step also closes the internal pressure valve so that pressure can build. If this lock button feature is not engaged, any pump induced pressure will simply leak out.Step 10A: Once locked, the user uses the hand pump to input an amount of pressure into the pressurized volume relative to an intended distance (short-low (25 psi) pressure, medium-medium (35 psi) pressure, and long-high (45 psi) pressure).Step 10B: Next, the user presses the “Hike” button and the launching device operates (Step 11) through a pre-recorded sequence of movements based on the selected passing zone (Step 8) which indicates the pivot-rotation member340and bayonet member360is traversing left/right and indexing up/down while both (i) passing zone lights flash and an audio play (“hike, hike”) and several musical notes are announced through the speakers and the motor364rotates the retaining locking ring367and the game toy (ball) is released in a Step 12.Step 13: End, and return to Step 7 by installing a further ball on the launch tube of the bayonet housing and repeat for further game play.

As used herein the phrases air pressure, pneumatic pressure, pressure, inflate, fluid pressure or other indicators are interchangeably and descriptively used to indicate a medium of pressurized gas used to operatively impart launching force (to launch) the play item, ball, etc. during a use of the present invention.

As used herein the phrase ‘football’, ‘game ball’, ‘ball’ may be used interchangeably and descriptively to indicate the play item which is launched from the launching device. For example, the ‘ball’ could be shaped as a recognized American football, a baseball, a rugby-ball, or any other type of play playing item which is operationally and operatively used herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

As used herein, a “control board” or “automated controller” comprises an input device for receiving data, an output device for outputting data in tangible form (e.g. gear driver motors for motion and valve release, LED lighting, audio sound generation, depending upon passing zone positions, a permanent memory for storing data as well as computer code, and a microprocessor for executing computer code wherein said computer code resident in said permanent memory will physically cause said microprocessor to read-in data via said input device, process said data within said microprocessor and output said processed data via said output device.

It will be further understood by those of skill in the art that the apparatus and devices and the elements herein, without limitation, and including the sub components such as operational structures, memory systems, control circuits, both electronic and pneumatic communication pathways, and related elements, control elements of all kinds, LED-control and display circuits and display systems and elements, audio-memory circuits and audio-play control and operation circuits, any necessary motor gearing, cams and motor driving elements, motor controls, sensor inputs, sensors, detectors, memory elements, processors and any combinations of these structures etc. as will be understood by those of skill in the art as also being identified as or capable of operating the systems and devices and subcomponents noted herein and structures that accomplish the functions without restrictive language or label requirements since those of skill in the art are well versed in related launching devices, systems, and methods using a pressurized fluid system and engine as well as all operational controls and technologies of related devices and all their sub components, including various circuits and combinations of circuits without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Although only a few embodiments have been disclosed in detail above, other embodiments are possible, and the inventors intend these to be encompassed within this specification. The specification describes certain technological solutions to solve the technical problems that are described expressly and inherently in this application. This disclosure describes embodiments, and the claims are intended to cover any modification or alternative or generalization of these embodiments which might be predictable to a person having ordinary skill in the art.

Those of skill would further appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software stored in a memory that is programmed to carry out the operations described in this application, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the exemplary embodiments.

A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of sensors, memory devices microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration known in the art. These devices may also be used to select values and operations for the steps and for the actions described herein.

The steps of a method or algorithm as described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor connected with the hardware and in control thereof (e.g., motor controllers and motor-timing-controllers), or in combinations. A software module stored in a memory may reside in Random Access Memory (RAM), flash memory, Read Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Programmable ROM (EPROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM), or any other form of tangible storage medium that stores tangible, non-transitory computer-based instructions. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor such that the processor can read information from, and operate according to the storage medium instructions controlling the hardware devices as noted herein. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to or separate from the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in reconfigurable logic of any type.

In one or more exemplary embodiments, the functions described may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof.

Computer readable media can be an article comprising a machine-readable non-transitory tangible medium embodying information indicative of instructions that when performed by one or more machines result in computer implemented operations comprising the actions described throughout this specification.

Also, the inventors intend that only those claims which use the words “means for” are intended to be interpreted under 35 USC 112 moreover, no limitations from the specification are intended to be read into any claims, unless those limitations are expressly included in the claims.

Where a specific numerical value is mentioned herein, if anywhere, it should be considered that the value may be increased or decreased by 25%, while still staying within the teachings of the present application, unless some different range is specifically mentioned. Where a specified logical sense is used, the opposite logical sense is also intended to be encompassed to be understood (e.g., retain/release, pressure/exhaust).

Having described at least one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be apparent to those skills that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various modifications and variations can be made in the presently disclosed system without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure cover modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.