ES2731777T3 - Toy bow and arrow system with interior bow lighting - Google Patents

Abstract

A toy bow assembly (10) used to launch toy projectiles, said toy bow assembly (10) comprises: an arc structure (12) having a handle (26), a first arm section (28) and a second arm section (30), wherein said first arm section (28) and said second arm section (30) both contain internal compartments (37, 43), wherein each of said internal compartments (37, 43) is defined, in part, by at least one translucent area (49); lights (51) disposed within said internal compartments (37, 43) of said first arm section (28) and said second arm section (30), wherein said lights (51) internally illuminate each of said internal compartments ( 37, 43) when activated, wherein the light of said lights (51) is observed through said at least one translucent area (49) of each internal compartment (37, 43); an ignition switch (55) disposed in said arc structure (10) to selectively activate and deactivate said lights (51); a first elastic element (18) that is anchored to the first arm section (28) and that extends through the internal compartment (37) of said first arm section (28) towards a central area between said first arm section (28) and said second arm section (30); a second elastic element (18) that is anchored to the second arm section (30) and that extends through the internal compartment (43) of said second arm section (30) towards said central area; the internal compartments (37, 43) that serve to protect the elastic elements (18) from ambient UV light; and the lights (51) do not contain significant UV wavelengths.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Toy bow and arrow system with interior bow lighting

Technical Field of the Invention

In general, the present invention relates to toy bow and arrow systems, where a toy bow is used to launch a toy arrow type projectile to fly.

Prior art

Bow and arrow sets that are designed for children's play have existed throughout ancient history. In the modern era, bow and arrow assemblies typically have a molded plastic bow, rope and arrows with safety tips. To ensure safety, the functional design of a toy bow is also commonly altered. In a real bow, the string has a fixed length. The elastic force used to launch an arrow comes from the flexion of the arms of the bow. The problem with this design is its failure mode. If a bow tightens beyond its limits, then the arms or the bowstring can break. Depending on where the break occurs, the broken rope and / or bow can fly to the person holding the bow when the stored energy is accidentally released.

To reduce the possibility of occurrence of this danger, many toy arches are manufactured as static structures. An elastic rope is used to create the arrow's throwing force. If such an arch is overstressed, there is no significant possibility of the arch breakage. Rather, the elastic cord will break and move more likely in a direction away from the person who tightens the bow. The failure mode of a string break is far less dangerous than the failure mode of the string break. However, the failure mode of a broken rope presents some damage depending on where the elastic rope is broken and how much energy is stored in the elastic rope at the time of breaking.

Toy bows that use a static bow and elastic rope are exemplified by U.S. Patent No. 5,247,920 granted to Harbin, entitled Toy Bow; and U.S. Patent No. 7,748,369 granted to Chee, entitled Launching Apparatus and Assembly.

Many toy bows that have elastic cords use elastic cords that are made of a synthetic polymer, such as silicon, TPR or some other synthetic rubber. In the toy, such elastic strings are constantly under tension. As such, if the rope material deforms or degrades, the elastic rope will break. This prevents the toy bow from being functional.

Almost all plastic degrades in some way over time. However, it has been found that one of the fastest ways to degrade preferred polymers used for the bowstring is to expose the bowstring to UV light. A bowstring that can last for months inside a house can last only a few days if it is put outside and left in sunlight. A toy that lasts for months is acceptable. A toy that lasts several days is not. Damage caused by exposure to light causes the products to be returned and / or consumer dissatisfaction with the toy manufacturer.

In the pending United States application no. 13 / 909,968, the applicant presents a toy bow where the elastic cord is enclosed and protected from UV light in the ambient atmosphere. However, by protecting the bowstring, the toy bow loses some aesthetics. However, arc string armor provides the opportunity to provide a unique improved aesthetic through the use of internal lighting.

Therefore, there is a need for a toy bow and arrow design that inhibits degradation in the elastic string caused by exposure to ultraviolet light, but provides improved aesthetics when using internal lighting that does not contain significant UV wavelengths . This need is covered by the present invention as described and claimed below.

United States Patent Description No. US-A-5762 056 describes an arc of braces that have rigid guide tubes that are mounted in a universal frame that allows the handle and the guide tube assembly to pivot. The elastic thrust tubes are placed inside the rigid guide tubes and secured to their front ends with tension adjusters. A safety / traction limitation line is placed inside each elastic tube and is connected to the bowstring near the rear end of the elastic tube and the tension adjuster near the front end of the elastic tube. The sights are mounted on the upper guide tube and the arrow rests are installed between the two guide tubes. A pull handle or a pull loop is secured to the central position of the bowstring. When the bowstring is pulled back, the arrow will remain aligned with the sights due to the universal pivot function of the bowstring. Preferred features or mode include protection against ultraviolet (UV) degradation of the elastic tubes, safety protection for the handle if an elastic tube breaks or detaches from its assembly, overload protection, ability to shoot with the right hand or left and collapse of the handle of the arc of straps parallel to the guide tubes for easy storage in a pocket, case or backpack.

The Chinese patent description with no. CN 201 688753 U describes a sling comprising a handle and a sling frame connected to the handle. The sling frame is provided with a sling hole that is in connection with a fixedly rubber band, the handle is provided with a built-in cavity and an emerging light hole communicated with the cavity, a light unit is arranged in the cavity of the sling frame and the light emitted by the light unit is emitted outward through the emerging light hole. In particular, the left side and the right side of the handle may respectively be provided with clamping grooves, and the sling frame comprises a sling arm with the sling hole and a clamping arm that extends downwardly to be in a clamping connection with the handle. As the sling is provided with the light unit, and the light emitted by the light unit can be emitted outward through the emerging light hole in the handle, the sling has a simple structure when a user uses the sling at night or in places with insufficient light, the light unit can be turned on to illuminate a target, and then the sling has the advantages of convenient use and great functionality. In addition, the light unit is arranged on the sling, so it is capable of directing a targeted target to be identical to a target emitted by the light unit, and performing synchronous transfer and replacement of the target.

Description of the invention

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a toy bow assembly is provided as described in claim 1. According to another aspect of the present invention, a toy bow assembly is provided as described in any of claims 2 to 10.

The present invention is a toy bow assembly that is used to launch toy projectiles. The toy bow assembly includes an arch structure that has a first arm section and a second arm section. Both the first arm section and the second arm section contain at least one translucent area.

The lights are arranged both within the first arm section and in the second arm section. The lights internally illuminate the translucent areas of the first arm section and the second arm section when activated.

A power switch is placed on the arc structure to selectively turn the lights on and off.

A first elastic element is anchored to the first arm section. The first elastic element extends through the first arm section towards a central area. The first arm section protects the first elastic element from exposure to ambient light. Likewise, a second elastic element is anchored to the second arm section. The second elastic element extends through the second arm section and towards the central area. The second arm section protects the second elastic element from exposure to ambient light. This prevents the elastic elements from degrading due to the exposure of the UV light contained in the ambient light.

A toy projectile that has extension hooks is provided. The hooks in the projectile hook the elastic elements. When the projectile is pulled back, the elastic elements stretch and provide the spring energy necessary to launch the projectile into flight when released.

Brief description of the drawings

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following description of an illustrative embodiment thereof, considered together with the accompanying figures in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a combination of a toy bow and a toy projectile;

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the toy arc shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a pivot post shown in section 3 of Figure 2; and Figure 4 shows a toy projectile that engages in the loading loops within the central region of the toy arc.

Detailed description of the best way to carry out the invention

Although the bow and arrow system of the present invention can be implemented in several ways, only one illustrative embodiment of the system of the present invention is illustrated. This mode is selected to establish the best mode contemplated for the invention. The embodiment illustrated, however, is merely illustrative and should not be considered a limitation when interpreting the scope of the appended claims.

With reference to Figure 1, an arc and arrow system 10 is shown. The bow and arrow system 10 includes an arc structure 12 and at least one arrow 14 type projectile. The structure of the arc 12 is rigid. The force that is used to propel the arrow-type projectile 14 is provided by two separate and distinct load loops 16. The arrow-type projectile 14 has hook projections 20 that engage in both load loops 16. The elastic elements 18 extend through the load loops 16. When a person hooks an arrow-type projectile 14 with the load loops 16 and pulls the arrow-type projectile 14, the elastic elements 18 of the load loops 16 are stretched. Since there are two loading loops 16, the elastic element 18 in each of the loading loops 16 needs to provide only half of the force necessary to propel the arrow 14 projectile to fly. Therefore, the elastic elements 18 are difficult to stretch into excess in the correct functioning of the toy. Furthermore, if any of the elastic elements 18 or the load loops 16 suddenly break, the orientation of the broken elastic elements 18 prevents the elastic elements 18 or the load loops 16 from turning towards the user. This dynamic is explained in more detail below. Finally, since the arrow-type projectile 14 engages with two separate and distinct load loops 16, the chances that the elastic elements 18 in both load loops 16 break simultaneously are highly unlikely. Consequently, if an elastic element 18 breaks, the arrow-type projectile 14 will still be hooked by the other load loop 16 and the person pulling the arrow-type projectile 14 backwards will not pull the arrow-type projectile 14 towards itself after breakage of the load loop 16.

Referring to Figure 2 together with Figure 1, it can be seen that the arch structure 12 is a rigid molding. The arc structure 12 has a first end 22, a second end 24 and a handle 26 in its central region. The handle 26 has an upper end 25 and a lower end 27. A first arm section 28 rests above the upper end 25 of the handle 26. Similarly, a second arm section 30 rests below the lower end 27 of the handle 26. The first arm section 28 and the second arm section 30 are oriented in a common vertical plane. The handle 26 is offset from the common vertical plane so that it does not interfere with the trajectory of the arrow 14 projectile. This creates an open central region 15 between the first and second arm sections 28, 30 defined by the handle 26 .

The first arm section 28 contains a sheath structure 35 defining a first internal compartment 37. The first internal compartment 37 has a lower end 39 that faces the open central region 15. Similarly, the second arm section 30 contains a sheath structure 41 defining a second internal compartment 43. The second internal compartment 43 has an upper end 45 that faces the open central region 15. Both sheath structures 35, 41 have forward facing surfaces 49 that are translucent .

One or more light emitting diodes 51 are mounted within each of the sheath structures 35, 41. When the light emitting diodes 51 are activated, they internally illuminate both the first internal compartment 37 and the second internal compartment 43. This lighting internally can be seen from an external point through the translucent areas 49 in both sheath structures 35, 41. Although only one or a few light emitting diodes 51 can be used in each of the internal compartments 37, 43, the internal lighting makes translucent areas 49 glow brightly wherever they are illuminated by internal lighting.

The light emitting diodes 51 are preferably monochromatic and emit light between the green and red wavelengths of the visible spectrum. This light does not contain significant ultraviolet components. The light produced by the light emitting diodes 51, therefore, does not produce a significant degradation in the polymers of the elastic elements 18. As such, the light emitting diodes 51 can emit bright light without adversely affecting the service life of the elastic elements 18.

The light emitting diodes 51 are powered by batteries 53. The batteries 53 are connected within a battery compartment that is manufactured in the arc structure 12. Although a battery compartment can be placed within the first arm section 28 or the second arm section 30, it is preferable that the battery compartment is placed inside the handle structure 26.

When the bow and arrow system 10 is used, a person grabs the handle 26 of the bow structure 12. As such, it is preferable that an on / off switch 55 be placed on the handle 26 in a position that can be easily operated by a person holding the handle 26 of the arc structure 12. In the preferred mode, the on / off switch 55 is a normally "off" switch that is "turned on" only when actively pressed. The on / off switch 55 can be integrated into the handle 55, so that the on / off switch is activated simply by firmly holding the handle 26 of the arc structure 12.

Two pole structures 31, 32 are mounted in the arch structure 12 outside the lower opening 39 of the first sheath structure 35 and the upper opening 45 of the lower sheath structure 41. Referring now to Figure 2 together with Figure 3, it will be understood that although Figure 3 shows only one of the post structures 31, the description given represents both post structures 31, 32 equally. Each pivot post structure 31, 32 defines two narrow channels 40. In Figure 3, only one channel 40 is shown. It will be understood that a second channel is located below the channel 40 shown in a parallel configuration.

Each of the loading loops 16 is a loop structure of an elastic element 18 that creates two sections 47, 48. The sections 47, 48 of each elastic element 18 extend through the sheath structures 35, 41 and through of the two pivot posts 31, 32. Each elastic element 18 has two ends. Both ends of each elastic loop 18 are fixed to the anchored posts 44, 46 within the sheath structure 35, 41. Since the sections 47, 48 of each elastic element 18 extend through the structures of the sheath 35, 41, it will be understood that the material of the elastic elements 18 is protected against any exposure of external light until the elastic elements 18 are stretched out of the channels 40 in the pivot post structures 31, 32.

The length of the elastic element 18 has a cross-section that is smaller than the diameter of the channels 40 in the pivot post structures 31, 32. In this way, a separate section 47, 48 of the elastomeric element 18 can pass through of each of the openings 40, keeping inside the two sections 47, 48 of the loop.

When sections 47, 48 of the elastic element 18 pass outside the pivot post structures 31, 32, the elastic element 18 immediately passes to the reinforcement tubes 50 to form the load loops 16. The diameters of the reinforcement tubes 50 are larger than the channels 40 in the pivot post structures 31, 32. Consequently, the reinforcement tubes 50 cannot pass through the pivot post structures 31, 32. As a result, each length of the element Elastic 18 is divided into two sections 47, 48. The first section 47 extends between an anchor post and the reinforcement tube 50 on the side furthest from the structure of the pivot post. The second section 48 extends from the reinforcement tube 50 to the anchor post. The loop of the elastic element 18 between the two sections 47, 48 bends the reinforcing tubes 50 and creates the two loading loops 16.

Additionally, the presence of the reinforcing tubes 50 protects the elastic element 18 within the load loops 16 from exposure to external light. Consequently, when the elastic elements 18 are at rest, the total length of each of the elastic elements 18 is protected from external ambient light.

Due to the displacement of the handle 26, there is an open central region 15 between the two pivot post structures 31, 32. The loading loops 16 each extend in the open central region 15 from opposite sides.

Referring to Figure 4 together with Figure 1, it can be seen that the arrow-type projectile 14 has two hook elements 20 extending from opposite sides. The hook elements 20 are sized and shaped to engage the two loading loops 16 when the hook elements 20 are passed back through the open central region 15. To load the arrow-type projectile 14, the arrow-type projectile 14 is placed within the open central region 15, so that the hook elements 20 are hooked to the load loops 16. Once it is hooked with the load loops 16, the arrow-type projectile 14 is pulled as an arc and traditional arrow. As the arrow-type projectile 14 moves away from the open central region 15, the elastic elements 18 stretch. The elastic elements 18 fold around the structures of the pivot posts 31, 32, allowing the loading loops 16 to move with the arrow-type projectile 14. This is the only time that the parts of the elastic elements 18 are exposed in ambient light. This exposure lasts only while the elastic elements 18 are stretched. Therefore, exposure to ambient light only lasts a few seconds during each firing cycle.

As the elastic elements 18 are stretched, they store energy. When the arrow-type projectile 14 is released, the elastic elements 18 retract and the arrow-type projectile 14 accelerates towards the open central region 15. In the open central region 15, the load loops 16 retract against the post structures of pivot 31, 32. The impulse of the arrow-type projectile 14 causes the arrow-type projectile 14 to continue moving forward beyond the open central region 15. This throws the arrow-type projectile 14 into flight when the hook elements 20 disengage. of loading loops 16.

When the elastic elements 18 are stretched, they are more vulnerable to breakage. If one of the sections 47, 48 of an elastic element 18 is broken before passing through a pivot post structure 31, 32, then the speed of the broken elastic element that contracts 18 is reduced by its passage through the pivot post structure 31, 32. This prevents a broken section from turning towards the user. In addition, if the elastic element 18 is broken after the pivot post structure 31, 32 passes, most of the potential energy serves to move the broken elastic element 18 backward, towards the structure of the pivot post 31, 32 and away from the user.

It should be understood that the modality of the present invention that is illustrated and described is merely illustrative and that a person skilled in the art can make many variants to this modality. For example, the arch structure can have many different decorative shapes. The arch structure can also take the form of a crossbow. Likewise, projectile arrows can be configured as airplanes, rocket ships or any other flying projectile. All of these modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims.

Claims (10)

1. A toy bow assembly (10) used to launch toy projectiles, said toy bow assembly (10) comprises: an arc structure (12) having a handle (26), a first arm section (28) and a second arm section (30), wherein said first arm section (28) and said second arm section ( 30) both contain internal compartments (37, 43), wherein each of said internal compartments (37, 43) is defined, in part, by at least one translucent area (49); lights (51) disposed within said internal compartments (37, 43) of said first arm section (28) and said second arm section (30), wherein said lights (51) internally illuminate each of said internal compartments ( 37, 43) when activated, wherein the light of said lights (51) is observed through said at least one translucent area (49) of each internal compartment (37, 43); an ignition switch (55) disposed in said arc structure (10) to selectively activate and deactivate said lights (51); a first elastic element (18) that is anchored to the first arm section (28) and that extends through the internal compartment (37) of said first arm section (28) towards a central area between said first arm section (28) and said second arm section (30); a second elastic element (18) that is anchored to the second arm section (30) and that extends through the internal compartment (43) of said second arm section (30) towards said central area; the internal compartments (37, 43) that serve to protect the elastic elements (18) from ambient UV light; Y the lights (51) do not contain significant UV wavelengths. 2. The assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein said activation switch (55) is disposed in said handle (26). 3. The assembly (10) according to claim 1, further including a battery compartment disposed within said arc structure for supporting the batteries to power said lights (51). 4. The assembly (10) according to claim 1, further including a first reinforcing tube (50) surrounding said first elastic element (18) in said central area and a second reinforcing tube (50) surrounding said second elastic element (18) in said central area protecting therein said first elastic element (18) and said second elastic element (18) from exposure to ambient light in said central area. 5. The assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein said first elastic element (18) forms a first loop structure (16) in said central area and wherein said second elastic element (18) forms a second structure loop (16) in said central area. The assembly (10) according to claim 1, further including a first pole structure (31) and a second pole structure (32) that are located near said central area on opposite sides of said central area. 7. The assembly (10) according to claim 5 and claim 6, wherein said first elastic element (18) is coupled to a first anchor point in said first arm section (28), wherein said first elastic element ( 18) extends from said first anchor point to said first loop structure (16), and wherein said first elastic element (18) bends around said first pole structure between said first anchor point and said first structure of loop (16). 8. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first arm section (28) and the second arm section (30) are joined together by a displaced handle (26), wherein an open central region is defined by said handle (26) between said first arm section ( 28) and said second arm section (30). 9. The assembly (10) according to claim 8, wherein said activation switch (55) is placed on said handle (26). 10. The assembly (10) according to claim 8, further including a battery compartment that is placed within said arc structure (10) to hold the batteries to power said lights (51), wherein said compartment for battery is disposed within said handle (26).