Spring Patents (Class 124/16)
  • Patent number: 11933576
    Abstract: A paintball hopper for a paintball gun with light source. The hopper can include a housing and a hopper tray. The hopper tray can be removably inserted into an inner volume of the hopper. The hopper can include a light source that can charge luminescent or glow in the dark material of paintballs in the hopper. The light source can be positioned in the housing and/or the hopper tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: HK Army Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Jeremiah Pineda
  • Patent number: 11911678
    Abstract: A skating frame which incorporates hockey flippers to allow inexperienced skaters to play hockey while learning to skate. It is designed to be used as a multi surface game apparatus, allowing for wide accessibility. The apparatus aims to increase the people that can play hockey by allowing inexperienced skaters, when used on ice, to maintain balance and be supported while allowing them to also be able to interact with the object in play. The apparatus may also be adapted for ground use to help those with mobility impairments to play floor hockey. The interaction with the object used in the game is facilitated by the flipper blades that run along the play surface allowing the user to engage with the play object easily without having to compromise their support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Inventors: Blaise Anthony Ignagni, Anthony Rocco Ignagni
  • Patent number: 11850493
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved ball tossing device that is portable and adjustable to accommodate a variety of different balls and lobbing preferences. This may be achieved through various features including some or all of the following: a ball feeding mechanism using a rotating disk with an offset feed channel to deliver balls to the ball tossing queue; a catapult arm that uses a motor/spring mechanism to toss balls in the queue out of the machine; an indexer feature for isolating the ball to be tossed from the other balls in the queue; and adjustable features that allow users to vary ball trajectory of the ball being tossed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Prosist Sports Equipment Co., LLC
    Inventors: John Frederick Bruner, William C. Cleveland, Jeffrey Paul Broadrick, David Andrew Hannah, Lee Ellis Jarrell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11826616
    Abstract: A remote-controlled retriever for collecting a ball on a sports playing surface and for controllably releasing the ball includes a front end ball collector having two spaced-apart blades defining a ball collection space. Each blade includes a passive or an active detent for retaining the collected ball in the collection space until a programmed or manually-directed release toward a target location such as a tennis baseline. The retriever includes a processor-controller for controlling and directing the retriever during a retrieval session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Court Bots, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence George Legg, Shane F. Legg
  • Patent number: 11794087
    Abstract: Provided is a pet ball launcher, comprising an avoidance drive assembly, a ball throwing assembly, a sensor and a ball serving shell; the ball serving shell is provided with a ball storage space and a launch channel communicated with the ball storage space, and the sensor is installed at an outlet of the launch channel; an output end of the avoidance drive assembly is connected with the ball serving shell, and the ball throwing assembly is installed on the ball serving shell; and when the sensor detects that there is an obstacle in front of the launch channel, the avoidance drive assembly drives the ball serving shell to rotate by a preset angle, the ball throwing assembly throws out a to-be-thrown object from the launch channel, so that the object thrown out of the launch channel avoids the obstacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: SHENZHEN UAH TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventors: Qiang Geng, Shengbo Lu, Baihua Luo, Hao Xu, Hao Wang
  • Patent number: 11709031
    Abstract: A projectile launcher including a frame having a grip and defining a projectile axis, a drawstring hub rotatable mounted to the frame and defining a central axis perpendicular to the projectile axis and positioned a fixed distance from the projectile axis, a drawstring being attached to the drawstring hub so that movement of the drawstring results in the rotation of the drawstring hub about the central axis, a limb coupled to the frame and extending along a vertical limb plane, and a power cable coupled to the limb and the drawstring hub so that rotation of the drawstring hub about the central axis draws the limb closer to the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: RAVIN CROSSBOWS, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Trpkovski
  • Patent number: 11684870
    Abstract: A lunging prop apparatus with a stationary base, a linkage, an automation system, and prop mounts for attaching prop head and hand members. The linkage articulates in a lunging direction so that the prop head and hand members are carried in a forward linear direction from home positions to lunged positions, while at the same time being separately tipped back/up from face/palms down to face/palms forward orientations. The automation system suddenly springs the linkage forward in the lunging direction and then to produce gradual controlled movement of the linkage in a return direction back to the home position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Inventor: Mitch Maritato
  • Patent number: 11585629
    Abstract: An assembly for launching toy projectiles includes a body having a bore, a plunger extendable from the bore, and a shaft removably attachable to the body. The body includes a first recess having a first diameter for receiving a first projectile. The shaft includes a second diameter for receiving a second projectile therearound and a second recess having a third diameter for receiving a third projectile therein. The first diameter is substantially equal to a diameter of the first projectile, the second diameter is substantially equal to a diameter of the second projectile, and the third diameter is substantially equal to a diameter of the third projectile but smaller than the second diameter. The plunger drives air through the assembly when released from an extended position to eject any one of the first, second, or third projectiles positioned in the first recess, on the shaft, or in the second recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Inventor: Garrett Hilt
  • Patent number: 11525650
    Abstract: A firing system for a crossbow having an arrow rest extending along an arrow rest axis, the firing system having a right limb and a left limb, the right limb being pivotable about a right limb axis and the left limb being pivotable about a left limb axis, the firing system further including a right cam and a left cam, the right cam having a right bow string groove and being rotatable about a right cam axis, the left cam having a left bow string groove and being rotatable about a left cam axis, the firing system having a bow string extending between the right and left cams and extending within the right and left bow string grooves, the bow string positionable between an un-cocked condition and a cocked or full draw condition wherein movement of the bow string from the un-cocked condition toward the cocked condition moves the right and left cams toward each other and pivots the right and left limbs about the right and left limbs axes respectively, the firing system further including a power assembly having a po
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Vision Crossbows LLC
    Inventors: Dirk Nebergall, Bahram Khoshnood
  • Patent number: 11493302
    Abstract: A dart launcher having few but integral parts and an assembly process that is quick and easy for forming robust but inexpensive toys. The launcher may have an outer body, a safety valve and spring, a valve cap, a trigger, a piston, a launch spring, a cylinder cap and a plunger rod. The outer body includes an integral cylinder portion, a barrel portion and a trigger-mounting portion, the trigger includes an integral finger pad portion, a latch arm, a biasing portion and resilient legs. The piston includes an opening and a connector component formed around the opening to snap-fit with the piston, the cylinder cap includes an opening for the plunger rod and a connector component to connect with the cylinder portion, and the barrel portion includes a valve and mandrel support for supporting the safety valve and spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Alexander Tino, Ho Fai So
  • Patent number: 11433288
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved ball tossing device that is portable and adjustable to accommodate a variety of different balls and lobbing preferences. This may be achieved through various features including some or all of the following: a ball feeding mechanism using a rotating disk with an offset feed channel to deliver balls to the ball tossing queue; a catapult arm that uses a motor/spring mechanism to toss balls in the queue out of the machine; an indexer feature for isolating the ball to be tossed from the other balls in the queue; and adjustable features that allow users to vary ball trajectory of the ball being tossed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Prosist Sports Equipment Co., LLC
    Inventors: John Frederick Bruner, William C. Cleveland, Jeffrey Paul Broadrick, David Andrew Hannah, Lee Ellis Jarrell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11408703
    Abstract: A projectile launcher includes a frame having a vertical grip and a forearm brace configured to stabilize the projectile launcher using a user's arm. The projectile launcher includes a drawstring hub rotatably mounted to the frame and rotatable in a first direction and a second direction. Movement of a drawstring away from the drawstring hub corresponds with rotation of the drawstring hub in the first direction and movement of the drawstring toward the drawstring hub corresponds with rotation of the drawstring hub in the second direction. The projectile launcher includes at least one flexible limb attached to at least one power cable. A power cable section of the drawstring hub, where the power cable is connected, has a let-off portion. The let-off portion has a first section having a first diameter and a second section having a second diameter and the first diameter is greater than the second diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: RAVIN CROSSBOWS, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Trpkovski
  • Patent number: 11110319
    Abstract: A plank exercise assistance apparatus including a body having a base and slidable coaster mounted underneath the base are disclosed herein. The body includes a receptacle adapted to receive a foot of a user therein. The body further includes a heel stop extending upwards from the body to help secure the foot of the user. Additionally, the body includes a leg support adapted to provide support to the leg of a user as they are using the plank exercise assistance apparatus. The user sets their foot into the receptacle and they are then free to exercise in a manner that is effective, efficient and safe. The user is then able to slide the apparatus with their foot therein to complete variations of the plank exercise. Thereby allowing a user to exercise their abdomen, backs, shoulder, arms and legs with the various exercises they complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Inventor: Aaron Boyd
  • Patent number: 10942002
    Abstract: An ejection launcher is an apparatus that effectively ejects a payload while maintaining a compact structure. The apparatus includes an elongated enclosure, a cover, a trigger mechanism, and a spring-loaded piston. The apparatus further includes a payload, such as a parachute. The elongated enclosure positions and connects the trigger mechanism with the spring-loaded piston. The elongated enclosure also houses the spring-loaded piston. The trigger mechanism releases the spring-loaded piston which forces the payload from within the elongated enclosure. The payload is a desired delivered item and is preferably a parachute. The trigger mechanism and the spring-loaded piston translates horizontal force into vertical force which releases the payload and reduces the release resistance. The trigger mechanism preferably utilizes and includes a servo motor with an output arm. The output arm pushes against a catch plate of the trigger mechanism and releases a catch pin of the spring-loaded piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: FRUITY CHUTES INC
    Inventors: Eugene Engelgau, Christopher John Attebery
  • Patent number: 10688360
    Abstract: A portable apparatus propels a projectile such as a golf ball, without the use of any external source of power. A striking driver is retracted, to a non-equilibrium position, by application of force, and is held in the non-equilibrium position. When the striking driver is released, it travels along a guided path and forcibly contacts the projectile, which is held in a loading port. Differential friction devices may be used on the projectile and/or the striking driver, to impart spin to the projectile. A rotary trigger alternately blocks and unblocks the striking driver, enabling control of the release of the striking driver. The apparatus may include various safety devices which prevent accidental release of the striking driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Inventor: Frank Gontarski
  • Patent number: 10668332
    Abstract: A self-propelled rocket toy includes an elongated body located along a longitudinal axis having a top end opposite a bottom end. The body includes at least two supports outwardly extending from and fixed relative to the body. A propeller is centered about the longitudinal axis located at the bottom end. An electric motor is disposed within the body and mechanically connected to the propeller. A power source is disposed within the body and electrically connected to the electric motor. An activation mechanism is electrically connected to the electric motor and the power source. The activation mechanism may be a launch button. A countdown timer is in communication with the electric motor and the power source configured to delay the activation of the rocket after the launch button is pressed by a user. A flight timer is configured to automatically turn off the electric motor after a predetermined time has elapsed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Inventor: Marc Gregory Martino
  • Patent number: 10670368
    Abstract: A cocking device for a crossbow includes a cocking unit which is pivotably connected to the body of the crossbow, and has a cocking unit which is detachably engaged with a holding unit connected to the grip of the crossbow by the locking unit. The cocking unit includes an opening located next to the locking unit. A scrolling unit is accommodated in the cocking unit and includes a scrolling member, an axle, a ratchet disk and a stop. The scrolling member driving the axle which drives the ratchet disk. The stop is located corresponding to the opening. The stop has the first end thereof normally engaged with one of ratchets of the ratchet disk. The second end of the stop extends through the opening. The stop is pivotable to engage with the ratchet disk or to release the ratchet disk to control the operation of the scrolling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Inventor: Chi-Chang Liu
  • Patent number: 10549208
    Abstract: A balloon tying device has a base and a cantilever supported by the base. The cantilever has a U-shaped cross-section and two ears defining generally parallel planes extending outwardly and terminating at a tip for retaining a loop of balloon material. Inside the U-shape of the cantilever is an axially oriented recess for passing ribbon and providing clearance for tucking an overhand knot in a balloon tail. A brace tab extends downward from the lower edge of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Inventor: Gerald R. Herren
  • Patent number: 10533823
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a tension gun for firing arrows. The tension gun is comprised of a stock, a trigger, a pistol grip, and a forearm which are configured in a manner which is similar to a conventional crossbow. The bow arms are removed from the design, and replaced by a pair of coaxial coil springs and other tension multipliers within the forearm, which propel the arrow. A folding handle at the forward end of the forearm is provided for carrying the tension gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Inventor: Lewis Smith
  • Patent number: 10520276
    Abstract: An automatic magazine ejection structure is combinable with a toy gun body that includes an action structure and includes: a magazine receptacle, at least one pellet holder for receiving BBs or pellets, a holder latch, a pellet advancing member, a pellet-advancing elastic member, an extendible pushing rod, and at least one action driving section. When the BBs or pellets have been completely shot out, the pellet advancing member pushes the extendible pushing rod to partly project out of one side of the holder latch. Then, an operation of backward pulling the action structure synchronously drives the extendible pushing rod to move backward so as to release retaining engagement of the holder latch thereby allowing the pellet holder to automatically eject out of the magazine receptacle. As such, the operation is made simple and simulation of an operation of an actual firearm is enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: GUAY GUAY TRADING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yin-Hsi Liao
  • Patent number: 10421028
    Abstract: The present invention provides a transforming toy which enables a toy in a first form to transform into a second form by means of a random lock releasing means and thus discharge an item which is inherently provided, and enables easy restoration from the transformed second form into the first form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: CHOIROCK CONTENTS FACTORY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jong-Ill Choi
  • Patent number: 10179276
    Abstract: A soccer board game to emulate the action, skill and strategy of a conventional soccer match. The board game includes a game board having markings of a conventional soccer pitch. Cylindrical player pieces are utilized to manipulate a ball piece and impart a sliding or a flipping motion in the ball piece. The players may pass, shoot, or throw the ball in actions to emulate the play of a conventional soccer match.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Inventor: Patrick A. Vaughan
  • Patent number: 10028488
    Abstract: An interactive device for animals is provided, including a main body, a circuit module, a video/audio transceiver, a driving module, a first pusher, and a first communicating member, wherein the circuit module, the video/audio transceiver, and the driving module are disposed on the main body, and the video/audio transceiver and the driving module are electrically connected to the circuit module. The main body has a recess and an opening. The first pusher is movably disposed in the recess and connected to the driving module. The first communicating member communicates the recess with the opening. When the driving module drives the first pusher to protrude from an inner wall of the recess, the first pusher pushes an object in the recess into the first communicating member, and the object leaves the main body through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: TOMOFUN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hsueh-Far Hsu, Chih-Hsin Tseng, Hsien-Ching Wei, Yo Chen Victor Chang, Kong-Che Luo
  • Patent number: 10024625
    Abstract: Provided is an assembled electric toy gun that allows a spring in the toy gun to be changed quickly for altering projectile propulsion strength. The assembled electric toy gun has a positioning structure whereby a motor-end terminal and a battery-end terminal are mounted in place and disconnected quickly and efficiently. The assembled electric toy gun has a cylinder piston unit and a barrel which are aligned with different axial directions to thereby prevent the cylinder piston unit in operation from undergoing energy loss which might otherwise compromise the propulsion speed of a projectile. The assembled electric toy gun has a firing mode system which turns off a power converter whenever a trigger switch is in a suspension state, thereby saving the power of the toy gun. The assembled electric toy gun has a micro control unit connected to the power converter, thereby effectively reducing power loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: KRISS INDUSTRIES ASIA LTD.
    Inventor: Li-Te Cheng
  • Patent number: 9869505
    Abstract: The present application provides an evaporator. The evaporator may include a housing, a coil assembly mounted within the housing, and a fan housing positioned within the housing. The fan housing may include a fan and a replaceable venturi ring sized to accommodate the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Heatcraft Refrigeration Products, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Seccuro, Todd Collins, Subodh Sharma
  • Patent number: 9605922
    Abstract: A weapon includes a stock; a slide member connected and linearly movable relative to the stock, the slide member being movable between a rearward slide member position and a forward slide member position; a sling connected to the slide member and configured to be drawn back under tension to project a projectile upon release of the tension; and a firing action configured to selectively retain the sling in a drawn back position and release the sling to project the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Clinton A. Rowe
  • Patent number: 9384880
    Abstract: A magnetic positioning device is provided that includes a first cup-shape permanent magnet having at least one permanent magnet segment conforming to the first cup-shape, where the first cup-shape permanent magnet has a first polarity, a second cup-shape permanent magnet that includes at least one permanent magnet segment conforming to the second cup-shape, where the second cup-shape permanent magnet segment has a second polarity, where the second cup-shape permanent magnet is disposed concentric to the first cup-shape permanent magnet, where the first polarity is the opposite of the second polarity or the first polarity is the same as the second polarity, where a gap separates the first cup-shape permanent magnet from the second cup-shape permanent magnet, and a connection feature, where the connection feature is disposed on the second cup-shape permanent magnet, where the connection feature is configured to connect a lever arm to the second cup-shape permanent magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Technische Universiteit Eindhoven
    Inventors: Bob van Ninhuijs, Bart Ludo Jozef Gysen, Jacob Willem Jansen, Elena Andreevna Lomonova
  • Patent number: 9372044
    Abstract: A handleless slingshot with a folding storage compartment is disclosed. The slingshot does not require that the user grip a handle to shoot it and the folding storage compartment may be removed or omitted if desired. The slingshot includes a storage compartment that can store projectiles (such as steel shot) and/or other supplies. The storage compartment is foldable such that it can be folded into the base of the slingshot to create a compact, portable unit. The slingshot includes a quick-release interchangeable band system that uses clips that matingly engage grooves formed at the ends of the slingshot arms to secure the band. The slingshot includes guard area which protects the web area of the hand when shooting the slingshot. The slingshot moves the thumb and index finger contact points forward of the band to increase stability and eliminate the need to grip a handle when shooting the slingshot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Saunders Archery Company
    Inventor: Charles A. Saunders
  • Patent number: 9347734
    Abstract: A gear checked construction for a toy gun comprises a gun body, a piston, a driving gear, and a check assembly. The piston is mounted inside the gun body and a rack is formed on the bottom of the piston. The driving gear engages with the rack to drive the piston and includes a clamping part. The check assembly comprises a hinge and a check bar. The hinge is mounted inside the gun body and the check bar is set around the hinge and comprises a forward part and a reverse part. The clamping part touches on the forward part and bursts through the check bar when the driving gear rotates in one direction to drive the piston, and the clamping part engages with the reverse part to stop the driving gear's rotation when the driving gear rotates in the other direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: KRISS INDUSTRIES ASIA LTD.
    Inventor: Li-Te Cheng
  • Patent number: 9278293
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods are described for assembling items made of fabric and other sheet materials such as plastics, fur, artificial fur, canvas, etc. In particular, the invention relates to forming plush replicas of plants, artificial plants, animals, mythical creatures, mascots and the like. For example, squares or other shapes are assembled into square pillows; pillows are assembled into triplets or other groupings; and the groupings are assembled into a larger item. A Grouping or assembly of pockets can be installed or mounted onto a stem or post. Replicas may include forms of Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, Christmas trees, wreaths, poinsettias, foxes, owls, whales, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Inventor: Thomas Healy
  • Patent number: 9273922
    Abstract: A crossbow with rotating limb pockets has a rifle-like frame with forward, outward limb arch supports which support pivot pins at their distal ends. Rotating limb pockets are pivotally and rearwardly secured to the arch support pivot pins. Limbs with distal cams supporting cables and bow string are suitably fixed to the limb pockets such as by screws. Forwardly the limb pockets are pivotally secured to links which are pivotally joined to a forward and rearward moving actuator controlled by a crank mechanism. Extending the actuator rotates the limb pockets outwardly and the limb cams inwardly to a low poundage state for easy cocking of the string and loading a bolt or arrow. Retracting the actuator rotates the limb pockets inwardly and the limb cams outwardly to a high poundage state ready for shooting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Inventor: Jason M. Hudkins
  • Patent number: 9163913
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a machine for launching discoidal targets for archery, comprising a launch housing able to accept a first target, a launch device able to move at least partly in the launch housing and able to launch the first target from the launch housing, and a feed magazine able to store a plurality of second and third targets awaiting loading into the launch housing, characterized in that the feed magazine emerges in the launch housing level with the first target able to be accepted so that the second target is able to be held in the feed magazine by contact of the first target which at least partially opposes gravity. The invention will find its application for automatically launching several targets one after the other in the air for competitions or archer training.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Laporte Holding
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Laporte, Jean-Marc Fouques
  • Patent number: 9086257
    Abstract: Device for launching targets comprising a surface supporting a target to be launched and a launch arm capable of applying a launch force to the target, characterized in that the supporting surface includes frictional means for rotating the target when it is launched by the launch arm. Application in particular to launching archery targets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: LAPORTE HOLDING
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Laporte, Jean-Marc Fouques
  • Patent number: 9067118
    Abstract: An apparatus for ejecting balls in which a pretensioning arrangement includes a loading device which is displaceable between a first and a second position, first and second locking members are brought to contact each other by displacement of the loading device to a first position as a pivot arm is thereby moved to the loading position, and displacement of the loading device to a second position produces pretensioning of the pivot arm in the loading position. As a result, the pivot arm has a position in which the apparatus is safe because the pivot arm is without tension in the shooting position. Also, the pivot arm can be moved to its loading position without a simultaneous pretensioning being effected. Pretensioning is only established when the pivot arms are in the loading position and are retained by the locking arrangement. Thus, the loading arrangement and shooting power can be varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Ball Training Machine ApS
    Inventor: Holger Colding-Kristensen
  • Patent number: 9057589
    Abstract: A target launching device comprising a surface supporting a target to be launched and a rotary launch arm capable of applying a launch force on the target, characterized in that the supporting surface has a concave longitudinal profile located in a plane parallel to the rotation plane of the launch arm. The invention is particularly suitable for launching archery targets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Laporte Holding
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Laporte, Jean-Marc Fouques
  • Patent number: 9044686
    Abstract: A piñata device includes a main body housing an open-top container that may be filled with candy, toys, or other items. The open-top container is spring loaded using and arrangement of elastomeric bands and a locking mechanism which, when triggered, releases the open-top container, thereby causing the container to immediately accelerate towards an opening on the main body and launch the items outwards of the main body and onto the floor for collecting by the participants. In a preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism is triggered by hitting a target with a ball. After use, the container may be pushed or pulled back into a loaded position for reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Inventor: Rick Aguila
  • Patent number: 8998673
    Abstract: A toy having a housing; a cover pivotally mounted to the housing for movement between a first position wherein an internal cavity of the housing is covered and a second position wherein access to the internal cavity is provided; a launching mechanism located within the internal cavity; a first projectile configured to be launched from the launching mechanism; a plurality of second projectiles configured to be launched from a plurality of projectile launchers secured to the housing; an actuation mechanism coupled to the cover, the launching mechanism and the plurality of projectile launchers, wherein operation of the actuation mechanism causes the cover to move from the first position to the second position and simultaneously launch the first projectile and the plurality of second projectiles from the launching mechanism and the plurality of projectile launchers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Ruben Leonard Martinez
  • Patent number: 8997727
    Abstract: A projectile shooter toy has a body with a sidewall forming a space for holding a projectile in a loaded state and a pathway leading away from the space and along which the projectile moves in a forward direction. An actuator is arranged to engage the projectile to move the projectile forward along the pathway. At least two pinching members are spaced forwardly along the pathway from the actuator. The pinching members are separate from, and movable relative to, the actuator and the sidewall, and are configured to exert a force on the projectile as the projectile passes between the at least two pinching members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Roger Hamel, David Baird
  • Publication number: 20150090237
    Abstract: A long-distance projectile throwing toy. A launching section is hingedly attached at one end to a handle section. The distal end of the launching section includes a ball holder for releasably securing a ball/projectile loosely enough to allow the ball to come flying out of the ball holder when the device is whipped by the user. The device is configurable into at least two configurations by selectively moving an angular delimiter on one section into or out of engageability with various ramped portions of the other section. A throwing configuration keeps the launching section at a minimum angle to maximize the force imparted to the projectile and thus its distance and speed. A collapsed configuration enables the launching section to be substantially parallel with the handle section thereby enabling the device to be stored or shipped more easily. The ball holder imparts backspin to the projectile to maximize flight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventor: Kevin Williams
  • Patent number: 8978633
    Abstract: An apparatus may include a projectile and a housing or launcher. The projectile may include wing portion, with the wing portion having an end, a leading edge and a trailing edge. The housing may include a grip, a trigger, and a projectile support platform. The projectile support platform may have a projectile launch key dimensioned to removably receive the end of the wing of the projectile and engage the trailing edge of the wing. The projectile launch key may also be being mechanically connected to the trigger and operate to rotate upon retraction of the trigger and thereby launch the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Hedeen International, LLC
    Inventor: Clemens V. Hedeen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8974264
    Abstract: A figurine launcher is described. The figurine launcher includes at least two shell components. The shell components are hingedly attached with one another to move between an open position and a closed position. An open mechanism is attached with at least one of the shell components and is adapted to allow a user to selectively separate the shell components when in the closed position. A launch positioning mechanism is attached with at least one of the shell components. The launch positioning mechanism is adapted to engage with a figurine and conceal the figurine within the housing when the shell components are in a closed position. Alternatively, when the shell components are in an open position, the launch positioning mechanism is adapted to move the figurine into a launch position. When in the launch position, the user can compress the shell components to force the figurine from the launcher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim McCafferty, Greg Leong, Dominic Laurienzo, Rip Lopusnak
  • Patent number: 8967130
    Abstract: A toy launcher apparatus for discharging circular projectiles, the apparatus having a housing, lower and upper panels mounted to the housing, supports mounted to the housing, a cocking slide and a slide spring connected to the supports, a projectile receptacle connected to the cocking slide, release levers mounted to the housing, a guide wall mounted to the lower panel, a positioning wheel also mounted to the lower panel, and a trigger mounted to the housing. The lower panel includes a slot positioned parallel to the guide wall but off center relative to a center point of a load projectile. Beneath the lower panel is a rotatable launch arm connected to a torsion spring and a catch structure. The upper and lower panels are parallel to one another and spaced to receive a projectile. The projectile is loaded into the projectile receptacle when the receptacle is exposed during the time the launch arm and torsion spring are cocked by a user pulling rearward on the cocking slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert James Victor, Brian Jablonski
  • Patent number: 8943945
    Abstract: An apparatus for propelling a projectile. A support structure has a propulsion structure pivotally connected thereto and is movable between an armed position and a disarmed position. In impulse delivery arrangement delivers an impulse force that propels the propulsion structure from the armed position to the disarmed position. A channel is configured to cause the projectile to be in biased contact with the propulsion structure upon the propulsion structure being in the armed position. Wherein, upon the impulse delivery arrangement delivering an impulse force propelling the propulsion structure from the armed position, the propulsion structure propels the projectile through and outwardly from the channel. The channel is selectively adjustable in X, Y, and Z planes to selectively guide the projectile in a generally predetermined direction, upon the projectile being propelled from the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Collins
  • Publication number: 20140326228
    Abstract: A toy launch apparatus for discharging circular projectiles of predetermined diameter and height. The apparatus includes multiple safety features to prevent inappropriate objects inserted into the apparatus from enabling the apparatus to operate. A side latch is mounted that locks a shuttle to a housing assembly unless a properly sized projectile is inserted that rotates a side latch bar rotatably mounted to the shuttle out of engagement with an abutment surface in the housing assembly. A top latch is mounted that locks the shuttle to the housing assembly unless the inserted projectile also rotates a top latch bar mounted to the shuttle out of engagement with another abutment surface in the housing assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Poirier
  • Publication number: 20140283802
    Abstract: A stringed weapon for launching shafted projectiles while eliminating a flat spring construction. Specifically, the stringed weapon herein utilizes a torsional spring, and particularly a torsional coil spring, to provide for the force to move the string and, thus, fire the projectile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Breslin
  • Publication number: 20140150730
    Abstract: A training system is disclosed that includes a controller, a dummy launcher and, optionally, a bird launcher and a pet training collar. In at least one embodiment of the invention, the controller is operable to control any one of the bird launcher, the dummy launcher or the pet training collar. The system thus includes any combination of the controller, the dummy launcher, the pet training collar and the bird launcher. The dummy launcher system includes a base is that is configured to receive a portable dummy launcher that may also be removed from the base for manual operation. The system thus allows a user to select and activate a launcher and then to select the dog training collar to transmit control commands to the dog under training.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: DT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: BRYANT Y. KIM, JOON S. KIM
  • Patent number: 8733334
    Abstract: A toy hand grenade has a plurality of bores which receive soft darts. A launcher is received in each bore and is spring loaded. An actuator retains the launchers in a spring-loaded, unactuated position. The actuator is displaceable relative to the body to release the launchers and substantially concurrently eject the darts from the hand grenade. A pin or a clip may be employed to lock the actuator in a locked position. A timer is employed to delay actuation of the actuator to release the launchers and eject the darts from the hand grenade. A sandbag ring is imposed to ensure proper orientation and stability of the hand grenade for the timer actuated feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventors: David E. Mroczka, Kevin Mroczka
  • Publication number: 20140090629
    Abstract: A toy projectile launcher having a handle for receiving a removable projectile clip mechanism that stores projectiles in an unstretched state. A trigger mechanism is provided to engage and stretch a projectile when pulled towards the rear, and is configured to release the stretched projectile when pulled past a pre-determined distance. A blow-back mechanism is provided and movable secured about an upper portion of the body. The trigger mechanism is configured to engage the blow-back mechanism as the trigger is pulled and the blow-back mechanism is configured to disengage from the trigger mechanism when the trigger is pulled past the pre-determined distance to substantially coincide with the release of the stretched projectile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Tech 4 Kids Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley D. Pedersen, Kyle Jeffs
  • Publication number: 20140083400
    Abstract: A toy launch apparatus for discharging soft foam darts, the launch apparatus having a cylinder, a piston, a launch spring, a dart magazine and a dart tube. The dart tube is biased by a return spring so that after a dart discharge the dart tube is moved rearward from a launch chamber to allow the magazine to spring load a fresh dart. During a cocking cycle the dart tube moves forward and receives the dart so that loading of a second dart is blocked. The automatic withdrawal of the dart tube after discharge of a dart also allows an empty magazine to be disengaged from the launch apparatus and a freshly loaded magazine to be attached. This may be accomplished without an operator having to take any other action thereby resulting in a very quick reload.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: John Michael Falkowski, II, Raymond Aaron Mead
  • Publication number: 20140034034
    Abstract: An apparatus for ejecting balls including: a frame supporting a ball holder; an ejecting arrangement adapted for ejecting the ball from the ball holder; and a control unit; the ejecting arrangement including a spring-biased pivot arm which is pivotable about a shaft and has an impact face spaced apart from the shaft, where the pivot arm has a circular path with a first extreme position where the pre-tensioning of the pivot arm is maximal, and a second extreme position where the pre-tensioning of the pivot arm is minimal, where the ball holder and the impact face are arranged such that the ball is hit by the impact face during the working stroke of the pivot arm in a direction from the first towards the second extreme position, at which the frame further supports a spring-biased pivotable braking plate with one or more vertically oriented springs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Ball Training Machine ApS
    Inventor: Holger Colding-Kristensen