Patent Application
20140196707
This invention relates generally to air launched toy rockets and more specifically concerns a launching system for one or more such toy rockets.
Air pressure launch mechanisms for toys, including toy rockets, are well known. One example of a hand-held system is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,568,985 owned by the assignee of the present invention. However, such existing hand held pump toys are somewhat limited in the range of toy rocket flight which they can produce. Further, although some systems have an arrangement which includes multiple rockets, they can only launch one rocket at a time. Hence, it would be desirable to have a toy rocket air launch system which produces longer/higher flights, and is able to launch more than one rocket at a time.
Accordingly, the launch system for air toys comprises: an air pump; a flexible launch hose which extends from the air pump; at least one launch tube in fluid communication with the launch hose, adapted to receive an air toy; and at least one air toy, adapted to fit on the launch tube, wherein in operation, pressure on the air pump results in a burst of air moving through the length of the launch hose and into the launch tube, forcing the air toy off of the launch tube and into the air.
Rockets 34, 36 and 38 are adapted to be positioned on the launch tubes 26, 28 and 30. The rockets may be of various configurations. In the embodiment shown, the rockets are foam, approximately 8-10 inches high and have fins at the rear end therefor for flight stabilization.
In operation, the rockets are positioned on the launch tubes in an airtight relationship while permitting the rockets to be launched off the launch tube by a burst of air pressure from the pump 18.
Prior to operation, air bladder 22 is full of air. The user then will then press hard and quickly on the air bladder, typically by jumping directly on the air bladder. This will very quickly depress the air bladder, forcing a burst of air through the launch hose and then through one or more of the launch tubes. The air pressure is sufficient to force the rockets off of their launch tubes, and will typically result in the rockets flying up to 300 feet, thereby achieving one of the desired features of the launch system. One, two or all three rockets can be launched at one time. The rockets will then be retrieved by the user. When the user releases pressure from the air bladder, the air bladder will inflate to normal pressure. The system is ready for its next launch.
Hence an air launching system for toy rockets has been disclosed. The system includes the capability of launching one or more rockets at the same time while producing an extended length and/or height of flight.
Although a preferred embodiment of the invention has been disclosed for purposes of illustration, it should be understood that various changes, modifications and substitutions may be incorporated in the embodiment without departing from the spirit of the invention, which is defined by the claims which follow.
