Hand-launchable fluid-boosted toy vehicle
A toy vehicle is provided for launching comprising a body with a chamber. The chamber has an opening. The chamber releasably holds a power source (e.g., fluid) under pressure. A covering mechanism is disposed adjacent the chamber, and is biased to a first position to cover the opening. The covering mechanism is movable to a second position for allowing the power source (e.g., fluid) to be propelled through the opening. The toy vehicle has an actuator disposed adjacent the covering mechanism operable for movement between a starting position and an actuating position. In the starting position, the actuator allows the covering mechanism to remain in the first position. In the actuating position, the actuator moves the covering mechanism to the second position. The toy vehicle has a delay mechanism operatively coupled to the actuator configured to move the actuator to the actuating position after a delay or an interval.
The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/728,467, filed Oct. 19, 2005, and entitled “Hand-Launchable Fluid-Boosted Toy Vehicle”; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/733,043, filed Nov. 2, 2005, and entitled “Hand-Launchable Fluid-Boosted Toy Vehicle”; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/775,885, filed Feb. 22, 2006, and entitled “Hand-Launchable Fluid-Boosted Toy Vehicle”; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/778,231, filed Mar. 1, 2006, and entitled “Hand-Launchable Toy Car”; all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELDThe present disclosure relates generally to fluid-boosted toys, and more particularly to hand-launchable fluid-boosted toy vehicles, such as balls, rockets, double-rockets, darts, airplanes, double-airplanes, cars, or wheels.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSUREExamples of known launchable toy articles are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,936,053, U.S. Pat. No. 4,213,268, U.S. Pat. No. 4,438,587, U.S. Pat. No. 4,710,146, U.S. Pat. No. 4,732,569, U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,641, U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,216, U.S. Pat. No. 6,347,623, U.S. Pat. No. 6,500,042, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,698,414, and published patent application US20040040551. The disclosures of all of these patents and publications are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSUREThe present disclosure relates to a hand-launchable fluid-boosted toy vehicle. The toy vehicle may take the form of a ball, a rocket, a double-rocket, a dart, an airplane, a double-airplane, a car, or a wheel. A launchable toy vehicle may be configured to have two power sources. The first power source may launch the toy vehicle a certain distance using a hand-held launching device, an elastomeric band, or by being thrown. The second power source may use a propulsion booster, which includes a delay mechanism, from the release of pressurized fluid contained within the toy vehicle. The propulsion boost may occur after a delay or an interval. The delay or interval may be after a launch and while the toy vehicle is moving or is in flight.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A launchable toy vehicle may be configured to have two power sources. The first power source may launch the toy vehicle a certain distance using a hand-held launching device, an elastomeric band, or by being thrown. The second power source may provide the toy vehicle a propulsion boost from the release of pressurized fluid contained within the toy vehicle. The fluid may be any liquid (e.g., water), any gas (e.g., air), or any combination of liquid and gas. The propulsion boost may occur after a delay. The delay may be after a launch and while the toy vehicle is moving or is in flight. The toy vehicle may take any form, such as a rocket, an airplane, a car, or a ball, and may be accordingly configured as such.
Launchable body 12 may be shaped like a rocket. Launchable body 12 may have a protective nose 30 and fins 32 to aid in flight. Launchable body 12 may have four fins 32. Fins 32 may be permanently or removably attached to launchable body 12. If removable, launchable body 12 may include fin receivers 34 fitted to hold fins 32 in place mechanically, frictionally, or by any other means. In some embodiments, launchable body 12 may be shaped like an airplane with wings and a tail, or shaped like a car with wheels, or may be shaped as desired.
Now turning to
Aperture 42 may be configured so that first compartment 38 may substantially hold a first pressurized fluid F1 (e.g., water) while second compartment 40 may substantially hold a second pressurized fluid F2 (e.g., air). When aperture 42 is positioned higher than opening 36, as in
In some embodiments, chamber 18 may be configured to maximize the propulsive release of pressurized fluid F through opening 36.
In some embodiments, first compartment 38 may have a volume Va and second compartment 40 may have a volume Vb. Volume Vb may be larger than volume Va. Volume Vb may be larger than volume Va to maximize the propulsion of pressurized fluid F through opening 36. Volume Vb may be larger than volume Va to maximize the force of pressurized air from second chamber 40 through aperture 42 on pressurized water in first chamber 38 when fluid F is being released through opening 36.
Second compartment 40 may have a fill line 43 indicating, when launchable body 12 is in a nose-down position, the amount of fluid in second compartment 40 that corresponds to the amount of fluid volume Va of first compartment 38.
Covering mechanism 20 may be fitted to cover or seal opening 36 while chamber 18 contains pressurized fluid F, as shown in
Plug 44 may have a fluid inlet valve 50, a plug chamber 51, a first gasket 52 for creating a seal with opening 36, a second gasket 54 for creating a seal with launcher 14, and an arm 56. Fluid inlet valve 50 may be disposed in plug chamber 51 so that fluid can be inserted through plug chamber 51 into chamber 18 while plug 44 is covering chamber 18. Fluid inlet valve 50 may allow fluid F to pass through closed plug 44 into chamber 18 and prevent fluid F from flowing in the opposite direction.
Arm 56 may be operatively connected to launchable body 12 so that plug 44 may rotate away from opening 36 while remaining attached to launchable body 12. In some embodiments, arm 56 may be connected to launchable body 12 in a slider slot so that plug 44 may first slide outward relative to opening 36 and then rotate away from opening 36 while remaining attached to launchable body 12.
Lever 46 may have a wheel 58 mounted on lever 56. Lever wheel 58 may be configured to rotatably move on lever 46. Lever wheel 58 may rotate when plug 44 contacts lever 46. Lever wheel 58 may aid plug 44 in releasing away from lever 46.
Covering mechanism 20 may have at least a first (or un-activated) position, and be movable to a second (or activated) position. In the first position, as shown in
In the second position, as shown in
Actuator 22 may be operable to move covering mechanism 20 to the second (or activated) position. Actuator 22 may be operable for movement between a starting position, as shown in
In a starting position, as shown in
In the intermediate position, as shown in
In the actuating position, as shown in
Delay mechanism 24 may be configured to control the movement of actuator 22 so that actuator 22 does not reach the actuating position until after a delay or an interval. Delay mechanism 24 may be configured to move actuator 22 from a starting position to the actuating position under a delay. The delay from when actuator 22 moves from a starting position to the actuating position may occur after launchable body 12 is launched. The delay may be selected so that the propulsion boost occurs while launchable body 12 remains moving or in flight. Delay mechanism 24 may cause actuator 22 to release each time actuator 22 is depressed into launchable body 12 at a fairly or substantially constant speed or rate so that actuator 22 each time extends back out at relatively the same time from launchable body 12. Delay mechanism 24 may create a tension or a resistance force against the urging of actuator biasing mechanism 60 as actuator 22 moves from a starting position towards the actuating position. Again as best shown in
In some embodiments, delay mechanism 24 may have a dampener 64 to control the movement of actuator 22. Dampener 64 may be configured to create a tension or a resistive force against the biasing or urging of actuator biasing mechanism 60 as actuator 22 moves. Dampener 64 may cause actuator 22 to move at a fairly or substantially constant rate.
In some embodiments, dampener 64 may include a pinion or wheel 66, an axle 68, and gearbox 70. Pinion 66 may be coupled to slidingly engage with rack 62 of actuator 22. Pinion 66 may be coupled to axle 68 to rotate as the gears in gearbox 70 rotate. Gearbox 70 may be configured to create a tension or resistive force against the urging of actuator biasing mechanism 60 as actuator 22 moves. Gearbox 70 may be configured to create a resistive force or tension, and any configuration that may cause a delay is suitable. Gearbox 70 may cause pinion 66 to rotate on axle 68 at a fairly or substantially constant speed or rate causing actuator 22 to move towards the actuating position at a fairly or substantially constant speed or rate. At some position or interval before the actuating position, pinion 66 may disengage from rack 62 so that actuator 22 may move towards the actuating position under the urging of actuator biasing mechanism 60, as shown in
Launcher 14 may include a mounting track 72, a pump 74, and a launch mechanism 76. Pump 74 may include a fluid chamber 77 with a fluid outlet 78, a plunger 80, and a pressure check valve 82. Fluid outlet 78 is alignable with fluid inlet valve 50 for pressurizing fluid F in launchable body 12. Pressure check valve 82 may be configured to release air from pump 74 when chamber 18 is suitably pressurized. Pressure check valve 82 may be configured to signal when chamber 18 is suitably pressurized, such as by whistling or making a sound. Any suitable pump for pressurizing fluid F in a chamber may be used.
Returning to
The following paragraphs describe an illustrative method of using toy vehicle 10 for launching. Launchable body 12 may be filled with water through opening 36 into chamber 18, e.g., up to fill line 43. Actuator 22 may be set to a starting position. Covering mechanism 20 may be in the first (non-activating) position, thereby holding fluid F in chamber 18 and allowing pressure to build in chamber 18 until release.
As shown in
Slingshot 16 may be coupled to first holding member 26 of launchable body 12 and elastomeric band 94 may be stretched to a predetermined length to create tension. Launchable body 12 may then be launched from launcher 14 by slingshot 16, as shown in dashed lines in
When covering mechanism 20 is in the second position, pressurized fluid F in reservoir 20 may propel through opening 36, providing launchable body 12 with a propulsion boost. Substantially all of the pressurized water contained in first compartment 38 may propel out of opening 36 within a minimized time interval and/or before substantially all of the pressurized gas is propelled out of opening 36 to provide a propulsion boost.
Attention is now directed to
Turning to
Chamber 126 may have a single compartment. Chamber 126 may also have a first compartment 132 in fluid communication with opening 128 and a second compartment 134 in fluid communication with first compartment 132 at a passage 135 having an aperture 136. Passage 135 may allow a fluid F1 (e.g., water) and a fluid F2 (e.g., air) to pass between first compartment 132 and second compartment 134. Chamber 126 may configured to operate similarly to chamber 18 of toy vehicle 10.
Aperture 136 may be configured so that first compartment 132 may substantially hold a first pressurized fluid F1 (e.g., water) while second compartment 134 may substantially hold a second pressurized fluid F2 (e.g., air). When aperture 136 is positioned higher than opening 128, as in
In some embodiments, chamber 126 may be configured to maximize the propulsive release of pressurized fluid F through opening 128. The dashed lines in
In some embodiments, first compartment 132 may have a volume Va and second compartment 134 may have a volume Vb. Volume Vb may be larger than volume Va. Volume Vb may be larger than volume Va to maximize the propulsion of pressurized fluid F through opening 128. Volume Vb may be larger than volume Va to maximize the force of pressurized air from second chamber 134 through aperture 136 on pressurized water in first chamber 132 when fluid F is being released through opening 128.
Second compartment 134 may have a fill line 138 indicating, when launchable body 112 is in a nose-down position, the amount of fluid in second compartment 134 that corresponds to the amount of fluid volume Va of first compartment 132.
In some embodiments, chamber 126 may have a pressure check valve 139 configured to release fluid when chamber 126 has reached a suitable pressure level.
Covering mechanism 130 may be fitted to cover or seal opening 128 while chamber 126 contains pressurized fluid F, as shown in solid lines in
Now referring to
Covering mechanism 130 may have at least a first (or un-activated) position, and a second (or activated) position. Covering mechanism 130 may be configured like covering mechanism 20 on toy vehicle 10. In the first position, as shown in
In the second position, as shown in
As shown in
Actuator 156 has at least one starting position and an actuating position. In a starting position, as shown in
In the actuating position, as shown in
Delay (or timer) mechanism 158 may be operatively coupled to actuator 156 to control the movement of actuator 156. Delay mechanism 158 may be configured to move actuator 156 in response to the movement of toy vehicle 110. Delay mechanism 158 may be configured to move as the vehicle wheels, e.g., back wheels 122, rotate. Delay mechanism 158 may be configured to control the movement of actuator 156 so that actuator 156 does not reach the actuating position until after an interval or a delay. The interval or delay from when actuator 156 moves from a starting position to the actuating position may occur while launchable body 112 is moving.
Again referring to
In some embodiments, actuator 156 may move about a substantially vertical axis as actuator engager 168 rotates about a substantially horizontal axis. Actuator engager 168 may rotate about a substantially horizontal axis as back wheels 124 rotate about a substantially horizontal axis. Actuator engager 168 may be configured to rotate about back axle 124 in the same direction as back axle 124 is rotating, or in the opposite direction as back axle 124 is rotating. Other suitable orientations of these axes may be used.
Now turning to
Ratchet system 170 may include a ratchet 174 mounted to back axle 124.
Ratchet 174 may have first angled teeth 176 operatively coupled to second angled teeth 178. Second angled teeth 178 may be mounted to actuator engager 168. Ratchet 174 may further have a ratchet biasing mechanism 180 (e.g., a coil or other spring) urging first angled teeth 176 to couple with second angled teeth 178. Ratchet 174 may be mounted to rotate as back axle 124 rotates. Ratchet 174 may be mounted to always rotate with back axle 124. Ratchet 174 may be mounted to always rotate in the same direction as back axle 124 rotates.
First angled teeth 176 may be operatively coupled to second angled teeth 178 to function like a ratchet, or any other suitable arrangement, to restrict motion or rotatable movement in one direction. In some embodiments, first angled teeth 176 and second angled teeth 178 may be configured so actuator engager 168 rotates with back axle 124 as launchable body 112 moves in forward direction FD. First angled teeth 176 and second angled teeth 178 may be configured so actuator engager 168 does not rotate with back axle 124 as launchable body 112 moves in rearward direction RD. As back wheels 122 and back axle 124 rotate in rearward direction RD, angled teeth 176 and angled teeth 178 may disengage against the urging of ratchet biasing mechanism 180. In this manner, ratchet system 170 may function like a ratchet, causing actuator 156 not to rotate with back axle 124 as launchable body 112 moves in rearward direction RD.
Now turning to
Setter tab 182 may be set to a predetermined starting position for actuator 156. Setter tab 182 may be a tab that is configured to stop stopper 166 on actuator 156 from rotating past setter tab 182.
Setter biasing mechanism 186 may be operatively coupled to actuator 156 to urge actuator 156 towards a predetermined starting position. In some embodiments, setter biasing mechanism 186 may urge actuator 156 to rotate counterclockwise about a substantially vertical axis towards a predetermined starting position. Stopper 166 on actuator 156 may come into contact with setter tab 182 of actuator setter 160 under the bias of setter biasing mechanism 186 at a predetermined starting position. Stopper 166 may hold or stop actuator 156 in a predetermined starting position against the urging of setter biasing mechanism 186. In some embodiments, actuator engager 168 may be out of contact with actuator 156 for setter biasing mechanism 186 to urge actuator 156 towards a predetermined starting position. In some embodiments, when actuator engager 168 is operatively coupled to actuator 156, setter biasing mechanism 186 may be prevented from urging actuator 156 towards a predetermined starting position.
To set actuator 156 to a predetermined position, setter tab 182 may be rotated. In some embodiments, actuator engager 168 may be out of contact with actuator 156 for setter tab 182 to set actuator 156 in a predetermined starting position. In some embodiments, when actuator engager 168 is operatively coupled to actuator 156, setter tab 182 may be prevented from being set to a predetermined starting position.
As setter tab 182 rotates, actuator 156 may rotate. In turn, as actuator 156 rotates, lever engager 168 may rotate closer to or further from lever 142. Setter tab 182 may be used to move lever engager 164 closer to or further from the actuating position. In some embodiments, setter tab 182 may be rotated on a substantially vertical axis in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction. Rotating setter tab 182 in a clockwise direction may increase the interval or delay for actuator 156 between the predetermined starting position and the actuating position. Rotating setter tab 182 in a counterclockwise direction may decrease the interval or delay for actuator 156 between the predetermined staring position and the actuating position. Other suitable orientations of these axes and directions may be used.
While setter tab 182 is moved to set actuator 156 to a predetermined starting position, actuator engager 168 may be out of contact with actuator 156. As shown in
With reference to
With reference to
With reference to
In some embodiments, setter tab 182 may be set to hold actuator 156 at one of multiple predetermined starting positions. Now referring to
In some embodiments,
Returning to
Ramp system 116 may include a ramp 202, a base 204, and a trick piece 206. Ramp 202 may be attached to base 204 in a plurality of positions, as shown in dashed lines in
The following paragraphs describe an illustrative method of using toy vehicle 110. Launchable body 112 may be filled with water through opening 128 into chamber 126. Water may be added, e.g., when launchable body 112 is positioned nose-down, up to fill line 138. Actuator 156 may be set to a starting position. Covering mechanism 130 may be set to the first position, thereby holding water in chamber 126 and allowing pressure to build in chamber 126 until release. Opening 128 may be sealed or covered with plug 140. Lever biasing mechanism 146 may urge lever 142 towards holding plug 140 to cover or seal opening 128.
Launchable body 112 may be turned over, as in
Launchable body 112 may be flipped upright, as in
Launchable body 112 may be set on a surface. Actuator 156 and delay mechanism 158 may engage when launchable body 112 is set on the surface, as shown in
Launchable body 112 may be rolled in a forward direction FD along a surface.
Launchable body 112 may be lifted from the surface. Back wheels 122 may be disengaged from the surface when launchable body 112 is lifted, as shown in dashed lines in
Actuator setter 160 may be set when launchable body 112 is lifted from the surface. Actuator 156 may be set to a predetermined starting position using actuator setter 160.
The present disclosure encompasses other embodiments. In some embodiments, the delay mechanism may include at least one delay button. The at least one delay button may be positioned so a user can hold the actuator out of the actuating position without using a launcher. The at least one button may have a depressed position and be biased towards a released position. In the depressed position, the button(s) may hold the actuator in a starting position while the button(s) is being held by a user. In the released position, the button(s) may disengage from the actuator, allowing the actuator to move to the engaging position. The button(s) may be configured to move from a starting position to the releasing position after a delay. Once the button(s) is released, the button(s) may move after a delay from a starting position to the released position, thereby releasing the actuator. The delay may be after a launch. The delay may be while the launchable body is moving or in flight.
In some embodiments, the delay mechanism or the dampener may function like those typically found in music boxes. As such, the delay mechanism may be a time-delayed, spring-loaded, constant-speed delayed release mechanism.
In some embodiments, such as a double-airplane or a double-rocket, a launchable body (e.g., a first rocket or airplane) may be releasably coupled to a launchable member (e.g., a second rocket or airplane) so that the body carries the member for a certain distance after a launch. The body may be configured to release pressurized fluid in a chamber as described in other embodiments. The body may also include a hollow tube in fluid communication with the chamber through which the pressurized fluid may be released. The member may include a hollow fuselage sized to receive the hollow tube of the body. After a delay or an interval, the body may release pressurized fluid through the hollow tube. The member may speed away from the body. The delay may occur after launch. The delay may occur while the body and the member are moving or are in flight. The body and the member may be shaped like an airplane, a rocket, a car, or any other form or combination desired.
It is believed that the disclosure set forth above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in its 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 any claim recites “a” or “a first” element or the equivalent thereof, such claim should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.
Inventions embodied in various combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements, and/or properties may be claimed through presentation of new claims in a related application. Such 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.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITYThe methods and apparatus described in the present disclosure are applicable to toys, games, and other devices, and industries in which amusement devices are used.
Claims
1. A toy vehicle for launching, the toy vehicle comprising:
- a body with a chamber having an opening;
- a covering mechanism disposed adjacent the chamber, the covering mechanism biased to a first position to cover the opening, wherein the chamber releasably holds fluid under pressure, and further wherein the covering mechanism is movable to a second position for allowing fluid to be propelled from the chamber through the opening;
- an actuator disposed adjacent the covering mechanism, the actuator operable for translational movement between a starting position and an actuating position, the actuator in the starting position allowing the covering mechanism to remain in the first position, and further wherein the actuator is translationally operable to the actuating position to move the covering mechanism to the second position; and
- a delay mechanism operatively coupled to the actuator, the delay mechanism configured to move the actuator to the actuating position after a delay.
2. The toy vehicle of claim 1, wherein the covering mechanism includes a plug disposed adjacent the chamber for covering the opening, and a lever disposed adjacent the plug, the lever biased towards a first position for holding the plug to cover the opening and movable to a second position for releasing the plug to allow fluid to be propelled from the chamber through the opening.
3. The toy vehicle of claim 1, wherein the covering mechanism further includes a fluid inlet valve.
4. The toy vehicle of claim 1, wherein the actuator is operable for translational movement under a biasing force.
5. The toy vehicle of claim 1, wherein the actuator is configured to be held in the starting position and released at a predetermined time.
6. The toy vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a holder, wherein the holder holds the actuator in the starting position.
7. The toy vehicle of claim 1, wherein the delay mechanism is configured to move the covering mechanism to the second position after the toy vehicle is launched.
8. The toy vehicle of claim 1, wherein the delay mechanism is configured to move the covering mechanism to the second position while the toy vehicle is moving.
9. The toy vehicle of claim 1, wherein the delay mechanism is configured to move the covering mechanism to the second position while the toy vehicle is in flight.
10. The toy vehicle of claim 1, wherein the delay mechanism includes a dampener to control the translational movement of the actuator.
11. The toy vehicle of claim 10, wherein the dampener controls the translational movement of the actuator at a substantially constant rate.
12. The toy vehicle of claim 10, wherein the dampener includes a pinion operatively coupled to a rack on the actuator.
13. The toy vehicle of claim 1, wherein the chamber includes a first compartment in fluid communication with the opening, and a second compartment in fluid communication with the first compartment at an aperture.
14. The toy vehicle of claim 13, wherein the aperture is positioned higher than the opening when the launchable body is positioned for launching.
15. The toy vehicle of claim 13, wherein the second compartment is configured to hold substantially gas under pressure and the first compartment is configured to hold substantially liquid under pressure, and further wherein the first compartment and the second compartment are configured to allow substantially all of the liquid to be propelled from the chamber through the opening before substantially all of the gas is propelled through the opening.
16. The toy vehicle of claim 1, further comprising:
- a first holding member mounted to the body; and
- an elastomeric band for engaging the holding member so the band can be stretched to a predetermined position and released causing the projectile toy to launch.
17. The toy vehicle of claim 1, wherein the toy vehicle is a toy car.
18. The toy vehicle of claim 1, further comprising at least two fins mounted to the body, the fins arranged for flying.
19. The toy vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a hollow tube in communication with the chamber, wherein the hollow tube is configured to release the pressurized fluid after the actuator moves to the actuating position.
20. The toy vehicle of claim 19, further comprising a launchable member operatively connected to the hollow tube, the launchable member being released from the launchable body after the release of the pressurized fluid through the hollow tube.
21. A toy vehicle for launching, the toy vehicle comprising:
- a body with a chamber having an opening;
- a plug disposed adjacent the chamber for covering the opening;
- a lever disposed adjacent the plug, the lever biased towards a first position for holding the plug to cover the opening, wherein the chamber releasably holds fluid under pressure, and further wherein the lever is movable to a second position for releasing the plug to allow fluid to be propelled from the chamber through the opening; and
- an actuator disposed adjacent the covering mechanism, the actuator operable for movement between a starting position and an actuating position, the actuator in the starting position allowing the covering mechanism to remain in the first position, and further wherein the actuator is operable to the actuating position to move the covering mechanism to the second position; and
- a delay mechanism operatively coupled to the actuator, the delay mechanism configured to move the actuator to the actuating position after a delay.
22. The toy vehicle of claim 21, wherein the actuator is operable for movement under a biasing force.
23. The toy vehicle of claim 21, wherein the actuator is operable for translational movement.
24. The toy vehicle of claim 21, wherein the actuator is configured to be held in the starting position and released at a predetermined time.
25. The toy vehicle of claim 21, further comprising a holder, wherein the holder holds the actuator in the starting position.
26. The toy vehicle of claim 21, wherein the delay mechanism is configured to move the covering mechanism to the second position after the toy vehicle is launched.
27. The toy vehicle of claim 21, wherein the delay mechanism is configured to move the covering mechanism to the second position while the toy vehicle is moving.
28. The toy vehicle of claim 21, wherein the delay mechanism is configured to move the covering mechanism to the second position while the toy vehicle is in flight.
29. The toy vehicle of claim 21, wherein the delay mechanism includes a dampener to control the movement of the actuator.
30. The toy vehicle of claim 29, wherein the dampener controls the movement of the actuator at a substantially constant rate.
31. The toy vehicle of claim 29, wherein the dampener includes a pinion operatively coupled to a rack on the actuator.
32. The toy vehicle of claim 21, further comprising:
- a first holding member mounted to the body; and
- an elastomeric band for engaging the holding member so the band can be stretched to a predetermined position and released causing the projectile toy to launch.
33. The toy vehicle of claim 21, wherein the toy vehicle is a toy car.
34. The toy vehicle of claim 21, further comprising at least two fins mounted to the body, the fins arranged for flying.
35. The toy vehicle of claim 21, further comprising a hollow tube in communication with the chamber, wherein the hollow tube is configured to release the pressurized fluid after the actuator moves to the actuating position.
36. The toy vehicle of claim 35, further comprising a launchable member operatively connected to the hollow tube, the launchable member being released from the launchable body after the release of the pressurized fluid through the hollow tube.
37. A projectile toy comprising:
- a body with a chamber having a front portion and an opening;
- a first holding member connected near the front portion;
- an elastomeric band for engaging the first holding member so the band can be stretched to a predetermined position and released causing the projectile toy to launch;
- a covering mechanism disposed adjacent the chamber, the covering mechanism biased to a first position to cover the opening, wherein the chamber releasably holds fluid under pressure, and further wherein the covering mechanism is movable to a second position for allowing fluid to be propelled from the chamber through the opening, and further wherein the covering mechanism has a fluid inlet valve;
- an actuator disposed adjacent the covering mechanism, the actuator operable for movement between a starting position and an actuating position, the actuator in the starting position allowing the covering mechanism to remain in the first position, and further wherein the actuator is operable to the actuating position to move the covering mechanism to the second position;
- a delay mechanism operatively coupled to the actuator, the delay mechanism configured to move the actuator to the actuating position after a delay; and
- a launcher disposed adjacent the chamber, the launcher having a pump and a launch mechanism, wherein the pump couples to the fluid inlet valve for pressurizing the chamber, and further wherein the launch mechanism is operable from a first holding position for holding the actuator in the starting position and movable to a second releasing position to release the chamber for launch by the elastomeric band.
38. The toy vehicle of claim 37, wherein the covering mechanism includes a plug disposed adjacent the chamber for covering the opening, and a lever disposed adjacent the plug, the lever biased towards a first position for holding the plug to cover the opening and movable to a second position for releasing the plug to allow fluid to be propelled from the chamber through the opening.
39. The toy vehicle of claim 37, wherein the actuator is operable for movement under a biasing force.
40. The toy vehicle of claim 37, wherein the actuator is operable for translational movement.
41. The toy vehicle of claim 37 wherein the actuator has at least two starting positions.
42. The toy vehicle of claim 37, wherein the actuator is configured to be held in the starting position and released at a predetermined time.
43. The projectile toy of claim 42, wherein the launch mechanism includes a holder for holding the actuator in the starting position.
44. The toy vehicle of claim 37, wherein the delay mechanism is configured to move the covering mechanism to the second position after the toy vehicle is launched.
45. The toy vehicle of claim 37, wherein the delay mechanism is configured to move the covering mechanism to the second position while the toy vehicle is moving.
46. The toy vehicle of claim 37, wherein the delay mechanism is configured to move the covering mechanism to the second position while the toy vehicle is in flight.
47. The toy vehicle of claim 37, wherein the delay mechanism includes a dampener to control the movement of the actuator.
48. The toy vehicle of claim 47, wherein the dampener controls the movement of the actuator at a substantially constant rate.
49. The toy vehicle of claim 47, wherein the dampener includes a pinion operatively coupled to a rack on the actuator.
50. The projectile toy of claim 37, wherein the launch mechanism includes a trigger biased to hold the chamber and movable to a position for releasing the chamber for launch by the elastomeric band.
51. The toy vehicle of claim 37, wherein the chamber includes a first compartment in fluid communication with the opening, and a second compartment in fluid communication with the first compartment at an aperture.
52. The toy vehicle of claim 51, wherein the aperture is positioned higher than the opening relative to the opening when the launchable body is positioned for launching.
53. The toy vehicle of claim 51, wherein the second compartment is configured to hold substantially gas under pressure and the first compartment is configured to hold substantially liquid under pressure, and further wherein the first compartment and the second compartment are configured to allow substantially all of the liquid to be propelled from the chamber through the opening before substantially all of the gas is propelled through the opening.
54. The toy vehicle of claim 37, wherein the toy vehicle is a toy car.
55. The toy vehicle of claim 37, further comprising at least two fins mounted to the body, the fins arranged for flying.
56. The toy vehicle of claim 37, further comprising a hollow tube in communication with the chamber, wherein the hollow tube is configured to release the pressurized fluid after the actuator moves to the actuating position.
57. The toy vehicle of claim 56, further comprising a launchable member operatively connected to the hollow tube, the launchable member being released from the launchable body after the release of the pressurized fluid through the hollow tube.
58. A wheeled toy vehicle operable for movement on a surface, the toy vehicle comprising:
- a body with a chamber having an opening;
- a covering mechanism disposed adjacent the chamber, the covering mechanism biased to a first position to cover the opening, wherein the chamber releasably holds fluid under pressure, and further wherein the covering mechanism is movable to a second position for allowing fluid to be propelled from the chamber through the opening; and
- an actuator disposed adjacent the covering mechanism, the actuator operable for movement in response to movement of the vehicle between a starting position and an actuating position, the actuator in the starting position allowing the covering mechanism to remain in the first position, and further wherein the actuator is operable to the actuating position to move the covering mechanism to the second position.
59. The toy vehicle of claim 58, further comprising a delay mechanism operatively coupled to the actuator, the delay mechanism configured to move the actuator in response to movement of the vehicle to move the actuator to the actuating position after an interval.
60. The toy vehicle of claim 59, wherein the delay mechanism is a worm and the actuator is a worm wheel.
61. The toy vehicle of claim 59, wherein the interval for movement occurs after the launchable body is launched.
62. The toy vehicle of claim 59, wherein the interval for movement occurs while the launchable body is moving.
63. The toy vehicle of claim 58, further comprising at least one wheel operatively coupled to the actuator so that the actuator moves as the at least one wheel rotates.
64. The toy vehicle of claim 63, wherein the actuator is mounted for rotation about a vertical axis as the at least one wheel rotatably moves about a horizontal axis.
65. The toy vehicle of claim 63, wherein the actuator is configured to move only when the at least one wheel rotates in one direction.
66. The toy vehicle of claim 63, wherein the actuator is biased towards a setting position and movable to an operable position, the actuator in the setting position allowing the actuator to move to the starting position, and the actuator in the operable position operable for movement in response to movement of the vehicle between the starting position and the actuating position.
67. The toy vehicle of claim 66, wherein the actuator in the setting position is biased towards the starting position.
68. The toy vehicle of claim 58, wherein the chamber includes a first compartment in fluid communication with the opening, and a second compartment in fluid communication with the first compartment at an aperture.
69. The toy vehicle of claim 68, wherein the aperture is positioned higher than the opening relative to the opening when the launchable body is positioned for launching.
70. The toy vehicle of claim 68, wherein the second compartment is configured to hold substantially gas under pressure and the first compartment is configured to hold substantially liquid under pressure, and further wherein the first compartment and the second compartment are configured to allow substantially all of the liquid to be propelled from the chamber through the opening before substantially all of the gas is propelled through the opening.
71. The toy vehicle of claim 58, wherein the covering mechanism further includes a fluid inlet valve.
72. The toy vehicle of claim 58, wherein the toy vehicle is a toy car.
73. The toy vehicle of claim 58, wherein the actuator has at least two starting positions.
74. A wheeled toy vehicle operable for movement on a surface, comprising:
- at least one wheel mounted to the vehicle, wherein the at least one wheel is rotatable on the surface to move the toy vehicle; and
- an actuator operatively coupled to the at least one wheel, the actuator biased towards a setting position and movable to an operable position, the actuator in the setting position releasing from the at least one wheel to allow the actuator to move to a starting position, and the actuator in the operable position operable for movement in response to movement of the vehicle between the starting position and an actuating position
75. The toy vehicle of claim 74, wherein the actuator in the setting position is biased towards the starting position.
76. The toy vehicle of claim 74, wherein the actuator in the operable position is operably coupled to the at least one wheel, the actuator movable as the at least one wheel rotates.
77. The toy vehicle of claim 76, wherein the actuator is mounted for rotation about a vertical axis as the at least one wheel rotatably moves about a horizontal axis.
78. The toy vehicle of claim 76, wherein the actuator is configured to move only when the at least one wheel rotates in one direction.
79. The toy vehicle of claim 74, further comprising:
- a body with a chamber having an opening; and
- a covering mechanism disposed adjacent the chamber and the actuator, the covering mechanism biased to a covering position to cover the opening, wherein the chamber releasably holds fluid under pressure, and further wherein the actuator in the engaging position moves the covering mechanism to a releasing position for releasing the covering mechanism to allow fluid to be propelled from the chamber through the opening.
80. The toy vehicle of claim 74, wherein the actuator has at least two starting positions.
81. A toy vehicle for launching, the toy vehicle comprising:
- a power source;
- a covering mechanism disposed adjacent the chamber, the covering mechanism having a first position to releasably hold the power source, and further wherein the covering mechanism is movable to a second position for releasing the power source;
- an actuator disposed adjacent the body, the actuator operable for movement operable for movement under a biasing force between a starting position and an actuating position, the actuator in the starting position allowing the covering mechanism to remain in the first position, and further wherein the actuator is operable to the actuating position to move the covering mechanism to the second position; and
- a dampener operatively coupled to the actuator, the dampener configured to control the movement of the actuator between a starting position and the actuating position under a delay.
82. The toy vehicle of claim 81, wherein the power source is pressurized fluid.
83. The toy vehicle of claim 81, wherein the dampener controls the movement of the actuator at a substantially constant rate.
84. The toy vehicle of claim 81, wherein the dampener includes a pinion operatively coupled to a rack on the actuator.
85. The toy vehicle of claim 81, wherein the dampener is configured to move the covering mechanism to the second position after the toy vehicle is launched.
86. The toy vehicle of claim 81, wherein the dampener is configured to move the covering mechanism to the second position while the toy vehicle is moving.
87. The toy vehicle of claim 81, wherein the dampener is configured to move the covering mechanism to the second position while the toy vehicle is in flight.
88. The toy vehicle of claim 81, wherein the actuator is configured to be held in the starting position and released at a predetermined time.
89. The toy vehicle of claim 81, further comprising a holder, wherein the holder holds the actuator in the starting position.
90. The toy vehicle of claim 81, further comprising:
- a first holding member mounted to the body; and
- an elastomeric band for engaging the holding member so the band can be stretched to a predetermined position and released causing the projectile toy to launch.
91. The toy vehicle of claim 81, wherein the covering mechanism further includes a fluid inlet valve.
92. The toy vehicle of claim 81, wherein the toy vehicle is a toy car.
93. The toy vehicle of claim 81, further comprising at least two fins mounted to the body, the fins arranged for flying.
94. The toy vehicle of claim 81, further comprising a hollow tube in communication with the chamber, wherein the hollow tube is configured to release the pressurized fluid after the actuator moves to the actuating position.
95. The toy vehicle of claim 81, further comprising a launchable member operatively connected to the hollow tube, the launchable member being released from the launchable body after the release of the pressurized fluid through the hollow tube.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 18, 2006
Publication Date: May 3, 2007
Inventors: Glenn Yu (San Marino, CA), Phedon Tsiknopolus (Hawthorne, CA), Jamie Cheung (Shen Zhen City), Leon Lau (Shen Zhen City), Carson Luo (Shen Zhen City)
Application Number: 11/583,214
International Classification: A63H 29/00 (20060101);