With Mechanical Projector Patents (Class 273/405)
  • Patent number: 10001335
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a trigger assembly including a bi-stable switch system configured to selectively engage a portion of the sear in a first state and to transition from the first state to a second state to selectively disengage the portion of the sear in response to an electrical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: TrackingPoint, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy Patterson, Mark Delz, Ehren Achee, Kevin D Brase, Hillman Bailey, Jason Peter Schauble
  • Patent number: 9448044
    Abstract: A moving target device is disclosed having a target mounting frame for holding a target therein, a pivot assembly connected to the target mounting frame, an upper support arm and a lower support arm connected to the pivot assembly, a magnet support assembly connected to the pivot assembly, an electric magnet connected to the magnet support assembly, a motor connected to the lower support arm, a disk connected to the motor and capable of being rotated the motor, a spring connected to the magnet support assembly and the lower support arm, and a stop plate for controlling movement of the pivot assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: Robert Swailes
  • Publication number: 20150137454
    Abstract: An apparatus for launching a projectile at a target, the apparatus being an elongate body having a chamber shaped for holding a projectile in a pre-launch position and for directing the projectile when the end of the launching apparatus is flung forward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Vance Burks
  • Publication number: 20150097338
    Abstract: A target game having a stationary display that provides the capabilities to mimic moving targets. The target game generally comprises a game board, a control panel and a dart gun which may be used both indoors and outdoors. The game board has an upper frame, a lower frame and at least one target surface therebetween. At least some of the embodiments described herein, have three target positions, each with at least one illustration of a clay target. In use, the target surface has electrical components which will sequentially activate and illuminate target areas within a variety of positions on the target surface. When illuminated the target positions may be hit with a dart, which will be recorded as a hit by related sensors, thus simulating a clay pigeon being shot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Adam Abramson, James P. Burns, III, Scott Hoffman
  • Patent number: 8205888
    Abstract: A target training apparatus that fires projectiles at a trainee to simulate combat situations until the trainee strikes predetermined locations on target mounts made of standard paper or cardboard, wherein the predetermined locations correspond with deactivation wands that deactivate the apparatus and ceases firing from the target training apparatus. The apparatus comprises a base, a target column, deactivation wands, a firing column, paintball guns, and a plurality of target elements. The apparatus includes slots to hold compressed air bottles for propelling the paintballs and utility housing for providing power to the trigger system which controls the firing of the two paintball guns. The trigger system rotates a trigger lever in cyclic revolutions which causes the trigger to pull and fire rounds at the trainee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Henry Deatherage, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8109518
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a game in which players launch, shoot, or propel objects at a target, and more specifically, to a game in which players launch, shoot, or propel objects in an attempt to attach the objects to a target that may be in motion, or to dislodge objects that are hanging from the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Blagg, Janice E. Ritter, Stephen Pang Kwai Lau, Sammy Wai Nang Lam
  • Patent number: 7900927
    Abstract: A small arms training target system including a portable, battery powered, rail guided, motor driven carriage, with stationary and moving targets connected thereto. A target-rotate control device operatively connects an electric motor and rotational arm assembly to rotate and position the target into and out of a field of view. The position is selectable by a remote control, pre-selected program, or when a sensor attached to the target is struck by a sensor. Additionally an obscuring medium is attached to the rotational arm, with a target, having on it an image of a weapon mounted behind the obscuring medium. The position of the obscuring medium is selectable to be in front of the image of a weapon, making the target a no-threat, or not in front of the target, making it a threat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Inventor: James Bliehall
  • Publication number: 20100225064
    Abstract: A target training apparatus that fires projectiles at a trainee to simulate combat situations until the trainee strikes predetermined locations on target mounts made of standard paper or cardboard, wherein the predetermined locations correspond with deactivation wands that deactivate the apparatus and ceases firing from the target training apparatus. The apparatus comprises a base, a target column, deactivation wands, a firing column, paintball guns, and a plurality of target elements. The apparatus includes slots to hold compressed air bottles for propelling the paintballs and utility housing for providing power to the trigger system which controls the firing of the two paintball guns. The trigger system rotates a trigger lever in cyclic revolutions which causes the trigger to pull and fire rounds at the trainee.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventor: ROBERT HENRY DEATHERAGE, JR.
  • Patent number: 7740246
    Abstract: A game system that uses a swinging launcher to strike and propel a magnetic projectile. The magnetic projectile is propelled toward a primary target. If struck, the magnetic projectile clings to the primary target with magnetic attraction. Optional obstacles may be provided to make the striking of the primary target more difficult and the game more challenging. A tee is provided for placement of the magnetic projectile. The swinging launcher is spring loaded. The swinging launcher has a striking head that contacts the magnetic projectile on the tee when the spring loaded striking head is cocked and released. The striking head hits and separates the magnetic projectile from the tee thereby propelling the magnetic projectile toward the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Inventor: Steve Walterscheid
  • Patent number: 7722049
    Abstract: A multipurpose bowl assembly including a bowl, a target having a coupler configured to attach the target to the bowl and a launching device coupled to the bowl and configured to propel at least one item in a direction generally toward the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Wabash Valley Farms
    Inventors: Michael Williams, Rachel DeSmidt, William Lindeman, Cathy Lindeman, legal representative
  • Publication number: 20080246221
    Abstract: A training device for installation in a practice area is provided, the training device providing an indication to a user as to where on a first surface of the training device a football should be aimed. The first surface is configured to allow the ball to pass through the first surface, where it is collected and returned to the user. The training device is also configured to indicate to the user approximately where in the practice area the football will be returned to, so as to allow the user to position themselves accordingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: John Joe O'Sullivan
  • Patent number: 7214137
    Abstract: The golf swing practice device has a floor pad; a hollow tee extending upward from a surface of the floor pad, a ball resting on an end of the tee; and an elastic cord attached to the ball and to the floor pad and extending through the tee. The golf swing practice device also has a socket on a lower end of the tee and a bulge on a surface of the pad. The bulge has a forward-facing slot enclosing the strike side of the elastic cord. The socket on the tee encloses the bulge. The socket and the bulge have complementary spherical shapes that are easily but fitly mounted over and into one another. In other aspects of the invention, the floor pad has a ramp on a strike side of the bulge, and a semicircular groove in its surface, on a forward side of the bulge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Inventor: Louis Arsenault
  • Publication number: 20040160012
    Abstract: There is disclosed a water target sport amusement device. The device consists of a target supported by an upright, the target being pivotally mounted relative to a support housing. The opposed players are positioned on either side of the target and throw projectiles at the target. The support housing contains a pair of angularly disposed opposed nozzles which are connected to a water source. The support housing also includes spray nozzle occluding means which alternate between an open and closed position relative to each spray nozzle. The movement of the occluding means corresponds to the movement of the target which is struck by a projectile. The target includes a control bar which moves the occluding means to alternate between open and close positions. If a player is successful in striking the target, the target pivots, opens the spray nozzle and sprays the opposing player.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Greg Steiner
  • Patent number: 6464504
    Abstract: A mathematical game of amusement including a game board having generally planar upper and lower surfaces. The game board has a square center aperture therethrough. The upper surface of the game board is divided into a series of spaces. Each of the spaces has a predetermined point value associated therewith. A selected number of the spaces are designated as bonus spaces. A launching mechanism is positionable within the square center aperture of the game board. A plurality of disc-shaped game pieces are dimensioned for being positioned atop the launching mechanism. The game pieces are divided into at least two sets of game pieces distinguishable from one another by color. The game pieces are launchable by the launching mechanism onto the series of spaces of the game board to achieve a score.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Inventor: Diane Wingert
  • Patent number: 6270080
    Abstract: A coin-operated item vending and game apparatus includes a coin-operated item vending machine and a game module. The vending machine includes a support base, coin deposit, vendable items dispenser, globe and elongated central support member. The game module includes a housing, target and flexible resilient lever. The housing is disposed within the globe. The target is disposed within the housing. The lever is disposed below the target and extends through the housing and globe such that an outer end of the lever is disposed exteriorly of the globe. A depression defined on the lever receives a coin. The outer end of the lever is manually depressed downwardly by the user causing bending of the lever from an initial condition and creating an upward force because of the resiliency of the lever. Release of the lever by the user allows the lever to spring back to its initial condition and toss the coin upwardly such that the coin will either make or miss the target depending on the skill of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Kil Jae Chang
  • Patent number: 6109613
    Abstract: The invention provides a game apparatus in which playing pieces (12) are projected at a target (2) by a player, comprising a player console (1), a target panel (2) spaced apart from the player console, playing piece projector (3) disposed at the player console for projecting a playing piece (1,2) provided by a player towards the target panel, at least one winner area (16) in the target panel and dimensioned to receive a playing piece (12) projected from the project of, and a prize issuer in response to a projected playing piece being received in the winner area. A movable cover (17) is provided to alternately obscure and expose the or each winner area (16) in a regular or random fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Cromptons Leisure Machines Limited
    Inventors: Gordon James Crompton, David Anthony Chapman
  • Patent number: 6102405
    Abstract: A toy catapult includes a frame and an elongate arm. One end of the arm includes a wheel that is rotatable on an axis defined by a bar of the frame. The other end of the arm includes a ball holder. An arm-protection member is also circumferentially attached to the arm near its middle. The frame includes dual block members, each having a post member extending vertically from it, and a stop member positioned between the post members. Interposing the block members is a lever arm with a wheel-engagement member for holding the arm in tensed, or cocked position. Tension is caused by a flexible bias member which attaches to the arm and to a hook positioned on the frame and located forward of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Michael D. Spikes
  • Patent number: 5605330
    Abstract: A portable container for playing games of chance comprises a box combined by a cover and a base, a rotatable means whose components are disposed in the cover and the base when carried. A number of bouncers are provided on the base for playing. Disks are inserted in the bouncers and bounced by the springs within the bouncers to the assembled rotatable means so that the positions of the rotatable means in which the disks drop determine the scores of the players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Inventors: Wonder Huang, Victoria Ho, Wei-po Hsu
  • Patent number: 5501466
    Abstract: A game apparatus is provided comprising a cabinet defining a playing area including a plurality of shelves mounted therein where each of the shelves has disposed thereon a plurality of game pieces. A receiving mechanism is attached to the cabinet for accepting a playing piece. A player aimable, launching mechanism is linked to the receiving mechanism for launching the playing piece towards the aimed at location for the purpose of dislodging some of the game pieces. A redemption mechanism may be provided for accepting any dislodged game pieces to provide a reward in exchange therefor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Capcom Coin-op, Inc.
    Inventors: Wallace W. Welch, Python V. Anghelo, William F. Triplett, Katherine A. Adams
  • Patent number: 5069460
    Abstract: A hand held game that utilizes a small motor mechanism to uniquely animate various targets, targets, goals or projectile path to increase the challenge of putting an object through the goal or contacting the object with a target at a particular time. Possible game arrangements include: a soccer game with a moving goalie; a basketball game with a rotating hoop; a football game with a rotating goal post; a baseball game with a rotating disc scoreboard; a golf game with a rotating green; and a skee-ball game with an oscillating ramp. A small wind-up motor animates all of the targets, goals or paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Inventor: Ralph J. Kulesza
  • Patent number: 4548413
    Abstract: A game device for holding and propelling a ball therefrom upon swinging movement which includes an elongated shaft with a chute member for holding the ball. The chute member is pivoted to the shaft for swinging movement through approximately 180.degree. of arc and the shaft itself is intended to be held much as a golf club for swinging movement through an arc of swing in the manner of a golf club for propelling the ball therefrom. One end of the club is provided with a grip having indentations to guide the proper placement of the fingers for achieving a standard grip such as that used to hold a golf club.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1985
    Inventor: Chris A. David
  • Patent number: 4529207
    Abstract: A toy has a base having an opening therein which is capable of receiving one of a plurality of game modules. The modules are attached to the base by sliding the modules into the opening in the base. The modules each contain a game, with the game of each being different from the others. Each of the modules include at least one or more objects located therein which are moved in playing the particular game associated with the particular module. The base has first and second activation buttons which are connected via linking members to object strikers which are located in the modules. A single player playing against himself, or two players, can compete by controlling their appropriate buttons to activate the strikers under their control to attempt to move the objects within the game modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1985
    Assignee: Tomy Kogyo Company, Incorporated
    Inventors: Takeo Iseki, Michael W. Nuttall, Gorden Spring, Herbert Weiland
  • Patent number: 4509760
    Abstract: A target structure comprising of at least one target and means coupled to the target for exploding the target when the target is hit by an object. In a particular embodiment, the target is a horizontal panel and projector means is located beneath the panel and projects the panel away from the target structure when the panel is struck by an object. The projector means is spring-loaded and is triggered by the force of the object striking the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1985
    Assignee: Adolph E. Goldfarb
    Inventors: Adolph E. Goldfarb, Delmar K. Everitt
  • Patent number: 4313606
    Abstract: A baseball game apparatus having a body with a top surface and a bottom surface, interconnected by first and second side surfaces. A plurality of vertically stacked plates defining stage fields are positioned at one end of the body. Side portions of the top surface are spaced from the side surfaces to define foul ball openings so that balls can fall from the top surface to the bottom surface. A portion of the bottom surface forms a ball collecting portion and the bottom surface is shaped or sloped to direct balls to the ball collecting portion. An opening is formed in a central portion of the top surface at a position spaced from the stage fields, the opening having a first portion for the passage of a bat and a second portion for the passage of the bat and a ball, which ball strikes a sounder on the bottom surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1982
    Inventor: Young S. Ham
  • Patent number: 4278256
    Abstract: A target game comprising a gun and an enclosed target area attached to the muzzle end thereof having a series of moving knock-down targets which are resetable to an upright position, the projectiles are automatically returned to the firing mechanism, and the shots are recorded on a counting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1981
    Inventor: Raymond J. Lohr
  • Patent number: 4193597
    Abstract: A toy including a number of snap and press-fit parts which may be configured as a race car and may be reassembled to form various other toys. In one such toy, the race car body may be disassembled to form a spring-loaded projectile launcher. Other parts may configure a second vehicle launchable by the projectile launcher. In still another variation, a wheelcover is adapted to be launched as a spinning top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1980
    Assignee: Takara Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Iwakichi Ogawa