WO2023227903A1

WO2023227903A1 - Toy rocket

Info

Publication number: WO2023227903A1
Application number: PCT/GB2023/051390
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stephen Carpenter
Original assignee: China Industries Limited
Priority date: 2022-05-27
Filing date: 2023-05-26
Publication date: 2023-11-30
Also published as: GB2619493A; GB202207823D0

Abstract

A toy rocket is disclosed. The toy rocket comprises a launcher comprising an inner launch tube; and a hollow rocket body comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, and an end cap. The toy rocket further comprises a retaining means to increase the friction between the launcher and the inner surface of the rocket body. The inclusion of the retaining means provides a simple toy rocket which has a higher launch velocity, a longer airborne time, and optionally a greater maximum altitude in flight.

Description

T oy Rocket

The present invention relates to a toy rocket, a kit of parts, and a method for producing a toy rocket.

Background to the Invention

Toy rockets (also known as stomp rockets) are well known and have been used for a long time. Conventional toy rockets use compressed fluid, usually air, to propel (or launch) the toy rocket skyward. However, these rockets have a limited airborne time and quickly return to the ground. Thus, there is a need for a toy rocket which has a longer airborne time.

Spanish utility patent number ES233891 describes a toy rocket, comprising launching means including a hollow cylindrical launch tube for containing a projectile before launch, and a flexible impact air chamber in communication with the launch tube and intended to withstand a sudden impact, such as produced by a user's stomp, with which the resulting air is transmitted from the chamber through the launch tube. The projectile has reception means located on the launch tube to receive the impact of the compressed air, the projectile being made substantially of soft spongy material. US patent publication number US 2002/020401 describes a toy rocket launcher set comprising a rocket having an elongated, tubular rocket body having a first diameter and a nose cone having a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter; and a compressed fluid rocket launcher for launching the rocket. The launcher comprises a launch tube defining a passage for retaining the rocket therein prior to launching; a pressurized fluid source operably interconnected with the launch tube; and an annular elastomeric seal member within the passage of the launch tube for engaging the nose cone of the rocket in a frictional engagement.

Summary of the Invention

It is amongst the aims and objects of the invention to provide a toy rocket, a kit of parts, and a method for producing a toy rocket and which obviates or mitigates one or more drawbacks or disadvantages of the prior art.

Further aims and objects of the invention will become apparent from reading the following description.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a toy rocket comprising a launcher comprising an inner launch tube; and a hollow rocket body comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, and an end cap. The toy rocket further comprises a retaining means to increase the friction between the inner launch tube and the inner surface of the hollow rocket body.

The inventors of the present invention have found that by increasing the friction between the inner launch tube and the inner surface of the hollow rocket body, a greater pressure within the rocket body is required to overcome the combined friction force and weight of the rocket body. The greater pressure advantageously results in a higher launch velocity, a longer airborne time, and optionally a greater maximum altitude in flight.

The launcher may further comprise a valve body connected to the inner launch tube. The connection between the valve body and the inner launch tube may be a push fit connector. Preferably, the valve body is suitable for connecting to an air source (such as a pump). The launcher may further comprise a base mount, preferably for supporting the valve body. Preferably, the valve body is located between two base mount portions which, when connected (e.g. via screw means), forms the base mount and encases the valve body.

Preferably, the launcher comprises a switch for reversibly engaging and disengaging the retaining means. In preferred embodiments, the switch is located on the valve body. In some embodiments, the switch comprises a handle, preferably a handle on the valve body. The switch advantageously allows the user to choose whether to “activate” (or “enable”) the retaining means, and thus can be considered a “turbo switch”. This advantageously allows the user to choose between a “low” launch and a “high” launch.

The base mount may comprise a spring for engaging with notches on the valve body. In preferred embodiments, the valve body comprises two notches. The spring may be a leaf latch spring. Instead of a spring (with corresponding notches), the base mount and/or valve body may comprise any other suitable means for retaining the valve body at a certain position (as desired by the user) within the base mount.

The launcher may comprise a plurality of valve bodies, each of the valve bodies associated with a base mount and each having an inner launch tube connected to the valve body. In preferred embodiments, the launcher comprises an equal number of valve bodies, base mounts and inner launch tubes.

The toy rocket may comprise a plurality of hollow rocket bodies. Preferably, each rocket body is used with a different inner launch tube. This advantageously allows for a plurality of rocket bodies to be launched (optionally simultaneously) from the same launcher.

The launcher may comprise a modular support connectable to a plurality of base mounts. The modular support advantageously allows a plurality of base mounts (and thus a plurality of valve bodies and inner launch tubes) to be connected to form a single launcher structure.

The modular support and one or more of the base mounts may comprise connection means. Preferably, the connection means is a reversible connection means, so that the modular support and base mounts can be connected and disconnected as desired. The connection means may take the form of one or more sliding dovetail joints. The connection means may be located on one or more (preferably each) side of the base mount, other than those sides of the base mount which the valve body passes through.

The shape of the modular support is dependent on the number of base mounts it is configured to be connected to, and it would be within the ability of the skilled person to select an appropriate shape. If the modular support is configured to be connected to two base mounts, the modular support may have a dumbbell shape cross-section. If the modular support is configured to be connected to four base mounts, the modular support may have a square cross-section, and have a substantially cube shape.

The retaining means may comprise an elastomeric seal. Preferably, the elastomeric seal is an O-ring.

The launcher may comprise the retaining means. In preferred embodiments, the valve body may comprise the retaining means. In these embodiments, the valve body may comprise an O-ring groove in which the O-ring may be positioned. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the inner launch tube may comprise the retaining means.

In these embodiments, the size of the O-ring may be dependent on one or more of width of the inner launch tube; the width of the valve body; and the width of the O-ring groove. It would be within the ability of the skilled person to select an appropriate size such that the O-ring has a snug fit on the valve body.

Alternatively, the rocket body (rather than the launcher) may comprise the retaining means. Preferably, the retaining means is positioned towards the end of the rocket body furthest from the end cap. However, the retaining means may be positioned at any suitable position within the rocket body, so long as the retaining means contacts the inner launch tube when the rocket body is positioned on the launcher.

In embodiments where the rocket body comprises the retaining means, the size of the O- ring may be dependent on one or more of the width of the rocket body; and the width of the inner launch tube. The rocket body may comprise a foam tip, to provide protection to the rocket body on impact with the ground. The foam tip may function as the end cap, or be present in addition to an end cap.

Preferably, the launcher comprises a pump in fluid communication with the inner launch tube. The pump provides an air flow into the inner launch tube (optionally via the valve body), which increases the pressure within the hollow rocket body.

The pump may be an air bladder having an outlet. The air bladder is preferably suitable for hand-pumping and/or stomping by the user.

In preferred embodiments, the air bladder is tapered towards the outlet. This advantageously provides a greater air flow than a non-tapered air bladder. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is understood to be due to the absence of any right angles that would otherwise impede air flow (and subsequent delivery into the valve body).

Alternatively, the pump may be an electric pump.

The inner launch tube may have a length of from about 100 mm to about 200 mm, or from about 150 mm to about 200 mm, or about 180 mm. The inner launch tube may have a length of at least about 50 mm, or at least about 100 mm, or at least about 150 mm. The inner launch tube may have a length of no more than about 250 mm, or no more than about 200 mm.

The inner launch tube can be made of any suitable material and is preferably made of moulded plastic. As the inner launch tube has a non-zero wall thickness, the inner launch tube has an outer diameter and an inner diameter, wherein the outer diameter is greater than the inner diameter.

The outer diameter may be from about 15 mm to about 19 mm, or about 17 mm. The inner diameter may be from about 13 mm to about 17 mm, or about 15 mm.

One or more of the valve body, base mount and modular support may be made of moulded plastic. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit of parts comprising parts operable to be assembled into a toy rocket according to the first aspect of the invention.

Embodiments of the second aspect of the invention may include one or more features of the first aspect of the invention or its embodiments, or vice versa.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a toy rocket launcher suitable for use with a hollow rocket body. The launcher comprises an inner launch tube and a retaining means to increase the friction between the inner launch tube and an inner surface of the hollow rocket body.

For the avoidance of doubt, in the third aspect the hollow rocket body is not part of the launcher.

Embodiments of the third aspect of the invention may include one or more features of the first or second aspects of the invention or their embodiments, or vice versa.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a toy rocket body suitable for use with a launcher, the toy rocket body being hollow and comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, and an end cap. The hollow rocket body further comprises a retaining means to increase the friction between the launcher and the inner surface of the rocket body.

For the avoidance of doubt, the launcher is not part of the fourth aspect.

Embodiments of the fourth aspect of the invention may include one or more features of the first to third aspects of the invention or their embodiments, or vice versa.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for producing a toy rocket, comprising providing a launcher comprising an inner launch tube; and providing a hollow rocket body comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, and an end cap, wherein the toy rocket comprises a retaining means to increasing the friction between the inner launch tube and the inner surface of the rocket body. Preferably the method further comprises providing the launcher with a switch for reversibly engaging and disengaging the retaining means.

Embodiments of the fifth aspect of the invention may include one or more features of the first to fourth aspects of the invention or their embodiments, or vice versa.

Brief Description of the Drawings

There will now be described, by way of example only, various embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings, of which:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a toy rocket in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the toy rocket of Figure 1 in use;

Figure 3 is an exploded view of a launcher according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a launcher in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the launcher of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a pump in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7 is a plan view of a base mount in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 8 is a plan view of two base mounts and a modular support in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 9 is a plan view of four base mounts and a modular support in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

An explanation of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 9.

Figure 1 depicts a toy rocket 1 , comprising a launcher 2 having an inner launch tube 3 and a valve body 4 connected to the inner launch tube 3. The valve body 4 is in fluid communication with a pump (not shown). The toy rocket 1 also comprises a hollow rocket body 5 comprising an inner surface 6, an outer surface 7, and a foam tipped end cap 8. The purpose of the end cap is to provide a seal at one end of the hollow rocket body 5, and thus need not be foam tipped.

The launcher 2 comprises an O-ring 9 for increasing the friction between the launcher 2 and the inner surface 6 of the rocket body 5. In the presently described embodiment the O- ring 9 is positioned in an O-ring groove 10 on the valve body 4.

The toy rocket 1 further comprises a base mount 11 . The valve body 4 is located within the base mount 11 .

Figure 2 depicts the toy rocket 1 of Figure 1 in use. The basic mechanism of the toy rocket 1 is conventional in the art. A user presses (or stomps) on a pump 12, which is in fluid communication with the valve body 4. Air is expelled through the valve body 4 and into the inner launch tube 3 (Figure 2A). The hollow rocket body 5 (with end cap 8) atop the inner launch tube 3 creates a sealed cavity, and the weight of the hollow rocket body 5 counteracts the pressure build-up inside the inner launch tube 3 (Figure 2B). As more air is pumped into the inner launch tube 3, the pressure increases (Figure 2C) to a point where the pressure inside the inner launch tube 3 overcomes the weight of the hollow rocket body 5, and the rocket body 5 is launched (Figure 2D).

However, the toy rocket 1 of the present invention, as exemplified in Figure 2, comprises an O-ring 9 which increases the friction between the launcher 2 and the inner surface 6 of the rocket body 5. This O-ring 9 increases the pressure required to launch the rocket body 5. As such, the pressure inside the inner launch tube 3 (at the point of launch) is greater than an equivalent toy rocket absent the O-ring 9. The consequence is that the rocket body 5 is launched with a greater force and advantageously remains in the air for a longer time.

While US patent publication number US 2002/020401 describes an arrangement comprising an elastomeric seal member, this seal member acts on the outer surface of the rocket body, rather than on an inner surface. The consequence is that a more substantial (and thus sizeable) launcher is required. The toy rocket of the present invention is therefore simpler, more compact, and less expensive to produce than the arrangement disclosed within US patent publication number US 2002/020401 . Given the location of the elastomeric seal member, the toy rocket of the present invention also has the advantage that there is no restriction on the shape of its outer surface.

Figure 3 depicts an exploded view of a launcher 2 according to an embodiment of the invention. The launcher 2 comprises an inner launch tube 3 and an L-shaped (or right- angled) valve body 4 connected to the inner launch tube 3 via a push fit connector. The other end of the valve body 4 (from that which is connected to the inner launch tube 3) is suitable for fluid communication with a pump. An O-ring 9 is arranged to be positioned in an O-ring groove 10 on the valve body 4.

The inner launch tube 3 has a length of 180 mm, an outer diameter of 17 mm and an inner diameter of 15 mm (and thus a wall thickness of 1 mm).

The base mount 11 is comprised of two half parts 13,14 which, when screwed together along lines S, encase the valve body 4. The valve body 4 extends above the below the base mount 11 .

The valve body 4 comprises a switch 15 (or a handle). The switch 15 is arranged such that the user can raise or lower the valve body 4 within the base mount 11 , which will be explained in more detail below.

The base mount 11 also comprises a leaf latch spring 16 for engaging with spring notches 17 on the valve body 4. In this embodiment, the valve body 4 comprises two spring notches 17. The leaf latch spring 16 assists in retaining the valve body 4 in the raised or lowered position, as desired by the user. Figure 4 depicts a schematic view of the mechanism (according to an embodiment of the invention) by which the retaining means (e.g. the O-ring 9) is reversibly engaged and disengaged. As can be seen, the launcher 2 comprises an inner launch tube 3 and an L- shaped valve body 4 connected to the inner launch tube 3. The other end of the valve body 4 (from that which is connected to the inner launch tube 3) is suitable for fluid communication with a pump (not shown). An O-ring 9 is positioned in an O-ring groove 10 in the valve body 4. The valve body 4 comprises a switch 15 in the form of a handle.

In the disengaged (or lowered) position (Figure 4A), the switch 15 has been moved by the user to its lower position. Lowering of the switch 15 lowers the valve body 4 within the base mount 11 . Consequently, the O-ring 9 in the O-ring groove 10 is lowered to the extent that it is situated within a recess in the base mount 11 , effectively hiding the O-ring 9. In this position, the inner surface 6 of the rocket body 5 is unable to contact the O-ring 9 and, as such, the rocket body 5 is launched as is conventional in the art (i.e. absent of the retaining means). A leaf latch spring 16 on the base mount 11 engages with the upper of the two notches 17 on the valve body 4, which assists in retaining the valve body 4 in the disengaged position. The consequence is that, to operate the switch 15, the user must apply a force to the switch 15 which is able to overcome the force exerted by the spring 16 on the valve body 4.

In the engaged (or raised) position (Figure 4B), the switch 15 has been moved by the user to its upper position. Raising of the switch 15 raises the valve body 4 within the base mount 11 . Consequently, the O-ring 9 in the O-ring groove 10 is exposed above the surface of the base mount 11 . In this position, the inner surface 6 of the rocket body 5 can contact the O-ring 9, increasing the friction between the launcher 2 and the rocket body 5 and, as such, the rocket body 5 exhibits the advantages of the present invention with respect to greater launch force and airborne time. The leaf latch spring 16 on the base mount 11 engages with the lower of the two notches 17 on the valve body 4, which assists in retaining the valve body 4 in the engaged position.

Figure 5 depicts a perspective view of the embodiment shown in Figure 4. The embodiment shown in Figure 5 operates the same way as the embodiment shown in Figure 4, with Figure 5A showing the disengaged position and Figure 5B showing the engaged position. Figure 6 depicts a pump 12 according to an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the pump is an air bladder 12 comprising an outlet 18 which, in use, is in fluid communication with the valve body 4 of the launcher 2. The outlet end of the air bladder 12 is tapered, which advantageously provides a greater air flow.

Figure 7 depicts a plan view of a base mount 11 according to an embodiment of the invention. The base mount 11 has a broadly triangular cross-section shape with rounded corners. Therefore, the base mount 11 can be seen as having a triangular prism shape with rounded corners. The base mount 11 comprises a central cavity 19 in which the valve body (not shown) can be located. The base mount 11 further comprises connection means 20. The connection means takes the form of sliding dovetail joints 20 located on each of the three sides of the base mount 11 (that is, the faces of the base mount 11 which do not have the central cavity 19). More specifically, each of the three sides of the base mount 11 comprises a female part of a sliding dovetail joint (which may be termed a depression) and are configured to engage with a corresponding male part of a sliding dovetail joint (which may be termed a protrusion) on a modular support.

The depressions have a truncated triangular cross-section (i.e. dovetail shape) extending linearly across the external surface of the base mount 11 . The depressions may extend the full length of the base mount 11 , or part of the length of the base mount 11 .

Figure 8 depicts a plan view of two base mounts 11 and a modular support 21 according to an embodiment of the invention. Each base mount 11 has a broadly triangular crosssection shape with rounded corners and comprises a central cavity 19 in which the valve body (not shown) can be located. Each base mount 11 comprises connection means 20 for connecting the base mount 11 to a modular support 21 .

The connection means takes the form of sliding dovetail joints 20 located on each of the three sides of the base mount 11 . More specifically, each of the three sides of each base mount comprises a female part of a sliding dovetail joint. One of the female parts engages with a corresponding male part of a sliding dovetail joint on the modular support 21 . In this embodiment, the modular support 21 is configured to be connected to two base mounts 11 , and so has a dumbbell shape cross-section and comprises two male parts of sliding dovetails joints on opposing faces of the modular support 21 . However, the modular support 21 can have any suitable shape. Figure 9 depicts a plan view of four base mounts 11 and a modular support 21 according to an embodiment of the invention. Each base mount 11 has a broadly triangular crosssection shape with rounded corners and comprises a central cavity 19 in which the valve body (not shown) can be located. Each base mount 11 comprises connection means 20 for connecting the base mount 11 to a modular support 21 .

The connection means takes the form of sliding dovetail joints 20 located on each of the three sides of the base mount 11 . More specifically, each of the three sides of each base mount 11 comprises a female part of a sliding dovetail joint. One of the female parts engages with a corresponding male part of a sliding dovetail joint on the modular support 21 . In this embodiment, the modular support 21 is configured to be connected to four base mounts 11 , and so has a square cross-section and comprises four male parts of sliding dovetails joints on opposing faces of the modular support 21 . However, the modular support 21 can have any suitable shape.

While Figure 8 shows a modular support 21 connected to two base mounts 11 , and Figure 9 shows a modular support 21 connected to four base mounts 11 , it will be appreciated that any number of base mounts 11 and modular supports 21 can be connected together in any suitable way and would be within the ability of the skilled person.

As discussed previously, by increasing the friction between the launcher 2 and the inner surface 6 of the rocket body 5, a greater pressure within the rocket body 5 is required to overcome the combined friction force and weight of the rocket body 5. The greater pressure advantageously results in a higher launch velocity, a longer airborne time, and optionally a greater maximum altitude in flight. Additionally, the toy rocket 1 of the present invention is simpler and more compact than arrangements described in the art.

A toy rocket 1 is disclosed. The toy rocket 1 comprises a launcher 2 comprising an inner launch tube 3; and a hollow rocket body 5 comprising an inner surface 6, an outer surface 7, and an end cap 8. The launcher 2 or rocket body 5 comprises retaining means 9 for increasing the friction between the launcher 2 and the inner surface 6 of the rocket body 5. The retaining means 9 provides a simple toy rocket 1 which has a higher launch velocity, a longer airborne time, and optionally a greater maximum altitude in flight. Throughout the specification, unless the context demands otherwise, the terms “comprise” or “include”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, “includes” or “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Furthermore, unless the context clearly demands otherwise, the term “or” will be interpreted as being inclusive not exclusive.

The foregoing description of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. The described embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilise the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Therefore, further modifications or improvements may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims:

1 . A toy rocket, comprising a launcher comprising an inner launch tube; and a hollow rocket body comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, and an end cap, wherein that the toy rocket further comprises a retaining means to increase the friction between the inner launch tube and the inner surface of the hollow rocket body.

2. The toy rocket according to Claims 1 , wherein the launcher further comprises a switch for reversibly engaging and disengaging the retaining means.

3. The toy rocket according to either of Claims 1 or 2, wherein the launcher further comprises a valve body connected to the inner launch tube.

4. The toy rocket according to Claim 3, wherein the launcher further comprises a base mount.

5. The toy rocket according to Claim 4, wherein the base mount comprises a spring for engaging with notches on the valve body.

6. The toy rocket according to Claim 5, wherein the spring is a leaf latch spring.

7. The toy rocket according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the launcher comprises a plurality of valve bodies, each of the valve bodies associated with a base mount and each having an inner launch tube connected to the valve body.

8. The toy rocket according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the launcher further comprises a modular support connectable to a plurality of base mounts.

9. The toy rocket according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the retaining means comprises an elastomeric seal.

10. The toy rocket according to Claim 9, wherein the elastomeric seal is an O-ring.

11 . The toy rocket according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, wherein the launcher comprises the retaining means.

12. The toy rocket according to Claim 11 , wherein the launcher comprises an O-ring groove.

13. The toy rocket according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, wherein the hollow rocket body comprises the retaining means.

14. The toy rocket according to any one of Claims 1 to 13, wherein the hollow rocket body comprises a foam tip.

15. The toy rocket according to any one of Claims 1 to 14, wherein the launcher comprises a pump in fluid communication with the inner launch tube.

16. The toy rocket according to Claim 15, wherein the pump is an air bladder having an outlet.

17. The toy rocket according to Claim 16, wherein the air bladder is tapered towards the outlet.

18. A kit of parts comprising parts operable to be assembled into a toy rocket according to any of claims 1 to 17.

19. A method for producing a toy rocket, comprising: providing a launcher comprising an inner launch tube; and providing a hollow rocket body comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, and an end cap, wherein the toy rocket further comprises a retaining means to increase the friction between the inner launch tube and the inner surface of the hollow rocket body.

20. A method for producing a toy rocket as claimed in claim 19, wherein the method further comprises providing the launcher with a switch for reversibly engaging and disengaging the retaining means.