Toy for rotating and aerially launching an object

Abstract

A toy comprises a housing connected with a launcher to rotate and aerially launch a propeller in a launch direction. A direction controller is included to control the launch direction. The launcher is connected with a launcher rotating system, which imparts a rotary movement to the launcher. After accelerating the object, the object is aerially launched from the launcher. The toy is also configured to aerially launch multiple objects simultaneously.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application is a Continuation-In-Part application, claiming the benefit of priority of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/183,118, filed Jul. 14, 2005, entitled “Toy for Rotating and Launching an Object,” which is a non-provisional patent application claiming the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/604,283, filed Aug. 25, 2004, entitled “Wheel Spinning Launcher and Wheel Toy.” The present application also claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/730,080, filed Oct. 24, 2005, entitled, “Rotating Wheel/Propeller Toy.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Technical Field

The present invention relates to a toy for rotating and launching an object, and more particularly to a launching mechanism for rotating and aerially launching an object.

(2) Description of Related Art

Toy launchers are well known in the art. Toys that accelerate and launch gliders, helicopters, cars, and parachutes are well documented. One method of launching a toy is through a rotary motion, often utilizing a gear system to turn a shaft that rotates the toy. Such toys have been adapted as aerial launchers to aerially launch objects.

In some circumstances, it is desirable to be able to control the direction of the launch. Additionally, existing launchers only include a single launch mechanism.

Therefore, a need exists for a toy launcher with a cost-effective launching mechanism built into the design of the toy that is capable of aerially launching multiple objects and controlling the direction of the launch.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the aforementioned limitations and fills the aforementioned needs by providing a toy for rotating and aerially launching an object. The toy comprises a housing and a direction controller attached with the housing for controlling a launching direction of the launcher. A first launcher is operably connected with the direction controller and pivotally connected with the housing. The first launcher is configured to impart a rotary motion to an object. The first launcher comprises a driving element configured to engage a receiving element. The receiving element is attached with an object to form a drive connection, such that when the driving element engages the receiving element, the object is rotationally accelerated in one direction, after which the object is aerially launched from the first launcher in the launching direction. A launcher rotating system is mounted inside the housing and connected with the launcher. The launcher rotating system is configured to impart a rotary motion to the launcher.

The present invention further comprises a second launcher operably connected with the direction controller and extending from the housing. The second launcher configured to impart a rotary motion to an object. The second launcher comprises a driving element configured to engage a receiving element. The receiving element is attached with an object to form a drive connection, such that when the driving element engages the receiving element, the object is rotationally accelerated in one direction, after which an object is aerially launched from both the first launcher and the second launcher.

The present invention further comprises a direction linkage directionally connecting the first and second launchers and further comprising a controller linkage connected with the direction controller and the direction linkage. Using the direction controller causes the controller linkage to move the direction linkage and thereby simultaneously turn both the first and second launcher.

In another aspect, the driving element comprises two substantially helical tabs extending in a parallel configuration from the shaft about an axis. The axis runs substantially parallel to and substantially centered in the shaft. The receiving element of the object is similarly configured with two substantially helical tabs extending outward in parallel configuration about an axis, the axis running perpendicular to the rotational motion of the object. The two substantially helical tabs of each of the driving element and receiving element has an edge that runs parallel to the axis of the respective driving element and receiving element, such that the edge of the driving element rests flush against the edge of the receiving element, forming a drive connection which allows the rotation of the driving element to rotate the receiving element.

In yet another aspect, the launcher rotating system comprises a series of interconnected gears and axles, the gears and axles capable of rotating the object.

In yet another aspect, the present invention further comprises an object for aerially launching from the launcher, wherein the object is propeller formed to provide a lifting force upon rotation.

Finally, as can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the present invention also comprises a method for forming and using the toy described herein.

For example, the method comprises acts of forming a housing; attaching a direction controller with the housing for controlling a launching direction of the launcher; operably connecting a first launcher with the direction controller and pivotally connected with the housing, the first launcher configured to impart a rotary motion to an object, wherein the first launcher comprises a driving element configured to engage a receiving element, the receiving element attached with an object to form a drive connection, such that when the driving element engages the receiving element, the object is rotationally accelerated in one direction, after which the object is aerially launched from the first launcher in the launching direction; and mounting a launcher rotating system inside the housing and connected with the launcher, the launcher rotating system configured to impart a rotary motion to the launcher.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed descriptions of the disclosed aspects of the invention in conjunction with reference to the following drawings, where:

FIG. 1 is a perspective-view illustration of a toy for rotating and aerially launching an object according to the present invention, showing propellers attached with the toy;

FIG. 2 is another perspective-view illustration of a toy for rotating and aerially launching an object according to the present invention, showing the propellers removed;

FIG. 3 is an interior-view illustration of the toy for rotating and aerially launching an object according to the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a close-up view of a driving element and a receiving element according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a toy for rotating and launching an object, and more particularly to a launching mechanism for rotating and aerially launching an object. The following description, taken in conjunction with the referenced drawings, is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and to incorporate it in the context of particular applications. Various modifications, as well as a variety of uses in different applications, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles, defined herein, may be applied to a wide range of aspects. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the aspects presented, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. Furthermore, it should be noted that unless explicitly stated otherwise, the figures included herein are illustrated diagrammatically and without any specific scale, as they are provided as qualitative illustrations of the concept of the present invention.

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without necessarily being limited to these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in order to avoid obscuring the present invention.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents that are filed concurrently with this specification and are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference. All the features disclosed in this specification, (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Furthermore, any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Section 112, Paragraph 6. In particular, the use of “step of” or “act of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6.

Before describing the invention in detail, an introduction is provided to provide the reader with a general understanding of the present invention. Next, a description of various aspects of the present invention is provided to give an understanding of the specific details.

(1) Introduction

The present invention relates to a toy for rotating and aerially launching an object. More specifically, the present invention relates to a launcher that can control the direction of the launch and launch multiple objects.

The launcher is formed to hold, rotate and release an object such as a toy propeller. A launcher with a pair of helical tabs extends from a shaft on the toy and interlocks with matching tabs on an object to mount the object on the shaft. In one aspect, a removable gear rack is pulled to rotate a gear train in the toy, which in turn rotates the shaft and the launcher, thereby rotating the object mounted to the launcher. When the launcher ceases to accelerate the object, the tabs of the object disengage from the launcher, launching the object forward.

(2.1.1) Basic Operation

In one aspect, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the toy 100 comprises a housing 102, a direction controller 104, a launcher 106, and a launcher rotating system (not illustrated) including a gear rack 108. The launcher rotating system is located inside the housing 102, and the launcher rotating system is drivingly connected with the gear rack 108 such that when the gear rack 108 is inserted into a gear rack slot 109 and moved, the launcher rotating system translates the movement of the gear rack 108 into a rotary motion. The launcher rotating system is then drivingly connected with the launcher 106. When an object such as a propeller 110 is connected with the launcher 106, the launcher 106 rotationally accelerates the propeller 110 to create a lifting force great enough to aerially launch the propeller 110.

The toy 100 also includes a second launcher 106 so that two propellers 110 can be aerially launched simultaneously. Additionally, using the direction controller 104, a user can control the direction of the launchers 106 and the subsequent aerial launch of the propellers 110. FIG. 2 is a perspective-view showing the toy 100 and launchers 106 without any propellers.

Although a gear rack 108 is shown in the aspect of FIG. 1, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the launcher rotating system can comprise a motor or other manually operated mechanism to cause the rotation of the launcher 106.

(2.1.2) Launcher Mechanism

The launcher functions to retain an object, rotate the object, and aerially launch the object. In one aspect, as shown in FIG. 3, the launcher 106 includes an output axle 300 which is drivingly connected with the launcher rotating system 302. The launcher 106 further includes a driving element 304 for driving the propeller. The driving element 304 comprises two identical helical tabs 306, which extend outward in parallel configuration from the output axle 300 about an axis, such that the axis is running parallel to and centered in the output axle 300. The edges of each of the helical tabs 306 are formed into hook shapes.

FIG. 4 illustrates how the helical tabs 306 of the driving element 304 are configured to interlock, as matching and interlocking shapes, with similar helical tabs 400 on a receiving element 402. The receiving element 402 is connected with an object (e.g., propeller) to be rotated (not illustrated). In particular, the hook-shaped edges 404 of the driving element 304 are configured to match up with the hook-shaped edges 406 of the receiving element 402, forming an interlocking drive connection. The interlocking drive connection allows a user to maintain the interlocking drive connection between the driving element 304 and the receiving element 402 when rotating the object.

Once the interlocking drive connection is made between the driving element 304 and the receiving element 402, the user can pull the gear rack (not illustrated) to rotate the driving element 304 and thereby rotate the object connected with the receiving element 402. When the user pulls the gear rack to the point that it is no longer in contact with the launcher rotating system, the launcher rotating system ceases to accelerate the launcher and the driving element 304. Once the driving element 304 ceases to accelerate the receiving element 402, the receiving element 402 disengages from the driving element 304 and releases the object from the interlocking drive connection, after which the object becomes aerially launched. This is accomplished because once the launcher rotating system ceases to rotate the driving element 304, the rate of rotation of the driving element 304 decreases immediately. However, due to the object's inertia, the rotational velocity of the receiving element 402 decreases more slowly, and the object and receiving element rotate away from the driving element 304 and disengage from the interlocking drive connection.

Due to the design of the launcher and specifically the helical tabs 306 of the driving element 304, the rotation of the launcher will impart a rotation to the receiving element 402 only if rotated in a clockwise direction. If the launcher is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction, the hook-shaped edges 404 of the driving element will rotate away from the hook-shaped edges 400 of the receiving element 402 and disengage the interlocking drive connection without imparting any rotational motion to the receiving element 402.

In the aspect where the object is a propeller, the receiving element 402 is connected with the center of the propeller.

(2.1.3) Launcher Rotating System

As shown in FIG. 3, the launcher rotating system 302 comprises a series of interconnected gears and axles to impart a rotary motion to the launcher 106. In one aspect, the launcher rotating system 106 comprises an input axle 308 with an input pinion 310 and an input gear 312, where the input pinion 308 is drivingly connected with a gear rack. The launcher rotating system 302 further comprises an output axle 300 with an output gear 314, where the output gear 314 is drivingly connected with the input gear 312, and where the output axle 300 is connected with the launcher 106 and the driving element 304.

Additionally, the present invention includes two launchers 106. An interconnector axle 318 is included in the gear system 302. The interconnector axle 318 is connected between the two output gears 314 and operably connects the output gears 314 with the input gear 312. Inclusion of the interconnector axle 318 allows a user to simultaneously rotating the driving element 304 of two launchers 106 and thereby simultaneously launch two propellers.

The gear rack (shown in FIG. 1) is movably mounted in a guideway 316 in the housing 102. The gear rack further comprises a handle for a user to easily grip and pull the gear rack.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that by changing the radius of the interconnected gears and input pinions of the launcher rotating system, a desired input-to-output gear ratio can be achieved. For example, the radius of the gears and pinions can be reduced to provide for a faster rotation output to the launcher, due to the fact that a given movement of the gear rack produces more revolutions of the gears and input pinions than are produced with a greater radius of the gears and input pinions.

Additionally, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the gear mechanism described herein is for illustrative purposes and the invention is not intended to be limited thereto, as other gear mechanisms can be envisioned for spinning the toy wheel.

(2.1.4) Directional Control

When the propellers are launched, they are launched in a launching direction. In order to control the launching direction, a direction controller 104 is attached with the housing for controlling the launching direction. The direction controller 104 operates as a handle or joystick that allows a user to turn the launchers 106 by moving the handle around. A direction linkage 320 directionally connects the two launchers 106. Additionally, a controller linkage 322 connects the direction controller 104 and the direction linkage 320. Furthermore, the launchers 106 are pivotally connected with the housing, such that using the direction controller 104 causes the controller linkage 322 to move the direction linkage 320 and thereby simultaneously turn both of the launchers 106. By turning the launchers 106, a user can control their launching direction.

Claims

1. A toy for rotating and aerially launching an object, comprising:

a housing;

a direction controller attached with the housing for controlling a launching direction of the launcher;

a first launcher operably connected with the direction controller and pivotally connected with the housing, the first launcher configured to impart a rotary motion to an object, wherein the first launcher comprises a driving element configured to engage a receiving element, the receiving element attached with an object to form a drive connection, such that when the driving element engages the receiving element, the object is rotationally accelerated in one direction, after which the object is aerially launched from the first launcher in the launching direction; and

a launcher rotating system mounted inside the housing and connected with the launcher, the launcher rotating system configured to impart a rotary motion to the launcher.

2. The toy as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a second launcher operably connected with the direction controller and extending from the housing, the second launcher configured to impart a rotary motion to an object, wherein the second launcher comprises a driving element configured to engage a receiving element, the receiving element attached with an object to form a drive connection, such that when the driving element engages the receiving element, the object is rotationally accelerated in one direction, after which an object is aerially launched from both the first launcher and the second launcher.

3. The toy as set forth in claim 2, further comprising a direction linkage directionally connecting the first and second launchers and further comprising a controller linkage connected with the direction controller and the direction linkage, such that using the direction controller causes the controller linkage to move the direction linkage and thereby simultaneously turn both the first and second launcher.

4. The toy as set forth in claim 3, wherein the driving element comprises two substantially helical tabs extending in a parallel configuration from the shaft about an axis, the axis running substantially parallel to and substantially centered in the shaft, and wherein the receiving element of the object is similarly configured with two substantially helical tabs extending outward in parallel configuration about an axis, the axis running perpendicular to the rotational motion of the object, and wherein the two substantially helical tabs of each of the driving element and receiving element has an edge that runs parallel to the axis of the respective driving element and receiving element, such that the edge of the driving element rests flush against the edge of the receiving element, forming a drive connection which allows the rotation of the driving element to rotate the receiving element.

5. The toy as set forth in claim 4, wherein the launcher rotating system comprises a series of interconnected gears and axles, the gears and axles capable of rotating the object.

6. The toy as set forth in claim 5, further comprising an object for aerially launching from the launcher, wherein the object is propeller formed to provide a lifting force upon rotation.

7. The toy as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a direction linkage directionally connecting the first and second launchers and further comprising a controller linkage connected with the direction controller and the direction linkage, such that using the direction controller causes the controller linkage to move the direction linkage and thereby simultaneously turn both the first and second launcher.

8. The toy as set forth in claim 1, wherein the driving element comprises two substantially helical tabs extending in a parallel configuration from the shaft about an axis, the axis running substantially parallel to and substantially centered in the shaft, and wherein the receiving element of the object is similarly configured with two substantially helical tabs extending outward in parallel configuration about an axis, the axis running perpendicular to the rotational motion of the object, and wherein the two substantially helical tabs of each of the driving element and receiving element has an edge that runs parallel to the axis of the respective driving element and receiving element, such that the edge of the driving element rests flush against the edge of the receiving element, forming a drive connection which allows the rotation of the driving element to rotate the receiving element.

9. The toy as set forth in claim 1, wherein the launcher rotating system comprises a series of interconnected gears and axles, the gears and axles capable of rotating the object.

10. The toy as set forth in claim 1, further comprising an object for aerially launching from the launcher, wherein the object is propeller formed to provide a lifting force upon rotation.

11. A method for forming a toy for rotating and aerially launching an object, the method comprising acts of:

forming a housing;

attaching a direction controller with the housing for controlling a launching direction of the launcher;

operably connecting a first launcher with the direction controller and pivotally connected with the housing, the first launcher configured to impart a rotary motion to an object, wherein the first launcher comprises a driving element configured to engage a receiving element, the receiving element attached with an object to form a drive connection, such that when the driving element engages the receiving element, the object is rotationally accelerated in one direction, after which the object is aerially launched from the first launcher in the launching direction; and

mounting a launcher rotating system inside the housing and connected with the launcher, the launcher rotating system configured to impart a rotary motion to the launcher.