Gravity Fed Patents (Class 124/47)
  • Patent number: 10634465
    Abstract: Machine for launching targets comprising a frame on which a mounting is assembled, relative to which a barrel is rotatably assembled according to an axis of rotation and in a direction of rotation. The barrel comprising a plurality of columns for storing stacks of targets, the storage columns being arranged according to a ring defining an inner surface of the barrel. The inner space of the barrel advantageously comprises at least one additional target storage element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: LAPORTE HOLDING (SAS)
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Laporte, Jean-Marc Fouques
  • Patent number: 10488148
    Abstract: The invention relates to a toy gun having a barrel; a projectile launching mechanism arranged in a body of the gun for launching a projectile from the gun via the barrel; a plurality of magazines each of which is adapted to accommodate a plurality of projectiles; wherein the plurality of magazines are each arranged to move in turn to a projectile loading position to thereby align a projectile with the barrel for launching by the projectile launching mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Alex Brands Buzz Bee Toys(HK)Limited
    Inventors: Brownie Johnson, Chor-Ming Ma
  • Patent number: 9199803
    Abstract: An apparatus that provides a continuous flow of parts to a manufacturing robot during a manufacturing process has a plurality of adjustable parts caddies on rotating carousel where the parts used in manufacturing process are placed in each adjustable caddy on an operator side of the apparatus and then taken out of the caddy on a production side as the carousel turns. A lift mechanism on the production side works in conjunction with the adjustable caddies and a manufacturing robot to position parts in each caddy in a predefined position for pick up by the manufacturing robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Automated Cells and Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: James R Morris, Michael L Lucey
  • Patent number: 9004052
    Abstract: A toy pump action rifle for launching discs having an outer housing, a stock, a grip, a trigger, a handle for cocking the rifle and a revolving drum for storing multiple discs. Within the housing is a mechanism for removing discs, one at a time, from the drum where the discs are arranged in a first position, rotating each disc 90° to a second position, and transporting each disc to a discharge chamber. The mechanism includes a transfer arm to remove each disc from the drum, a disc pocket for receiving the removed disc, the pocket being rotatable to reorient the disc, and disc pocket also being slidable to carry the disc to the discharge chamber. Activation of the trigger releases a cocked launch arm that snaps forward and strikes the disc to cause discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Alan Poirier
  • Patent number: 9004055
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for delivering targets (2) comprising at least one column (4) for storing targets (2) capable of receiving a first target (11) at the lowest point of the column (4) and at least a second target (12) stacked on the first target (11), means for delivering the first target (11), and retention means for retaining the second target (12) in the column (4), characterized in that the retention means for retaining comprise a ramp (21) configured to exert a bearing force on the lower face of the second target (12) during the delivery of the first target (11). This invention also relates to a machine for launching targets (2) equipped with a device and a method for distributing the targets (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Laporte Holding (SAS)
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Laporte, Jean-Marc Fouques
  • Patent number: 8899216
    Abstract: A machine for launching disk-shaped targets has two faces located on each side of an edge. The machine includes means for loading a target into a launch area, an arm for launching the target placed in the launch area and a surface guiding the target by means of contact with at least one of the aforementioned faces thereof. The guiding surface has at least one portion wherein the areas that come into contact with the face of the target are not continuous. The machine is particularly suitable for shooting practice, such as archery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: LaPorte Holding
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Laporte, Jean-Marc Fouques
  • Publication number: 20140318520
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a machine for launching discoidal targets for archery, comprising a launch housing able to accept a first target, a launch device able to move at least partly in the launch housing and able to launch the first target from the launch housing, and a feed magazine able to store a plurality of second and third targets awaiting loading into the launch housing, characterised in that the feed magazine emerges in the launch housing level with the first target able to be accepted so that the second target is able to be held in the feed magazine by contact of the first target which at least partially opposes gravity. The invention will find its application for automatically launching several targets one after the other in the air for competitions or archer training.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Laporte Holding
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Laporte, Jean-Marc Fouques
  • Publication number: 20130125869
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for delivering targets (2) comprising at least one column (4) for storing targets (2) capable of receiving a first target (11) at the lowest point of the column (4) and at least a second target (12) stacked on the first target (11), means for delivering the first target (11), and retention means for retaining the second target (12) in the column (4), characterised in that the retention means for retaining comprise a ramp (21) configured to exert a bearing force on the lower face of the second target (12) during the delivery of the first target (11). This invention also relates to a machine for launching targets (2) equipped with a device and a method for distributing the targets (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Laporte, Jean-Marc Fouques
  • Patent number: 8021208
    Abstract: A magazine for a toy gun includes a housing, at least one projectile disposed within the housing, and a constant-force spring disposed within the housing for providing a biasing force against the at least one projectile. The at least one projectile is made of elastomer or polymer foam material having a density between about 0.020 g/cm3 (1.25 lbs/ft3) and about 0.833 g/cm3 (52 lbs/ft3), and a 25% compression resistance (compression deflection) between about 0.6 psi and about 20 psi. The magazine is capable of holding and dispensing the projectiles such that the biasing force of the constant-force spring does not excessively deform the projectiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Inventor: Robert J. Victor
  • Patent number: 7040308
    Abstract: A hopper device 50 for illuminating luminescent paintballs before the paintballs are projected down the barrel of a paintball gun includes a hopper shell 52, top and bottom rows 54 and 56 of ultraviolet lights 14 disposed at preselected portions of the shell 52 to maximize the exposure of the paintballs 11 to ultraviolet light emitted from the lights 14, a pair of low voltage D.C. batteries 58 that supply power via a switch 60 to an inverter 62 which increases the voltage to a magnitude used by the lights 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventor: Paul M. Ciesiun
  • Patent number: 5611322
    Abstract: A disc discharging toy for discharging discs is provided which comprises a plurality of resilient discs, a magazine for holding the discs in a stacked position, a forcibly feeding device for forcibly feeding the discs so held in the supply portion piece by piece toward a discharging position, and a discharging device for discharging the disc so fed. The discharging device includes two rollers and a motor for rotating at least one of the two rollers in a direction in which the disc is discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Toybox Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuya Matsuzaki, Hisashi Ishida
  • Patent number: 5471967
    Abstract: A disc discharging toy for discharging discs is provided which comprises a plurality of resilient discs, a magazine for holding the discs in a stacked position, a forcibly feeding device for forcibly feeding the discs so held in the supply portion piece by piece toward a discharging position, and a discharging device for discharging the disc so fed. The discharging device includes two rollers and a motor for rotating at least one of the two rollers in a direction in which the disc is discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Toybox Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuya Matsuzaki, Hisashi Ishida
  • Patent number: 5406928
    Abstract: Apparatus for launching targets for trap shooting whose speed and distance of projection are variable, of the type using a rotatable drum (1)into which are loaded movable targets (2). The movable targets (2) are superposed on each other in columns (3), maintained by tubes or vertical rollers, disposed between a recessed upper holding plate or having radial arms for the storage of movable targets and a lower recessed holding plate (4) for each column (3) of targets (2), or having radial arms between each column (3) of targets (2). The lower plate (4) is above and parallel to a fixed base plate which comprises a single recess (5) so as to permit the passage of movable targets (2) which are received on a launching plate (6) disposed before an ejection arm (7). One or several motors ensures the rotation of the drum (1) and the movement of the ejection arm (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Laporte
    Inventors: Paul Panara, Jean-Michel Laporte
  • Patent number: 5259360
    Abstract: Apparatus for launching movable discs of targets for trap shooting, of the type using a rotatable barrel (2) into which are loaded movable targets (1) that are superposed on each other in columns (3, 4) maintained by vertical tubes (5), disposed between an upper plate (6) recessed for the passage of the movable targets (1) and a lower plate (7) recessed for the passage of the movable targets (1) which fall on a base plate (10) fixed against rotation, which presents each movable target (1) to a launching ramp (42) in front of the launching arm (11). The loading of the movable targets (1) takes place frontally by spacing apart the vertical tubes (5). On the base plate (10), a roller cam acts to maintain in place the next-to-last movable target, this roller cam comprising adjusting mechanism to be adapted as a function of the diameter of the targets (1) used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: Laporte Ball Trap
    Inventors: Paul Panara, Jean-Michel Laporte
  • Patent number: 5199410
    Abstract: A toy saucer launching and catching device comprised of a base covered with an upper cover and supported on a handle to hold a saucer seat, a curved spring rod retained between said base and said saucer seat, a push plate controlled by a trigger on said handle to squeeze said spring rods inwards, and a lifting plate controlled by an auxiliary trigger on said handle to lift said upper cover, and wherein pulling said trigger causes a toy saucer to be launched out of said saucer seat into the air; pulling said auxiliary trigger causes said upper cover to be opened for catching a flying toy saucer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Inventor: Cheng-Tsuan Cheng
  • Patent number: 5140971
    Abstract: A throwing arm for a target throwing device the arm including upper and lower plates which receive respective targets so that in operation two targets are thrown simultaneously. The arm is formed as an extrusion for strength lightness and ease of fabrication. A novel magazine is also disclosed which utilizes extruded elements which are shaped and disposed so as to hold targets in columns in the magazine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Inventor: Brian A. Heffer
  • Patent number: 5069451
    Abstract: This device is intended to be used by the novice or the professional to develop or retain particular skills used in the game of hockey. There is provided a base, a support mounted on the base which carries a tube in an upright manner about 11/2 puck thicknesses above the central portion of the base. The tube is loaded with several pucks which are fed down through the tube by gravity onto the base. A bent discharge lever is pivotably mounted in the tube support and when actuated by an impact from a hockey stick of a user the foot of the lever shoots out the puck resting on the base while holding the next puck in the tube until a weight fixed to the lever returns it to its initial position. Gravity then automatically places another puck on the base ready for discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Inventors: Kent L. Martens, Harvey W. Schulz
  • Patent number: 5036828
    Abstract: A magazine for targets to be thrown from a throwing device having a rotatable throwing arm mounted for rotation with a shaft is disclosed. The magazine comprises a stationary plate having a transfer opening therein and a holding member for holding a plurality of columns of targets. The columns are supported by this stationary plate except at the transfer opening. An indexing mechanism selectively rotates the holding member about the shaft in synchronism with the throwing arm so that when one of the columns passes over the transfer opening, the lowermost target in the column passes through the opening and onto the throwing arm. The indexing mechanism is arranged to arrest movement of the holding member relative to the shaft in a position where the targets cannot pass through the opening. A restraining mechanism prevents all but the lowermost target in each column from passing through the transfer opening, as the columns pass above the transfer opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Inventor: Brian A. Heffer
  • Patent number: 4967720
    Abstract: This trap shooting machine dispenses clay pigeons onto its flinger arm at random locations so that when the flinger arm is activated, the pigeons are projected successively in random directions to be more challenging to the marksman. This is accomplished by a carriage which moves back and forth over the flinger arm, the carriage supporting a supply of pigeons and dispensing them onto the flinger arm at random spots, one for each "pull".
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Assignee: Yale Security Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. McCord, Lloyd G. Moore
  • Patent number: 4747390
    Abstract: A target projector for projecting a disc-like target adapted for operation by electric power, the projector includes a base with a drive shaft rotatably mounted thereon, an electric motor is operatively connected to the drive shaft to rotate same, a throwing arm has an inner end and an outer end portion and is connected to the drive shaft for rotation therewith, a target magazine is positioned adjacent and above the inner end portion of the throwing arm, said magazine being adapted to hold a stack of disc-like targets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1988
    Inventor: Nelson Storm
  • Patent number: 4706641
    Abstract: An automatic clay target feeder attachment that can be attached to a clay target trap shooting machine that will self-load the trap shooting machine without need of manual assistance within the forward trap pit on the shooting range. Such feeder attachment can be selectively set to drop onto the flinger arm of the trap shooting machine either two targets or but one target at a time including means that will move the dropped targets outwardly along the flinger arm preparatory to the release of the flinger arm by the shooter's referee upon the shoot being made by the trap shooters. The operation of the attachment to load the flinger arm with targets is done in response to actuation of the trap machine and the release of its flinger arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1987
    Inventors: Roger J. Cote, Ronald P. Cote
  • Patent number: 4659320
    Abstract: A toy vehicle disk launching apparatus for launching small disks in spinning fashion into a surface for accelerated travel therealong. A chassis supported by wheels includes a housing having a track for loading disks with spindle portions on the axis thereof to a disk launching station. At the disk launching station is an arc shaped catapult lever pivotally mounted for contacting a spindle position of the disk for imparting spinning motion thereto thereby launching the disk onto the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1987
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Hubert A. Rich, Miva A. Filoseta, Eric C. Ostendorff
  • Patent number: 4048976
    Abstract: The magazine includes a ramp and cam by which the entire column of targets is lowered by gravity prior to having springbiased fingers engage the second target from the bottom and having the lower-most target fall onto a predetermined drop pad on a target launching plate, which pad location does not change regardless of the position of the oscillating housing and launching plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1976
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1977
    Assignee: Remington Arms Company, Inc.
    Inventors: James Marion Alday, Kenneth Charles Rowlands
  • Patent number: 3937203
    Abstract: The invention relates to a trap for clay pigeons, and in particular mechanism for releasing the lowermost clay pigeon of the stack contained in a magazine chamber while holding the rest of the stack in position. A pair of gripping tongs is provided for each magazine chamber, but only a single common actuating mechanism for the various tongs is used, and a single retaining device serves all of the magazine chambers in turn. The invention also provides a spring biased pivoted rod that assures correct positioning of the clay pigeons on the throwing arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1973
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1976
    Assignee: Ernst K. Spieth
    Inventors: Eberhard Riedmueller, Horst Klawitter
  • Patent number: 3937204
    Abstract: A target throwing apparatus in which a revolving magazine having a number of stacks of targets is independently and fixedly supported relative to an oscillating target throwing housing. A cocking mechanism stops the throwing arm just before reaching the over-center position whereupon initiating of the next cocking cycle throws the target. A power train consists of three equal-sized gears mounted on three parallel shafts to throw the targets and to oscillate the housing. The magazine includes a ramp and cam by which the entire column of targets is lowered by gravity prior to having springbiased fingers engage the second target from the bottom and having the lower-most target fall onto a predetermined drop pad on a target launching plate, which pad location does not change regardless of the position of the oscillating housing and launching plate. A scotch yoke assembly is utilized in translating rotary shaft motion to symmetrical reciprocating motion to oscillate the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1973
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1976
    Assignee: Remington Arms Company, Inc.
    Inventors: James Marion Alday, Kenneth Charles Rowlands