Reconfigurable Toy Gun

Abstract

A toy gun comprises a barrel and a firing mechanism configured upon actuation to launch a projectile through the barrel or a main part of the barrel. The barrel or the main barrel part can be moved between first and second positions where the barrel or the main barrel part, when in the first position, is not in alignment with a firing mechanism such that, upon actuation of the firing mechanism, a projectile is launched from the toy gun but not through the barrel or the main barrel part and, when in the second position, is aligned with the firing mechanism such that, upon actuation of the firing mechanism, a projectile is launched through the barrel or the main barrel part. The barrel or the main barrel part, when in the first position, may act as a scope for the toy gun. In another arrangement, the toy gun comprises a reconfigurable barrel with the firing mechanism configured such that, upon actuation, it launches a projectile through one or more parts of the barrel. The barrel comprises a first part and a second part arranged such that, in a first configuration of the barrel parts, a projectile launched by the firing mechanism passes through only a first part of the barrel and, in a second configuration of the barrel parts, a projectile launched by the firing mechanism passes through both parts of the barrel. The toy gun may have a foldable stock which, in a first configuration of the stock, folds over and surrounds a housing accommodating the firing mechanism, but without impeding a trigger of the firing mechanism.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a reconfigurable toy gun.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Toy guns are provided in many shapes and forms, but children are always excited by novel toy gun configurations.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to provide a reconfigurable toy gun.

The above object is met by the combination of features of the main claims; the sub-claims disclose further advantageous embodiments of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first main aspect, the invention relates to a toy gun in which a barrel or a main barrel part can be moved between first and second positions where the barrel or the main barrel part, when in the first position, is not in alignment with the firing mechanism such that, upon actuation of the firing mechanism, a projectile is launched from the toy gun but not through the barrel or the main barrel part and, when in the second position, is aligned with the firing mechanism such that, upon actuation of the firing mechanism, a projectile is launched through the barrel or the main barrel part.

In a second main aspect, the invention provides a toy gun comprising a reconfigurable barrel and a firing mechanism configured such that, upon actuation, it launches a projectile through one or more parts of the barrel. The barrel comprises a first part and a second part arranged such that, in a first configuration of the barrel parts, a projectile launched by the firing mechanism passes through only a first part of the barrel and, in a second configuration of the barrel parts, a projectile launched by the firing mechanism passes through both parts of the barrel.

In a third main aspect, the invention provides a toy gun comprising a barrel, a firing mechanism configured upon actuation to launch a projectile through one or more parts of the barrel, and a foldable stock which, in a first configuration, folds under and surrounds a housing accommodating the firing mechanism, but without impeding a trigger of the firing mechanism.

The summary of the invention does not necessarily disclose all the features essential for defining the invention; the invention may reside in a sub-combination of the disclosed features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and further features of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments which are provided by way of example only in connection with the accompanying figures, of which:

FIG. 1 is a side view and rear-end view of a toy gun in accordance with a first embodiment in a first barrel configuration;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the toy gun of FIG. 1 in the first barrel configuration with a cocking mechanism shown in a partially retracted position;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the toy gun of FIG. 1 in the first barrel configuration with a cocking mechanism shown in a fully retracted position;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the toy gun of FIG. 1 in the first barrel configuration in a cocked condition;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the toy gun of FIG. 1 in the first barrel configuration in a firing condition;

FIG. 6 is a forward-end view, side view and rear-end view of the toy gun of FIG. 1 in a second barrel configuration;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the toy gun of FIG. 1 in the second barrel configuration with a cocking mechanism shown in a partially retracted position;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the toy gun of FIG. 1 in the second barrel configuration with a cocking mechanism shown in a fully retracted position;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the toy gun of FIG. 1 in the second barrel configuration in a cocked condition;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the toy gun of FIG. 1 in the second barrel configuration in a firing condition;

FIG. 11 is a partial exploded view of the barrel and firing mechanism housing of the of the toy gun of FIG. 1 in the second barrel configuration;

FIG. 12 is a side view and rear-end view of a toy gun in accordance with a second embodiment in a first barrel configuration;

FIG. 13 is a side view and rear-end view of the toy gun of FIG. 12 in the second barrel configuration;

FIG. 14 is a side view of a toy gun in accordance with a third embodiment with the barrel in a first configuration and the stock in a first configuration;

FIG. 15 is a side view of the toy gun of FIG. 14 with the barrel in the first configuration and the stock in a second configuration;

FIG. 16 is a side view of the toy gun of FIG. 14 with the barrel in the second configuration and the stock in the first configuration;

FIG. 17 is a side view of the toy gun of FIG. 14 with the barrel in the second configuration and the stock in the second configuration;

FIG. 18 is a side perspective view of a toy gun in accordance with a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a side perspective view of a toy gun in accordance with a fifth embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description is of preferred embodiments by way of example only and without limitation to the combination of features necessary for carrying the invention into effect.

Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments, but not other embodiments.

The invention provides a toy gun having a barrel and a firing mechanism configured upon actuation to launch a projectile through the barrel or a main part of the barrel. The barrel or the main barrel part can be moved between first and second positions where the barrel or the main barrel part, when in the first position, is not in alignment with a firing mechanism such that, upon actuation of the firing mechanism, a projectile is launched from the toy gun but not through the barrel or the main barrel part and, when in the second position, is aligned with the firing mechanism such that, upon actuation of the firing mechanism, a projectile is launched through the barrel or the main barrel part. The barrel or the main barrel part is preferably pivotally connected to the firing mechanism such that, when the barrel or main barrel part is in its first position, the barrel or main barrel part is preferably positioned above, below or to a side of the firing mechanism. The barrel or the main barrel part, when in the first position, may act as a scope for the toy gun and is preferably positioned over the firing mechanism. In another arrangement, the toy gun comprises a reconfigurable barrel with the firing mechanism configured such that, upon actuation, it launches a projectile through one or more parts of the barrel. The barrel comprises a first part and a second part arranged such that, in a first configuration of the barrel parts, a projectile launched by the firing mechanism passes through only a first part of the barrel and, in a second configuration of the barrel parts, a projectile launched by the firing mechanism passes through both parts of the barrel. The toy gun may have a foldable stock which, in a first configuration of the stock, folds over and surrounds a housing accommodating the firing mechanism, but without impeding a trigger of the firing mechanism.

In the following description, reference will be made to the barrel of the toy gun comprising a first barrel part and a second barrel part where the first barrel part may be provided in a housing of the firing mechanism and which may, in some embodiments, comprise an aperture in a wall of said housing. Reference to the second barrel part should be considered as a reference to a main barrel part. It will be understood, however, that, in some embodiments, there may be a single barrel comprising the barrel of the toy gun with no barrel part provided in the housing of the firing mechanism. Consequently, reference to the second barrel part being pivotally connected to the first barrel part should be taken as including embodiments where the single barrel is pivotally mounted to the firing mechanism.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 provides a side view and rear-end view of a toy gun 10 in accordance with a first embodiment. The toy gun 10 has a reconfigurable barrel 12. It has a firing mechanism 14 contained in a housing 16. The firing mechanism 14 includes a trigger 18. The housing 16 preferably includes a gun grip 20. The firing mechanism 14 is configured such that, upon actuation by depression of a trigger 18, it launches a projectile 22 through one or more parts of the barrel 12.

The barrel 12 comprises a first part 12A and a second part 12B arranged such that, in a first configuration of the barrel parts 12A,B as depicted in FIGS. 1 to 5, a projectile 22 launched by the firing mechanism 14 passes through only a first part 12A of the barrel 12. In a second configuration of the barrel parts shown in FIGS. 6 to 10, a projectile 22 launched by the firing mechanism 14 passes through both parts of the barrel 12A,B. In the first configuration of the barrel parts 12A,B, the toy gun 10 can be considered as being in a short-barrelled pistol configuration. In the second configuration of the barrel parts 12A,B, the toy gun 10 can be considered as being in a long-barrelled pistol configuration or in a rifle configuration, the latter especially being the case if the toy gun 10 includes a rearwardly extending stock 224 (FIGS. 15 and 17).

The firing mechanism 14 is of a known type for a toy gun 10 which fires elongated soft projectiles 22 designed not to cause injury. The firing mechanism 14 is therefore preferably of a type known from toy guns commonly referred to as “blasters”.

The second barrel part 12B is preferably pivotally connected to the first barrel part 12A such that, when the barrel parts 12A,B are in their first configuration, the second barrel part 12B is positioned parallel to and preferably above the first barrel part 12A. The second barrel part 12B is preferably much longer in length than the first barrel part 12A such that it overlies the length of the housing 16 when the barrel parts 12A,B are in their first configuration. In any event, the second part 12B of the barrel preferably forms a scope 26 for aiming the toy gun 10 when the barrel parts 12A,B are in their first configuration. In some embodiments, only the second barrel part 12B is provided as a single barrel which is pivotally mounted to the firing mechanism housing 16.

The housing 16 may be provided with a retaining member 28 adapted to engage or grip a sight member 30 provided on a free end of the barrel second part 12B to prevent said barrel second part 12B from flipping up during use of the toy gun 10 when the barrel parts 12A,B are in their first configuration. The housing may also be provided with a catch member 32 on its forward end which engages with a latch member 34 which holds the barrel parts 12A,B in alignment when the barrel parts 12A,B are in their second configuration.

The first barrel part 12A is preferably accommodated in the housing 16 and, in some embodiments, may comprise an aperture 36 in a front wall 37 of the housing as best seen in FIG. 11. The catch member 32 is preferably provided on said front wall 37 adjacent the aperture 36.

The firing mechanism 14 is cocked and loaded by a cocking mechanism 38. The cocking mechanism is preferably provided on the second barrel part 12B and includes a cocking slide 40 which, in use, is gripped by a user and slid along the second barrel part 12B. In a first backward stroke towards the rear of the toy gun 10, the slide 40 (i) compresses a firing mechanism spring 44 and (ii) turns a projectile chamber 39 to position a next projectile 22 in line with at least the first barrel part 12A ready to be launched from the toy gun 10. In a second forward stroke towards the front of the toy gun 10 the slide 40 charges air into a piston cylinder 46 of the firing mechanism 14. The cocking mechanism 38 also includes a linking rod 42 which extends between the slide 40 and the firing mechanism 14. Sliding movement of the slide 40 causes sliding movement of the linking rod 42.

The linking rod 42 comprises first and second pivotally connected parts 42A,B. Preferably, the first and second parts 42A,B of the linking rod are pivotally connected about a same pivot axis as the first and second parts 12A,B of the barrel but only under the condition when the slide 40 is in its non-retracted position (FIGS. 1 and 6).

FIG. 2 shows the slide 40 in a partially retracted position when the barrel parts 12A,B are in their first configuration and FIG. 7 shows the slide 40 in a partially retracted position when the barrel parts 12A,B are in their second configuration. It can be seen in FIG. 2 that the slide 40 pulls the linking rod 42 towards the firing mechanism 14 whereas in FIG. 7 it can be seen that the slide pushes the linking rod 42 towards the firing mechanism 14.

FIG. 3 shows the slide 40 in a fully retracted position when the barrel parts 12A,B are in their first configuration and FIG. 8 shows the slide 40 in a fully retracted position when the barrel parts 12A,B are in their second configuration.

FIG. 4 shows the slide 40 returned to its normal forward position by which it charges air into the piston 46 when the barrel parts 12A,B are in their first configuration and FIG. 9 shows the slide 40 returned to its normal forward position when the barrel parts 12A,B are in their second configuration.

FIG. 5 shows a projectile 22 being fired from the toy gun 10 when the barrel parts 12A,B are in their first configuration and FIG. 10 shows a projectile 22 being fired from the toy gun 10 when the barrel parts 12A,B are in their second configuration.

FIG. 12 is a side view and rear-end view of a second embodiment of the toy gun in a first barrel configuration whilst FIG. 13 is a side view and rear-end view of the toy gun of FIG. 12 in the second barrel configuration. In the description of the second embodiment, like numerals to those used in connection with the first embodiment, but preceeded by numeral “1” will be used to denote like parts.

In the second embodiment of the toy gun 110, the cocking mechanism 138 is provided on the housing 116 such that the cocking mechanism does not require a pivotable linking rod. Despite the structural differences with the first embodiment, the cocking mechanism 138 of the second embodiment operates in largely the same manner using backward and forward strokes of the slider 140 to prepare the toy gun 110 for firing a projectile 122. One difference over the first embodiment is that an upper surface of the slider 140 is concave and thereby adapted to receive the second barrel part 112B when the barrel 112 is in its first configuration (FIG. 12).

FIGS. 14 to 17 show a third embodiment of the toy gun. In the description of the third embodiment, like numerals to those used in connection with the first embodiment, but preceeded by numeral “2” will be used to denote like parts.

The third embodiment of the toy gun 210 includes a stock 224. It should be understood that the stock 224 can also be provided in the first and second embodiments of the toy gun.

The stock 224 is preferably pivotally mounted to a rear end of the housing 216, although it may be attachable to the housing 216 in other foldable manners. In a first stock configuration of the toy gun 210, the stock 224 folds under the housing 216, but without impeding the second barrel part 212B arranged in the first configuration of the barrel parts as shown in FIG. 14. The stock 224 preferably folds under and surrounds the housing 216. To facilitate this, one or more central regions of the stock 224 are preferably recessed.

In FIG. 15, the stock 224 is shown in its second, extended configuration by which the toy gun 210 can be considered as being in a rifle configuration.

FIG. 16 shows the toy gun 216 with the barrel 212 in its second configuration and the stock 224 in its first configuration whereas FIG. 17 shows the toy gun 216 the toy gun with the barrel 212 in its second configuration and the stock 224 in its second configuration.

FIGS. 14 to 17 therefore demonstrate four configurations of the toy gun, namely (i) with both the barrel and the stock in their first unextended configurations; (ii) with the barrel in its first unextended configuration and the stock in its second extended configuration; (iii) with the barrel in its extended second configuration and the stock in its unextended first configuration; and (iv) the both the barrel and the stock in their second extended configurations.

FIG. 18 is a side perspective view of a toy gun in accordance with a fourth embodiment. In the description of the fourth embodiment, like numerals to those used in connection with the first embodiment, but preceeded by numeral “3” will be used to denote like parts.

The toy gun 310 shows the second barrel part 312B pivotally connected to an end face of the housing 316, but such that the barrel, when in its first position, is located to one side of the housing 316 accommodating the firing mechanism (not shown). The second barrel part 312B could be used as a scope in this embodiment. The catch (not shown) for securing the second barrel part 312B in its second position aligned with the first barrel part (not shown) and the firing mechanism is affixed adjacent to a far side edge of the front face of the housing.

The slider 340 of the cocking mechanism for operating the firing mechanism is provided on the top of the housing 316 in this embodiment, but operates in accordance with the same methodology as the other embodiments.

FIG. 19 is a side perspective view of a toy gun in accordance with a fifth embodiment. In the description of the fourth embodiment, like numerals to those used in connection with the first embodiment, but preceeded by numeral “4” will be used to denote like parts.

The toy gun 410 shows the second barrel part 412B pivotally connected to an end face 437 of the housing 416, but such that the barrel, when in its first position, is located under the forward part of the housing 416 accommodating the firing mechanism (not shown), but without impeding the trigger 418. The catch 432 for securing the second barrel part 412B in its second position aligned with the first barrel part 412A and the firing mechanism is affixed adjacent to an upper edge of the front face 437 of the housing. The first barrel part 412A extends into a windowed portion of the housing 416, but does not extend outwardly from the housing 416.

The slider 440 of the cocking mechanism for operating the firing mechanism is provided on the top of the housing 416 in this embodiment, but operates in accordance with the same methodology as the other embodiments.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only exemplary embodiments have been shown and described and do not limit the scope of the invention in any manner. It can be appreciated that any of the features described herein may be used with any embodiment. The illustrative embodiments are not exclusive of each other or of other embodiments not recited herein. Accordingly, the invention also provides embodiments that comprise combinations of one or more of the illustrative embodiments described above. Modifications and variations of the invention as herein set forth can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, and, therefore, only such limitations should be imposed as are indicated by the appended claims.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art.

Claims

1. A toy gun comprising: a barrel;a firing mechanism configured upon actuation to launch a projectile through the barrel or a main part of the barrel;wherein the barrel or the main barrel part can be moved between first and second positions where the barrel or the main barrel part, when in the first position, is not in alignment with a firing mechanism such that, upon actuation of the firing mechanism, a projectile is launched from the toy gun but not through the barrel or the main barrel part and, when in the second position, is aligned with the firing mechanism such that, upon actuation of the firing mechanism, a projectile is launched through the barrel or the main barrel part.

2. The toy gun of claim 1, wherein the barrel or the main barrel part, when in the first position, acts as a scope for the toy gun.

3. The toy gun of claim 1, wherein the barrel or the main barrel part is pivotally connected to the firing mechanism such that, when the barrel or main barrel part is in its first position, the barrel or main barrel part is positioned above, below or to a side of the firing mechanism.

4. The toy gun of claim 1, wherein the firing mechanism is accommodated in a housing.

5. The toy gun of claim 1, wherein a cocking mechanism for the firing mechanism is provided on the the barrel or the main barrel part.

6. The toy gun of claim 5, wherein the barrel or main barrel part is pivotally connected to the firing mechanism about a pivot point and a linking rod connecting the cocking mechanism to the firing mechanism is pivotable about the same pivot point.

7. The toy gun of claim 1, wherein a cocking mechanism for the firing mechanism is provided on a housing accommodating the firing mechanism.

8. The toy gun of claim 7, wherein a top surface of the cocking mechanism provides a channel for receiving the barrel or main barrel part when the barrel or main barrel part is in its first position.

9. The toy gun of claim 1, further comprising a foldable stock which, in a first configuration, folds under a housing accommodating the firing mechanism, but without impeding the barrel or main barrel part when said barrel or main barrel part is in its first position.

10. A toy gun comprising: a reconfigurable barrel;a firing mechanism configured upon actuation to launch a projectile through one or more parts of the barrel;wherein the barrel comprises a first part and a second part arranged such that, in a first configuration of the barrel parts, a projectile launched by the firing mechanism passes through only a first part of the barrel and, in a second configuration of the barrel parts, a projectile launched by the firing mechanism passes through both parts of the barrel.

11. The toy gun of claim 10, wherein, in the first configuration of the barrel parts, the second part of the barrel forms a scope for the toy gun.

12. The toy gun of claim 10, wherein the second barrel part is pivotally connected to the first barrel part such that, when the barrel parts are in their first configuration, the second barrel part is positioned parallel to the first barrel part.

13. The toy gun of claim 10, wherein the second barrel part is pivotally connected to the first barrel part such that, when the barrel parts are in their first configuration, the second barrel part is positioned above the first barrel part.

14. The toy gun of claim 10, wherein the first part of the barrel is provided in a housing accommodating the firing mechanism.

15. The toy gun of claim 14, wherein the first part of the barrel comprises an aperture in the housing accommodating the firing mechanism.

16. The toy gun of claim 10, wherein a cocking mechanism for the firing mechanism is provided on the second part of the barrel.

17. The toy gun of claim 16, wherein the second barrel part is pivotally connected to the first barrel part about a pivot point and a linking rod connecting the cocking mechanism to the firing mechanism is pivotable about the same pivot point.

18. The toy gun of claim 10, wherein a cocking mechanism for the firing mechanism is provided on a housing accommodating the firing mechanism.

19. The toy gun of claim 18, wherein a top surface of the cocking mechanism provides a channel for receiving the second barrel part when the barrel parts are in their first configuration.

20. The toy gun of claim 10, further comprising a foldable stock which, in a first configuration, folds under a housing accommodating the firing mechanism, but without impeding the second barrel part being placed in the first configuration of the barrel parts.

21. A toy gun comprising: a barrel;a firing mechanism configured upon actuation to launch a projectile through one or more parts of the barrel;a foldable stock which, in a first configuration, folds under and surrounds a housing accommodating the firing mechanism, but without impeding a trigger of the firing mechanism.