U.S. patent application number 11/591998 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-28 for projectile launching toy.
Invention is credited to Peter Fan, Ruben Martinez, Steed Sun.
Application Number | 20070144506 11/591998 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38192150 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070144506 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sun; Steed ; et al. |
June 28, 2007 |
Projectile launching toy
Abstract
A projectile launching toy for launching one or more projectiles
is disclosed herein. The projectile launching toy includes a
plurality of pneumatic projectile launchers, a plurality of
individual triggers each corresponding to one of the plurality of
launchers, and a master trigger. Each of the launchers is adapted
to launch a projectile loaded in the launcher in response to
actuation of the corresponding individual trigger. The plurality of
launchers are further adapted to launch projectiles in response to
actuation of the master trigger.
Inventors: |
Sun; Steed; (San Gabriel,
CA) ; Martinez; Ruben; (Whittier, CA) ; Fan;
Peter; (Torrance, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KOLISCH HARTWELL, P.C.
200 PACIFIC BUILDING
520 SW YAMHILL STREET
PORTLAND
OR
97204
US
|
Family ID: |
38192150 |
Appl. No.: |
11/591998 |
Filed: |
November 1, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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60733055 |
Nov 2, 2005 |
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60735055 |
Nov 8, 2005 |
|
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60765474 |
Feb 2, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
124/67 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41B 11/642 20130101;
F41B 11/89 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
124/067 |
International
Class: |
F41B 11/00 20060101
F41B011/00 |
Claims
1. A projectile launching toy adapted to launch one or more
projectiles, comprising: a plurality of pneumatic projectile
launchers; a plurality of individual triggers, each corresponding
to one of the plurality of launchers; wherein each of the launchers
is adapted to launch a projectile loaded in the launcher in
response to actuation of the corresponding individual trigger; and
a master trigger, wherein the plurality of launchers are adapted to
launch projectiles in response to actuation of the master
trigger.
2. The projectile launching toy of claim 1, wherein the plurality
of launchers are adapted to simultaneously launch projectiles in
response to actuation of the master trigger.
3. The projectile launching toy of claim 1, wherein: each of the
plurality of launchers include: a housing that defines a first
space adapted to receive a projectile, and a second space in fluid
communication with the first space; and a compressor movable within
the housing between a first position and a second position, wherein
moving the compressor from the second position to the first
position causes the compressor to compress air occupying the second
space thereby pneumatically launching a projectile from the first
space; and a biasing mechanism adapted to urge the compressor
towards the first position; a retaining mechanism adapted to
releasably secure the compressor in the second position; wherein
actuation of each individual trigger releases the retaining
mechanism of the corresponding launcher; and wherein actuation of
the master trigger releases the retaining mechanisms of at least
two of the launchers.
4. The projectile launching toy of claim 3, wherein actuation of
the master trigger simultaneously releases the retaining mechanisms
of at least two of the launchers.
5. The projectile launching toy of claim 3, further comprising the
one or more projectiles, each projectile including a third space
open externally, and wherein each launcher includes a nozzle
separating the first space and second space of each launcher, and
extending into the first space, the nozzle being adapted to extend
into the third space when one of the projectiles is positioned in
the one space.
6. The projectile launching toy of claim 3, wherein each housing
includes a launch tube that defines the first space, and a cylinder
that defines the second space.
7. The projectile launching toy of claim 6, wherein each compressor
includes a piston adapted to reciprocate within the cylinder as the
compressor is moved between the first position and the second
position.
8. The projectile launching toy of claim 6, wherein each compressor
includes a plunger having a first end disposed within the cylinder,
and a second end disposed outside of the cylinder, the second end
being user accessible for selectively manually moving the plunger
between the first position and the second position.
9. The projectile launching toy of claim 8, further comprising a
grasping tool adapted to be selectively secured to the second end
and to provide a user with sufficient surface area to move manually
the plunger between the first position and the second position.
10. The projectile launching toy of claim 3, wherein each
compressor has a receiver, and wherein each retaining mechanism
includes a retainer adapted to engage the receiver when the
compressor is in the second position.
11. The projectile launching toy of claim 10, wherein each trigger
includes a button, and wherein depressing the button causes the
retainer of the corresponding launcher to disengage the
receiver.
12. The projectile launching toy of claim 10, wherein actuation of
the master trigger causes the retainers of the at least two
launchers to disengage the receiver.
13. A projectile launching toy adapted to launch one or more
projectiles, comprising: first, second and third triggers; a first
pneumatic projectile launcher adapted to launch a projectile in
response to actuation of the first trigger and not in response to
actuation of the second trigger; and a second pneumatic projectile
launcher adapted to launch a projectile in response to actuation of
the second trigger and not in response to actuation of the first
trigger; and wherein the first and second launchers are adapted to
launch projectiles in response to actuation of the third
trigger.
14. The projectile launching toy of claim 13, wherein the first and
second launchers are adapted to simultaneously launch projectiles
in response to actuation of the third trigger.
15. The projectile launching toy of claim 13, wherein: the first
and second launchers each include: a housing that defines a first
space adapted to receive a projectile, and a second space in fluid
communication with the first space; and a compressor movable within
the housing between a first position and a second position, wherein
moving the compressor from the second position to the first
position causes the compressor to compress air occupying the second
space thereby pneumatically launching a projectile loaded in the
first space; a biasing mechanism adapted to urge the compressor
towards the first position; and a retaining mechanism adapted to
releasably secure the compressor in the second position; wherein
actuation of the first trigger releases the retaining mechanism of
the first launcher, and actuation of the second trigger releases
the retaining mechanism; of the second launcher; and wherein
actuation of the third trigger releases the retaining mechanisms of
both the first and second launchers.
16. The projectile launching toy of claim 15, wherein actuation of
the third trigger simultaneously releases the retaining mechanisms
of both the first and second launchers.
17. The projectile launching toy of claim 15, further comprising
the one or more projectiles including a third space open
externally, and wherein each launcher includes a nozzle separating
the first space and the second space, and extending into the first
space, the nozzle being adapted to extend into the third space of
one of the projectiles when the one projectile is loaded in the
first space.
18. The projectile launching toy of claim 15, wherein each
compressor includes a plunger having a first end disposed within
the housing, and a second end disposed outside of the housing, the
second end being user accessible for selectively manually moving
the compressor between the first position and the second
position.
19. The projectile launching toy of claim 15, wherein each
compressor has a receiver, and wherein each retaining mechanism
includes a retainer adapted to engage the receiver when the
compressor is in the second position.
20. The projectile launching toy of claim 19, wherein each of the
first and second triggers includes a button, and wherein depression
of the button causes the retainer of the corresponding launcher to
disengage the receiver.
21. The projectile launching toy of claim 19, wherein actuation of
the third trigger causes the retainers of both the first and second
launchers to disengage the receiver.
22. A projectile launching toy, comprising: a plurality of
projectile launchers each adapted to be loaded with a projectile,
wherein each launcher includes a launching mechanism selectively
movable between a first position and a second position, and wherein
moving the launcher from the second position to the first position
causes the launcher pneumatically to launch a projectile loaded in
the launcher; a plurality of individual triggers, each
corresponding to one of the plurality of launchers, and each
adapted to cause only the launching mechanism of the corresponding
launcher to move from the second position to the first position
when actuated; and a master trigger adapted to cause the launching
mechanisms of each of the launchers to move from the second
position to the first position when actuated.
23. The projectile launching toy of claim 22, wherein the master
trigger is adapted to simultaneously cause the launching mechanisms
of each of the launchers to move from the second position to the
first position when actuated.
24. The projectile launching toy of claim 22, wherein: each
launcher further includes: a biasing mechanism adapted to urge the
launching mechanism towards the first position; and a retaining
mechanism adapted to releasably secure the launching mechanism in
the second position; wherein actuation of each individual trigger
releases the retaining mechanism of the corresponding launcher; and
wherein actuation of the master trigger releases the retaining
mechanisms of each of the plurality of launchers.
25. The projectile launching toy of claim 24, wherein actuation of
the master trigger simultaneously releases the retaining mechanisms
of each of the plurality of launchers.
26. The projectile launching toy of claim 24, wherein each
retaining mechanism includes a retainer adapted to engage a
receiving portion of the launching mechanism when the launching
mechanism is in the second position.
27. The projectile launching toy of claim 26, wherein actuation of
each individual trigger causes the retainer of the corresponding
launcher to disengage the receiving portion.
28. The projectile launching toy of claim 26, wherein actuation of
the master trigger simultaneously causes the retainers of each of
the plurality of projectile launchers to disengage.
29. A projectile launching toy, comprising: a plurality of
projectile launchers, each including: a housing including a launch
tube adapted to receive a projectile; a launching mechanism
selectively movable between a first position and a second position,
and adapted to pneumatically launch a projectile loaded in the
launch tube when moved from the second position to the first
position; a biasing mechanism adapted to urge the piston towards
the first position; and a retaining mechanism adapted to releasably
secure the launching mechanism in the second position; a plurality
of release mechanisms, each corresponding to one of the plurality
of launchers, and each adapted to selectively release only the
retaining mechanism of the corresponding projectile launcher; and a
master release mechanism adapted to simultaneously release the
retaining mechanisms from all of the plurality of projectile
launchers.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/733,055
entitled "Projectile Launching Toy," filed Nov. 2, 2005, U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/735,055 entitled
"Projectile Launching Toy," filed Nov. 8, 2005, and U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/765,474 entitled
"Projectile Launching Toy," filed Feb. 2, 2006, the complete
disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference for all
purposes.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Over the years, projectile launching toys have proven to be
a very popular type of toy. Not surprisingly, practitioners in the
art have provided a variety of such toys utilizing various
apparatus for launching projectiles. Such launching apparatus have
included the use of stored energy within a spring acting directly
upon the projectile, and the use of pressurized air acting upon the
projectile, which is either derived from a pressurized reservoir or
from a spring-driven pump that pneumatically compresses air within
a compression chamber. The common factor of such projectile
launching toys is to impart sufficient energy to the projectile to
achieve successful launch.
[0003] Examples of projectile launching toys may be found in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 1,818,264; 2,321,076; 2,708,430; 2,725,869; 3,774,586;
4,137,666; 4,732,136; 4,841,655; 4,848,307; 5,156,137; 5,186,156;
5,224,464; 5,284,274; 5,343,850; 5,373,832; 5,381,928; 5,415,151;
5,529,050; 5,553,598; 5,653,215; 5,711,285; 5,803,060; 5,901,693;
5,975,068; 6,055,910; 6,067,975; 6,076,513; 6,250,294; 6,698,414;
and 6,904,901; U.S. Patent Application Nos. 2002/0193045; and
2005/0183708; and Foreign Application Nos. GB 1,452,806; and GB
2,148,137, the entire disclosures of which are herein incorporated
by reference for all purposes.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0004] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a
projectile launching toy.
[0005] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the projectile launching
toy of FIG. 1 launching a projectile.
[0006] FIG. 3 shows a sectional side view of a projectile launcher
from the projectile launching toy of FIG. 1 with the plunger in an
uncocked position.
[0007] FIG. 4 shows another sectional side view of a projectile
launcher from the projectile launching toy of FIG. 1 with the
plunger in a cocked position.
[0008] FIG. 5 shows a rear view of the projectile launching toy of
FIG. 1 with the rear securing plate removed.
Detailed Description of the Invention
[0009] FIGS. 1 and 2 show an exemplary projectile launching toy 10.
In this example, the projectile launching toy is adapted to
selectively launch a plurality of projectiles, either independently
or simultaneously, and is configured for use with an action FIG.
12.
[0010] The projectile launching toy 10 may include a plurality of
pneumatic projectile launchers 14, a trigger assembly 16, and a
handle portion 18. Each pneumatic projectile launcher 14 is
attached to the handle portion 18, and is adapted to selectively
launch a projectile 20. The trigger assembly 16 is operatively
coupled to each of the plurality of projectile launchers, and is
adapted to enable a user to selectively launch (a) each of the
projectile launchers independently; or (b) more than one of the
projectile launchers simultaneously. The handle portion is adapted
to attach the projectile launching toy to the action FIG. 12.
[0011] FIGS. 3-5 show aspects of an exemplary pneumatic projectile
launcher 14 for launching a projectile 20. As shown in FIGS. 3 and
4, each projectile launcher 14 may include a housing 22, a
compressor 24, a biasing mechanism 25, and a retaining mechanism
26. Each projectile launcher's housing 22 may include an inner wall
28 having at least a first portion 28a and a second portion 28b.
Each projectile launcher's first portion 28a may define a launch
chamber, wherein the launch chamber is a space within the housing
having a size and shape appropriate for receiving a correspondingly
sized and shaped projectile 20 therewithin. For example, the first
portion 28a may be a tube or pipe that defines a substantially
cylindrical hollow inner space appropriate for receiving a
substantially cylindrical projectile. Each projectile launcher's
second portion 28b may define a compression chamber in fluid
communication with the launch chamber, wherein the compression
chamber is a space within the housing having a size and shape
appropriate for receiving a correspondingly sized and shaped
compressor 24 therewithin. For example, the second portion 28b may
be a tube or pipe that defines a substantially cylindrical hollow
inner space appropriate for receiving a substantially cylindrical
portion of the compressor. As described in more detail below, each
pneumatic projectile launcher 14 may be adapted so that the
compressor 24 reciprocates between a first uncocked position (shown
in FIG. 3) and a second cocked position (shown in FIG. 4) within
the compression chamber. As the compressor moves from the second
position to the first position, the compressor compresses the air
within the compression chamber thereby forcing air into the launch
chamber, whereby a projectile 20 loaded in the launch chamber is
pneumatically launched from the projectile launcher 14. The launch
chamber and the compression chamber may be disposed adjacent to one
another, or may be disposed separately, or even remotely, from one
another, provided they are in fluid communication with each
other.
[0012] Each projectile launcher's housing 22 may further include a
conduit 28c, such as a nozzle 29, that separates and defines the
fluid channel between the launch chamber from the compression
chamber. The conduit 28c may direct air being forced from the
compression chamber by the compressor 24 into the launch chamber,
and/or into projectile 20 itself. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3
and 4 and discussed below, nozzle 29 may extend into a hollow
portion 30 at the center of projectile 20, which may be a space for
receiving the air compressed by the compressor as it passes through
the conduit.
[0013] As indicated above, each projectile launcher's compressor 24
is adapted to reciprocate within the compression chamber, thereby
compressing the air occupying the compression chamber, and
pneumatically launching projectile 20 from the launch chamber. The
compressor 24, which may include a plunger or any other suitable
structure, includes a first end 24a positioned within the
compression chamber, and a second end 24b positioned outside of the
compression chamber. The first end 24a may engage the housing's
second inner portion 28b so as to form a substantially air-tight
seal. For example, the first end may include a piston 31 having an
o-ring 32 that provides a substantially air-tight seal with inner
portion 28b, such that moving the compressor: (a) from the uncocked
position (FIG. 3) to the cocked position (FIG. 4) along arrow X
causes the piston 31 to draw air from outside the housing 28
through either the launch chamber, or through a one-way valve
disposed in the center of the compressor (not shown), and into the
compression chamber; and (b) from the cocked position (FIG. 4) to
the uncocked position (FIG. 3) along arrow Y causes the piston 31
to compress the air occupying the compression chamber, and to force
the compressed air through the conduit 28c into the launch chamber
and/or into the projectile 20 itself. FIG. 4 shows arrows
representing the air as it is being compressed within the
compression chamber and forced through the conduit into a
projectile. After the air has been forced through the conduit into
the launch chamber and/or into the projectile, the projectile 20 is
pneumatically launched from the launch chamber, as shown in FIG.
2.
[0014] The compressor's second end 24b is positioned outside of the
compression chamber, and thus may be user accessible for
selectively moving the compressor between the cocked position and
the uncocked position. For example, as can be seen in FIG. 2, the
second end 24b may protrude slightly from the back end of the
pneumatic projectile launcher 10 so that a user can engage the
second end. In some embodiments, the second end 24b may have
sufficient surface area outside of the cylinder to enable a user to
manually grasp and move the compressor with their fingers. In other
embodiments, the second end 24b may lack sufficient surface area
outside of the cylinder to enable a user to grasp and move the
compressor with their fingers when the compressor is in the
uncocked position. In these other embodiments, the second end may
include one or more engagement members 34 (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4)
for lockingly, or opposably engaging the corresponding engagement
members 36 of a grasping tool 38, as shown in FIG. 2. The grasping
tool 36 may thus function to provide a user with sufficient surface
area to manually engage and move the plunger with their fingers
when the plunger is in the uncocked position.
[0015] Each projectile launcher's compressor 24 may further include
a receiver 40 for receiving a retaining mechanism 26, whereby the
compressor is retained by the retaining mechanism in the cocked
position. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the receiver 40
may be a notch on the compressor, or any other suitable structure,
that is moved into position for engagement with the retaining
mechanism 26, as described in more detail below.
[0016] Each projectile launcher's biasing mechanism 25 is adapted
to urge the compressor towards the uncocked position. As shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4, the biasing mechanism may include a compression
spring. However, any biasing mechanism may be used. The biasing
mechanism may be disposed within or without the housing. The
biasing mechanism may apply sufficient force so as: (a) to allow
users of varying strengths to manually move the compressor against
the biasing force (i.e. along arrow X); and (b) to cause the
compressor to move from the cocked position to the uncocked
position (i.e. along arrow Y) with sufficient speed to
pneumatically launch a projectile from the launch chamber.
[0017] Each projectile launcher's retaining mechanism 26 is adapted
to releasably secure the compressor in the cocked position. For
example, as shown in FIGS. 3-5, the retaining mechanism may include
a retainer 42, such as a latch or any other suitable mechanism, for
engaging the receiver 40 on compressor 24. Each projectile
launcher's retainer 42 may be positioned along a plane that is
substantially perpendicular to the reciprocating axis of the
projectile launcher's compressor 24. When the compressor is in the
cocked position, the retainer 42 may reciprocate as shown by arrow
Z between a non-retaining position (as shown in FIG. 3 and the two
lower-most retaining mechanisms 26 in FIG. 5) and a retaining
position (as shown in FIG. 4 and the upper-most retaining mechanism
26 in FIG. 5). The retainer may thus be moved into the retaining
position, whereby the retainer engages the projectile launcher's
receiver 40, and prevents the projectile launcher's biasing
mechanism 25 from moving the compressor 24 from the cocked to the
uncocked position. The retainer may thereafter be selectively
released by the trigger assembly 16, as described in detail
below.
[0018] Each projectile launcher's retaining mechanism 26 may
include one or more guides for restricting the relative motion of
the retainer 42. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, each retaining
mechanism may include one or more lateral guides 46 for restricting
the lateral motion of the retainer 42 relative to the retainer's
reciprocating axis. Each retaining mechanism may also include one
or more guide pegs 48 that matingly engage a slot or recess 50 on
the retainer 42, thereby restricting both lateral and transverse
motion of the retainer relative to the retainer's reciprocating
axis.
[0019] Each projectile launcher's retaining mechanism 26 may be
adapted to automatically engage the projectile launcher's receiver
40 when the compressor 24 is in the cocked position. For example,
as shown in FIGS. 3-5, the retaining mechanism 26 may include a
biasing mechanism 44 that urges the retainer 42 along arrow Z
towards the retaining position when a particular projectile
launcher's compressor 24 is in the cocked position (FIG. 4). The
biasing mechanism may thereby automatically "cock" the projectile
launcher 14 for selective actuation, as described below.
[0020] The projectile launching toy's trigger assembly 16 is
operatively coupled to each of the plurality of projectile
launchers, and is adapted to enable a user to selectively launch
(a) each of the projectile launchers independently; or (b) more
than one of the projectile launchers simultaneously. As shown in
FIGS. 2 and 5, the trigger assembly 16 may include a housing 52, a
plurality of individual triggers 54 and a master trigger 56.
[0021] Each of the plurality of individual triggers 54 may
correspond to one of the plurality of pneumatic projectile
launchers 14, and may be adapted to enable a user to selectively
launch a projectile from the corresponding pneumatic projectile
launcher independently of the other pneumatic projectile launchers.
For example, each individual trigger 54 may be adapted to release
the retaining mechanism 26 of the corresponding pneumatic
projectile launcher 14. As shown in FIG. 5, each individual trigger
54 may be a button that protrudes from the housing 52 when the
retainer 42 is in the retaining position (see the upper most
retaining mechanism 26 in FIG. 5). The individual trigger 54 may be
integral with the retainer 42, or may be a separate component of
the projectile launching toy 10. Actuating the trigger 54 (e.g.
depressing the button) manually moves the corresponding pneumatic
projectile launcher's retainer 42 from the retaining to the
non-retaining position, thereby causing the retainer to disengage
the compressor's receiver 40. The corresponding pneumatic
projectile launcher's biasing mechanism 25 may thereafter move the
compressor 24 from the cocked to the uncocked position, thereby
pneumatically launching a projectile from the launch chamber, as
described above.
[0022] The master trigger 56 may be adapted to enable a user to
selectively launch a projectile from more than one of the pneumatic
projectile launchers 14 simultaneously. For example, the master
trigger 56 may be adapted to simultaneously release the retaining
mechanisms 26 of each the plurality of pneumatic projectile
launchers 14, such that any projectile launcher that is "cocked"
launches a projectile from its launch chamber. As shown in FIG. 5,
the master trigger 56 may be an actuator that is rotatably mounted
behind the plurality of pneumatic projectile launchers along
rotational axis R. The master trigger 56 may have: (a) a first
portion 56a positioned within the housing 52 adjacent to each of
the pneumatic projectile launcher's retaining mechanisms 26; and
(b) a second portion 56b that protrudes from the housing 52. A user
may selectively rotate the first portion 56a between a first
rotational position (shown in FIG. 5) and a second rotational
position (not shown) by moving the second portion 56b through path
P. The master trigger 56 may also include one or more engagement
members for selectively engaging engagement members on each of the
pneumatic projectile launcher's retainers 42. Engagement members on
the master trigger 56 and the retainers 42 may include spokes,
slots, recesses, holes, bumps, nubs, cams, walls, gears, or any
other suitable structure. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the
first portion 56a may be a wheel having spokes 58, and the
retainers 42 may include cams 60 that are positioned within the
recesses between the spokes. Each retainer 42 may be adapted so
that the master trigger's spokes 58 can only engage the retainer's
cams 60 when the retainer is in the retaining position (i.e. when
the particular pneumatic projectile launcher 14 is "cocked").
Actuating the master trigger 56 (i.e. using the second portion 56b
to rotate the first portion 56a from the first rotational position
to the second rotational position) causes the spokes 58 to engage
the cam 60 of any retainer 42 that is in the retaining position,
whereby these retainers are moved to the non-retaining position and
are disengaged from the corresponding compressor's receiver 40. The
master trigger thus releases the retaining mechanism 26 of every
"cocked" pneumatic projectile launcher 14, thereby simultaneously
launching projectiles 20 from each of their launch chambers.
[0023] The projectile launching toy's handle portion 18 is adapted
to attach the projectile launching toy to the action FIG. 12. As
shown in FIGS. 1-2, the handle portion may include a rear handle
62, and a front handle 64. The rear handle 62 may be adapted to
engage the action figure's shoulder when the action figure is
holding the projectile launching toy in either a horizontal upright
position, or a vertical lowered position. The front handle 64 may
have a size and shape that corresponds to the size and shape of the
action figure's hand, such that the hand may grip the front handle,
as shown. The front handle 64 may also be slidably adjustable
relative to the rear handle so as to enable attachment of the
projectile launching toy to various action figures having
differently sized bodies and/or arms.
[0024] Each pneumatic projectile launcher's projectile 20 may have
a size and shape that complements the size and shape of its
corresponding launch chamber. Each projectile may therefore be
inserted into the launch chamber in a relatively snug manner, so as
to enable pneumatic launching of the projectile. The projectiles 20
may be made of foam, rubber or any other suitable material. As
shown in FIGS. 3-4, the projectile 20 may include a hollow portion
30 for receiving a nozzle 29. Air forced from the compression
chamber through the nozzle by the compressor 24 enters the hollow
portion of the projectile, thus causing the projectile to be
pneumatically launched from the launch chamber. The projectile 20
may further include a plug 66 that fits into the hollow portion and
creates a substantially air-tight seal. The plug 66 may or may not
be integral with, or made of the same material as, the remainder of
the projectile.
[0025] The projectile launching toy may have a plurality of
differently sized and shaped pneumatic projectile launchers 14,
each having projectiles 20 with a corresponding shape and size.
Thus, the projectile launching toy may be analogous to a "gear pod"
having different weapons, missiles, tools, or other projectiles
launched from each projectile launcher. For example, a first
projectile launcher may be adapted to fire a missile, a second
projectile launcher may be adapted to fire a grappling hook, a
third projectile launcher may be adapted to fire a cannonball, and
a fourth projectile launcher may be adapted to fire a bola. Any
number of projectile launchers may be used.
[0026] Some projectile launching toys may include one or more
non-pneumatic projectile launchers instead of or in addition to the
pneumatic projectile launchers. For example, some projectile
launching toys may include: (a) one or more mechanical projectile
launchers adapted to selectively fire projectiles with a spring, a
rubber band, or some other type of mechanical device; (b) one or
more cap actuated projectile launchers; and/or (c) one or more
water guns. The master trigger for these projectile launching toys
may be adapted to selectively actuate some or all of the
non-pneumatic and/or pneumatic projectile launchers
simultaneously.
[0027] The projectile launching toys disclosed herein may be
fabricated from any suitable material, or combination of materials,
such as plastic, foamed plastic, wood, cardboard, pressed paper,
metal, or the like. A suitable material may be selected to provide
a desirable combination of weight, strength, durability, cost,
manufacturability, appearance, safety, and the like. Suitable
plastics may include high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density
polyethylene (LDPE), polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
(ABS), polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET),
polypropylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), or the like. Suitable
foamed plastics may include expanded or extruded polystyrene,
expanded or extruded polypropylene, EVA foam, or the like.
[0028] An exemplary projectile launching toy adapted to launch one
or more projectiles includes: (A) a plurality of pneumatic
projectile launchers; (B) a plurality of individual triggers, each
corresponding to one of the plurality of launchers, wherein each of
the launchers is adapted to launch a projectile loaded in the
launcher in response to actuation of the corresponding individual
trigger; and (C) a master trigger, wherein the plurality of
launchers are adapted to launch projectiles in response to
actuation of the master trigger.
[0029] Another exemplary projectile launching toy adapted to launch
one or more projectiles includes: (A) first, second and third
triggers; (B) a first pneumatic projectile launcher adapted to
launch a projectile in response to actuation of the first trigger
and not in response to actuation of the second trigger; and (C) a
second pneumatic projectile launcher adapted to launch a projectile
in response to actuation of the second trigger and not in response
to actuation of the first trigger; wherein the first and second
launchers are adapted to launch projectiles in response to
actuation of the third trigger.
[0030] Another exemplary projectile launching toy adapted to launch
one or more projectiles includes: (A) a plurality of projectile
launchers each adapted to be loaded with a projectile, wherein each
launcher includes a launching mechanism selectively movable between
a first position and a second position, and wherein moving the
launcher from the second position to the first position causes the
launcher pneumatically to launch a projectile loaded in the
launcher; (B) a plurality of individual triggers, each
corresponding to one of the plurality of launchers, and each
adapted to cause only the launching mechanism of the corresponding
launcher to move from the second position to the first position
when actuated; and (C) a master trigger adapted to cause the
launching mechanisms of each of the launchers to move from the
second position to the first position when actuated.
[0031] Another exemplary projectile launching toy adapted to launch
one or more projectiles includes: (A) a plurality of projectile
launchers, each including (i) a housing including a launch tube
adapted to receive a projectile, (ii) a launching mechanism
selectively movable between a first position and a second position,
and adapted to pneumatically launch a projectile loaded in the
launch tube when moved from the second position to the first
position, (iii) a biasing mechanism adapted to urge the piston
towards the first position, and (iv) a retaining mechanism adapted
to releasably secure the launching mechanism in the second
position; (B) a plurality of release mechanisms, each corresponding
to one of the plurality of launchers, and each adapted to
selectively release only the retaining mechanism of the
corresponding projectile launcher; and (C) a master release
mechanism adapted to simultaneously release the retaining
mechanisms from all of the plurality of projectile launchers.
[0032] It is believed that this disclosure encompasses multiple
distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these
inventions has been described in its best mode, numerous variations
are contemplated. All novel and non-obvious combinations and
subcombinations of the described and/or illustrated elements,
features, functions, and properties should be recognized as being
included within the scope of this disclosure. Applicant reserves
the right to claim one or more of the inventions in any application
related to this disclosure. Where the disclosure or claims recite
"a," "a first," or "another" element, or the equivalent thereof,
they should be interpreted to include one or more such elements,
neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.
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