US3503614A

US3503614A - Toy shooting gallery

Info

Publication number: US3503614A
Application number: US692858A
Authority: US
Inventors: Leonard W Suroff; Hyman Suroff
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1967-12-22
Filing date: 1967-12-22
Publication date: 1970-03-31
Anticipated expiration: 1987-03-31

Description

L. w. SUROFF ETAL 3,503,614

TOY SHOOTING GALLERY March 31, 1970 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Dec. 22, 1967 INVENTORS LEONARD W. SUROFF HYMAN SUROFF United States Patent 3,503,614 TOY SHOOTING GALLERY Leonard W. Suroff, 12 Tompkins Ave., Jericho, NY. 11753, and Hyman Surolf, 254 E. 56th St., Brooklyn, N.Y. 11203 Filed Dec. 22, 1967, Ser. No. 692,858 Int. Cl. F41j 9/00 U.S. Cl. 273-101 2 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The specification discloses an amusement device in the form of a toy which may be used by a child or adult, to measure his skill and accuracy in marksmanship with a movable target. The user is seated on a support in front of a target assembly which contains a movable target thereon that may be of a knock down type. Drive means in communication with the support and target assembly is provided for moving the target in a given direction, as by rotation of foot pedals, causing the target to move at a speed in relation to the speed of rotation of the pedals. To project a missile or pellet against the target a gun is mounted in communication with the support stand, in easy reach of the user, for firing at the target assembly. Means for retrieving the pellets, and shield means to contain the missiles in a confined area, may also be provided.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to amusement devices and more particularly to a toy shooting gallery for projecting missiles against a movable target.

An important aspect of the development of a child into an adult relates to his ability to co-ordinate the various senses so that his body properly responds to the impulses of the voluntary and involuntary muscles. Although various toys have been marketed, it is difiicult to find one that aids in the development of coordination of the eyes, hands and feet in one toy at an early age of say three years and up. Accordingly, applicants have invented a new and novel amusement device which will be illustrated as a shooting gallery with knock down targets, and this will permit the early development of coordination. Targets of various themes, including those of an educational value, may be utilized in accordance with the present invention. For example, the target might be in the form of a mathematical arrangement, etc.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is the provision of an amusement device in which the coordination between the users eye sight, hands and feet are developed.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of an amusement device in which the speed of the target is controllable by the user.

Another object of the present invention is a mechanism which may be manually operated by the user at an early age.

Another object of the present invention is a device, which is comparatively simple to produce and operate, and which is highly amusing and attractive to the user.

Another object of the present invention is an amusement device which permits the user to be seated and continually project missiles against a moving target that is adapted to be moved at a speed selected by the user, with means for automatically retrieving the missiles for reloading the projectiles.

Another object of the invention resides in an amusement device in which the participant may gauge his skill by the relative speed of movement of the movable target. Other objects of the present invention will become apparent as the disclosure proceeds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention the amusement device is constructed of a plastic or metal, or a combination thereof, having support means on which the user is generally seated on a seat portion. In communication with the support means is a missile projecting means mounted in a position to be easily controllable by the user while seated on said support means. The missile projecting means may be in the form of a pistol or rifle pivotably mounted for sighting and movement with a movable target.

Target means is provided in spaced relation to the missile projecting means and contains a plurality of knock down targets. The target means includes a rotatably mounted member which is rotated in a plane substantially normal to the direction of the projected missiles, by the target drive means, the latter is mounted in communication with the support and target means and includes at least one foot pedal secured to the support means and engageable by the user. Movement of the foot pedal controls the speed of the target means.

To protect the user from any ricochet of the projected missile, shield means may be provided which may be of a clear plastic material so as not to block the light from the target. In addition it is convenient to provide missile retrieving means for collecting the projected missiles subsequent to their engagement with said target means. The retrieving means may take the form of an inclined plane sloped in the direction of the user and accessible by him while he remains seated. The target contains a plurality of knock down targets and the amusement device is provided with means for uprighting the individual targets between successive cycles of movement of the target means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself, and the manner in which it may be made and used, may be better understood by referring to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views and in which:

FIG. 1 is a general perspective view of an amusement device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view, partly in section, of the amusement device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged end view, partly in section, taken on line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3A is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional view taken on line 3A3A of FIG. 3;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional view taken on line 44 of FIG. 3, showing the target uprighting means;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional, side elevational view showing the coupling means for rotating the target means;

FIG. 6 is a top sectional view taken on line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional view showing a modified embodiment of transmitting the motion of the foot pedals;

FIG. 8 is a side view taken on line 8-8 of FIG. 7; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic representation illustrating a modified drive means that includes an electric motor.

3 DETAILED DISCUSSION OF THE INVENTION Support means In accordance with the invention and particularly with respect to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 thereof we have an amusement device 10 including a support means 12 having a base portion 14 with a seat portion 16 contained thereon for the user and an upwardly inclined front portion 17 terminating in a backstop 19. A plurality of substantially vertically extending legs 18 are secured to and support the base portion in a substantially horizontal plane.

Missile projecting means In communication with the support means 12 we have missile projecting means 20 mounted on a vertically extending rest 22 secured to the base portion 14. The rest 22 may have a contoured upper surface 24 which may be designed to support the entire arm, or a portion thereof, of the user, when missiles or pellets 26 (FIG. 2) are projected against the movable target means 30. The missile projecting means 20 is mounted on the rest 22 in spaced relation to the seat portion 16 so as to facilitate the user to easily reach and easily control it while re-' maining seated on the seat portion.

The missile projecting means 20, although illustrated as a pistol may take various forms, as for example, a rifle. The pistol may be of a commercially available type, having power means which includes an air cartridge, spring loaded, automatic, semiautomatic, etc. The missile may be of various shapes and sizes from the size of a B-B to a marble and formed of a metallic or plastic material or any combination thereof. The shape of the The missile projecting means 20 is controllable by the user from the support means 20, and may be in the form of a pistol 28 secured by its handle grip to locking means 25, which is illustrated as a vertically extending member 29 secured at its lower end to the rest 22, to permit pivotable rotation of the pistol for sighting and movement with respect to the movable target. A universal ball joint (not illustrated) may form part of the locking means 29 which limits the movement so that each missile fired will generally strike the target support member. The locking means 25 as illustrated in FIG. 3A is designed by means of complementary stops 27a and 27b, contained respectively on the support member 29 and rest 22, to limit the angular rotation in the horizontal plane of the barrel of the pistol. This is to prevent the user from possibly rotating the pistol 28 so it faces himself or his friend, as well as possibly removing the pistol and using it separately. By limiting the angular movement of the pistol we are assured that each missile fired will generally strike the target means.

Target means The target means 30 includes a target support member 33, mounted in spaced relation to the missile projecting means 20, and including at least one target 32 thereon, and preferably a plurality as illustrated in FIG. 3, which individual targets are adapted for relative movement with respect to the target support member 33, such that a strike thereon by a missile 26 will cause a knock down of the individual target 32, and be visible to the user.

The support member 33 is mounted for rotation in a plane substantially normal to the direction of projection of the missile 26 and the individual target 32 is mounted for relative movement with respect to the plane of said member. Obviously the target support member as to both its configuration and direction of rotation thereof, as well as the positioning of the individual targets thereon, may take various shapes and forms.

The individual targets 32 are shown mounted peripherally around the circumference of the target support member 33 by means of a pair of peripherally extending spaced apart ribs 34 with a pin 35 extending therebetween and through the body portion 36 of the target 32 (see FIG. 4). The mounting of the target 32 with respect to the support member 33 may vary and be of a knock down type as herein illustrated, or of a spin or bulls eye type, or in the form of an opening in the target with a sound emitter in the form of a bell to indicate when the pellet has gone through the opening. Understandably numerous arrangements are posible, and it is anticipated that the amusement device will vary with the model and size to include numerous variations. The variations will differ with the age of the user as well as his marksmanship. For a child that cannot read a target that makes a noise as by mounting a bell (not shown) behind the target is most suitable. For others a spin effect might be desirable, and yet for others the knock down type might be most desirable as well as combinations thereof. The important aspect, irrespective of which type of targ t means is selected, is that the fact that a hit has been made is communicated to the user either visually or by sound. In this manner the user can adjust his aim accordingly.

Uprighting means As seen in FIG. 4, the individual target 32 in its upright position is tilted slightly forward towards the missile projecting means such that it will remain in its upright position as the support member 33 is rotated. Uprighting means 40 for returning the knocked down target 32 is provided and may be in the form of a circular member 41 mounted on the rear wall 46 of the housing cover 45, and having an inclined plane 42 adapted to engage the head portion 37 of an individual target member 32. As the target support member is rotated, generally in a clockwise direction, the knocked down target illustrated in FIG. 4 is continually uprighted during the rotation of the support member until it reaches the upright position as illustrated by the phantom lines.

Accordingly we have illustrated a simple and efficient device for continually uprighting the targets 32 between successive cycles of movement. As seen in FIG. 3 the support member is circular in shape and remains beneath the forward portion 17 of the base portion 14. In its upright position the target 32, is inclined forward as by providing a foot 38 that extends outwardly from the body portion 36 to engage the support member 33. Other mechanical arrangements may be selected that retain the target in its upright position, as for example clips, etc.

Drive means Drive means 50 (see FIG. 3) is provided in communication with the support means 12 and target means 30, and is adapted to be controlled by the user from the support means 20, to cause the taregt member 33 to move at a selected fixed or varied speeds. The drive means 50 includes, at least one pedal 52, two being illustrated, in spaced apart relation to each other on both sides of the base portion 14 and in easy reach of the user. The pedals 52 are mounted on respective end sections 53 of the pedal support member 51, having an intermediary section 54 and outwardly projecting connecting sections 55 integrally formed with said respective end sections 53-.

A pair of spaced apart arms '57 project downwardly from the bottom 15 of the base portion 14 and each contain a bushing or roller bearing '56 therein for rotatably supporting the pedal support member. A sprocket 58 is conventionally mounted on the intermediary portion 54 between the arms 57 and contains a linkage which includes a belt or chain drive 59, for transmitting the movement to the target means 30.

Coupling means Coupling or linkage means 60, forms part of the drive means 50, and is utilized to transmit the motion of the belt drive 59 to the target member 33, in a manner illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. The forward portion 17 of the base portion 14 acts in conjunction with the housing cover 45 to substantially enclose the converting means.

The housing cover 45 is designed to enclose the coupling means 60 to avoid a user from possibly placing his foot, hand, etc. in the moving parts and injuring himself. The housing may be formed as an integral member and secured to the underside of the inclined front portion 17 of the base portion 14 in any conventional manner. Rear wall 46 and front wall 47 are secured together by bottom wall 48 (see FIG. 2), which may have a circular configuration to conform to the shape of the target support member 33.

The opposite end of the belt 59 is supported on sprocket 62 which is mounted for rotation on shaft 63, the latter being mounted between spaced apart shaft support members 64 extending downwardly from the forward portion 17 of the base support. A bearing 65 may be provided on each shaft support member 64 to permit free rotation for prolonged periods of time. Bevel gear 66 is mounted on the shaft 63 to transmit the rotation of the sprocket 62 to the target member 33, as by mating the bevel gear 67 mounted on shaft 68. Shaft 68 is mounted between the rear wall 46 and a target support member 69 having an angle support portion 70 for securement to the forward portion 17 of the base support. Bearings 71 are provided, on the support member 69 and rear wall 46, to permit free rotation of the target support member 33, 'which is mounted on and secured to the shaft 68 in any conventional manner.

The rotation of the target member 33 occurs when the pedals 52 are rotated by the user effecting the movement of the belt drive 59 which is contained within the guard means 75 and extending through an opening 76 in front wall 47 to engage the sprocket member 62. This rotation is then transmitted through mating bevel gears 66 and 67 to the target support member 33, in this manner the speed of rotation of the target means 30 is directly controllable by the user.

Guard means The guard means 75, for enclosing a portion of the drive means 50, includes spaced apart end walls 77 (see FIGS. 3 and 6) extending along the length of support base 14 and provided with flanges 78 for securement to the bottom of the support base 14. An opening 79 is provided on each of the respective end walls 77 to permit the intermediary portion 54 of the pedal support member 51 to extend therethrough. Front flanges 81 (see FIG. 6) may be provided at the forward end to secure the end walls 79 to the front wall 47 in any conventional manner. A bottom guard wall 82 secures the end walls 79 together.

Groove or slot 84 (see FIG. 5) is provided in the forward portion 17 to permit the target support 33 to extend therethrough. Preferably the spacing between the target support 33 and the sides of the groove is such as not to permit the pellets to pass therebetween.

Missile return means The missile return means 58 (see FIG. 1) is designed to permit a continual return of the projected or retrieved missiles to a position in which the user may replace them in the pistol 28, or they are replaced automatically therein. One form of accomplishing this is illustrated in FIG. 1,.by the provision of a track 86 in the form of an inclined plane on the front portion 17 of the base portion 14. The inclined plane is directed towards the user to permit a gravity return of the missiles. The missiles may be reached by the user as he remains seated in his supported position. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, a pellet retrieval opening 87 is provided on the vertically extending rest 22. The bottom of the track 86 is adjacent the opening 87 so that as the pellets 26 are automatically accumulated therein the user may insert his hand and remove a supply of the missiles.

Shield means Missile shield means 90 may be provided to protect the user or an onlooker from a possible rebound off of the target with resulting injury. This is especially so if locking means 29 is not utilized, in that the gun 28 would be otherwise free to rotate in any direction. A clear plastic shell 91 may form the shield and is supported in any conventional manner with respect to the forward portion 17 of the support means 12 to substantially enclose the space between the target means and missile projecting means.

MODIFICATIONS Although a preferred embodiment of the invention has been discussed with respect to FIGS. 1-6, inclusive, it is quite obvious that certain changes in design and construction may be accomplished without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, by way of illustration and not limitation, two modifications are illustrated below that might be selected by choice or intended sales price of the amusement device.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a form of the invention 10a, in which the drive means 50a utilizes a connecting rod 94a for the linkage in transmitting the motion of the pedals (not shown) to the coupling means. The intermediary portion 54a, of the pedal support member 51a, is supported between the support members 57a, with a bevel gear 94a mounted thereon for engagement with bevel gear 96a, mounted on the shaft a, shaft support 97a supports the shaft 95a. The opposite end of the shaft 95a may be coupled in any conventional manner to the target support member. This design provides for a direct drive in which the guard means to enclose at least part of the drive means may be eliminated.

Another variation in the invention, is illustrated in accordance with FIG. 9, in which the invention 10b may have drive means 50b electrified by mounting in a conventional manner, motor means in the form of a motor 100b, in communication with the target support means 30b, such that the individual pedals 52b may engage switching means in the form of a switch 101b, connected by wires 102b to the motor 10%. The motor may be battery powered. The switch and motor may be of a variable speed type, such that the user may by means of his feet control the speed of rotation of the target. As such, the switch 101b may be of the on and off type, such that the user may alternately stop and start the motor 100b, such that the target moves at variable speeds or the switch may be of a 3 way type and the motor of the variable speed type to obtain variations in speed of angular rotation of the support member.

Conclusion Applicants have herein disclosed a new and novel amusement device, primarily intended for children, starting from the age of two, up to and including adulthood. The device is designed to permit the user, both male and female, to perfect their coordination of the eye, hand and feet, in a manner to assist their development. Adults also may enjoy the device and test their skill and ability.

The amusement device has been illustrated in a simple form for purposes of illustration. If the product is primarily fabricated from plastic as by thermoforming or injection moulding, various supports, etc. may be in tegrally formed with the support means to cut down on fabrication costs. This will vary on the size and intended sales price of the amusement device.

The amusement device may also be constructed to reflect various themes or may be combined with other games that are interrelated with the amusement device of the present invention for children. Accordingly, the target means may be of a sports, space, western, science, automobile, historic, etc. theme.

Whereas the present invention has been described in particular relation to the drawings illustrated herein, it

should be apparent that other and further modifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein, might be made within the spirit and scope of this invention.

We claim:

1. An amusement device, comprising in combination:

(A) means providing a generally elongated support member including a seat portion near the forward end thereof,

(B) missile projecting means mounted on said support member at a point intermediate the end portions thereof and oriented for projection of missiles in a direction along the longitudinal axis of said support member and toward the rear end thereof,

(C) target means including a disc member supporting at least one knock down target along the periphery thereof, said disc member being mounted on the rear end portion of said support member for rotation in a plane substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of said support member,

(D) drive means for rotating said disc member including a pair of foot pedals carried by said support member, linkage means connecting said foot pedals together and to said disc member to provide for selective rotation of said disc member at controlled speeds in response to movement of said foot pedals,

(E) shield means substantially enclosing said target means and the projection path of said missiles, and

(F) means positioned on said support member and along the projection path of said missiles to provide for retrieving said projected missiles from within said shield means enclosure subsequent to the projection of said missiles. v i 2. An amusement device as defined in claim 1 and further including:

(a) guard means providing an enclosure for said linkage means, and (b) means coupled to said target means for continuously uprighting knocked down target during rotation of said disc member.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS ANTON O. OECHSLE, Primary Examiner MAX R. PAGE, Assistant Examiner US. Cl. X.R.