U.S. patent application number 13/740002 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-17 for multiple toy rocket launching system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Geospace International. The applicant listed for this patent is Dennis Binkley, Jesse Binkley. Invention is credited to Dennis Binkley, Jesse Binkley.
Application Number | 20140196707 13/740002 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51164223 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140196707 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Binkley; Jesse ; et
al. |
July 17, 2014 |
MULTIPLE TOY ROCKET LAUNCHING SYSTEM
Abstract
The system includes a foot-generated air pump, a launch hose
which extends from the air pump and a plurality of tube launchers
in fluid communication with the launch hose, extending outwardly
therefrom. Individual toy foam rockets are adapted to fit in a
fluid-tight relationship with the launch tubes.
Inventors: |
Binkley; Jesse; (Seattle,
WA) ; Binkley; Dennis; (Seattle, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Binkley; Jesse
Binkley; Dennis |
Seattle
Seattle |
WA
WA |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Geospace International
Seattle
WA
|
Family ID: |
51164223 |
Appl. No.: |
13/740002 |
Filed: |
January 11, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
124/59 ;
124/56 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 27/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
124/59 ;
124/56 |
International
Class: |
A63H 27/14 20060101
A63H027/14 |
Claims
1. A launch system for air toys, comprising: an air pump; a
flexible launch hose which extends from the air pump; at least one
launch tube in fluid communication with the launch hose, adapted to
receive an air toy; and at least one air toy, adapted to fit on the
launch tube, wherein in operation, pressure on the air pump results
in a burst of air moving through the length of the launch hose and
into the launch tube, forcing the air toy off of the launch tube
and into the air.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the air pump is foot
operated.
3. The system of claim 1, including a plurality of launch tubes in
fluid communication with the launch hose and a plurality of air
toys fitable thereon.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the launch tubes are in the
vicinity of the distal end of the launch hose.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the launch tube or tubes are
swivelable about the launch hose so as to provide different angles
for launching air toys.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the launch tubes have an angle of
rotation of approximately 45.degree. to both sides of vertical.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the air toys are foam rockets.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates generally to air launched toy rockets
and more specifically concerns a launching system for one or more
such toy rockets.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Air pressure launch mechanisms for toys, including toy
rockets, are well known. One example of a hand-held system is shown
in U.S. Pat. No. 6,568,985 owned by the assignee of the present
invention. However, such existing hand held pump toys are somewhat
limited in the range of toy rocket flight which they can produce.
Further, although some systems have an arrangement which includes
multiple rockets, they can only launch one rocket at a time. Hence,
it would be desirable to have a toy rocket air launch system which
produces longer/higher flights, and is able to launch more than one
rocket at a time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Accordingly, the launch system for air toys comprises: an
air pump; a flexible launch hose which extends from the air pump;
at least one launch tube in fluid communication with the launch
hose, adapted to receive an air toy; and at least one air toy,
adapted to fit on the launch tube, wherein in operation, pressure
on the air pump results in a burst of air moving through the length
of the launch hose and into the launch tube, forcing the air toy
off of the launch tube and into the air.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an air launch system showing
rockets positioned thereon prior to launch.
[0005] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a portion of the air
launching system of FIG. 1, without rockets in position.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0006] FIG. 1 shows the launching system generally at 10 with a
plurality of rockets 12, 14 and 16. The launch system includes an
air pump 18 which is conventional in style and operation. It
includes a flat pad 20 for positioning the pump on a surface and an
air bladder 22 which fills with air following each operation by
means of a one-way inlet valve 23. Extending from the air bladder
22 is a flexible plastic launch hose 24. The launch hose can be of
various lengths but in the embodiment shown is approximately 3-4
feet in length, with an internal diameter of approximately 1/2
inch. Positioned near the distal end of launch hose 24 is a
plurality of hollow launch tubes 26, 28 and 30. The launch tubes
are a rigid plastic and typically include a base ring. In the
embodiment shown, the launch tubes are approximately 12 inches
high. The interior of the hollow launch tubes connect with the
interior of the launch hose 24 so that there is a fluid connection
between launch hose 24 and the launch tubes. In the embodiment
shown there are three launch tubes, but this number could vary. The
launch tubes 26, 28 and 30 are each swivelable about the launch
hose so the rockets can be launched at various angles. In the
embodiment shown, the angle of the launch tubes is 45.degree. in
both directions from the vertical. Further, anchoring elements 32
and 34 anchor the portion of the launch hose containing the launch
tubes to the surface so as to maintain a stable launch for the
rockets.
[0007] Rockets 34, 36 and 38 are adapted to be positioned on the
launch tubes 26, 28 and 30. The rockets may be of various
configurations. In the embodiment shown, the rockets are foam,
approximately 8-10 inches high and have fins at the rear end
therefor for flight stabilization.
[0008] In operation, the rockets are positioned on the launch tubes
in an airtight relationship while permitting the rockets to be
launched off the launch tube by a burst of air pressure from the
pump 18.
[0009] Prior to operation, air bladder 22 is full of air. The user
then will then press hard and quickly on the air bladder, typically
by jumping directly on the air bladder. This will very quickly
depress the air bladder, forcing a burst of air through the launch
hose and then through one or more of the launch tubes. The air
pressure is sufficient to force the rockets off of their launch
tubes, and will typically result in the rockets flying up to 300
feet, thereby achieving one of the desired features of the launch
system. One, two or all three rockets can be launched at one time.
The rockets will then be retrieved by the user. When the user
releases pressure from the air bladder, the air bladder will
inflate to normal pressure. The system is ready for its next
launch.
[0010] Hence an air launching system for toy rockets has been
disclosed. The system includes the capability of launching one or
more rockets at the same time while producing an extended length
and/or height of flight.
[0011] Although a preferred embodiment of the invention has been
disclosed for purposes of illustration, it should be understood
that various changes, modifications and substitutions may be
incorporated in the embodiment without departing from the spirit of
the invention, which is defined by the claims which follow.
* * * * *