U.S. patent application number 14/230195 was filed with the patent office on 2015-03-05 for smoke emitting toy.
This patent application is currently assigned to Buzz Bee Toys (H.K.) Co., Limited. The applicant listed for this patent is Buzz Bee Toys (H.K.) Co., Limited. Invention is credited to Chor-Ming Ma, Jeffrey C. Zimmerman.
Application Number | 20150065006 14/230195 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52583885 |
Filed Date | 2015-03-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150065006 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zimmerman; Jeffrey C. ; et
al. |
March 5, 2015 |
Smoke Emitting Toy
Abstract
A toy gun in the form of a breech loading rifle is provided
which is capable of firing a projectile such as a dart as well as
simultaneously or near simultaneously emitting smoke from the
muzzle of a barrel of the gun after the dart has been discharged
from the muzzle. The toy gun has first and second rechargeable air
pumps. A first one of the air pumps automatically discharges stored
air into a breech part of the barrel in order to propel a loaded
projectile from the gun's barrel. A second one of the air pumps
expels stored air through a flow restriction device which doubles
up as a pressure switch for actuating a smoke generator located
adjacent to the muzzle of the gun. The second air pump also
provides a low flow rate of air through the smoke generator to
expel smoke from the smoke generator. The second air pump expels
stored air much more slowly than the first air pump. The first and
second air pumps are simultaneously triggered to release stored air
by user actuation of a trigger of the gun. The smoke generator has
an outlet in gaseous communication with the muzzle portion of the
barrel such that smoke emitted by the generator passes into the
muzzle portion of the barrel prior to exhausting from the
muzzle.
Inventors: |
Zimmerman; Jeffrey C.; (King
of Prussia, PA) ; Ma; Chor-Ming; (Kowloon,
HK) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Buzz Bee Toys (H.K.) Co., Limited |
Kowloon |
|
HK |
|
|
Assignee: |
Buzz Bee Toys (H.K.) Co.,
Limited
Kowloon
HK
|
Family ID: |
52583885 |
Appl. No.: |
14/230195 |
Filed: |
March 31, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14018534 |
Sep 5, 2013 |
|
|
|
14230195 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
446/24 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41B 7/08 20130101; A63H
33/28 20130101; A63H 5/04 20130101; A63J 5/025 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/24 |
International
Class: |
A63H 5/04 20060101
A63H005/04; A63H 33/28 20060101 A63H033/28 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 4, 2013 |
HK |
13110306.3 |
Claims
1. A toy gun comprising: a barrel; means for discharging a
projectile from a muzzle of the barrel; and a smoke generator
arranged to emit smoke when the discharging means has been actuated
to discharge a projectile from the muzzle.
2. The toy gun of claim 1, wherein the smoke generator has an
outlet in gaseous communication with a portion of the barrel such
that smoke emitted by the smoke generator passes into the portion
of the barrel.
3. The toy gun of claim 1, wherein the smoke generator is arranged
to be on for a predetermined period of time from a point in time
when the discharging means is actuated, or from a point in time a
short period of time after the discharging means is actuated.
4. The toy gun of claim 1, wherein the means for discharging
comprises a first gas storage device for discharging gas into a
rear portion of the barrel to cause a projectile loaded in the
barrel to be discharged at speed from the muzzle of the barrel.
5. The toy gun of claim 4, wherein the smoke generator has a
housing, the housing having an inlet and an outlet, and the toy gun
further comprises; a second gas storage device having an outlet
connected to the inlet of the housing; means for automatically
expelling some gas from the second gas storage device in response
to a trigger event whereby at least some of said released gas is
conveyed to the inlet of the housing, said released gas passing
into the housing via the inlet and exiting the housing via the
outlet, said gas exiting the housing carrying with it some smoke
generated by the smoke generator.
6. The toy gun of claim 5, wherein the first and/or second gas
storage device is a manually rechargeable gas storage device and
wherein the or each gas storage device comprises a pump and the or
each pump comprises a cylinder housing a piston, the piston being
adapted for movement within the cylinder to expel air from the
cylinder through a pump outlet and wherein the or each pump is
rechargeable with air by drawing the piston away from the pump
outlet causing air to be drawn into the cylinder via a pump
inlet.
7. The toy gun of claim 6, wherein the or each pump is arranged
such that, once the piston is withdrawn away from the outlet to a
pumped charged position, a latching means holds the piston in its
pump charged position against a biasing force of a biasing means
whereupon, in response to a trigger event, the latching means
releases the piston, which, under a force exerted by the biasing
means, moves towards the pump outlet thereby expelling air stored
in the cylinder through the pump outlet.
8. The toy gun of claim 7, wherein the biasing means of the first
gas storage device is adapted to exert a substantially larger
biasing force than the biasing means of the second gas storage
device.
9. The toy gun of claim 5, wherein it further comprises a gas flow
restriction device in a gas passageway connecting the outlet of the
second gas storage device to the inlet of the smoke generator
housing, whereby the gas flow restriction device controls the flow
rate of released gas into the housing of the smoke generator.
10. The toy gun of claim 9, wherein the gas flow restriction device
has a moveable member arranged such that gas pressure exerted on
said moveable member by released gas causes said member to move
from a first position to a second position.
11. A smoke emitting system for a toy, comprising: a smoke
generator having a housing, the housing having an inlet and an
outlet; a gas storage device having an outlet connected to the
inlet of the housing; means for automatically expelling some gas
from the gas storage device in response to a trigger event whereby
at least some of said released gas is conveyed to the inlet of the
housing, said released gas passing into the housing via the inlet
and exiting the housing via the outlet, said gas exiting the
housing carrying with it some smoke generated by the smoke
generator.
12. The smoke emitting system of claim 11, wherein the rechargeable
gas storage device is a manually rechargeable gas storage device
and wherein the gas storage device comprises a pump and the pump
comprises a cylinder housing a piston, the piston being adapted for
movement within the cylinder to expel air from the cylinder through
a pump outlet and wherein the pump is rechargeable with air by
drawing the piston away from the pump outlet causing air to be
drawn into the cylinder via a pump inlet.
13. The smoke emitting system of claim 12, wherein the pump is
arranged such that, once the piston is withdrawn away from the
outlet to a pumped charged position, a latching means holds the
piston in its pump charged position against a biasing force of a
biasing means whereupon, in response to a trigger event, the
latching means releases the piston, which, under a force exerted by
the biasing means, moves towards the pump outlet thereby expelling
air stored in the cylinder through the pump outlet.
14. The smoke emitting system of claim 11, wherein a same trigger
event triggers automatic release of some gas from the gas storage
device and automatically switches on the smoke generator to cause
the smoke generator to start generating smoke.
15. The smoke emitting system of claim 11, wherein it comprises a
gas flow restriction device in a gas passageway connecting the
outlet of the gas storage device to the inlet of the smoke
generator housing, whereby the gas flow restriction device controls
the flow rate of released gas into the housing of the smoke
generator.
16. A smoke generator for a toy, comprising: a housing; a wick; and
a heating element arranged close to a portion of the wick within
the housing such that when the heating element is actuated and
becomes sufficiently hot it causes oil in the wick to smoke;
wherein the housing is adapted to receive a smoke oil container and
another portion of the wick is positioned relative to the housing
to enter the container to draw smoke oil therefrom by a wicking
action and the housing has means for piercing a seal of the smoke
oil container as said smoke oil container is being received at the
housing.
17. The smoke generator of claim 16, wherein the portion of the
wick positioned to enter the smoke oil container when it is being
received at the housing is enclosed by the piercing means.
18. A gas flow restriction device for a toy, comprising: a housing
having an inlet and an outlet, said housing defining a gas flow
passageway between said inlet and said outlet; and a moveable
member arranged in the gas flow passageway such that pressure of
gas entering the inlet exerted on said moveable member causes said
member to move from a first position to a second position against
the action of a biasing means which normally holds the moveable
member in its first position.
19. The gas flow restriction device of claim 18, wherein the
moveable member includes a sealing member which slidingly engages
an internal surface of the housing.
20. The gas flow restriction device of claim 18, wherein a separate
restrictor member is provided in the gas flow passageway to
restrict gas flow through said passageway.
Description
[0001] This is a continuation in part application of co-pending
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/018,534, filed 2013 Sep. 5
which claims priority to Hong Kong patent application Number
13110306.3, filed 2013 Sep. 4.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a smoke emitting toy and
particularly, but not exclusively to a toy gun in the form of a
breech loading rifle which is capable of firing a projectile as
well as emitting smoke.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Smoke emitting toys are known. For example, U.S. Pat. No.
4,741,717 discloses a doll. The doll has a smoke generator and a
manually actuated air pump. To emit smoke from the doll, a user
manually depresses a switch to power a heating element to heat an
oil containing wick to produce smoke and manually depresses a
piston of the pump to cause air to flow through the smoke
generating chamber to convey smoke to a smoke outlet. This
disclosure requires the user to continuously manually operate the
switch to produce smoke whilst manually operating the pump to expel
smoke.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,205,771 discloses a toy airplane for
producing smoke filled bubbles. A manually actuated air bellows and
a smoke generator mechanism are connected to a tube having an
aperture. A soapy liquid film is provided over the aperture. In
use, a user manually actuates both the air bellows and a switch of
the smoke generating mechanism continuously to cause smoke laden
air to exit the aperture through the soapy film thereby producing
smoke filled bubbles.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,512,001 discloses a toy vehicle having a
smoke generating mechanism and an air bellows. The air bellows is
linked to a spoiler part of the vehicle by a mechanical linkage.
Repeated manual depression of the spoiler causes the air bellows to
expel air through the smoke generating mechanism to thereby emit
smoke from an exhaust pipe of the toy vehicle.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,421,502 discloses a toy gun with a smoke
generating chamber. A diaphragm extends across a rear part of the
chamber. A reciprocating actuator moveable in response to
continuous actuation of a trigger causes movement of the diaphragm
thereby causing smoke to be emitted as a series of smoke rings from
the toy gun.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 7,789,729 discloses a toy gun in the form of a
breech loadable toy shotgun. Shells can be loaded into over and
under barrels at the breech. The shells are automatically ejected
from the breech when the gun is opened. A smoke generator is
positioned near the breech to emit smoke in the breech chamber when
the gun is opened. The toy gun does not discharge any
projectiles.
[0008] It is realized by the inventors that none of the prior art
toys provides the ability to fire a toy projectile whilst emitting
smoke in response to the firing of a projectile. It would be
desirable to provide a toy having the aforementioned
capabilities.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0009] An object of the invention is to mitigate or obviate to some
degree one or more problems associated with prior art smoke
emitting toys.
[0010] The above object is met by the combination of features of
the main claims; the sub-claims disclose further advantageous
embodiments of the invention.
[0011] Another object of the invention is to provide an improved
smoke emitting toy.
[0012] Another object of the invention is to provide a toy gun
having the ability to fire a toy projectile whilst emitting smoke
following firing of the projectile.
[0013] Another object of the invention is to provide a toy gun
having the ability to automatically fire a toy projectile whilst
emitting smoke following firing of the projectile
[0014] One skilled in the art will derive from the following
description other objects of the invention. Therefore, the
foregoing statements of object are not exhaustive and serve merely
to illustrate some of the many objects of the present
invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] In one main aspect, the invention provides a toy gun
comprising: a barrel; means for discharging a projectile from a
muzzle of the barrel; and a smoke generator arranged to emit smoke
when the discharging means has been actuated to discharge a
projectile from the muzzle. Preferably, the smoke is emitted
automatically. In one embodiment, the smoke generator may be
positioned closely adjacent to a front portion of the barrel
comprising the muzzle, although it may be positioned at any point
on the gun in similar manner to some of the prior art arrangements.
By positioning the smoke generator at or near the tip of the barrel
renders it easy to provide a supply of smoke to be emitted from the
tip or near the tip, i.e. muzzle of the barrel or to be emitted
nearly adjacent to the tip of the barrel after the projectile has
left the barrel.
[0016] Preferably, the smoke generator has an outlet in gaseous
communication with a portion of the barrel such that smoke emitted
by the smoke generator passes into the portion of the barrel and
emanates from the muzzle of the barrel. Preferably also, the smoke
generator outlet is in gaseous communication with a front or tip
portion of the barrel comprising the muzzle.
[0017] Preferably also, the smoke generator is arranged to emit
smoke immediately, or a short period of time after, the discharging
means has been actuated to discharge a projectile from the muzzle.
The short period of time is determined as a period of time needed
for the projectile to be discharged from the barrel such that smoke
is emitted from the tip of the barrel not before the projectile
leaves the barrel muzzle or tip. The projectile is preferably a
dart.
[0018] Preferably, the smoke generator is arranged to be on for a
predetermined period of time. A heating element of the smoke
generator is battery powered. Thus, intermittent switching on of
the smoke generator, i.e. its heating element, saves battery life.
The timing of turning on of the smoke generator is dependent on the
physical arrangement of the means by which a switch for the heating
element is actuated. In the present invention, the means for
actuating the switch can be designed to actuate the switch
immediately the projectile discharge means is actuated or at a
period of time later.
[0019] Preferably also, the means for discharging comprises a first
gas storage device for discharging gas into a rear portion of the
barrel to cause a projectile loaded in the barrel to be discharged
at speed from the muzzle of the barrel.
[0020] The smoke generator has a housing with an inlet and an
outlet. The toy gun may further comprise: a second gas storage
device having an outlet connected to the inlet of the housing; and
means for automatically expelling some gas from the second gas
storage device in response to a trigger event whereby at least some
of said released gas is conveyed to the inlet of the housing, said
released gas passing into the housing via the inlet and exiting the
housing via the outlet, said gas exiting the housing carrying with
it some smoke generated by the smoke generator. Preferably, the
first and/or second gas storage device stores air and comprises a
rechargeable gas storage device. The or each storage device may be
manually rechargeable and may comprise a pump. The or each pump may
comprise a cylinder housing a piston, the piston being adapted for
movement within the cylinder to expel air from the cylinder through
a pump outlet. The or each pump may be rechargeable with air by
drawing the piston away from the pump outlet causing air to be
drawn into the cylinder via a pump inlet.
[0021] Preferably, once the piston is withdrawn away from the
outlet to a pumped charged position, a latching means holds the
piston in its pump charged position against a biasing force of a
biasing means whereupon, in response to a trigger event, the
latching means releases the piston, which, under a force exerted by
the biasing means, moves towards the pump outlet thereby expelling
air stored in the cylinder through the pump outlet. The or each
biasing means may comprise a compression spring, although any
suitable biasing means may be utilized.
[0022] Preferably, the biasing means of the first gas storage
device is adapted to exert a substantially larger biasing force
than the biasing means of the second gas storage device. The
biasing means of the first gas storage device is adapted to expel
stored air quickly by way of providing a propelling force to a
projectile loaded in the barrel of the gun. In contrast, the
biasing means of the second gas storage device is intended to expel
stored air much more slowly.
[0023] The pump inlet may be co-incident with the pump outlet
thereby simplifying the pump cylinder design.
[0024] The toy gun has a trigger which when depressed causes the
first and second air pumps to expel stored air. Thus, firing a
projectile from the barrel and causing emission of smoke from the
tip of the barrel are automatically initiated in response to a user
action, namely depressing or pulling of the trigger. Depressing or
pulling the trigger results in release of the or each pump piston
from its latching means. Preferably, the same trigger event
initiates automatic release of some gas from the or each gas
storage device and automatically switches on the smoke generator to
cause the smoke generator to start generating smoke and preferably
does so simultaneously.
[0025] Preferably also, the toy gun further comprises a gas flow
restriction device in a gas passageway connecting the outlet of the
second gas storage device to the inlet of the smoke generator
housing, whereby the gas flow restriction device controls the flow
rate of released gas into the housing of the smoke generator. The
gas flow restriction device may have a moveable member arranged
such that gas pressure exerted on said moveable member by released
gas causes said member to move from a first position to a second
position. The gas flow restriction device may be arranged to slow
the flow rate of released gas such that the moveable member remains
in its second position actuating the switch for a predetermined
period of time after which the moveable member is returned to its
first position. In one embodiment, the gas flow restriction device
is adapted to slow the flow rate of released gas to the housing of
the smoke generator by forcing released gas through a leakage path
defined by at least one surface of the moveable member.
[0026] The smoke generator housing may be adapted to receive a
smoke oil container whereby a wick or cord of the smoke generator
is positioned to enter the container to draw smoke oil therefrom by
a wicking action. The smoke generator housing may have means for
piercing a seal of the smoke oil container as said smoke oil
container is being received in the housing.
[0027] The toy gun may be arranged such that the first and/or
second gas storage devices are recharged by the action of opening
the breech of the rifle.
[0028] In another main aspect, the invention provides a smoke
emitting system for a toy, comprising: a smoke generator having a
housing, the housing having an inlet and an outlet; a gas storage
device having an outlet connected to the inlet of the housing;
means for automatically expelling some gas from the gas storage
device in response to a trigger event whereby at least some of said
released gas is conveyed to the inlet of the housing, said released
gas passing into the housing via the inlet and exiting the housing
via the outlet, said gas exiting the housing carrying with it some
smoke generated by the smoke generator.
[0029] In another main aspect, the invention provides a smoke
generator for a toy, comprising: a housing; a wick; and a heating
element arranged close to a portion of the wick within the housing
such that when the heating element is actuated and becomes
sufficiently hot it causes oil in the wick to smoke; wherein the
housing is adapted to receive a smoke oil container and another
portion of the wick is positioned relative to the housing to enter
the container to draw smoke oil therefrom by a wicking action and
the housing has means for piercing a seal of the smoke oil
container as said smoke oil container is being received at the
housing. The portion of the wick positioned to enter the smoke oil
container when it is being received at the housing may be enclosed
by the piercing means. The heating element may be surrounded by a
ceramic housing, the ceramic housing being contained within the
smoke generator housing.
[0030] The smoke generator housing has an inlet for admitting air
and an outlet for emitting air laden with smoke. Preferably, the
smoke generator housing comprises a first main housing part and a
smoke delivery tube part, the main housing part being adapted to
fit within the smoke delivery tube part and the smoke delivery tube
part having a smoke delivery pipe extending outwardly therefrom
such that, when the main housing part is received in the smoke
delivery tube part, the outlet of the main housing part is in
gaseous communication with the smoke delivery pipe to convey air
laden with smoke away from the smoke generator.
[0031] In another main aspect, the invention provides a gas flow
restriction device for a toy, comprising: a housing having an inlet
and an outlet, said housing defining a gas flow passageway between
said inlet and said outlet; and a moveable member arranged in the
gas flow passageway such that pressure of gas entering the inlet
exerted on said moveable member causes said member to move from a
first position to a second position against the action of a biasing
means which normally holds the moveable member in its first
position. The moveable member may be adapted to slow the flow rate
of gas through the gas flow passageway by forcing gas to pass
through a leakage path defined by at least one surface of the
moveable member. The moveable member may have a plunger member
which extends through a wall of the housing and said plunger is
adapted to engage a switch to actuate it when said moveable member
is moved to its second position. The moveable member preferably
includes a sealing member which slidingly engages an internal
surface of the housing to prevent or reduce air leakage past the
plunger member through a wall of the housing. The device preferably
has a separate restrictor member provided in the gas flow
passageway to restrict gas flow through said passageway.
[0032] In one embodiment, the housing comprises a cylinder and the
moveable member comprises a piston, the piston being dimensioned to
have a sliding fit within the cylinder but such that air under
pressure entering the inlet of the housing can leak over the
external surface of the piston to reach the outlet, the external
surface of the piston and the internal surface of the housing
between them defining a leakage path part of the gas flow
passageway.
[0033] In another embodiment, the housing contains an open-ended
cylinder affixed around the inlet and the moveable member comprises
a cylinder open at one end and moveably mounted on the fixed
cylinder, such that air under pressure entering the inlet of the
housing can leak over a part of the internal surface of the
moveable cylinder which overlaps a part of the external surface of
the fixed cylinder, the part of the internal surface of the
moveable cylinder and the part of the external surface of the fixed
cylinder between them defining a leakage path part of the gas flow
passageway.
[0034] The gas flow restriction device comprises a pressure switch
system for the toy gun.
[0035] In another main aspect, the invention provides a toy having
any one or any combination of a smoke emitting system according to
the invention, a smoke generator according to the invention, or a
gas flow restriction device according to the invention.
[0036] The summary of the invention does not necessarily disclose
all the features essential for defining the invention; the
invention may reside in a sub-combination of the disclosed
features.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0037] The foregoing and further features of the present invention
will be apparent from the following description of preferred
embodiments which are provided by way of example only in connection
with the accompanying figures, of which:
[0038] FIG. 1 is a side view of a toy gun according to one
embodiment of the invention.
[0039] FIG. 2a is a side view of the toy gun of FIG. 1, but showing
the internal structure of the gun;
[0040] FIG. 2b is an enlarged side view of a tip of the toy gun
barrel showing a smoke oil container removed from the gun;
[0041] FIG. 2c is an enlarged side view of a tip of the toy gun
barrel showing a smoke oil container received in the gun;
[0042] FIG. 2d is an enlarged end view of a tip of the toy gun
barrel showing a smoke oil container received in the gun;
[0043] FIG. 3 is a side view of the toy gun of FIG. 1 with the gun
breech in an open position ready to be loaded with a
projectile;
[0044] FIG. 4 is a side view of the toy gun of FIG. 1 with the gun
breech in an open position and a projectile housed in a cartridge
loaded into the barrel breech with a cartridge shell ejection
spring in a locked to eject position;
[0045] FIG. 5 is a side view of the toy gun of FIG. 1 with the
breech closed and in a ready to fire condition;
[0046] FIG. 6 is a side view of the toy gun of FIG. 1 in a just
fired condition;
[0047] FIG. 7a is a side view of the toy gun of FIG. 1 in a
partially fired condition where the projectile has been discharged
from the barrel and smoke is beginning to be emitted from the tip
of the barrel;
[0048] FIG. 7b is an enlarged view of the pressure switch system in
an actuated condition;
[0049] FIG. 8a is a side view of the toy gun of FIG. 1 in a fully
fired condition where the projectile has been discharged from the
barrel and smoke is ceasing to be emitted from the tip of the
barrel;
[0050] FIG. 8b is an enlarged view of the pressure switch system in
a not actuated condition;
[0051] FIG. 9a is a sectional side view of a first embodiment of
the pressure switch system in a not yet actuated condition;
[0052] FIG. 9b is a sectional side view of the first embodiment of
the pressure switch system in an actuated condition;
[0053] FIG. 9c is a sectional side view of the first embodiment of
the pressure switch system in an actuated condition with arrowed
lines showing the gas/air passageway through the gas flow
restriction device;
[0054] FIG. 10a is a sectional side view of a second embodiment of
the pressure switch system in a not yet actuated condition;
[0055] FIG. 10b is a sectional side view of the second embodiment
of the pressure switch system in an actuated condition;
[0056] FIG. 10c is a sectional side view of the second embodiment
of the pressure switch system in an actuated condition with arrowed
lines showing the gas/air passageway through the gas flow
restriction device;
[0057] FIG. 11 is an exploded side view of the smoke generator and
smoke oil container;
[0058] FIG. 12a is a view of the heating element, ceramic housing
and wick of the smoke generator;
[0059] FIG. 12b is another view of the heating element, ceramic
housing and wick of the smoke generator; and
[0060] FIG. 13a is a side view of a toy gun according to another
embodiment of the invention in a closed and not yet loaded
state;
[0061] FIG. 13b is a side view of the toy gun of FIG. 13a in an
open, but not yet loaded state;
[0062] FIG. 13c is a side view of the toy gun of FIG. 13a in an
open and loaded state with the bolt being withdrawn to cock the
trigger;
[0063] FIG. 13d is a side view of the toy gun of FIG. 13a in an
open and loaded state with the trigger cocked and the bolt being
closed;
[0064] FIG. 13e is a side view of the toy gun of FIG. 13a in a
closed and loaded state ready for firing;
[0065] FIG. 13f is a side view of the toy gun of FIG. 13a in a just
fired state;
[0066] FIG. 13g is a side view of the toy gun of FIG. 13a in a
fired state with smoke emanating from at least the chamber;
[0067] FIG. 13h is a side view of the toy gun of FIG. 13a in a just
unloaded state; and
[0068] FIG. 14a is a sectional side view of a third embodiment of
the pressure switch system in a not yet actuated condition;
[0069] FIG. 14b is a sectional side view of the third embodiment of
the pressure switch system in an actuated condition;
[0070] FIG. 14c is a sectional side view of the third embodiment of
the pressure switch system in an actuated condition with arrowed
lines showing the gas/air passageway through the gas flow
restriction device;
[0071] FIG. 15 is a side sectional side view of a fourth embodiment
of the pressure switch system;
[0072] FIG. 16 is a side sectional side view of a fifth embodiment
of the pressure switch system; and
[0073] FIG. 17 is a side sectional side view of a sixth embodiment
of the pressure switch system.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0074] The following description is of preferred embodiments by way
of example only and without limitation to the combination of
features necessary for carrying the invention into effect.
[0075] Reference in this specification to "one embodiment" or "an
embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The
appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in
the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same
embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually
exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are
described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by
others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be
requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments.
[0076] Whilst the description of a preferred embodiment is based on
a breech loading toy rifle, it will be understood that many of the
aspects of the present invention are applicable to toy guns of any
type which are arranged to emit smoke and indeed to toys of any
type which are arranged to emit smoke.
[0077] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a breech loading toy
rifle 10 having a butt or stock 12 providing a first hand grip 12a,
a barrel 14, a second hand grip 16 under the barrel, a trigger 18
with a trigger guard 20 provided on a breech block 21 under a
breech end 14a of the barrel 14, a hinge 22 at an end of the breech
block 21 for enabling the rifle 10 to be opened at the breech, a
false hammer 24 which, as can be seen in other figures, comprises a
spring loaded latch 26 for holding the rifle in a closed position.
A tubular member 28 extends under the barrel 14 from a tip 14b of
the barrel 14 to at least the second hand grip 16.
[0078] The term `breech` is used herein to refer to that part of
the rifle comprising a rear end portion, i.e. breech end 14a, of
the barrel 14 and the breech block 21.
[0079] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 8 which reveal the internal
components of the rifle 10 and which show the rifle in various
states of operation as will be explained hereinbelow, it can be
seen that the rifle 10 has a smoke generator 30 arranged within the
tubular member 28 and positioned at or closely adjacent to the tip
14b of the barrel 14, although the smoke generator in some
embodiments could be placed elsewhere on the toy gun and arranged
to emit smoke from other parts of the toy gun other than the
barrel. A battery compartment 32 is provided in the second hand
grip 16 to receive batteries 34 for powering the smoke generator
30, i.e. to provide electrical power to a heating element of the
smoke generator 30. FIG. 2a shows the toy rifle 10 in a not yet
loaded state. FIG. 2b shows an enlarged side view of the tip
portion 14b of the barrel 14 where a smoke oil refill container 36
is removed from the smoke generator 30, whereas FIG. 2c is an
enlarged side view of the tip portion 14b in which the smoke oil
refill container 36 is received in the smoke generator 30.
Similarly, FIG. 2d is an enlarged end view of the tip portion 14b
showing the smoke oil container 36 inserted into a tip end of the
tubular member 28. The smoke refill oil container 36 may be
refilled when empty by a user of the rifle, but sealed filled smoke
oil containers 36 may be made available for purchase to save users
from the need to buy a supply of smoke oil for refill purposes.
[0080] The smoke generator 30 has an outlet 30a which extends from
a top of the smoke generator 30 into the tip portion 14b of the
barrel 14 such that a smoke chamber of the smoke generator 30 is in
gaseous communication with the tip portion, i.e. muzzle, 14b of the
barrel 14. In some embodiments, the smoke generator may be
positioned such that its outlet is in gaseous communication with
portions of the barrel other than the tip or muzzle. It will be
appreciated that the passage of a projectile along the barrel may
in some circumstances create a sufficient back pressure to draw
smoke from the barrel where said smoke is communicated to a portion
of barrel nearer to a middle or the breech part of the barrel. The
smoke generator 30 also has an inlet 30b for admitting air or gas.
Air or gas admitted through the inlet 30b to the smoke chamber of
the smoke generator 30 may exit the smoke generator 30 by its
outlet 30a and, in doing so, convey some smoke into the tip portion
14b of the barrel 14 where the smoke will eventually emanate from
the barrel muzzle.
[0081] Provided within an end part of the butt 12 coincident with
the first hand grip 12a are first and second air storage devices
38, 40 in the form of first and second piston pumps. Each piston
pump 38, 40 comprises a cylinder 42, 44 housing a spring loaded
piston 46, 48. In an uncharged state as seen in FIG. 2, the pistons
46, 48 are urged by their respective compression springs 50, 52
towards or against an end of the cylinder having an aperture 54, 56
comprising both a gas/air inlet and outlet for the cylinder 42, 44.
In the preferred embodiment, the cylinders 42, 44 are charged with
atmospheric air. Whilst the biasing means for each of the first and
second piston pumps 38, 40 are shown as compression springs 50, 52,
it will be understood that any suitable biasing means may be used.
Furthermore, whilst the first and second air storage devices are
described as piston pumps 38, 40, it will be appreciated that any
means that can be triggered to automatically discharge some gas or
air under pressure will be sufficient to act as the first and
second air storage devices. It will also be understood that the
first and second air storage devices may comprise different types
of devices from each other for automatically discharging a charge
of air or gas under pressure.
[0082] The aperture 54 of the first piston pump 38 is connected by
an air passageway 58 to a breech end 14a of the barrel 14 such
that, when the first piston pump 38 is triggered to discharge its
store of air, air under pressure is supplied to the breech end 14a
of the barrel 14 to thereby propel a projectile 60 loaded into the
barrel 14 along the barrel 14 to exit the barrel 14 at speed. In
FIG. 2a, two projectiles ready for loading into the barrel 14 are
shown attached to the stock 12 of the rifle 10.
[0083] The aperture 56 of the second piston pump 40 is connected
via an air passageway 62 to an end of an air passageway member 64
which connects the outlet 56 of the second piston pump 40 to the
inlet 30b of the smoke generator 30, although the air connection is
not a direct one as will be explained below. Each of the air
passageways 58, 62 exits at a breech plate 66 (FIG. 3) which forms
a gas tight seal against an end of the breech block 21 when the toy
rifle 10 is closed.
[0084] A pulley system 68 is provided which extends between the
breech block 21 and ends of the pistons 46, 48 such that, when the
toy rifle is opened at the breech, the pulley system 68 withdraws
the pistons 46, 48 within their cylinders 42, 44 against the urging
force of their respective compression springs 50, 52. When the
breech of the toy rifle is fully open and the pistons 46, 48 have
been withdrawn to a charged position, respective latch means 70, 72
associated with the first and second piston pumps 38, 40 latch the
withdrawn pistons 46, 48 in their charged positions. It will be
understood that, as the pistons 46, 48 are withdrawn in their
cylinders 42, 44, they draw air (or gas) via their respective
apertures 54, 56 into the cylinders 42, 44.
[0085] As already explained, FIG. 2a shows the toy rifle 10 in a
closed and unloaded state where the pistons 46, 48 of the piston
pumps 38, 40 are resting in their discharged positions within their
cylinders 42, 44.
[0086] In contrast to FIG. 2a, FIG. 3 shows the toy rifle 10 in a
fully opened, yet unloaded state. It can be seen that the pulley
system 68 has been drawn forward by the open breech block 21 such
that the pistons 46, 48 now occupy their charged, latched
positions. The rifle 10 is opened by a user depressing the false
trigger spring loaded latch 26 which releases the barrel 14 to
hingedly swing away from the gun stock 12. The pulley system 68
comprises a cord 74 extending between the end of the breech block
21 and the ends of the pistons 46, 48. The cord extends around a
series of pulley wheels 75. The pulley system 68 includes a return
spring 76. The breech end 14a of the barrel is adapted to receive a
projectile 60 such as a dart housed in a cartridge or shell 78 such
that, when the projectile 60 is discharged from the rifle barrel
14, the cartridge or shell 78 remains. The breech end 14a of the
barrel 14 has a spring loaded cartridge receiving means 80 which
locks a loaded cartridge 78 into the breech end 14a when the
cartridge 78 is manually pushed into the breech end 14a of the
barrel.
[0087] Referring to FIG. 4 which shows the toy rifle 10 in a loaded
yet opened state, it can be seen that a cartridge 78 carrying a
dart 60 has been loaded into the breech end 14a of the barrel 14
and locked in place under spring pressure by the cartridge
receiving means 80.
[0088] FIG. 5 shows the rifle 10 in a loaded and ready to fire
state. In contrast to FIGS. 3 and 4, the rifle 10 has been returned
to a closed state where the latch means 26 has reengaged the breech
block 21 to secure it in a closed position. Closing of the rifle 10
allows the pulley return spring 76 to return the pulley system 68
to its normal state and yet leave the pistons 46, 48 of the piston
pumps 38, 40 in their latched, charged state.
[0089] FIG. 6 shows the toy rifle 10 in a state where a user has
pulled or depressed the trigger 18 thereby unlatching the pistons
46, 48 which, under the urging force of their respective
compression springs 50, 52 begin to discharge stored air from their
cylinders 42, 44. In FIG. 6 it can be seen that the first piston
pump discharges its store air rapidly thereby causing the dart 60
to depart its cartridge and travel along the barrel 14 at speed.
The next time the gun 10 is opening the cartridge receiving means
will eject the empty cartridge 78 from the breech end 14a of the
barrel 14. FIG. 6 shows a point in time where the dart 60 has not
yet exited the barrel tip 14b. The second piston pump 40 has only
just started discharging air and does so considerably slower than
the first piston pump 38 for reasons as will now be explained.
[0090] The second piston pump 40 may be provided with a much weaker
compression spring 52 than the spring 50 of the first piston pump
38 thereby reducing the speed of air discharged from the second
piston pump 40. However, the flow of air along the passageway 64
connecting the outlet 56 of the second piston pump 40 to the inlet
30b of the smoke generator 30 is restricted by a gas flow
restriction device 82 that functions as a pressure switch actuator
for the heating element of the smoke generator 30. The gas flow
restriction device 82 is located at a position in the air
passageway 64 generally intermediate the outlet 56 of the second
piston pump 40 and the inlet 30b of the smoke generator 30,
although it could be placed anywhere in the air passageway 64
between the piston pump outlet 56 and the smoke generator inlet
30b. Preferably, the gas flow restriction device 82 is housed in
the second handle grip 16 of the rifle 10. It can be seen that the
air passageway 64 comprises a first conduit 64a extending from the
breech block 21 to an inlet 82a of the gas flow restriction device
82 and a second conduit 64b connecting the restriction device's
outlet 82b to the inlet 30b of the smoke generator 30.
[0091] As seen in FIG. 7a which shows the rifle 10 in a state where
the dart 60 has been discharged from the barrel 14, the second
piston pump 40 has partially discharged its stored air. Air
discharged under pressure from the second pump 40 is conveyed by
the first conduit 64a to the restriction device 82 where the flow
rate of air through the device 82 is throttled. This creates a back
pressure within the restriction device 82 which serves a number of
purposes. A first effect of the throttled of air flow is that it
prevents the second pump 40 discharging its stored air as quickly
as the first pump 38 discharges its stored air. The use of a weaker
compression spring 52 in the second pump also reduces the speed of
air discharge from the pump 40. A second effect is to prevent air
being conveyed into the smoke chamber of the smoke generator 30 at
such a speed that the charge of air is so great that any smoke
caught up by the air is not visible when said air exits the tip
portion 14b of the barrel 14. By slowing the flow rate of air into
the smoke chamber, this allows air exiting the smoke generator 30
to become laden with smoke such that said smoke is visible as it
drifts out of the barrel tip 14b. A third purpose of restricting
air flow is to delay the discharge of smoke from the barrel tip 14b
until after the dart 60 has been discharged from the barrel 14. A
fourth purpose of the gas flow rate restriction is to employ the
back pressure created in the restriction device 82 to actuate a
pressure switch 84 for supplying electrical power to the heating
element of the smoke generator 30.
[0092] FIG. 7b comprises an enlarged view of the gas flow
restriction device 82 where a plunger member 86 of the device 82 is
in engagement with the pressure switch 84 to actuate it. The slow
discharge of air from the second pump 40 results in a time period
during which the plunger 86 of the restriction device 82 remains
engaged with the pressure switch 84 actuating it. The gas flow
restriction device 82 is preferably arranged to provide a one
second switch actuation time period, but other periods may be
selected for other types of smoke emitting toys.
[0093] FIG. 8a shows the toy rifle in a state where it has been
fired, the dart has been discharged from the barrel, the second
pump has discharged its store of air and the final wafts of smoke
are being emitted from the barrel tip. As such, FIG. 8a shows a
state of the rifle similar to that of FIG. 2a save for the fact
that the trigger has not yet been returned to its firing
position.
[0094] FIG. 8b comprises an enlarged view of the gas flow
restriction device 82 where a plunger member 86 of the device 82 is
no longer in engagement with the pressure switch 84 to actuate it
and thus the smoke generator heating element is switched off.
[0095] FIG. 9a is a sectional side view of a first embodiment of
the gas flow restriction device/pressure switch system 82 in a not
yet actuated condition, whereas FIG. 9b is a sectional side view of
the first embodiment of the pressure switch system 82 in an
actuated condition. FIG. 9c is a sectional side view of the first
embodiment of the pressure switch system 82 in an actuated
condition with arrowed lines showing the gas/air passageway through
the gas flow restriction device 82. The restriction device 82
comprises a housing 88 having providing the inlet 82a and the
outlet 82b. The housing 88 defines a gas flow passageway between
said inlet 82a and said outlet 82b. A moveable member 90 is
arranged in the gas flow passageway such that pressure of gas
entering the inlet exerted on said moveable member 90 causes said
member 90 to move from a first position to a second position
against the action of a biasing means 92 which normally holds the
moveable member 90 in its first position. The moveable member 90 is
adapted to slow the flow rate of gas through the gas flow
passageway by forcing gas to pass through a leakage path defined by
at least one surface of the moveable member 90. The moveable member
90 provides the plunger member 86 which extends through a wall of
the housing 88. The plunger 86 is adapted to engage the switch 84
to actuate it when said moveable member 90 is moved to its second
position.
[0096] In the first embodiment, the housing 88 comprises a cylinder
and the moveable member 90 comprises a piston. The piston 90 is
dimensioned to have a sliding fit within the cylinder but such that
air under pressure entering the inlet 82a of the housing 88 can
leak over the external surface of the piston to reach the outlet
82b, preferably at a known rate. The external surface of the piston
and the internal surface of the housing 88 between them define a
leakage path part of the gas flow passageway. The large diameter of
the piston provides a large surface for restricting air flow
through the device 82.
[0097] FIG. 10a is a sectional side view of a second embodiment of
the pressure switch system 82' in a not yet actuated condition
whilst FIG. 10b shows the second embodiment of the pressure switch
system 82' in an actuated condition. FIG. 10c shows the second
embodiment of the pressure switch system 82' in an actuated
condition with arrowed lines showing the gas/air passageway through
the gas flow restriction device. The pressure switch/gas flow rate
restriction system 82' of the second embodiment functions in a same
manner to the first embodiment, but differs in that the housing 88'
contains an open-ended cylinder 94' affixed around the inlet 82a'.
The moveable member 90' comprises a cylinder 96' open at one end
and moveably mounted on the fixed cylinder 94' such that air under
pressure entering the inlet 82a' of the housing 88' can leak over a
part of the internal surface of the moveable cylinder 96' which
overlaps a part of the external surface of the fixed cylinder 94'.
The part of the internal surface of the moveable cylinder 96' and
the part of the external surface of the fixed cylinder 94' between
them define the leakage path part of the gas flow passageway
through the gas flow restriction device 82'.
[0098] FIG. 11 is an exploded side view of the smoke generator 30
and smoke oil container 36. The smoke generator 30 has a wick 100
with the heating element 102 arranged close to a portion of the
wick within the smoke generator housing such that when the heating
element 102 is actuated, i.e. receives electrical power at its
terminals 103, and becomes sufficiently hot it causes oil in the
wick 100 to smoke. The housing is adapted to receive a smoke oil
container 36 and another portion of the wick 100 is positioned
relative to the housing to enter the container 36 to draw smoke oil
therefrom by a wicking action. The housing has means 106 for
piercing a seal of the smoke oil container 36 as said smoke oil
container 36 is being received at the housing. The portion of the
wick 100 positioned to enter the smoke oil container 36 when it is
being received at the housing is enclosed by the piercing means
106. The heating element 102 is surrounded by a ceramic housing
108, the ceramic housing 108 being contained within the smoke
generator housing. The smoke generator housing comprises a first
main housing part 104 and a smoke delivery tube part 110. The main
housing part 104 is adapted to fit within the smoke delivery tube
part 110. The smoke delivery tube part 110 has a smoke delivery
pipe 112 extending outwardly therefrom such that, when the main
housing part 104 is received in the smoke delivery tube part 110,
the outlet 30a of the main housing part 104 is in gaseous
communication with the smoke delivery pipe 112 to convey air laden
with smoke away from the smoke generator 30. The smoke delivery
pipe 112 extends as far as the tip portion 14b of the gun barrel
14.
[0099] FIG. 12a is a view from one side of the heating element 102,
ceramic housing 108 and wick 100 of the smoke generator 30 and
shows that the heating element 102 may comprise a wire coil wound
around a portion of the wick 100. FIG. 12b is a view from another
side of the heating element 102, ceramic housing 108 and wick 100
of the smoke generator 30.
[0100] Referring to FIGS. 13a to 13h, shown is another embodiment
of a toy gun in accordance with the invention. This embodiment
comprises a bolt action rifle operating on generally the same
principle as that of the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 12, namely
being arranged to emit smoke once the discharging means has been
actuated to discharge a projectile from the muzzle of the rifle. In
the following description of this embodiment, like numerals
preceded by the numerals "11" will be used to denote like or
similar parts to those of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 12.
[0101] The rifle 1110 has a bolt action mechanism 1101 rather than
a breech opening mechanism to enable a cartridge 1178 containing a
projectile 1160 to be loaded into a chamber part 1103 of the barrel
1114. The provision of a bolt action mechanism 1101 is the main
structural difference between the rifle 1110 of this embodiment and
the rifle of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 12.
[0102] As can be seen in FIG. 13a, the rifle 1110 accommodates
within its second handgrip 1116 a battery compartment 1132, a smoke
generator 1130 and a gas flow restriction/pressure switch system
1182. In the first handle grip part 1112a of the stock 1112 is
accommodated first and second piston pumps 1138, 1140. The first
piston pump 1138 is arranged to discharge stored air to the barrel
1114 in response to actuation of the trigger 1118 whilst the second
piston pump 1140 is arranged to discharge, also in response to
actuation of the trigger 1118, stored air into a passageway 1164
which indirectly connects the output of the second pump 1140 to the
inlet of the smoke generator, the gas flow restriction system 1182
being located in said passageway 1164 intermediate the second pump
1140 and the smoke generator 1130. An outlet 1130a of the smoke
generator is in gaseous communication with a portion of the barrel
1114 to allow smoke generated in the smoke generator 1130 to be
communicated to the barrel 1114. However, the outlet 1130a of the
smoke generator 1130 could be arranged to communicate smoke to the
chamber part 1103 of the barrel 114. In any event, the aperture
1130a is arranged such that smoke is communicated to a portion of
the barrel 1114 in close proximity to the chamber part 1103 such
that smoke emits from at least the chamber part 1103 and preferably
also from the tip 1114b of the barrel 1114.
[0103] Charging of the first and second pumps 1138, 1140 is
achieved by a similar pulley system means (not shown) as used in
the rifle of the first embodiment save for the fact that the cord
of such pulley system is extends between the bolt mechanism 1101
and pistons of the first and second pumps 1138, 1140 such that,
when a bolt 1105 of the bolt mechanism 1101 is withdrawn, this
pulls the cord of the pulley system to withdraw the pistons of the
first and second pumps to their charged positions ready for being
unlatched when the trigger 1118 is actuated.
[0104] It will be appreciated from the foregoing that the operation
of the rifle 1110 in emitting smoke is largely similar to that of
the rifle of the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 12 despite the
difference in structures between the two embodiments.
[0105] As can be seen in FIG. 13a, the rifle 1110 is in a closed
and not yet loaded state in that the bolt 1105 is in its
forward-most closed position. In FIG. 13b, the bolt 1105 is
withdrawn, although not fully, but by a sufficient amount to enable
a cartridge 1178 to be loaded into the chamber 1103. In FIG. 13c, a
cartridge 1178 has been loaded into the chamber 1103 and the bolt
1105 withdrawn to its fullest extent. Drawing the bolt 1105 back to
its fullest extent ensures that the first and second pumps 1138,
1140 are charged with a store of air. It may also function to cock
the trigger 1118 ready for firing although the trigger may be
cocked in other ways. FIG. 13d shows the bolt 1105 being returned
to its closed position to place the rifle 1110 in a state ready for
firing. In FIG. 13e, the rifle 1110 is now in a ready for firing
state. FIG. 13f shows the rifle 1110 when the trigger 1118 has just
been actuated whereby the projectile 1160 has just exited the
barrel 1114. Actuation of the trigger 1118 unlatches the pistons of
the first and second pumps 1138, 1140 whereby stored air is quickly
expelled from the first pump 1138 to cause the projectile 1160 to
travel at speed along and out of the barrel 1114 whereas stored air
in the second pump 1140 is expelled much more slowly in the same
manner and for the same purpose as in the rifle of the first
embodiment. As can be seen in FIG. 13g, shortly after the
projectile 1160 has been discharged from the rifle 1140, smoke
generated by the now switched on smoke generator 1130 is
communicated to the chamber part 1103 and/or barrel 1114 such that
some smoke is seen emanating from the chamber part 1103 of the
rifle 1110. Preferably, some smoke also emanates from the tip 1114b
of the barrel 1114. Finally, as seen in FIG. 13h, when the bolt
1105 is withdrawn to unload the rifle 1110, a large quantity of
smoke emanates from the open chamber part 1103 with a little smoke
being emitted from the barrel tip 1114b. As in the first
embodiment, the gas restriction system 1182 is arranged to cause
the smoke generator to be switched on for a predetermined period of
time, preferably one second, after which the smoke generator is
switched off as pressure in the gas restriction system 1182 returns
to normal.
[0106] FIG. 14a is a sectional side view of a third embodiment of
the gas flow restriction device/pressure switch system 82'' in a
not yet actuated condition, whereas FIG. 14b is a sectional side
view of the third embodiment of the pressure switch system 82'' in
an actuated condition. FIG. 14c is a sectional side view of the
third embodiment of the pressure switch system 82'' in an actuated
condition with arrowed lines showing the gas/air passageway through
the gas flow restriction device 82''.
[0107] The restriction device 82'' comprises a housing 88'' having
an inlet 82a'' and an outlet 82b''. The housing 88'' defines a gas
flow passageway through said inlet 82a'', through the interior of
the housing 88'' and onward through said outlet 82b''. A moveable
member 90'' is arranged within the housing 88'' in the gas flow
passageway such that pressure of gas entering the inlet exerted on
a seal member 87'' of said moveable member 90'' causes said member
90'' to move from a first position to a second position against the
action of a biasing means 92'' which normally holds the moveable
member 90'' in its first position. In this embodiment, the moveable
member 90'' provides a plunger member 86'' which may partially
extend through an end wall of the housing 88''. The plunger 86'' is
adapted to engage a switch 84'' located externally of the housing
88'' to actuate it when said moveable member 90'' is moved to its
second position as can be seen in FIG. 14b.
[0108] The housing 88'' preferably comprises a cylinder and the
moveable member 90'' preferably includes a cup shaped piston 90a''.
The piston 90a'' may be dimensioned to have a sliding fit within
the cylinder such that air under pressure entering the inlet 82a''
of the housing 88'' can leak over the external surface of the
piston to reach the outlet 82b'', preferably at a known rate. The
external surface of the piston and the internal surface of the
housing 88'' may between them define a leakage path part of the gas
flow passageway. However, in order to reduce the need for a high
molding accuracy in the formation of the housing cylinder 88''
and/or the piston 90a'', the restriction of gas leakage through the
device is established or at least aided by a separate restrictor
member 89'' located in the outlet 82b'' or just beyond the outlet
within the second conduit 64b.
[0109] The seal member 87'' is attached to an intermediary part of
the moveable member 90'' and is cup shaped with an open part of the
cup facing the piston 90''. The side of the cup shaped seal member
87'' slidingly engages the internal surface of the housing 88'' to
form an air-tight or near air-tight seal with the housing 88'' to
prevent or reduce the leakage of gas past the seal member 87'' and
out through the plunger aperture in an end wall of the housing
88''.
[0110] The restrictor member or plug member 89'' acts to restrict
the rate of gas exiting the outlet 82b''. The restrictor member
89'' is dimensioned such that air under pressure exiting the outlet
82b'' can leak over or through a part of the surface of the
restrictor member 89'' to reach the second conduit 64b, preferably
at a known rate. The restrictor member 89'' is fixed in position
within the outlet 82b'' or the second conduit 64b. It preferably
has a cross-sectional shape that fills the outlet 82b'' or second
conduit 64b save for a lengthwise channel 91'' provided in the
restrictor member 89'' which comprises a gas leakage path. The
channel 91'' may be provided as one or more lengthwise grooves in
the surface of the restrictor member 89'' or as one or more
lengthwise apertures through the body of the member 89''.
[0111] As can be seen in FIG. 14c, the gas leakage path is denoted
by arrowed lines. The restriction of gas flow through the device
may be achieved in part by the piston 90a'' and the plug member
89'' or by the plug member 89'' alone. In the latter case, this
removes the need for high molding accuracy of the piston and/or
housing.
[0112] In some embodiments, the restrictor member as hereinbefore
described may be replaced by a valve or a high density air filter
in the outlet 82b'' or the second conduit 64b. In yet other
embodiments, air flow restriction may be achieved through use of a
clamp on the outlet 82b'' or the second conduit 64b tube. The
amount of adjustment of the clamp determines the degree of
compression of the tube and therefore the degree of gas flow
restriction. The tube is flexible or has a flexible section to
accommodate clamping. It will be understood that any means suitable
for restricting gas flow passage may be employed in embodiments of
the invention instead of the afore-described restrictor member
which is just one example of a suitable gas flow restriction
means.
[0113] In the embodiments of the pressure switch system depicted by
FIGS. 9, 10 and 14, the moveable member for actuating the switch
may not comprise a plunger which physically engages the switch to
actuate it, but may comprise other forms of actuator for actuating
the switch. One such alternative actuator comprises a magnetic
actuator which comprises or is mounted on the moveable member such
that, when the moveable member is in its second position, the
magnetic actuator is in close proximity to the switch to
magnetically actuate. It will be understood that in this
alternative arrangement, the switch is configured to be
magnetically actuable. Other types of switch arrangement which can
be actuated in response to movement of an actuator/moveable member
from a first position to a second position may be employed in
embodiments of the pressure switch system according to the
invention.
[0114] For example, FIG. 15 depicts a fourth embodiment of the
pressure switch system of largely the same arrangement as the third
embodiment of FIGS. 14a to c. The fourth embodiment of the pressure
switch system 82 of FIG. 15 differs from that of the third
embodiment in that the moveable member 90 for actuating the switch
does not include a plunger for actuating an externally located
switch. In contrast to the third embodiment of the pressure switch
system, the switch 84 of the fourth embodiment of FIG. 15 is
located adjacent an end wall of the housing 88, the end wall being
provided with an aperture configured to mount the switch 84 such
that an actuator 84a of the switch extends into the interior of the
housing 88. Consequently, when the moveable member 90 moves to its
second position, it engages the switch actuator 84a to actuate the
switch 84.
[0115] FIG. 16 depicts a fifth embodiment of the pressure switch
system of largely the same arrangement as the third embodiment of
FIGS. 14a to c. The fifth embodiment of the pressure switch system
82 of FIG. 16 differs from that of the third embodiment in that the
moveable member 90 for actuating the switch does not include a
plunger for actuating an externally located switch. In contrast to
other embodiments of the pressure switch system, the switch 84 of
the fifth embodiment of FIG. 16 is mounted on an end wall of the
housing 88 with its switch terminals extending to a lower corner of
the housing 88 in which is provided an aperture extending along a
portion of a side wall of the housing 88. The moveable member 90 is
provided with an actuator 93 which is located within the side wall
aperture such that, when the moveable member 90 moves to its second
position, the actuator 93 engages the switch terminals to actuate
the switch 84.
[0116] FIG. 17 depicts a sixth embodiment of the pressure switch
system of largely the same arrangement as the third embodiment of
FIGS. 14a to c. In the sixth embodiment of the pressure switch
system 82 of FIG. 17, the moveable member 90 also does not include
a plunger. In contrast to other embodiments of the pressure switch
system, the switch 84 of the sixth embodiment of FIG. 17 is mounted
on a side wall of the housing 88 with its switch terminals
extending towards a corner of the housing 88 in which is provided
an aperture in a portion of a side wall of the housing 88. An
actuator 95 is located within the side wall aperture at a position
above the switch terminals. The actuator 95 is mounted within the
side wall of the housing such that it is biased to a normal
position where a cam surface of the actuator extends into the
interior of the housing. The arrangement is such that, when the
moveable member 90 moves to its second position, the moveable
member contacts the cam surface of the actuator 95 to move the
actuator 95 away from its normal biased position to engage the
switch terminals to thereby actuate the switch 84.
[0117] In general, the invention provides a toy gun which in
preferred embodiments is in the form of a breech loading rifle
which is capable of firing a projectile such as a dart as well as
simultaneously or near simultaneously emitting smoke from the
muzzle of a barrel of the gun after the dart has been discharged
from the muzzle, but the invention is not exclusively related to
breech loading rifles and is applicable to other embodiments of
smoke emitting toys and toy guns. For example, the toy gun may
comprise a bolt action rifle with smoke being emitted from at or
near the bolt action. The toy gun has first and second rechargeable
air pumps. A first one of the air pumps automatically discharges
stored air into a breech part of the barrel in order to propel a
loaded projectile from the gun's barrel. A second one of the air
pumps expels stored air through a flow restriction device which
doubles up as a pressure switch for actuating a smoke generator
located adjacent to the muzzle of the gun. The second air pump also
provides a low flow rate of air through the smoke generator to
expel smoke from the smoke generator. The second air pump expels
stored air much more slowly than the first air pump. The first and
second air pumps are simultaneously triggered to release stored air
by user actuation of a trigger of the gun. The smoke generator has
an outlet in gaseous communication with the muzzle portion of the
barrel such that smoke emitted by the generator passes into the
muzzle portion of the barrel prior to exhausting from the
muzzle.
[0118] While the invention has been illustrated and described in
detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be
considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it
being understood that only exemplary embodiments have been shown
and described and do not limit the scope of the invention in any
manner. It can be appreciated that any of the features described
herein may be used with any embodiment. The illustrative
embodiments are not exclusive of each other or of other embodiments
not recited herein. Accordingly, the invention also provides
embodiments that comprise combinations of one or more of the
illustrative embodiments described above. Modifications and
variations of the invention as herein set forth can be made without
departing from the spirit and scope thereof, and, therefore, only
such limitations should be imposed as are indicated by the appended
claims.
[0119] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description
of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due
to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise"
or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an
inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated
features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further
features in various embodiments of the invention.
[0120] It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is
referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission
that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge
in the art.
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