U.S. patent application number 15/896462 was filed with the patent office on 2019-08-15 for toy projectile launching figurine.
The applicant listed for this patent is Mattel, Inc.. Invention is credited to Peter Chuang, Steve P. Dunham.
Application Number | 20190247762 15/896462 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 67541896 |
Filed Date | 2019-08-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190247762 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chuang; Peter ; et
al. |
August 15, 2019 |
Toy Projectile Launching Figurine
Abstract
A toy figurine comprising a projectile and an appendage
pivotable along a range of positions. The pivotable appendage
comprises a projectile launching unit having a catch for releasably
engaging the projectile and a biasing member for providing a
propulsion force to the engaged projectile. Pivoting the appendage
to a launch position causes a joint to trigger the catch and
release the engaged projectile, thereby allowing the biasing member
to launch the engaged projectile.
Inventors: |
Chuang; Peter; (Irvine,
CA) ; Dunham; Steve P.; (Westchester, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Mattel, Inc. |
El Segundo |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
67541896 |
Appl. No.: |
15/896462 |
Filed: |
February 14, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 3/46 20130101; A63H
13/10 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63H 13/10 20060101
A63H013/10; A63H 3/46 20060101 A63H003/46 |
Claims
1. A toy figurine comprising: a torso; a first arm portion coupled
to the torso; a second arm portion pivotally coupled to the first
arm portion, the second arm portion being movable relative to the
first arm portion between a cocked position and a launch position,
the second arm portion including: a wall defining a cavity; an
opening in communication with the cavity; and a release mechanism
disposed in the cavity, the release mechanism comprising a biasing
member and a catch; wherein the release mechanism is activated by
movement of the second arm portion from the cocked position to the
launch position, and activation of the release mechanism results in
the catch moving and allowing the biasing member to force a
projectile away from the opening; and a joint positioned between
the first arm portion and the second arm portion, wherein the
second arm portion pivots about the joint when moving between the
cocked position and the launch position, the joint including a
circular portion having a protrusion that activates the release
mechanism when the second arm portion is moved to the launch
position.
2. (canceled)
3. The toy figurine of claim 1, wherein the second arm portion
further comprises an actuator operatively positioned between the
joint and release mechanism and wherein the protrusion of the joint
moves the actuator to activate the release mechanism.
4. The toy figurine of claim 1, further comprising a torsion spring
for biasing the second arm portion to the cocked position.
5. The toy figurine of claim 1, further comprising a catch spring
for biasing the catch to a retaining position.
6. The toy figurine of claim 1, further comprising a projectile
having an elongated member and a notch on the elongated member for
engaging with the catch.
7. The toy figurine of claim 6, wherein a portion of the elongated
member is sized to fit within the biasing member and the projectile
compresses the biasing member when the elongated member is engaged
with the catch.
8. The toy figurine of claim 1, wherein the first arm portion and
the second arm portion form a substantially straight line when the
second arm portion is pivoted to the launch position.
9. A toy projectile launching figurine comprising: a projectile;
and an appendage pivotable about a joint along a range of positions
including a launch position, the pivotable appendage comprising a
projectile launching unit configured to: engage the projectile; and
launch the engaged projectile when the appendage is pivoted to the
launch position; wherein the joint includes a circular portion
having a protrusion and pivoting the appendage to the launch
position causes the protrusion to activate the projectile launching
unit and launch the engaged projectile.
10. The toy projectile launching figurine of claim 9, wherein the
projectile launching unit comprises: a catch for releasably
engaging the projectile; and a propulsion spring for providing a
propulsion force to the engaged projectile.
11. The toy projectile launching figurine of claim 10, wherein
pivoting the appendage to the launch position causes the protrusion
of the joint to trigger the catch and release the engaged
projectile.
12. The toy projectile launching figurine of claim 11, wherein the
appendage further comprises an actuator operatively positioned
between the joint and catch and wherein the protrusion of the joint
pushes the actuator to trigger the catch.
13. The toy projectile launching figurine of claim 9, further
comprising a torsion spring for biasing the appendage away from the
launch position.
14. The toy projectile launching figurine of claim 10, further
comprising a catch spring for biasing the catch to a retaining
position.
15. The toy projectile launching figurine of claim 10, wherein the
projectile comprises an elongated member having an engagement
portion for engaging with the catch.
16. The toy projectile launching figurine of claim 15, wherein a
portion of the elongated member is sized to fit within the
propulsion spring and the projectile compresses the propulsion
spring when the elongated member is engaged with the catch.
17. The toy projectile launching figurine of claim 10, wherein the
pivotable appendage is a portion of an arm and the joint is an
elbow joint.
18. The toy projectile launching figurine of claim 17, wherein the
projectile is launched when the arm is straightened.
19. A toy figurine comprising: a projectile; and a pivotable arm
portion that pivots about an elbow joint, the pivotable arm portion
comprising a projectile launching unit having a catch for
releasably engaging the projectile and a biasing member for
providing a propulsion force to the engaged projectile; wherein the
elbow joint includes a circular portion having a protrusion and
pivoting the pivotable arm portion to a launch position causes the
protrusion of the elbow joint to trigger the catch and allow the
biasing member to launch the engaged projectile.
20. The toy figurine of claim 19, wherein the pivotable arm portion
further comprises an actuator operatively positioned between the
elbow joint and catch and wherein the protrusion of the elbow joint
pushes the actuator to trigger the catch.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to toy figurines,
and in particular toy figurines that launch or shoot
projectiles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Toy figurines include action figures that model humans,
animals, robots, aliens, and other real and fictional entities. To
enhance the playability of these toy figurines, it is desirable for
the toy figurine to have moving parts, such as an ability to launch
or shoot projectiles. Additionally, it is desirable for the
launching mechanism to be operated through an extension of the
movement of the toy figurine for a more natural and engaging play
activity. Therefore, there is a need for a toy figurine with a
projectile launching feature that provides enhanced entertainment
and play value.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention provides a toy figurine having a
projectile launching or shooting feature. Through the manual
movement of an appendage of the toy figurine, a projectile
launching mechanism forming part of the appendage is activated to
launch a projectile. In an exemplary embodiment, an arm portion of
a toy figurine comprises a projectile launching unit configured to
engage and launch a projectile. When the arm portion is manually
pivoted to a specific launch position in the course of playing with
the toy figurine, the projectile launching unit is activated to
launch the projectile. Such a projectile launching feature provides
a more interesting and engaging play value to the toy figurine.
[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a toy
figurine is provided. The toy figurine comprises a torso, a first
arm portion coupled to the torso, and a second arm portion
pivotally coupled to the first arm portion. The second arm portion
is movable relative to the first arm portion between a cocked
position and a launch position. The second arm portion includes a
wall defining a cavity and an opening in communication with the
cavity, a biasing member disposed in the cavity, a catch, and a
release mechanism. A catch spring biases the catch to a retaining
position. In one or more embodiments, the toy figurine further
comprises a projectile having an elongated member and a notch on
the elongated member for engaging with the catch. In a typical
embodiment, a portion of the elongated member is sized to fit
within the biasing member and the projectile compresses the biasing
member when the elongated member is engaged with the catch.
[0005] The release mechanism is activated by moving the second arm
portion from the cocked position to the launch position. Activation
of the release mechanism results in movement of the catch, which
allows the biasing member to force a projectile away from the
opening. The second arm portion pivots about a joint. The joint
activates the release mechanism when the second arm portion is
pivoted to the launch position. In one instance, the first arm
portion and the second arm portion form a substantially straight
line when the second arm portion is pivoted to the launch position.
In one or more embodiments, the second arm portion comprises an
actuator operatively positioned between the joint and release
mechanism. The joint moves the actuator to activate the release
mechanism. In further embodiments, the toy figurine comprises a
torsion spring for biasing the second arm portion to the cocked
position.
[0006] According to another aspect of the present invention, a toy
projectile launching figurine is provided. The toy projectile
launching figurine comprises a projectile and an appendage
pivotable along a range of positions including a launch position.
The pivotable appendage comprises a projectile launching unit
configured to engage the projectile and launch the engaged
projectile when the appendage is pivoted to the launch position.
The projectile launching unit comprises a catch for releasably
engaging the projectile and a propulsion spring for providing a
propulsion force to the engaged projectile. A catch spring biases
the catch to a retaining position. In one or more embodiments, the
projectile comprises an elongated member having an engagement
portion for engaging with the catch. In a typical embodiment, a
portion of the elongated member is sized to fit within the
propulsion spring and the projectile compresses the propulsion
spring when the elongated member is engaged with the catch.
[0007] The appendage pivots about a joint. Pivoting the appendage
to the launch position causes the joint to trigger the catch and
release the engaged projectile. In one or more embodiments, the
pivotable appendage is a portion of an arm and the joint is an
elbow joint. In one instance, the projectile is launched when the
arm is straightened. In one or more embodiments, the appendage
further comprises an actuator operatively positioned between the
joint and catch. The joint pushes the actuator to trigger the
catch. In further embodiments, the toy projectile launching
figurine comprises a torsion spring for biasing the appendage away
from the launch position.
[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, a toy
figurine is provided. The toy figurine comprises a projectile and a
pivotable arm portion that pivots about an elbow joint. The
pivotable arm portion comprises a projectile launching unit having
a catch for releasably engaging the projectile and a biasing member
for providing a propulsion force to the engaged projectile.
Pivoting the pivotable arm portion to a launch position causes the
elbow joint to trigger the catch and allow the biasing member to
launch the engaged projectile. In one or more embodiments, the
pivotable arm portion further comprises an actuator operatively
positioned between the elbow joint and catch. The elbow joint
pushes the actuator to trigger the catch.
[0009] Other objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the
following detailed description. It is to be understood, however,
that the detailed description and specific examples, while
indicating some embodiments of the invention, are given by way of
illustration and not limitation. Many changes and modifications
within the scope of the invention may be made without departing
from the spirit thereof, and the present invention includes all
such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Referring now to the drawings in which like reference
numbers represent corresponding parts throughout:
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of a toy figurine in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of a toy figurine in
accordance with another embodiment of the invention;
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the toy figurine of FIG.
2;
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a projectile
launching unit of the toy figurine of FIG. 3 along line C-C;
[0015] FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate cross-sectional views of the
projectile launching unit of the toy figurine of FIG. 3 along line
C-C with an engaged projectile (FIG. 5A) and without an engaged
projectile (FIG. 5B); and
[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of the toy figurine of
FIG. 2.
[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a
projectile according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] A toy figurine according to the present invention allows a
user to easily and naturally launch projectiles during the course
of play. As described herein, the toy figurine includes dolls,
figures, models, and action figures that may be based on or model
any real, fictional or fantasy character, object or entity.
Generally, the toy figurine comprises a main body and one or more
appendages movably connected to the body. The movable appendage may
be a limb, body part, member, attachment or accessory movably
connected to the body of the toy figurine. A projectile launching
unit is connected to or forms a part of the movable appendage and
imparts a projectile launching feature to the toy figurine. The
projectile launching unit is activated to launch a projectile when
the appendage is manually moved to a specific launch position. The
appendage may be manually moved to the specific launch position,
for example by pivoting, rotating, twisting, extending, or
contracting the appendage. In some embodiments, the toy figurine
has a plurality of movable appendages with each appendage having a
separate projectile launching unit.
[0019] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a toy figurine 100
according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this
embodiment, an arm 102 is movably connected to a torso 104 of the
toy figurine 100. More specifically, the arm 102 is pivotable about
an axis 115 on a shoulder region of the toy figurine 100. A
projectile launching unit 106 is attached to the arm 102 and is
configured to receive and launch a projectile 108. The projectile
launching unit 106 has a cylindrical member 109 that defines a
cavity 110 for receiving the projectile 108. A biasing member 112
is further disposed in the cavity 110. When the projectile 108 is
inserted into the projectile launching unit 106, the projectile 108
compresses the biasing member 112. The compression and subsequent
expansion of the biasing member 112 back to its original shape
(discussed in further detail below) provides a propulsion force
that launches the projectile 108 from the projectile launching unit
106.
[0020] The projectile launching unit 106 includes a catch 114 that
releasably engages and retains the projectile 108 in the
cylindrical member 109 until the projectile launching unit 106 is
activated to launch the projectile 108. Activation of the
projectile launching unit 106 is accomplished by moving the arm
102, which pivots in a range of positions around the axis 115 along
the directions of arrow A (see FIG. 1). A joint 116 having a
protrusion 118 is positioned coaxially with the arm 102. The arm
102 also includes an actuator 120 located between the joint 116 and
catch 114. When the arm 102 is pivoted to a specific launch
position, the protrusion 118 on the joint 116 moves the actuator
120 to trigger the catch 114. The catch 114 subsequently releases
the projectile 108 and allows the projectile 108 to be launched
from the projectile launching unit 106 by the biasing member 112.
In some embodiments, the toy figurine has multiple launch
positions. For example, the joint 116 may have multiple protrusions
118 so that the catch 114 is triggered when the arm 102 is pivoted
to different launch positions.
[0021] FIGS. 2 and 3 show front and side views, respectively, of a
toy figurine 200 according to another exemplary embodiment of the
present invention. Toy figurine 200 comprises a torso 202, a first
arm portion 204 coupled to the torso 202, and a second arm portion
206 pivotally coupled to the first arm portion 204. The second arm
portion 206 comprises a projectile launching unit 300 (see FIG. 3)
and is movable relative to the first arm portion 204 in a range of
motion along the directions of arrow B between a cocked position
208 (see FIG. 2) and a launch position 210 (represented with
line-shading in FIG. 2). As long as the second arm portion 206 is
not in the launch position 210, such as in the cocked position 208,
a projectile 212 can be inserted and retained in the second arm
portion 206 of the toy figurine 200. As described in further detail
below, the projectile 212 is launched from the second arm portion
206 when the second arm portion 206 is moved to the launch position
210. In this instance, the projectile 212 is launched by pivoting
the second arm portion 206 to a position where the first arm
portion 204 and the second arm portion 206 form a substantially
straight line (i.e. the arm is straightened). The first arm portion
204 is also pivotable relative to the torso 202 to provide
additional adjustability in the angle and/or direction that the
projectile 212 is launched.
[0022] FIGS. 4 and 5A-5B provide detailed views of the projectile
launching unit 300 and the release mechanism for launching a
projectile according to one or more embodiments of the present
invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the projectile launching unit 300
includes a wall 302 that defines a cavity 304 and an opening 306 in
communication with the cavity 304. A biasing member, or in this
instance a propulsion spring 308, is disposed in the cavity 304.
The projectile launching unit 300 also includes a catch 310 for
releasably engaging with the projectile 212 (not shown in FIG. 4).
The catch 310 has an opening 312 that allows a portion of the
projectile 212 to pass through the catch 310 when the projectile
212 is inserted into the cavity 304 (see FIG. 5A). A catch spring
314 biases the catch 310 to a projectile retaining position by
pushing the catch 310 in a direction perpendicular to the insertion
direction of the projectile 212 within the cavity 304.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 5A, the projectile 212 is formed to
resemble a lasso and includes a plastic hoop 214 and an elongated
member 216. A projectile sleeve 215 is also attached to the
projectile 212. A portion of the elongated member 216 is sized to
fit within the propulsion spring 308 and pass through the cavity
opening 306 of the projectile launching unit 300 as the projectile
212 is inserted into the cavity 304. The elongated member 216
further includes a notch 218 that engages with the catch 310 to
retain the projectile 212 within the projectile launching unit 300.
While engaged with the catch 310, the sleeve 215 of the projectile
212 compresses the propulsion spring 308, which provides a
launching force when the projectile 212 is released by the catch
310. The projectile 212 may be various sizes and shapes. In some
embodiments, the projectile is a portion of the movable appendage,
for example a portion of an arm that can be launched.
[0024] The release mechanism of the projectile launching unit 300
is triggered when the second arm portion 206 is pivoted to a
specific launch position 210. In the exemplary embodiment shown in
FIGS. 4 and 5A-5B, the second arm portion 206 pivots about an elbow
joint 220 between the first arm portion 204 and second arm portion
206. When the second arm portion 206 is pivoted to the launch
position 210, a protrusion 222 on the elbow joint 220 comes into
contact with and pushes an actuator 316 operatively positioned
between the elbow joint 220 and the catch 310 (see FIG. 4).
Movement of the actuator 316 towards the catch 310 causes the catch
310 to move towards the catch spring 314 to a projectile releasing
position. As shown for example in FIG. 5B, the actuator 316 and the
catch 310 have wedge-shaped contact portions or cam surfaces that
slidably engage with each other as the actuator 316 pushes the
catch 310 to the projectile releasing position in a smooth motion.
This disengages the catch 310 from the notch 218 on the projectile
212 and removes the restraining force on the compressed propulsion
spring 308. The propulsion spring 308 is thus able to return to its
original shape and propel the projectile 212 away from the
projectile launching unit 300 in the process.
[0025] A torsion spring 318 positioned beside the elbow joint 220
biases the second arm portion 206 away from the launch position
210. In one instance, the torsion spring 318 biases the second arm
portion 206 to the cocked position 208 (see FIG. 2). By moving the
second arm portion 206 away from the launch position 210, the
actuator 316 is allowed to move away from the catch 310, which
returns to its projectile retaining position via the catch spring
314. A projectile 212 may again be inserted into the projectile
launching unit 300 for launching. An exploded view of the toy
figurine 200 and the components of the release mechanism of the
projectile launching unit 300 is shown in FIG. 6.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 7, an embodiment of a projectile according
to the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, the
projectile 400 is shown as a circular or hoop structure with a
central opening 402 and a mounting portion 404 that has a distal
tip 406 that is insertable into the arm of a toy figurine as
discussed above. As shown, an elongate member 410 such as a string
or cord or rope is provided as well. With the elongate member 410,
the projectile 400 resembles a lasso. Elongate member 410 has a
proximate end 412 that is coupled to a portion of the toy figurine,
such as its hand or arm. In addition, the elongate member 410 has a
distal end 414 that is coupled to the mounting portion 404 of the
projectile 400. Thus, when the projectile 400 is launched by a toy
figurine, the projectile 400 remains coupled to the toy figurine
via the elongate member 410. As a result, the elongate member 410
prevents the projectile 400 from becoming lost after it has been
launched. Also, by coupling the projectile 400 to the toy figurine,
subsequent reloadings of the projectile 400 for additional launches
are easier. Furthermore, the length of the string or rope
determines the distance that the projectile 410 is allowed to
travel when it is launched.
[0027] Although the disclosed inventions are illustrated and
described herein as embodied in one or more specific examples, it
is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown,
since various modifications and structural changes may be made
therein without departing from the scope of the inventions and
within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.
[0028] Moreover, it is to be understood that terms such as "left,"
"right," "top," "bottom," "front," "rear," "side," "height,"
"length," "width," "upper," "lower," "interior," "exterior,"
"inner," "outer" and the like as may be used herein, merely
describe points or portions of reference and do not limit the
present invention to any particular orientation or configuration.
Further, the term "exemplary" may be used herein to describe an
example or illustration. Any embodiment described herein as
exemplary is not to be construed as a preferred or advantageous
embodiment, but rather as one example or illustration of a possible
embodiment of the invention.
[0029] Finally, various features from one of the embodiments may be
incorporated into another of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is
appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a
manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure as set forth in
the following claims.
* * * * *