Balloon Launching Device

Abstract

A hand-held balloon launch device is provided. The device has a launch support with a handle. The device has at least two elastic thrust bands connected to the launch support and configured to creating potential energy when the elastic portion is drawn away from the launch support. The device has a balloon basket portion connected to the elastic thrust bands opposite the lunch support, The balloon basket has a first elastic cord and a second elastic cord and a balloon support connected to and extending between a portion of the first and second elastic cords.

Description

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/317,584, filed Mar. 25, 2010, naming Timothy J. Raymond as an inventor.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates in general to amusement devices involving launching or tossing, and in particular to the launching of projectiles such as a water balloon.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Games are known that include the launching of objects such as water balloons, tennis balls, and snowballs. Slingshot type devices may be used to launch such objects. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,909,518, 5,579,749, and 7,331,337 details typical water balloon launching devices. Other examples of slingshot devices can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,240,396, 5,154,515, and 6,851,675. Game devices pertaining to water balloons can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,243,220, and 4,684,137.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,909,518 describes an enclosure for a water balloon game with side walls and an overhead protector. Water balloons can be launched from the inside of the enclosure through an opening large enough for the participant to launch a water balloon. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,579,749, a water balloon is mounted in a hollow barrel which simulates a bazooka. An elastic band is secured to the water balloon, and stretched and anchored to the front end of the barrel. An activation of a trigger mechanism detaches the elastic band and allows the launching of the water balloon from the hollow barrel. Another water balloon launching device comprising a shaft and a slit designed to hold water balloons by their knotted end is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,331,337.

In U.S. Pat. No. 4,240,396, a slingshot device utilizing a funnel as a holder is disclosed. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,515, a toe sling device with multiple elastic thrust bands and a foot strap is used to launch projectiles into the air. U.S. Pat. No. 6,851,675 discloses a tossing game apparatus with a launching device which utilizes a launch support and a slingshot.

In U.S. Pat. No. 4,243,220, a game device with a plurality of balloons which are connected to a source of water are suspended and mounted over a player. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,684,137, a simulated war game weapon consisting of a chamber capable of breaking into fragments, such as an inflatable balloon, is filled with slurry and launched.

The present inventors have recognized that known prior art launching devices described, and others, have been disadvantageous for various reasons. For example, some of the prior art games are entirely too large and bulky to be easily transported and used. Moreover, they do not allow the user to enjoy launching projectiles in any position, including lying or sitting positions.

The present inventors have recognized the need for a lightweight launching apparatus that is easily transportable, collapsible, and allows for user mobility by providing an effective launching device regardless of what position the user is in. The launcher can also be used on the wrist or alternatively placed on a surface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A hand-held balloon launch device is disclosed. The device has a launch support with a handle. The device has at least two elastic thrust bands connected to the launch support and configured to creating potential energy when the elastic portion is drawn away from the launch support. The device has a balloon basket portion connected to the elastic thrust bands opposite the lunch support, The balloon basket has a first elastic cord and a second elastic cord and a balloon support connected to and extending between a portion of the first and second elastic cords.

In one embodiment, the device has a base section attached to a handle. In one embodiment, the base section is comprised of a frame constructed from a rigid material, such as metal. The metal frame is preferably two pronged such that the size of a user's hand can fit between the prongs to grasp the handle.

In one aspect of the device, the launch support is comprised of a frame constructed from a rigid material, such as metal. The metal frame is two pronged such that each prong can be connected to each of the ends of the slingshot. The frame is constructed from a rod such that its cross section is round, so as to allow for tubing material to be connected. Tubing material is connected to the launch support frame using a tube insert to prevent tubes from slipping from the frame.

In one aspect of the device, the slingshot is constructed with stretchable thrust bands that are connected to the launcher bag. The stretchable thrust bands can be constructed with materials having resilient or elastic characteristics, such as rubber tubing. Several segments of stretchable thrust bands can be connected using tube connectors or the like. Tube connectors can be three-pronged tube connectors such as U or T-shaped connectors for tubing.

In one aspect of the device, the launcher bag is of sufficient size to hold projectiles such as water balloons, tennis balls, and snow balls. The launcher bag preferably is constructed such that the edges of the launcher bag provide sleeves through which stretchable thrust bands can be inserted to connect the launcher bag with the stretchable thrust bands that make up the slingshot. A strap is attached to the launching bag to allow the user to pull the launching bag containing a projectile, and launch the projectile upon release of the strap.

In use, the projectile launching device can be used while placed on the wrist, or on a surface. The user places the desired projectile into the launcher bag and pulls the launching bag strap towards the user to stretch the thrust bands, and releases the strap to project the projectile.

Numerous other advantages and features of the present invention will be become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the embodiments thereof, from the claims and from the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a projectile launching device of an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a projectile launching device of an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3A is a rear view of the launch support as seen from the perspective of a user when the launch device is in use.

FIG. 3B is a side view of the launch support.

FIG. 3C is a top view of the launch support.

FIG. 3D is a perspective view of the launch support.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the base section.

FIG. 4B is a top view of the base section.

FIG. 4C is a side view of the base section.

FIG. 4D is a view of the base section as seen from the perspective of a user when the launch device is in use.

FIG. 5A is a bottom view of the back handle piece.

FIG. 5B is a top view of the back handle piece.

FIG. 5C is an angled perspective view of the back handle piece.

FIG. 5D is a longitudinal cross section view of the back handle piece.

FIG. 5E is a view of the back handle piece as seen from the perspective of a user when the launch device is in use.

FIG. 6A is a top view of the front handle piece.

FIG. 6B is an angled perspective view of the front handle piece.

FIG. 6C is a longitudinal cross section view of the front handle piece.

FIG. 6D is a side view of the front handle piece.

FIG. 6E is a front view of the front handle piece.

FIG. 7 is an angled perspective view of a three-pronged connector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings, and will be described herein in detail, specific embodiments thereof with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the various components of the invention. The projectile launching device comprises a base section 100, a handle section 200, a launch support 300, and a slingshot 400 that includes a launcher bag 500. The handle section 200 encloses a portion of the launch support 300, and the base section 100. The base section 100 and the launch support 300 interlock near the bottom of the handle 200. The slingshot 400 is connected to the launch support 300 using tubing inserts 420, and connected to the launcher bag 500 using three-prong connectors 430.

The various components of the invention will now be discussed in detail.

The Base Section

The base section is shown in FIGS. 4A-4D. FIG. 4A illustrates the side view of the base section 100. The base section can be a frame-like structure with two prongs 110 which are aligned apart such that the user's hand can comfortably fit between the prongs 110. The prongs 110 are aligned sufficiently apart and in an orientation to support the projectile launching device if placed on a surface.

FIG. 4B illustrates one embodiment where the two prongs 110 are parallel. The base section is preferably made of metal. In another embodiment, a wrist pad 600 can be attached to the end prongs 140 of the base frame 100 as shown in FIG. 2, such that when the user puts their hand between the prongs 110 to grasp the handle section 200, the wrist pad rests on the wrist. The base frame 100 has a generally rectangular interlocking section 150, defined by interlocking legs 120 that extend upwards and generally perpendicular to the plane defined by the end prongs 110, and an interlocking bar 130 at 90 degree angles to the interlocking legs 120, and within the same plane defined by the interlocking legs 120. The interlocking legs 120 come in contact with the tail portion 350 of the launch support 300, as shown in FIG. 2. In one embodiment, the prongs 110 can be curved with the end of the prongs 140 coming in contact with a surface (not shown).

The Launch Support

FIGS. 3A-3D illustrates the launch support. FIG. 3A is a view of the launch support as seen from the perspective of the user when the projectile launching device is in operation. The launch support comprises a generally Y-shaped frame 300. The end branches 310 of the Y-shaped frame comprise end segments 320 that extend generally perpendicular from a plane defined by the end branches 310 of the Y-shaped frame. In the embodiments shown, the end segments 320 extend in parallel to one another in a direction toward the user.

FIG. 3B illustrates a side view of the launch support. The launch support also consists of a stem portion 330 of the Y-shaped frame, which is encased in the handle section 200. The bottom portion of the launch support Y frame consists of a kinked section 340, and a tail portion 350, which contribute to interlocking with the base support frame. The kinked section 240 and portion of the tail portion 350 are also encased in the handle section 200 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In one embodiment, the launch support frame is preferably made of a metal rod, such that the cross section of the frame at its end segments 320 is round.

The Handle

The handle section 200 is a two piece generally cylindrical handle with one back handle piece 220 closest to the user, and one front handle piece 210 on the opposite side as shown in FIG. 2. The handle pieces are preferably made from the same sturdy material, such as plastic. The back handle piece 220 is illustrated in FIGS. 5A-E. The front handle piece 210 is illustrated in FIGS. 6A-E. In one embodiment, the handle pieces 210 and 220 preferably contain concave curved portions 230 to allow for better user grip. The handle pieces can have internal stiffening rib structures 240 that intersect at right angles. In one embodiment, the back handle piece 220 can have a protruding interlocking mechanism 250 to inter-engage with a corresponding recessed interlocking mechanism 260 in the front handle piece 210 to provide for better connection between the two pieces 210, 220, of the handle.

The two pieces of the handle 210, 220 each have U-shaped channels 270 that run along a portion of its length, such that when the two pieces 210, 220 inter-engage, the round channel that forms allows for the stem portion 330 of the Y-shaped launch support frame to be disposed within the handle 200. The U-shaped channels are formed in a portion of the rib structure 240. The two pieces of the handle 210, 220 each have U-shaped channels 280 that run transverse to the handle, such that when the two handle pieces 210,220 inter-engage, the round channel that forms allows for the interlocking bar 130 of the base section frame 100 to be disposed transversally within the handle 200. The U-shaped channels 270 run longitudinally until reaching the transverse U-shaped channels 280.

The kink 340 in the launch support frame 300 engages the interlocking bar 130 of the base support frame 100 to create a hinge-like mechanism that allows the launch support 300 and the enclosing handle 200 to pivot about the axis of the transverse U-shaped channel 280. The hinge created by the interaction of the kink 340 and the interlocking bar 130 is enclosed in the handle portion 200, near the location of the transverse U-shaped channel 280. The hinge allows the launch support 300 and the handle 200 to pivot towards and away from the user when in use.

As seen in FIGS. 5A, and 5C-5E, the bottom of the back handle piece 220 has curved regions 290 which curve inwards towards the central longitudinal axis of the back handle piece 220 to allow for the tail portion 350 of the launch support frame 300 to extend outwards at a bottom of the back handle piece 220. The tail portion 350 of the launch support frame 300 that extends outwards from the back handle piece 220 allows the fins 360 of the tail portion 350 to come in contact with the interlocking legs 120 of the interlocking section 150. The fins 360 in contact with the interlocking legs 120 of the interlocking section 150 prevents the launch support frame 300 and handle 200 from pivoting further towards the user.

As seen in FIGS. 6A-6E, the front handle piece has protrusions 295 near the bottom of the front handle piece 210. These protrusions 295 interact with the interlocking legs 120 of the interlocking section 150 of the base frame 100, such that the protrusions 295 prevent the handle 200 and the launch support 300 from pivoting about the axis of the transverse channels 280 in a direction away from the user. The protrusions 295 and the fins 360 interact with the legs of the interlocking section 120 to allow for the handle 200 and launch support 300 to maintain a locked, generally upright position without needing user intervention. The protrusions 295 are of a sufficient size to come in contact with the interlocking legs 120 to prevent the launch support 300 and handle 200 from tilting in a direction away from the user when locked in an upright position, and are also of a small enough size to allow for the user to disengage the interlocking mechanism by tilting the handle 200 and launch support system 300 away from the user by applying minimal force to pivot the handle 200 such that the protrusions 295 can be snapped out of their engaged, locked, upright position, to collapse the launching device. Therefore the launching device has an in-use position shown in the figures and a collapsed position (not shown). To move the device from the in-use position to the collapsed position the top of the handle is pressed forward from the rear user position to cause the handle and the end branches to rotate forward relative to the base about the interlocking bar 130 until the end segments 320 are parallel with a portion of the prongs 110 or until the end segments are contact the wrist pad 600.

The Sling Shot

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the slingshot portion 400 of the launching device. The slingshot portion 400 of the launching device includes two main stretchable thrust bands 410 which can be made with materials having resilient or elastic characteristics, such as rubber tubing. The rubber tubing is connected to the end segments 320 that extend generally perpendicular from a plane defined by the end branches 310 of the Y-shaped frame. Tubing material is preferably connected to the end segments 320 of the Y-shaped launch support frame 300 using a tube insert 420 to prevent thrust bands 410 from slipping from the end segments 320 of the Y-shaped frame. In another embodiment, the thrust bands 410 are secured to the end segments 320 by fasteners or adhesive.

Several segments of stretchable thrust bands can be connected using tube connectors 430 or the like. Tube connectors 430 can be three pronged tube connectors such as a U-shaped connector for tubing as shown in FIG. 7, or a T-connector for tubing (not shown). The tube connector 430 has raised receiving portions at each end 431, 432, 433. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 each thrust band 410 attaches at one end to an end segment 420 and at an opposite end to a tube connector 430.

The Launcher Bag

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the launcher bag 500 section of the launching device. In one embodiment, the launcher bag is made with sleeves 520 through which stretchable thrust bands 440 can be inserted to connect the launcher bag 500 with the main stretchable thrust bands 410 that make up the slingshot 400. The stretchable thrust bands 440 that can be inserted into the sleeves 520 of the launcher bag 500 to connect the launcher bag 500 with the main stretchable thrust bands 410 using a three-pronged connector 430. A strap 510 is attached to the launcher bag 500 to allow the user to pull the launching bag 500, and launch a projectile cradled on the bag on a side opposite the strap 510 upon release.

From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred.

Claims

1. An apparatus for launching water balloons comprising:

a base section;

a handle section connected to the base;

a launch support connected to the handle;

at least one slingshot portion, wherein the slingshot includes at least one launcher bag.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base section comprises a metal frame.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one slingshot further comprises stretchable thrust bands.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the stretchable thrust bands are connected using a three-prong connector.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein at least one of the stretchable thrust bands is connected to the launcher bag by a sleeve in the launcher bag.

6. A hand-held water balloon launching device comprising:

a hand-held launch support comprising a handle;

an elastic portion connected to the launch support for creating potential energy when the elastic portion is drawn away from the launch support;

a balloon basket portion connected to the elastic portion opposite the lunch support.

7. The water balloon launching device of claim 6, wherein the balloon basket comprises an first elastic cord and a second elastic cord and a balloon support connected to and extending between a portion of the first and second elastic cords.

8. The water balloon launching device of claim 7, wherein the upper and lower elastic cords are connected to the elastic portion by a connector.

9. The water balloon launching device of claim 8, wherein the connector is a Y-connector.

10. The water balloon launching device of claim 7, wherein said first and second elastic cords each comprise a plurality of cords.

11. The water balloon launching device of claim 7, wherein said first elastic cord is located above the second elastic cord.

12. The water balloon launching device of claim 6, wherein the balloon basket comprises a handle on a side opposite the side configure to receive a water balloon.

13. The water balloon launching device of claim 6, comprising an L-shaped base portion, the upper bar at the top of the base portion connects to the handle and the lower portion configured to extend toward the user when in an in-use position.

14. The water balloon launching device of claim 13, wherein the launch support comprises a recessed portion that pivotally receives the upper bar.

15. The water balloon launching device of claim 14, wherein the handle comprises a protrusion configured to secure the base portion between the protrusion and a portion of the launch support.

16. The water balloon launching device of claim 15, wherein the launch support has an in-use portion and a compacted position, the base portion is located between the protrusion and a portion of the launch support when in the in-use position; the base portion is outside of the area between the protrusion and a portion of the launch support when in a compacted position.

17. A hand-held water balloon launching device, comprising:

a hand-held launch support comprising a handle;

at least two elastic thrust bands connected to the launch support and configured to creating potential energy when the elastic portion is drawn away from the launch support;

a balloon basket portion connected to the elastic thrust bands opposite the lunch support, the basket having a first elastic cord and a second elastic cord and a balloon support connected to and extending between a portion of the first and second elastic cords.