TOY PROJECTILE LAUNCHING DEVICES

Abstract

Toy projectile launching devices comprising a projectile and a carrying case for housing the projectile in a stowed position. The carrying-case includes a base member, a cover member configured to pivot relative to the base member about an axis of rotation between a range of open positions and a closed position in which the cover member engages the base member, and a launching unit operatively coupled to the base member at an end region generally distal the axis of rotation. The launching unit is configured to engage the projectile, pivotally bias the projectile from the stowed position to a launch position, and launch the projectile.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to the following U.S. provisional applications, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes: Ser. No. 60/688,136, entitled “Miniature Toy and Case for Same,” filed on Jun. 6, 2005; and Ser. No. 60/719,863, entitled “Toy Case and Launching Device,” filed on Sep. 23, 2005.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to toys, and more particularly to toys incorporating a carrying case, a toy vehicle, and a source of motive power for the toy vehicle.

Toy vehicles with a source of motive power are particularly enjoyable by children. Toy vehicles with carrying cases enable children to easily transport toy vehicles. When carrying cases are integral to toys, provide the source of motive power, or provide separate additional sources of enjoyment, children may be particularly enthusiastic.

Examples of toys incorporating these types of features include U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,343,969; 5,370,571; 4,959,035; 4,946,413; 4,690,654; and 4,108,437, the entire disclosures of which are herein incorporated y reference for all purposes.

SUMMARY

A toy projectile launching device comprising a projectile and a carrying case for housing the projectile is provided. The carrying-case includes a base member, a cover member configured to pivot relative to the base member about an axis of rotation between a range of open positions and a closed position in which the cover member engages the base member, and a launching unit operatively coupled to the base member at an end region generally distal the axis of rotation. The launching unit is configured to engage the projectile, pivotally bias the projectile from a stowed position to a launch position, and launch the projectile.

In some embodiments, the launching unit is configured to automatically pivot the projectile from the stowed position to the launch position and launch the projectile when the cover member is pivoted from the closed position to within the range of open positions.

In some embodiments the base member and the cover member comprise a storage portion. In such embodiments, the carrying case may further include a handle portion configured to be gripped by a user and a central portion operatively connecting the handle portion, the base member, and the cover member. The central portion may be configured to provide an axis of rotation for relative rotation between the handle portion and the storage portion when the cover member is in the closed position, between the base member and the cover member, between the base member and the handle portion, and between the cover member and the handle portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a toy projectile launching device.

FIG. 2 is another isometric view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an isometric exploded view of a portion of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an isometric exploded view of a launching unit of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the launching unit of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of another portion of the launching unit of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary isometric view of a portion of a projectile of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary isometric view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 showing the projectile in a stowed position.

FIG. 9 is an isometric exploded view of a portion of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A toy projectile launching device is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and is generally indicated at 20. Device 20 includes a projectile 22 and a carrying-case 24. Projectile 22 may take any suitable form such that the projectile is configured to be housed in carrying-case 24 in a stowed position 26 and further configured to be pivoted from the stowed position through a range of launching positions 28 and into a launch position 30. Furthermore, the device 20 may incorporate a theme that may be particularly enjoyable by children. For example, device 20 may include a theme based on a comic book character. In the illustrative non-exclusive embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2, device 20 incorporates a BATMAN® character theme. As such, projectile 22 includes a BATMAN® doll riding a BATCYCLE® toy, and the silhouette of carrying case 24 is designed to resemble that of a bat.

In the depicted embodiment, projectile 22 is in the form of a toy motorcycle with a body 32 and wheels 34, and a corresponding action FIG. 36. However, projectile 22 may take any suitable form including (but not limited to) a toy car, a toy space ship, a toy airplane, or any other toy or object suitable for launching from carrying-case 24.

Carrying-case 24 is configured to house projectile 22 in stowed position 26 and includes a base member 38 and a cover member 40. Base member 38 and cover member 40 may be described as comprising a storage portion 42. Base member 38 may (but is not required to) include walls 44, 46 generally defining a cavity 48. Cover member 40 is configured to pivot relative to base member about an axis of rotation 50, between a range of open positions 52 and a closed position in which the cover member engages base member 38. In some embodiments, cover member 40 may be configured to be opened in response to simple user manipulation of the cover member. In other embodiments, cover member 40 may be biased to the range of open positions and may be selectively secured to the base member, such that user manipulation is only required to initially release the cover member from the base member, and then cover member 40 automatically opens, for example in response to a biasing mechanism. Furthermore, carrying-case 24 may include a release mechanism, whereby user manipulation of the release mechanism causes the cover member to disengage from the base member thereby allowing the biasing mechanism to rotate the cover member to the range of open positions.

Carrying-case 24 further includes a launching unit 56 operatively coupled to base member 38 at an end region 58 generally distal axis of rotation 50. Launching unit 56 is configured to engage projectile 22, pivotally bias projectile 22 from stowed position 26 to launch position 30, and launch projectile 22. In some embodiments, launching unit 56 may be (but is not required to be) further configured to automatically pivot projectile 22 from stowed position 26 to launch position 30 and automatically launch projectile 22 when cover member 40 is pivoted from the closed position to within range of open positions 52, for example by user manipulation of the cover member (i.e., cover member 40 may be configured to be engaged by a user). In other words, launching unit 56 may be further configured to automatically pivot the projectile from the stowed position to the launch position and launch the projectile in response to a user engaging the cover member and operatively positioning the cover member from the closed position to a position within the range of open positions. As depicted in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, cover member 40 may include a tip 60 configured for user engagement, for example by the thumb of a user holding carrying-case 24.

In other embodiments, launching unit 56 may be configured to pivot the projectile from the stowed position to the launch position only upon further user manipulation. For example, the carrying-case may include a release mechanism configured to be selectively engaged by a user, such that upon engagement, the launching unit then pivots the projectile from the stowed position to the launch position. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the launching unit may not be configured to automatically launch the projectile upon pivoting it from the stowed position to the launch position, and may instead also require additional user manipulation. For example, the carrying-case may further include a launch mechanism configured to be selectively engaged by a user, such that upon engagement, the launching unit then launches the projectile.

Carrying-case 24 may further include a central portion 62 operatively connecting base member 38 to cover member 40 and configured to provide axis of rotation 50. As such, in some embodiments central portion 62 may include an inner central portion 64 fixedly coupled to base member 38 and at least one hub 66 fixedly coupled to cover member 40 and having a central axis 68 generally coaxial to axis of rotation 50. Thus, hub, or hubs, 66 may be configured to rotate relative to inner central portion 64. Other embodiments may be configured differently yet still be configured such that cover member 40 and base member 38 may rotate, or pivot, relative to each other. For example, cover member 40 may be fixedly coupled to an inner central portion, while base member 38 may be fixedly coupled to a hub. Additionally or alternatively, cover member 40 may include any suitable structure configured to provide axis of rotation 50, about which cover member 40 and base member 38 rotate, or pivot, relative to each other.

In some embodiments, as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, carrying-case 24 may further include (but is not required to include) a handle portion 70 configured to be gripped by a user. In such embodiments, central portion 62 may be described as being interposed between and operatively connecting handle portion 70, base member 38, and cover member 40. Central portion 62 may thus be configured to provide axis of rotation 50 for relative rotation between: handle portion 70 and storage portion 42, when cover member 40 is in the closed position; base member 38 and cover member 40; base member 38 and handle portion 70; and cover member 40 and handle portion 70. In other words, axis of rotation 50 may not only define relative rotation, or pivoting, between cover member 40 and base member 38 as discussed above, but may also define relative rotation between the other structure of device 20 just discussed. Therefore, carrying-case 24 may be configured between an extended condition 72 and a collapsed, or folded, condition 74. In some embodiments, storage portion 42 and handle portion 70 may be configured to nest with each other when carrying-case 24 is in the collapsed condition.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, in such embodiments where handle portion 70 is configured to rotate relative to storage portion 42, base member 38, and cover member 40, central portion 62 may include: inner central portion 64 fixedly coupled to base member 38; at least first hub, or hubs, 66 with a central axis 68 generally coaxial to axis of rotation 50 and fixedly coupled to cover member 40; at least a second hub, or hubs, 80 with a central axis 82 generally coaxial to axis of rotation 50 and fixedly coupled to handle portion 70; and an axle 84 fixedly coupled to the first hub, or hubs, 66 with a longitudinal axis 86 generally coaxial to axis of rotation 50.

In some embodiments, where there is relative rotation between handle portion 70 and storage portion 42, carrying case 24 may be biased to the extended condition and handle portion 70 and storage portion 42 may be configured to be selectively engaged to the collapsed condition. Thus, device 20 may include a mechanism configured to be selectively engaged by a user, such that upon engagement, device 20 automatically pivots from the collapsed condition to the extended condition.

Not all embodiments of device 20 require relative rotation between all of the discussed components however. For example, handle portion 70 may be fixedly coupled to base member 38 such that they do not rotate, or pivot, relative to each other, while cover member 40 and base member 38 do rotate, or pivot, relative to each other about axis of rotation 50.

Finally, handle portion 70 may include similar structure as discussed in reference to storage portion 42. For example, handle portion 70 may also include a base member and a cover member and may be configured to house a second projectile in a stowed position, etc. Carrying-case may include the required structure to automatically pivot and launch the second projectile from the handle portion as is fully described herein in reference to the storage portion including the launching unit, etc.

An exploded view including central portion 62 of an embodiment of device 20 is shown in detail in FIG. 3. Inner central portion 64 may include axially spaced side portions including a first side portion 88 and a second side portion 90 separated and operatively connected by a peripheral portion 92. First side portion 88 may (but is not required to) include a guide channel 94 with or without guide stop regions 96. Guide channel 94 may be a generally recessed depression extending generally radially about axis of rotation 50. Additionally or alternatively, second side portion 90 may include a similar guide channel; however, neither side portion is required to include one.

As illustrated, the at least a first hub 66 discussed above may take the form of a pair of external hubs including a first external hub 98 and a second external hub 100. Also, the at least a second hub 80 may take the form of a pair of internal hubs including a first internal hub 102 and a second internal hub 104. First internal hub 102 includes a guide stop extending from an inside face 108 in the form of a generally cylindrical protrusion (not depicted, but similar to a guide stop 106 extending from an inside face 109 of second internal hub 104 shown for illustration purposes), and corresponding to guide channel 94. That is, the guide stop of first internal hub 102 has a diameter and height generally corresponding to a width and depth of guide channel 94. Thus, when storage portion 42 and/or base member 38 (and thus inner central portion 64) is pivoted relative to handle portion 70, the guide stop of internal hub 102 slides within guide channel 94. Guide channel 94 may be dimensioned length-wise (or radial-wise about axis of rotation 50) so as to generally define a maximum extent of relative rotation between the base member and the handle portion.

Though guide stop 106 is shown in FIG. 3 to illustrate similar structure integral to inside surface 108 as discussed above, additionally or alternatively, a guide channel similar to guide channel 94 may be integral to second side portion 90 for engagement with guide stop 106 in a similar manner as guide channel 94 and the guide stop of internal hub 102 as just described.

Additionally or alternatively, similar guide channel and guide stop structures may be present between one or both of internal hubs 102, 104 and external hubs 98, 100, thereby defining maximum extent of relative rotation between cover member 40 and handle portion 70.

Though guide channel 94 and the guide stop of first internal hub 102 are presented and described as being part of first side portion 88 and first internal hub 102, respectively, guide channel 94 and the guide stop of internal hub 102 may be situated oppositely and configured to perform the same function. That is, a guide channel may be present on the inside surface of an internal hub, while a guide stop may be present on a side portion of the inner central portion.

Also, as shown in FIG. 3, inner central portion 64 may (but is not required to) include a cover member engaging tab 110 integral to peripheral portion 92. Tab 110 may be configured to engage cover member 40 when cover member is in the closed position. Any suitable structure or mechanism may be incorporated into device 20 such that cover member 40 is generally restricted from entering the range of open positions without user manipulation of the cover member. In the depicted embodiment, cover member engaging tab 110 is generally a rectangular tab, with a raised protrusion configured to frictionally engage an edge 114 of cover member 40. Thus for a user to pivot cover member 40 from the closed position to within the range of open positions, the user must overcome the friction of the engagement.

Also, as shown in FIG. 3, device 20 may (but is not required to) include a projectile alignment channel 116 integral to peripheral portion 92 of inner central portion 64 and base member 38. Projectile alignment channel 116 is configured to properly align the projectile when the projectile is in the stowed position, and may be comprised of a pair of generally elongate shelf-like structures 118 extending generally into cavity 48.

Turning now to FIG. 4, an exploded view of a non-exclusive exemplary launching unit 56 is illustrated. As shown, launching unit 56 may include: a propulsion arm assembly 122 configured to engage and provide motive power to the projectile; a propulsion arm assembly mounting mechanism 124 coupled to base member 38 and configured to provide a pivot axis 126 about which the propulsion arm assembly rotates, or pivots; a pivot spring 128 coupled to propulsion arm assembly 122 and mounting mechanism 124 and configured to pivotally bias the propulsion arm assembly to a launch position 130 corresponding to the launch position of the projectile; and a launch trigger member 132 coupled to base member 38 and configured to engage propulsion arm assembly 122 when the propulsion arm assembly is in launch position 130, thus causing the projectile to disengage from the propulsion arm assembly and launch.

Pivot spring 128 may take the form of a torsion spring; however, pivot spring 128 may be any suitable biasing structure configured to generally bias propulsion arm 122, and thus projectile 22, to launch position 130. In the depicted embodiment, pivot spring 128 includes first and second wire ends 134, 136 that are bent to generally bisect cross-sections of the spring, as shown in FIG. 4.

Mounting mechanism 124 may take any form suitable for mounting propulsion arm assembly 122 to base member 38. For example, as depicted in FIG. 4, mounting mechanism 124 may include a first mount 140 and a second mount 142, both including generally cylindrical protrusions 144, 146 generally sharing a longitudinal axis 148 generally corresponding to pivot axis 126, and configured to engage propulsion arm assembly 122. First mount 140 may include a channel 150 configured to engage first wire end 134 of pivot spring 128. Channel 150 may be defined by a pair of rectangular protrusions extending from a surface of cylindrical protrusion 144; however, any suitable structure for engaging pivot spring may be used.

Again, propulsion arm assembly 122 may take any suitable form configured to engage and provide motive power to the projectile. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, propulsion arm assembly 122 may include a pivot spring housing 156, a propulsion spring housing 158, a propulsion spring 160, a propulsion spring release housing 162, a propulsion spring release member 164, and a propulsion spring release spring 166.

Pivot spring housing 156 may be generally hollow and cylindrical in shape with a longitudinal axis 168 generally corresponding to pivot axis 126. Pivot spring housing 156 may be configured to house pivot spring 128 and include a first end 170, a second end 172, and a plug, or wall, 174 interposed between first and second ends 170, 172 such that pivot spring housing 156 is not completely hollow. Pivot spring housing 156 may have an inner diameter 176 generally corresponding to, and slightly larger than, an outer diameter 178 of cylindrical protrusions 144, 146, such that pivot spring housing 156 (and thus propulsion arm assembly 122) may generally rotate, or pivot, about protrusions 144, 146. Wall 174 may include a channel 180 on a first end side 182 of the wall, configured to engage second wire end 136. As such, pivot spring 128 may be retained between wall 174 and first mount 140, such that pivot spring 128 generally biases propulsion arm assembly to launch position 130. Similar to channel 150 of first mount 140, channel 180 may be defined by a pair of rectangular protrusions 184 extending from first end side 182 of wall 174; however, any suitable structure for engaging pivot spring may be used.

Launching unit 56 may be assembled with pivot spring 128 in a neutral condition when propulsion arm assembly 122 is in launch position 130. Alternatively, launching unit 56 may be assembled with pivot spring 128 in a pre-loaded condition when propulsion arm assembly 122 is in launch position 130, such that pivot spring 128 provides a greater biasing force than if pivot spring 128 is not assembled in a pre-loaded condition. However launching unit 56 is assembled, pivot spring 128 is configured to provide enough biasing force to pivot propulsion arm assembly 122 from a stowed position to launch position 130 (and thus projectile 22 from stowed position 26 to launch position 30), and functionally and effectively launch the projectile.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, propulsion spring 160 may have a first end 186 and a second end 188, and may be housed within propulsion spring housing 158. As shown, propulsion spring 160 may be a helical coil spring; however, it may be any suitable biasing structure configured to generally provide a translational force against the projectile. For example the propulsion spring may be a generally resilient foam (or other suitable material) member capable of compression and rebound.

Propulsion spring housing 158 may be fixedly attached to pivot spring housing 156, and may be generally hollow and cylindrical in shape with a longitudinal axis 190 generally perpendicular to longitudinal axis 168 of pivot spring housing 156. Propulsion spring housing 158 may include a first open end 192 configured to receive and engage the projectile, and a second closed end 194 configured to engage second end 188 of propulsion spring 160. Open first end 192 may (but is not required to) include an inwardly directed lip 196 with one or more guide channels, or notches, 198 configured to generally engage and maintain alignment of the projectile when the projectile is engaged with the propulsion arm assembly. In such embodiments, the projectile includes corresponding structure configured for engagement with notches 198, as will be discussed in more detail below.

As discussed, propulsion arm assembly 122 may further include propulsion spring release housing 162, propulsion spring release member 164, and propulsion spring release spring 166. Propulsion spring release housing 162 may be fixedly coupled to propulsion spring housing 158, and may be generally cylindrical in shape with a longitudinal axis 200 generally perpendicular to longitudinal axis 190 of propulsion spring housing 158, and generally coaxial to a longitudinal axis 202 of launch trigger member 132 when propulsion arm assembly 122 is in launch position 130. Propulsion spring release housing 162 may include a first portion 204 generally opposite launch trigger member 132 when propulsion arm assembly is in launch position 130, and a second portion 206 generally adjacent launch trigger member 132 when propulsion arm assembly 122 is in launch position 130. First portion 204 may include an inwardly extending lip 208 on a first end 210, generally providing an engagement surface 212 for propulsion spring release spring 166. Second portion 206 may be generally open at a second end 214 and configured to allow engagement between launch trigger member 132 and propulsion spring release member 164 when propulsion arm assembly 122 is in launch position 130.

Now referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, propulsion spring release member 164 of the depicted embodiment is configured to generally slide within propulsion spring release housing 162. As such, propulsion spring release member 164 may include a first portion 216, generally cylindrical in shape extending through lip 208 of propulsion spring release housing 162, and a second portion 218, also generally cylindrical in shape generally extending within second portion 206 of propulsion spring release housing 162. Second portion 218 includes an engagement surface 220 configured to engage trigger member 132 when propulsion arm assembly 122 is in launch position 130. Interposed between first and second portions 204, 206, propulsion spring release member 164 may include a third portion 222, generally hoop-shaped with a central axis 223 generally parallel to longitudinal axis 190 of propulsion spring housing 158. Third portion 222 provides a first engagement surface 224 for engagement with propulsion spring release spring 166, and a second engagement surface 226 for engagement with the projectile, as will be discussed in more detail below.

Propulsion spring release spring 166 is retained between first engagement surface 224 of propulsion spring release member 164 and engagement surface 212 of propulsion spring release housing 162. Propulsion spring release spring 166 is depicted as a helical coil spring; however, it may be any suitable resilient structure configured to provide a force against propulsion spring release member 164 in a direction defined generally away from first portion 204 and toward second portion 206 of propulsion spring release housing 162.

As discussed, launching unit 56 may include launch trigger member 132 coupled to base member 38 and configured to engage engagement surface 220 of propulsion spring release member 164 when the propulsion arm assembly is in launch position 130, thus causing the projectile to disengage from the propulsion arm assembly and launch. In the depicted embodiment, trigger member 132 is generally conical in shape and includes an end surface 228 configured to engage engagement surface 220; however, trigger member 132 may be any suitable structure configured to functionally disengage projectile 22 from propulsion arm assembly 122 when the projectile is pivoted into the launch position.

Turning now to FIG. 7, projectile 22 may include a launching unit engagement rod 230 configured for engagement with propulsion arm assembly 122. Rod 230 may be generally elongate in form and extend generally from the rear of projectile 22, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Rod 230 may include lateral ridges 232 corresponding to, and configured to engage, notches 198 of propulsion spring housing 158. Rod 230 may further include a barb 234 configured to engage third portion 222 of propulsion spring release member 164.

During operation of device 20, when a user inserts rod 230 into propulsion spring housing 158, an end 236 of rod 230 generally passes through third portion 222, forcing propulsion spring release member 164 to compress propulsion spring release spring 166. End 236 also engages propulsion spring 160 causing it to compress. Once end 236 passes through third portion 222, propulsion spring release spring 166 forces propulsion spring release member 164 to slide generally away from lip 196, thus causing third portion 222 to engage barb 234, thereby effectively coupling projectile 22 to propulsion arm assembly 122. Subsequently, during further operation of device 20, as will be discussed in more detail below, when propulsion arm assembly 122 is caused to rotate, or pivot, projectile 22 from stowed position 26 to launch position 30, engagement surface 220 of propulsion spring release member 164 is caused to engage launch trigger member 132. Such engagement functionally forces propulsion spring release member 164 to compress propulsion spring release spring 166, disengage barb 234 from third portion 222, and effectively allow propulsion spring 160 to force rod 230 out of propulsion spring housing 158, and thus launch projectile 22 away from launching unit 56 and carrying-case 24.

Some embodiments of device 20 also include a projectile release mechanism 238, shown in detail in FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 9 depicts the various components of projectile release mechanism 238, as located generally within inner central portion 64, from a reverse perspective as that shown in FIG. 8 (i.e., Fig. shows the components of mechanism 238 as if viewed from the opposite side of inner central portion 64 as depicted in FIG. 8). Projectile release mechanism 238 may be configured to engage and retain projectile 22 within carrying-case 24 when the projectile is in stowed position 26. Mechanism 238 may be further configured to automatically disengage the projectile when the cover member is pivoted from the closed position to within the range of open positions. However, as similarly discussed above in reference to the launching unit, projectile release mechanism 238 is not required to be configured to automatically disengage the projectile when the cover member is pivoted from the closed position. Rather, the carrying-case may further include a release mechanism configured to be selectively engaged by a user, such that upon engagement, projectile release mechanism 238 disengages the projectile, allowing for the launching unit to pivot the projectile out of the stowed position and effectively launch the projectile away from the carrying-case.

Projectile release mechanism 238 may include an axle sleeve 240, a projectile release member 242, a passage 243 extending though peripheral portion 92 of inner central portion 64, and a spring 244 configured to bias projectile release member 242 toward the projectile when it is in the stowed position. Axle sleeve 240 may be operatively connected to axle 84 (and thus the cover member), thus having a longitudinal axis 246 generally coaxial to axis of rotation 50. Axle sleeve 240 may include a lateral rib 248 generally parallel to longitudinal axis 246.

Projectile release member 242 may be biased to a projectile engagement position and may include an axle sleeve rib engagement end 252 configured to engage lateral rib 248, and a projectile engagement end 254 configured to engage the projectile when the projectile is in the stowed position. Correspondingly, projectile 22 may include an engagement portion 256 configured to engage projectile engagement end 254 when the projectile is in the stowed position, as depicted in FIG. 8. Axle sleeve rib engagement end 252 of projectile release member 242 may be generally defined by a tooth 258 with a tip 260 generally extending toward axle sleeve 240. In order to bias projectile release member 242 to the projectile engagement position, a first hook 262, or other suitable structure, may extend from the axle sleeve rib engagement end 252 and be configured to engage a first end of spring 244. Similarly, a second hook 264, or other suitable structure, may extend from an inside surface of peripheral portion 92 and be configured to engage a second end of spring 244. Spring 244 may therefore be a helical coil spring with first and second ends 266 comprised generally of end coils formed generally perpendicular to the main coils, as shown in FIG. 9.

Therefore, when the cover member is pivoted from the closed position to a position within the range of open positions, axle sleeve 240 rotates, causing lateral rib 248 to engage axle sleeve rib engagement end 252 of projectile release member 242, thereby further causing projectile engagement end 254 of projectile release member 242 to disengage from the projectile, as generally indicated by the arrows in FIG. 9.

Now that embodiments of device 20 have been described in detail in relation to the various components, it should be understood that device 20 may be used by a user to effectively play with, transport, and launch a toy projectile. A sequence of events for use of the depicted embodiments of device 20 may be as follows:

• • (A) With or without projectile 22 stowed within carrying-case 24, carrying-case 24 may be played with, with cover member 40 in a closed position. For example, a user may pivot handle portion 70 relative to storage portion 42, mimicking flapping of the wings of a bat for example.
  • (B) With projectile 22 in the stowed position, a user may engage cover member 40, and manipulate the cover member from the closed position to within the range of open positions by overcoming the friction between cover member edge 114 and tab 110. As the cover member is opened:
    • (i) lateral rib 248 may engage tooth 258 of projectile release member 242, causing member 242 to slide generally towards axle 84 and away from the projectile, against the force of spring 244;
    • (ii) projectile release member 242 may disengage from projectile 22;
    • (iii) projectile 22 may rotate from the stowed position to the range of launching positions in response to the torsional force of pivot spring 128 acting on propulsion arm 122;
    • (iv) projectile 22 may rotate into the launch position causing launch trigger member 132 to engage propulsion spring release member 164;
    • (v) propulsion spring release member 164 may slide within propulsion spring release housing 162 against the force of propulsion spring release spring 166 causing barb 234 to disengage from propulsion spring release member 164; and
    • (vi) propulsion spring 160 may force rod 230 out of propulsion spring housing 158, thus causing projectile 22 to launch from carrying-case, for example along a flat surface such as a table or floor.
  • (C) A user may then retrieve projectile 22 and reconfigure device 20 for re-launch of projectile 22, by:
    • (i) inserting launching unit engagement rod 230 into propulsion spring housing 158 until barb 234 engages the propulsion spring release member 164;
    • (ii) rotating/pivoting projectile 22 (and thus propulsion arm assembly 122 as well) through the range of launching positions into the stowed position, thereby causing the projectile release member 242 to engage the projectile; and
    • (iii) rotating cover member 40 to the closed position and against base member 38 by overcoming the friction between tab 110 and cover member edge 114.

It is believed that the disclosure set forth herein encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in a preferred form, the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed herein. Similarly, where the claims recite “a” or “a first” element of the equivalent thereof, such claims should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

It is believed that the following claims particularly point out certain combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties that may be claimed through amendment of the present claims or presentation of new claims in this or a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to a different invention or directed to the same invention, whether different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are also regarded as included within the subject matter of the inventions of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A toy projectile launching device comprising:

a projectile; and

a carrying-case configured to house the projectile in a stowed position, the carrying-case including: a base member; a cover member configured to pivot relative to the base member about an axis of rotation between a range of open positions and a closed position in which the cover member engages the base member; and a launching unit operatively coupled to the base member at an end region generally distal the axis of rotation and configured to: engage the projectile; pivotally bias the projectile from the stowed position to a launch position; and launch the projectile.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the launching unit is further configured to automatically pivot the projectile from the stowed position to the launch position and launch the projectile when the cover member is pivoted from the closed position to within the range of open positions.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the carrying-case further includes a central portion operatively connecting the base member and the cover member and configured to provide the axis of rotation, the central portion including:

an inner central portion fixedly coupled to the base member; and

at least one hub with a central axis generally coaxial to the axis of rotation, fixedly coupled to the cover member, and configured to rotate relative to the inner central portion.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the carrying-case further includes a projectile release mechanism configured to engage and retain the projectile within the carrying case when the projectile is in the stowed position, and further configured to automatically disengage the projectile when the cover member is pivoted from the closed position to a position within the range of open positions.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the launching unit is further configured to automatically pivot the projectile from the stowed position to the launch position and launch the projectile when the cover member is pivoted from the closed position to within the range of open positions.

6. The device of claim 4,

wherein the projectile release mechanism includes: an axle sleeve with a longitudinal axis generally coaxial to the axis of rotation and operatively connected to the cover member, the axle sleeve including a lateral rib generally parallel to the axis of rotation; and a projectile release member biased to a projectile engagement position, the projectile release member including: an axle sleeve rib engagement end configured to engage the lateral rib; and a projectile engagement end configured to engage the projectile when the projectile is in the stowed position; and

wherein, when the cover member is pivoted from the closed position to a position within the range of open positions, the lateral rib engages the axle sleeve rib engagement end of the projectile release member causing the projectile engagement end of the projectile release member to disengage from the projectile.

7. The device of claim 1,

wherein the base member and the cover member comprise a storage portion; and

wherein the carrying case further includes: a handle portion configured to be gripped by a user; and a central portion operatively connecting the handle portion, the base member, and the cover member, and configured to provide an axis of rotation for relative rotation between: the handle portion and the storage portion, when the cover member is in the closed position; the base member and the cover member; the base member and the handle portion; and the cover member and the handle portion.

8. A toy projectile launching device comprising:

a projectile;

a carrying-case for the projectile including: a handle portion configured to be gripped by a user; a storage portion configured to house the projectile in a stowed position, the storage portion including: a base member; and a cover member configured to pivot relative to the base member about an axis of rotation between a range of open positions and a closed position in which the cover member engages the base member; and a launching unit operatively coupled to the base member at an end region generally distal the axis of rotation and configured to: engage the projectile; pivotally bias the projectile from the stowed position to a launch position; and launch the projectile.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the cover member is further configured to be engaged by a user; and wherein the launching unit is further configured to automatically pivot the projectile from the stowed position to the launch position and launch the projectile in response to the user engaging the cover member and operatively positioning the cover member from the closed position to a position within the range of open positions.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the launching unit includes:

a propulsion arm assembly configured to engage and provide motive power to the projectile;

a propulsion arm assembly mounting mechanism coupled to the base member and configured to provide a pivot axis about which the propulsion arm assembly rotates;

a pivot spring coupled to the propulsion arm assembly and the propulsion arm assembly mounting mechanism and configured to pivotally bias the propulsion arm assembly to a launch position corresponding to the launch position of the projectile; and

a launch trigger member coupled to the base member and configured to engage the propulsion arm assembly when the propulsion arm assembly is in the launch position, thus causing the projectile to disengage from the propulsion arm assembly and launch.

11. The device of claim 8, wherein the carrying-case further includes a central portion interposed between and operatively connecting the handle portion and the storage portion and configured to provide an axis of rotation for relative rotation between:

the handle portion and the storage portion, when the cover member is in the closed position;

the base member and the cover member;

the base member and the handle portion; and

the cover member and the handle portion.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the central portion includes:

an inner central portion fixedly coupled to the base member;

at least one first hub with a central axis generally coaxial to the axis of rotation and fixedly coupled to the cover member;

at least one second hub with a central axis generally coaxial to the axis of rotation and fixedly coupled to the handle portion; and

an axle fixedly coupled to the first hub with a longitudinal axis generally coaxial to the axis of rotation.

13. The device of claim 8, wherein the carrying-case further includes a projectile release mechanism configured to engage and retain the projectile within the storage portion when the projectile is in the stowed position, and further configured to automatically disengage the projectile when the cover member is pivoted from the closed position to a position within the range of open positions.

14. A toy projectile launching device comprising:

a projectile; and

a carrying-case configured to house the projectile in a stowed position, the carrying-case including: a base member; a cover member configured to pivot relative to the base member between a range of open positions and a closed position in which the cover member engages the base member; a central portion operatively connecting the base member and the cover member and configured to provide an axis of rotation for relative rotation between the base member and the cover member; and a launching unit operatively coupled to the base member at an end region generally opposite the axis of rotation and configured to: engage the projectile; pivotally bias the projectile from the stowed position to a launch position; and launch the projectile.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein the launching unit is further configured to automatically pivot the projectile from the stowed position to the launch position and launch the projectile when the cover member is pivoted from the closed position to within the range of open positions.

16. The device of claim 14, wherein the central portion includes:

an inner central portion fixedly coupled to the base member; and

at least one hub with a central axis generally coaxial to the axis of rotation, fixedly coupled to the cover member, and configured to rotate relative to the inner central portion.

17. The device of claim 14, wherein the carrying-case further includes a projectile release mechanism configured to engage the projectile when the projectile is in the stowed position, and further configured to automatically disengage the projectile when the cover member is pivoted from the closed position to a position within the range of open positions.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein the launching unit is further configured to automatically pivot the projectile from the stowed position to the launch position and launch the projectile when the cover member is pivoted from the closed position to within the range of open positions.

19. The device of claim 17,

wherein the projectile release mechanism includes: an axle sleeve with a longitudinal axis generally coaxial to the axis of rotation and operatively connected to the cover member, the axle sleeve including a lateral rib generally parallel to the axis of rotation; and a projectile release member biased to a projectile engagement position, the projectile release member including: an axle sleeve rib engagement end configured to engage the lateral rib; and a projectile engagement end configured to engage the projectile when the projectile is in the stowed position; and

wherein, the lateral rib is configured to engage the axle sleeve rib engagement end of the projectile release member and the projectile engagement end of the projectile release member is configured to disengage from the projectile when the cover member is pivoted from the closed position to a position within the range of open positions.

20. The device of claim 17,

wherein the carrying case further includes a handle portion configured to be gripped by a user;

wherein the cover member and base member comprise a storage portion; and

wherein the central portion operatively connects the handle portion, the base member, and the cover member, and is further configured to provide for relative rotation between: the handle portion and the storage portion, when the cover member is in the closed position; the base member and the handle portion; and the cover member and the handle portion.