U.S. patent application number 11/421625 was filed with the patent office on 2006-12-07 for toy projectile launching devices.
This patent application is currently assigned to MATTEL, INC.. Invention is credited to Ruben Martinez, Henry Miller, Michael Strauss, Steed Sun.
Application Number | 20060272627 11/421625 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37492901 |
Filed Date | 2006-12-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060272627 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Martinez; Ruben ; et
al. |
December 7, 2006 |
TOY PROJECTILE LAUNCHING DEVICES
Abstract
Toy projectile launching devices comprising a projectile and a
carrying case for housing the projectile in a stowed position. The
carrying-case includes a base member, a cover member configured to
pivot relative to the base member about an axis of rotation between
a range of open positions and a closed position in which the cover
member engages the base member, and a launching unit operatively
coupled to the base member at an end region generally distal the
axis of rotation. The launching unit is configured to engage the
projectile, pivotally bias the projectile from the stowed position
to a launch position, and launch the projectile.
Inventors: |
Martinez; Ruben; (Whittier,
CA) ; Sun; Steed; (San Gabriel, CA) ; Miller;
Henry; (Alta Loma, CA) ; Strauss; Michael;
(Signal Hill, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KOLISCH HARTWELL, P.C.
200 PACIFIC BUILDING
520 SW YAMHILL STREET
PORTLAND
OR
97204
US
|
Assignee: |
MATTEL, INC.
333 Continental Blvd.
El Segundo
CA
|
Family ID: |
37492901 |
Appl. No.: |
11/421625 |
Filed: |
June 1, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60688136 |
Jun 6, 2005 |
|
|
|
60719863 |
Sep 23, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
124/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41B 7/08 20130101; A63H
17/006 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
124/016 |
International
Class: |
F41B 7/00 20060101
F41B007/00 |
Claims
1. A toy projectile launching device comprising: a projectile; and
a carrying-case configured to house the projectile in a stowed
position, the carrying-case including: a base member; a cover
member configured to pivot relative to the base member about an
axis of rotation between a range of open positions and a closed
position in which the cover member engages the base member; and a
launching unit operatively coupled to the base member at an end
region generally distal the axis of rotation and configured to:
engage the projectile; pivotally bias the projectile from the
stowed position to a launch position; and launch the
projectile.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the launching unit is further
configured to automatically pivot the projectile from the stowed
position to the launch position and launch the projectile when the
cover member is pivoted from the closed position to within the
range of open positions.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the carrying-case further
includes a central portion operatively connecting the base member
and the cover member and configured to provide the axis of
rotation, the central portion including: an inner central portion
fixedly coupled to the base member; and at least one hub with a
central axis generally coaxial to the axis of rotation, fixedly
coupled to the cover member, and configured to rotate relative to
the inner central portion.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the carrying-case further
includes a projectile release mechanism configured to engage and
retain the projectile within the carrying case when the projectile
is in the stowed position, and further configured to automatically
disengage the projectile when the cover member is pivoted from the
closed position to a position within the range of open
positions.
5. The device of claim 4, wherein the launching unit is further
configured to automatically pivot the projectile from the stowed
position to the launch position and launch the projectile when the
cover member is pivoted from the closed position to within the
range of open positions.
6. The device of claim 4, wherein the projectile release mechanism
includes: an axle sleeve with a longitudinal axis generally coaxial
to the axis of rotation and operatively connected to the cover
member, the axle sleeve including a lateral rib generally parallel
to the axis of rotation; and a projectile release member biased to
a projectile engagement position, the projectile release member
including: an axle sleeve rib engagement end configured to engage
the lateral rib; and a projectile engagement end configured to
engage the projectile when the projectile is in the stowed
position; and wherein, when the cover member is pivoted from the
closed position to a position within the range of open positions,
the lateral rib engages the axle sleeve rib engagement end of the
projectile release member causing the projectile engagement end of
the projectile release member to disengage from the projectile.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the base member and the cover
member comprise a storage portion; and wherein the carrying case
further includes: a handle portion configured to be gripped by a
user; and a central portion operatively connecting the handle
portion, the base member, and the cover member, and configured to
provide an axis of rotation for relative rotation between: the
handle portion and the storage portion, when the cover member is in
the closed position; the base member and the cover member; the base
member and the handle portion; and the cover member and the handle
portion.
8. A toy projectile launching device comprising: a projectile; a
carrying-case for the projectile including: a handle portion
configured to be gripped by a user; a storage portion configured to
house the projectile in a stowed position, the storage portion
including: a base member; and a cover member configured to pivot
relative to the base member about an axis of rotation between a
range of open positions and a closed position in which the cover
member engages the base member; and a launching unit operatively
coupled to the base member at an end region generally distal the
axis of rotation and configured to: engage the projectile;
pivotally bias the projectile from the stowed position to a launch
position; and launch the projectile.
9. The device of claim 8, wherein the cover member is further
configured to be engaged by a user; and wherein the launching unit
is further configured to automatically pivot the projectile from
the stowed position to the launch position and launch the
projectile in response to the user engaging the cover member and
operatively positioning the cover member from the closed position
to a position within the range of open positions.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein the launching unit includes: a
propulsion arm assembly configured to engage and provide motive
power to the projectile; a propulsion arm assembly mounting
mechanism coupled to the base member and configured to provide a
pivot axis about which the propulsion arm assembly rotates; a pivot
spring coupled to the propulsion arm assembly and the propulsion
arm assembly mounting mechanism and configured to pivotally bias
the propulsion arm assembly to a launch position corresponding to
the launch position of the projectile; and a launch trigger member
coupled to the base member and configured to engage the propulsion
arm assembly when the propulsion arm assembly is in the launch
position, thus causing the projectile to disengage from the
propulsion arm assembly and launch.
11. The device of claim 8, wherein the carrying-case further
includes a central portion interposed between and operatively
connecting the handle portion and the storage portion and
configured to provide an axis of rotation for relative rotation
between: the handle portion and the storage portion, when the cover
member is in the closed position; the base member and the cover
member; the base member and the handle portion; and the cover
member and the handle portion.
12. The device of claim 11, wherein the central portion includes:
an inner central portion fixedly coupled to the base member; at
least one first hub with a central axis generally coaxial to the
axis of rotation and fixedly coupled to the cover member; at least
one second hub with a central axis generally coaxial to the axis of
rotation and fixedly coupled to the handle portion; and an axle
fixedly coupled to the first hub with a longitudinal axis generally
coaxial to the axis of rotation.
13. The device of claim 8, wherein the carrying-case further
includes a projectile release mechanism configured to engage and
retain the projectile within the storage portion when the
projectile is in the stowed position, and further configured to
automatically disengage the projectile when the cover member is
pivoted from the closed position to a position within the range of
open positions.
14. A toy projectile launching device comprising: a projectile; and
a carrying-case configured to house the projectile in a stowed
position, the carrying-case including: a base member; a cover
member configured to pivot relative to the base member between a
range of open positions and a closed position in which the cover
member engages the base member; a central portion operatively
connecting the base member and the cover member and configured to
provide an axis of rotation for relative rotation between the base
member and the cover member; and a launching unit operatively
coupled to the base member at an end region generally opposite the
axis of rotation and configured to: engage the projectile;
pivotally bias the projectile from the stowed position to a launch
position; and launch the projectile.
15. The device of claim 14, wherein the launching unit is further
configured to automatically pivot the projectile from the stowed
position to the launch position and launch the projectile when the
cover member is pivoted from the closed position to within the
range of open positions.
16. The device of claim 14, wherein the central portion includes:
an inner central portion fixedly coupled to the base member; and at
least one hub with a central axis generally coaxial to the axis of
rotation, fixedly coupled to the cover member, and configured to
rotate relative to the inner central portion.
17. The device of claim 14, wherein the carrying-case further
includes a projectile release mechanism configured to engage the
projectile when the projectile is in the stowed position, and
further configured to automatically disengage the projectile when
the cover member is pivoted from the closed position to a position
within the range of open positions.
18. The device of claim 17, wherein the launching unit is further
configured to automatically pivot the projectile from the stowed
position to the launch position and launch the projectile when the
cover member is pivoted from the closed position to within the
range of open positions.
19. The device of claim 17, wherein the projectile release
mechanism includes: an axle sleeve with a longitudinal axis
generally coaxial to the axis of rotation and operatively connected
to the cover member, the axle sleeve including a lateral rib
generally parallel to the axis of rotation; and a projectile
release member biased to a projectile engagement position, the
projectile release member including: an axle sleeve rib engagement
end configured to engage the lateral rib; and a projectile
engagement end configured to engage the projectile when the
projectile is in the stowed position; and wherein, the lateral rib
is configured to engage the axle sleeve rib engagement end of the
projectile release member and the projectile engagement end of the
projectile release member is configured to disengage from the
projectile when the cover member is pivoted from the closed
position to a position within the range of open positions.
20. The device of claim 17, wherein the carrying case further
includes a handle portion configured to be gripped by a user;
wherein the cover member and base member comprise a storage
portion; and wherein the central portion operatively connects the
handle portion, the base member, and the cover member, and is
further configured to provide for relative rotation between: the
handle portion and the storage portion, when the cover member is in
the closed position; the base member and the handle portion; and
the cover member and the handle portion.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based upon and claims priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e) to the following U.S. provisional
applications, which are incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety for all purposes: Ser. No. 60/688,136, entitled "Miniature
Toy and Case for Same," filed on Jun. 6, 2005; and Ser. No.
60/719,863, entitled "Toy Case and Launching Device," filed on Sep.
23, 2005.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to toys, and more
particularly to toys incorporating a carrying case, a toy vehicle,
and a source of motive power for the toy vehicle.
[0003] Toy vehicles with a source of motive power are particularly
enjoyable by children. Toy vehicles with carrying cases enable
children to easily transport toy vehicles. When carrying cases are
integral to toys, provide the source of motive power, or provide
separate additional sources of enjoyment, children may be
particularly enthusiastic.
[0004] Examples of toys incorporating these types of features
include U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,343,969; 5,370,571; 4,959,035; 4,946,413;
4,690,654; and 4,108,437, the entire disclosures of which are
herein incorporated y reference for all purposes.
SUMMARY
[0005] A toy projectile launching device comprising a projectile
and a carrying case for housing the projectile is provided. The
carrying-case includes a base member, a cover member configured to
pivot relative to the base member about an axis of rotation between
a range of open positions and a closed position in which the cover
member engages the base member, and a launching unit operatively
coupled to the base member at an end region generally distal the
axis of rotation. The launching unit is configured to engage the
projectile, pivotally bias the projectile from a stowed position to
a launch position, and launch the projectile.
[0006] In some embodiments, the launching unit is configured to
automatically pivot the projectile from the stowed position to the
launch position and launch the projectile when the cover member is
pivoted from the closed position to within the range of open
positions.
[0007] In some embodiments the base member and the cover member
comprise a storage portion. In such embodiments, the carrying case
may further include a handle portion configured to be gripped by a
user and a central portion operatively connecting the handle
portion, the base member, and the cover member. The central portion
may be configured to provide an axis of rotation for relative
rotation between the handle portion and the storage portion when
the cover member is in the closed position, between the base member
and the cover member, between the base member and the handle
portion, and between the cover member and the handle portion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a toy
projectile launching device.
[0009] FIG. 2 is another isometric view of the embodiment of FIG.
1.
[0010] FIG. 3 is an isometric exploded view of a portion of the
embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 4 is an isometric exploded view of a launching unit of
the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the
launching unit of FIG. 4.
[0013] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of another portion of the
launching unit of FIG. 4.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a fragmentary isometric view of a portion of a
projectile of the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a fragmentary isometric view of the embodiment of
FIG. 1 showing the projectile in a stowed position.
[0016] FIG. 9 is an isometric exploded view of a portion of the
embodiment of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] A toy projectile launching device is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2
and is generally indicated at 20. Device 20 includes a projectile
22 and a carrying-case 24. Projectile 22 may take any suitable form
such that the projectile is configured to be housed in
carrying-case 24 in a stowed position 26 and further configured to
be pivoted from the stowed position through a range of launching
positions 28 and into a launch position 30. Furthermore, the device
20 may incorporate a theme that may be particularly enjoyable by
children. For example, device 20 may include a theme based on a
comic book character. In the illustrative non-exclusive embodiments
of FIGS. 1 and 2, device 20 incorporates a BATMAN.RTM. character
theme. As such, projectile 22 includes a BATMAN.RTM. doll riding a
BATCYCLE.RTM. toy, and the silhouette of carrying case 24 is
designed to resemble that of a bat.
[0018] In the depicted embodiment, projectile 22 is in the form of
a toy motorcycle with a body 32 and wheels 34, and a corresponding
action FIG. 36. However, projectile 22 may take any suitable form
including (but not limited to) a toy car, a toy space ship, a toy
airplane, or any other toy or object suitable for launching from
carrying-case 24.
[0019] Carrying-case 24 is configured to house projectile 22 in
stowed position 26 and includes a base member 38 and a cover member
40. Base member 38 and cover member 40 may be described as
comprising a storage portion 42. Base member 38 may (but is not
required to) include walls 44, 46 generally defining a cavity 48.
Cover member 40 is configured to pivot relative to base member
about an axis of rotation 50, between a range of open positions 52
and a closed position in which the cover member engages base member
38. In some embodiments, cover member 40 may be configured to be
opened in response to simple user manipulation of the cover member.
In other embodiments, cover member 40 may be biased to the range of
open positions and may be selectively secured to the base member,
such that user manipulation is only required to initially release
the cover member from the base member, and then cover member 40
automatically opens, for example in response to a biasing
mechanism. Furthermore, carrying-case 24 may include a release
mechanism, whereby user manipulation of the release mechanism
causes the cover member to disengage from the base member thereby
allowing the biasing mechanism to rotate the cover member to the
range of open positions.
[0020] Carrying-case 24 further includes a launching unit 56
operatively coupled to base member 38 at an end region 58 generally
distal axis of rotation 50. Launching unit 56 is configured to
engage projectile 22, pivotally bias projectile 22 from stowed
position 26 to launch position 30, and launch projectile 22. In
some embodiments, launching unit 56 may be (but is not required to
be) further configured to automatically pivot projectile 22 from
stowed position 26 to launch position 30 and automatically launch
projectile 22 when cover member 40 is pivoted from the closed
position to within range of open positions 52, for example by user
manipulation of the cover member (i.e., cover member 40 may be
configured to be engaged by a user). In other words, launching unit
56 may be further configured to automatically pivot the projectile
from the stowed position to the launch position and launch the
projectile in response to a user engaging the cover member and
operatively positioning the cover member from the closed position
to a position within the range of open positions. As depicted in
the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, cover member 40 may include a tip
60 configured for user engagement, for example by the thumb of a
user holding carrying-case 24.
[0021] In other embodiments, launching unit 56 may be configured to
pivot the projectile from the stowed position to the launch
position only upon further user manipulation. For example, the
carrying-case may include a release mechanism configured to be
selectively engaged by a user, such that upon engagement, the
launching unit then pivots the projectile from the stowed position
to the launch position. Additionally or alternatively, in some
embodiments, the launching unit may not be configured to
automatically launch the projectile upon pivoting it from the
stowed position to the launch position, and may instead also
require additional user manipulation. For example, the
carrying-case may further include a launch mechanism configured to
be selectively engaged by a user, such that upon engagement, the
launching unit then launches the projectile.
[0022] Carrying-case 24 may further include a central portion 62
operatively connecting base member 38 to cover member 40 and
configured to provide axis of rotation 50. As such, in some
embodiments central portion 62 may include an inner central portion
64 fixedly coupled to base member 38 and at least one hub 66
fixedly coupled to cover member 40 and having a central axis 68
generally coaxial to axis of rotation 50. Thus, hub, or hubs, 66
may be configured to rotate relative to inner central portion 64.
Other embodiments may be configured differently yet still be
configured such that cover member 40 and base member 38 may rotate,
or pivot, relative to each other. For example, cover member 40 may
be fixedly coupled to an inner central portion, while base member
38 may be fixedly coupled to a hub. Additionally or alternatively,
cover member 40 may include any suitable structure configured to
provide axis of rotation 50, about which cover member 40 and base
member 38 rotate, or pivot, relative to each other.
[0023] In some embodiments, as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2,
carrying-case 24 may further include (but is not required to
include) a handle portion 70 configured to be gripped by a user. In
such embodiments, central portion 62 may be described as being
interposed between and operatively connecting handle portion 70,
base member 38, and cover member 40. Central portion 62 may thus be
configured to provide axis of rotation 50 for relative rotation
between: handle portion 70 and storage portion 42, when cover
member 40 is in the closed position; base member 38 and cover
member 40; base member 38 and handle portion 70; and cover member
40 and handle portion 70. In other words, axis of rotation 50 may
not only define relative rotation, or pivoting, between cover
member 40 and base member 38 as discussed above, but may also
define relative rotation between the other structure of device 20
just discussed. Therefore, carrying-case 24 may be configured
between an extended condition 72 and a collapsed, or folded,
condition 74. In some embodiments, storage portion 42 and handle
portion 70 may be configured to nest with each other when
carrying-case 24 is in the collapsed condition.
[0024] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, in such embodiments where handle
portion 70 is configured to rotate relative to storage portion 42,
base member 38, and cover member 40, central portion 62 may
include: inner central portion 64 fixedly coupled to base member
38; at least first hub, or hubs, 66 with a central axis 68
generally coaxial to axis of rotation 50 and fixedly coupled to
cover member 40; at least a second hub, or hubs, 80 with a central
axis 82 generally coaxial to axis of rotation 50 and fixedly
coupled to handle portion 70; and an axle 84 fixedly coupled to the
first hub, or hubs, 66 with a longitudinal axis 86 generally
coaxial to axis of rotation 50.
[0025] In some embodiments, where there is relative rotation
between handle portion 70 and storage portion 42, carrying case 24
may be biased to the extended condition and handle portion 70 and
storage portion 42 may be configured to be selectively engaged to
the collapsed condition. Thus, device 20 may include a mechanism
configured to be selectively engaged by a user, such that upon
engagement, device 20 automatically pivots from the collapsed
condition to the extended condition.
[0026] Not all embodiments of device 20 require relative rotation
between all of the discussed components however. For example,
handle portion 70 may be fixedly coupled to base member 38 such
that they do not rotate, or pivot, relative to each other, while
cover member 40 and base member 38 do rotate, or pivot, relative to
each other about axis of rotation 50.
[0027] Finally, handle portion 70 may include similar structure as
discussed in reference to storage portion 42. For example, handle
portion 70 may also include a base member and a cover member and
may be configured to house a second projectile in a stowed
position, etc. Carrying-case may include the required structure to
automatically pivot and launch the second projectile from the
handle portion as is fully described herein in reference to the
storage portion including the launching unit, etc.
[0028] An exploded view including central portion 62 of an
embodiment of device 20 is shown in detail in FIG. 3. Inner central
portion 64 may include axially spaced side portions including a
first side portion 88 and a second side portion 90 separated and
operatively connected by a peripheral portion 92. First side
portion 88 may (but is not required to) include a guide channel 94
with or without guide stop regions 96. Guide channel 94 may be a
generally recessed depression extending generally radially about
axis of rotation 50. Additionally or alternatively, second side
portion 90 may include a similar guide channel; however, neither
side portion is required to include one.
[0029] As illustrated, the at least a first hub 66 discussed above
may take the form of a pair of external hubs including a first
external hub 98 and a second external hub 100. Also, the at least a
second hub 80 may take the form of a pair of internal hubs
including a first internal hub 102 and a second internal hub 104.
First internal hub 102 includes a guide stop extending from an
inside face 108 in the form of a generally cylindrical protrusion
(not depicted, but similar to a guide stop 106 extending from an
inside face 109 of second internal hub 104 shown for illustration
purposes), and corresponding to guide channel 94. That is, the
guide stop of first internal hub 102 has a diameter and height
generally corresponding to a width and depth of guide channel 94.
Thus, when storage portion 42 and/or base member 38 (and thus inner
central portion 64) is pivoted relative to handle portion 70, the
guide stop of internal hub 102 slides within guide channel 94.
Guide channel 94 may be dimensioned length-wise (or radial-wise
about axis of rotation 50) so as to generally define a maximum
extent of relative rotation between the base member and the handle
portion.
[0030] Though guide stop 106 is shown in FIG. 3 to illustrate
similar structure integral to inside surface 108 as discussed
above, additionally or alternatively, a guide channel similar to
guide channel 94 may be integral to second side portion 90 for
engagement with guide stop 106 in a similar manner as guide channel
94 and the guide stop of internal hub 102 as just described.
[0031] Additionally or alternatively, similar guide channel and
guide stop structures may be present between one or both of
internal hubs 102, 104 and external hubs 98, 100, thereby defining
maximum extent of relative rotation between cover member 40 and
handle portion 70.
[0032] Though guide channel 94 and the guide stop of first internal
hub 102 are presented and described as being part of first side
portion 88 and first internal hub 102, respectively, guide channel
94 and the guide stop of internal hub 102 may be situated
oppositely and configured to perform the same function. That is, a
guide channel may be present on the inside surface of an internal
hub, while a guide stop may be present on a side portion of the
inner central portion.
[0033] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, inner central portion 64 may (but
is not required to) include a cover member engaging tab 110
integral to peripheral portion 92. Tab 110 may be configured to
engage cover member 40 when cover member is in the closed position.
Any suitable structure or mechanism may be incorporated into device
20 such that cover member 40 is generally restricted from entering
the range of open positions without user manipulation of the cover
member. In the depicted embodiment, cover member engaging tab 110
is generally a rectangular tab, with a raised protrusion configured
to frictionally engage an edge 114 of cover member 40. Thus for a
user to pivot cover member 40 from the closed position to within
the range of open positions, the user must overcome the friction of
the engagement.
[0034] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, device 20 may (but is not required
to) include a projectile alignment channel 116 integral to
peripheral portion 92 of inner central portion 64 and base member
38. Projectile alignment channel 116 is configured to properly
align the projectile when the projectile is in the stowed position,
and may be comprised of a pair of generally elongate shelf-like
structures 118 extending generally into cavity 48.
[0035] Turning now to FIG. 4, an exploded view of a non-exclusive
exemplary launching unit 56 is illustrated. As shown, launching
unit 56 may include: a propulsion arm assembly 122 configured to
engage and provide motive power to the projectile; a propulsion arm
assembly mounting mechanism 124 coupled to base member 38 and
configured to provide a pivot axis 126 about which the propulsion
arm assembly rotates, or pivots; a pivot spring 128 coupled to
propulsion arm assembly 122 and mounting mechanism 124 and
configured to pivotally bias the propulsion arm assembly to a
launch position 130 corresponding to the launch position of the
projectile; and a launch trigger member 132 coupled to base member
38 and configured to engage propulsion arm assembly 122 when the
propulsion arm assembly is in launch position 130, thus causing the
projectile to disengage from the propulsion arm assembly and
launch.
[0036] Pivot spring 128 may take the form of a torsion spring;
however, pivot spring 128 may be any suitable biasing structure
configured to generally bias propulsion arm 122, and thus
projectile 22, to launch position 130. In the depicted embodiment,
pivot spring 128 includes first and second wire ends 134, 136 that
are bent to generally bisect cross-sections of the spring, as shown
in FIG. 4.
[0037] Mounting mechanism 124 may take any form suitable for
mounting propulsion arm assembly 122 to base member 38. For
example, as depicted in FIG. 4, mounting mechanism 124 may include
a first mount 140 and a second mount 142, both including generally
cylindrical protrusions 144, 146 generally sharing a longitudinal
axis 148 generally corresponding to pivot axis 126, and configured
to engage propulsion arm assembly 122. First mount 140 may include
a channel 150 configured to engage first wire end 134 of pivot
spring 128. Channel 150 may be defined by a pair of rectangular
protrusions extending from a surface of cylindrical protrusion 144;
however, any suitable structure for engaging pivot spring may be
used.
[0038] Again, propulsion arm assembly 122 may take any suitable
form configured to engage and provide motive power to the
projectile. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, propulsion arm assembly 122
may include a pivot spring housing 156, a propulsion spring housing
158, a propulsion spring 160, a propulsion spring release housing
162, a propulsion spring release member 164, and a propulsion
spring release spring 166.
[0039] Pivot spring housing 156 may be generally hollow and
cylindrical in shape with a longitudinal axis 168 generally
corresponding to pivot axis 126. Pivot spring housing 156 may be
configured to house pivot spring 128 and include a first end 170, a
second end 172, and a plug, or wall, 174 interposed between first
and second ends 170, 172 such that pivot spring housing 156 is not
completely hollow. Pivot spring housing 156 may have an inner
diameter 176 generally corresponding to, and slightly larger than,
an outer diameter 178 of cylindrical protrusions 144, 146, such
that pivot spring housing 156 (and thus propulsion arm assembly
122) may generally rotate, or pivot, about protrusions 144, 146.
Wall 174 may include a channel 180 on a first end side 182 of the
wall, configured to engage second wire end 136. As such, pivot
spring 128 may be retained between wall 174 and first mount 140,
such that pivot spring 128 generally biases propulsion arm assembly
to launch position 130. Similar to channel 150 of first mount 140,
channel 180 may be defined by a pair of rectangular protrusions 184
extending from first end side 182 of wall 174; however, any
suitable structure for engaging pivot spring may be used.
[0040] Launching unit 56 may be assembled with pivot spring 128 in
a neutral condition when propulsion arm assembly 122 is in launch
position 130. Alternatively, launching unit 56 may be assembled
with pivot spring 128 in a pre-loaded condition when propulsion arm
assembly 122 is in launch position 130, such that pivot spring 128
provides a greater biasing force than if pivot spring 128 is not
assembled in a pre-loaded condition. However launching unit 56 is
assembled, pivot spring 128 is configured to provide enough biasing
force to pivot propulsion arm assembly 122 from a stowed position
to launch position 130 (and thus projectile 22 from stowed position
26 to launch position 30), and functionally and effectively launch
the projectile.
[0041] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, propulsion spring 160 may have a
first end 186 and a second end 188, and may be housed within
propulsion spring housing 158. As shown, propulsion spring 160 may
be a helical coil spring; however, it may be any suitable biasing
structure configured to generally provide a translational force
against the projectile. For example the propulsion spring may be a
generally resilient foam (or other suitable material) member
capable of compression and rebound.
[0042] Propulsion spring housing 158 may be fixedly attached to
pivot spring housing 156, and may be generally hollow and
cylindrical in shape with a longitudinal axis 190 generally
perpendicular to longitudinal axis 168 of pivot spring housing 156.
Propulsion spring housing 158 may include a first open end 192
configured to receive and engage the projectile, and a second
closed end 194 configured to engage second end 188 of propulsion
spring 160. Open first end 192 may (but is not required to) include
an inwardly directed lip 196 with one or more guide channels, or
notches, 198 configured to generally engage and maintain alignment
of the projectile when the projectile is engaged with the
propulsion arm assembly. In such embodiments, the projectile
includes corresponding structure configured for engagement with
notches 198, as will be discussed in more detail below.
[0043] As discussed, propulsion arm assembly 122 may further
include propulsion spring release housing 162, propulsion spring
release member 164, and propulsion spring release spring 166.
Propulsion spring release housing 162 may be fixedly coupled to
propulsion spring housing 158, and may be generally cylindrical in
shape with a longitudinal axis 200 generally perpendicular to
longitudinal axis 190 of propulsion spring housing 158, and
generally coaxial to a longitudinal axis 202 of launch trigger
member 132 when propulsion arm assembly 122 is in launch position
130. Propulsion spring release housing 162 may include a first
portion 204 generally opposite launch trigger member 132 when
propulsion arm assembly is in launch position 130, and a second
portion 206 generally adjacent launch trigger member 132 when
propulsion arm assembly 122 is in launch position 130. First
portion 204 may include an inwardly extending lip 208 on a first
end 210, generally providing an engagement surface 212 for
propulsion spring release spring 166. Second portion 206 may be
generally open at a second end 214 and configured to allow
engagement between launch trigger member 132 and propulsion spring
release member 164 when propulsion arm assembly 122 is in launch
position 130.
[0044] Now referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, propulsion spring release
member 164 of the depicted embodiment is configured to generally
slide within propulsion spring release housing 162. As such,
propulsion spring release member 164 may include a first portion
216, generally cylindrical in shape extending through lip 208 of
propulsion spring release housing 162, and a second portion 218,
also generally cylindrical in shape generally extending within
second portion 206 of propulsion spring release housing 162. Second
portion 218 includes an engagement surface 220 configured to engage
trigger member 132 when propulsion arm assembly 122 is in launch
position 130. Interposed between first and second portions 204,
206, propulsion spring release member 164 may include a third
portion 222, generally hoop-shaped with a central axis 223
generally parallel to longitudinal axis 190 of propulsion spring
housing 158. Third portion 222 provides a first engagement surface
224 for engagement with propulsion spring release spring 166, and a
second engagement surface 226 for engagement with the projectile,
as will be discussed in more detail below.
[0045] Propulsion spring release spring 166 is retained between
first engagement surface 224 of propulsion spring release member
164 and engagement surface 212 of propulsion spring release housing
162. Propulsion spring release spring 166 is depicted as a helical
coil spring; however, it may be any suitable resilient structure
configured to provide a force against propulsion spring release
member 164 in a direction defined generally away from first portion
204 and toward second portion 206 of propulsion spring release
housing 162.
[0046] As discussed, launching unit 56 may include launch trigger
member 132 coupled to base member 38 and configured to engage
engagement surface 220 of propulsion spring release member 164 when
the propulsion arm assembly is in launch position 130, thus causing
the projectile to disengage from the propulsion arm assembly and
launch. In the depicted embodiment, trigger member 132 is generally
conical in shape and includes an end surface 228 configured to
engage engagement surface 220; however, trigger member 132 may be
any suitable structure configured to functionally disengage
projectile 22 from propulsion arm assembly 122 when the projectile
is pivoted into the launch position.
[0047] Turning now to FIG. 7, projectile 22 may include a launching
unit engagement rod 230 configured for engagement with propulsion
arm assembly 122. Rod 230 may be generally elongate in form and
extend generally from the rear of projectile 22, as shown in FIGS.
1 and 2. Rod 230 may include lateral ridges 232 corresponding to,
and configured to engage, notches 198 of propulsion spring housing
158. Rod 230 may further include a barb 234 configured to engage
third portion 222 of propulsion spring release member 164.
[0048] During operation of device 20, when a user inserts rod 230
into propulsion spring housing 158, an end 236 of rod 230 generally
passes through third portion 222, forcing propulsion spring release
member 164 to compress propulsion spring release spring 166. End
236 also engages propulsion spring 160 causing it to compress. Once
end 236 passes through third portion 222, propulsion spring release
spring 166 forces propulsion spring release member 164 to slide
generally away from lip 196, thus causing third portion 222 to
engage barb 234, thereby effectively coupling projectile 22 to
propulsion arm assembly 122. Subsequently, during further operation
of device 20, as will be discussed in more detail below, when
propulsion arm assembly 122 is caused to rotate, or pivot,
projectile 22 from stowed position 26 to launch position 30,
engagement surface 220 of propulsion spring release member 164 is
caused to engage launch trigger member 132. Such engagement
functionally forces propulsion spring release member 164 to
compress propulsion spring release spring 166, disengage barb 234
from third portion 222, and effectively allow propulsion spring 160
to force rod 230 out of propulsion spring housing 158, and thus
launch projectile 22 away from launching unit 56 and carrying-case
24.
[0049] Some embodiments of device 20 also include a projectile
release mechanism 238, shown in detail in FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 9
depicts the various components of projectile release mechanism 238,
as located generally within inner central portion 64, from a
reverse perspective as that shown in FIG. 8 (i.e., Fig. shows the
components of mechanism 238 as if viewed from the opposite side of
inner central portion 64 as depicted in FIG. 8). Projectile release
mechanism 238 may be configured to engage and retain projectile 22
within carrying-case 24 when the projectile is in stowed position
26. Mechanism 238 may be further configured to automatically
disengage the projectile when the cover member is pivoted from the
closed position to within the range of open positions. However, as
similarly discussed above in reference to the launching unit,
projectile release mechanism 238 is not required to be configured
to automatically disengage the projectile when the cover member is
pivoted from the closed position. Rather, the carrying-case may
further include a release mechanism configured to be selectively
engaged by a user, such that upon engagement, projectile release
mechanism 238 disengages the projectile, allowing for the launching
unit to pivot the projectile out of the stowed position and
effectively launch the projectile away from the carrying-case.
[0050] Projectile release mechanism 238 may include an axle sleeve
240, a projectile release member 242, a passage 243 extending
though peripheral portion 92 of inner central portion 64, and a
spring 244 configured to bias projectile release member 242 toward
the projectile when it is in the stowed position. Axle sleeve 240
may be operatively connected to axle 84 (and thus the cover
member), thus having a longitudinal axis 246 generally coaxial to
axis of rotation 50. Axle sleeve 240 may include a lateral rib 248
generally parallel to longitudinal axis 246.
[0051] Projectile release member 242 may be biased to a projectile
engagement position and may include an axle sleeve rib engagement
end 252 configured to engage lateral rib 248, and a projectile
engagement end 254 configured to engage the projectile when the
projectile is in the stowed position. Correspondingly, projectile
22 may include an engagement portion 256 configured to engage
projectile engagement end 254 when the projectile is in the stowed
position, as depicted in FIG. 8. Axle sleeve rib engagement end 252
of projectile release member 242 may be generally defined by a
tooth 258 with a tip 260 generally extending toward axle sleeve
240. In order to bias projectile release member 242 to the
projectile engagement position, a first hook 262, or other suitable
structure, may extend from the axle sleeve rib engagement end 252
and be configured to engage a first end of spring 244. Similarly, a
second hook 264, or other suitable structure, may extend from an
inside surface of peripheral portion 92 and be configured to engage
a second end of spring 244. Spring 244 may therefore be a helical
coil spring with first and second ends 266 comprised generally of
end coils formed generally perpendicular to the main coils, as
shown in FIG. 9.
[0052] Therefore, when the cover member is pivoted from the closed
position to a position within the range of open positions, axle
sleeve 240 rotates, causing lateral rib 248 to engage axle sleeve
rib engagement end 252 of projectile release member 242, thereby
further causing projectile engagement end 254 of projectile release
member 242 to disengage from the projectile, as generally indicated
by the arrows in FIG. 9.
[0053] Now that embodiments of device 20 have been described in
detail in relation to the various components, it should be
understood that device 20 may be used by a user to effectively play
with, transport, and launch a toy projectile. A sequence of events
for use of the depicted embodiments of device 20 may be as follows:
[0054] (A) With or without projectile 22 stowed within
carrying-case 24, carrying-case 24 may be played with, with cover
member 40 in a closed position. For example, a user may pivot
handle portion 70 relative to storage portion 42, mimicking
flapping of the wings of a bat for example. [0055] (B) With
projectile 22 in the stowed position, a user may engage cover
member 40, and manipulate the cover member from the closed position
to within the range of open positions by overcoming the friction
between cover member edge 114 and tab 110. As the cover member is
opened: [0056] (i) lateral rib 248 may engage tooth 258 of
projectile release member 242, causing member 242 to slide
generally towards axle 84 and away from the projectile, against the
force of spring 244; [0057] (ii) projectile release member 242 may
disengage from projectile 22; [0058] (iii) projectile 22 may rotate
from the stowed position to the range of launching positions in
response to the torsional force of pivot spring 128 acting on
propulsion arm 122; [0059] (iv) projectile 22 may rotate into the
launch position causing launch trigger member 132 to engage
propulsion spring release member 164; [0060] (v) propulsion spring
release member 164 may slide within propulsion spring release
housing 162 against the force of propulsion spring release spring
166 causing barb 234 to disengage from propulsion spring release
member 164; and [0061] (vi) propulsion spring 160 may force rod 230
out of propulsion spring housing 158, thus causing projectile 22 to
launch from carrying-case, for example along a flat surface such as
a table or floor. [0062] (C) A user may then retrieve projectile 22
and reconfigure device 20 for re-launch of projectile 22, by:
[0063] (i) inserting launching unit engagement rod 230 into
propulsion spring housing 158 until barb 234 engages the propulsion
spring release member 164; [0064] (ii) rotating/pivoting projectile
22 (and thus propulsion arm assembly 122 as well) through the range
of launching positions into the stowed position, thereby causing
the projectile release member 242 to engage the projectile; and
[0065] (iii) rotating cover member 40 to the closed position and
against base member 38 by overcoming the friction between tab 110
and cover member edge 114.
[0066] It is believed that the disclosure set forth herein
encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility.
While each of these inventions has been disclosed in a preferred
form, the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated
herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous
variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions
includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations
of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties
disclosed herein. Similarly, where the claims recite "a" or "a
first" element of the equivalent thereof, such claims should be
understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements,
neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.
[0067] It is believed that the following claims particularly point
out certain combinations and subcombinations of features,
functions, elements and/or properties that may be claimed through
amendment of the present claims or presentation of new claims in
this or a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether
they are directed to a different invention or directed to the same
invention, whether different, broader, narrower or equal in scope
to the original claims, are also regarded as included within the
subject matter of the inventions of the present disclosure.
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