Orb Launching Device
A toy projectile launching device. The device preferably includes a handle, barrel, muzzle, trigger, cocking shaft, and cocking handle. The device uses a spring loaded shaft in order to launch an orb. In addition, the launching mechanism of the device imparts rotation upon the orb, which stabilizes the orb in flight—thereby achieving an increase in sustained velocity and an increase in the distance traveled.
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the field of toy projectile launching devices. More specifically, the present invention comprises a projectile launcher which launches a spin-stabilized orb.
2. Description of the Related Art
Toy projectile launchers are commonly used by children for target practice and for war-type games. Projectile launchers come in many forms, such as slingshots, bows, gun-type devices, and a multitude of other devices. Of course, each of those devices typically uses a different type of projectile. For example, a bow uses an arrow as a projectile and a slingshot launches a small round pellet, rock, or water balloon.
In addition, particular launchers are designed to launch different projectiles. As an example, the reader will realize that gun-type projectile launchers are often used to launch a variety of projectiles, including bullets, spherical pellets, cylindrical pellets, and many others. Oftentimes, the type of projectile to be launched decides the mechanism incorporated in the toy launcher. For example, a designer may not employ the same launching mechanism for a flat disk as he or she would for spherical projectile.
Toy projectile launchers currently exist in the art. An example of a projectile launcher is found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,059,089 to Lehman (1977). The Lehman device launches projectiles using a trigger and plunger setup. A similar approach is taken in U.S. Pat. No. 8,336,531 to Fan et al. (2012). In other cases, a device that sprays water may be used as a children's toy.
Oftentimes, the projectile to be launched is fabricated out of a rigid material-such as plastic or wood. A hard projectile material generally assists with the transfer of momentum from the launcher to the projectile, allowing a higher velocity. However, there are obvious safety concerns when dealing with a hard projectile. Thus, toy manufacturers have limitations on the velocity that may be imparted to a hard projectile.
On the other hand, a manufacturer may increase the velocity of a projectile if it is fabricated from a soft and flexible material. Unfortunately, it is typically more difficult to impart a high velocity upon a flexible projectile than it is on a rigid projectile. The deformation of the projectile as the launching mechanism contacts the projectile reduces the momentum transferred to the projectile, thereby reducing the velocity. It is also difficult to stabilize the flight path of a soft projectile. The deformation introduced by the momentum-transferring mechanism tends to remain as the projectile leaves the launcher. This deformation often causes the projectile to tumble in flight. Thus, what is needed is a projectile launcher that (1) limits the reduction of momentum when launching a flexible projectile and, (2) produces a stable flight path for the flexible projectile. The present invention solves this and other problems, as will be described more particularly in the following text.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention comprises a toy projectile launching device. The device preferably includes a handle, barrel, muzzle, trigger, cocking shaft, and cocking handle. The device uses a spring loaded shaft in order to launch an orb. In addition, the launching mechanism of the device imparts rotation upon the orb, which stabilizes the orb in flight—thereby achieving an increase in sustained velocity and an increase in the distance traveled. The novel method of launching the orb imparts rotation on a flexible orb, which can be difficult. In addition, this method of launching allows the orb to reach a high velocity despite the flexible nature of the orb material.
In a preferred embodiment, the orb launching device can be cocked and left in the cocked position until the user is ready to fire the device. This is preferably done using a trigger system. In other embodiments the orbs are launched by simply pulling the cocking handle back and releasing it in one continuous sequence.
- 10 orb launching device
- 12 launcher handle
- 14 chassis
- 16 muzzle
- 18 trigger
- 19 trigger pivot
- 20 cocking shaft
- 22 cocking handle
- 24 resistance grip
- 26 core
- 28 orb
- 30 central bore of core
- 32 orb retention rib
- 34 loading surface
- 35 helical cut
- 37 helical rib
- 38 central bore of orb
- 39 helical cut extreme
- 40 cocking shaft screw
- 42 retention surface
- 44 cocking spring
- 46 spring anchor
- 48 firing tab
- 50 trigger plunger
- 52 trigger catch
- 54 trigger plunger spring
- 56 catch plunger
- 58 catch spring
- 60 vertical wall
- 61 angled wall
- 62 main core body
- 64 orb holder
- 66 launching shaft
- 68 cocking knob
The present invention provides a projectile launching device for use in target practice and other games played using a device which launches soft projectiles.
Preferably, core 26 includes central bore 30, orb retention ribs 32, loading surface 34, and helical cut 36.
Returning now to
Another advantage to orb 28 being fabricated from a flexible material is that orb launching device 10 can fire orb 28 at a high speed with little fear of injuring someone/thing nearby. The present invention allows for a high-speed yet soft projectile.
Preferably, the central bore 30 of core 26 is axially aligned with cocking shaft 20. Preferably, the diameter of central bore 30 of core 26 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of cocking shaft 20 such that core 26 is capable of translating axially along cocking shaft 20. The diameters of central bore 30 of core 26 and cocking shaft 20 are such that core 26 can rotate as well as translate on that axis. The importance of this will become apparent in the following text.
Cocking shaft screw 40 is affixed to cocking shaft 20. Those familiar with the art will realize that shaft screw 40 can be attached to cocking shaft 20 using multiple techniques. Some examples of how the two can be affixed are that shaft screw 40 can be externally threaded while cocking shaft 20 is internally threaded, shaft screw 40 and cocking shaft 20 can be a snap-type attachment, or shaft screw 40 can be affixed to shaft 20 using epoxy or another adhesive (The use of the word “screw” to name this component should not be viewed as limiting the feature to threaded devices). Although it is not visible in
As discussed previously, central bore 30 of core 26 includes retention surface 42 (an annular flange). The overlapping portion of screw 40 is separated from retention surface 42 in the configuration of
Preferably, cocking spring 44 fits over cocking shaft 20 in such a way that it is capable of translation/compression, but with as little play as possible. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, one end of cocking spring 44 is embedded within core 26, thereby allowing torsional stress to be applied to cocking spring 44 as core 26 is rotated. Of course, the other end of spring 44 must also be fixed in order to build a torsional force within cocking spring 44. This is achieved using spring anchor 46, which is fixedly attached to chassis 14 (either directly or indirectly). Spring anchor 46 includes helical grooves and a stop that prevent cocking spring 44 from rotating past a certain point within spring anchor 46, thereby building torsional tension as spring 44 is rotated. Although spring anchor 46 is illustrated as a separate part in this embodiment, spring anchor 46 may be integral to the chassis of the orb launcher 10. Still looking at
The mechanisms that are used in this particular embodiment to both compress and twist spring 44 will now be described in detail. The reader should bear in mind that many other mechanisms could be employed to achieve these objectives.
In
Trigger 18 and firing tab 48 are preferably held in place while orb launching device 10 is being moved to the completely cocked position. This is achieved using trigger plunger 50 and trigger catch 52. Trigger plunger 50 is loaded using trigger plunger spring 54. Trigger plunger spring 54 preferably maintains a constant force on trigger plunger 50, which urges trigger 18 forward and urges firing tab 48 upward. However, trigger catch 52 prevents trigger 18 from rotating about trigger pivot 19 (The reader will note that a protrusion on the forward facing portion of trigger catch 52 engages a notch on a rear surface of trigger 18). Trigger catch 52 is urged forward and into engagement with the trigger by catch spring 58. The trigger catch assembly keeps trigger 18 in the position shown until trigger catch 52 is forced backwards by core 26 (as the launcher is fully cocked).
Preferably, as the user continues to pull rearward on cocking handle 22 in
Finally cocking handle 22 is pulled rearward until the aft end of core 26 contacts the forward end of trigger catch 52 and pushes it rearward. This is shown in
At this point, the user releases cocking handle 22.
The reader will also note that cocking shaft 20, cocking handle 22, cocking shaft screw 40 have returned to the unloaded state in
The launcher is at this point cocked and ready to fire. The reader will recall that cocking spring 44 has been both compressed and twisted at this point. It is held on both ends so that it cannot untwist. One end is secured in a rotation-limiting way to the chassis, while the opposite end is secured in a rotation-limiting way to core 26. In addition, core 26 is unable to twist or move forward because it is held in place by firing tab 48.
In order to fire the launcher, the user pulls trigger 18. Trigger 18 then pivots in an anti-clockwise direction (in the orientation of
Those familiar with the art will realize that when a user is playing a war-type game whereby players fire orbs 28 at each other, the pre-cocked state gives the user an advantage, allowing him or her to fire orb launching device immediately.
The rotation of core 26 imparts rotation upon orb 28. Rotation of orb 28 increases the likelihood that orb 28 will remain traveling along the major axis of orb 28, which is the orientation with the least amount of drag. As orb 28 travels, the velocity and distance are maximized as it travels along the major axis. By rotating core 26 while cocking orb launching device 10, the trigger assembly is simplified. Firing tab 48 is only required to release core 26 because the required rotation is already imparted upon core 26. Once the user pulls trigger 18, orb launching device 10 returns to the state shown in
In addition to the orb launching device 10 shown in
The firing mechanism for this particular embodiment is very similar to that seen in
The preceding description contains significant detail regarding novel aspects of the present invention. It should not be construed, however, as limiting the scope of the invention but rather as providing illustrations of the preferred embodiments of the invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be fixed to the following claims, rather than specific examples given.
Claims
1. A method for launching a projectile, comprising:
- a. providing a chassis, including i a cocking shaft, and ii. a cocking spring having a first end and a second end, said cocking spring being mounted on said cocking shaft;
- b. providing a core, slidably mounted on said cocking shaft, said core including a loading surface and an outward-facing helix;
- c. wherein said first end of said cocking spring is attached to said core using a rotation-limiting connection and said second end of said cocking spring is attached to said chassis using a rotation-limiting connection;
- d. providing a projectile formed as a solid of resolution around a central axis, said projectile having a central bore along said central axis and an aft extreme;
- e. placing said central bore of said projectile over said core and said aft extreme of said projectile against said loading surface of said core;
- f. compressing said cocking springs by urging said projectile and said core rearward with respect to said chassis;
- g. providing a tab connected to said chassis;
- h. torquing said locking spring by engaging said tab in said helix so that a mechanical interface between said tab and said helix rotates said core as said core travels rearward with respect to said chassis; and
- i. releasing said cocking spring, said cocking spring being configured to simultaneously accelerate said core linearly and rotationally and propel said projectile away from said chassis with a linear and rotational motion.
2. A method for launching a projectile as recited in claim 1 further comprising:
- a. wherein said attachment between said core and said cocking spring is both rotation-limiting and translation-limiting; and
- b. wherein said attachment between said chassis and said cocking spring is both rotation-limiting and translation-limiting.
3. A method for launching a projectile as recited in claim 1 wherein said core includes a plurality of retention ribs configured to engage said central bore of said projectile.
4. A method for launching a projectile as recited in claim 3, wherein:
- a. said projectile is made of a pliable material; and
- b. said retention ribs are configured to deform said pliable material as they engage said central bore.
5. A method for launching a projectile as recited in claim 1, wherein:
- a. said chassis includes a moveable trigger; and
- b. said trigger is configured to release said cocking spring.
6. A method for launching a projectile as recited in claim 1, wherein;
- a. said chassis includes a cocking handle; and
- b. said cocking handle is configured to simultaneously compress and torque said cocking spring.
7. A method for launching a projectile as recited in claim 6, wherein:
- a. said chassis includes a cocking handle; and
- b. said cocking handle is configured to simultaneously compress and torque said cocking spring.
8. A method for launching a projectile as recited in claim 2, wherein:
- a. said chassis includes a moveable trigger; and
- b. said trigger is configured to release said cocking spring.
9. A method for launching a projectile as recited in claim 2, wherein:
- a. said chassis includes a cocking handle; and
- b. said cocking handle is configured to simultaneously compress and torque said cocking spring.
10. A method for launching a projectile as recited in claim 3, wherein;
- a. said chassis includes a moveable trigger; and
- b. said trigger is configured to release said cocking spring.
11. A method for launching a projectile, comprising:
- a. providing a chassis, including i. a cocking shaft, and ii a cocking spring having a first end and a second end, said cocking spring sliding along said cocking shaft;
- b. providing a core, slidably mounted on said cocking shaft, said core including an outward-facing helix;
- c. wherein said first end of said cocking spring is attached to said core using a rotation-limiting connection and said second end of said cocking spring is attached to said chassis using a rotation-limiting connection;
- d. providing a projectile formed as a solid of revolution around a central axis, said projectile having a central bore along said central axis;
- e. placing said central bore of said projectile over said core;
- f. wherein said core is configured to propel and rotate said projectile;
- g. compressing said cocking spring by urging said projectile and said core rearward with respect to said chassis;
- h. providing a tab connected to said chassis;
- i. torquing said cocking spring by engaging said tab in said helix so that a mechanical interface between said tab and said helix rotates said core as said core travels rearward with respect to said chassis; and
- j. releasing said cocking spring, said cocking spring being configured to simultaneously accelerate said core linearly and rotationally and propel said projectile away from said chassis with, a linear and rotational motion.
12. A method for launching a projectile as recited in claim 11 further comprising:
- a. wherein said attachment between said core and said cocking spring is both rotation-limiting and translation-limiting; and
- b. wherein said attachment between said chassis and said cocking spring is both rotation-limiting and translation-limiting.
13. A method for launching a projectile as recited in claim 11 wherein said core includes a plurality of retention ribs configured to engage said central bore of said projectile.
14. A method for launching a -projectile as recited in claim.13, wherein;
- a. said projectile is made of a pliable material; and
- b. said retention ribs are configured to deform said pliable material, as they engage said central bore.
15. A method for launching a projectile as recited in claim 11, wherein:
- a. said chassis includes a moveable trigger; and
- b. said trigger is configured to release said cocking spring.
16. A method for launching a projectile as recited in claim 11, wherein:
- a. said chassis includes a cocking handle; and
- b. said cocking handle is configured to simultaneously compress and torque said cocking spring.
17. A method for launching a projectile as recited in claim 16, wherein:
- a. said chassis includes a cocking handle; and
- b. said cocking handle is configured to simultaneously compress and torque said cocking spring.
18. A method for launching a projectile as recited in claim 12, wherein:
- a. said chassis includes a moveable trigger; and
- b. said trigger is configured to release said cocking spring.
19. A method for launching a projectile as recited m claim 12, wherein:
- a. said chassis includes a cocking handle; and
- b. said cocking handle is configured to simultaneously compress and torque said cocking spring.
20. A method for launching a projectile as recited in claim 13, wherein:
- a. said chassis includes a moveable trigger; and
- b. said trigger is configured to release said cocking spring.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 13, 2015
Publication Date: Aug 18, 2016
Inventor: Jeffrey R. Mitchell (Tallahassee, FL)
Application Number: 14/622,723