FIREARM LAUNCHER

Abstract

A firearm launcher for holding a projectile includes a launcher body attached to a firearm barrel; and a tension member cooperated with the launcher body. In one embodiment, the tension member is connected with the projectile.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a firearm launcher, and more particularly to the firearm launcher which comprises a tension member configured to secure a projectile inside a launcher body of the firearm launcher and provides an uneven force to cause the projectile to fly up if rotate correctly, according to the “Magnus effect.”

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Generally, projectile launchers have long been popular for many purposes, including launching empty beer cans as shooting targets, training retrievers, simulating launched grenades, and launching golf balls for the user's entertainment.

Accordingly, the current projectile launcher usually comprises an elongated cylindrical body having a rear end with a gas inlet facility, an opposite forward exit end, and a latching assembly configured to perform a retention position in which the projectile is remained into the launcher body and a release position thereby launching the projectile.

One non-limiting example of the problems of the current projectile launcher is that the current projectile launcher doesn't comprise any retaining device to secure the projectile inside the launcher body, and in such a manner, the projectile is easy to drop out of the launcher body.

Therefore, there may exist a desire to provide a new and improved projectile launcher that secures the projectile until a selected amount of gas pressure accumulates.

All referenced patents, applications, and literatures are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Furthermore, where a definition or use of a term in a reference, which is incorporated by reference herein, is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply. The disclosed embodiments may seek to satisfy one or more of the above-mentioned desires. Although the present embodiments may obviate one or more of the above-mentioned desires, it should be understood that some aspects of the embodiments might not necessarily obviate them.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In a general implementation, a firearm launcher for holding a projectile comprises a launcher body attached to a firearm barrel; and a tension member cooperated with the launcher body and in contact with the projectile.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the launcher body comprises an external surface and an interior surface defining an interior cavity where the projectile is displaced therein.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the external surface comprises a receiving slot where a part of the tension member is embedded therein.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the tension member comprises a C-shaped portion received inside a receiving slot of the external surface and an elongated portion integrally and vertically extended from the C-shaped portion.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the tension member comprises a blade portion integrally extended from an elongated portion of the tension member and the blade portion is biased against the projectile.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the elongated portion is in contact with the external surface of the launcher body.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the tension member comprises a plurality of bearing members having a plurality of tension springs biased against the projectile.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the tension member comprises a plurality of bearing balls sandwiched between the tension springs and the projectile.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the tension member comprises a ring-shaped tension member sandwiched between the projectile and the interior surface of the launcher body.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the tension member is surrounded a peripheral of the projectile.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the blade portion is biased against one side of the projectile and an opposite side of the projectile is in contact with the interior surface of the launcher body.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the blade portion is a leaf spring which is made of materials with flexibility and tolerance to high fatigue.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the blade portion comprises an inward portion inwardly extended from the elongated portion to the inward portion and an outward portion outwardly and integrally extended from the inward portion to form a biased point which is connected between the inward portion and the outward portion.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the tension spring comprises one end affixed on the interior surface of the launcher body and an opposite end biased against a bearing ball which is biased against the projectile.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, each of the tension springs is spacedly arranged with one another and is in alignment with each other.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the bearing ball engages with an outer surface of the projectile to secure the projectile inside the interior cavity.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the tension member is a C-shaped ring spring that comprises a diameter larger than a diameter of the projectile.

While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any inventions or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular implementations of particular inventions. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above and below as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. For example, example operations, methods, or processes described herein may include more steps or fewer steps than those described. Further, the steps in such example operations, methods, or processes may be performed in different successions than that described or illustrated in the figures. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

The details of one or more implementations of the subject matter described in this disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It should be noted that the drawing figures may be in simplified form and might not be to precise scale. In reference to the disclosure herein, for purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional terms such as top, bottom, left, right, up, down, over, above, below, beneath, rear, front, distal, and proximal are used with respect to the accompanying drawings. Such directional terms should not be construed to limit the scope of the embodiment in any manner.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a firearm launcher attached on a firearm barrel according to an aspect of the embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the firearm launcher according to an aspect of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the firearm launcher according to an aspect of another embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the firearm launcher according to an aspect of the another embodiment.

FIG. 5 is is a perspective view of the firearm launcher according to an aspect of one still another embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the firearm launcher according to an aspect of the one still another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The different aspects of the various embodiments can now be better understood by turning to the following detailed description of the embodiments, which are presented as illustrated examples of the embodiments defined in the claims. It is expressly understood that the embodiments as defined by the claims may be broader than the illustrated embodiments described below.

The term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” can be used interchangeably.

It shall be understood that the term “means,” as used herein, shall be given its broadest possible interpretation in accordance with 35 U.S.C., Section 112(f). Accordingly, a claim incorporating the term “means” shall cover all structures, materials, or acts set forth herein, and all of the equivalents thereof. Further, the structures, materials or acts and the equivalents thereof shall include all those described in the summary of the invention, brief description of the drawings, detailed description, abstract, and claims themselves.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and position terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although many methods and materials similar, modified, or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of the present invention without undue experimentation, the preferred materials and methods are described herein. In describing and claiming the present invention, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set out below.

A “peripheral” of a projectile, as used herein, refers to the external boundary of the projectile of the invention. The peripheral of the projectile can include a whole external surface all over the projectile.

FIG. 1 generally depicts a firearm launcher 100 for holding a projectile 20 according to an aspect of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the firearm launcher 100 comprises a launcher body 10 attached on a firearm barrel 30 and a tension member 40 cooperated with the launcher body 10. The tension member 40 may be in contact with the projectile 20.

FIG. 2 generally depicts an exploded view of the firearm launcher 100 according to an aspect of the embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 2, the launcher body 10 comprises an external surface 11 and an interior surface 12 opposite of the external surface 11, wherein the interior surface 12 may define an interior cavity 121 inside the launcher body 10. In one embodiment, the projectile 20 may be displaced in the interior cavity 121.

In some embodiments, the external surface 11 may comprise a receiving slot 111 surrounded the external surface 11 of the launcher body 10. The launcher body 10 may further comprise a distal end configured to couple with the firearm barrel 30 and a proximal end integrally extended from the distal end to form the interior cavity 121, wherein the distal end may be opposite of the proximal end. It should be noted that, in still some embodiments, the receiving slot 111 may be formed adjacent to the distal end of the external surface 11 of the launcher body 10. For another example, the receiving slot 111 may surround a peripheral of the external surface 11 of the launcher body 10.

Accordingly, the proximal end of the launcher body 10 may further comprise a plurality of supplemental slots 112 which is configured to facilitate the projectile 20 to be inserted into the interior cavity 121. In one embodiment, the supplemental slots 112 may be spacedly arranged around the proximal end of the launcher body 10. For one example, the supplemental slots 112 may be spacedly arranged around an opening of the interior cavity 121.

As shown in detail in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the tension member 40 may be embedded inside the receiving slot 111. For one example, a part of the tension member 40 may be embedded inside the receiving slot 111.

In one embodiment, the tension member 40 may comprise a supported portion 41 received inside the receiving slot 111 of the external surface 11 and an elongated portion 42 integrally and vertically extended from the supported portion 41. For one example, the supported portion 41 may be a C-shaped portion or an O-shaped ring portion to be embedded inside the receiving slot 111 for securing the supported portion 41 on the launcher body 10. Accordingly, the elongated portion 42 may be extended along the length of the launcher body 10 and may be protruded from the launcher body 10. It should be noted that in still one embodiment, the elongated portion 42 may be in contact with the external surface 11 of the launcher body 10.

The tension member 40 of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 further comprises a blade portion 43 integrally extended from the elongated portion 42 of the tension member 10. In one embodiment, the blade portion 43 may be received inside the supplemental slot 112.

In some embodiments, the blade portion 43 of the tension member 40 may comprise an inward portion 431 inwardly extended from the elongated portion 42 and an outward portion 432 outwardly and integrally extended from the inward portion 431. As shown in FIG. 1, for one example, the outward portion 432 of the blade portion 43 may be protruded from the launcher body 10. For another example, the inward portion 431 may be received inside the supplemental slot 112.

In still some embodiments, the inward portion 431 of the blade portion 43 and the outward portion 432 of the blade portion 43 may be connected to form a biased point 433. As seen in FIG. 1, the biased point 433 may be biased against the projectile 20 to not only hold the projectile 20 inside the interior cavity 121 but only to provide an uneven force while the projectile 20 is launched. It should be noted that the uneven force may cause the projectile 20 to rotate during the launching, and in such a manner, the projectile 20 may fly farther and faster.

Continuing to the tension member 40 of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the blade portion 43 may be biased against one side of the projectile 20 and an opposite side of the projectile 20 may be in contact with the interior surface 12 of the launcher body 10. Accordingly, the blade portion 43 may cause a higher air pressure on the one side of the projectile 20, and in such a manner, the projectile 20 may rotate from the one side which faces the higher air pressure to the opposite side of the projectile 20 which has a lower air pressure, such that the projectile 20 may fly along a path with a desired degree, thereby flying further or closer according to the Magnus effect. For one example, the desired degree may be forty-five degrees. For another example, the desired degree may be more than zero degree.

From the above descriptions, the blade portion 43 may be a leaf spring which is made of materials with flexibility and tolerance to high fatigue. It should be understood that the above-described materials are exemplary and any other materials can be adopted in various embodiments of this disclosure.

FIGS. 3-4 generally depict the firearm launcher 100A for holding the projectile 20A according to an aspect of another embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 3, the firearm launcher 100A may comprise a launcher body 10A configured to attach to the firearm barrel and a tension member 40A cooperated with the launcher body 10A. The tension member 40A may be in contact with the projectile 20A.

In one embodiment, the launcher body 10A comprises the external surface 11A and the interior surface 12A opposite of the external surface 11A, wherein the interior surface 12A may define the interior cavity 121A inside the launcher body 10A. In one embodiment, the projectile 20A may be displaced in the interior cavity 121A.

Referring to FIG. 4, the tension member 40A comprises a plurality of bearing members to be biased against the projectile 20A. In one embodiment, the bearing members may comprise a plurality of tension springs 44A configured to be biased against the projectile 20A. For example, the tension springs 44A may be spacedly arranged inside the interior cavity 121A. It should be noted the tension spring 44A may have a front end biased against the projectile 20A for holding the projectile 20A inside the launcher body 10 and to provide the uneven force while the projectile 20A is launched, and a rear end opposite of the front end. It should be noted that the uneven force may cause the projectile 20A to rotate during the launching, and in such a manner, the projectile 20A may fly farther and faster.

Continuing to FIG. 4, the tension member 40A may comprise a plurality of bearing balls 45A sandwiched between the tension springs 44A and the projectile 20A, wherein the front end of the tension spring 44A may be connected with the bearing ball 45A and the rear end may be affixed on the interior surface 12A of the launcher body 10A.

From the above description, in one embodiment, each of the tension springs 44A may be spacedly arranged with one another and is in alignment with each other. In still another embodiment, each of the tension springs 44A may be spacedly arranged with one another at an equal distance. For one example, each of the tension springs 44A may be in alignment with one another at an equal distance.

The projectile 20A of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 may be a golf ball which may comprise an outer surface, wherein the outer surface may be a rough surface or a pre-designed uneven surface. Accordingly, the bearing ball 45A may engage with the outer surface of the projectile 20A to secure the projectile 20A inside the interior cavity 121A. It should be noted that the bearing ball 45A may be designed to secure the projectile 20A inside the interior cavity 121A without falling. For example, the projectile 20A may be a golf ball having a plurality of curved grooves formed on the outer surface, and in such a manner, the bearing ball 45A may comprise a curved surface that may engage with the curved groove of the projectile 20A to securely hold the projectile 20A.

FIGS. 5-6 generally depict the firearm launcher 100B for holding the projectile 20B according to an aspect of still another embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5, the firearm launcher 100B may comprise the launcher body 10B configured to attach to the firearm barrel and the tension member 40B cooperated with the launcher body 10B. The tension member 40B may be in contact with the projectile 20B.

In one embodiment, the launcher body 10B may comprise the external surface 11B and the interior surface 12B opposite of the external surface 11B, wherein the interior surface 12B may define the interior cavity 121B inside the launcher body 10B. In one embodiment, the projectile 20A may be displaced in the interior cavity 121B.

Continuing to FIG. 5, the tension member 40B may comprise a ring-shaped tension member 46B sandwiched between the projectile 20A and the interior surface 12B of the launcher body 10B. For one example, the ring-shaped member 46B may be affixed on the interior surface 12B of the launcher body 10B.

In one embodiment, the ring-shaped tension member 40B may have a diameter that is slightly larger than a diameter of the projectile 20B. In such a manner, the projectile 20B may be secured inside the ring-shaped tension member 46B for holding the projectile 20B inside the launcher body 10B. It should be noted that, in one example, the ring-shaped tension member 46B may be biased against the projectile 20B to secure the projectile 20B inside the launcher body 10B.

According to the tension member 40B of FIG. 5, the ring-shaped tension member 46B may be surrounded a peripheral of the projectile 20B. It should be noted that the ring-shaped tension member 46B may be made of materials with flexibility and tolerance to high fatigue. It should be understood that the above-described materials are exemplary and any other materials can be adopted in various embodiments of this disclosure.

According to the tension member of FIG. 6, the tension member 40B may be a C-shaped ring spring 46B1 which comprises a diameter slightly larger than a diameter of the projectile 20B. In such a manner, the projectile 20B may be secured inside the C-shaped tension member 46B1 for holding the projectile 20B inside the launcher body. It should be noted that, in one example, the C-shaped tension member 46B1 may be biased against the projectile 20B to secure the projectile 20B inside the launcher body.

From the above descriptions, the C-shaped tension member 46B1 may be surrounded the peripheral of the projectile 20B. It should be noted that the C-shaped tension member may be made of materials with flexibility and tolerance to high fatigue. It should be understood that the above-described materials are exemplary and any other materials can be adopted in various embodiments of this disclosure.

According to the ring-shaped and C-shaped tension member 46B, 46B1, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, it should be noted the ring-shaped and C-shaped tension member 46B, 46B1 may be biased against the projectile 20B for holding and projectile 20B inside the launcher body and to provide the uneven force while the projectile 20B is launched. It should be noted that the uneven force may cause the projectile 20B to rotate during the launching, and in such a manner, the projectile 20B may fly farther and faster.

Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of example and that it should not be taken as limiting the embodiments as defined by the following claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the embodiment includes other combinations of fewer, more or different elements, which are disclosed herein even when not initially claimed in such combinations.

Thus, specific embodiments and applications of the firearm launcher have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the disclosed concepts herein. The disclosed embodiments, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalent within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements. The claims are thus to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptually equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and also what essentially incorporates the essential idea of the embodiments. In addition, where the specification and claims refer to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring at least one element from the group which includes N, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.

The words used in this specification to describe the various embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in this specification structure, material or acts beyond the scope of the commonly defined meanings. Thus, if an element can be understood in the context of this specification as including more than one meaning, then its use in a claim must be understood as being generic to all possible meanings supported by the specification and by the word itself.

The definitions of the words or elements of the following claims therefore include not only the combination of elements which are literally set forth, but all equivalent structure, material or acts for performing substantially the same function in substantially the same way to obtain substantially the same result. In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element may be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Claims

1. A firearm launcher for holding a projectile, comprising:

a launcher body attached on a firearm barrel or muzzle devices; and

a tension member cooperated with the launcher body.

2. The firearm launcher of claim 1, wherein the launcher body comprises an external surface and an interior surface defining an interior cavity where the projectile is displaced therein.

3. The firearm launcher of claim 1, wherein the external surface comprises a receiving slot where a part of the tension member is embedded therein.

4. The firearm launcher of claim 1, wherein the tension member comprises a C-shaped portion received inside a receiving slot of the external surface and an elongated portion integrally and vertically extended from the C-shaped portion.

5. The firearm launcher of claim 2, wherein the tension member comprises a blade portion integrally extended from an elongated portion of the tension member and the blade portion is biased against the projectile.

6. The firearm launcher of claim 5, wherein the elongated portion is connected with the external surface of the launcher body.

7. The firearm launcher of claim 2, wherein the tension member comprises a plurality of bearing members having a plurality of tension springs biased against the projectile.

8. The firearm launcher of claim 7, wherein the tension member comprises a plurality of bearing balls sandwiched between the tension springs and the projectile.

9. The firearm launcher of claim 2, wherein the tension member comprises a ring-shaped tension member sandwiched between the projectile and the interior surface of the launcher body.

10. The firearm launcher of claim 9, wherein the tension member is surrounded a peripheral of the projectile.

11. The firearm launcher of claim 5, wherein the blade portion is biased against one side of the projectile and an opposite side of the projectile is connected with the interior surface of the launcher body.

12. The firearm launcher of claim 5, wherein the blade portion is a leaf spring which is made of materials with flexibility and tolerance to high fatigue.

13. The firearm launcher of claim 5, wherein the blade portion comprises an inward portion inwardly extended from the elongated portion and an outward portion outwardly and integrally extended from the inward portion to form a biased point which is connected between the inward portion and the outward portion.

14. The firearm launcher of claim 7, wherein the tension spring comprises one end affixed on the interior surface of the launcher body and an opposite end biased against a bearing ball that engages with the projectile.

15. The firearm launcher of claim 7, wherein each of the tension springs is spacedly arranged with one another and is in alignment with each other.

16. The firearm launcher of claim 8, wherein the bearing ball engages with an outer surface of the projectile to secure the projectile inside the interior cavity.

17. The firearm launcher of claim 9, wherein the tension member is a C-shaped ring spring which comprises a diameter larger than a diameter of the projectile.

18. A firearm launcher for holding a projectile, comprising:

a launcher body attached on a firearm barrel or muzzle devices; and

a tension member connected with the projectile to provide an uneven force to the projectile.

19. The firearm launcher of claim 18, wherein the launcher body comprises an external surface and an interior surface defining an interior cavity where the projectile is displaced therein.

20. The firearm launcher of claim 18, wherein the external surface comprises a receiving slot where a part of the tension member is embedded therein.

21. The firearm launcher of claim 18, wherein the tension member comprises a C-shaped portion received inside a receiving slot of the external surface and an elongated portion integrally and vertically extended from the C-shaped portion.

22. The firearm launcher of claim 19, wherein the tension member comprises a blade portion integrally extended from an elongated portion of the tension member and the blade portion is biased against the projectile.

23. The firearm launcher of claim 22, wherein the elongated portion is connected with the external surface of the launcher body.

24. The firearm launcher of claim 19, wherein the tension member comprises a plurality of bearing members having a plurality of tension springs biased against the projectile.

25. The firearm launcher of claim 24, wherein the tension member comprises a plurality of bearing balls sandwiched between the tension springs and the projectile.

26. The firearm launcher of claim 19, wherein the tension member comprises a ring-shaped tension member sandwiched between the projectile and the interior surface of the launcher body.

27. The firearm launcher of claim 26, wherein the tension member is surrounded a peripheral of the projectile.

28. The firearm launcher of claim 22, wherein the blade portion is biased against one side of the projectile and an opposite side of the projectile is connected with the interior surface of the launcher body.

29. The firearm launcher of claim 22, wherein the blade portion is a leaf spring which is made of materials with flexibility and tolerance to high fatigue.

30. The firearm launcher of claim 22, wherein the blade portion comprises an inward portion inwardly extended from the elongated portion and an outward portion outwardly and integrally extended from the inward portion to form a biased point which is connected between the inward portion and the outward portion.

31. The firearm launcher of claim 24, wherein the tension spring comprises one end affixed on the interior surface of the launcher body and an opposite end biased against a bearing ball that engages with the projectile.

32. The firearm launcher of claim 24, wherein each of the tension springs is spacedly arranged with one another and is in alignment with each other.

33. The firearm launcher of claim 25, wherein the bearing ball engages with an outer surface of the projectile to secure the projectile inside the interior cavity.

34. The firearm launcher of claim 26, wherein the tension member is a C-shaped ring spring which comprises a diameter larger than a diameter of the projectile.