BACKGROUND Traditional toy projectile launchers amuse kids and adults alike, which include toy blasters, pistols, rifles, crossbows, and slingshots, as examples—all of which are able to launch a projectile at a target. Such launchers vary in size, shape, and load capacity, while projectiles are often made of child-safe, soft materials—such as foam darts, rubber balls, gel beads, flexible disks, water spray, and colorful streamers. Inevitably, handheld launchers are desired for games, battles, and competitions. As manually operated non-electronic launchers are 60% to 90% less costly, with wide adoption for play at parks, schoolyards, indoors, and backyards, in respect to automated electronic launchers. For such launchers bring simple fun when launching a projectile at a target, like a bullseye, tree, or another player.
But unfortunately it's the “motion problems” of traditional launchers that cause a loss of game play and a lull in battle games. For when a player is moving with a handheld launcher, such as running towards a target—or when a target is moving, such as an opposing player running across an outdoor playground—the flaws of manually operated launchers become apparent. For such launchers are slow in usage, cumbersome in operation, and not easily aimed at a moving target.
Consider for example a typical play experience, where a player has a manually operated, toy foam dart blaster as a launcher:
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- 1. Prior to launching a projectile, the toy blaster is refilled (or manually loaded) with a projectile by the player, which can take about 0.5 second to many seconds to accomplish.
- 2. Then prior to launching a projectile, the toy blaster must be primed by the player. Priming the blaster takes about 0.5 second to multiple seconds to complete. Specifically, the player must prime or cock the handheld blaster by applying a force (typically 8 to 12 pounds of force) to the blaster (e.g., by pulling back its handle) with a first hand while the toy blaster is being held tight in a second hand. During which time, the toy blaster often swings downward or is shaken from its forward position such that precisely aiming the blaster is often useless-even for adult players—but especially true for weaker players or young children.
- 3. Next, prior to launching a projectile, the player must quickly reposition the toy blaster to aim at a desired moving target, which takes another 0.1 second to multiple seconds.
- 4. Finally to launch a projectile, the player pulls a trigger of the blaster, which causes a single, foam dart to launch at the target, such as a player's opponent moving away.
Thereby about one second to multiple seconds has elapsed between each launched projectile. Now for the most steadfast player, the above play actions 1 through 4 may be rapidly repeated with great physical effort, while the moving target continues to move out of view. In addition, priming (or cocking) the blaster corrupts the aiming of the blaster—prior to each projectile launched. So by way of time delay and cumbersome action of traditional launchers, a moving target has moved out of view—making such launchers ineffective and feeble when players or targets are moving in space.
Such “motion problems” are commonplace for low-cost, traditional projectile launchers such as foam dart blasters, rubber ball pistols, flexible crossbows, and other types of launchers. Whereby there is a need to improve toy projectile launchers to have greater ease of use with less time delay between launched projectiles, especially when players or targets are in motion.
SUMMARY Accordingly, the reader will appreciate this disclosure presents new apparatuses and methods for exemplary embodiments of toy projectile launchers that are far less cumbersome and easier to use with greatly reduced time delay between launched projectiles—including remarkably low build cost with few parts—while presenting surprising special effects—such as rapidly launching projectiles in temporal sequence (e.g., like four projectiles in sequence, where each projectile is launched every 0.1 second) after being loaded and primed once, creating a machine gun effect to the delight of users in motion. Players moving about can now engage each other. Whereby the “motion problems” of traditional launchers, as described in the background section, are largely eliminated.
Even more remarkable are the new apparatuses and methods disclosed can be implemented as low cost, non-electronic, manually operated launchers and automated electronic launchers as well. Whereby, substantially all types of toy projectile launchers (e.g., blasters, pistols, rifles, crossbows, slingshots, etc.) can benefit from this disclosure to rapidly and sequentially launch a plurality of projectiles (e.g., foam darts, rubber balls, gel beads, elastic rings, etc.) after being loaded and primed once, creating a machine gun effect.
For example, in some embodiments, a toy projectile launcher may be non-electronic and manually operated, comprising a housing assembly that receives a fluid compressor that includes a walled chamber holding a launch spring and a piston coupled to a priming actuator, with an included catch assembly having one or more catch stops. A valve system may be coupled to the fluid compressor and an active barrel group, which includes one or more launch barrels able to receive a plurality of projectiles. Thereby, a trigger assembly may comprise a variable latch engaging the catch assembly, configured to a single projectile launch or rapid sequential launch of the plurality of projectiles in temporal sequence from the launcher (e.g., such as four projectiles, where each projectile is launched every 0.1 second) after the fluid compressor has been primed once by the priming actuator of the launcher.
Surprising functional aspects are evident. For in many embodiments, there is a reduced count for the priming or cocking action of a projectile launcher and its fluid compressor prior to launching a projectile (e.g., where the priming action occurs once for every four or more foam darts launched), making such embodiments easier and faster to use for players, while being more responsive to moving targets and players in motion. Further in various embodiments, there is a reduced time delay (e.g., as little as 0.1 second) between each launched projectile, making such embodiments capable of launching a rapid sequence of projectiles at a target-including a moving target, such as another player running away. Also in many embodiments, there is a reduced count for the projectile loading action of a launcher (e.g., where the projectile loading action occurs once for every four or more darts launched), making such embodiments faster and easier to load for players, while again being more responsive to moving targets and moving players.
Thus in most embodiments, a player may continuously and steadily aim a projectile launcher while launching a sequence of a plurality of projectiles (e.g., such as four darts) without the need to reload and re-prime the launcher at every projectile launch, such that aiming at and hitting a moving target or opposing player in motion is far more likely.
Other surprising functional effects exist. For in various embodiments of a projectile launcher, there is the possibility to launch one projectile, two projectiles, three projectiles, four projectiles, and more in a controlled “one shot event” or in rapid sequence (e.g., every 0.1 second) depending on a player's desire—which makes for wonderful strategic play when targeting one or more objects that may be fixed or moving in spatial position. More surprising functional effects exist in some embodiments, such as a manually operated, priming actuator that enables a projectile launcher to be primed or cocked with minimal force (e.g., 10 lbs. or less of force on a primer handle) such that a young child can operate, yet such a launcher is still capable of rapidly launching in temporal sequence a plurality of projectiles (e.g., such as four darts) after loading and priming once. Other surprising functional effects for various embodiments include a projectile launcher enabled to sequentially launch each projectile, of a plurality of projectiles, with substantially similar muzzle velocity without reload and re-prime of the launcher.
Remarkable apparatus and structural attributes also exist. For in many embodiments of a projectile launcher, there are few or no additional parts for apparatus construction, with little to nominal extra manufacturing cost, relative to prior art-whereby there is increased performance value for players while holding financial cost to customers. For example, in many embodiments, a projectile launcher may be comprised of components that are integrated, often as single, molded parts, reducing overall part count and complexity of assembly.
Surprising special effects also exist. For in many embodiments of a projectile launcher, there is the facility for rapidly launching a sequence of projectiles that simulate a fully-automated machinegun or Gatling gun (e.g., where each projectile is launched every 0.1 second in a sequence of four or more projectiles). To the delight of a user, such embodiments can create a startling visual effect and flight path for each launched projectile—along with a mechanized “rat-a-tat-tat machine gun” sound effect—and a mechanical vibratory effect sensed by the user.
Even more surprising special effects exist. For in various embodiments, a projectile launcher may be coupled to one or more storage clips holding a plurality of projectiles (e.g., 24, 36, or 48 toy darts, etc.), giving the launcher a larger source of projectiles. The launcher may include a priming actuator operatively coupled to a loading actuator, such that the launcher is able to load one or more launch barrels with a plurality of projectiles, from the one or more storage clips, each time the launcher is primed or cocked. Then in continuous launch mode, a player may continuously slide the priming actuator back and forth, enabling the launcher to create a continuous stream of sequentially launched projectiles (e.g., launching each dart about every 0.1 second) over a large time duration (e.g., of 2 seconds and more) with a large quantity of projectiles (such as 24 foam darts)—for a super-charged, machine gun effect.
In summary, various new apparatuses, structures, and methods of the exemplary embodiments are quite versatile, accommodating both traditional and novel types of toy projectile launchers, including toy blasters, pistols, rifles, crossbows, bows, slingshots, paint-ball guns, and wrist mounted launchers as examples. Such exemplary embodiments are also accommodating of traditional and novel types of projectiles, such as foam darts, rubber balls, gel beads, elastic rings, paper airplanes, soft disks, paint balls, liquid globs, toy cars, and colorful streamers as examples, including other types of toy projectile launchers and projectiles that may be considered.
Apparatuses and Methods of Projectile Launchers Some exemplary embodiments of apparatuses and methods for toy projectile launchers are briefly discussed below, while other sections in this disclosure will provide greater detail in text and drawings for the reader.
Apparatuses of Projectile Launchers In many embodiments, a toy projectile launcher may be comprising: a housing assembly; a fluid compressor being at least partially received by the housing assembly, wherein the fluid compressor is structured to compress a fluid; a priming actuator being at least partially received by the fluid compressor, wherein the priming actuator is configured to prime the fluid compressor to potentially generate one or more fluid flows in temporal sequence; an active barrel group being at least partially received by the housing assembly, wherein the active barrel group is configured to receive a plurality of projectiles; a valve system being at least partially received by the fluid compressor and the active barrel group, wherein the valve system is configured to be in fluid communication with the fluid compressor and the active barrel group; a trigger assembly being at least partially received by the housing assembly, wherein the trigger assembly is configured to increase each fluid flow, of the one or more fluid flows, from the fluid compressor; and a catch assembly being at least partially received by the housing assembly, wherein the catch assembly is configured to decrease each fluid flow, of the one or more fluid flows, from the fluid compressor, wherein the toy projectile launcher is able to launch each projectile, of the plurality of projectiles from the active barrel group, in temporal sequence after the fluid compressor has been primed once by the priming actuator.
In various embodiments, the toy projectile launcher, wherein: the priming actuator is further configured to be manually operated. In some embodiments, the toy projectile launcher, wherein: the catch assembly comprises at least one catch stop, wherein at least a portion of the priming actuator is further coupled to the at least one catch stop of the catch assembly. In a few embodiments, the toy projectile launcher, wherein: the catch assembly comprises at least one catch stop, wherein at least a portion of the fluid compressor is further coupled to the at least one catch stop of the catch assembly.
In some embodiments, the toy projectile launcher, further comprising: one or more storage clips coupled to at least a portion of the housing assembly, wherein the one or more storage clips are configured to hold at least the plurality of projectiles. In a few embodiments, the toy projectile launcher, further comprising: one or more storage clips that are operatively coupled to the priming actuator, wherein the one or more storage clips are configured to hold at least the plurality of projectiles, and the priming actuator is further able to move the plurality of projectiles into at least a portion of the active barrel group.
In a few embodiments, the toy projectile launcher, wherein: the fluid compressor is further configured to be primed once by at most two continuous movements of at least a portion of the priming actuator. In some embodiments, the toy projectile launcher, wherein: the fluid compressor is further comprising a launch spring configured to be preloaded. In various embodiments, the toy projectile launcher, wherein: the trigger assembly and the catch assembly are further configured to perform a plurality of launch cycles, where each launch cycle comprises the trigger assembly increasing each fluid flow, of the one or more fluid flows, from the fluid compressor and, subsequently, the catch assembly decreasing each fluid flow, of the one or more fluid flows, from the fluid compressor.
In at least one embodiment, the toy projectile launcher, wherein: the catch assembly comprising at least a first catch stop, a second catch stop, and a third catch stop such that a first distance, between the first catch stop and the second catch stop, is at least 1% greater than a second distance between the second catch stop and the third catch stop. In a few embodiments, the toy projectile launcher, wherein: the catch assembly comprising at least a first catch stop and a second catch stop such that a first dimension, of the first catch stop, is at least 1% greater than a second dimension of the second catch stop, wherein the first and second dimensions are measurable along a first and second spatial axis, respectively, where the first and second spatial axis are substantially parallel.
In some embodiments, the toy projectile launcher, wherein: the catch assembly comprising at least a first catch stop and a second catch stop that are configured such that a first spatial position, of the first catch stop, is substantially different on at least two spatial axis of a second spatial position of the second catch stop. In a few embodiments, the toy projectile launcher, wherein: the catch assembly is further comprising one or more catch supports, wherein a first catch support, of the one or more catch supports, is configured to hold the trigger assembly in a position of a partially triggered state.
In various embodiments, the toy projectile launcher, wherein: the catch assembly further comprising at least one catch stop that comprises an at least one catch wedge. In some embodiments, the toy projectile launcher, wherein: the trigger assembly is further comprising an at least one variable latch that comprises an at least one trigger wedge.
In many embodiments, a toy projectile launcher may be comprising: a housing assembly of the toy projectile launcher; a fluid compressor being at least partially received by the housing assembly, wherein the fluid compressor is configured to potentially compress a fluid; a priming actuator being at least partially received by the fluid compressor, wherein the priming actuator is configured to prime the fluid compressor to potentially generate a fluid flow; an active barrel group being at least partially received by the housing assembly and comprising one or more launch barrels, wherein the active barrel group is configured to receive a plurality of projectiles; a valve system being at least partially received by the fluid compressor and the active barrel group, wherein the valve system is configured to be in fluid communication with the fluid compressor and the active barrel group; a loading actuator being at least partially received by the housing assembly, wherein the loading actuator is configured to be operatively coupled to one or more storage clips configured to hold at least the plurality of projectiles, wherein the loading actuator is able to move the plurality of projectiles, from the one or more storage clips, into at least a portion of the active barrel group; a trigger assembly being at least partially received by the housing assembly and including an at least one variable latch, wherein the trigger assembly is configured to increase the fluid flow from the fluid compressor based on one or more start movements of the at least one variable latch of the trigger assembly; and a catch assembly being at least partially received by the housing assembly and including one or more catch stops, wherein the catch assembly is configured to decrease the fluid flow from the fluid compressor based on one or more stop movements of the one or more catch stops of the catch assembly, wherein the toy projectile launcher is able to launch each projectile, from the plurality of projectiles from the active barrel group, in temporal sequence after the fluid compressor has been primed once by the priming actuator.
In a few embodiments, the toy projectile launcher, wherein: the priming actuator is further configured to be manually operated. In some embodiments, the toy projectile launcher, wherein: at least a portion of the priming actuator is further coupled to the one or more catch stops of the catch assembly. In various embodiments, the toy projectile launcher, wherein: at least a portion of the fluid compressor is further coupled to the one or more catch stops of the catch assembly. In some embodiments, the toy projectile launcher, wherein: the fluid compressor is further comprising a launch spring configured to be preloaded.
In a few embodiments, the toy projectile launcher, wherein: the trigger assembly and the catch assembly are further able to perform a plurality of launch cycles, where each launch cycle comprises the trigger assembly increasing the fluid flow from the fluid compressor and, subsequently, the catch assembly decreasing the fluid flow from the fluid compressor. In various embodiments, the toy projectile launcher, wherein: the catch assembly comprising at least a first catch stop, a second catch stop, and a third catch stop such that a first distance, between the first catch stop and the second catch stop, is at least 1% greater than a second distance between the second catch stop and the third catch stop. In a few embodiments, the toy projectile launcher, wherein: the catch assembly is further comprising one or more catch supports, wherein a first catch support, of the one or more catch supports, is configured to hold the trigger assembly in a position of a partially triggered state. In some embodiments, the toy projectile launcher, wherein: at least a first catch stop, of the one or more catch stops, comprises at least one catch wedge.
Method of Projectile Launchers In many embodiments, a method for assembling a toy projectile launcher may be comprising the steps of: providing a launcher with a housing assembly; providing a fluid compressor being at least partially received by the housing assembly; supporting a priming actuator being at least partially received by the fluid compressor; providing an active barrel group being at least partially received by the housing assembly and comprising one or more launch barrels; providing a valve system being at least partially received by the fluid compressor and the active barrel group; supporting a trigger assembly being at least partially received by the housing assembly and including an at least one variable latch; and supporting a catch assembly being at least partially received by the housing assembly and including one or more catch stops. In a few embodiments, the method may be further comprising the step of: providing a loading actuator being at least partially received by the housing assembly. In some embodiments of the method, the fluid compressor may be further comprising a launch spring; and including the step of: installing the launch spring such that the launch spring is preloaded.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toy projectile launcher, shaped like a handheld pistol that launches projectiles (e.g., foam darts).
FIG. 2 is a section view of the launcher of FIG. 1, which shows the launcher before priming a fluid compressor by a priming actuator of the launcher.
FIG. 3A is a section view of a valve system of the launcher of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3B is a section view of one or more catch stops of a catch assembly of the launcher of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3C is a section view of a variable latch of a trigger assembly and a catch assembly of the launcher of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4A is a section view of a catch assembly of the launcher of FIG. 1, which describes distances.
FIG. 4B is a section view of a catch assembly of the launcher of FIG. 1, which describes dimensions.
FIG. 4C is a section view of a catch assembly of the launcher of FIG. 1, which describes angles.
FIG. 5A is a section view of the launcher of FIG. 1, which shows the launcher after priming the fluid compressor by the priming actuator of the launcher.
FIG. 5B is a section view of the launcher of FIG. 1, which shows the launcher after launching a first projectile from the launcher.
FIG. 5C is a section view of the launcher of FIG. 1, which shows the launcher after launching a second projectile from the launcher.
FIG. 5D is a section view of the launcher of FIG. 1, which shows the launcher after launching a third projectile from the launcher.
FIG. 5E is a section view of the launcher of FIG. 1, which shows the launcher after launching a fourth projectile from the launcher.
FIG. 5F is a section view of the launcher of FIG. 1, which shows the launcher after launching all of the projectiles from the launcher.
FIG. 6A is a flow chart of a method for assembling the launcher of FIG. 1.
FIG. 6B is a flow chart of a method step for assembling the launcher of FIG. 1.
FIG. 7A is a section view of an alternative launcher similar to the launcher of FIG. 1, wherein the catch assembly is coupled to an outer walled chamber of a fluid compressor.
FIG. 7B is a section view of an alternative launcher similar to the launcher of FIG. 1, wherein the catch assembly is coupled to an inner walled chamber of a fluid compressor.
FIG. 7C is a section view of an alternative launcher similar to the launcher of FIG. 1, wherein a trigger assembly comprises a plurality of variable latches operatively coupled to a catch assembly.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a toy projectile launcher, which includes an active storage clip that holds a plurality of projectiles (e.g., foam darts).
FIG. 9A is a section view of the launcher of FIG. 8, which shows the launcher before priming a fluid compressor by a priming actuator of the launcher.
FIG. 9B is a section view of the launcher of FIG. 8, which shows the launcher after priming the fluid compressor by the priming actuator of the launcher.
FIG. 9C is a section view of the launcher of FIG. 8, which shows the launcher in continuous launch mode.
FIG. 10A is a section view of a clip support wall and a valve system of the launcher of FIG. 8, in relationship to an active barrel group.
FIG. 10B is a section view of the active storage clip of the launcher of FIG. 8, in relationship to the active barrel group.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a toy projectile launcher, which includes a plurality of reserve storage clips.
FIG. 12 is a section view of the launcher of FIG. 11, which shows the launcher before priming a fluid compressor by a priming actuator of the launcher.
FIG. 13A is a section view of a clip support wall and a valve system of the launcher of FIG. 11, in relationship to an active barrel group.
FIG. 13B is a section view of an active storage clip of the launcher of FIG. 11, in relationship to the active barrel group.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a loading actuator of the launcher of FIG. 11.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a toy projectile launcher, which includes a reserve storage clip that holds projectiles (e.g., foam balls).
FIG. 16 is a section view of the launcher of FIG. 15, which shows the launcher before priming a fluid compressor by a priming actuator of the launcher.
FIG. 17A is a section view of a loading actuator of the launcher of FIG. 15, wherein an active barrel group includes stub launch barrels with loading openings.
FIG. 17B is a section view of an alternative embodiment of a loading actuator of the launcher of FIG. 15, wherein an active barrel group includes launch barrels with loading openings.
FIG. 17C is a section view of another alternative embodiment of a loading actuator of the launcher of FIG. 15, wherein an active barrel group includes a stub barrel unit with a loading opening.
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a toy projectile launcher, which includes a plurality of reserve storage clips that hold projectiles (e.g., foam balls).
FIG. 19 is a section view of the launcher of FIG. 18, which shows the launcher before priming a fluid compressor by a priming actuator of the launcher.
FIG. 20 is a section view of a loading actuator of the launcher of FIG. 18, wherein an active barrel group includes stub launch barrels with loading openings.
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a toy projectile launcher, which includes a reserve storage clip that hold projectiles (e.g., gel beads).
FIG. 22 is a section view of the launcher of FIG. 21, which shows the launcher before priming a fluid compressor by a priming actuator of the launcher.
FIG. 23 is a section view of a loading actuator of the launcher of FIG. 21, wherein an active barrel group includes a plurality of stub launch barrels with loading openings.
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a toy projectile launcher, which includes a reserve storage clip that holds projectiles (e.g., liquid globs).
FIG. 25 is a section view of the launcher of FIG. 24, which shows the launcher before priming a fluid compressor by a priming actuator of the launcher.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION A plurality of exemplary embodiments will be discussed in detail below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation may be described in the description. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a design effort could be quite labor intensive, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design and construction for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit in this disclosure. Whereby, some helpful definitions of terms used throughout this disclosure are given:
The terms “a”, “an”, and “the” refers to one or more items. Where only one item is intended, the terms “one”, “single”, or similar language is used. The term “and/or” refers to any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
The terms “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “embodiment of a projectile launcher,” and like terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner consistent with this disclosure.
The term “at least in part controlling” means in part controlling or wholly controlling. The usage of the singular term “controlling” without a conditional adverb means “at least in part controlling.” For example, “is controlling a piston” means: “is at least in part controlling a piston.”
The term “at least partially contained” means partially contained or wholly contained.
The term “at least partially occluded from view” means partially occluded from view or wholly occluded from view. The term “occluded from view” as used herein means to be blocked or hidden from the view of unaided human eyes and unaided human eyesight in visible light, unless otherwise indicated.
The term “based on” without a conditional adverb means “based at least in part on.” For example, “is based on movement” means: “is based at least in part on movement.” Thus, a feature that is described as based on a stimulus is based on the stimulus or a combination of some stimuli including the stimulus.
The term “close proximity” refers to the condition when two or more objects are located substantially nearby each other in space (e.g., 3D ambient space).
The terms “comprise,” “comprised,” “comprising,” “include,” “included,” “including,” and like terms are open-ended. Such terms do not foreclose additional structure or steps. Consider a claim that recites: “An apparatus comprising one or more barrels . . . . ” Such a claim does not foreclose the apparatus from including additional components (e.g., breech, latch, etc.).
The terms “configured to”, “structured to”, “operable to”, and like terms mean a broad recitation of structure generally meaning having a unit/assembly/component that is able to perform a task or tasks during operation. Various units, assembly, or other components may be described as “configured to” perform a task or tasks. As such, the unit/assembly/component can be configured to perform the task even when the unit/assembly/component is not operational (currently not active). In general, the apparatus that forms the structure corresponding to “configured to” may include wedges, gears, levers, etc. able to implement the operation. Similarly, various units/assemblies/components may be described as performing a task or tasks, for convenience in the description. Such descriptions should be interpreted as including the phrase “configured to.” Reciting a unit/assembly/component that is configured to perform one or more tasks is expressly intended not to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112, paragraph six, interpretation for that unit/assembly/component.
The terms “coupling,” “coupled,” “couple,” “connecting,” “connected,” “connect,” “attaching,” “attached,” “attach,” and like terms as used herein, refer to a coupling between items, wherein, for example, the items may be directly coupled or indirectly coupled via an intervening item or items, or the items may be directly attached or indirectly attached via an intervening item or items, or the items may be partially or wholly contained, or the items may be partially or wholly contained via an intervening item or items, or the items may be partially or wholly integrated, or the items may be partially or wholly integrated via an intervening item or items.
The term “example” refers to an exemplary embodiment.
The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc. as used herein are meant as distinguishing labels for nouns, elements, actions, or steps that they precede, and do not imply any type of ordering (e.g., spatial, temporal, logical, etc.). For example, a control unit may be described herein as performing write operations for “first” and “second” values. The terms “first” and “second” do not necessarily imply that the first value must be written before the second value.
The terms “in conjunction”, and like terms do not imply any type of ordering (e.g., spatial, temporal, logical, etc.) of their related items. For example, an apparatus described herein as performing in conjunction a priming operation and a loading operation. The term “in conjunction” does not necessarily imply a specific temporal ordering of the operations, unless specifically noted.
The terms “local” and “remote” as used herein are meant as distinguishing labels for nouns, elements, actions, or steps that they precede, and do not necessarily imply spatial proximity or other spatial characteristics, unless otherwise indicated.
The term “operatively coupled” refers to a means (e.g., mechanical, physical, electronic, etc.) of communication between items, unless otherwise indicated. Moreover, the term “operatively coupled” may further, but not necessarily, refer to a direct coupling between items and/or an indirect coupling between items via an intervening item or items (e.g., an item includes, but not limited to, a component, an element, an assembly, a circuit, a module, and/or a device).
The terms “may” and “can” are used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must).
The present disclosure further illustrates examples of operations for processes or methods used by the various embodiments described. Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that certain steps, blocks, elements, or operations described herein may be eliminated, taken in an alternate order, and/or performed concurrently. A process or method ends when its operations are completed, but could have additional steps not included in a figure or text.
Also, the following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings.
The same reference numerals in different drawings identify the same or similar elements.
Dart Launcher with Primer Handle
So turning first to FIGS. 1 and 2, there shown are perspective and section views of an exemplary embodiment of a toy projectile launcher 100, which may include a plurality of launch barrels 122A-122D for launching a plurality of projectiles 121A-121D (e.g., such as foam darts), as shown with dashed lines. In various embodiments, the launcher 100 may be able to launch the plurality of projectiles 121A-121D, each projectile being missile shaped of compact size (e.g., 12 mm dia.×75 mm long) and comprised of soft material (e.g., plastic foam, composite, etc.), although other shapes, sizes, and/or materials for projectiles may also be considered. The launcher 100 may be non-electronic and manually operated by a user.
As depicted, the launcher 100 may comprise a housing assembly 104, a fluid compressor 110 (in FIG. 2), a priming actuator 160, an active barrel group 120, a valve system 130, a trigger assembly 140, and a catch assembly 150 (in FIG. 2).
Housing Assembly FIGS. 1 and 2 present the housing assembly 104 of the projectile launcher 100, which may be of compact size (e.g., 26 cm long×13 cm high×4 cm wide, etc.) for mobility and shaped as a handheld blaster or pistol, as examples. The housing assembly 104 may be comprised of a housing handle 105, wherein a user (not shown) can grasp the handle 105 of the housing assembly 104 such that the projectile launcher 100 may be handheld by the user. The housing assembly 104 may be constructed of a single part having one or more interior cutouts or multiple parts fastened together (e.g., by friction, screws, and/or adhesive, etc.) with material comprised of molded plastic.
In alternative embodiments, the housing assembly 104 may be constructed of any shape (e.g., such as shaped as a rifle, shotgun, canon, blaster, bow, crossbow, sling shot, etc.), size (e.g., 50 cm long×20 cm high×5 cm wide, etc.), and/or material (e.g., composite, metal, wood, etc.).
Fluid Compressor FIG. 2 further shows the fluid compressor 110 may be at least partially received by the housing assembly 104 of the launcher 100, wherein the fluid compressor 110 may be configured to potentially compress a fluid, such as ambient air from a play environment. Whereby, the fluid compressor 110 being at least partially received by the housing assembly 104, wherein the fluid compressor 110 may be structured to potentially compress a fluid and generate a fluid flow or one or more fluid flows in temporal sequence.
The reader may keep in mind that in various embodiments throughout this disclosure, a fluid compressor may be able to compress a fluid (e.g., air, water, etc.) by applying a force to the fluid, such that a change in fluid pressure occurs. If any pathway is available, the fluid can then move due to pressure difference. Whereby, a fluid compressor may be capable to generate a “fluid flow,” a term that means a moving fluid that may pass, for example, through an element, valve, or apparatus of a launcher. Moreover, the fluid flow can be increased, which means the quantity of moving fluid is increased. And the fluid flow can be decreased, which means the quantity of moving fluid is decreased. So in various embodiments throughout this disclosure, a launcher comprising a fluid compressor can be configured to compress a fluid and generate and modulate one or more fluid flows will become apparent.
In the current embodiment, the fluid compressor 110 may be comprised of a walled chamber 112, a rear chamber wall 118, a launch spring 114, a latch guide 115, and a piston 116. The walled chamber 112 may be cylindrical in shape, at least partially hollow, and constructed of molded plastic or hot-sealed plastic. The chamber 112 may be sized (e.g., 40 mm dia.×130 mm long), for example, to provide one or more fluid flows for launching a plurality of projectiles in temporal sequence. Further, the chamber 112 may hold and retain the piston 116 and launch spring 114. Whereby, the piston 116 may be shaped and sized (e.g., 36 mm dia.×4 mm thick) to fit within the walled chamber 112. The piston 116 may comprise an O-ring 117 that provides a fluid seal against the interior walls of the chamber 112, reducing leakage of the fluid around the piston 116 of the compressor 110. Further, the piston 116 may be configured to be moveable within the chamber 112, able to compress the fluid and create a fluid flow from the compressor 110. The piston 116 may be constructed of a single part or coupled parts of molded rigid or flexible plastic. The rear chamber wall 118 and latch guide 115 may be coupled to the walled chamber 112, so their positions may be fixed relative to the compressor 110. As depicted, the launch spring 114 may be a compression spring fitted between the piston 116 and the rear chamber wall 118, wherein the spring 114 may be comprised of a coiled metal wire spring. In some embodiments, the fluid compressor 110 may be comprised of one or more launch springs 114 that substantially provide energy storage for the launcher 100, such that the launcher 100 may be able to launch a plurality of projectiles 121A-121D in temporal sequence after the launcher 100 has been primed once by the priming actuator 160.
The reader may keep in mind that in many embodiments throughout this disclosure, a “spring” is an elastic element or device that can deform by a force (e.g., compression, tension, shear, twist, etc.) and substantially return to its original shape. In many embodiments in this disclosure, a spring may be any type (e.g., compression, tension, and/or torsion, etc.), any material (e.g., metal, plastic, wood, foam, fiber, and/or composite, etc.), and/or any shape (e.g., coil, tab, wave, tip, thread, and/or leaf, etc.). For example, in some embodiments, a spring may be comprised of one or more coiled metal wires. In other embodiments, a spring may be comprised of one or more flexible plastic elements.
Further, in alternative embodiments, the fluid compressor 110 and walled chamber 112 may be constructed of any shape (e.g., rectangular block shaped, spherical, ovoid, elliptical cylinder, etc.), size (e.g., 160 mm long×50 mm dia.), and/or material (e.g., vinyl sheet, polyethylene, metal, etc.) that does not substantially leak a fluid, such as air. In alternative embodiments, the piston 116 may be constructed of any shape (e.g., rectangular, spherical, ovoid, oval disk, etc.), size, material (e.g., single part, composite part, molded plastic, metal, etc.), and/or components, including the piston 116 having no O-ring 117. In alternative embodiments, the launch spring 114 may be comprised of any spring type (e.g., tension spring, leaf spring, etc.), any shape (e.g., s-shaped, etc.), any size, and/or any material (e.g., composite, flexible plastic, wood, metal, etc.). In alternative embodiments, the latch guide 115 and/or the rear chamber wall 118 may be coupled to the housing assembly 104.
Fluid Compressor—with Preloaded Spring
Also presented in FIG. 2, the projectile launcher 100 and fluid compressor 110 may be configured such that the launch spring 114 is preloaded when received by the fluid compressor 110 during assembly and/or operation of the launcher 100.
The reader may keep in mind that a spring that is preloaded does not change the spring constant (also called the spring rate) of Hooke's spring law—but changes the initial starting force of the spring. So the term “free length” of a spring is the length of the spring that has no force (or zero force) applied to it. And the term “preloaded length” of a spring is the length of the spring that has an initial starting force (or non-zero force) applied to it. A technique to preload a compression spring may be to use the launch spring 114 with a free length that is longer than the length of its enclosure or fitting, such as the fluid compressor 110. Thereby, the launch spring 114 may be preloaded when received by the fluid compressor 110. In the current embodiment, the launch spring 114 may be configured to be preloaded with a free length that is at least 1%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%, 120%, 140%, 160%, 180%, or 200% longer than the preloaded length of the launch spring 114. Whereby a launch spring may be selected, during the design process, based on the desired preload, spring rate, thickness, diameter, length, and maximum force (e.g., 10 lbs. of force) experienced by a user, etc. An advantage of the launch spring 114 that is preloaded is improved uniformity of the force of the launch spring 114 over its displacement and, subsequently, improved uniformity of the fluid flow generated by fluid compressor 110 during the launching of a plurality of projectiles from the launcher 100.
In alternative embodiments, the launch spring 114 may not be preloaded during assembly and/or operation of the launcher 100 such that a preloaded spring is not required for operation. In alternative embodiments, any type of spring (e.g., tension spring, variable rate spring, torsion spring, etc.) may be used. For example, the launch spring 114 may be a tension spring and configured to be preloaded with a free length that is at least 1%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%, 120%, 140%, 160%, 180%, or 200% shorter than the preloaded length of the launch spring 114.
Priming Actuator Turning now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the priming actuator 160 may be at least partially received by the housing assembly 104, wherein the priming actuator 160 may be configured to prime the fluid compressor 110 to potentially generate a fluid flow or one or more fluid flows in temporal sequence. Further, the priming actuator 160 may be structured such that the fluid compressor 110 may be configured to potentially generate a fluid flow or one or more fluid flows after the fluid compressor 110 has been primed once (or one time) by the priming actuator 160. The priming actuator 160 may be manually operated by a user and may be non-electronically operated.
FIGS. 1 and 2 further show that the priming actuator 160 may be comprised of a primer handle 161 and a primer rod 162, wherein the primer handle 161 is coupled to the primer rod 162, which is coupled to piston 116 of the fluid compressor 110. Thus the priming actuator 160 is operatively coupled to the fluid compressor 160. The primer handle 161 may be sized (e.g., 12 mm dia.×40 mm wide) to be grasped and pulled (e.g., by a left or right hand) by a user. The primer rod 162 may be sized (e.g., 12 mm wide×14 mm high×150 mm long) for moving the piston 116 a maximum displacement. The priming actuator 160, primer handle 161, and primer rod 162 may be constructed of molded rigid plastic.
The priming actuator 160 or primer rod 162 may further comprise one or more primer indicators 163, which are configured to provide information during priming and/or launching operations, such as indicating the number of trigger launches available, or the number of projectiles available, etc. The one or more primer indicators 163 may be comprised of one or more numbers (e.g., “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”, etc.), one or more symbols (e.g., check marks, hatch marks, alphabet letters, etc.), one or more patterns (e.g., diamond, dots, etc.), one or more textures, and/or one or more colors (e.g., red, yellow, blue, green, etc.) that act as a visual indicating element to a user. In the current embodiment, the primer handle 161 and primer rod 162 is a single, molded plastic part forming the priming actuator 160. Further, the one or more primer indicators 163 may be molded into the primer rod 162 or the priming actuator 160.
In alternative embodiments, the priming actuator 160, primer handle 161, and primer rod 162 may be constructed of any shape (e.g., bar, wedge, etc.), size, and/or material (e.g., metal, wood, fiber, composite materials, etc.). Further, in alternative embodiments, the actuator 160 may be able to move in alternate direction(s) (e.g., slide, swing, push, etc.). In alternative embodiments, the one or more primer indicators 163 may be coupled (e.g., plastic, paper, or metal element(s), etc.) or applied (e.g., paint, adhesive, paper, plastic, or metal film, etc.) to the primer rod 162 or the priming actuator 160.
Active Barrel Group FIGS. 1 and 2 further show that the active barrel group 120 may be at least partially received by the housing assembly 104 and comprising a plurality of launch barrels 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D, wherein the active barrel group 120 may be configured to receive a plurality of projectiles 121A, 121B, 121C, and 121D, as shown with dashed lines. The launch barrels 122A, 122B, 122C, and 122D may be sized so the plurality of projectiles 121A, 121B, 121C, and 121D can be received and retained such that each projectile 121A, 121B, 121C, and 121D may form a fluid seal within each launch barrel 122A, 122B, 122C, and 122D, respectively. Further the active barrel group 120 and the plurality of launch barrels 121A-121D are at least partially coupled to the valve system 130, wherein the active barrel group 120 and the valve system 130 are in fluid communication such that each projectile, of the plurality of projectiles 121A-121D, may be launched independently from the active barrel group 120. The barrel group 120 may be constructed of molded plastic.
In alternative embodiments, the barrel group 120 and the launch barrels 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D may be constructed of any shape (e.g., long tube, rectangular, cylinder, elliptical cylinder, etc.), size, and/or material (e.g., metal, composite, etc.). In alternative embodiments, a projectile may be constructed of any shape (e.g., dart, sphere, disk, ring, etc.), size, and/or material (e.g., foam, rubber, gel bead, cardboard, paper, composite, etc.). In alternative embodiments, an active barrel group may comprise one or more launch barrels, two or more launch barrels, four or more launch barrels, or eight or more launch barrels. In alternative embodiments, the active barrel group 120 may be removable from the launcher 100, such as to ease refilling (or manual loading) of a plurality of projectiles into the active barrel group 120.
Valve System Turning now to FIGS. 1 and 2 along with FIG. 3A showing a close-up section view, the valve system 130 may be at least partially received by the fluid compressor 110 and the active barrel group 120, wherein the valve system 130 may be configured to be in fluid communication with the fluid compressor 110 and the active barrel group 120 such that the valve system 130 is able to at least partially control a fluid flow from the fluid compressor 110 to (e.g., the plurality of launch barrels 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D of) the active barrel group 120.
Turning specifically to the section view of FIG. 3A, the valve system 130 may be comprised of a plurality of valve stems 132A, 132B, 132C, and 132D seated against a plurality of valve springs 134A, 134B, 134C, and 134D pressed against a plurality of valve rear walls 138A, 138B, 138C, and 138D, respectively, of a valve block assembly 139. The valve springs 134A-134D may be compression springs constructed of metal wire. Whereby, each valve stem, of the plurality of valve stems 132A, 132B, 132C, and 132D, is able to independently and linearly move or slide within a plurality of valve chambers 135A, 135B, 135C, and 135D, respectively, of the valve block assembly 139. Then due to the expanding biased force of the valve springs 134A-134D, each valve stem 132A, of the plurality of stems 132A-132D, may be able to protrude into the interior of a launch barrel 122A when there is no projectile received by its associated launch barrel 122A, and thereby closing a valve seat 131A such that there can be no substantial fluid flow across the valve seat 131A of the valve system 130. However in contrast, when there is a projectile 121B received by a launch barrel 122B, the valve stem 132B may be able to be pressed deeper into the valve block assembly 139, and thereby opening a valve seat 131B such that there can be substantial fluid flow across the valve seat 131B and into the launch barrel 122B of the active barrel group 120. In addition, there may be one or more valve pathways 133B, 133C, and 133D between the valve stems 132A, 132B, 132C, and 132D such that the valve system 130 can at least partially control a fluid flow from the fluid compressor 110 to the launch barrels 122A, 122B, 122C, and 122D, respectively, of the active barrel group 120.
Thus FIGS. 1, 2, and 3A show the valve system 130 may be configured to allow a fluid flow to the first available projectile received in a launch barrel and disallow or block the fluid flow to all other launch barrels of the active barrel group. Thereby the launcher 100 may be able to launch each projectile in temporal sequence from the active barrel group 120. For example, as described in FIG. 3A, the valve system 130 may be able to allow a fluid flow FF1, received from the fluid compressor 110 (in FIG. 2), to flow into a first valve chamber 135A, whereupon the fluid flow FF1 flows down a valve pathway 133B and enters a second valve chamber 135B, wherein the fluid flow FF1 flows around a valve seat 131B that is open, causing the fluid flow FF1′ to be rapidly discharged into the launch barrel 122B. Thus a projectile 121B may be launched from the launch barrel 122B of the active barrel group 120 of the launcher. In the current embodiment, the valve stems 132A-132D, valve rear walls 138A-138D, valve seats 131A-131D, and valve block assembly 139 may be constructed of molded plastic.
In alternative embodiments, the valve system 130 may be constructed of any shape (e.g., rectangular, cylindrical, reserve, etc.), size, and/or material (e.g., metal, vinyl tubing, composite, etc.). In alternative embodiments, the valve springs 134A-134D may be constructed of a different type of spring (e.g., tension spring, membrane flap spring, etc.), size, and/or material (e.g., plastic, composite, etc.). In alternative embodiments, the valve system 130 may comprise one or more valve stems 132A-132D. Further, in some embodiments, a valve system may be mechanically controlled to modulate a fluid flow to the active barrel group 120. For example, the valve system 110 may be operatively coupled (e.g., mechanically linked) to the fluid compressor 110 or the priming actuator 160 such that the valve system 110 is able to modulate (e.g., by increasing and/or decreasing) a fluid flow to the active barrel group 120 based on the movement of at least a portion of the fluid compressor 110 or the priming actuator 160 during the launching operation.
Trigger Assembly Turning now to FIG. 2 along with FIGS. 3B and 3C showing close-up section views, the trigger assembly 140 may be comprised of a trigger 141, a trigger pin 143, a variable latch 145, a trigger flexible hinge 144, and a trigger return spring 142. The variable latch 145 may be further comprised of a trigger wedge 146. In some embodiments, the trigger assembly 140 may comprise at least one variable latch 145 that comprises at least one trigger wedge 146.
The trigger assembly 140 may be at least partially received by the housing assembly 104 and including the variable latch 145, wherein the trigger assembly 140 may be configured to increase a fluid flow (or each fluid flow of one or more fluid flows) from the fluid compressor 110 based on one or more start movements of the variable latch 145 of the trigger assembly 140 and/or one or more start movements of the one or more catch stops 151A, 151B, 151C, and 151D of the catch assembly 150. The variable latch 145 may be constructed of a size (e.g., 12 mm deep×60 mm high×4 mm wide, etc.) able to substantially start and stop a moving catch assembly 150, while avoiding substantial wear during usage.
The trigger 141 may be configured so a user can pull the trigger 141 (e.g., by a human finger) with a movement in the rearward direction R1, causing the trigger 141 to rotate or pivot about the trigger pin 143, causing the variable latch 145 to make a movement in the downward direction D1. The flexible hinge 144 may be structured so the trigger 141 can pivot and move the variable latch 145 downward D1 without breaking the trigger assembly 140. The trigger return spring 142 may be configured to create a biased force such that the trigger 141 can return to a position of a substantially un-triggered state as shown in FIG. 2. The trigger wedge 146 may be configured to operate as a wedge or cam to move the variable latch 145 of the trigger assembly 140 (e.g., out of the way) when the launcher 100 is being cocked or primed by a user. In the current embodiment, the trigger assembly 140 may be constructed of molded, flexible plastic, such that the trigger 141, return spring 142, flexible hinge 144, variable latch 145, and trigger wedge 146 are integrated into a single part.
In alternative embodiments, the trigger assembly 140 may be constructed of any shape, size, and material (e.g., metal, rigid plastic, composite, etc.). In alternative embodiments, the trigger assembly 140 may be comprised of one or more components (e.g., trigger 141, flexible hinge 144, trigger pin 143, trigger return spring 142, variable latch 145, and/or trigger wedge 146) that are coupled together. In alternative embodiments, the trigger assembly 140 may comprise at least one variable latch 145 or a plurality of variable latches 145. In alternative embodiments, the trigger pin 143 may be removed such that the trigger 141 may slide or move within the housing assembly 104. In alternative embodiments, the trigger return spring 142 may be a metal spring (e.g., compression spring, tension spring, etc.) coupled to the trigger assembly 140 and housing assembly 104.
Catch Assembly Continuing with FIG. 2 along with FIGS. 3B and 3C showing close-up section views, the catch assembly 150 may be comprised of one or more catch stops 151A, 151B, 151C, and 151D, one or more catch supports 152A, 152B, and 152C, and one or more catch rails 153A and 153B. Whereby, the catch assembly 150 may be comprised of a plurality of catch stops 151A, 151B, 151C, and 151D that comprise a plurality of catch wedges 154A, 154B, 154C, and 154D, respectively. In some embodiments, the catch assembly 150 may be comprised of at least one catch stop 151A that comprises an at least one catch wedge 154A.
The catch assembly 150 may be at least partially received by the housing assembly 104 and including one or more catch stops 151A, 151B, 151C, and 151D, wherein the catch assembly 150 is configured to decrease a fluid flow (or each fluid flow of the one or more fluid flows) from the fluid compressor 110 based on one or more stop movements of the one or more catch stops 151A, 151B, 151C, and 151D of the catch assembly 150. The one or more catch stops 151A-151D may be constructed of a size (e.g., 12 mm deep×5 mm high×5 mm wide, etc.) able to substantially halt a moving catch assembly 150, while avoiding substantial wear during usage.
The one or more catch supports 151A-151D may be configured to provide positional support for the trigger assembly 140 and the variable latch 145 during a launch operation, and thereby configured to hold the trigger assembly 140 in a position of a partially triggered state, which will be discussed in more detail below. The one or more catch wedges 154A-154D may be configured to operate as a wedge or cam to move the variable latch 145 of the trigger assembly 140 (e.g., out of the way) when the launcher 100 is being cocked or primed by a user. The one or more catch rails 153A-153B may be configured to spatially guide the variable latch 145 along the geometry of the catch assembly 150 (as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C).
In the current embodiment, the catch assembly 150 may be constructed of molded plastic and the one or more catch stops 151A-151D, one or more catch supports 152A-152C, one or more catch wedges 154A-154D, and one or more catch rails 153A-153B are integrated into a single part. Further, at least a portion of the priming actuator 160, primer handle 161, and/or primer rod 162 may be coupled to the one or more catch stops 151A-151D of the catch assembly 150 forming, for example, a single part or multi-part component.
In alternative embodiments, the catch assembly 150 may be constructed of any shape, size, and/or material (e.g., metal, wood fiber, composite, etc.). Further, in alternative embodiments, the catch assembly 150 may be comprised of one or more components (e.g., catch stops, catch supports, catch wedges, and/or catch rails, etc.) that are coupled together. In alternative embodiments, the catch assembly 150 may be comprised of one or more catch stops, two or more catch stops, four or more catch stops, or eight or more catch stops. In alternative embodiments, at least a portion of the primer handle 161, primer rod 162, assembly, or element of the priming actuator 160 may be coupled to the one or more catch stops 151A-151D of the catch assembly 150 forming, for example, a single part or multi-part component.
Catch Assembly—Geometry Distances Now turning briefly to FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, there presented are close-up section views of the catch assembly 150 describing the geometry and configuration of the catch assembly 150. As presented in FIG. 4A, the catch stops 151A, 151B, 151C, and 151D may be separated by spatial distances DS1, DS2, and DS3 measurable along or parallel to a spatial axis X1 of the catch assembly 150, which may be parallel to the lengthwise axis of the primer rod 162 of the priming actuator 160 (in FIGS. 2 and 4A).
As shown by FIG. 4A, in some embodiments, a launcher may include the catch assembly 150 comprising at least a first catch stop 151A, a second catch stop 151B, and a third catch stop 151C such that a first distance DS1, between the first catch stop 151A and the second catch stop 151B, is at least 1%, 2%, 3%, 5%, or 10% greater than a second distance DS2 between the second catch stop 151B and the third catch stop 151C, wherein the first and second distances DS1 and DS2 are measurable along a spatial axis X1 of the catch assembly 150, which may be parallel to the lengthwise axis of the primer rod 162 of the priming actuator 160 (in FIGS. 2 and 4A). Further, in various embodiments, a launcher may include the catch assembly 150 comprising at least a first catch stop 151A, a second catch stop 151B, a third catch stop 151C, and a fourth catch stop 151D such that a first distance DS1, between the first catch stop 151A and the second catch stop 151B, is at least 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, or 10% greater than a second distance DS2, between the second catch stop 151B and the third catch stop 151C, and also the second distance DS2, between the second catch stop 151B and the third catch stop 151C, is at least 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, or 10% greater than a third distance DS3 between the third catch stop 151C and the fourth catch stop 151D, wherein the first, second, and third distances DS1, DS2, and DS3 are measurable along a spatial axis X1 of the catch assembly 150, which may be parallel to the lengthwise axis of the primer rod 162 of the priming actuator 160 (in FIGS. 2 and 4A).
Thus in many embodiments, the geometry of the catch assembly 150 can be adjusted during the design process to increase or decrease the quantity of the fluid flow from the fluid compressor 110 for each triggered launch of a projectile, from the plurality of projectiles 121A, 121B, 121C, and 121D (as in FIGS. 2 and 4A) based on the geometry of the catch assembly 150. Thereby in many embodiments, the launcher 100 may be able to launch each projectile, of the plurality of projectiles 121A-121D, in temporal sequence after the fluid compressor 110 has been primed once by the priming actuator 160 of the launcher 100, wherein each projectile has a muzzle velocity that does not vary by more than 10%, 20%, or 30% of the mean average muzzle velocity of the plurality of the projectiles 121A-121D.
In alternate embodiments, a launcher can produce a substantially different muzzle velocity of one or more projectiles being launched. In alternative embodiments, the plurality of catch stops 151A, 151B, 151C, and 151D may be separated by a plurality of spatial distances DS1, DS2, and DS3 that are substantially equal.
Catch Assembly—Geometry Operatively Coupled Further in FIG. 4A for some embodiments, a launcher may include the catch assembly 150 comprising an at least first catch stop 151A and second catch stop 151B such that an at least first catch support 152A exists between the first catch stop 151A and the second catch stop 151B, wherein the at least first catch support 152A may be further operatively coupled to an at least one variable latch 145 of the trigger assembly 140. In some embodiments, one or more catch supports 152A, 152B, and 152C may exist between two or more catch stops 151A, 151B, 151C, and 151D, wherein the one or more catch supports 152A, 152B, and 152C may be operatively coupled to an at least one variable latch 145 of the trigger assembly 140. In some embodiments, one or more catch supports 152A, 152B, and 152C may be operatively coupled to an at least one variable latch 145 such that a first position, of the at least one variable latch 145 of the trigger assembly 140, may be based upon a second position of the one or more catch supports 152A, 152B, and 152C of the catch assembly 150. In various embodiments, one or more catch supports may be operatively coupled to a trigger 141 such that a first position, of the trigger 141 of the trigger assembly 140, may be based upon a second position of the one or more catch supports 152A, 152B, and 152C of the catch assembly 150. In a few embodiments, a first catch support 152A and a second catch support 152B may be operatively coupled to a trigger 141 such that a first position, of the trigger 141 of the trigger assembly 140, may be based upon a second position of the first catch support 152A, and a third position, of the trigger 141 of the trigger assembly 140, may be based upon a fourth position of the second catch support 152B of the catch assembly 150.
Catch Assembly—Geometry Inclines Also shown by FIG. 4A, in some embodiments, a launcher may include the catch assembly 150 comprising one or more catch stops 151A-151D, wherein an at least one catch stop 151A, of the one or more catch stops 151A-151D, comprises one or more catch wedges 154A. In some embodiments, a catch wedge 154A may act as an incline plane converting translational or rotational movement along a first spatial axis to a second spatial axis. For example, a catch wedge 154A may enable the catch assembly 150 to move substantially unencumbered by a variable latch 145 of the trigger assembly 140 when the launcher 100 and the fluid compressor 110 is primed or cocked (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3B).
Catch Assembly—Geometry Dimensions The reader may keep in mind that for various embodiments throughout this disclosure the term “dimension” is a measurable dimension or spatial extent of an assembly, component, or element.
So turning to FIG. 4B, in some embodiments, a plurality of catch stops 151A, 151B, 151C, and 151D may be configured to have a plurality of dimensions EX1, EX2, EX3, and EX4, respectively, such that the plurality of dimensions EX1, EX2, EX3, and EX4 are substantially dissimilar and are measurable along a plurality of spatial axis Y1A, Y1B, Y1C, and Y1D, respectively, which may be substantially perpendicular to the lengthwise axis X1 of the primer rod 162 of the priming actuator 160 (in FIGS. 2 and 4B).
Further, in various embodiments, a launcher may include the catch assembly 150 comprising at least a first catch stop 151A and a second catch stop 151B, wherein the first catch stop 151A is configured to have a first dimension EX1 that is at least 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% greater than a second dimension EX2 of the second catch stop 151B, wherein the first and second dimensions EX1 and EX2 are measurable along a first and a second spatial axis Y1A and Y1B, respectively, which may be substantially perpendicular to the lengthwise axis X1 of the primer rod 162 of the priming actuator 160 (in FIGS. 2 and 4B). In various embodiments, a launcher may be including the catch assembly 150 comprising an at least first catch stop 151A, second catch stop 151B, and third catch stop 151C, wherein the first catch stop 151A is configured to have a first dimension EX1 that is at least 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% greater than a second dimension EX2 of the second catch stop 151B, and the second catch stop 151B is configured to have the second dimension EX2 that is at least 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% greater than a third dimension EX3 of the third catch stop 151C, wherein the first, second, and third dimensions EX1, EX2, and EX3 are measurable along a first, second, and third spatial axis Y1A, Y1B, and Y1C, respectively, which may be substantially perpendicular to the lengthwise axis X1 of the primer rod 162 of the priming actuator 160 (in FIGS. 2 and 4B).
Catch Assembly—Geometry Angles Now turning to FIG. 4C, in a few embodiments, at least one catch stop 151A may be configured to have an at least one tilt angle A1 that is greater than 0.1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 10 degrees. In a few embodiments, at least one catch stop 151A and at least one variable latch 145 may be configured to have an at least one tilt angle A1 that is greater than 0.1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 10 degrees. In various embodiments, the at least one tilt angle A1 may be measurable relative to a spatial dimension Y1A that is substantially perpendicular to the lengthwise axis X1 of the primer rod 162 of the priming actuator 160 (in FIGS. 2 and 4C).
In a few embodiments, an advantage of an at least one catch stop 151A and an at least one variable latch 145 configured to have at least one tilt angle A1 is improved halting or catching of the variable latch 145 when the catch assembly 150 is moving within the launcher.
In alternative embodiments of the catch assembly 150 and trigger assembly 140, there is no tilt angle A1 or the tilt angle A1 is equal to zero.
Refilling Operation (Manual) Now turning back to FIGS. 1 and 2, the toy projectile launcher 100 may be refilled (or manually loaded by a user) with a plurality of projectiles, referred to as the refilling operation. As depicted in FIG. 2, the active barrel group 120 comprising a plurality of launch barrels 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D can receive and retain the plurality of projectiles 121A, 121B, 121C, and 121D that may be manually inserted into the launch barrels 122A-122D by the user. Whereby, each projectile, of the plurality of projectiles 121A-121D, may form a fluid seal within each launch barrel of the plurality of launch barrels 122A-122D, respectively.
The reader may keep in mind that in various embodiments throughout this disclosure, the terms “refill”, “refilling”, “refilling operation”, “manually loaded”, “manual loading”, and like terms mean a launcher, storage clip, or component of the launcher is manually loaded or refilled with one or more projectiles by a user (e.g., such as a user grasping a projectile and inserting the projectile into a launch barrel, etc.).
Priming Operation Now turning to FIGS. 1 and 2, the toy projectile launcher 100 may be primed once (or cocked once) such that the launcher 100 is capable of launching a plurality of projectiles, referred to as the priming operation.
The reader may keep in mind that in many embodiments throughout this disclosure, the terms “primed once,” “primed one time,” and like terms mean that a launcher comprising a fluid compressor has been primed one time (or cocked one time) by a priming actuator creating a store of energy (e.g., via a launch spring) such that, for example, the launcher may be able to launch a plurality of projectiles in temporal sequence. Understandably, the priming operation may be repeated indefinitely, as after the plurality of projectiles have been launched by the launcher, for example, the launcher is ready to be loaded again with a second plurality of projectiles, and again, the fluid compressor may be primed once by the priming actuator such that the launcher may be able to launch the second plurality of projectiles in temporal sequence. In many embodiments, a fluid compressor is a single component, unit, device, or element capable of compressing a fluid, such as air, water, or other fluids.
Further, the reader may keep in mind that throughout this disclosure the term “continuous movement” is a movement that is substantially nonstop and does not substantially reverse direction. For example, a movement made from a first position to a second position should be regarded as a single, continuous movement. But an alternative movement made from a first position to a second position and substantially back to the first position should be regarded as two continuous movements.
So in various embodiments and the current embodiment, a fluid compressor may be primed once by a single, continuous movement (e.g., linear, rotational, etc.) of at least a portion (e.g., of a primer handle) of a priming actuator of a launcher. Whereby, a fluid compressor may be primed once by a single, continuous movement (e.g., linear, rotational, etc.), between a first position and a second position, of at least a portion (e.g., of a primer handle) of a priming actuator of a launcher. In a few embodiments, a fluid compressor may be primed once by a single, continuous movement (e.g., linear, rotational, etc.) in substantially one direction of at least a portion (e.g., of a primer handle) of a priming actuator of a launcher. In some embodiments, a fluid compressor may be primed once by at most two continuous movements (e.g., between a first position and a second position) of at least a portion (e.g., of a primer handle) of a priming actuator of a launcher. In alternate embodiments, a fluid compressor may be primed once by a plurality of continuous movements of at least a portion (e.g., of a primer handle) of a priming actuator of a launcher.
So turning to FIG. 1, a user (not shown) may grasp the housing handle 105 to hold and operate the launcher 100. The priming operation may comprise the following operational steps:
In FIGS. 1, 2, 3B, and 3C, in a first operational step: the projectile launcher 100 including the fluid compressor 110 may be cocked or primed once by a single, continuous movement of the primer handle 161 and the priming actuator 160. In other words in greater detail, the priming actuator 160 and, specifically, the primer handle 161 (e.g., which is grasped and moved by a user) makes a first movement in a rearward direction R1, causing the primer rod 162 to make the first movement in the rearward direction R1 away from the launcher 100, causing the piston 116 to make the first movement in the rearward direction R1 within the fluid compressor 110, and thereby, compressing the launch spring 114 between the piston 116 and the rear chamber wall 118 of the fluid compressor 110. Further shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, as the primer rod 162 makes the first movement in the rearward direction R1, the catch wedges 154A-154D push the variable latch 145 and trigger wedge 146 with a second movement in a downward direction D1 and out of the way of the catch stops 151A-151D. Whereby, as the primer rod 162 makes the first movement in the rearward direction R1, the catch stops 151A-151D of the catch assembly 150 travel unimpeded past the variable latch 145, enabling the launcher 100 and the fluid compressor 110 to be primed once by the priming actuator 160 by a single, continuous movement of at least a portion of the priming actuator 160.
Thus the priming operation ends.
As shown in FIG. 5A, the projectile launcher 100 comprising the fluid compressor 110 has been cocked or primed once such that the fluid compressor 110 has a store of energy. As can be seen, the variable latch 145 is holding the catch stop 151D of the catch assembly 150 at an initial catch position CP0, such that the primer rod 162 is held stationary by the launcher 100. Further, the projectile launcher 100 and the fluid compressor 110 may be able to generate a fluid flow or one or more fluid flows after the fluid compressor 110 has been primed once by the priming actuator 160. Subsequently, the toy projectile launcher 100 is now able to launch each projectile, of a plurality of projectiles 121A, 121B, 121C, and 121D, in temporal sequence (e.g., such as launching four projectiles in temporal sequence, where each projectile is launched every 0.1 second) after the fluid compressor 110 has been primed once by the priming actuator 160.
Launching Operation Turning now to FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, and 5E, there shown are section views of the launcher 100 during an exemplary operation to launch a plurality of projectiles 121A, 121B, 121C, and 121D in temporal sequence from the launcher 100, referred to as the launching operation.
In FIG. 5A, the projectile launcher 100 is shown ready and prepared to launch a plurality of projectiles 121A, 121B, 121C, and 121D after the fluid compressor 110 has been primed once by the priming actuator 160, as discussed by the “Priming Operation” above. As depicted, the trigger assembly 140 and the trigger 141 are located at an initial trigger position TP0, and the catch assembly 150 and the one or more catch stops 151D are located at an initial catch position CP0. Further, the trigger assembly 140 and trigger 141 are at the position TP0 of a substantially un-triggered state. A user (not shown) may grip the housing handle 105 to hold and operate the launcher 100.
Whereby, the launching operation may comprise the following operational steps:
Turning to FIG. 5B, in a first operational step: a first launch cycle is presented of a first trigger action of the trigger 141 pulled by the user. In response, the trigger 141 and trigger assembly 140 make a first start movement to a first trigger position TP1 of a first partially triggered state, causing the trigger assembly 140 and trigger 141 to pivot, shifting the variable latch 145 by the first start movement in the downward direction D1. Whereupon, the variable latch 145 releases a first catch stop 151D of the catch assembly 150 (in FIG. 5A), causing the catch assembly 150 with the one or more catch stops 151D coupled to the priming actuator 160 and piston 116 to make a first start movement. As such the fluid compressor 110, in conjunction with the piston 116 making the first start movement, compresses a fluid of ambient air causing an increase of a first fluid flow FF1 from the fluid compressor 110. A moment later (e.g., 0.01 second), the catch assembly 150 makes a first stop movement at a first catch position CP1 when a second catch stop 151C, of the catch assembly 150, is engaged by the variable latch 145 of the trigger assembly 140, causing the trigger and trigger assembly 140 to make a first stop movement. Further, a first catch support 152C may be configured to hold the trigger assembly 140 in a position of a partially triggered state. As such the fluid compressor 110, in conjunction with the piston 116 making the first stop movement, no longer compresses the fluid of ambient air causing a decrease of the first fluid flow FF1 from the fluid compressor 110. Thereby, the fluid compressor 110 creates a pulse of the first fluid flow FF1 in fluid communication with the valve system 130, which at least partially controls and discharges the first fluid flow FF1 into a first launch barrel 122A of the active barrel group 120. Whereupon, a first projectile 121A is expelled by the first fluid flow FF1 and launched from the first launch barrel 122A of the launcher 100.
Then turning to FIG. 5C, in a second operational step: a second launch cycle is presented of a second trigger action of the trigger 141 pulled by the user. In response, the trigger 141 and trigger assembly 140 make a second start movement to a second trigger position TP2 of a second partially triggered state, causing the trigger assembly 140 and trigger 141 to pivot, shifting the variable latch 145 by the second start movement in the downward direction D1. Whereupon, the variable latch 145 releases a second catch stop 151C of the catch assembly 150 (in FIG. 5B), causing the catch assembly 150 with the one or more catch stops 151C coupled to the priming actuator 160 and piston 116 to make a second start movement. As such the fluid compressor 110, in conjunction with the piston 116 making the second start movement, compresses a fluid of ambient air causing an increase of a second fluid flow FF2 from the fluid compressor 110. A moment later (e.g., 0.01 second), the catch assembly 150 makes a second stop movement at a second catch position CP2 when a third catch stop 151B, of the catch assembly 150, is engaged by the variable latch 145 of the trigger assembly 140, causing the trigger and trigger assembly 140 to make a second stop movement. Further, a second catch support 152B may be configured to hold the trigger assembly 140 in a position of a partially triggered state. As such the fluid compressor 110, in conjunction with the piston 116 making the second stop movement, no longer compresses the fluid of ambient air causing a decrease of the second fluid flow FF2 from the fluid compressor 110. Thereby, the fluid compressor 110 creates a pulse of the second fluid flow FF2 in fluid communication with the valve system 130, which at least partially controls and discharges the second fluid flow FF2 into a second launch barrel 122B of the active barrel group 120. Whereupon, a second projectile 121B is expelled by the second fluid flow FF2 and launched from the second launch barrel 122B of the launcher 100.
Then turning to FIG. 5D, in a third operational step: a third launch cycle is presented of a third trigger action of the trigger 141 pulled by the user. In response, the trigger 141 and trigger assembly 140 make a third start movement to a third trigger position TP3 of a third partially triggered state, causing the trigger assembly 140 and trigger 141 to pivot, shifting the variable latch 145 by the third start movement in the downward direction D1. Whereupon, the variable latch 145 releases a third catch stop 151B of the catch assembly 150 (in FIG. 5C), causing the catch assembly 150 with the one or more catch stops 151B coupled to the priming actuator 160 and piston 116 to make a third start movement. As such the fluid compressor 110, in conjunction with the piston 116 making the third start movement, compresses a fluid of ambient air causing an increase of a third fluid flow FF3 from the fluid compressor 110. A moment later (e.g., 0.01 second), the catch assembly 150 makes a third stop movement at a third catch position CP3 when a fourth catch stop 151A, of the catch assembly 150, is engaged by the variable latch 145 of the trigger assembly 140, causing the trigger and trigger assembly 140 to make a third stop movement. Further, a third catch support 152A may be configured to hold trigger assembly 140 in a position of a partially triggered state. As such the fluid compressor 110, in conjunction with the piston 116 making the third stop movement, no longer compresses the fluid of ambient air causing a decrease of the third fluid flow FF3 from the fluid compressor 110. Thereby, the fluid compressor 110 creates a pulse of the third fluid flow FF3 in fluid communication with the valve system 130, which at least partially controls and discharges the third fluid flow FF3 into a third launch barrel 122C of the active barrel group 120. Whereupon, a third projectile 121C is expelled by the third fluid flow FF3 and launched from the third launch barrel 122C of the launcher 100.
Then turning to FIG. 5E, in a fourth operational step: a fourth launch cycle is presented of a fourth trigger action of the trigger 141 pulled by the user. In response, the trigger 141 and trigger assembly 140 make a fourth start movement to a fourth trigger position TP4 of a fourth partially triggered state, causing the trigger assembly 140 and trigger 141 to pivot, shifting the variable latch 145 by the fourth start movement in the downward direction D1. Whereupon, the variable latch 145 releases a fourth catch stop 151A of the catch assembly 150 (in FIG. 5D), causing the catch assembly 150 with the one or more catch stops 151A coupled to the priming actuator 160 and piston 116 to make a fourth start movement. As such the fluid compressor 110, in conjunction with the piston 116 making the fourth start movement, compresses a fluid of ambient air causing an increase of a fourth fluid flow FF4 from the fluid compressor 110. A moment later (e.g., 0.01 second), the catch assembly 150 makes a fourth stop movement at a fourth catch position CP4 when the piston 116 stops at the end of the fluid compressor 110, causing the trigger and trigger assembly 140 to make a fourth stop movement. As such the fluid compressor 110, in conjunction with the piston 116 making the fourth stop movement, no longer compresses the fluid of ambient air causing a decrease of the fourth fluid flow FF4 from the fluid compressor 110. Thereby, the fluid compressor 110 creates a pulse of the fourth fluid flow FF4 in fluid communication with the valve system 130, which at least partially controls and discharges the fourth fluid flow FF4 into a fourth launch barrel 122D of the active barrel group 120. Whereupon, a fourth projectile 121D is expelled by the fourth fluid flow FF4 and launched from the fourth launch barrel 122D of the launcher 100.
Whereby, the launching operation ends.
In FIG. 5F, the projectile launcher 100 is shown fully discharged of the plurality of projectiles 121A, 121B, 121C, and 121D and the fluid compressor 110 is no longer in a primed or cocked state for the launcher 100. As depicted, the trigger assembly 140 and the trigger 141 are located at a final trigger position TP5, and the catch assembly 150 and the one or more catch stops are located at a final catch position CP5. Further, the trigger assembly 140 and trigger 141 are at the position TP5 of a substantially un-triggered state. Understandably, to launch more projectiles by the launcher 100, the user may repeat the “Refilling Operation”, “Priming Operation,” and “Launching Operation” described above.
The launcher 100 can further launch projectiles in unique ways. For example, in other launching operations of the launcher 100, a user may pull the trigger 141 once or to the first trigger position TP1 to launch one projectile 121A followed by a ten second time delay. Or a user may pull the trigger 141 twice or to the second trigger position TP2 to launch two projectiles 121A and 121B in rapid temporal sequence (e.g., where each projectile is launched every 0.1 second). Or a user may pull the trigger 141 three times or to the third trigger position TP3 to launch three projectiles 121A, 121B, and 121C in slow temporal sequence (e.g., launching each projectile every 0.5 second).
In summary, the launcher 100 and the fluid compressor 110 (e.g., supported by the trigger assembly 140 and catch assembly 150) may be configured to generate (e.g., a plurality of pulses of) a plurality of fluid flows FF1, FF2, FF3, and FF4 after the fluid compressor 110 has been primed once by the priming actuator 160 of the launcher 100. Thereby, the launcher 100 (e.g., supported by the trigger assembly 140 and catch assembly 150) may be able to launch each projectile, from the plurality of projectiles 121A, 121B, 121C, and 121D received by the active barrel group 120, in temporal sequence (e.g., a plurality of four projectiles, where each projectile is launched every 0.1 second) after the fluid compressor 110 has been primed once by the priming actuator 160 of the launcher 100. Further, the launcher 100 (e.g., supported by the trigger assembly 140 and catch assembly 150) may be able to create a variable time delay between a first projectile and a second projectile, of the plurality of projectiles 121A-121D, launched in temporal sequence from the launcher 100 after the fluid compressor 110 has been primed once by the priming actuator 160 of the launcher 100, wherein the variable time delay has a range of about 0.1 second to an arbitrary number of seconds, or from zero seconds to an arbitrary number seconds.
Method of Assembly Now turning to FIG. 6A, there shown is an exemplary embodiment of a method 190 for assembling the toy projectile launcher 100 comprising the following steps:
In step S100: providing a launcher with a housing assembly.
In step S102: providing a fluid compressor being at least partially received by the housing assembly.
In step S104: supporting a priming actuator being at least partially received by the fluid compressor S104.
In some optional embodiments (denoted by dashed lines), in step S106: supporting a loading actuator being at least partially received by the housing assembly. In the current embodiment of the launcher 100, step S106 is unneeded and not required.
In step S108: providing an active barrel group being at least partially received by the housing assembly and comprising a plurality of launch barrels.
In step S110: providing a valve system being at least partially received by the fluid compressor and the active barrel group.
In step S112: supporting a trigger assembly being at least partially received by the housing assembly and including an at least one variable latch.
Finally, in step S114: supporting a catch assembly being at least partially received by the housing assembly and including one or more catch stops.
Method of Assembly—Alternative Steps Continuing with FIG. 6A of the method 190 of assembly of a toy projectile launcher may further comprise the following alternative steps:
In various embodiments, step S102 of FIG. 6A may be replaced with step S103 of FIG. 6B, which reads: providing a fluid compressor being at least partially received by the housing assembly, wherein the fluid compressor comprises a launch spring that is preloaded.
Alternate Launcher with Catch Assembly on Outer Walled Chamber
It's recognized that alternative embodiments of launchers with a variety of apparatus may be considered. For example, in the previous embodiment, the launcher 100 comprises the fluid compressor 110 that includes the piston 116 that moves within the stationary, walled cylinder 112, and thereby, generating a fluid flow. However, it's recognized that alternate embodiments of a launcher can comprise a fluid compressor that includes a stationary piston and a moving cylinder that generates a fluid flow. Other alternate embodiments of a launcher may comprise a plurality of at least partially hollow cylinders (having no piston) that move relative to each other to generate a fluid flow. Or an alternative embodiment comprised of a squeezable plastic membrane to generate a fluid flow. Whereby, some exemplary embodiments with different apparatus are presented, but other alternate embodiments may be considered to be in the scope of this disclosure as well.
So turning now to FIG. 7A, there shown is a section view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a toy projectile launcher 200A. As depicted, the launcher 200A may be constructed with similar apparatus as the previous launcher 100 (in FIGS. 1-6B).
However, the reader may notice that the current embodiment of a fluid compressor 210A is constructed differently from the previous embodiment of the fluid compressor 110 of the launcher 100 (in FIGS. 1-6B). Also, a catch assembly 250A is constructed differently from the previous embodiment of the catch assembly 150 of the launcher 100 (in FIGS. 1-6B). Whereby, the subsequent discussion will focus on differences.
As depicted, the current embodiment of the toy projectile launcher 200A may comprise a housing assembly 104, a fluid compressor 210A, a priming actuator 260A, an active barrel group 120, a valve system 130, a trigger assembly 140, and a catch assembly 250A.
Housing Assembly FIG. 7A presents the housing assembly 104 and a housing handle 105 that are constructed similar to the housing assembly of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 1-6B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Fluid Compressor FIG. 7A further shows the fluid compressor 210A may be at least partially received by the housing assembly 104 of the launcher 200A, wherein the fluid compressor 210A is able to compress a fluid, such as ambient air from a play environment. In the current embodiment, the fluid compressor 210A may be comprised of an inner walled chamber 211A, an outer walled chamber 212A, a launch spring 214A, a rear chamber wall 207A, and a latch guide 208A.
The outer walled chamber 212A may be cylindrical in shape, at least partially hollow, and constructed of molded plastic or hot-sealed plastic. The outer walled chamber 212A may be sized (e.g., 40 mm dia.×120 mm long) to provide a fluid flow for launching a plurality of projectiles. Further, the outer walled chamber 212A may be comprised of a flange 213A, which supports the launch spring 214A. The outer walled chamber 212A may be constructed of a single part or coupled parts of molded plastic.
The inner walled chamber 211A may be cylindrical in shape, at least partially hollow, and constructed of molded plastic or hot-sealed plastic. The inner walled chamber 211A may be sized (e.g., 36 mm dia.×120 mm long) to provide a fluid flow for launching a plurality of projectiles. Further, the inner walled chamber 211A may be coupled to the valve system 130, such that the inner walled chamber 211A may be in fluid communication with the valve system 130. Further, the outer walled chamber 212A may retain the launch spring 114 that is external of the outer walled chamber 212A. The inner walled chamber 211A may be constructed of a single part or coupled parts of molded plastic.
Whereby, the inner walled chamber 211A may be shaped and sized to fit within at least a portion of the outer walled chamber 212A. The inner walled chamber 211A may comprise an O-ring 217A that provides a fluid seal against the interior walls of the outer walled chamber 212A, reducing leakage of the fluid around the inner walled chamber 211A of the compressor 210A. Further, the outer walled chamber 212A may be configured to be moveable relative to the inner walled chamber 211A, able to compress the fluid and create a fluid flow from the compressor 210A. As depicted, the launch spring 214A may be a compression spring fitted between the flange 213A of the outer walled chamber 212A and the rear chamber wall 207A, wherein the spring 214A may be constructed of spring steel metal wire. Finally, the rear chamber wall 207A and the latch guide 208A may be coupled to the housing assembly 104 so their positions may be fixed relative to the housing assembly 104.
In alternative embodiments, the fluid compressor 210A and outer walled chamber 112A may be constructed of any shape (e.g., rectangular block shaped, spherical, ovoid, elliptical cylinder, etc.), size (e.g., 160 mm long×50 mm dia.), and/or material (e.g., vinyl sheet, polyethylene, metal, etc.) that does not substantially leak a fluid, such as air. In alternative embodiments, the inner walled chamber 211A may be constructed of any shape (e.g., rectangular block shaped, spherical, ovoid, elliptical cylinder, etc.), size, material (e.g., single part, composite part, molded plastic, metal, etc.), and/or any components, such as having no O-ring 217A. In alternative embodiments, the spring 214A may be constructed of any type (e.g., tension spring), shape (e.g., s-shaped), size, and/or material (e.g., composite or flexible plastic).
Fluid Compressor—with Preloaded Spring
Also presented in FIG. 7A, the projectile launcher 200A and fluid compressor 210A may be configured such that the launch spring 214A is preloaded, which is similar to the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 1-6B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Priming Actuator FIG. 7A further shows that the priming actuator 260A may be comprised of a primer handle 261A and a primer rod 262A of the launcher 200A, wherein the primer handle 261A is coupled to the primer rod 262A, which is coupled to the outer walled chamber 212A of the fluid compressor 210A. The priming actuator 260A may be at least partially received by the housing assembly 104, wherein the priming actuator 260A may be structured such that the fluid compressor 210A may be capable to generate a fluid flow after the fluid compressor 210A has been primed once or one time by the priming actuator 260A. Whereby, in the current embodiment, the toy projectile launcher 200A may be further configured to launch each projectile, of a plurality of projectiles 121A, 121B, 121C, and 121D, in temporal sequence (e.g., such as launching four projectiles in temporal sequence, where each projectile is launched every 0.1 second) after the toy projectile launcher 200A comprising the fluid compressor 210A has been primed once by the priming actuator 260A.
In alternative embodiments, the priming actuator 260A may be comprised of the primer handle 261A located at the top, side, rear, or bottom of the launcher 200A (having no primer rod 262A), wherein the priming actuator 260A and primer handle 261A are coupled to the outer walled chamber 212A of the fluid compressor 210A.
Active Barrel Group FIG. 7A further shows that the active barrel group 120 may be at least partially received by the housing assembly 104 and comprising a plurality of launch barrels 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D, wherein the active barrel group 120 may be configured to receive a plurality of projectiles 121A, 121B, 121C, and 121D, as shown with dashed lines. The active barrel group 120 may be constructed similar to the active barrel group of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 1-6B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Valve System FIG. 7A presents the valve system 130, which is constructed similar to the valve system of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 1-6B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Trigger Assembly FIG. 7A also shows the trigger assembly 140 may be comprised of a trigger 141, a trigger pin 143, a variable latch 145, a trigger flexible hinge 144, and a trigger return spring 142. The trigger assembly 140 may be constructed similar to the trigger assembly of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 1-6B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Catch Assembly Continuing with FIG. 7A, the catch assembly 250A may be constructed similar to the catch assembly of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 1-6B), which the reader may refer to for reference. However there is at least one difference to the apparatus depicted, which is at least a portion of the outer walled chamber 212A may be coupled to the one or more catch stops of the catch assembly 250A forming, for example, a single part or multi-part component.
In alternative embodiments, at least a portion of a walled chamber, an assembly, or an element of the fluid compressor 210A may be coupled to the one or more catch stops of the catch assembly 250A forming, for example, a single part or multi-part component.
Refilling Operation (Manual) Now in FIG. 7A, the projectile launcher 200A and the active barrel group 120 may be refilled (or manually loaded by a user) with a plurality of projectiles in a similar manner as the “Refilling Operation” of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 1-6B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Priming Operation Now in FIG. 7A, the projectile launcher 200A and fluid compressor 210A may be primed in a similar manner as the “Priming Operation” of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 1-6B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Launching Operation Now in FIG. 7A, the launcher 200A may be able to launch each projectile, from the plurality of projectiles 121A, 121B, 121C, and 121D received by the active barrel group 120, in temporal sequence (e.g., a plurality of four projectiles, where each projectile is launched every 0.1 second) after the fluid compressor 210A has been primed once by the priming actuator 260A of the launcher 200A. Whereby, the launcher 200A may have a launching operation that is similar to the “Launching Operation” of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 1-6B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Method of Assembly Continuing with FIG. 7A, a method for assembling the toy projectile launcher 200A may be similar to the “Method of Assembly” of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 6A-6B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Alternate Launcher with Catch Assembly on Inner Walled Chamber
So turning now to FIG. 7B, there shown is a section view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a toy projectile launcher 200B. As depicted, the launcher 200B may be constructed with similar apparatus and functionality as the previous launcher 100 (in FIGS. 1-6B).
However, the reader may notice that the current embodiment of a fluid compressor 210B is constructed differently from the previous embodiment of the fluid compressor 110 of the launcher 100 (in FIGS. 1-6B). Also, a catch assembly 250B is constructed differently from the previous embodiment of the catch assembly 150 of the launcher 100 (in FIGS. 1-6B). Whereby, the subsequent discussion will focus on differences.
As depicted, the current embodiment of the toy projectile launcher 200B may comprise a housing assembly 104, a fluid compressor 210B, a priming actuator 260B, an active barrel group 120, a valve system 130, a trigger assembly 140, and a catch assembly 250B.
Housing Assembly FIG. 7B presents the housing assembly 104 and a housing handle 105, which are constructed similar to the housing assembly of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 1-6B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Fluid Compressor FIG. 7B further shows the fluid compressor 210B may be at least partially received by the housing assembly 104 of the launcher 200B, wherein the fluid compressor 210B is able to compress a fluid, such as ambient air from a play environment. In the current embodiment, the fluid compressor 210B may be comprised of an inner walled chamber 211B, an outer walled chamber 212B, a launch spring 214B, a rear chamber wall 207B, and an latch guide 208B.
The outer walled chamber 212B may be cylindrical in shape, at least partially hollow, and constructed of molded plastic or hot-sealed plastic. The outer walled chamber 212B may be sized (e.g., 40 mm dia.×120 mm long) to provide a fluid flow for launching a plurality of projectiles. Further, the outer walled chamber 212B may be coupled to the valve system 130, such that the outer walled chamber 212B may be in fluid communication with the valve system 130. The outer walled chamber 212B may be constructed of a single part or coupled parts of molded plastic.
The inner walled chamber 211B may be cylindrical in shape, at least partially hollow, and constructed of molded plastic or hot-sealed plastic. The inner walled chamber 211B may be sized (e.g., 36 mm dia.×120 mm long) to provide a fluid flow for launching a plurality of projectiles. Further, the inner walled chamber 211B may be comprised of a flange 213B, which supports the launch spring 214B. The inner walled chamber 211B may be constructed of a single part or coupled parts of molded plastic.
Whereby, the inner walled chamber 211B may be shaped and sized to fit within at least a portion of the outer walled chamber 212B. The inner walled chamber 211B may comprise an O-ring 217B that provides a fluid seal against the interior walls of the outer walled chamber 212B, reducing leakage of the fluid around the inner walled chamber 211B of the compressor 210B. Further, the inner walled chamber 211B may be configured to be moveable relative to the outer walled chamber 212B, able to compress the fluid and create a fluid flow from the compressor 210B. As depicted, the launch spring 214B may be a compression spring fitted between the flange 213B of the inner walled chamber 211B and the housing assembly 204, wherein the spring 214B may be constructed of spring steel metal wire. Finally, the rear chamber wall 207B and the latch guide 208B may be coupled to the housing assembly 104 so their positions may be fixed relative to the housing assembly 104.
In alternative embodiments, the fluid compressor 210B and outer walled chamber 112B may be constructed of any shape (e.g., rectangular block shaped, spherical, ovoid, elliptical cylinder, etc.), size (e.g., 160 mm long×50 mm dia.), and/or material (e.g., vinyl sheet, polyethylene, metal, etc.) that does not substantially leak a fluid, such as air. In alternative embodiments, the inner walled chamber 211B may be constructed of any shape (e.g., rectangular block shaped, spherical, ovoid, elliptical cylinder, etc.), size, material (e.g., single part, composite part, molded plastic, metal, etc.), and/or any components, such as having no O-ring 217B. In alternative embodiments, the spring 214B may be constructed of any type (e.g., tension spring), shape (e.g., s-shaped), size, and/or material (e.g., composite or flexible plastic).
Fluid Compressor—with Preloaded Spring
Also presented in FIG. 7B, the projectile launcher 200B and fluid compressor 210B may be configured such that the launch spring 214B is preloaded, which is similar to the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 1-6B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Priming Actuator FIG. 7B further shows that the priming actuator 260B may be comprised of a primer handle 261B and a primer rod 262B of the launcher 200B, wherein the primer handle 261B is coupled to the primer rod 262B, which is operatively coupled to the inner walled chamber 212B of the fluid compressor 210B. The priming actuator 260B may be at least partially received by the housing assembly 104, wherein the priming actuator 260B may be structured such that the fluid compressor 210B may be capable to generate a fluid flow after the fluid compressor 210B has been primed once or one time by the priming actuator 260B. Whereby, in the current embodiment, the toy projectile launcher 200B may be further configured to launch each projectile, of a plurality of projectiles 121B, 121B, 121C, and 121D, in temporal sequence (e.g., such as launching four projectiles in temporal sequence, where each projectile is launched every 0.1 second) after the toy projectile launcher 200B comprising the fluid compressor 210B has been primed once by the priming actuator 260B.
However, operation of the priming actuator 260B is different than the previous embodiment of the priming actuator 160 (in FIGS. 1-6B). In the current embodiment, during a priming operation of the launcher 200B by a user, the priming actuator 260B and primer handle 261B can make a first movement in the rearward direction R1 (e.g., when pulled by the user), causing the inner walled chamber 211B to make the first movement in the rearward direction R1 until the variable latch 145 engages a final catch stop of the catch assembly 250B. Whereupon, the priming actuator 260B and handle 261B can further make a second movement in the forward direction F1 (e.g., when pushed by the user), such that the handle 261B returns to its original location, before starting a launching operation.
In alternative embodiments, the priming actuator 260B may be comprised of the primer handle 261B located at the top, side, front, rear, or bottom of the launcher 200B (having no primer rod 262B), wherein the priming actuator 260B and primer handle 261B are coupled or operatively coupled to the inner walled chamber 211B of the fluid compressor 210B.
Active Barrel Group FIG. 7B further shows that the active barrel group 120 may be at least partially received by the housing assembly 104 and comprising a plurality of launch barrels 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D, wherein the active barrel group 120 may be configured to receive a plurality of projectiles 121A, 121B, 121C, and 121D, as shown with dashed lines. The active barrel group 120 may be constructed similar to the active barrel group of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 1-6B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Valve System FIG. 7B presents the valve system 130, which is constructed similar to the valve system of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 1-6B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Trigger Assembly FIG. 7B also shows the trigger assembly 140 may be comprised of a trigger 141, a trigger pin 143, a variable latch 145, a trigger flexible hinge 144, and a trigger return spring 142. The trigger assembly 140 may be constructed similar to the trigger assembly of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 1-6B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Catch Assembly Continuing with FIG. 7B, the catch assembly 250B may be constructed similar to the catch assembly of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 1-6B), which the reader may refer to for reference. However there is at least one difference to the apparatus depicted, which is at least a portion of the inner walled chamber 211B may be coupled to the one or more catch stops of the catch assembly 250B forming, for example, a single part or multi-part component.
In alternative embodiments, at least a portion of a walled chamber, an assembly, or an element of the fluid compressor 210B may be coupled to the one or more catch stops of the catch assembly 250B forming, for example, a single part or multi-part component.
Refilling Operation (Manual) Now in FIG. 7B, the projectile launcher 200B and the active barrel group 120 may be refilled (or manually loaded by a user) with a plurality of projectiles in a similar manner as the “Refilling Operation” of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 1-6B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Priming Operation Now in FIG. 7B, the projectile launcher 200B and fluid compressor 210B may be primed in a similar manner as the “Priming Operation” of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 1-6B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Launching Operation Now in FIG. 7B, the launcher 200B may be able to launch each projectile, from the plurality of projectiles 121A, 121B, 121C, and 121D received by the active barrel group 120, in temporal sequence (e.g., a plurality of four projectiles, where each projectile is launched every 0.1 second) after the fluid compressor 210B has been primed once by the priming actuator 260B of the launcher 200B. Whereby, the launcher 200B may have a launching operation that is similar to the “Launching Operation” of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 1-6B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Method of Assembly Continuing with FIG. 7B, a method for assembling the toy projectile launcher 200B may be similar to the “Method of Assembly” of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 6A-6B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Alternate Launcher with Multiple Variable Latches
So turning now to FIG. 7C, there shown is a section view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a toy projectile launcher 200C. As depicted, the launcher 200C may be constructed with similar apparatus and functionality as the previous launcher 100 (in FIGS. 1-6B).
However, the reader may notice that the current embodiment of a fluid compressor 210C is constructed differently from the previous embodiment of the fluid compressor 110 of the launcher 100 (in FIGS. 1-6B). Also, a catch assembly 250C is constructed differently from the previous embodiment of the catch assembly 150 of the launcher 100 (in FIGS. 1-6B).). Whereby, the subsequent discussion will focus on differences.
As depicted, the current embodiment of the toy projectile launcher 200C may comprise a housing assembly 104, a fluid compressor 210C, a priming actuator 260C, an active barrel group 120, a valve system 130, a trigger assembly 240C, and a catch assembly 250C.
Housing Assembly FIG. 7C presents the housing assembly 104 and a housing handle 105, which are constructed similar to the housing assembly of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 1-6B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Fluid Compressor FIG. 7C further shows the fluid compressor 210C may be at least partially received by the housing assembly 104 of the launcher 200C, wherein the fluid compressor 210C is able to compress a fluid, such as ambient air from a play environment. In the current embodiment, the fluid compressor 210C may be comprised of an inner walled chamber 211C, an outer walled chamber 212C, a launch spring 214C, a rear chamber wall 207C, and a plurality of latch guides 208C.
The outer walled chamber 212C may be cylindrical in shape, at least partially hollow, and constructed of molded plastic or hot-sealed plastic. The outer walled chamber 212C may be sized (e.g., 40 mm dia.×120 mm long) to provide a fluid flow for launching a plurality of projectiles. Further, the outer walled chamber 212C may be coupled to the valve system 130, such that the outer walled chamber 212C may be in fluid communication with the valve system 130. The outer walled chamber 212C may be constructed of a single part or coupled parts of molded plastic.
The inner walled chamber 211C may be cylindrical in shape, at least partially hollow, and constructed of molded plastic or hot-sealed plastic. The inner walled chamber 211C may be sized (e.g., 36 mm dia.×120 mm long) to provide a fluid flow for launching a plurality of projectiles. Further, the inner walled chamber 211C may be comprised of a flange 213C, which supports the launch spring 214C. The inner walled chamber 211C may be constructed of a single part or coupled parts of molded plastic.
Whereby, the inner walled chamber 211C may be shaped and sized to fit within at least a portion of the outer walled chamber 212C. The inner walled chamber 211C may comprise an O-ring 217C that provides a fluid seal against the interior walls of the outer walled chamber 212C, reducing leakage of the fluid around the inner walled chamber 211C of the compressor 210C. Further, the inner walled chamber 211C may be configured to be moveable relative to the outer walled chamber 212C, able to compress the fluid and create a fluid flow from the compressor 210C. As depicted, the launch spring 214C may be a compression spring fitted between the flange 213C of the inner walled chamber 211C and the housing assembly 204, wherein the spring 214C may be constructed of spring steel metal wire. Finally, the plurality of latch guides 208C may be coupled to the housing assembly 104.
In alternative embodiments, the fluid compressor 210C and outer walled chamber 112C may be constructed of any shape (e.g., rectangular block shaped, spherical, ovoid, elliptical cylinder, etc.), size (e.g., 160 mm long×50 mm dia.), and/or material (e.g., vinyl sheet, polyethylene, metal, etc.) that does not substantially leak a fluid, such as air. In alternative embodiments, the inner walled chamber 211C may be constructed of any shape (e.g., rectangular block shaped, spherical, ovoid, elliptical cylinder, etc.), size, material (e.g., single part, composite part, molded plastic, metal, etc.), and/or any components, such as having no O-ring 217C. In alternative embodiments, the spring 214C may be constructed of any type (e.g., tension spring), shape (e.g., s-shaped), size, and/or material (e.g., composite or flexible plastic).
Fluid Compressor—with Preloaded Spring
Also presented in FIG. 7C, the projectile launcher 2000 and fluid compressor 210C may be configured such that the launch spring 214C is preloaded, which is similar to the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 1-6B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Priming Actuator FIG. 7C further shows that the priming actuator 260C may be comprised of a primer handle 261C and a primer rod 262C of the launcher 2000, wherein the primer handle 261C is coupled to the primer rod 262C, which is operatively coupled to the inner walled chamber 212C of the fluid compressor 210C. The priming actuator 260C may be at least partially received by the housing assembly 104, wherein the priming actuator 260C may be structured such that the fluid compressor 210C may be capable to generate a fluid flow after the fluid compressor 210C has been primed once or one time by the priming actuator 260C. Whereby, in the current embodiment, the toy projectile launcher 2000 may be further configured to launch each projectile, of a plurality of projectiles 121A, 121B, 121C, and 121D, in temporal sequence (e.g., such as launching four projectiles in temporal sequence, where each projectile is launched every 0.1 second) after the toy projectile launcher 2000 comprising the fluid compressor 210C has been primed once by the priming actuator 260C.
However, operation of the priming actuator 260C is different than the previous embodiment of the priming actuator 160 (in FIGS. 1-6B). In the current embodiment, during a priming operation of the launcher 2000 by a user, the priming actuator 260C and primer handle 261C can make a first movement in the rearward direction R1 (e.g., when pulled by the user), causing the inner walled chamber 211C to make the first movement in the rearward direction R1 until the first variable latch 245A engages the catch stop of the catch assembly 250C. Whereupon, the priming actuator 260C and handle 261C can further make a second movement in the forward direction F1 (e.g., when pushed by the user), such that the handle 261C returns to its original location, before starting a launching operation.
In alternative embodiments, the priming actuator 260C may be comprised of the primer handle 261C located at the top, side, bottom, front, or rear of the launcher 2000 (having no primer rod 262C), wherein the priming actuator 260C and primer handle 261C are coupled or operatively coupled to the inner walled chamber 211C of the fluid compressor 210C.
Active Barrel Group FIG. 7C further shows the active barrel group 120 may be at least partially received by the housing assembly 104 and comprising a plurality of launch barrels 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D, wherein the active barrel group 120 may be configured to receive a plurality of projectiles 121A, 121B, 121C, and 121D, as shown with dashed lines. The active barrel group 120 may be constructed similar to the active barrel group of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 1-6B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Valve System FIG. 7C presents the valve system 130, which is constructed similar to the valve system of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 1-6B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Trigger Assembly FIG. 7C also shows the trigger assembly 240C may be comprised of a trigger 141, a trigger pin 143, a plurality of variable latches 245A, 245B, 245C, and 245D, a trigger flexible hinge 144, and a trigger return spring 142. The trigger assembly 240C may be constructed similar to the trigger assembly of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 1-6B), which the reader may refer to for reference. However, there is at least one difference to the apparatus depicted, which is the trigger assembly 240C may be comprised of the plurality of variable latches 245A-245D. Whereby, each latch is operatively coupled to a latch guide
Further, the launching operation of the trigger assembly 240C is different than the previous embodiment of the trigger assembly 140 (in FIGS. 1-6B). In the current embodiment, a user (not shown) may pull the trigger 141, causing the trigger 141 to rotate on trigger pin 143, which causes each variable latch, of the plurality of variable latches 245A-245D, to make a movement in the downward direction D1 at different speeds (e.g., due to different radial distances). Thereby each latch, of the plurality of latches 245A-245D, may be configured to engage and release the catch stop of the catch assembly 250C at different moments in time. Hence, such functionality enables the launcher 2000 to launch each projectile, of the plurality of projectiles 121A-121D, in temporal sequence after the fluid compressor 210C has been primed once by the priming actuator 260C of the launcher 2000.
Catch Assembly Continuing with FIG. 7C, the catch assembly 250C may be constructed similar to the catch assembly of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 1-6B), which the reader may refer to for reference. However there are some differences to the apparatus depicted, which is at least a portion of the inner walled chamber 211C may be coupled to one or more catch stops of the catch assembly 250C forming, for example, a single part or multi-part component. Also, the catch assembly 250C may be comprised of a single catch block (rather than a plurality of catch blocks) that is configured to be operatively coupled with the plurality of variable latches 245A-245D of the trigger assembly 240C.
In alternative embodiments, at least a portion of a walled chamber, an assembly, or an element of the fluid compressor 210C may be coupled to the one or more catch stops of the catch assembly 250C forming, for example, a single part or multi-part component.
Refilling Operation (Manual) Now in FIG. 7C, the projectile launcher 2000 and the active barrel group 120 may be refilled (or manually loaded by a user) with a plurality of projectiles in a similar manner as the “Refilling Operation” of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 1-6B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Priming Operation Also in FIG. 7C, the projectile launcher 2000 and fluid compressor 210C may be primed in a similar manner as the “Priming Operation” of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 1-6B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Launching Operation Further in FIG. 7C, the launcher 2000 may be able to launch each projectile, from the plurality of projectiles 121A, 121B, 121C, and 121D received by the active barrel group 120, in temporal sequence (e.g., a plurality of four projectiles, where each projectile is launched every 0.1 second) after the fluid compressor 210C has been primed once by the priming actuator 260C of the launcher 2000. Whereby, the launcher 2000 may have a launching operation that is similar to the “Launching Operation” of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 1-6B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Method of Assembly Continuing with FIG. 7C, a method for assembling the toy projectile launcher 2000 may be similar to the “Method of Assembly” of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 6A-6B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Dart Launcher with Active Storage Clip
So turning now to FIGS. 8, 9A, 9B, 9C, 10A, and 10B there shown are a perspective view and section views of another exemplary embodiment of a toy projectile launcher 300, which includes an active storage clip 324 that can receive a plurality of projectiles 121A-121D (e.g., foam darts in FIG. 10B) for larger load capacity. The launcher 300 may be non-electronic and manually operated by a user. As depicted, the launcher 300 may be constructed with similar apparatus and functionality as the launcher 100 (in FIGS. 1-6B) discussed earlier. However, the launcher 300 also substantially differs from earlier embodiments.
As depicted, the current embodiment of the toy projectile launcher 300 may comprise a housing assembly 304, a fluid compressor 310, a priming actuator 360, an active barrel group 320, a valve system 330, a trigger assembly 340, a catch assembly 350, and an active storage clip 324.
Housing Assembly FIGS. 8, 9A, and 9B show the housing assembly 304 may be shaped like a toy rifle or elongated blaster and comprising a housing handle 305, configured to be handheld (e.g., by a user's right hand). The housing assembly 304 further comprises a housing barrel 306, which may be sized (e.g., 70 mm dia.×20 mm long) so a plurality of projectiles may be launched from the launcher 300. The housing assembly 304 may be constructed similar to the housing assembly 104 of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 1-6B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Fluid Compressor FIGS. 9A and 9B further show the fluid compressor 310 may be at least partially received by the housing assembly 304 of the launcher 300, wherein the fluid compressor 310 is able to compress a fluid, such as ambient air from a play environment. The fluid compressor 310 may be comprised of a walled chamber 312, a piston 316, a launch spring 314, a rear chamber wall 318, and a latch guide 315. The fluid compressor 310 may be constructed similar to the fluid compressor 110 of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 1-6B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Fluid Compressor—with Preloaded Spring
Also presented in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the projectile launcher 300 and fluid compressor 310 may be configured such that the launch spring 314 is preloaded, which is similar to the launch spring 114 of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 1-6B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Priming Actuator FIGS. 9A and 9B show the priming actuator 360 may be at least partially received by the housing assembly 304, wherein the priming actuator 360 may be structured such that the fluid compressor 310 may be capable to generate a fluid flow after the fluid compressor 310 has been primed once (or one time) by the priming actuator 360. Whereby, in the current embodiment, the toy projectile launcher 300 may be further configured to launch each projectile, of a plurality of projectiles 121A, 121B, 121C and 121D (in FIG. 10B), in temporal sequence (e.g., such as launching four projectiles in temporal sequence, where each projectile is launched every 0.1 second) after the toy projectile launcher 300 comprising the fluid compressor 310 has been primed once by the priming actuator 360.
Then turning to FIGS. 8, 9A, and 9B, the priming actuator 360 may be comprised of a primer handle 361, a primer rod 362, and a primer linkage 364. The primer handle 361 may be cylindrical shaped to be handheld (e.g., by a user's left hand) and able to make movements in a rearward direction D1 and a forward direction F1 along a housing rail 308 of the housing assembly 304. The primer handle 361 may be coupled to the primer linkage 364, which may be operatively coupled to the primer rod 362, which is further coupled to the piston 316 of the fluid compressor 310. The primer linkage 364 may be comprised of a primer rotate tab 366B and a primer rod tab 366C, which actuate various elements of the launcher 300 during the cocking or priming of the fluid compressor 310. Also, the primer linkage 364 may be further comprised of a primer raceway 370, which is used to guide movements of the trigger assembly 340 in continuous launch mode of the launcher 300. The priming actuator 360 may be constructed of a single part having one or more interior cutouts or multiple parts fastened together (e.g., by friction fit, screws, and/or adhesive, etc.) with material comprised of molded plastic.
In alternative embodiments, the priming actuator 360 may be constructed of any shape, size, and/or material (e.g., composite, metal, wood, etc.). In alternative embodiments, the priming actuator 360 may be comprised of the primer handle 361 located at the top, side, bottom, front, or rear of the launcher 300.
Active Barrel Group in an Active Storage Clip Now turning to FIGS. 8, 9A, 9B and the section views of FIGS. 10A and 10B, the active barrel group 320 may be at least partially received by the housing assembly 304 and comprising a plurality of launch barrels 322A, 322B, 322C, 322D, wherein the active barrel group 320 may be configured to receive a plurality of projectiles 121A, 121B, 121C, and 121D (in FIG. 10B) as shown with dashed lines. The active barrel group 320 may be constructed similar to the active barrel group of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 1-6B), which the reader may refer to for reference. However, numerous differences are discussed below.
The reader may keep in mind the terms “storage clip,” “clip,” “magazine,” and like terms used throughout this disclosure mean an element, component, or device configured for storing or holding a plurality of projectiles that may be launched by a launcher. In many embodiments, a storage clip may be coupled (e.g., at least partially attached, connected, or integrated) to the launcher, wherein the plurality of projectiles in the storage clip are available for launching. In various embodiments, a storage clip may be non-removable from the launcher, allowing continuous access to the plurality of projectiles. In other embodiments, a storage clip may be removable from the launcher, making the clip easy to transport and refill (or manually load) with projectiles by a user.
So turning to FIGS. 8, 9A, 9B and specifically FIGS. 10A and 10B, there shown is the active storage clip 324 that may be at least partially received by the housing assembly 304, the valve system 330, and the active barrel group 320. The active storage clip 324 may provide a temporary staging area and storage for a plurality of projectiles prior to launching. The active storage clip 324 may be cylindrical shaped and sized (e.g., 150 mm dia.×70 mm long) to hold 24 projectiles, wherein the active storage clip 324 may be constructed of molded plastic. As depicted, the active storage clip 324 may be comprised of a plurality of launch barrels and the active barrel group 320 comprising the launch barrels 322A, 322B, 322C, and 322D, providing a total of 24 launch barrels. Wherein, to refill the active storage clip 324 with a total of 24 projectiles, each launch barrel may be configured to receive a projectile (e.g., when manually refilled by a user) prior to launch.
As shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, 10A, and 10B, the active storage clip 324 may be supported by a clip support wall 307 and the housing assembly 304, wherein the clip support wall 307 may be coupled to the housing assembly 304. The clip support wall 307 may be sized (e.g., 150 mm dia.×2 mm thick) to support the active storage clip 324 and constructed of rigid, molded plastic. The clip support wall 307 may further be at least partially received by the valve system 330 and comprising a plurality of barrel fluid seals 339A, 339B, 339C, and 339D constructed of rubber, urethane, or any other material capable of creating a fluid seal or air-tight seal. Thus the plurality of barrel seals 339A-339D are configured to create a fluid seal (or air-tight seal) between the plurality of launch barrels 322A-322D, of the active barrel group 320 of the active storage clip 324, and the valve system 330. Whereby, FIGS. 9A, 9B, 10A, and 10B show the active storage clip 324 comprises the active barrel group 320 in fluid communication with the valve system 330 and the launch barrels 322A, 322B, 322C, and 322D, which are configured to receive the plurality of projectiles 121A, 121B, 121C, and 121D, respectively.
In FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 10B, the active storage clip 324 may be further comprised of a rotation shift cog 328 configured to rotational move the active storage clip 324 based on a priming operation, which will be discussed below in the section titled “Priming Operation.” As depicted in FIGS. 8, 9A, and 10B during a priming operation, the priming actuator 360 may be configured to be operatively coupled to one or more storage clips 324 configured to hold at least a plurality of projectiles 121A-121D, and the priming actuator 360 is further able to move (e.g., by a rotational movement in the rotation direction R2) the plurality of projectiles 121A-121D into at least a portion of the active barrel group 320, such that the plurality of projectiles 121A-121D may be launched by the launcher 300.
In alternative embodiments, the storage clip 324 may be constructed of any shape (e.g., rectangular, elliptical cylinder, reserve, etc.), size (e.g., 250 mm dia.×100 mm long), and/or material (e.g., metal, wood, composite, flexible plastic, etc.). In alternative embodiments, the storage clip 324 may comprise a plurality of launch barrels of arbitrary total count (e.g., of at least 2, 4, 8, 10, 16, 24, 32, 48, or 64 launch barrels, etc.) that are configured to receive a plurality of projectiles of arbitrary total count. In alternative embodiments, the storage clip 324 may be configured with a hinge for pivoting outwards or removable from the launcher 300, such as to ease the refilling the clip 324 with projectiles by a user. In alternative embodiments, there may be a plurality of storage clips coupled to the launcher 300.
Valve System FIGS. 9A, 9B, 10A, and 10B present the valve system 330, which is constructed similar to the valve system 130 of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 1-6B), which the reader may refer to for reference. However, as discussed earlier, the valve system 330 (in FIG. 10A) may be in fluid communication with the fluid compressor 310 and the plurality of launch barrels 322A-322D of the active barrel group 320 (in FIG. 101B).
Trigger Assembly FIGS. 8, 9A, and 9B also show the trigger assembly 340 may be comprised of a trigger 341, a trigger pin 343, a variable latch 345, a trigger follower 348, a trigger flexible hinge 344, and a trigger return spring 342. The trigger assembly 340 may be constructed similar to the trigger assembly 140 of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 1-6B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Catch Assembly Continuing with FIGS. 9A and 9B, the catch assembly 350 may be constructed similar to the catch assembly 150 of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 1-6B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Refilling Operation (Manual) In FIGS. 8, 9A, 9B, and 10B, the projectile launcher 300, active storage clip 324, and active barrel group 320 may be refilled (or manually loaded by a user) with a plurality of projectiles in a similar manner as the “Refilling Operation” of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 1-6B), which the reader may refer to for reference. However, in the current embodiment, there are a total of 24 launch barrels in the active storage clip 324 that may be refilled (or manually loaded by a user) with a total of 24 projectiles.
Priming Operation In FIGS. 8 and 9A, the projectile launcher 300 and fluid compressor 310 may be primed in a similar manner as the “Priming Operation” of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 1-6B), which the reader may refer to for reference. However, the current embodiment has differences. For example, a priming operation of the launcher 300 may be comprised of the following operational steps:
In FIG. 9A, in a first operational step: the priming actuator 360 and, specifically, the primer handle 361 (e.g., grasped and moved by a user) makes a first movement in a rearward direction R1 along a housing rail 308, causing the primer linkage 364, primer rod tab 366C, and primer rod 362 to make the first movement in the rearward direction R1, such that the priming operation of the fluid compressor 310 is underway.
Further, the primer linkage 364 and the primer rotate tab 366B also make the first movement in the rearward direction R1, causing the rotate tab 366B to engage (e.g., or mesh with gear teeth) the rotation shift cog 328, causing the rotation shift cog 328 to rotate the active storage clip 324, causing the active storage clip 324 to make a first rotational movement in the rotation direction R2 (in FIGS. 8 and 10B), wherein the first rotational movement is about 60 degrees. Such capability enables the priming actuator 360 to be operatively coupled to the one or more storage clips 324 that are configured to hold at least a plurality of projectiles 121A-121D, and the priming actuator 360 is further able to move the plurality of projectiles 121A-121D into at least a portion of the active barrel group 320 (as shown in FIG. 10B).
Whereby, as depicted in FIG. 9B, the launcher 300 comprising the fluid compressor 310 has been primed once by the priming actuator 360, wherein the fluid compressor 310 has a store of energy.
Thus the priming operation ends.
In alternative embodiments, the priming actuator 360 may make a rotationally movement of a plurality of projectiles into at least a portion of the active barrel group 320, wherein the rotational movement is at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 60, 90, 120, or 180 degrees. In alternative embodiments, the priming actuator 360 may make any type of movement (e.g., linear, continuous, discontinuous, etc.) to move a plurality of projectiles into at least a portion of the active barrel group 320.
Restoring Operation Turning to FIG. 9B, there shown is a restoring operation of the launcher 300, which can restore at least a portion of the priming actuator 360 to its original position, following a priming operation. The restoring operation may be comprised of the following operational steps:
In a first operational step: the primer handle 361 (e.g., grasped and moved by a user) may be further configured to make a first movement in the forward direction F1 along the housing rail 308, causing the primer linkage 364 and primer rod tab 366C to make the first movement in the forward direction F1 as well. Whereby, the primer handle 361, primer linkage 364, and rod tab 366C are restored to their original position. Yet the fluid compressor 310 has been primed once and remains primed. Thus the restoring operation ends.
In alternative embodiments, a restoring operation may not be required. For example, the launcher 100 in FIGS. 1-6B does not require a restoring operation.
Launching Operation In FIGS. 8, 9B, and 10B, the launcher 300 may be able to launch each projectile, from the plurality of projectiles 121A, 121B, 121C, and 121D received by the active barrel group 320, in temporal sequence (e.g., a plurality of four projectiles, where each projectile is launched every 0.1 second) after the fluid compressor 310 has been primed once by the priming actuator 360 of the launcher 300, as shown in FIG. 9B. Whereby, the launcher 300 may have a launching operation that is similar to the “Launching Operation” of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 1-6B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
In addition, FIG. 9C shows the launcher 300 may be capable of continuous launch mode, which supports continuous launching of a plurality of projectiles retrieved from one or more storage clips 324. The continuous launch mode may be comprised of the following operational steps:
In a first operational step in FIG. 9A, to begin the continuous launch mode, a user (not shown) may pull the trigger 341 such that the trigger follower 348 enters a start channel 372 of the primer raceway 370.
Then in a second operational step shown in FIG. 9A, the user may pull the priming actuator 360 and primer handle 361 with a first movement in the rearward direction R1, causing the primer linkage 364 and the primer rod 362 to undergo the first movement as well, causing the fluid compressor 310 to be primed once by the priming actuator 360, as shown in FIG. 9B.
Then in a third operational step shown in FIG. 9C, the user may push the priming actuator 360 and primer handle 361 with a second movement in the forward direction F1, causing the primer linkage 364 and a return channel 373 of the primer raceway 370 to undergo the second movement in the forward direction F1 as well, causing the trigger follower 348 and trigger assembly 340 to rotate about the trigger pin 343, causing the variable latch 345 to have one or more movements in the downward direction D1, releasing the catch assembly 350 one or more times, causing the fluid compressor 310 to generate a fluid flow one or more times, and subsequently launching one or more projectiles in temporal sequence from the launcher 300.
As an option, the first, second, and third operational steps of continuous launch mode (as described above) may be repeated one or more times by the user, or until all the projectiles in the storage clip 324 are launched. Whereby the launcher 300 may be capable of continuous launch mode to continuously launch a plurality of projectiles (e.g., 24 darts), retrieved from one or more storage clips 324 of the launcher 300, in temporal sequence (e.g., where each dart launches about every 0.1 second) over a substantial time duration (e.g., of 1, 2, 3, or more seconds).
Method of Assembly Finally in FIGS. 8-10B, a method for assembling the toy projectile launcher 300 may be similar to the “Method of Assembly” of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 6A-6B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Dart Launcher with Active and Reserve Storage Clips
So turning to FIGS. 11, 12, 13A, 13B, and 14, there shown are perspective views and section views of another exemplary embodiment of a toy projectile launcher 400, which includes an active storage clip 424 and a plurality of reserve storage clips 480A and 480B that can receive a plurality of projectiles 121A-121D (e.g., foam darts in FIG. 13B) for greater load capacity. The launcher 400 may be non-electronic and manually operated by a user. As depicted, the launcher 400 may be constructed with similar apparatus and functionality as the launcher 300 (in FIGS. 8-10B) discussed earlier. However, the launcher 400 also substantially differs from earlier embodiments.
As depicted, the current embodiment of the toy projectile launcher 400 may comprise a housing assembly 404, a fluid compressor 410, a priming actuator 460, a loading actuator 490, an active barrel group 420, a valve system 430, a trigger assembly 440, a catch assembly 450, an active storage clip 424, and a plurality of reserve storage clips 480A and 480B.
Housing Assembly FIGS. 11 and 12 show the housing assembly 404 may be shaped like a toy machine gun and comprising a housing handle 405, configured to be handheld (e.g., by a user's right hand). The housing assembly 404 further comprises a housing barrel 406, which may be sized (e.g., 80 mm dia.×20 mm long) so a plurality of projectiles may be launched from the launcher 400. The housing assembly 404 may be constructed similar to the housing assembly 304 of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 8-10B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Fluid Compressor FIG. 12 further shows the fluid compressor 410 may be at least partially received by the housing assembly 404 of the launcher 400, wherein the fluid compressor 410 is able to compress a fluid, such as ambient air from a play environment. The fluid compressor 410 may be comprised of a walled chamber 412, a piston 416, a launch spring 414, a rear chamber wall 418, and a latch guide 415. The fluid compressor 410 may be constructed similar to the fluid compressor 310 of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 8-10B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Fluid Compressor—with Preloaded Spring
Also presented in FIG. 12, the projectile launcher 400 and fluid compressor 410 may be configured such that the launch spring 414 is preloaded, which is similar to the launch spring 314 of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 8-10B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Priming Actuator FIGS. 11 and 12 show the priming actuator 460 may be at least partially received by the housing assembly 404, wherein the priming actuator 460 may be structured such that the fluid compressor 410 may be capable to generate a fluid flow after the fluid compressor 410 has been primed once (or one time) by the priming actuator 460. Whereby, the toy projectile launcher 400 may be further configured to launch each projectile, of a plurality of projectiles 121A, 121B, 121C and 121D (in FIG. 13B), in temporal sequence (e.g., such as launching four projectiles in temporal sequence, where each projectile is launched every 0.1 second) after the toy projectile launcher 400 comprising the fluid compressor 410 has been primed once by the priming actuator 460.
As depicted in FIGS. 11 and 12, the priming actuator 460 may be comprised of a primer handle 461, a primer rod 462, and a primer linkage 464. The primer handle 461 may be rectangular shaped to be hand gripped (e.g., by a user's left hand) and able to make movements in a rearward direction D1 and a forward direction F1 along a housing rail 408 of the housing assembly 404. The primer handle 461 may be coupled to the primer linkage 464, which may be operatively coupled to the primer rod 462, which is coupled to the piston 416 of the fluid compressor 410. The primer linkage 464 may further be comprised of a primer rod tab 466C and a first and a second primer load tabs 465A and 465B (in FIG. 14), which actuate various elements of the launcher 400 during the priming of the fluid compressor 410. Further, the primer linkage 464 may be further comprised of a primer raceway (not shown, but similar to the raceway 370 of the previous launcher in FIGS. 9A-9C), which is used to guide movements of the trigger assembly 440 during continuous launch mode of the launcher 400. The priming actuator 460 may be constructed of a single part having one or more interior cutouts or multiple parts fastened together (e.g., by friction fit, screws, and/or adhesive, etc.) with material comprised of molded plastic.
In alternative embodiments, the priming actuator 460 may be constructed of any shape, size, and/or material (e.g., composite, metal, wood, etc.). In alternative embodiments, the priming actuator 460 may be comprised of the primer handle 461 located at the top, side, rear, or bottom of the launcher 400.
Reserve Storage Clips Turning to FIGS. 11, 12, and 14, there shown is a plurality of reserve storage clips 480A and 480B that may be at least partially received by the housing assembly 404 and configured to receive a plurality of projectiles (as shown with dashed lines), where each clip 480A (or 480B) can hold up to 12 projectiles (e.g., foam darts) enabling a total load capacity of 24 projectiles for the launcher 400. Each reserve storage clip 480A (or 480B) may be rectangular shaped, substantially hollow, and constructed of molded plastic. Further, each reserve storage clip 480A (or 480B) may comprise a transport assembly 486 (in FIG. 12) configured with a biased force (e.g., by a metal extending spring) to move projectiles from the clip 480A (or 480B) towards the loading actuator 490. The reserve storage clips 480A and 480B may be configured to be removable from the launcher 400. Whereby a user may slide a clip release button 484 (in FIG. 11), such that clips 480A and 480B can be removed from the launcher 400 and refilled (e.g., by a user) with projectiles.
In alternative embodiments, the plurality of reserve storage clips 480A and 480B may be comprised of any shape (e.g., spherical, cylindrical, etc.), size, and/or material (e.g., composite, metal, wood, etc.). In alternative embodiments, the plurality of reserve storage clips 480A and 480B may be non-removable from the launcher 400, wherein the storage clips 480A and 480B may still be refillable with projectiles. In alternative embodiments, a storage clip may hold at least 4, 8, 12, 16, 18, or 24 projectiles, or an arbitrary number of projectiles.
Active Barrel Group in an Active Storage Clip Now turning to FIGS. 12, 13A, 13B, and 14, an active barrel group 420 may be at least partially received by the housing assembly 404 and comprising a plurality of launch barrels 422A, 422B, 422C, 422D, wherein the active barrel group 420 may be configured to receive a plurality of projectiles 121A, 121B, 121C, and 121D (in FIG. 13B) as shown with dashed lines. The active barrel group 420 may be constructed similar to the active barrel group 320 of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 8-10B), which the reader may refer to for reference. However, numerous differences are discussed below.
For example, FIGS. 12, 13A, 13B, and 14 show the active storage clip 424 that may be at least partially received by the housing assembly 404, the valve system 430, and the active barrel group 420. The active storage clip 424 may provide a temporary staging area and storage for a plurality of projectiles prior to launching. The active storage clip 424 may be cylindrical shaped and compactly sized (e.g., 70 mm dia.×50 mm long), wherein the active storage clip 424 may be constructed of molded plastic. As depicted, the active storage clip 424 may be comprised of a plurality of launch barrels 422A, 422B, 422C, 422D, 422E, and 422F, which includes the active barrel group 420, providing a total of six barrels.
As shown in FIGS. 12, 13A, and 13B, the active storage clip 424 may be supported by a clip support wall 407, wherein the clip support wall 407 may be coupled to the housing assembly 404. The clip support wall 407 may be sized (e.g., 70 mm dia.×2 mm thick) to support the active storage clip 424 and constructed of rigid, molded plastic. The clip support wall 407 may further be at least partially received by the valve system 430 and comprising a plurality of barrel fluid seals 439A, 439B, 439C, and 439D constructed of rubber, urethane, or any other material capable of creating a fluid seal (or air-tight seal). Thus the plurality of barrel seals 439A-439D may be configured to create a fluid seal between the plurality of launch barrels 422A-422D, of the active barrel group 420 of the active storage clip 424, and the valve system 430. Whereby, FIGS. 12, 13A, and 13B show the active storage clip 424 comprises the active barrel group 420 in fluid communication with the valve system 430 and the launch barrels 422A, 422B, 422C, and 422D, which are configured to receive the plurality of projectiles 121A, 121B, 121C, and 121D, respectively.
In FIGS. 12, 13B, and 14, the active storage clip 424 may be further comprised of a rotation shift cog 428, wherein the rotation shift cog 428 and the active storage clip 424 may be able to make one or more rotational movements in the rotational direction R2 relative to the clip support wall 407 during a loading operation by the loading actuator 490, which is described below in the section titled “Loading Operation.” As depicted, one or more storage clips 480A and 480B may be operatively coupled to the loading actuator 490, wherein the one or more storage clips 480A and 480B are configured to hold at least a plurality of projectiles 121A-121D, and the loading actuator 490 is further able to move (e.g., by a rotational movement in the rotation direction R2) the plurality of projectiles 121A-121D into at least a portion of the active barrel group 420, such that the plurality of projectiles 121A-121D may be launched by the launcher 400.
In alternative embodiments, the active storage clip 424 may be constructed of any shape (e.g., rectangular, elliptical cylinder, reserve, etc.), size (e.g., 100 mm dia.×40 mm long), and/or material (e.g., metal, wood, composite, flexible plastic, etc.). In alternative embodiments, the active storage clip 424 may be configured to make one or more movements in any direction (e.g., left, right, up, down, forward, backward, etc.) based on a loading operation. In alternative embodiments, the active storage clip 424 may comprise one or more launch barrels (e.g., at least 1, 2, 4, 8, 10, 12, or 16 barrels, etc.) that can receive one or more projectiles (e.g., at least 1, 2, 4, 8, 10, 12, or 16 projectiles, etc.).
Loading Actuator Turning now to FIGS. 12 and 14, the loading actuator 490 may be at least partially received by the housing assembly 404, wherein the loading actuator 490 may be configured to be operatively coupled to one or more storage clips 480A and 480B configured to hold at least a plurality of projectiles, wherein the loading actuator 490 is able to move the plurality of projectiles, from the one or more storage clips 480A and 480B, into at least a portion (e.g., of one or more launch barrels 422A-422F) of the active barrel group 420. Further, the priming actuator 460 may be operatively coupled to the loading actuator 490, wherein the loading actuator 490 may execute a loading operation in conjunction with a priming operation of the priming actuator 460.
As depicted in FIG. 14, the loading actuator 490 may be comprised of a load pivot arm 493, a load return spring 494, a load shuttle 492, and a load rotation spline 491. The load pivot arm 493 may be constructed of rigid material (e.g., metal, plastic, etc.) and pinned to the housing assembly 404, wherein the arm 493 may be able to pivot in a rearward direction R1 and forward direction F1. The load return spring 494 may comprised of a tension spring coupled to the pivot arm 493 and the housing assembly 404, wherein the pivot arm 493 may have a biased force in the forward direction F1. The load shuttle 492 may be constructed of rigid or flexible material (e.g., metal, plastic, composite, etc.) and may be operatively coupled to the pivot arm 493, wherein the shuttle 492 may be able to move one or more projectiles 121A and 121B from the plurality of storage clips 480A and 480B. In addition, the load rotation spline 491 may be constructed of rigid material (e.g., plastic, metal, etc.) and coupled to the load shuttle 492, wherein the spline 491 may be able to operatively connect (e.g., by meshing with gear teeth) with the rotate shift cog 428 of the active storage clip 424.
The reader may keep in mind that FIG. 14 does not show the entirety of the loading actuator 490, as there can be a second load pivot arm, a second load return spring, and a third and fourth primer tab (all not shown), which are supported on the opposite side of the launcher 400.
In alternative embodiments, the loading actuator 490 may be constructed of any shape, size, material (e.g., composite, metal, rigid plastic, flexible plastic, wood, etc.), and/or components. In alternative embodiments, the return spring 494 may be comprised of any spring type (e.g., compression, etc.), size, and/or material (e.g., plastic, etc.).
Valve System FIGS. 12, 13A, and 14 present the valve system 430, which is constructed similar to the valve system 330 of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 8-10B), which the reader may refer to for reference. However, as discussed earlier, the valve system 430 (in FIG. 13A) may be in fluid communication with the fluid compressor 410 and the plurality of launch barrels 422A-422D of the active barrel group 420 (in FIG. 13B) in the active storage clip 424.
Trigger Assembly FIGS. 11 and 12 also show the trigger assembly 440 may be comprised of a trigger 441, a trigger pin 443, a variable latch 445, a trigger follower 448, a trigger flexible hinge 444, and a trigger return spring 442. The trigger assembly 440 may be constructed similar to the trigger assembly 340 of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 8-101B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Catch Assembly Continuing with FIG. 12, the catch assembly 450 may be constructed similar to the catch assembly 350 of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 8-101B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Refilling Operation (Manual) In FIGS. 11 and 12, the reserve storage clips 480A and 480B may be refilled (or manually loaded by a user) with a plurality of projectiles in a similar manner as the “Refilling Operation” of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 8-101B), which the reader may refer to for reference. However, in the current embodiment, the reserve storage clips 480A and 480B may be removed by a user sliding the clip release button 484, such that the clips 480A and 480B may be refilled (or manually loaded by a user) with a plurality of projectiles.
Priming Operation In FIGS. 11 and 12, the projectile launcher 400 and fluid compressor 410 may be primed once (or one time) in a similar manner as the “Priming Operation” of the earlier embodiment (in FIGS. 8-101B), which the reader may refer to for reference. However, the current embodiment has differences. A priming operation may be comprised of the following operational steps:
In FIG. 12, in a first operational step: the primer handle 461 (e.g., which is grasped and moved by a user) may be configured to make a first movement in the rearward direction R1 along the housing rail 408, causing the primer linkage 464, primer rod tab 466C, and primer rod 462 to make the first movement in the rearward direction R1 as well.
Whereupon, the launcher 400 comprising the fluid compressor 410 has been primed once by the priming actuator 460 (which is not shown, but is similar to state of the fluid compressor 310 in FIG. 9B of the earlier embodiment.) The priming operation now ends.
Loading Operation (Mechanical) Turning now to FIGS. 12, 13A, 13B and mostly FIG. 14, there shown is a loading operation of the launcher 400, wherein the loading actuator 490 may be configured to move one or more projectiles 121A and 121B, from one or more storage clips 480A and 480B, into at least a portion (e.g., of one or more launch barrels 422A-422D) of the active barrel group 420 of the active storage clip 424 (in FIG. 13B).
As depicted in FIGS. 12 and 14, the priming actuator 460 may be operatively coupled to the loading actuator 490, such that the loading operation of the loading actuator 490 may occur in conjunction with the priming operation of the launcher 400, as described above in the section titled “Priming Operation.”
Thus the loading operation may comprise the following operational steps:
In FIG. 12, in a first operational step: a priming operation begins, wherein the primer handle 461 (e.g., which is grasped and moved by a user) may be configured to make a first priming movement in a rearward direction R1 along the housing rail 408, causing the primer linkage 464 to make the first priming movement in the rearward direction R1 as well.
Whereby in FIG. 14, the loading operation begins, when the primer linkage 464 and the first primer load tab 465A make the first movement in a rearward direction R1, the first primer load tab 465A pushes against the pivot arm 493, causing the pivot arm 493 to make a first pivot movement in the rearward direction R1, causing the shuttle 492 and the rotation spline 491 to make a first linear movement in the rearward direction R1.
Wherein the shuttle 492 makes a first skimming movement in the rearward direction R1 across the top of the plurality of storage clips 480A and 480B, causing one or more projectiles 121A and 121B to move in the rearward direction R1 and into at least a portion (e.g., of one or more launch barrels 422E and 422F) of the active storage clip 424.
Then subsequently, in FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 14, the rotation spline 491 engages (e.g., meshes with gear teeth) the rotation shift cog 428, causing the rotation shift cog 428 and the active storage clip 424 to make a first rotational movement (e.g., of about 120 degrees) in a rotational direction R2 relative to the clip support wall 407, causing the one or more projectiles 121A and 121B to move into at least a portion (e.g., of one or more launch barrels 422C and 422D) of the active barrel group 120 of the active storage clip 424.
Whereupon, the pivot arm 493 escapes (or is released) from the first primer tab 465, causing the return spring 494 to pull the pivot arm 493 in a first return pivot movement in the forward direction F1, causing the shuttle 492 and the rotation spline 491 to make the first return movement in the forward direction F1 as well.
Whereby, the first operational step ends.
Then in FIG. 12, in a second operational step: the priming operation continues (as described above), wherein the primer handle 461 continues to make the first priming movement in the rearward direction R1 along the housing rail 408, causing the primer linkage 464 to continue to make the first priming movement in the rearward direction R1 as well.
Whereupon, in FIG. 14, the primer linkage 464 and the second primer tab 465B push against the pivot arm 493, causing the pivot arm 493 to make a second pivot movement in the rearward direction R1, causing the shuttle 492 and the rotation spline 491 to make a second linear movement in the rearward direction R1.
Wherein the shuttle 492 makes a second skimming movement in the rearward direction R1 across the top of the plurality of storage clips 480A and 480B, causing one or more projectiles 121A and 121B to move in the rearward direction R1 and into at least a portion (e.g., of one or more launch barrels 422E and 422F) of the active storage clip 424.
Then subsequently, in FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 14, the rotation spline 491 engages (e.g., meshes with gear teeth) the rotation shift cog 428, causing the rotation shift cog 428 and the active storage clip 424 to make a second rotational movement (e.g., of about 120 degrees) in a rotational direction R2 relative to the clip support wall 407, causing the one or more projectiles 121A and 121B to move into at least a portion (e.g., of one or more launch barrels 422C and 422D) of the active barrel group 120 of the active storage clip 424.
Whereupon, the pivot arm 493 escapes (or is released) from the second primer tab 465B, causing the return spring 494 to pull the pivot arm 493 in a forward movement in the forward direction F1, causing the shuttle 492 and the rotation spline 491 to make a second return movement in the forward direction F1 as well.
Thus the second operational step ends, and the loading operation ends.
Then as shown in FIGS. 12, 13A, 13B, and 14, the loading actuator 490 being at least partially received by the housing assembly 404, wherein the loading actuator 490 may be configured to be operatively coupled to one or more storage clips 480A and 480B configured to hold at least a plurality of projectiles 121A-121D, and the loading actuator 490 may be able to move the plurality of projectiles 121A-121D, from the one or more storage clips 480A and 480B, into at least a portion of the active barrel group 420.
Restoring Operation Turning to FIG. 12, there shown is a restoring operation of the launcher 400, which can restore at least a portion of the priming actuator 460 to its original position, following a priming operation. The restoring operation may be comprised of the following operational steps:
In a first operational step: the primer handle 461 (e.g., grasped and moved by a user) may be configured to make a first movement in the forward direction F1 along the housing rail 408, causing the primer linkage 464 and primer rod tab 466C to make the first movement in the forward direction F1 as well. Whereby, the primer handle 461, primer linkage 464, and rod tab 466C are restored to their original position. Yet the fluid compressor 410 has been primed once and remains primed (not shown, but substantially similar the restoring operation of an earlier embodiment in FIG. 9B, where the fluid compressor 310 has been primed once and remains primed). The restoring operation now ends.
In alternative embodiments, a restoring operation may not be required. For example, the launcher 100 in FIGS. 1-6B does not require a restoring operation.
Launching Operation In FIGS. 11-14, the launcher 400 may be able to launch each projectile, from the plurality of projectiles 121A, 121B, 121C, and 121D received by the active barrel group 420, in temporal sequence (e.g., a plurality of four projectiles, where each projectile is launched every 0.1 second) after the fluid compressor 410 has been primed once by the priming actuator 460 of the launcher 400. Whereby, the launcher 400 may have a launching operation and a continuous launch mode that is similar to the launching operation and the continuous launch mode of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 8-10B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Method of Assembly Finally, a method for assembling the toy projectile launcher 400 may be similar to the “Method of Assembly” of an earlier embodiment (in FIGS. 6A-6B), which the reader may refer to for reference. However, the method may include step S106 of FIG. 6A, as the launcher 400 supports the loading actuator 490.
Ball Launcher with Single Feeder Channel
So turning to FIGS. 15, 16, 17A-17C, there shown are perspective views and a section view of another exemplary embodiment of a toy projectile launcher 500, which includes one or more reserve storage clips 580 that can receive a plurality of projectiles 521 (e.g., foam balls) and a loader actuator 590 with a single feeder channel to a plurality of launch barrels (in FIG. 17A). The launcher 500 may be non-electronic and manually operated by a user. In various embodiments, the launcher 500 may be able to launch the plurality of projectiles 521, each projectile being ball shaped of compact size (e.g., 24 mm dia.) and comprised of soft material (e.g., plastic foam, etc.), although other shapes, sizes, and/or materials for projectiles may also be considered. As depicted, the launcher 500 may be constructed with similar apparatus and functionality as the launcher 300 (in FIGS. 8-10B) discussed earlier. However, the launcher 500 also substantially differs from earlier embodiments.
As depicted, the current embodiment of the toy projectile launcher 500 may comprise a housing assembly 504, a fluid compressor 510, a priming actuator 560, a loading actuator 590, an active barrel group 520, a valve system 530, a trigger assembly 540, a catch assembly 550, and one or more reserve storage clips 580.
Housing Assembly FIGS. 15 and 16 show the housing assembly 504 may be shaped like a toy multi-barrel blaster and comprising a housing handle 505, configured to be handheld (e.g., by a user's right hand). The housing assembly 504 may be constructed similar to the housing assembly 304 of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 8-10B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Fluid Compressor FIG. 16 further shows the fluid compressor 510 may be at least partially received by the housing assembly 504 of the launcher 500, wherein the fluid compressor 510 is able to compress a fluid, such as ambient air from a play environment. The fluid compressor 510 may be comprised of a walled chamber 512, a piston 516, a launch spring 514, a rear chamber wall 518, and a latch guide 515. The fluid compressor 510 may be constructed similar to the fluid compressor 310 of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 8-10B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Fluid Compressor—with Preloaded Spring
Also presented in FIG. 16, the projectile launcher 500 and fluid compressor 510 may be configured such that the launch spring 514 is preloaded, which is similar to the launch spring 314 of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 8-10B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Priming Actuator FIGS. 15 and 16 show the priming actuator 560 may be at least partially received by the housing assembly 504, wherein the priming actuator 560 may be structured such that the fluid compressor 510 may be capable to generate a fluid flow after the fluid compressor 510 has been primed once (or one time) by the priming actuator 560. Whereby, the toy projectile launcher 500 may be further configured to launch each projectile, of a plurality of projectiles 521A, 521B, 521C and 521D (in FIG. 16), in temporal sequence (e.g., such as launching four projectiles in temporal sequence, where each projectile is launched every 0.1 second) after the toy projectile launcher 500 comprising the fluid compressor 510 has been primed once by the priming actuator 560.
As depicted in FIG. 16, the priming actuator 560 may be comprised of a primer handle 561, a primer rod 562, and a primer linkage 564. The primer handle 561 may be cylindrical shaped to be gripped (e.g., by a user's left hand) and able to make movements in a rearward direction D1 and a forward direction F1 along a housing rail 508 of the housing assembly 504. The primer handle 561 may be coupled to the primer linkage 564, which may be operatively coupled to the primer rod 562, which is coupled to the piston 516 of the fluid compressor 510. The primer linkage 564 may further be comprised of a primer rod tab 566C and a primer load tab 566A, which actuate various elements of the launcher 500 during the priming of the fluid compressor 510. The primer linkage 564 may be further comprised of a primer raceway 570, which is used to guide movements of the trigger assembly 540 during continuous launch mode of the launcher 500. The priming actuator 560 may be constructed of a single part having one or more interior cutouts or multiple parts fastened together (e.g., friction fit, screws, and/or adhesive, etc.) with material comprised of molded plastic.
In alternative embodiments, the priming actuator 560 may be constructed of any shape, size, and/or material (e.g., composite, metal, wood, etc.). In alternative embodiments, the priming actuator 560 may be comprised of the primer handle 561 located at the top, side, rear, or bottom of the launcher 500.
Reserve Storage Clip Turning to FIGS. 15-16, there shown are one or more reserve storage clips 580 that may be at least partially received by the housing assembly 504 and configured to receive one or more projectiles 521 (e.g., foam balls), where each clip 580 can hold up to 24 projectiles enabling a total load capacity of 24 projectiles for the launcher 500. Each reserve storage clip 580 may comprise a transport assembly 586 configured with a biased force (e.g., by a metal spring) to move the one or more projectiles 521 from the clip 580 towards the loading actuator 590. Further, the one or more reserve storage clips 580 may be configured to be removable from the launcher 500. Whereby a user may slide a clip release button (not shown), such that clips 580 can be removed from the launcher 500 and manually refilled with projectiles by the user. In some embodiments, the housing assembly 504 may further comprise a feeder door 581, enabling refilling of the reserve storage clip 580 with one or more projectiles 521.
In alternative embodiments, the one or more storage clips 580 may be non-removable from the launcher 500, wherein the clips 580 may still be manually refilled with projectiles. In alternative embodiments, a storage clip may hold at least 5, 8, 12, 16, 24, or 36 projectiles, or an arbitrary number of projectiles.
Active Barrel Group Also shown in FIGS. 15-17A, the active barrel group 520 may be at least partially received by the housing assembly 504 and comprising a plurality of launch barrels 522A, 522B, 522C, 522D, wherein the active barrel group 520 may be configured to receive a plurality of projectiles 521A, 521B, 521C, and 521D (in FIG. 16). The active barrel group 520 may be constructed similar to the active barrel group 320 of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 8-10B), which the reader may refer to for reference. However, substantial differences exist.
As seen in FIG. 17A, the loading actuator 590 may be operatively coupled to the active barrel group 520, such that the loading actuator 590 may be able to move and load one or more projectiles into at least a portion of the active barrel group 520. The active barrel group 520 may further comprise a launch barrel unit 525 that includes the plurality of launch barrels 522A-522D, which may be integrated as a single part. The active barrel group 520 may also comprise a stub barrel unit 526 that includes a plurality of stub launch barrels 523A, 523B, 523C, and 523D, which may be integrated as a single part. The plurality of launch barrels 522A, 522B, 522C, and 522D may be operatively coupled to the plurality of stub launch barrels 523A, 523B, 523C, and 523D, respectively. Whereby, the plurality of launch barrels 522A-522D may be able to move in a rearward direction R1 and a forward direction F1 in substantial contact with the plurality of stub launch barrels 523A-523D, respectively, forming a fluid seal between the plurality of launch barrels 522A-522D and the plurality of stub launch barrels 523A-523D. Whereby, the plurality of launch barrels 522A-522D and/or the plurality of stub launch barrels 523A-523D may be further comprised O-rings (not shown) to support a fluid seal, wherein the O-rings may be constructed of a fluid-sealant material (e.g., rubber, urethane, etc.). Thus the launch barrel unit 525, stub barrel unit 526, and the valve system 530 may be in fluid communication such that each projectile, of the plurality of projectiles 521A-521D, may be launched independently from the active barrel group 520.
The active barrel group 520 may be also comprised of one or more loading openings 528, which are one or more holes or openings (e.g., round shape, rectangular shape, etc.) implemented in a side wall, panel, component, and/or element that allow one or more projectiles to be moved and loaded into at least a portion of the active barrel group 520. For example, each stub launch barrel 523A, 523B, 522C, or 523D, of the plurality of stub launch barrels 523A-523D, may include at least one loading opening 528 that is substantially aligned on a same axis Y1 (as shown with dashed line) in three-dimensional space such that the plurality of projectiles 521A-521D can be moved and loaded into at least a portion (e.g., of the plurality of stub launch barrels 523A-523D and/or the plurality of launch barrels 522A-522D) of the active barrel group 520. Further, a plurality of stub launch barrels 523A and 523B may be configured with one or more loading openings 528 that are coupled in three-dimensional space, such that the plurality of projectiles 521A-521D can be moved and loaded into at least a portion (e.g., of the plurality of stub launch barrels 523A-523D and/or the plurality of launch barrels 522A-522D) of the active barrel group 520.
In an alternative embodiment of a loading actuator 590B, in FIG. 17B there shown is an active barrel group 520B having similar parts with the same reference numerals as the active barrel group 520 of FIG. 17A, which the reader may refer to for reference. However, the loading opening(s) in the active barrel group 520B are different. A stub barrel unit 526B may comprise a plurality of stub launch barrels 523A-523D, while a launch barrel unit 525B may comprise a plurality of launch barrels 522A-522D. But each launch barrel 522A, 522B, 522C, or 522D, of the plurality of launch barrels 522A-522D, may comprise at least one loading opening 528 (as shown with solid and dashed lines) that is substantially aligned on a same axis Y1 (as shown with dashed line) in three-dimensional space such that the plurality of projectiles 521A-521D can be moved into at least a portion (e.g., of the plurality of stub launch barrels 523A-523D and/or the plurality of launch barrels 522A-522D) of the active barrel group 520B. Further, a plurality of launch barrels 522A and 522B may be configured with one or more loading openings 528 that are coupled in three-dimensional space, such that the plurality of projectiles 521A-521D can be moved into at least a portion (e.g., of the plurality of stub launch barrels 523A-523D and/or the plurality of launch barrels 522A-522D) of the active barrel group 520B.
In another alternative embodiment of a loading actuator 590C, in FIG. 17C there shown is an active barrel group 520C having similar parts with the same reference numerals as the active barrel group 520 of FIG. 17A, which the reader may refer to for reference. However, the loading opening(s) in the active barrel group 520C are different. A launch barrel unit 525C may comprise a plurality of launch barrels 522A-522D, integrated as a single part. But a stub barrel unit 526C may comprise at least one loading opening 528 (as shown with solid and dashed lines) that is substantially aligned on a same axis Y1 (as shown with dashed line) in three-dimensional space such that the plurality of projectiles 521A-521D can be moved into at least a portion (e.g., of the plurality of launch barrels 522A-522D) of the active barrel group 520C. Thus the loading opening 528 partially enters the stub barrel unit 526C and does not pass through to the opposite side.
Loading Actuator—with Single Feeder Channel
Now turning to FIGS. 16 and 17A, the loading actuator 590 may be at least partially received by the housing assembly 504, wherein the loading actuator 590 may be configured to be operatively coupled to one or more storage clips 580 configured to hold at least a plurality of projectiles 521A-521D, wherein the loading actuator 590 may be able to move and load one or more projectiles 521A-521D, from the one or more storage clips 580, into at least a portion (e.g., of the one or more launch barrels 522A-522D) of the active barrel group 520. Further, the priming actuator 560 may be operatively coupled to the loading actuator 590, wherein the loading actuator 590 may execute a loading operation in conjunction with a priming operation of the priming actuator 560.
As depicted, the loading actuator 590 may be comprised of a load shifting arm 529C, a load pivot arm 529B, and a feeder channel 538, which may be constructed of a rigid material (e.g., plastic, metal, fiber, and/or composite, etc.). The pivot arm 529B may be loosely attached (e.g., by a pivot pin, or hinge, etc.) to the housing assembly 504 (in FIG. 16) such that the pivot arm 529B can make a pivot movement in the rearward direction R1 and forward direction F1. The pivot arm 529B may be operatively coupled to the launch barrel unit 525, of the active barrel group 520, and the shifting arm 529C. Whereby, the pivot arm 529B may be able to make a pivot movement such that the launch barrel unit 525 and the shifting arm 529C make a movement in a rearward direction R1 or a forward direction F1 based on the movement of the primer load tab 566A of the priming actuator 560. The feeder channel 538 may be operatively coupled to the active barrel group 520 and the storage clip 580, wherein the feeder channel 538 may provide a single channel (or pathway) and may be able to guide the movement of one or more projectiles, such as the plurality of projectiles 521A-521D, from the one or more storage clips 580 into at least a portion (e.g., of the plurality of launch barrels 522A-522D) of the active barrel group 520.
In alternative embodiments, the loading actuator 590 may be constructed of any shape, size, material (e.g., composite, metal, rigid plastic, flexible plastic, wood, etc.), and/or components.
Valve System FIGS. 16 and 17A present the valve system 530, which is constructed similar to the valve system 330 of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 8-10B), which the reader may refer to for reference. However, as discussed earlier, the valve system 530 (in FIG. 13A) may be in fluid communication with the fluid compressor 510 and the plurality of launch barrels 522A-522D of the active barrel group 520.
Trigger Assembly FIGS. 16 and 17A also show the trigger assembly 540 may be comprised of a trigger 541, a trigger pin 543, a variable latch 545, a trigger follower 548, a trigger flexible hinge 544, and a trigger return spring 542. The trigger assembly 540 may be constructed similar to the trigger assembly 340 of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 8-101B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Catch Assembly Continuing with FIG. 16, the catch assembly 550 may be constructed similar to the catch assembly 350 of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 8-101B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Refilling Operation (Manual) In FIGS. 15-17C, the one or more reserve storage clips 580 may be refilled (or manually loaded by a user) with a plurality of projectiles in a similar manner as the “Refilling Operation” of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 8-101B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Priming Operation In FIGS. 15-17C, the projectile launcher 500 and fluid compressor 510 may be primed in a similar manner as the “Priming Operation” of the earlier embodiment (in FIGS. 8-10B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Loading Operation (Mechanical) Turning now to FIGS. 16 and 17, there shown is a loading operation of the launcher 500, wherein the loading actuator 590 may be configured to move and load one or more projectiles 521A-521D, from one or more storage clips 580, into at least a portion (e.g., of one or more launch barrels 522A-522D) of the active barrel group 520. As depicted, the priming actuator 560 may be operatively coupled to the loading actuator 590, such that the loading operation of the loading actuator 590 may occur in conjunction with the priming operation of the launcher 500, as described above in the section titled “Priming Operation.”
Thus the loading operation may comprise the following operational steps:
In FIGS. 16 and 17A, in a first operational step: a priming operation may begin, wherein the primer actuator 560 and the primer handle 561 (e.g., which is grasped and moved by a user) may be configured to make a first priming movement in a rearward direction R1 along the housing rail 508, causing the primer linkage 564 and primer load tab 566A to make the first priming movement in the rearward direction R1 as well.
Whereby, as the primer linkage 564 continues the first priming movement in the rearward direction R1, the primer load tab 566A makes a first contact with the load pivot arm 529B, causing the pivot arm 529B to make a pivot movement in the rearward direction R1 as well, causing the launch barrel unit 525 comprising the launch barrels 522A-522D to make an opening movement in a forward direction F1 away from the stub barrel unit 526, revealing the loading opening 528 (as in “opening the breach”) of the stub barrel unit 526 comprising the stub launch barrels 523A-523D of the active barrel group 520.
Subsequently, as depicted in FIG. 16, the transport assembly 586 of the one or more storage clips 580 provides a biased force on one or more projectiles, including the plurality of projectiles 521A-521D, such that the loading actuator 590 comprising the feeder channel 538 may be able to guide the movement of one or more projectiles, such as the plurality of projectiles 521A-521D, from the one or more storage clips 580 towards the active barrel group 520.
Thus in FIGS. 16 and 17A, the launch barrels 522A-522D and the stub launch barrels 523A-523D of the active barrel group 520 may receive the plurality of projectiles 521A-521D, respectively. As best seen in FIG. 16, each launch barrel, of the plurality of launch barrels 522A-522D, may receive about one projectile. In some alternate embodiments, each launch barrel, of the plurality of launch barrels 522A-522D, may receive a mean average of about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 total projectiles, or an arbitrary number of total projectiles, during the loading operation.
So continuing with FIGS. 16 and 17A, in a second operational step: as the primer linkage 564 continues the first priming movement in the rearward direction R1, the primer load tab 566A makes a second contact with the load shifting arm 529C, causing the shifting arm 529C to make a shifting movement in the rearward direction D1 as well, causing the launch barrel unit 525 comprising the launch barrels 522A-522D to make a closing movement in the rearward direction R towards the stub barrel unit 526, closing the loading opening 528 (e.g., as in “closing the breach”) of the stub barrel unit 526 comprising the stub launch barrels 523A-523D of the active barrel group 520. Thus the loading operation has ended.
Restoring Operation In FIGS. 15-17C, following a priming operation, the launcher 500 can restore at least a portion of the priming actuator 560 to its original position in a similar manner as the “Restoring Operation” of the earlier embodiment (in FIGS. 8-101B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Launching Operation In FIGS. 15-17C, the launcher 500 may be able to launch each projectile, from the plurality of projectiles 521A, 521B, 521C, and 521D received by the active barrel group 520, in temporal sequence (e.g., a plurality of four projectiles, where each projectile is launched every 0.1 second) after the fluid compressor 510 has been primed once by the priming actuator 560 of the launcher 500. Whereby, the launcher 500 may have a launching operation and a continuous launch mode that is similar to the “Launching Operation” of an earlier embodiment (in FIGS. 8-10B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Method of Assembly Finally, a method for assembling the toy projectile launcher 500 may be similar to the “Method of Assembly” of an earlier embodiment (in FIGS. 6A-6B), which the reader may refer to for reference. However, the method may include step S106 of FIG. 6A, as the launcher 500 supports the loading actuator 590.
Ball Launcher with Multiple Feeder Channels
So turning to FIGS. 18, 19, and 20, there shown are perspective views and a section view of another exemplary embodiment of a toy projectile launcher 600, which includes a plurality of reserve storage clips 680A, 680B, 680C, and 680D that can receive a plurality of projectiles 521 (e.g., foam balls in FIG. 18) and a loader actuator 690 with a plurality of feeder channels to a plurality of launch barrels (in FIG. 20). The launcher 600 may be non-electronic and manually operated by a user. As depicted, the launcher 600 may be constructed with similar apparatus and functionality as the launcher 500 (in FIGS. 15-17C) discussed earlier, which the reader may refer to for reference since similar parts have the same reference numerals. However, the launcher 600 substantially differs from earlier embodiments, wherein the discussion will focus on the differences.
As depicted, the current embodiment of the toy projectile launcher 600 may comprise a housing assembly 604, a fluid compressor 510, a priming actuator 560, a loading actuator 690, an active barrel group 620, a valve system 630, a trigger assembly 540, a catch assembly 550, and a plurality of reserve storage clips 680A-680D.
Housing Assembly FIGS. 18-19 show the housing assembly 604 may be shaped like a toy multi-barrel blaster and comprising a housing handle 505, configured to be handheld (e.g., by a user's right hand). The housing assembly 604 may be constructed similar to the housing assembly 504 of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 15-17C), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Reserve Storage Clip Continuing with FIGS. 18-19, there shown is the plurality of reserve storage clips 680A, 680B, 680C, and 680D (totaling four clips) having similar parts as the reserve storage clip 580 of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 15-17C), which the reader may refer to for reference. However, in the current embodiment, the plurality of reserve storage clips 680A-680F may be at least partially received by the housing assembly 604 and configured to receive one or more projectiles 521 (e.g., foam balls), where each clip 680A-680D can hold up to 24 projectiles enabling a total load capacity of 96 projectiles received by the launcher 600.
Active Barrel Group Turning to FIGS. 19-20, the active barrel group 620 may be at least partially received by the housing assembly 604 and comprising a plurality of launch barrels 622A, 622B, 622C, 622D, wherein the active barrel group 620 may be configured to receive a plurality of projectiles 521A, 521B, 521C, and 521D (shown in FIG. 20 with dashed lines). The active barrel group 620 may be constructed similar to the active barrel group 520 of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 15-17C), which the reader may refer to for reference. However, substantial differences exist.
As seen in FIG. 20, the active barrel group 620 may further comprise a launch barrel unit 625 that includes the plurality of launch barrels 622A-622D, which may be integrated as a single part. The active barrel group 620 may also comprise a stub barrel unit 626 that includes a plurality of stub launch barrels 623A, 623B, 623C, and 623D, which may be integrated as a single part. The plurality of launch barrels 622A, 622B, 622C, and 622D may be operatively coupled to the plurality of stub launch barrels 623A, 623B, 623C, and 623D, respectively. Whereby, the plurality of launch barrels 622A-622D may be able to move in a rearward direction R1 and a forward direction F1 in substantial contact with the plurality of stub launch barrels 623A-623D, respectively, forming a fluid seal between the plurality of launch barrels 622A-622D and the plurality of stub launch barrels 623A-623D. Whereby, the plurality of launch barrels 622A-622D and/or the plurality of stub launch barrels 623A-623D may be further comprised O-rings (not shown) to support a fluid seal, wherein the O-rings may be constructed of a fluid-sealant material (e.g., rubber, urethane, etc.). Thus the launch barrel unit 625, stub barrel unit 626, and the valve system 630 are in fluid communication such that each projectile, of the plurality of projectiles 521A-521D, may be launched independently from the active barrel group 620.
The active barrel group 620 may be also comprised a plurality of loading openings 628A, 628B, 628C, and 628D, which are holes or openings (e.g., round shape, rectangular shape, etc.) implemented in a side wall, panel, component, and/or element that allow one or more projectiles to be moved and loaded into at least a portion of the active barrel group 620. For example, each stub launch barrel 623A, 623B, 622C, or 623D, of the plurality of stub launch barrels 623A-623D, may include at least one loading opening 628A, 628B, 628C, or 628D, respectively, on a plurality of distinct axis in three-dimensional space such that the plurality of projectiles 521A-521D can be moved and loaded into at least a portion (e.g., of the plurality of stub launch barrels 623A-623D and/or the plurality of launch barrels 622A-622D) of the active barrel group 620.
In an alternative embodiment, various elements of the active barrel group 620 may be replaced with various elements of the active barrel group 520B in FIG. 17B, which the reader may refer to for reference. In another alternative embodiment, various elements of the active barrel group 620 may be replaced with various elements of the active barrel group 520C in FIG. 17C, which the reader may refer to for reference.
Loading Actuator—with Multiple Feeder Channels
Now turning to FIGS. 19 and 20, the loading actuator 690 may be at least partially received by the housing assembly 604, wherein the loading actuator 690 may be configured to be operatively coupled to the plurality of storage clips 680A-680D configured to hold at least a plurality of projectiles 521A-521D, wherein the loading actuator 690 may be able to move and load one or more projectiles 521A-521D, from the plurality of storage clips 680A-680D, into at least a portion (e.g., of the one or more launch barrels 622A-622D) of the active barrel group 620. The loading actuator 690 may be constructed similar to the loading actuator 590 in the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 15-17C), which the reader may refer to for reference. However, there are differences.
The loading actuator 690 may be comprised of a load shifting arm 529C, a load pivot arm 529B, and a plurality of feeder channels 638A, 638B, 638C and 638D, which may be constructed of a rigid material (e.g., plastic, metal, fiber, and/or composite, etc.). The pivot arm 529B may be loosely attached (e.g., by a pivot pin, or hinge, etc.) to the housing assembly 604 (in FIG. 19) such that the pivot arm 529B can make a pivot movement in the rearward direction R1 and forward direction F1. The pivot arm 529B may be operatively coupled to the launch barrel unit 625, of the active barrel group 620, and the shifting arm 529C. Whereby, the pivot arm 529B may be able to make a pivot movement such that the launch barrel unit 625 and the shifting arm 529C make a movement in a rearward direction R1 or a forward direction F1 based on the movement of the primer load tab 566A of the priming actuator 560. The plurality of feeder channels 638A, 638B, 638C, and 638D may be operatively coupled to the active barrel group 620 and the plurality of storage clips 680A, 680B, 680C, and 680D, respectively, wherein the plurality of feeder channels 638A, 638B, 638C, and 638D may provide multiple channels (or pathways) and may be able to guide the movement of one or more projectiles, such as the plurality of projectiles 521A-521D from the plurality of storage clips 680A-680D, into at least a portion of the active barrel group 520.
Valve System FIGS. 19 and 20 present the valve system 630, which is constructed similar to the valve system 530 of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 15-17C), which the reader may refer to for reference. However, the valve system 630 may be in fluid communication with the fluid compressor 510 and the plurality of launch barrels 622A-622D of the active barrel group 620. Further, the valve system 630 may substantially have a horizontal orientation relative to the valve system 530 of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 15-17C).
Trigger Assembly FIG. 19 also shows the trigger assembly 540 may be comprised of a trigger 541, a trigger pin 543, a variable latch 545, a trigger follower 548, a trigger flexible hinge 544, and a trigger return spring 542. The trigger assembly 540 may be constructed similar to the trigger assembly 540 of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 15-17C), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Catch Assembly Continuing with FIG. 19, the catch assembly 550 may be constructed similar to the catch assembly 550 of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 15-17C), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Refilling Operation (Manual) In FIGS. 18-20, the plurality of reserve storage clips 680A-680D may be refilled (or manually loaded by a user) with a plurality of projectiles in a similar manner as the “Refilling Operation” of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 15-17C), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Priming Operation In FIGS. 18-20, the projectile launcher 600 and fluid compressor 510 may be primed in a similar manner as the “Priming Operation” of the earlier embodiment (in FIGS. 15-17C), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Loading Operation (Mechanical) In FIGS. 18-20, the projectile launcher 600 may be loaded by the loading actuator 690 in a similar manner as the “Loading Operation” of the earlier embodiment (in FIGS. 15-17C), which the reader may refer to for reference. However, the launcher 600 and loading actuator 690 are able to load the plurality of launch barrels 622A-622D with a plurality of projectiles 521A-521D.
Restoring Operation In FIGS. 18-20, following a priming operation, the launcher 600 can restore at least a portion of the priming actuator 560 to its original position in a similar manner as the “Restoring Operation” of the earlier embodiment (in FIGS. 15-17C), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Launching Operation In FIGS. 18-20, the launcher 600 may be able to launch each projectile, from the plurality of projectiles 521A-521D received by the active barrel group 520, in temporal sequence (e.g., a plurality of four projectiles, where each projectile is launched every 0.1 second) after the fluid compressor 510 has been primed once by the priming actuator 560 of the launcher 600. Whereby, the launcher 600 may have a launching operation and a continuous launch mode that is similar to the “Launching Operation” of an earlier embodiment (in FIGS. 15-17C), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Method of Assembly Finally, a method for assembling the toy projectile launcher 600 may be similar to the “Method of Assembly” of an earlier embodiment (in FIGS. 6A-6B), which the reader may refer to for reference. However, the method may include step S106 of FIG. 6A, as the launcher 600 supports the loading actuator 690.
Gel Bead Launcher with Multiple Feeder Channels
So turning to FIGS. 21, 22, and 23, there shown are perspective views and a section view of another exemplary embodiment of a toy projectile launcher 700, which includes one or more reserve storage clips 780 that can receive a plurality of projectiles 721 (e.g., gel beads) and a loader actuator 790 with a plurality of feeder channels to a plurality of launch barrels 722A-722G (in FIG. 21) totaling seven launch barrels, enabling the launcher 700 to launch seven projectiles in temporal sequence (e.g., where each gel bead is launched every 0.1 second). The launcher 700 may be non-electronic and manually operated by a user. In various embodiments, the launcher 700 may be able to launch the plurality of projectiles 721, each projectile being ball shaped of compact size (e.g., 5 mm dia.) and comprised of soft gel material (e.g., hydrated gel, etc.), although other shapes, sizes, and/or materials for projectiles may also be considered.
The reader may keep in mind that throughout this disclosure, the term “gel bead” shall include similar names for such toys, including “gel ball”, “hydrated gel”, “gel pellet”, or any other term that describes small, hydrated projectiles adapted for use with toy guns, pistols, crossbows, slingshots, and other types of launchers. Such gel-based projectiles are often constructed from soft absorbent polymer material that is soaked in water and expands to a ball, bead, or pellet shape for usage with a projectile launcher capable of launching gel beads.
As depicted, the launcher 700 may be constructed with similar apparatus and functionality as the launcher 500 (in FIGS. 15-17C) discussed earlier, which the reader may refer to for reference since similar parts have the same reference numerals. However, the launcher 700 substantially differs from earlier embodiments, wherein the discussion will focus on differences.
As depicted, the current embodiment of the toy projectile launcher 700 may comprise a housing assembly 704, a fluid compressor 510, a priming actuator 560, a loading actuator 790, an active barrel group 720, a valve system 730, a trigger assembly 540, a catch assembly 750, and one or more reserve storage clips 780.
Housing Assembly FIGS. 21-22 show the housing assembly 704 may be shaped like a toy multi-barrel blaster and comprising a housing handle 505, configured to be handheld (e.g., by a user's right hand). The housing assembly 704 may be constructed similar to the housing assembly 504 of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 15-17C), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Reserve Storage Clip Continuing with FIGS. 21-23, there shown is the one or more reserve storage clips 780 having similar parts as the reserve storage clip 580 of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 15-17C), which the reader may refer to for reference. However, in the current embodiment, the one or more reserve storage clips 780 may be at least partially received by the housing assembly 704 and configured to receive one or more projectiles 721 (e.g., gel beads), where each clip 780 can hold an arbitrary number of projectiles (e.g. more than 100 projectiles). Further, the one or more reserve storage clips 780 may use the biased force of earth gravity, whereby the plurality of projectiles 721 are gravity fed to move towards the active barrel group 720 of the launcher 700.
Active Barrel Group Turning to FIGS. 21-23, the active barrel group 720 may be constructed similar to the active barrel group 620 of the earlier embodiment (in FIGS. 18-20), which the reader may refer to for reference. However, there are differences as well.
The active barrel group 720 may be at least partially received by the housing assembly 704 and comprising a plurality of launch barrels 722A, 722B, 722C, 722D, 722E, 722F, and 722G, totaling seven launch barrels, wherein the active barrel group 720 may be configured to receive a plurality of projectiles 721A, 721B, 721C, 721D, 721E, 721F, and 721G (in FIG. 23) totaling seven projectiles. Thus the active barrel group 720 and the valve system 730 may be in fluid communication such that each projectile, of the plurality of projectiles 721A-721G, may be launched independently from the active barrel group 720.
As seen in FIG. 23, the active barrel group 720 may further comprise a launch barrel unit 725 that includes the plurality of launch barrels 722A-722G, which may be integrated as a single part. The active barrel group 720 may also comprise a stub barrel unit 726 that includes a plurality of stub launch barrels, which may be integrated as a single part, which may be constructed similar to the active barrel group 620 of the earlier embodiment (in FIGS. 18-20), which the reader may refer to for reference.
In an alternative embodiment, the active barrel group 720 may be comprised of one or more launch barrels or an arbitrary number of launch barrels. In an alternative embodiment, one or more first elements of the active barrel group 720 may be replaced with or include one or more second elements of the active barrel group 520 in FIG. 17A, the active barrel group 520B in FIG. 17B, the active barrel group 520C in FIG. 17C, and/or the active barrel group 620 in FIG. 20, which the reader may refer to for reference.
Loading Actuator In FIGS. 22 and 23, the loading actuator 790 may be constructed similar to the loading actuator 690 of the earlier embodiment (in FIG. 20), which the reader may refer to for reference. However, there are differences.
The loading actuator 790 may be at least partially received by the housing assembly 704, wherein the loading actuator 790 may be configured to be operatively coupled to the one or more reserve storage clips 780 configured to hold a plurality of projectiles 721, wherein the loading actuator 790 may be able to move and load the plurality of projectiles 721A-721G (e.g., about seven projectiles), from the one or more reserve storage clips 780, into at least a portion (e.g., of the plurality of launch barrels 722A-722G) of the active barrel group 720.
As depicted in FIG. 23, the loading actuator 790 may be comprised of a load shifting arm 529C, a load pivot arm 529B, a manifold channel 737, and a plurality of feeder channels 738A, 738B, 738C, 738D, 738E, 738F, and 738G, which may be constructed of a rigid material (e.g., plastic, metal, fiber, and/or composite, etc.), which are constructed and function similar to the loading actuator 690 of the earlier embodiment (in FIG. 20). However, the manifold channel 737 may be coupled between the one or more storage clips 780 and the plurality of feeder channels 738A-738G, wherein the manifold channel 737 provides a branched pathway for the plurality of projectiles 721. The plurality of feeder channels 738A-738G may provide multiple channels (or pathways) and be able to guide the movement of the plurality of projectiles 721. Whereby, the loading actuator 790 may be able to move (e.g., by gravity) the plurality of projectiles 721, such as the plurality of projectiles 721A-721G, from the one or more reserve storage clips 780, across the manifold channel 737, down the plurality of feeder channels 738A-738G, and into at least a portion (e.g., of the plurality of launch barrels 722A-722G) of the active barrel group 720.
In an alternative embodiment, the loading actuator 790 may be able to load one or more launch barrels, or an arbitrary number of launch barrels, with one or more projectiles. In an alternative embodiment, one or more first elements of the loading actuator 790 may be replaced with or include one or more second elements of the loading actuator 590 in FIG. 17A, the loading actuator 590B in FIG. 17B, the loading actuator 590C in FIG. 17C, and/or the loading actuator 690 in FIG. 20, which the reader may refer to for reference.
Valve System In FIGS. 22 and 23, the valve system 730 may be constructed similar to the valve system 530 of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 15-17C), which the reader may refer to for reference. However, the valve system 730 may have a substantially linear shape, and the valve system 730 may be in fluid communication with the fluid compressor 510 and the plurality of launch barrels 722A-722G of the active barrel group 720.
Trigger Assembly In FIGS. 21-22, the trigger assembly 540 may be comprised of a trigger 541, a trigger pin 543, a variable latch 545, a trigger follower 548, a trigger flexible hinge 544, and a trigger return spring 542. The trigger assembly 540 may be constructed similar to the trigger assembly 540 of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 15-17C), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Catch Assembly In FIG. 22, the catch assembly 750 may be constructed similar to the catch assembly 550 of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 15-17C), which the reader may refer to for reference. However, the catch assembly 750 may be comprised of a plurality of catch stops, totaling seven catch stops.
Refilling Operation (Manual) In FIGS. 21-22, the one or more reserve storage clips 780 may be refilled (or manually loaded by a user) with a plurality of projectiles in a similar manner as the “Refilling Operation” of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 15-17C), which the reader may refer to for reference. However, the one or more reserve storage clips 780 may be removed from and reattached to the launcher 700, for easier refilling with projectiles.
Priming Operation In FIGS. 21-22, the projectile launcher 700 and fluid compressor 510 may be primed in a similar manner as the “Priming Operation” of the earlier embodiment (in FIGS. 15-17C), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Loading Operation (Mechanical) In FIGS. 21-22, the projectile launcher 700 may be loaded by the loading actuator 790 in a similar manner as the “Loading Operation” of the earlier embodiment (in FIGS. 15-17C), which the reader may refer to for reference. However, the launcher 700 and loading actuator 790 are able to load the plurality of launch barrels 722A-722G, totaling seven launch barrels, with a plurality of projectiles, totaling at least seven projectiles.
Restoring Operation In FIGS. 21-22, following a priming operation, the launcher 700 can restore at least a portion of the priming actuator 560 to its original position in a similar manner as the “Restoring Operation” of the earlier embodiment (in FIGS. 15-17C), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Launching Operation In FIGS. 21-22, the launcher 700 may be able to launch each projectile, from the plurality of projectiles 721A-721G (in FIG. 23) received by the active barrel group 720, in temporal sequence (e.g., a plurality of seven projectiles, where each projectile is launched every 0.1 second) after the fluid compressor 510 has been primed once by the priming actuator 560 of the launcher 700. Whereby, the launcher 700 may have a launching operation and a continuous launch mode that is similar to the “Launching Operation” of an earlier embodiment (in FIGS. 15-17C), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Method of Assembly Finally, a method for assembling the toy projectile launcher 700 may be similar to the “Method of Assembly” of an earlier embodiment (in FIGS. 6A-6B), which the reader may refer to for reference. However, the method may include step S106 of FIG. 6A, as the launcher 700 supports the loading actuator 790.
Liquid Glob Launcher with Single Launch Barrel
So turning to FIGS. 24 and 25, there shown is a perspective view and a section view of another exemplary embodiment of a toy projectile launcher 800, which includes one or more reserve storage clips 880 that can receive a plurality of projectiles 821 (e.g., water globs, paint balls, volume of water, etc.), wherein the launcher 800 can rapidly launch a plurality of projectiles 821A, 821B, 821C, and 821D in temporal sequence (e.g., such as four water globs, where each water glob is launched every 0.1 second) after being primed once, where the projectile 821D is shown launched. In various embodiments, the launcher 800 may be able to launch the plurality of projectiles 821A-821D, each projectile being ball shaped of compact size (e.g., 3 mm dia.) and comprised of a liquid (e.g., water, paint, etc.), although other shapes, sizes, and/or materials for projectiles may also be considered. The launcher 800 may be non-electronic and manually operated by a user.
The reader may keep in mind that the launcher 800 may be able to launch the projectile 821D configured to a liquid glob, which may be a small volume of liquid, such as water for example, in the shape of a bead or sphere when launched. The launcher 800 may launch substantially each projectile 821D, of the plurality of projectiles 821A-821D, comprised of liquid (e.g., such as water, colored water, or paint) having an average liquid volume in the range of 0.01 to 1.00 milliliters, 1 to 5 milliliters, 5 to 100 milliliters, or 100 to 1000 milliliters, inclusive. In various embodiments, a launcher may be able to launch a projectile comprised of a liquid, a plurality of particles in a liquid, a capsule containing a liquid, foam, syrup, bubbles, water, and/or paint, as examples.
As presented, the launcher 800 may be constructed with similar apparatus and functionality as the launcher 500 (in FIGS. 15-17C) discussed earlier, which the reader may refer to for reference since similar parts have the same reference numerals. However, the launcher 800 also substantially differs from earlier embodiments.
The toy projectile launcher 800 may comprise a housing assembly 804, a fluid compressor 510, a priming actuator 560, an active barrel group 820, a valve system 830, a trigger assembly 540, a catch assembly 550, and one or more reserve storage clips 880.
Housing Assembly FIGS. 24-25 show the housing assembly 804 may be shaped like a toy blaster or pistol and comprising a housing handle 505, configured to be handheld (e.g., by a user's right hand). The housing assembly 804 may be constructed similar to the housing assembly 504 of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 15-17C), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Reserve Storage Clip In FIGS. 24-25, there shown are the one or more reserve storage clips 880 having similar parts as the reserve storage clip 580 of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 15-17C), which the reader may refer to for reference. However, in the current embodiment, the one or more reserve storage clips 880 may be at least partially received by the housing assembly 804 and configured to receive one or more projectiles 821 (e.g., water globs or volume of water). In some embodiments, the storage clip 880 may be substantially fluid tight to avoid leaks. Further, the one or more reserve storage clips 880 may be non-removable and comprised of a clip lid (e.g., hinged cover, screw cap, etc.) for refilling. In alternative embodiments, the storage clip 580 may be removable from the launcher 800.
Active Barrel Group In FIGS. 24-25, the active barrel group 820 may be constructed similar to the active barrel group 520 of the earlier embodiment (in FIGS. 15-17C), which the reader may refer to for reference. However, substantial differences exist.
The active barrel group 820 may be at least partially received by the housing assembly 804 and comprising one or more launch barrels 822A, wherein the active barrel group 820 may be configured to receive the plurality of projectiles 821A-821D. Thus the active barrel group 820 and the valve system 830 are in fluid communication such that each projectile, of the plurality of projectiles 821A-821D, may be launched independently from the active barrel group 820. In the current embodiment, the active barrel group 820 may comprise a single launch barrel 822A. In an alternative embodiment, the active barrel group 820 may comprise an arbitrary number of launch barrels.
Valve System In FIG. 25, the valve system 830 may be at least partially received by the fluid compressor 510 and the active barrel group 820. Wherein the valve system 830 may be in fluid communication with the fluid compressor 510 and the one or more launch barrels 822A of the active barrel group 820 such that the valve system 830 may be able to at least partially control a fluid flow from the fluid compressor 510 to the one or more launch barrels 822A of the active barrel group 120. The valve system 830 may be comprised of an inlet check valve 817A and an outlet check valve 817B that may be structured (e.g., with a ball with valve seat, or a membrane flap with valve seat, etc.) and configured to substantially maintain a one way direction of a fluid flow or one or more fluid flows. For example, the inlet check valve 817A substantially maintains a one way direction of a first fluid flow from the one or more reserve clips 880 to the fluid compressor 510. The check valve 817B substantially maintains a one way direction of a second fluid flow from the fluid compressor 510 to the one or more launch barrels 822A of the active barrel group 820.
Trigger Assembly In FIGS. 24-25, the trigger assembly 540 may be comprised of a trigger 541, a trigger pin 543, a variable latch 545, a trigger follower 548, a trigger flexible hinge 544, and a trigger return spring 542. The trigger assembly 540 may be constructed similar to the trigger assembly 540 of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 15-17C), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Catch Assembly In FIG. 25, the catch assembly 550 may be constructed similar to the catch assembly 550 of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 15-17C), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Refilling Operation (Manual) In FIGS. 24-25, the one or more reserve storage clips 880 may be refilled (or manually loaded by a user) with a plurality of projectiles in a similar manner as the “Refilling Operation” of the previous embodiment (in FIGS. 15-17C), which the reader may refer to for reference. However, the storage clip 880 may be refilled with the plurality of projectiles 821, e.g. such as water globs, or a volume of water.
Priming Operation In FIGS. 24-25, the projectile launcher 800 and fluid compressor 510 may be primed in a similar manner as the “Priming Operation” of the earlier embodiment (in FIGS. 15-17C), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Restoring Operation In FIGS. 24-25, following a priming operation, the launcher 800 can restore at least a portion of the priming actuator 560 to its original position in a similar manner as the “Restoring Operation” of the earlier embodiment (in FIGS. 15-17C), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Launching Operation In FIGS. 24-25, the launcher 800 may be able to launch each projectile 821D (e.g., water glob, liquid drop, etc.), from the plurality of projectiles 821A-821D received by the active barrel group 820, in temporal sequence (e.g., four water globs, where each water glob is launched every 0.1 second) after the fluid compressor 510 has been primed once by the priming actuator 560 of the launcher 800. Whereby, the launcher 800 may have a launching operation and a continuous launch mode that is similar to the “Launching Operation” of an earlier embodiment (in FIGS. 15-17C), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Method of Assembly Finally, a method for assembling the toy projectile launcher 800 may be similar to the “Method of Assembly” of an earlier embodiment (in FIGS. 6A-6B), which the reader may refer to for reference.
Additional Alternative Launchers Some more alternative, exemplary embodiments may be considered to be within the scope of this disclosure as well. For example, in many embodiments, an electrically powered launcher or battery powered launcher may comprise various apparatus, methods, and/or functionality disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a launcher having automated features (e.g., such as automated priming and/or loading apparatus) may comprise various apparatus, methods, and/or functionality described herein. Also, in a few embodiments, a launcher may be comprised of a plurality of fluid compressors including apparatus, methods, and/or functionality disclosed herein. For example, in some embodiments, a launcher may be comprised of a plurality of fluid compressors and a plurality of catch assemblies, wherein each catch assembly (e.g., similar to catch assembly 150 of FIG. 2), of the plurality of catch assemblies, is comprised of one or more catch stops.
Finally, this document discloses embodiments that are not necessarily mutually exclusive, for some alternative embodiments may be constructed that combine, in whole or part, aspects of the disclosed embodiments. Various alternatives and embodiments are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter regarded as the invention.
