TOY PROJECTILE LAUNCHER
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 projectile into flight.
BACKGROUND ART
Bow and arrow sets that are designed for children’s play have existed throughout
recorded history. In the modern era, toy bow and arrow sets typically have a plastic
molded bow, a string and safety-tipped arrows. To ensure safety, the functional design
of the bow is also commonly altered. In a real bow, the string has a fixed length. The
spring force used to launch an arrow comes from the flexing of the arms of the bow.
The problem with this design is its failure mode. If a bow is drawn beyond its limit, then
the arms or the string of the bow may break. Depending upon where the breakage
occurs, the broken string and/or bow may fly toward the person holding the bow as the
stored energy is accidentally released.
To reduce the likelihood of this hazard from occurring, many toy bows are
manufactured as static structures. An elastic string is used to create the arrow
launching force. If such a bow is overdrawn, there is no significant chance of the bow
breaking. Rather, the elastic string can break and will most likely move in a direction
away from the person drawing the bow. The failure mode of a string breaking is far
less dangerous than the failure mode of the bow breaking. However, the failure mode
of broken string does present some danger depending upon where the elastic string
breaks and how much energy is stored in the elastic string at the time it breaks.
Toy bows that use a static bow and an elastic string are exemplified by U.S. Patent
No. 5,247,920 to Harbin, entitled Toy Bow; and U.S. Patent No. 7,748,369 to Chee,
entitled Launching Apparatus and Assembly.
Although toy bows with elastic strings are safer than flexible bows with non-elastic
strings, a danger still is present. If an elastic string is stretched into a fully drawn state
and the elastic string breaks near its mounting point with the bow, then the broken
elastic string may whip toward the person pulling on the elastic string. The broken
elastic string therefore has the potential to cause physical danger to the child pulling
on the string, especially to the eyes of that child.
A need therefore exists for a toy bow and arrow design that eliminates the dangers to
a child who may overdraw the bow to a point of string failure. This need is met by the
present invention as described and claimed below.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a toy projectile launching system that launches a toy
projectile. The toy projectile has at least two hook elements extending from it that are
engaged by the launcher. The launcher has a handle. The handle has a first end and a
second end. A first support extends from the handle proximate its first end. Likewise, a
second support extends from the handle proximate its second end. As a result, an
open area is defined on three sides by the handle, the first support and the second
support.
A first arm element is coupled to the first support. A first elastic loop is anchored to the
first arm element. The first elastic loop has a looped section that extends into the open
area. A second arm element is coupled to the second support. Likewise, a second
elastic loop is anchored to the second arm element. The second elastic loop has a
looped section that extends into the open area. The looped sections of the first elastic
loop and the second elastic loop are spaced to receive and engage the opposing hook
elements on the toy projectile when the toy projectile is manually drawn through the
open area.
Therefore the present invention provides a launching device for launching a toy
projectile, wherein said toy projectile contains opposing hook elements extending
therefrom, said launching device including:
a handle having a first end and a second end;
a first support extending from said handle proximate said first end;
a second support extending from said handle proximate said second end,
wherein an open central area is defined on three sides by said handle, said first
support and said second support;
a first elastic loop supported by said first support, wherein said first elastic loop
extends into said open central area; and
a second elastic loop supported by said second support, wherein said second
elastic loop extends into said open central area, wherein said first elastic loop and
said second elastic loop are spaced to receive and engage said opposing hook
elements on said toy projectile.
Preferably the device further includes a first arm element that extends from said first
support and a second arm element that extends from said second support. Preferably
said first elastic loop is anchored to said first arm element and said second elastic loop
is anchored to said second arm element. Preferably said first arm element is
connected to said first support at a first pivot connection and said second arm element
is connected to said second support at a second pivot connection.
Preferably the first arm element is free to rotate about said first pivot connection
through a predetermined range between an uncocked position and a cocked position.
Preferably the predetermined range is about ninety degrees.
Preferably the second arm element is free to rotate about said second pivot
connection through a predetermined range between an uncocked position and a
cocked position. Preferably the predetermined range is about ninety degrees.
Preferably the device further includes a first spring that biases said first arm element
into said uncocked position. Preferably the device further includes a second spring
that biases said second arm element into said uncocked position.
Preferably the handle is configured as a crossbow stock.
The present invention further provides a toy projectile launching device, including:
a toy projectile having at least two hook elements extending therefrom;
a launcher including,
a handle having a first end and a second end;
a first support extending from said first end of said handle;
a second support extending from said second end of said handle, wherein an
open area is defined on three sides by said handle, said first support and said
second support;
a first elastic loop supported by said first support, wherein said first elastic
loop extends into said open area;
a second elastic loop supported by said second support, wherein said second
elastic loop extends into said open area;
wherein said first elastic loop and said second elastic loop are spaced to
receive and engage said hook elements on said toy projectile when said toy
projectile is manually drawn through said open area.
Preferably the device further includes a first arm element that extends from said first
support and a second arm element that extends from said second support.
Preferably the first elastic loop is anchored to said first arm element and said second
elastic loop is anchored to said second arm element.
Preferably the first arm element is connected to said first support at a first pivot
connection and said second arm element is connected to said second support at a
second pivot connection.
Preferably the first arm element is free to rotate about said first pivot connection
through a first predetermined range between a first uncocked position and a first
cocked position, and said second arm element is free to rotate about said second pivot
connection through a second predetermined range between a second uncocked
position and a second cocked position. Preferably the first predetermined range and
said second predetermined range are both approximately ninety degrees.
Preferably the device further includes springs that bias said first arm element into said
first uncocked position and bias said second arm element into said second uncocked
position.
Preferably the handle is part of a crossbow stock.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following
description of exemplary embodiments thereof, considered in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a toy launcher and toy
projectile in combination;
is an exploded perspective view of a side view of the launcher shown in Fig. 1;
is a side view of the launcher with a segment of the toy projectile, the launcher
is shown in an uncocked position;
is a side view of the launcher with a segment of the toy projectile, the launcher
is shown in a cocked position;
shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the toy launcher
configured as a crossbow; and
shows a side view of an alternate embodiment of a launcher having static arm
elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Although the present invention toy bow and arrow system can be embodied in many
ways, only two embodiments of the present invention system are illustrated. These
embodiments are selected in order to set forth the best modes contemplated for the
invention. The illustrated embodiments, however, are merely exemplary and should
not be considered limitations when interpreting the scope of the appended claims.
Referring to Fig. 1, a projectile launching system 10 is shown. The projectile launching
system 10 includes a launcher 12 and at least one toy projectile 14. The launcher 12
includes two spring-loaded arm elements 16, 18. The force used to propel the toy
projectile 14 is provided by the spring energy stored by the spring-loaded arm
elements 16, 18 and the stretching of two elastic loops 19, 20 that extend from the arm
elements 16, 18. The toy projectile 14 has hook projections 22 that engage both of the
elastic loops 19, 20. As a person engages the toy projectile 14 with the elastic loops
19, 20 and pulls on the toy projectile 14, both elastic loops 19, 20 stretch. Since there
are two elastic loops 19, 20, each of the elastic loops 19, 20 need only provide half the
force needed to propel the toy projectile 14 into flight. The elastic loops 19, 20 are
therefore difficult to overstretch in the proper operation of the projectile launching
system 10. Should either of the elastic loops 19, 20 suddenly break, the orientation of
the broken elastic loops 19, 20 prevents them from whipping toward the user.
Furthermore, since the toy projectile 14 engages two separate and distinct elastic
loops 19, 20, the chance of both elastic loops 19, 20 breaking simultaneously is highly
improbable. Accordingly, if one elastic loop breaks, the toy projectile 14 will still be
engaged with the second elastic loop and the person pulling the toy projectile 14 will
not pull the toy projectile 14 into himself upon the breakage of the one elastic loop.
Referring to Fig. 2 in conjunction with Fig. 1, it can be seen that the launcher 12
includes a handle 24. The handle 24 has a first end 25 and an opposite second end
26. The handle 24 is preferably a rigid plastic molding that progresses along a primary
longitudinal axis 27. Two supports 28, 30 extend from the handle 24. The first support
28 extends from the handle 24 proximate its first end 25 and the second support 30
extends from the handle 24 proximate its second end 26. As an assembly, the handle
24 and the two supports 28, 30 form a generally C-shaped structure that defines three
sides of a central open area 32.
The bottom of each support 28, 30 is coupled to the handle 24. The top of each
support 28, 30 terminates with a pivot post 34. Each pivot post 34 is oriented at a right
angle to the longitudinal axis 27 of the holding handle 24. As such, when the handle 24
is held in a vertical orientation, both pivot posts 34 will extend in a horizontal
orientation.
A bore 36 is formed in the top center of each of the pivot posts 34. Each bore 36 is
used to receive an assembly screw 38, as is later explained. At the bottom of each of
the pivot posts 34, the supports 28, 30 expand. This creates a ledge 40 around the
bottom of each pivot post 34. A recess 42 is formed just below the ledge 40 that is
sized to receive a torsion spring 44. At least one stop 46 is formed on each ledge 40
for a purpose that will later be explained.
Two arm elements 16, 18 are provided. Each arm element 16, 18 has a first end 48, a
second end 52 and a mounting hole 50 that extends through each of the arm elements
16, 18 near their second ends 52. A guide groove 54 is formed partially around each
mounting hole 50 for a purpose that is later explained.
Elastic loops 19, 20 extend from the second ends 52 of the arm elements 16, 18. The
elastic loops 19, 20 are made from strands of highly elastic elastomeric material that
enables each elastic loop 19, 20 to resiliently stretch at least threefold without
breaking. The elastic loops 19, 20 are made from different material than is the
remainder of the rigid arm elements 16, 18. Accordingly, it will be understood that the
elastic loops 19, 20 are mechanically anchored to the arm elements 16, 18. Each arm
element 16, 18 defines two holes 55, 56 proximate its second end 52. The elastic loop
extends through these holes 55, 56. The holes 55, 56 are spaced at least ¼ inch
apart. This spreads each of the elastic loops 19, 20 and helps the elastic loops 19, 20
maintain an open loop configuration at all times.
The arm elements 16, 18 attach to the supports 28, 30 by passing the pivot posts 34
through the mounting holes 50 of the arm elements 16, 18. The arms elements 16, 18
are free to rotate about the pivot posts 34 through a predetermined range of motion.
The range of motion is approximately ninety degrees. When the arm elements 16, 18
are placed onto the pivot posts 34, the stops 46 on the ledge 40 of the supports 28, 30
engage the guide groove 54 that surrounds the mounting hole 50. The position of the
stops 46 and the shape of the guide groove 54 enables each of the arm elements 16,
18 to rotate only ninety degrees about the pivot posts 34 between an uncocked
position and a cocked position.
The torsion spring 44 is positioned around each pivot post 34. The torsion springs 44
engage both the arm elements 16, 18 and the supports 28, 30. The torsion springs 44
apply a biasing force to the arm elements 16, 18 that bias the arm elements 16, 18 into
their uncocked positions. It will therefore be understood that the arm elements 16, 18
are spring loaded into their uncocked positions.
The arm elements 16, 18 are prevented from moving off the pivot posts 34 by end
caps 58 that get mounted to the top of the pivot posts 34 with screws 38.
When the launcher 12 is fully assembled, the handle 24 is offset from the plane of the
arm elements 16, 18 by the supports 28, 30. This defines the open area 32 between
the arm elements 16, 18. The elastic loops 19, 20 extend into this open area 32 from
opposite sides.
Referring to both Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 in combination with Fig. 2, it can be seen that the
toy projectile 14 has two hook projections 22 extending from opposite sides. The hook
projections 22 are sized and shaped to engage the two elastic loops 19, 20 as the
hook projections 22 are pulled through the open area 32.
To load the toy projectile 14, the toy projectile 14 is drawn through the open area 32 so
that the hook projections 22 engage the elastic loops 19, 20. Once engaged with the
elastic loops 19, 20, the toy projectile 14 is pulled in the manner of a traditional bow
and arrow. As the toy projectile 14 is drawn away from the open area 32, the elastic
loops 19, 20 stretch. As the elastic loops 19, 20 stretch, they apply a torque to the arm
elements 16, 18. When the force of the applied torque supersedes the bias of the
torsion spring 44, each of the arm elements 16, 18 rotate about the pivot posts 34 from
the original uncocked position (Fig. 3) to a ready-to-fire cocked position (Fig. 4).
As the elastic loops 19, 20 stretch, they store energy. Furthermore, as the arm
elements 16, 18 move in opposition of the torsion springs 44, the torsion springs 44
store energy. When the toy projectile 14 is released, the elastic loops 19, 20 retract.
The arm elements 16, 18 spring back to their uncocked positions and the toy projectile
14 is accelerated through the open area 32. At the open area 32, the momentum of
the toy projectile 14 causes the toy projectile 14 to continue its forward movement
past the open area 32. This launches the toy projectile 14 into flight as the hook
projections 22 disengage the elastic loops 19, 20.
The rotation of the arm elements 16, 18 from the uncocked position (Fig. 3) to the
cocked position (Fig. 4) provides a clear visual indicator as to when the bow launcher
12 is ready to launch the toy projectile 14. The strength of the torsion springs 44 are
coordinated with the strength of the elastic loops 19, 20. In this manner, the arm
elements 16, 18 rotate to the fully cocked positions (Fig. 4) just as the elastic loops 19,
20 reach their optimal degree of elongation. In this manner, a child playing with the
launcher 12 can easily see when the launcher 12 is ready to be fired at its optimal
strength. Likewise, the visual indication will help prevent a child from pulling too hard
on the toy projectile 14 and stressing the elastic loops 19, 20 to the point of breakage.
Referring to Fig. 5, an alternate embodiment of a launcher 60 is shown. In this
embodiment, the launcher 60 is configured as a crossbow 62. The crossbow 62 has
arm elements 16, 18 and elastic loops 19, 20 that are the same as was previously
explained. The only difference is that the handle is now part of a stock 64 that can hold
a toy projectile 14 in a loaded position. A catch 66 is provided on the stock 64 that
engages the toy projectile 14 and prevents it from launching. The catch 66 is operated
by a trigger mechanism 68 that is positioned under the stock 64. When a user
activates the trigger mechanism 68, the toy projectile 14 is released by the catch 66
and the toy projectile 14 is launched into flight.
In the previous embodiments, the arm elements of the launcher are spring loaded.
However, this need not be the case. The toy launcher can still be made effective even
if the arms are made static. Referring now to Fig. 6, such an embodiment is shown. In
this embodiment, the toy launcher 70 is made with a handle 72 that is offset between
two supports 74, 76, as with the earlier embodiment. Two static arm elements 78, 80
are rigidly joined to the handle 72 via the supports 74, 76. The first arm element 78
and the second arm element 80 are disposed in a common plane. The handle 72 is
offset from the common plane by the supports 74, 76 so as not to interfere with the
path of the toy projectile 14. This creates an open central area 82 between the first
and second arm elements 78, 80.
Two elastic loops 84, 86 extend into the open central area 82. The loops 84, 86
engage a toy projectile in the manner previously described. Since the arm elements
78, 80 are not spring loaded, it is only the strength of the elastic loops 84, 86 that
provide the energy needed to launch the toy projectile. The strength of the elastic
loops 84, 86 can be increased by increasing the size of the elastic loops 84, 86 and
therefore the amount of elastic material embodied by the elastic loops 84, 86.
In the launcher 70 of Fig. 6, two rigid guide posts 88, 90 are provided. One post 88 is
directly above the open central area 82, the other directly below the open central area
82. The elastic loops 84, 86 are much longer than in the previous embodiments. The
first elastic loop 84 is anchored to the top of the first arm element 78. The first elastic
loop 84 extends through openings in the first guide post 88. The first guide post 88
retains the looped section 92 of the elastic loop 84 in the open central area 82.
Likewise, the second elastic loop 86 is anchored to the far end of the second arm
element 80. The second elastic loop 86 extends through openings in the second guide
post 90. The second guide post 90 retains the looped section 94 of the second elastic
loop 86 in the open central area 82.
When a toy projectile engages the first and second elastic loops 84, 86, the entire
length of the elastic loops 84, 86 can stretch. This provides the energy needed to
propel the toy projectile into flight without the use of spring loaded arms.
It will be understood that the embodiments of the present invention that are illustrated
and described are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art can make
many variations to those embodiments. For instance, the bow structure can have
many different ornamental shapes. Likewise, the toy projectiles can be configured as
airplanes, rocket ships or any other flying projectile. All such embodiments are
intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the
claims.
Unless the context requires otherwise the word ‘comprise’, and variations including
‘comprises’ and ‘comprising’ are intended to be inclusive rather than exclusive. In
other words, comprise (and variations) is to be taken to mean include and not ‘consists
only of’ unless the context specifically precludes this interpretation.