EP1500898A1 - Projectile launcher including audiovisual means - Google Patents
Projectile launcher including audiovisual means Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1500898A1 EP1500898A1 EP04254090A EP04254090A EP1500898A1 EP 1500898 A1 EP1500898 A1 EP 1500898A1 EP 04254090 A EP04254090 A EP 04254090A EP 04254090 A EP04254090 A EP 04254090A EP 1500898 A1 EP1500898 A1 EP 1500898A1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- projectile
- launcher
- barrel
- projectile launcher
- launching
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41B—WEAPONS FOR PROJECTING MISSILES WITHOUT USE OF EXPLOSIVE OR COMBUSTIBLE PROPELLANT CHARGE; WEAPONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F41B11/00—Compressed-gas guns, e.g. air guns; Steam guns
- F41B11/50—Magazines for compressed-gas guns; Arrangements for feeding or loading projectiles from magazines
- F41B11/57—Electronic or electric systems for feeding or loading
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41B—WEAPONS FOR PROJECTING MISSILES WITHOUT USE OF EXPLOSIVE OR COMBUSTIBLE PROPELLANT CHARGE; WEAPONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F41B11/00—Compressed-gas guns, e.g. air guns; Steam guns
- F41B11/60—Compressed-gas guns, e.g. air guns; Steam guns characterised by the supply of compressed gas
- F41B11/64—Compressed-gas guns, e.g. air guns; Steam guns characterised by the supply of compressed gas having a piston effecting a compressor stroke during the firing of each shot
- F41B11/642—Compressed-gas guns, e.g. air guns; Steam guns characterised by the supply of compressed gas having a piston effecting a compressor stroke during the firing of each shot the piston being spring operated
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41B—WEAPONS FOR PROJECTING MISSILES WITHOUT USE OF EXPLOSIVE OR COMBUSTIBLE PROPELLANT CHARGE; WEAPONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F41B11/00—Compressed-gas guns, e.g. air guns; Steam guns
- F41B11/60—Compressed-gas guns, e.g. air guns; Steam guns characterised by the supply of compressed gas
- F41B11/68—Compressed-gas guns, e.g. air guns; Steam guns characterised by the supply of compressed gas the gas being pre-compressed before firing
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41B—WEAPONS FOR PROJECTING MISSILES WITHOUT USE OF EXPLOSIVE OR COMBUSTIBLE PROPELLANT CHARGE; WEAPONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F41B4/00—Friction-wheel operated launchers
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to a projectile launcher and, more particularly, to toy gun or firearm for launching projectiles such as toy balls, arrows, disks and the like, wherein the launcher includes a mechanism for producing an audio or visual stimulus that is timed to coincide with the launch of the projectile so as to startle, disorient or otherwise affect the projectile's target.
- Toy guns and projectile launchers have long been known in the art.
- a subset of such projectile launchers are those toy guns that utilize air pressure or springs to propel the projectiles from the launcher's barrel toward the intended target.
- a primary object of the present invention to provide a projectile launcher that includes a mechanism for generating an audiovisual stimulus to startle, disorient or otherwise attract the attention the intended target.
- the present invention in brief summary, comprises a projectile launcher including a barrel wherein the projectile or projectiles are stored prior to their launch and a mechanism for launching said projectile, said mechanism being coupled with a user-operated trigger mechanism for initiating the launch of the projectile. Also coupled with the trigger mechanism is a mechanism for generating an audiovisual stimulus, whereby said stimulus is generating simultaneously upon the launch or independently of the launch of the projectile such that the stimulus serves to surprise, disorient, or otherwise attract the attention of the intended target.
- an air-powered mechanism is utilized for launching the projectile, said air-powered mechanism including a user-operated pump that serves to compress air in a pressurizable tank, which compressed air is then released so as to propel the projectile when the user pulls the trigger on the projectile launcher.
- a second barrel is disposed directly above the barrel in which the projectiles are stored, said second barrel housing a strobe or other bright light, which light is also activated when the user pulls the trigger such that the light flashes simultaneously upon the launch of the projectile.
- projectiles including discs, arrows, darts and the like, and a variety of different mechanisms for propelling the projectiles are likewise contemplated, including spring means, magnetic means, elastic means, and the like.
- the projectile launcher 1 includes a barrel 10 in which one or more projectiles 12 are received and retained prior to launch.
- the projectiles are inserted into the barrel through the opening 14 which opening 14 is slightly larger in diameter or area than the diameter or cross-sectional area of the projectile 12.
- the shape of the interior surface 16 of the barrel 10 corresponds to the shape of the projectiles 12 such that the projectiles 12 fit securely within the barrel 10 with very little to no space between the projectile 12 and the interior surface 16.
- the interior surface 16 should be smooth and not contain any imperfections or projections that could hinder or alter the travel of the projectile 12 through the barrel 10.
- the projectiles 12 are spherical foam balls, and the barrel 10 is cylindrical in shape.
- the cylindrical shape of the barrel 10 is also ideally suited for other projectiles 12 having a circular cross-section, such as arrows or darts.
- channels may be included within the barrel 10 so as to accommodate the "fletching" of an arrow or dart so as to allow for a more realistic looking projectile 12.
- the cross-sectional shape of the barrel 10 may be altered so as to accommodate projectiles 12 of different sizes or shapes.
- the barrel 10 for a disc-shaped projectile would be more rectangular or ovoid-shaped in cross-section, as illustrated in FIG. 5. It will be appreciated that other forms and configurations for the projectile launcher of the present invention is possible.
- the projectile launcher 5 of the preferred embodiment includes a handle 18 and pump action mechanism 20, the latter being designed to allow a user to slide the mechanism 20 back and forth along the length of the barrel 10 so as to generate potential energy, the release of which is utilized to propel the projectiles 12.
- Two means of storing potential energy are contemplated in the preferred embodiment - air pressure and compressible spring means.
- the former means uses air pressure which is built up in a separate compartment 22 by means of the user pumping the pump action mechanism 20, which air pressure is controlled by a pressure valve 24.
- the pressure valve 24 releases the pressurized air either upon the triggering by the user or once a certain pressure is achieved.
- the spring means of storing potential energy utilizes a compressible spring 26 which is compressed either by the insertion of projectiles 12 within the barrel 10 or by means of the user-activated pump action mechanism 20.
- a plunger 28 is attached to the end of the compressible spring 26, which plunger 28 serves to propel the projectile 12 through the barrel 10.
- the spring 26 may be released either upon the activation of a trigger by the user or once it has been compressed by a predefined amount.
- a mechanism for generating an audiovisual stimulus 30 is disposed adjacent to the barrel 10, said audiovisual mechanism 30 being designed to generate either an visual stimulus such as a bright flash of light or strobe, or an audio stimulus such as the sound of an explosion or a gunshot, which stimuli serve to disorient, startle, or otherwise attract the attention of or affect the target of the projectile 12.
- an audio stimulus such as a bright flash of light or strobe
- an audio stimulus such as the sound of an explosion or a gunshot
- a combination of stimuli may be generated, such as a bright flash of light and the sound of a gunshot, to further heighten the effect of the projectile launcher 5.
- the audiovisual mechanism 30 comprises a light flash generator 32 coupled with a transparent flash light tube 34, the flash light tube 34 serving to direct and amplify the light generated by the light flash generator 32.
- the flash light generator 32 is powered by a battery 36, which battery 36 may also be used to power a mechanism for propelling the projectile 12, such as an air compressor (not shown).
- other audiovisual stimuli are contemplated, such as the use of a sound effects generator 37 coupled with a speaker 39, which components are also powered by battery 36.
- the battery 36 is stored in a compartment 38 situated behind the flash light tube 34 and above the barrel 10, the flash light tube 34 and battery 36 being electronically connected.
- the compartment 38 is also attached to the handle 18, the latter of which houses the power switch 40 which is electronically connected to the battery 36 and alternatively activates and deactivates all the electronic components of the toy projectile launcher 5 of the present invention.
- a activation switch 42 is also disposed on the handle 18, which activation switch 42 can serve various purposes.
- the activation switch 42 may be electronically connected to the audiovisual mechanism 30 to thereby activate said mechanism 30 upon the depression of the activation switch 42 by the user.
- the activation switch 42 may be connected to the mechanism for propelling the projectile 12 such that depression of the activation switch 42 either releases the spring 26 and plunger 28, or opens the valve 24 thereby releasing the compressed air from the compartment 22, causing the projectile 12 to be expelled from the barrel 10.
- the activation switch 42 may be connected to both the audiovisual mechanism 30 and the mechanism for propelling the projectile 42 such that the projectile 12 is launched and the audiovisual stimulus is generated concurrently therewith.
- a separate trigger 44 may also be disposed either on the flash light tube 30 or on the barrel 10, which trigger 44 may be used to detect the activation of the mechanism for propelling the projectile 12 such that the trigger 44 sends a signal to the audiovisual mechanism 30 upon the launch of a projectile 12 so as to generate an audiovisual stimulus concurrently therewith.
- Such trigger 44 eliminates the need to have the activation switch 42 activate both the audiovisual mechanism 30 and the mechanism for propelling the projectile 12. In fact, the trigger 44 eliminates the need for the activation switch 42 entirely, allowing the projectile 12 to be launched independently.
- a separate ball keeper 46 is provided above the flash light tube 30 for storage of unused projectiles 12.
- the toy projectile launcher 5 is designed to launch discs 48, which discs 48 are loaded into the launcher 5 through an opening 50 in a cylindrical access port 52 above the barrel 10.
- the projectile launcher 5 and in particular the barrel 10 are contemplated in order to launch projectiles 12 of various sizes and shapes.
- other possible projectiles include darts, arrows, rocket-shaped missiles, airplanes and the like. Most of these projectiles 12 only require a slight modification to the shape of the barrel 10 and the interior surface 16 thereof.
- the projectiles 12 are composed of a soft or light material such as foam, although other materials would be equally effective, such as plastic or rubber.
- the projectile 12 could actually be a stream of water or light.
- a variety of other audiovisual stimuli are contemplated in addition to the light and/or sound generated by the audiovisual mechanism 30.
- a puff of smoke might be discharged upon the launch of a projectile or a siren could flash and blare upon the firing of the projectile launcher 5.
- Multiple lights or sound effects are similarly contemplated.
- the means of using compressed air or springs to launch the projectiles 12 are the preferred means, other means are contemplated, including magnetic means, air powered means (such as a blower), motorized flywheels, water pressure and elastic means.
- the motorized flywheel means is particularly suited as a means for propelling disk-shaped projectiles 48 inasmuch as the flywheel can impart rotational velocity to the projectile itself.
- the motorized flywheel is battery operated.
- the embodiment of the projectile launcher 5 illustrated in FIG. 3 employs such a battery-powered motorized flywheel to propel the disks 48.
- a further extension of the projectile launcher 5 of the present invention is to include the audiovisual stimuli on the projectile 12 itself, such that the projectile 12 produces a sound effect or emits a flash of light when it hits the ground or strikes a target.
- a target could include the audiovisual stimuli such that the target produces the sound effect or emits a flash of light when struck.
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Abstract
A projectile launcher is provided comprising a barrel (10) wherein a
projectile (12) is stored prior to launch and a mechanism for launching
said projectile, said mechanism being coupled with a user-operated
trigger mechanism for initiating the launch of the projectile. Also
coupled with the trigger mechanism (40,42) is a mechanism for generating an
audiovisual stimulus, whereby said stimulus is generated
simultaneously upon the launch. In the preferred embodiment, an air-powered mechanism is utilized for
launching the projectile, said air-powered mechanism including a user-operated
pump (18,20) that serves to compress air in a pressurizable tank (22),
which compressed air is then released so as to propel the projectile
when the user pulls the trigger (42). A variety of projectiles are contemplated, including
discs, arrows, darts and the like, and a variety of different
mechanisms for propelling the projectiles are likewise contemplated,
including spring means, magnetic means, elastic means, and the like.
Description
- The present invention relates generally to a projectile launcher and, more particularly, to toy gun or firearm for launching projectiles such as toy balls, arrows, disks and the like, wherein the launcher includes a mechanism for producing an audio or visual stimulus that is timed to coincide with the launch of the projectile so as to startle, disorient or otherwise affect the projectile's target.
- Toy guns and projectile launchers have long been known in the art. A subset of such projectile launchers are those toy guns that utilize air pressure or springs to propel the projectiles from the launcher's barrel toward the intended target.
- An example of such a launcher is shown in U.S. Patent No. 3,540,426 which issued to Lohr, et al. on Novmeber 17, 1970 for an "Air Gun" which uses an air supply provided by a spring-expanded bellows compressed by a spring-loaded piston to expel a plastic projectile situated in the barrel of the gun.
- A somewhat more sophisticated launcher is disclosed U.S. Patent No. 5,343,849, which issued to Steer on September 6, 1994 for a "Rapid Fire Ball Gun" which uses an air pump coupled with a pressurizable air vessel through a check valve, whereby a trigger mechanism serves to open the valve and release pressurized air to expel compressible foam balls which are stored within a cylindrical barrel. The use of a separate pressurizable air vessl or bladder is also disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,373,833, which issued to D'Andrade on December 20, 1994 for "Projectile Shooting Air Gun With Bladder," which patent discloses the use of an inflatable bladder and a pressurizing mechanism for inflating it, the pressurizing mechanism being a hand-operated pump that is designed to replicate the pump action of a shotgun. In a separate patent issued (U.S. Patent No. 5,529,050) to D'Andrade on June 25, 1996 for "Safety Nozzle for Projectile Shooting Air Gun," a safety mechanism is further disclosed for preventing or inhibiting the launch of "undesirable" projectiles.
- The use of a piston and cylinder assembly to produce compressed air for launching a projectile is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,377,656, which issued to Lewinski et al. on January 3, 1995 for a "Toy Gun." A combination of spring, piston and pump is used to generate the air power required to launch a projectile in U.S. Patent No. 5,653,215, which issued to Chung et al. on August 5, 1997 for an "Air-Powered Projectile Launcher."
- Other examples of air-powered projectile launchers are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,276,353, which issued to Briggs et al. on August 21, 2001 for a "Projectile Launcher" and U.S. Patent No. 5,429,108, which issued to Hsieh on July 4, 1995 for an "Air-Operated Toy Gun."
- Many of these launchers include added mechanisms, such as viewfinder or sights. Examples include U.S. Patent No. 5,901,693, which issued to Smith on May 11, 1999 for a "Toy Gun Having an Offset Projectile Launch and Transparent Viewfinding Plunger" and U.S. Patent No. 5,975,068, which issued to Halter et al. on November 2, 1999 for a "Toy Gun Having a Retractable Sight."
- Yet another example of a toy projectile launcher is described in U.S. Patent No. 6,119,671, which issued to Smith et al. on September 19, 2000 for a "Toy Projectile Launcher" which includes a first and second barrel pivotally attached to each other wherein the second barrel is axially aligned with the first barrel for firing the projectile from the second barrel.
- An example of a projectile launcher that fires a glowing projectile, albeit not in connection with a flash of light, is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,415,151, which issued to Fusi, et al. on May 16, 1995 for "Phosphor-containing projectile and launcher therefor" which describes a toy launcher and a phosphor-containing projectile, wherein the launcher includes a radiation emitter for exposing the projectile to phosphorescence-activating radiation prior to launch such that the projectile will phosphoresce as it leaves the launcher.
- As will be appreciated, none of these prior patents even address the problem faced by applicant let alone offer the solution proposed herein.
- Against the foregoing background, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a projectile launcher that includes a mechanism for generating an audiovisual stimulus to startle, disorient or otherwise attract the attention the intended target.
- It is another object of the present invention to provide such a projectile launcher capable of firing a plurality of projectiles.
- It is but another object of the present invention to provide such a projectile launcher that utilizes air pressure to propel the projectile.
- It is another object of the present invention to provide such a projectile launcher that utilizes a spring mechanism to propel the projectile.
- It is still another object of the present invention to provide such a projectile launcher capable of generating a flash of light while simultaneously launching a projectile.
- It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such a projectile launcher capable of generating an explosive sound while simultaneously launching a projectile.
- It is another object of the present invention to provide such a projectile launcher that includes a pumping mechanism that allows a user to generate the air pressure required to launch the projectile.
- It is still yet another object of the present invention to provide such a projectile launcher capable of launching foam arrows.
- It is but another object of the present invention to provide such a projectile launcher capable of launching foam disks.
- To the accomplishments of the foregoing objects and advantages, the present invention, in brief summary, comprises a projectile launcher including a barrel wherein the projectile or projectiles are stored prior to their launch and a mechanism for launching said projectile, said mechanism being coupled with a user-operated trigger mechanism for initiating the launch of the projectile. Also coupled with the trigger mechanism is a mechanism for generating an audiovisual stimulus, whereby said stimulus is generating simultaneously upon the launch or independently of the launch of the projectile such that the stimulus serves to surprise, disorient, or otherwise attract the attention of the intended target. In the preferred embodiment, an air-powered mechanism is utilized for launching the projectile, said air-powered mechanism including a user-operated pump that serves to compress air in a pressurizable tank, which compressed air is then released so as to propel the projectile when the user pulls the trigger on the projectile launcher. In this preferred embodiment, a second barrel is disposed directly above the barrel in which the projectiles are stored, said second barrel housing a strobe or other bright light, which light is also activated when the user pulls the trigger such that the light flashes simultaneously upon the launch of the projectile. A variety of projectiles are contemplated, including discs, arrows, darts and the like, and a variety of different mechanisms for propelling the projectiles are likewise contemplated, including spring means, magnetic means, elastic means, and the like.
- The foregoing and still other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the detailed explanation of the preferred embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
- FIG. 1 is a cut-away view of the projectile launcher of the present invention;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the projectile launcher of FIG. 1; and
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the projectile launcher of FIG. 1.
-
- Referring to the drawings and, in particular, to FIG. 1 thereof, the new projectile launcher of the present invention referred to generally by
reference numeral 5 is shown. The projectile launcher 1 includes abarrel 10 in which one ormore projectiles 12 are received and retained prior to launch. The projectiles are inserted into the barrel through theopening 14 which opening 14 is slightly larger in diameter or area than the diameter or cross-sectional area of theprojectile 12. Similarly, the shape of theinterior surface 16 of thebarrel 10 corresponds to the shape of theprojectiles 12 such that theprojectiles 12 fit securely within thebarrel 10 with very little to no space between theprojectile 12 and theinterior surface 16. Ideally, theinterior surface 16 should be smooth and not contain any imperfections or projections that could hinder or alter the travel of theprojectile 12 through thebarrel 10. - In the preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the
projectiles 12 are spherical foam balls, and thebarrel 10 is cylindrical in shape. It should be appreciated that the cylindrical shape of thebarrel 10 is also ideally suited forother projectiles 12 having a circular cross-section, such as arrows or darts. In fact, channels may be included within thebarrel 10 so as to accommodate the "fletching" of an arrow or dart so as to allow for a more realistic lookingprojectile 12. The cross-sectional shape of thebarrel 10 may be altered so as to accommodateprojectiles 12 of different sizes or shapes. For example, thebarrel 10 for a disc-shaped projectile would be more rectangular or ovoid-shaped in cross-section, as illustrated in FIG. 5. It will be appreciated that other forms and configurations for the projectile launcher of the present invention is possible. - In addition to the
barrel 10, theprojectile launcher 5 of the preferred embodiment includes ahandle 18 andpump action mechanism 20, the latter being designed to allow a user to slide themechanism 20 back and forth along the length of thebarrel 10 so as to generate potential energy, the release of which is utilized to propel theprojectiles 12. Two means of storing potential energy are contemplated in the preferred embodiment - air pressure and compressible spring means. The former means uses air pressure which is built up in aseparate compartment 22 by means of the user pumping thepump action mechanism 20, which air pressure is controlled by apressure valve 24. Thepressure valve 24 releases the pressurized air either upon the triggering by the user or once a certain pressure is achieved. The spring means of storing potential energy utilizes acompressible spring 26 which is compressed either by the insertion ofprojectiles 12 within thebarrel 10 or by means of the user-activatedpump action mechanism 20. Aplunger 28 is attached to the end of thecompressible spring 26, whichplunger 28 serves to propel theprojectile 12 through thebarrel 10. Thespring 26 may be released either upon the activation of a trigger by the user or once it has been compressed by a predefined amount. - A mechanism for generating an
audiovisual stimulus 30 is disposed adjacent to thebarrel 10, saidaudiovisual mechanism 30 being designed to generate either an visual stimulus such as a bright flash of light or strobe, or an audio stimulus such as the sound of an explosion or a gunshot, which stimuli serve to disorient, startle, or otherwise attract the attention of or affect the target of theprojectile 12. In fact, a combination of stimuli may be generated, such as a bright flash of light and the sound of a gunshot, to further heighten the effect of theprojectile launcher 5. - In the preferred embodiment, the
audiovisual mechanism 30 comprises alight flash generator 32 coupled with a transparentflash light tube 34, theflash light tube 34 serving to direct and amplify the light generated by thelight flash generator 32. Theflash light generator 32 is powered by abattery 36, whichbattery 36 may also be used to power a mechanism for propelling theprojectile 12, such as an air compressor (not shown). In addition to thelight flash generator 32, other audiovisual stimuli are contemplated, such as the use of asound effects generator 37 coupled with aspeaker 39, which components are also powered bybattery 36. - In the preferred embodiment, the
battery 36 is stored in acompartment 38 situated behind theflash light tube 34 and above thebarrel 10, theflash light tube 34 andbattery 36 being electronically connected. In such embodiment, thecompartment 38 is also attached to thehandle 18, the latter of which houses thepower switch 40 which is electronically connected to thebattery 36 and alternatively activates and deactivates all the electronic components of thetoy projectile launcher 5 of the present invention. - A
activation switch 42 is also disposed on thehandle 18, whichactivation switch 42 can serve various purposes. First, theactivation switch 42 may be electronically connected to theaudiovisual mechanism 30 to thereby activatesaid mechanism 30 upon the depression of theactivation switch 42 by the user. Alternatively, theactivation switch 42 may be connected to the mechanism for propelling theprojectile 12 such that depression of theactivation switch 42 either releases thespring 26 and plunger 28, or opens thevalve 24 thereby releasing the compressed air from thecompartment 22, causing theprojectile 12 to be expelled from thebarrel 10. In yet a third embodiment, theactivation switch 42 may be connected to both theaudiovisual mechanism 30 and the mechanism for propelling theprojectile 42 such that theprojectile 12 is launched and the audiovisual stimulus is generated concurrently therewith. - A
separate trigger 44 may also be disposed either on theflash light tube 30 or on thebarrel 10, whichtrigger 44 may be used to detect the activation of the mechanism for propelling theprojectile 12 such that thetrigger 44 sends a signal to theaudiovisual mechanism 30 upon the launch of aprojectile 12 so as to generate an audiovisual stimulus concurrently therewith.Such trigger 44 eliminates the need to have theactivation switch 42 activate both theaudiovisual mechanism 30 and the mechanism for propelling theprojectile 12. In fact, thetrigger 44 eliminates the need for theactivation switch 42 entirely, allowing theprojectile 12 to be launched independently. - In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a
separate ball keeper 46 is provided above theflash light tube 30 for storage ofunused projectiles 12. - In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the
toy projectile launcher 5 is designed to launchdiscs 48, whichdiscs 48 are loaded into thelauncher 5 through anopening 50 in acylindrical access port 52 above thebarrel 10. It should be appreciated that various other configurations of theprojectile launcher 5, and in particular thebarrel 10, are contemplated in order to launchprojectiles 12 of various sizes and shapes. For example, in addition to the spherical and disc-shapedprojectiles 12 shown herein, other possible projectiles include darts, arrows, rocket-shaped missiles, airplanes and the like. Most of theseprojectiles 12 only require a slight modification to the shape of thebarrel 10 and theinterior surface 16 thereof. - In the preferred embodiment, the
projectiles 12 are composed of a soft or light material such as foam, although other materials would be equally effective, such as plastic or rubber. Alternatively, the projectile 12 could actually be a stream of water or light. - In addition, a variety of other audiovisual stimuli are contemplated in addition to the light and/or sound generated by the
audiovisual mechanism 30. For example, a puff of smoke might be discharged upon the launch of a projectile or a siren could flash and blare upon the firing of theprojectile launcher 5. Multiple lights or sound effects are similarly contemplated. - Furthermore, while the means of using compressed air or springs to launch the
projectiles 12 are the preferred means, other means are contemplated, including magnetic means, air powered means (such as a blower), motorized flywheels, water pressure and elastic means. The motorized flywheel means is particularly suited as a means for propelling disk-shapedprojectiles 48 inasmuch as the flywheel can impart rotational velocity to the projectile itself. In the preferred embodiment, the motorized flywheel is battery operated. The embodiment of theprojectile launcher 5 illustrated in FIG. 3 employs such a battery-powered motorized flywheel to propel thedisks 48. - Finally, a further extension of the
projectile launcher 5 of the present invention is to include the audiovisual stimuli on the projectile 12 itself, such that the projectile 12 produces a sound effect or emits a flash of light when it hits the ground or strikes a target. Alternatively, a target could include the audiovisual stimuli such that the target produces the sound effect or emits a flash of light when struck. - Having thus described the invention with particular reference to the preferred forms thereof, it will be obvious that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
Claims (25)
- A projectile launcher comprising:at least one projectile;an elongated barrel for receiving said at least one projectile;means for forcibly launching said projectile from said barrel towards a target; andmeans for generating an audiovisual stimulus at about the same time as the launch of said at least one projectile.
- The projectile launcher of claim 1, wherein said means for launching comprises means for pressurizing air within a compartment situated behind said projectile in said barrel.
- The projectile launcher of claim 2, wherein said means for pressurizing comprises a hand operated air pump coupled with a pressure release valve separating said pressurized air in said compartment from said projectile.
- The projectile launcher of claim 3, wherein said means for launching further comprises an activation switch coupled with said pressure release valve to alternatively open said valve to thereby expel said pressurized air from said compartment and close said valve to retain said pressurized air within said compartment.
- The projectile launcher of claim 1, wherein said means for launching comprises a compressible spring and piston, said spring and piston being situated within said barrel behind said projectile.
- The projectile launcher of claim 5, further including hand-operated means for compressing said spring and retaining said spring in a compressed position.
- The projectile launcher of claim 6, wherein said means for launching further comprises an activation switch coupled with said spring and piston for alternatively releasing and retaining said spring in said compressed position.
- The projectile launcher of claim 1, wherein said projectiles are spherical in shape.
- The projectile launcher of claim 8, wherein said barrel is cylindrical in shape and has a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of said projectiles.
- The projectile launcher of claim 1, wherein the shape of projectile is chosen from the group consisting of darts, arrows, rockets, planes and missiles.
- The projectile launcher of claim 10, wherein said barrel is shaped so as to conform with the shape of said projectile.
- The projectile launcher of claim 1, wherein said projectiles are composed of polystyrene foam.
- The projectile launcher of claim 1, wherein said means for generating an audiovisual stimulus comprises a means for producing at least one light.
- The projectile launcher of claim 13, wherein said means for generating an audiovisual stimulus comprises a flash bulb coupled with a power source.
- The projectile launcher of claim 14, wherein said means for generating an audiovisual stimulus further comprises a transparent flash light tube for enhancing and focusing the light of said flash bulb.
- The projectile launcher of claim 1, wherein said means for generating an audiovisual stimulus comprises a means for producing a sound effect.
- The projectile launcher of claim 16, wherein said means for producing a sound effect comprises a sound generator coupled with a speaker and a power source.
- The projectile launcher of claim 1, wherein said means for generating an audiovisual stimulus comprises a means for producing a flash of light and a means for simultaneously generating a sound effect so as to simulate the firing of a gun.
- The projectile launcher of claim 1, further including a trigger coupled with said means for generating an audiovisual stimulus for repeatedly activating said means for generating an audiovisual stimulus.
- The projectile launcher of claim 1, further including a trigger coupled with said means for forcibly launching said projectile for activating said means for forcibly launching to thereby propel said projectile from said barrel.
- The projectile launcher of claim 1, further including a trigger coupled with said means for generating an audiovisual stimulus and said means for forcibly launching said projectile, for activating said means for generating an audiovisual stimulus while simultaneously propelling said projectile from said barrel.
- The projectile launcher of claim 1, wherein said projectiles are disk-shaped.
- The projectile launcher of claim 1, wherein said means for launching comprises a motorized flywheel.
- The projectile launcher of claim 23, wherein said motorized flywheel is battery powered.
- A projectile launcher comprising:at least one projectile, said projectile being spherical in shape and composed of polystyrene foam;an elongated cylindrical barrel for receiving said at least one projectile, the diameter of said barrel being slightly larger than the diameter of said spherical projectile;means for forcibly launching said projectile from said barrel towards a target comprising a hand operated air pump coupled with a pressure release valve for pressurizing air within a compartment situated behind said projectile in said barrel and an activation switch coupled with said pressure release valve to open said valve to thereby expel said pressurized air from said compartment; andmeans for generating an audiovisual stimulus concurrently with the launch of said at least one projectile comprising a flash bulb coupled with a power source, said flash bulb further being coupled with a trigger which serves to simultaneously activate both said flash bulb and said means for launching.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/616,418 US20050016514A1 (en) | 2003-07-09 | 2003-07-09 | Projectile launcher including audiovisual stimuli |
US616418 | 2003-07-09 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1500898A1 true EP1500898A1 (en) | 2005-01-26 |
Family
ID=33490851
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP04254090A Withdrawn EP1500898A1 (en) | 2003-07-09 | 2004-07-08 | Projectile launcher including audiovisual means |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20050016514A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1500898A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
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CN114719679A (en) * | 2022-04-07 | 2022-07-08 | 湖南翔为通用航空有限公司 | Fire-fighting bomb launching method |
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US20070181114A1 (en) * | 2006-02-07 | 2007-08-09 | Tippmann Dennis J Jr | Combination non-lethal projectile launcher and flash light |
US7686002B2 (en) * | 2007-09-11 | 2010-03-30 | Mattel, Inc. | Toy projectile launcher |
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US20100330873A1 (en) * | 2008-10-10 | 2010-12-30 | Mccafferty Jim | Toy vehicle launcher |
US9956491B2 (en) * | 2008-10-10 | 2018-05-01 | Jakks Pacific, Inc. | Stunt figure for attaching with a mobile toy to allow for performance of a stunt |
US20100330874A1 (en) * | 2009-02-21 | 2010-12-30 | Jakks Pacific, Inc. | Toy vehicle rotational element for rotating a toy vehicle |
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Cited By (2)
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CN114719679A (en) * | 2022-04-07 | 2022-07-08 | 湖南翔为通用航空有限公司 | Fire-fighting bomb launching method |
CN114719679B (en) * | 2022-04-07 | 2024-04-09 | 湖南翔为通用航空有限公司 | Fire-extinguishing agent launching method |
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