Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6347623
-
Patent Number
6,347,623
-
Date Filed
Wednesday, January 12, 200024 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, February 19, 200222 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
- Jordan; Charles T.
- Lofdahl; Jordan
Agents
- Roylance, Abrams, Berdo & Goodman, LLP
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
A toy projectile launching assembly for safely permitting the projectile to be launched only in predetermined directions and only under at predetermined pressure levels through the use of redundant safety mechanisms and pressure relief systems. The launching assembly has a fluid system enabling multiple launches without the need for replacing a fluid such as water in the launch assembly. The launch assembly provides water and pressurized air for a projectile such as a rocket to launch from a self-contained, portable launching assembly, which is easy to operate.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to a toy rocket launcher assembly for launching a projectile. More specifically, the invention relates to a toy launching assembly capable of launching a projectile using water and pressurized air and enabling the projectile to be launched repeatedly without refilling the launching assembly with water, while providing multiple safety mechanisms to prevent the launching of the projectile at an unsafe launch angle and to prevent the system from being pressurized beyond safe limits.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The use of toy rockets launched through the use of water and pressurized air is generally known in the art. However, the prior art assemblies typically are very dangerous in that they can be pointed and launched in any direction and at any inclination. Thus, children could use the prior art in a dangerous manner by launching the prior art rockets directly at each other along a horizontal firing line. Additionally, many prior art assemblies are also dangerous in that the rockets and the entire launching assemblies can be pressurized beyond a safe level since there exists no safety mechanisms regulating the pressure within the rocket or within the launching assembly. Further, these prior art rockets must be used close to a water source since the rockets must be refilled at the water source after each launching, thus limiting the versatility and mobility of the assembly and limiting the area in which the rocket can be repeatedly be launched.
Some examples of prior art launching assemblies are disclosed in the following U.S. Pat. No.: 3,740,896 to Glass et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,223,472 to Fekete et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,188,557 to Brown; U.S. Pat. No. 5,197,452 to Johnson et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,381,778 to D'Andrade et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,415,153 to Johnson et al; U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,646 to Tarng; 5,538,453 to Johnson; U.S. Pat. No. 5,515,837 to Nin et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,538,453 to Johnson; U.S. Pat. No. 5,553,598 to Johnson et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,216 to Johnson; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,819,717 to Johnson et al.
Thus, there is a continuing need to provide more versatile and safer toy projectile launching assemblies, especially launching assemblies employing both water and air. This invention addresses these needs in the art along with the other needs which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One object of the invention is to provide an improved toy projecting launching assembly.
Another object of the invention is to provide a toy projectile launching assembly with safety mechanisms to prohibit launching of the rocket if tilted greater than a predetermined angle from the vertical direction.
Another object of the invention is to provide a toy projectile launching assembly having redundant safety mechanisms to ensure that the projectile does not launch until the rocket is positioned in a predetermined launching orientation.
Another object of the invention is to provide a toy projectile launching assembly having pressure relief mechanisms to ensure the fluid pressure within the assembly does not exceed a predetermined limit.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a toy projectile launching assembly capable of launching the projectile multiple times without refilling the launching assembly with liquid.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a toy projectile launching assembly having an efficient projectile release mechanism.
A further object of the invention is to provide an improved, modular projectile.
The foregoing objects are basically obtained by providing a toy projectile launching assembly, comprising a fluid storage assembly including a storage tank; a pumping mechanism including a pump; a projectile; a valve assembly in fluid communication with the storage assembly, the pumping mechanism, and the projectile, the valve assembly including a valve having a first position in which the storage assembly, the pumping mechanism, and the projectile being in fluid communication and a second position in which said pumping mechanism and the projectile being in fluid conmmunication; and a launch platform assembly including a catch removably coupled to the projectile and a trigger coupled to the catch.
The foregoing objects are also obtained by providing a toy projectile launching assembly, comprising a fluid storage assembly including a storage tank containing water; a pumping mechanism including an air pump; a projectile having a water and air chamber; a valve assembly in fluid communication with the storage assembly, the pumping mechanism, and the projectile, the valve assembly including a valve having a first position in which the storage assembly, the pumping mechanism, and the projectile being in fluid communication and a second position in which the pumping mechanism and the water and air chamber being in fluid communication; a launch platform assembly including a catch removably coupled to the projectile and a trigger coupled to the catch; a pressure indicating assembly including a gauge fluidly coupled to the valve assembly, the pumping mechanism, and the projectile; and a first launch-prohibiting mechanism coupled to the trigger and including a trigger lock movable between a trigger-stopping position and a trigger firing position, the launch platform assembly having a second launch-prohibiting mechanism including a retaining element movable between a first position in which the retaining element engages the projectile and a second position in which the retaining element does not engage the projectile.
The foregoing objects are also obtained by providing a method of launching a toy projectile, comprising the steps of providing a launching assembly having a fluid storage assembly including a storage tank for receiving a first fluid, a pumping mechanism including a pump for pumping a second fluid, a projectile, a valve assembly in fluid communication with the storage assembly, the pumping mechanism, and the projectile, the valve assembly including a valve having a first position in which the storage assembly, the pumping mechanism, and the projectile being in fluid communication and a second position in which the pumping mechanism and the projectile being in fluid communication, and a launch platform assembly including a catch removably coupled to the projectile and a trigger coupled to the catch; positioning the valve to the first position; actuating the pump to force the second fluid into the storage tank and to, in turn, force the first fluid into the projectile; repositioning the valve to the second position; actuating the pump to force the second fluid into the projectile; and moving the trigger to disengage the catch from the projectile and permit the projectile to launch.
The foregoing objects are also obtained by providing a toy projectile launching assembly, comprising a liquid storage assembly including a storage tank having a liquid receiving opening, an intake port, and an output port; a gas pumping mechanism including a pump having an intake port and an output port; and a projectile having an intake port, the output port of the air pump being coupled by a first conduit and in fluid communication with the intake port of the storage tank, the output port of the storage tank being coupled by a second conduit and in fluid communication with the intake port of the projectile, and the output port of the air pump being coupled by a third conduit and in fluid communication with the intake port of the projectile.
The foregoing objects are also obtained by providing a method of launching a toy projectile, comprising the steps of providing a launching assembly having a storage tank, a projectile, a pump, and a valve coupled together to form a single, integral assembly with the tank, the projectile and the pump being in fluid communication with the valve; filling the storage tank with liquid; transferring liquid from the storage tank into the projectile; switching the valve from a first position to a second position; pumping gas into the projectile; holding the entire assembly in a firing position; and launching the projectile.
The foregoing objects are also obtained by providing a method of launching a toy projectile, comprising the steps of providing a launching assembly having a storage tank, a first projectile and a launch platform forming a single, integral assembly, with the tank, the first projectile and the pump being in fluid communication; filling the storage tank with the entire amount of a quantity of liquid; transferring a first portion of the quantity of liquid from the storage tank into the first projectile; pumping gas into the first projectile; launching the first projectile; inserting a second projectile into the launch platform; transferring a second portion of the quantity of liquid from the storage tank into the second projectile; pumping gas into the second projectile; and launching the second projectile.
The foregoing objects are also obtained by providing a toy projectile launching assembly, comprising a liquid storage assembly including a storage tank having a liquid receiving opening, an intake port, and an output port, the liquid receiving port having a cap removably coupled to the receiving port for permitting or denying access to the storage tank, the cap having a pressure relief device fluidly coupled to the storage tank; a gas pumping mechanism including a pump having an output port; and a projectile having an intake port, the output port of the air pump being coupled by a first conduit and in fluid communication with the intake port of the storage tank, the output port of the storage tank being coupled by a second conduit and in fluid communication with the intake port of the projectile.
The foregoing objects are also obtained by providing a toy projectile launching assembly, comprising a projectile having a base; and a launch platform assembly including a catch removably coupled to the base and a trigger assembly coupled to the catch, the catch having a first shoulder, a second shoulder, and a biasing element, each of the first and second shoulders being coupled to the trigger assembly and movable between a locking position and a launching position, the biasing element biasing the first and second shoulders in the locking position.
The foregoing objects are also obtained by providing a toy projectile launching assembly, comprising a projectile having a base with a first securing element and a second securing element and a firing axis extending centrally through said base and extending along the initial intended flight path of said projectile as the projectile is positioned to launch from the remainder of the launching assembly; and a launch platform assembly including a catch removably coupled to the first securing element and a trigger assembly coupled to the catch, the catch being movable between a locking position and a launching position, the launch platform assembly further including first and second locking pins removably coupled to the second securing element, each of the first and second locking pins being coupled to a launch platform and being pivotable between an engaged position in contact with the second securing element and a disengaged positioned spaced from the second securing element, at least one of the first and second locking pins being in the engaged position when the firing axis is inclined relative a vertical axis and each of the first and second locking pins being in the disengaged position when the firing axis is parallel to the vertical axis.
The foregoing objects are also obtained by providing a toy projectile launching assembly, comprising an air pump; a projectile having a pressure chamber for receiving air from the pump; a first conduit coupled to the pump and to the pressure chamber with the pump and the pressure chamber being in fluid communication with each other; and a launch platform positioned between the projectile and the first conduit and coupling the projectile and the first conduit together, the launch platform having a pressure relief device biasing the projectile and the first conduit together.
The foregoing objects are also obtained by providing a toy projectile launching assembly, comprising a projectile having a base; and a launch platform assembly including a catch removably coupled to the base; a trigger assembly coupled to the catch; and a trigger-locking mechanism connected to the trigger and having a upper housing, a lower housing slidably coupled to the upper housing, and a stop coupled to the upper housing and moveable between a lock position in which the stop engages the lower housing and prohibits movement of the trigger and a fire position in which the stop permits movement of the trigger.
The foregoing objects are also obtained by providing a toy projectile, comprising a storage tank having an upper threaded portion, a lower threaded portion and a middle portion; cushioning member having a threaded element engaged with the upper threaded portion of the tank; and a nozzle for locking the projectile into a launching platform and for receiving pressurized fluid, the nozzle having a threaded element engaged with the lower threaded portion of the tank.
The foregoing objects are also obtained by providing a method of launching a toy projectile, comprising the steps of providing a launching assembly having a projectile and a launch platform having first and second launch preventing mechanisms; orienting the launching assembly to a first position to launch the projectile; prohibiting the launching of the projectile through the engagement of the first launch preventing mechanism; prohibiting the launching of the projectile through the engagement of the second launch preventing mechanism; reorienting the launching assembly to a predetermined, second position to launch the projectile; and launching the projectile.
Other objects, advantages, and salient features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses preferred embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of this disclosure:
FIG. 1
is a top, front, side perspective view of the launching assembly in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2
is a partial, side elevational view of the launching assembly of the present invention;
FIG. 3
is an exploded, top, front, side perspective view of the launching assembly in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 4
is a side, cross-sectional view of the launching assembly in accordance with the present invention and taken along line
4
—
4
in
FIG. 1
;
FIG. 5
is a top, front, side perspective view of a fluid storage tank in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 6
is an exploded, top, front, side perspective view of the fluid storage tank in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 7
is a side, cross-sectional view of the fluid storage tank in accordance with the present invention taken along line
7
—
7
and
FIG. 5
;
FIG. 8
is a top, front, side perspective view of a pumping mechanism in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 9
is a exploded, top, front, side perspective view of the pumping mechanism in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 10
is a side, cross-sectional view of the pumping mechanism in accordance with the present invention taken along line
10
—
10
in
FIG. 8
;
FIG. 11
is a top, front, side perspective view of a valve assembly in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 12
is an exploded, top, front, side perspective view of the valve assembly in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 13
is a right side cross sectional view of the valve assembly in accordance with the present invention, taken along line
13
—
13
in
FIG. 11
illustrating the valve assembly in a second position, or a position for permitting pressurized air to proceed from the pumping mechanism to the projectile;
FIG. 14
is a right side, cross-sectional view of the valve assembly in accordance with the present invention, similar to
FIG. 13
, but illustrating the valve assembly in a first position permitting water to be pumped from the storage tank to the projectile;
FIG. 15
is a top, front, side perspective view of a launch platform in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 16
is an exploded, top, front, side perspective view of the launch platform in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 17
is a top view of the launch platform in accordance with the present invention with the launch platform being in the closed, non-launching position;
FIG. 18
is a side, cross-sectional view of the launch platform in accordance with a present invention taken along lines
18
—
18
in
FIG. 17
;
FIG. 19
is an enlarged, top view of the launch platform in accordance with the present invention with the cover removed to show the catches in the closed, non-launching position;
FIG. 20
is a top view of the launch platform in accordance with the present invention with the cover removed illustrating the catches pivoted to the launching position;
FIG. 21
is an exploded, cross-sectional view of the launching assembly in accordance with the present invention similar to
FIG. 4
but illustrating only the rocket attached to the launch platform mechanism and illustrating the rocket and launch platform mechanism in a launching position;
FIG. 22
is a side, cross-sectional view of the rocket and the launch platform mechanism similar to
FIG. 22
, but illustrating the rocket inclined greater than 20 degrees relative to the vertical axis and illustrating the locking pins engaging the rocket to prohibit launching of the rocket;
FIG. 23
is a top, front, side perspective view of a trigger safety mechanism in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 24
is an exploded, top, front, side perspective view of the trigger safety mechanism in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 25
is a side, cross-sectional view of the trigger safety mechanism in accordance with the present invention taken along line
25
—
25
in
FIG. 23
;
FIG. 26
is a side, cross-sectional view of a trigger assembly in accordance with the present invention illustrating a trigger and the trigger safety mechanism with the trigger being in the at-rest position;
FIG. 27
is a side, cross-sectional view of the trigger assembly in accordance with the present invention and similar to
FIG. 26
but showing the trigger in a firing position in solid lines and in the at-rest position in dashed lines, as well as showing the trigger safety mechanism in the launch-permitting position;
FIG. 28
is a side, cross-sectional view of the trigger assembly in accordance with the present invention similar to
FIGS. 26 and 27
but showing the trigger in a non-launching position, the trigger safety mechanism in a launch-prohibiting position, and the launching assembly inclined such that the launch angle is greater than 20 degrees from the vertical axis;
FIG. 29
is a front, elevational view of a pressure indicating assembly in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 30
is a rear, elevational view of the pressure indicating assembly in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 31
is a exploded, front, bottom, side perspective view of the pressure indicating assembly in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 32
is a side, cross-sectional view of the pressure indicating assembly in accordance with the present invention taken along line
32
—
32
in
FIG. 30
;
FIG. 33
is a rear, cross-sectional view of the pressure indicating assembly in accordance with the present invention taken along line
33
—
33
in
FIG. 32
;
FIG. 34
is a top, front, side perspective view of the projectile or rocket in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 35
is a side ,cross-sectional view of the rocket in accordance with the present invention taken along line
35
—
35
in
FIG. 34
;
FIG. 36
is an exploded, top, front, side perspective view of the rocket in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 37
is a schematic drawing of a fluid system of the launching assembly in accordance with the present invention for loading the rocket with water from the water storage tank; and
FIG. 38
is a schematic drawing of the fluid system of the launching assembly in accordance with the present invention and similar to
FIG. 37
, but illustrating the fluid system in a position for loading the rocket with pressurized air from the air pump.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIGS. 1-4
illustrate a launching assembly
10
in accordance with the present invention. The launching assembly includes a fluid storage tank
12
for storing water, a pumping mechanism
14
for pumping air, a valve assembly
16
for controlling the flow or water and air, a launch platform
18
for holding and releasing a projectile or rocket
24
, a trigger assembly
20
for activating the launch platform
18
, a pressure indicating assembly
22
for displaying the pressure in the rocket
24
, a conduit assembly
26
for transporting the fluids, and a housing
28
for enclosing the assembly
10
as a hand-held, portable unit. The launching assembly
10
provides a device for launching toy projectiles that is capable of being held in the hands of a user and easily transported due to its generally lightweight since most elements can be formed of plastic.
As seen in
FIGS. 5-7
, fluid storage tank or water storage container
12
is filled with a fluid for ultimately being positioned within rocket
24
. Preferably the fluid is water, but other appropriate fluids can be used. Tank
12
has a bottle
102
for receiving and storing water and an intake port
104
and an output port
106
with connectors
108
and
110
, respectively for coupling the tank
12
to the conduit assembly
26
. Tank
12
also has a main opening
112
for receiving water from a water supply. The main opening can be closed by a threaded cap
114
, which has a gasket
116
to create a leak-proof seal. As a safety device, cap
114
has a pressure relief device
118
located therein formed by a cover
120
securing a spring
122
and ball
124
to form a one-way valve.
Tank
12
receives water from an outside water source by removing cap
114
and pouring water through opening
112
until bottle
102
is filled. Then cap
114
is threaded back on to bottle
102
until securely fastened. The pressure relief device
118
ensures that when bottle
102
is pressurized as discussed later, the pressure within bottle
102
will be released through pressure release relief device
118
when the pressure exceeds a predetermined limit. Although the pressure relief device can be formed to relieve pressure at any predetermined pressure level, preferably the pressure relief device is formed to release pressure if the pressure within bottle
102
increases above 35 psi. Of course, tank
12
is preferably designed to withstand pressures much higher than 35 psi.
As will be discussed below, intake port
104
is fluidly coupled with conduit assembly
26
to received pressurized air into bottle
102
. The pressurized air pressurizes bottle
102
and forces water out the output port
106
and through a portion of conduit assembly
26
to rocket
24
. Thus, output port
106
is fluidly coupled to rocket
24
.
Bottle
102
, intake port
104
and output port
106
are preferably integrally formed as a one-piece unitary member from plastic material. Although it should be understood that the material used can vary depending on the requirements of the user and can be materials other than plastic. However, using plastic permits the bottle
102
to be blow molded and to retain is lightweight.
FIGS. 8-10
illustrate a pumping mechanism
14
for supplying pressurized air to the water storage tank
12
and to the rocket
24
. The pumping mechanism or pump
14
includes a cylinder
202
for receiving a rod
204
with handles
205
coupled to the end of the rod
204
that does not enter cylinder
202
. The end of rod
204
within cylinder
202
has a seal
206
, which is secured to the rod
204
by a screw
210
and a cylinder attachment
212
. The cylinder attachment permits the seal
206
to move between two positions so that air can pass through the seal when the rod
204
is pulled away from the cylinder
202
and then become air-impermeable as rod
204
is pushed into cylinder
202
, thus, creating the pressure within the conduit assembly
26
. The closed end of the cylinder
202
has a one-way check valve
214
comprising an inlet
216
, an outlet
218
and a ball
220
in order to prevent the pressurized air from escaping from the conduit assembly
26
.
The pump
14
is arranged at the bottom of housing
280
and positioned such that the cylinder
202
resides within the housing
28
while the handles
205
reside outside the housing
208
. The handles
205
can then slide along the housing
208
so that the rod
204
can be slid back and forth along the housing
28
. When pumped, the rod
204
forces the seal
206
and seal washer
208
into cylinder
202
forcing air through valve
214
and into the launch assembly as discussed below. Repeated pumping by pumping of the rod
204
into the cylinder
202
increases the pressure within the launching assembly
10
due to the check valve
214
, since air can only be forced into the system and is not released through check valve
214
but only through other mechanisms in the launching assembly as discussed below. Preferably, the pumping mechanism
14
is made from plastic material except for the seal and the screw. As known in the art, adhesives can be used to secure the plastic elements of the pumping mechanism
14
together without the use of mechanical fasteners.
FIGS. 11-14
illustrate the valve assembly
16
, which enables the pressurized air from pump
14
to be selectively directed to either the water storage tank
12
or directly to the rocket
24
. Valve assembly
16
includes a housing
302
and a piston
304
movable within housing
302
by movement of left and right-arm levers
306
and
308
, which are connected to a handle
310
. The piston has o-rings
312
to form sealed areas within the housing
302
and a one-way valve
314
is coupled to the housing and includes a spring
316
and a ball
318
. The valve assembly
16
also has ports
320
,
322
,
324
,
326
and
328
.
Valve assembly
16
can take many forms and can be formed as plurality of valves with the ultimate goal of permitting pressurized air to selectively proceed to the water storage container
12
or to the rocket
24
. Preferably, valve assembly
16
is formed of a plastic housing
302
and piston
304
with rubber o-rings
312
, although other appropriate materials can be used as desired.
As illustrated in
FIGS. 13 and 14
valve assembly
16
operates in one of two positions. In a first position, illustrated in
FIG. 14
, the levers
306
and
308
are pivoted to a rearward position, toward the trigger assembly
20
. Since the levers
306
and
308
, are coupled to piston
304
, the piston is moved out, in a direction away from housing
302
, or in the left direction as illustrated in FIG.
14
. The arrangement of piston
304
and housing
302
permits air from pump
14
to pass through port
326
and be directed to port
328
and then to water storage tank
12
. Additionally, water is permitted to travel from storage container
12
, through port
320
, through housing
302
and port
322
, and then to rocket
24
.
Levers
306
and
308
can then be pivoted to the second position as shown in
FIG. 13
, in which the levers
306
and
308
are pivoted forward, towards the rocket
24
, to move the piston
304
further into housing
302
. In the position shown in
FIG. 13
, the piston
304
permits air from pump
12
to proceed through port
326
and housing
302
to rocket
24
through port
322
and to pressure gage
22
through port
324
. Since one-way valve
314
is positioned upstream of ports
322
and
324
, the pressure formed downstream of valve
314
can be held constant regardless of the position of piston
304
.
FIGS. 15-22
illustrate the launch platform mechanism
18
in accordance with the invention. The launch platform mechanism
18
is multifaceted in that it provides the mechanism to hold the rocket
24
in place prior to firing and the mechanism for releasing the rocket
24
for launching. Additionally, launch platform mechanism
18
provides safety mechanisms that prevent the launching of the rocket
24
if the rocket
24
is tiled beyond an unsafe or undesired predetermined angle, and prevents the rocket
24
from being pressurized beyond an unsafe or undesirable predetermined limit.
The launch platform mechanism
18
includes pressure relief device formed by a retainer
402
for holding a spring
404
, a seal housing
406
for housing a seal
408
.
The rocket
24
is held and released by a left catch or shoulder
410
, a right catch or shoulder
412
, and a linkage
414
coupled to each of the catches
410
and
412
. The antitilting mechanism includes a pin retainer
416
supporting four locking pins
418
, a cover
420
, and screws
422
for securing the cover
420
to the seal housing
406
.
Preferably, all of the elements of the launch platform mechanism
18
are formed from plastic material except for the springs
404
, the seal
408
and the screws
422
. However, launch platform mechanism
18
can be manufactured from any appropriate material desired.
In order to retain rocket
24
in position within launch platform mechanism
18
prior to launching, launch platform mechanism
18
relies upon left catch
410
and right catch
420
to be positioned around the bottom nozzle
716
of rocket
24
. As seen in
FIG. 19
, left and right catches
410
and
412
are biased by a tension spring
424
to a predetermined biasing level and a closed position. Left catch
410
includes a gripping portion
432
for gripping the rocket
24
, a pivot pin
436
for coupling the left catch
410
to the retainer
402
and for permitting left catch
410
to pivot thereabout. Thus, left catch
410
can pivot about a pivot axis
440
, which extends perpendicular to the drawing illustrated in FIG.
19
. Left catch
410
also has a pin
444
which couples left catch
410
to an arm of linkage
414
. Linkage
414
is coupled to the trigger assembly
20
as discussed below. Left catch
410
also has a slot
448
for connecting with tension spring
424
. Tension spring
424
biases left catch in the closed position as illustrated in
FIG. 19
in order to bias the gripping portion
432
against the nozzle
716
of rocket
24
to maintain the rocket
24
in a fixed position within the launch platform mechanism
18
. Since right catch
412
is substantially identical to left catch
410
, right catch
412
will not be described in detail.
When it is desired to launch the rocket
24
, trigger
502
is moved rearwardly as discussed below, thus moving the linkage
414
rearwardly, or to the right as illustrated in
FIG. 20
, causing the arms
428
of linkage
414
to move towards each other as they move away from the pivot pins
436
and
438
. This movement by linkage
414
results in left and right catches
410
and
412
rotating about pivot axes
440
and
442
respectively, or about pivot pins
436
and
438
, respectively. This pivoting of the left and right catches
410
and
412
moves the gripping portions
432
and
434
away from rocket
24
to create an opening between gripping portions
432
and
434
that is now greater than the outer-most diameter of the rocket
24
at its attachment point to launch platform mechanism
18
. Thus, rocket
24
is now permitted to launch and leave launch platform mechanism
18
due to the release of pressure previously built up within rocket
24
. Upon the release of the force applied by the finger to the trigger
502
for moving linkage
414
, tension spring
424
acts to move left and right catches
410
and
412
back to the closed position illustrated in
FIG. 19
, thus closing the gap between gripping portions
432
and
434
.
Therefore, when rocket
24
is forced into the area between gripping portions
432
and
434
enough pressure must be exerted down by the rocket
24
to separate gripping portions
432
and
434
from each other and, thus. pivot catches
410
and
412
about pivot axis
440
and
442
, respectfully. The pivoting of catches
410
and
412
must be sufficient to permit the rocket nozzle
716
to be inserted into a position between gripping portions
432
and
434
. Thus, in the rest position illustrated in
FIG. 19
, the gripping portions
432
and
434
are spaced a distance smaller than the smallest outer diameter of the bottom of nozzle
716
of the rocket
24
which makes contacts with launch platform mechanism
18
. The tension spring
424
then creates tension on each of the left and right catches
410
and
412
to provide sufficient pressure on rocket
24
by gripping portions
432
and
434
to maintain rocket
24
in the fixed position in the launch platform mechanism
18
as illustrated in FIG.
1
. The launch of rocket
24
is accomplished by pulling trigger
502
and, thus, moving linkage
414
as discussed above.
The launch platform mechanism
18
is capable of regulating the maximum amount of pressure within rocket
24
by incorporating its own pressure relief device formed by spring
404
, seal housing
406
and seal
408
, all received within retainer
402
.
As seen in
FIG. 21
, rocket
24
is engaged within launch platform mechanism
18
in a non-firing position. Thus, gripping portions
432
and
434
are biased against nozzle
17
, specifically against securing element ridge
720
. Additionally, a seal is formed between nozzle
716
and seal
408
. Then, water and air can be inserted into rocket
24
through opening
456
in seal housing
406
. Opening
456
is thus fluidly coupled through conduits assembly
26
to air pump
14
and water storage container
12
.
Compression spring
404
is positioned between the top of seal housing
406
and the bottom of retainer
402
. Spring
404
is preferably a metal spring having predetermined characteristics such that the spring
404
will force seal housing
206
and, thus, seal
408
upwardly against the bottom of nozzle
716
to create a pressure-tight seal. This pressure-tight seal permits rocket
24
to be pressurized as desired. The pressure within rocket
24
creates a force pressing downwardly against seal
408
and seal housing
406
and against the upward force of compression spring
404
. If the pressure within rocket
24
stays within desired, predetermined limits, a seal is maintained between the rocket
24
and the launch platform mechanism
18
.
If the pressure within rocket
24
exceeds the predetermined limit, as set by the strength of the spring
404
, the spring
404
will compress due to the force applied against the seal
408
and the seal housing
406
from the rocket
24
. As a result, the seal housing
406
and seal
408
will move downwardly with the spring
404
. The displacement of seal
408
is illustrated in dashed lines in FIG.
21
.
The movement of seal housing
406
and seal
408
downwardly with the compression of spring
404
separates seal
408
from rocket
24
and permits water and air from within rocket
24
to be released to an area outside rocket
24
and outside of seal housing
406
. Once the pressure has been lowered to within the acceptable limit within rocket
24
by the release of the water and air, the lowered pressure will result in a smaller force against the seal housing
406
and seal
48
and movement by the seal
48
against the nozzle
716
since the spring
404
can then counteract the force of the pressure within rocket
24
.
The spring force applied by compression spring
404
will be a function of the appropriate force necessary to maintain the desired predetermined pressure within rocket
24
. Preferably, the spring force is calculated to seal the nozzle
716
and the seal
408
up to 80 psi of pressure. In other words, preferably, the spring
404
is designed to release pressure from rocket
24
, when the pressure is above 80 psi.
Another feature of the launch platform mechanism
18
is a safety feature in the form of an anti-tilting mechanism. This safety feature permits the rocket to launch if rocket
24
is aimed upwards in a substantially vertical direction, but if the rocket is tilted beyond a predetermined angle from vertical, the launch platform mechanism
18
will prohibit launching of the rocket
24
. This feature provides a safety mechanism, in that the rocket
24
cannot be launched horizontally or downwardly, or other potentially dangerous directions.
The safety mechanism comprises four locking pins
418
that are pivoted within pin retainer
416
. Each locking pin
418
pivots freely about an axis in response to gravitational forces. In other words, each pin
418
is capable of automatically pivoting about an axis due to gravity in order to self-align into a substantially vertical orientation upon tilting of the launching axis
460
away from the vertical direction. Since the locking pins
418
are spaced around the nozzle
716
any excessive tilting of the rocket
24
in any angle away from being substantially colinear with the vertical axis will result in at least one of the locking pins
418
pivoting from a launching position to a launch-preventing position.
Preferably, pin retainer
416
and locking pins
418
are formed of plastic material. Additionally, locking pins
418
can have a weight
470
formed of metal connected to its lower most portion in order to permit the locking pins
418
to pivot based on the gravitational force of the weight
470
being applied to each locking pin
418
.
As seen in
FIG. 21
, a rocket
24
is positioned substantially vertically. In other words, the launching axis for
460
is colinear with the vertical axis
462
. In this position, locking pins
418
are oriented substantially vertically and do not interfere with rocket
24
or engage nozzle
716
. Locking pins
418
are also designed so that a certain limited degree of movement of launching axis
460
with respect to vertical axis
462
is permitted. Thus, it is not necessary that the launching axis
460
be perfectly vertical. Although the permitted movement of launching axis
460
is a design choice, preferably, the system is designed to permit launching of rocket
24
if the launching axis
460
is within twenty degrees of the vertical axis
462
, in any direction. That is, the rocket
24
could launch if pointed less than twenty degrees from vertical and within a 360-degree circle around the vertical axis
462
.
However, as illustrated in
FIG. 22
, if the launching assembly
10
is tilted beyond the predetermined degree such that the rocket
24
and the launching axis
460
is inclined with respect to the vertical axis
462
more than a safe amount, the two locking pins
418
pivot due to the gravitational force. Pins
418
pivot about their own pivot axis, which is perpendicular to the drawing illustrated in FIG.
22
. Thus, the locking pins
418
illustrated in
FIG. 22
pivot counter-clockwise due to gravitational forces. The left locking pin
418
in
FIG. 22
has pivoted to contact nozzle
716
. In this position, if launching of rocket
24
is attempted, the bottom of locking pin
418
will contact the flange
718
of nozzle
716
and prohibit the rocket
24
from leaving the launch platform mechanism
18
. Although the engagement of locking pin
418
illustrated in
FIG. 22
shows only one locking pin engaging rocket
24
it should be understood that depending on the inclination of rocket
24
and the intended launching angle, any of the four locking pins
418
could be engaged with rocket
24
. Although four locking pins
418
are disclosed to ensure that the rocket will be unable to launch if pointed in any direction while exceeding the predetermined safety margin, various numbers of locking pins can be used. It is only necessary that the locking pins
418
are sufficiently sensitive to engage rocket
24
in the desired, unsafe launching positions to prohibit launching of rocket
24
.
If rocket
24
is oriented again in a substantially vertical position as seen in
FIG. 21
, the locking pins
418
will again rotate to a launch-permitting position. Thus, if the rocket
24
was rotated from the position shown in
FIG. 22
to the position shown in
FIG. 21
, locking pins
418
would rotate in a clockwise direction to the positions illustrated in FIG.
21
.
Although the locking pins and nozzle
216
can be arranged to prohibit launching of the rocket
24
at any desired, predetermined angle from the vertical position, preferably, the locking pins engage nozzle
716
at an inclination of the launching axis
460
greater than 20 degrees from the vertical axis
462
. Preferably, the engagement at a tilting of greater than the predetermined angle will occur in any direction. The predetermined angle
466
is illustrated in FIG.
22
.
As illustrated in
FIGS. 23-28
, the trigger assembly
20
, includes finger-activated trigger
502
, a safety mechanism
504
for permitting activation of the trigger only under predetermined conditions and a spring
506
to bias the trigger
502
.
Trigger
502
is preferably formed of plastic material and has a linkage catch
410
for permitting the trigger
502
to move the linkage
414
, a finger portion
512
, and an incline
514
for engagement with the safety mechanism
504
. Trigger
502
is biased in the non-firing position by tension spring
506
, which is rigidly secured to housing
28
, as seen in FIG.
26
. As then seen in
FIG. 27
, when trigger
502
is moved by a finger of the user towards the firing position and away from rocket
24
, the trigger
502
moves against the force of spring
506
and pulls linkage
414
away from rocket
24
. The pulling of linkage
414
results in left and right catches
410
and
412
being pivoted about pivot pins
436
and
438
in order to release the rocket
24
as previously discussed.
If the launching axis and rocket
24
are aligned substantially vertically, or within the acceptable tolerances, trigger
502
is capable of being moved as seen in
FIG. 27
in order to pull linkage
414
and release rocket
24
since safety mechanism
508
is properly aligned and permits the firing. However, if launching assembly is tilted greater than the predetermined angle resulting in the firing angle being inclined relative to the vertical axis greater than the predetermined angle, safety mechanism
504
will prohibit trigger
502
from being pulled away from rocket
24
and will prohibit firing of rocket
24
. If trigger
502
is not displaced, linkage
414
is not displaced, and, therefore, left and right catches
410
and
412
are not displaced.
Safety mechanism
508
includes a cup
530
, a spring
532
, a pendulum
534
, and a retainer
536
all received within a cover
538
having a window
540
. The cup
530
has a cavity
553
and an engagement area
555
for receiving pendulum
534
. Additionally, the pendulum
534
has a pivot ball
560
, a downwardly extending gripping portion
562
and an indicating portion
564
for viewing through window
540
. Pendulum
534
also has a longitudinal, pendulum axis
568
.
As seen in
FIG. 28
, the pivot ball
560
is held between the cup
530
and the retainer
536
in a central location which permits the pendulum
534
to pivot such that the gripping portion
562
can move about the vertical axis
462
within a 360-degree circle to an inclination relative to the vertical axis
462
greater than the predetermined angle. Pendulum
534
is similar to locking pins
418
in that it is weighted by gripping portion
562
in such that it pivots due to gravitational forces as launching mechanism is inclined. Pendulum
534
pivots freely about a pivot point
570
in response to gravitational forces. In other words, pendulum
534
is capable of automatically pivoting about pivot point
570
due to gravity in order to self-align into a substantially vertical orientation upon tilting of the launching axis
460
away from the vertical direction. This action of pendulum
534
can be aided by the placement of a metal weight on gripping portion
562
.
As seen in
FIG. 26
, when the launching axis
460
is substantially vertical or colinear with the vertical axis
462
, the pendulum axis
568
will be substantially vertical. Therefore, as seen in
FIG. 27
, when the trigger
502
is pulled the incline
514
engages the bottom of cup
530
and forces cup
530
upwards into cover
538
. The cavity
553
of cup
530
is sized to receive the gripping portion
562
and does so when the pendulum axis
568
is within the predetermined angular orientation relative to the vertical axis
462
. Preferably, the gripping portion
562
is received by cavity
553
if the pendulum angle is inclined within twenty degrees from the vertical axis
462
. Under such conditions, the cup
530
can be pushed upwardly a sufficient distance to permit the trigger to move rearwardly a sufficient distance to move the linkage as required to fire the rocket
24
.
However, as seen in
FIG. 28
, if the launching assembly is tilted greater than the predetermined angle and the pendulum axis
568
is inclined relative to the vertical axis
462
greater than the predetermined angle, the pendulum will not enter the cavity
553
. The pendulum
534
will pivot as required by gravity and the gripping portion
562
will engage the engagement area
555
and prohibit cup
530
from moving upwardly into cover
538
. This limited movement of cup
530
upwardly prohibits the rearward movement of trigger
502
and prevents trigger
502
from being moved sufficiently rearwardly to displace the linkage
414
and fire the rocket
24
.
If safety mechanism
504
prohibits the movement of trigger
502
sufficient to fire rocket
24
, the launching assembly can be then tilted to the proper launching position until the launching axis
460
is within the predetermined range, such that the trigger
502
can be moved rearwardly as seen in FIG.
27
.
When pressure is released from the trigger, the tension spring
506
acts to move the trigger back to the at-rest position as seen in FIG.
26
.
Therefore, the launch-preventing mechanisms using the pins
418
and the pendulum
534
provide redundant safety features that are coordinated, through gravitational forces, to act simultaneously. Additionally, since two safety mechanisms are employed, if one of the safety mechanisms should fail, the other safety mechanism will prevent the rocket
24
from firing.
The indicating portion
564
of pendulum
534
protrudes from pivot ball
560
and can be seen through window
540
. Therefore, the indicating portion
564
permits a user of the launching assembly to determine whether or not the launching assembly
10
is properly orientated in that the launching axis
460
is sufficiently vertical. Additionally, a small circle can be placed at the top of window
540
in order to indicate the range in which the indicating portion
564
can be positioned while still firing the rocket
24
.
As seen in
FIGS. 29-33
, a pressure indicating assembly
22
indicates to the user the pressure level reached in the rocket
24
and permits the user to selectively vary the pressure to the desired level. If a higher pressure than indicated is desired, the user can continue to pump the pumping mechanism
14
to increase the pressure within rocket
24
. Of course, the pressure relief mechanisms in the water storage container
12
and the launch platform
18
will prevent over pressurization beyond a desired limit, as discussed above.
The pressure indicating assembly
22
includes a cylinder
602
, a face
604
, a piston
606
and rubber stop
608
, a spring
610
, a cap
612
, a cap nozzle
614
, a screw
616
, a gear
618
, a needle
620
, a window
622
, and a cover
624
.
As pressure enters cylinder
602
it forces piston
602
inwardly towards the opposite end of cylinder
602
. Since piston
602
has teeth
630
that engage gear
618
, as piston
602
moves gear
618
rotates. Needle
620
is attached to gear
618
and moves with gear
618
to provide an indication through window
622
of the pressure level within cylinder
602
. The spring
610
and the needle
620
are calibrated to illustrate an accurate pressure reading. Since the cylinder
602
is in fluid communication with the rocket
24
, the pressure indicated by gauge
22
is that within the rocket
24
.
As seen in
FIGS. 34-36
, the projectile or rocket
24
includes a bottle
702
forming the main pressure chamber. The bottle
702
has an upper threaded portion
704
and a lower threaded portion
706
for coupling the bottle
702
with the other elements of rocket
24
. An top cap adapter
708
is threaded onto the upper threaded portion
704
and has a nose cap
710
preferably formed of foam material attached thereto for providing a cushioned impact of rocket
24
when it returns to Earth. Cushioned nose cap
710
also provides an added safety feature in that rocket
24
is less dangerous to those below, during its descent.
A fin housing
712
is attached to the lower portion of bottle
702
to support and attach fins
714
around the perimeter of bottle
702
. Fins
714
provide stability during flight and are also preferably formed of foam material. Nozzle
716
is threaded to the lower threaded portion of bottle
702
and forms the engagement area with the launch platform
18
. Nozzle has a first securing element or flange
17
and a second securing element of ridge
720
. Flange
718
extends outwardly a predetermined distance to engage locking pins
418
as necessary when installed within launch platform
18
, as discussed above. Ridge
720
is positioned and sized to engage gripping portions
432
and
434
in order to maintain the rocket
24
in a ridged position with launch platform
18
, as discussed above.
Rocket
24
is preferably formed of plastic material with nose cap
710
being formed of a foam material. Although the bottle
702
can be formed of any appropriate material, preferably the bottle
702
is blow molded from a PET plastic and shaped appropriately for aerodynamics and weight distribution. The cap adapter
708
, fin housing
712
and nozzle
716
are preferably formed from rigid plastic material.
FIGS. 37 and 38
illustrate the preferred manner of pressurization of rocket
24
. Water
42
is inserted into water storage tank
12
by removing cap
114
and pouring water
42
into bottle
102
. Cap
114
is then tightly secured back into place. The rocket
24
is preferably held by two hands; one hand holding the handle
912
of housing
28
while the second hand holds the handles
205
of pumping mechanism
14
. The air pump
14
is then pumped a number of times to increase air pressure with the assembly
10
. The air pressure
40
is directed through one-way valve
214
to first conduit
802
. The pressurized air
40
then proceeds into valve assembly
16
.
The levers
306
and
308
of valve assembly
16
are originally positioned in the water loading position or positioned rearwardly, away from the rocket
24
as seen in FIG.
37
. In the water loading position, the pressurized air
40
will pass from conduit
802
through housing
302
to second conduit
804
which leads to water storage tank
12
. The pressurized air
40
then pressurizes water storage tank
12
and forces water
42
from water storage tank
12
to valve assembly
16
. The water
42
passes through the check valve
314
and proceeds through third conduit
806
to rocket
24
and enters bottle
702
. Once a sufficient quantity of water
42
has entered rocket
24
as measured by indicia positioned on the side of the bottle
702
, the levers
306
and
308
are pushed forward to change the position of piston
304
.
Now, referring to
FIG. 38
, the pumping mechanism
14
is again pumped to create pressurized air
42
in first conduit
802
, which proceeds to valve assembly
16
. Do to the new position of piston
304
, the pressurized air
40
proceeds through valve assembly
16
into fourth conduit
808
and into bottle
102
of rocket
24
. The pumping continues until the appropriate air pressure has been established within rocket
24
. The appropriate pressure can be monitored by viewing pressure gage
22
, since it is experience the same pressure within bottle
102
through conduits
808
and
810
. Once the appropriate pressure within bottle
702
has been released, the trigger
502
is pulled.
If the launching assembly is not properly positioned and the launching axis
460
is not within the permitted range relative to the vertical axis
462
, rocket
24
will not be permitted to launch from launching assembly
10
. The safety mechanisms in the launch platform
18
and the trigger assembly
20
will prohibit launching. However, if the launching axis
460
is within the correct parameters, the safety mechanisms will not engage, trigger
502
will be permitted to move its full distance, and rocket
24
will launch platform
18
, under its own pressure.
Since the water storage tank
12
contains sufficient water for multiple launches by rocket
24
, the rocket
24
can then be retrieved and reinserted into launch platform
18
. The process can then be repeated multiple times. Of course, any number of rockets
24
or other projectiles can be used instead of reusing the same rocket
24
. This process can be repeated until all of the water
42
in water storage tank
12
has been used.
Although this invention has been described with respect to a rocket
24
as the projectile, it should be understood that this invention can be adapted for any type of projectile, especially toy projectiles; such as, automobiles, planes or animals. Additionally, the inventions can be adapted for any type of launching system. For instance, the launching system can be adapted for a horizontal launching system, for example, for launching a toy automobile with the safety mechanisms designed to prohibit launching of the vehicle in a vertical direction.
While advantageous embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims
- 1. A toy projectile launching assembly, comprising:a fluid storage assembly including a storage tank; a pumping mechanism including a pump; a projectile; a valve assembly in fluid communication with said storage assembly, said pumping mechanism, and said projectile, said valve assembly including a valve having a first position in which said storage assembly, said pumping mechanism, and said projectile being in fluid communication and a second position in which said pumping mechanism and said projectile being in fluid communication; a launch platform assembly including a catch removably coupled to said projectile and a trigger coupled to said catch; and a first launch-prohibiting assembly coupled to said trigger and including a trigger lock movable between a trigger-stopping position and a trigger firing position.
- 2. A launching assembly according to claim 1, whereinsaid storage tank contains water, and said pump contains air.
- 3. A launching assembly according to claim 1, further comprising:a pressure indicating assembly including a gauge fluidly coupled to said valve assembly, said pumping mechanism, and said projectile.
- 4. A toy projectile launching assembly, comprising:a fluid storage assembly including a storage tank containing water; a pumping mechanism including an air pump; a projectile having a water and air chamber; a valve assembly in fluid communication with said storage assembly, said pumping mechanism, and said projectile, said valve assembly including a valve having a first position in which said storage assembly, said pumping mechanism, and said projectile being in fluid communication and a second position in which said pumping mechanism and said water and air chamber being in fluid communication; a launch platform assembly including a catch removably coupled to said projectile and a trigger coupled to said catch; a pressure indicating assembly including a gauge fluidly coupled to said valve assembly, said pumping mechanism, and said projectile; and a first launch-prohibiting mechanism coupled to said trigger and including a trigger lock movable between a trigger-stopping position and a trigger firing position, said launch platform assembly having a second launch-prohibiting mechanism including a retaining element movable between a first position in which said retaining element engages said projectile and a second position in which said retaining element does not engage said projectile.
- 5. A method of launching a toy projectile, comprising the steps of:providing a launching assembly having a fluid storage assembly including a storage tank for receiving a first fluid, a pumping mechanism including a pump for pumping a second fluid, a projectile, a valve assembly in fluid communication with said storage assembly, said pumping mechanism, and said projectile, said valve assembly including a valve having a first position in which said storage assembly, said pumping mechanism, and said projectile being in fluid communication and a second position in which said pumping mechanism and said projectile being in fluid communication, and a launch platform assembly including a catch removably coupled to said projectile and a trigger coupled to said catch; positioning said valve to said first position; actuating said pump to force said second fluid into said storage tank and to, in turn, force said first fluid into said projectile; repositioning said valve to said second position; actuating said pump to force said second fluid into said projectile; moving said trigger to disengage said catch from said projectile and permit said projectile to launch; and filling said storage tank with said first fluid prior to the step of actuating said pump to force said first fluid into said storage tank.
- 6. A method of launching a projectile according to claim 5, further comprising the step of:repositioning said projectile on said launch platform and permitting said catch to reengage said projectile; repositioning said valve from said second position to said first position to permit additional quantities of said first fluid to enter said projectile from said storage tank without adding additional quantities of said first fluid to said storage tank; repositioning said valve from said first position to said second position to permit additional quantities of said second fluid to enter said projectile; actuating said pump to force said second fluid into said projectile; and moving said trigger to disengage said catch from said projectile and permit said projectile to launch.
- 7. A method of launching a projectile according to claim 5, whereinsaid step of providing a launching assembly includes providing a pressure indicating assembly including a gauge fluidly coupled to said valve assembly, said pumping mechanism, and said projectile, and said step of actuating said pump to force said second fluid into said projectile includes actuating said pump until said gauge indicates a predetermined launch pressure.
- 8. A method of launching a projectile according to claim 5, whereinsaid step of providing a launching assembly includes providing a first launch-prohibiting assembly coupled to said trigger and including a trigger lock movable between a trigger-stopping position and a trigger firing position, and aligning said launching assembly to permit said trigger lock to be positioned in a trigger firing position, prior to the step of moving said trigger to disengage said catch from said projectile and permit said projectile to launch.
- 9. A toy projectile launching assembly, comprising:a liquid storage assembly including a storage tank having a liquid receiving opening, an intake port, and an output port; a gas pumping mechanism including a pump having an intake port and an output port; and a projectile having an intake port, said output port of said air pump being coupled by a first conduit and in fluid communication with said intake port of said storage tank, said output port of said storage tank being coupled by a second conduit and in fluid communication with said intake port of said projectile, and said output port of said air pump being coupled by a third conduit and in fluid communication with said intake port of said projectile.
- 10. A launching assembly according to claim 9, whereinsaid third conduit includes a portion of said first and second conduits.
- 11. A launching assembly according to claim 9, whereinsaid liquid is water and said gas is air.
- 12. A launching assembly according to claim 10, further comprising:a valve assembly coupled to said first and second conduits.
- 13. A launching assembly according to claim 12, whereinsaid valve assembly includes a fluid intake port, a gas intake port, a gas output port, and a fluid and gas output port, and said first conduit having a first portion positioned between said fluid output port of said storage tank and said fluid intake port of said valve assembly and a second portion positioned between said fluid and gas output port of said valve assembly and said intake port of said projectile, and said second conduit having a first portion positioned between said output port of said pump and said air intake port of said valve assembly and a second portion positioned between said air output port of said valve assembly and said intake port of said storage tank.
- 14. A method of launching a toy projectile, comprising the steps of:providing a launching assembly having a storage tank, a projectile, a pump, and a valve coupled together to form a single, integral assembly with the tank, the projectile and the pump being in fluid communication with the valve; filling the storage tank with liquid; transferring liquid from the storage tank into the projectile; switching the valve from a first position to a second position; pumping gas into the projectile; holding the entire assembly in a firing position; and launching the projectile.
- 15. A method according to claim 14, further comprising the step of:pumping gas into said storage tank and wherein the step of transferring liquid is accomplished by pressure of the gas.
- 16. A method according to claim 14, whereinthe step of switching the valve includes moving a handle attached to said valve from a first orientation to a second orientation.
- 17. A method according to claim 16, whereinsaid step of switching the valve includes moving the handle with one hand while supporting the entire assembly with another hand.
- 18. A method according to claim 17, whereinsaid step of pumping gas includes activating the pump with one hand while supporting the entire assembly with another hand.
- 19. A method of launching a toy projectile, comprising the steps of:providing a launching assembly having a storage tank, a first projectile and a launch platform forming a single, integral assembly, with the tank, the first projectile and the pump being in fluid communication; filling the storage tank with the entire amount of a quantity of liquid; transferring a first portion of the quantity of liquid from the storage tank into the first projectile; pumping gas into the first projectile; launching the first projectile; inserting a second projectile into the launch platform; transferring a second portion of the quantity of liquid from the storage tank into the second projectile; pumping gas into the second projectile; and launching the second projectile.
- 20. A method according to claim 19, further comprising:inserting a third projectile into the launch platform; transferring a third portion of the quantity of liquid from the storage tank into the third projectile; pumping gas into the third projectile; and launching the third projectile.
- 21. A method according to claim 19, whereinsaid first and second projectiles are the same projectile.
- 22. A method according to claim 19, further comprising the step of:holding the entire assembly in a firing position prior to launching the first projectile.
- 23. A method according to claim 19, wherein:the step of filling the storage tank with the entire amount of a quantity of liquid includes filling the storage tank with the entire amount of a quantity of water from a water supply, and after filling the storage tank the assembly is remote from the water supply until after launching the second projectile.
- 24. A toy projectile launching assembly, comprising:a liquid storage assembly including a storage tank having a liquid receiving opening, an intake port, and an output port, said liquid receiving port having a cap removably coupled to said receiving port for permitting or denying access to said storage tank, said cap having a pressure relief device fluidly coupled to said storage tank; a gas pumping mechanism including a pump having an output port; and a projectile having an intake port, said output port of said air pump being coupled by a first conduit and in fluid communication with said intake port of said storage tank, said output port of said storage tank being coupled by a second conduit and in fluid communication with said intake port of said projectile.
- 25. A launching assembly according to claim 24, whereinsaid pressure relief device is a valve including a spring and a ball.
- 26. A launching assembly according to claim 24, whereinsaid pressure relief device includes a means for relieving pressure within said storage tank when said pressure is above the safe operating pressure of said launching assembly.
- 27. A launching assembly according to claim 26, whereinsaid pressure relief device is a valve including a spring.
- 28. A launching assembly according to claim 24, further comprising:a valve assembly in fluid communication with said storage assembly, said pumping mechanism, and said projectile, said valve assembly including a valve having a first position in which said storage assembly, said pumping mechanism, and said projectile being in fluid communication and a second position in which said pumping mechanism and said projectile being in fluid communication; and a launch platform assembly including a catch removably coupled to said projectile and a trigger coupled to said catch.
- 29. A toy projectile launching assembly, comprising:a projectile having a base; and a launch platform assembly including a catch removably coupled to said base and a trigger assembly coupled to said catch, said catch having a first shoulder, a second shoulder, and a biasing element, each of said first and second shoulders being coupled to said trigger assembly and movable between a locking position and a launching position, said biasing element biasing said first and second shoulders in said locking position.
- 30. An assembly according to claim 29, whereineach of said first and second shoulders are pivotally coupled to a retainer by first and second pivot axes, respectively, and said first and second shoulders pivot about said first and second pivot axes when moving between said locking and launching positions.
- 31. An assembly according to claim 30, whereinbiasing element is a tension spring.
- 32. An assembly according to claim 29, whereineach of said first and second shoulders has a gripping portion which is positioned within an indentation in said base of said projectile when said first and second shoulders are in the locking position, and said trigger assembly having a linkage connected to said first and second shoulders and a finger-activated trigger coupled to said linkage.
- 33. An assembly according to claim 29, further comprising:a fluid storage assembly including a storage tank; a pumping mechanism including a pump; a valve assembly in fluid communication with said storage assembly, said pumping mechanism, and said projectile, said valve assembly including a valve having a first position in which said storage assembly, said pumping mechanism, and said projectile being in fluid communication and a second position in which said pumping mechanism and said projectile being in fluid communication.
- 34. A toy projectile launching assembly, comprising:a projectile having a base with a first securing element and a second securing element and a firing axis extending centrally through said base and extending along the initial intended flight path of said projectile as the projectile is positioned to launch from the remainder of said launching assembly; and a launch platform assembly including a catch removably coupled to said first securing element and a trigger assembly coupled to said catch, said catch being movable between a locking position and a launching position, said launch platform assembly further including first and second locking pins removably coupled to said second securing element, each of said first and second locking pins being coupled to a launch platform and being pivotable between an engaged position in contact with said second securing element and a disengaged positioned spaced from said second securing element, at least one of said first and second locking pins being in the engaged position when said firing axis is inclined relative a vertical axis and each of said first and second locking pins being in the disengaged position when said firing axis is parallel to said vertical axis.
- 35. An assembly according to claim 34, whereinsaid launch platform assembly further includes a third locking pin removably coupled to said second securing element, said third locking pin being coupled to said launch platform and being pivotable between an engaged position in contact with said second securing element and a disengaged positioned spaced from said second securing element, said third locking pin being in the engaged position when said firing axis is inclined relative said vertical axis and said third locking pin being in the disengaged position when said firing axis is parallel to said vertical axis.
- 36. An assembly according to claim 35, whereinsaid launch platform assembly further includes a fourth locking pin removably coupled to said second securing element, said fourth locking pin being coupled to said launch platform and being pivotable between an engaged position in contact with said second securing element and a disengaged positioned spaced from said second securing element, said fourth locking pin being in the engaged position when said firing axis is inclined relative said vertical axis and said fourth locking pin being in the disengaged position when said firing axis is parallel to said vertical axis.
- 37. An assembly according to claim 34, whereinsaid second securing element is a single, integral flange extending around said base of said projectile.
- 38. An assembly according to claim 34, further comprising:a fluid storage assembly including a storage tank; a pumping mechanism including a pump; a valve assembly in fluid communication with said storage assembly, said pumping mechanism, and said projectile, said valve assembly including a valve having a first position in which said storage assembly, said pumping mechanism, and said projectile being in fluid communication and a second position in which said pumping mechanism and said projectile being in fluid communication.
- 39. A toy projectile launching assembly, comprising:an air pump; a projectile having a pressure chamber for receiving air from said pump; a first conduit coupled to said pump and to said pressure chamber with said pump and said pressure chamber being in fluid communication with each other; and a launch platform positioned between said projectile and said first conduit and coupling said projectile and said first conduit together, said launch platform having a pressure relief device biasing said projectile and said first conduit together.
- 40. An assembly according to claim 39, whereinsaid pressure relief device includes a spring and a gasket.
- 41. An assembly according to claim 40, whereinsaid spring is a compression spring having a predetermined stiffness corresponding to a predetermined pressure exerted on said spring by pressure in said pressure chamber.
- 42. An assembly according to claim 39, further comprising:a fluid storage assembly including a storage tank; and a valve assembly in fluid communication with said storage assembly, said pump, and said projectile, said valve assembly including a valve having a first position in which said storage assembly, said pumping mechanism, and said projectile being in fluid communication and a second position in which said pump and said projectile being in fluid communication.
- 43. An assembly according to claim 39, whereinsaid launch platform includes a catch removably coupled to a base of said projectile and a trigger assembly coupled to said catch.
- 44. A toy projectile launching assembly, comprising:a projectile having a base; and a launch platform assembly including a catch removably coupled to said base; a trigger assembly coupled to said catch; and a trigger-locking mechanism connected to said trigger and having a upper housing, a lower housing slidably coupled to said upper housing, and a stop coupled to said upper housing and moveable between a lock position in which said stop engages said lower housing and prohibits movement of said trigger and a fire position in which said stop permits movement of said trigger.
- 45. An assembly according to claim 44, whereintrigger-locking mechanism includes a biasing element positioned between said upper housing and said lower housing for biasing said lower housing away from said upper housing, and said stop is a pendulum.
- 46. An assembly according to claim 45, whereinsaid pendulum is capable of movement in at least four directions and has a pivoting portion and an opposite, first gripping portion for coupling with said lower housing.
- 47. An assembly according to claim 46, whereinsaid lower housing has a second gripping portion surrounding a hollow area adapted to receive said first gripping portion.
- 48. An assembly according to claim 44, further comprising:a fluid storage assembly including a storage tank; an air pump; and a valve assembly in fluid communication with said storage assembly, said pump, and said projectile, said valve assembly including a valve having a first position in which said storage assembly, said pumping mechanism, and said projectile being in fluid communication and a second position in which said pump and said projectile being in fluid communication.
- 49. A toy projectile, comprising:a storage tank having an upper threaded portion, a lower threaded portion and a middle portion; cushioning member having a threaded element engaged with said upper threaded portion of said tank; and a nozzle for locking said projectile into a launching platform and for receiving pressurized fluid, said nozzle having a threaded element engaged with said lower threaded portion of said tank.
- 50. A projectile according to claim 49, whereinsaid cushioning member includes a foam element coupled to said threaded element.
- 51. A projectile according to claim 50, whereinsaid nozzle includes a locking element for coupling the launching platform and an aperture for receiving pressurized fluid.
- 52. A projectile according to claim 49, whereinsaid storage tank, said cushioning member, and said nozzle are plastic.
- 53. A method of launching a toy projectile, comprising the steps of:providing a launching assembly having a projectile and a launch platform having first and second launch preventing mechanisms; orienting said launching assembly to a first position to launch said projectile; prohibiting the launching of said projectile through the engagement of said first launch preventing mechanism; prohibiting the launching of said projectile through the engagement of said second launch preventing mechanism; reorienting said launching assembly to a predetermined, second position to launch said projectile; and launching said projectile.
- 54. A method according to claim 53, whereinthe step of prohibiting the launching of said projectile through the engagement of said first launch preventing mechanism and the step of prohibiting the launching of said projectile through the engagement of said second launch preventing mechanism occur simultaneously.
- 55. A method of launching a toy projectile, comprising the steps of:providing a launching assembly having a fluid storage assembly including a storage tank for receiving a first fluid, a pumping mechanism including a pump for pumping a second fluid, a projectile, a valve assembly in fluid communication with said storage assembly, said pumping mechanism, and said projectile, said valve assembly including a valve having a first position in which said storage assembly, said pumping mechanism, and said projectile being in fluid communication and a second position in which said pumping mechanism and said projectile being in fluid communication, and a launch platform assembly including a catch removably coupled to said projectile and a trigger coupled to said catch; positioning said valve to said first position; actuating said pump to force said second fluid into said storage tank and to, in turn, force said first fluid into said projectile; repositioning said valve to said second position; actuating said pump to force said second fluid into said projectile; and moving said trigger to disengage said catch from said projectile and permit said projectile to launch, wherein said step of providing a launching assembly includes providing a pressure indicating assembly including a gauge fluidly coupled to said valve assembly, said pumping mechanism, and said projectile, and said step of actuating said pump to force said second fluid into said projectile includes actuating said pump until said gauge indicates a predetermined launch pressure.
- 56. A method of launching a projectile according to claim 55, further comprising the step of:filling said storage tank with said first fluid prior to the step of actuating said pump to force said first fluid into said storage tank.
- 57. A method of launching a projectile according to claim 56, further comprising the step of:repositioning said projectile on said launch platform and permitting said catch to reengage said projectile; repositioning said valve from said second position to said first position to permit additional quantities of said first fluid to enter said projectile from said storage tank without adding additional quantities of said first fluid to said storage tank; repositioning said valve from said first position to said second position to permit additional quantities of said second fluid to enter said projectile; actuating said pump to force said second fluid into said projectile; and moving said trigger to disengage said catch from said projectile and permit said projectile to launch.
- 58. A method of launching a projectile according to claim 55, whereinsaid step of providing a launching assembly includes providing a first launch-prohibiting assembly coupled to said trigger and including a trigger lock movable between a trigger-stopping position and a trigger firing position, and aligning said launching assembly to permit said trigger lock to be positioned in a trigger firing position, prior to the step of moving said trigger to disengage said catch from said projectile and permit said projectile to launch.
- 59. A method of launching a toy projectile, comprising the steps of:providing a launching assembly having a fluid storage assembly including a storage tank for receiving a first fluid, a pumping mechanism including a pump for pumping a second fluid, a projectile, a valve assembly in fluid communication with said storage assembly, said pumping mechanism, and said projectile, said valve assembly including a valve having a first position in which said storage assembly, said pumping mechanism, and said projectile being in fluid communication and a second position in which said pumping mechanism and said projectile being in fluid communication, and a launch platform assembly including a catch removably coupled to said projectile and a trigger coupled to said catch; positioning said valve to said first position; actuating said pump to force said second fluid into said storage tank and to, in turn, force said first fluid into said projectile; repositioning said valve to said second position; actuating said pump to force said second fluid into said projectile; and moving said trigger to disengage said catch from said projectile and permit said projectile to launch, wherein said step of providing a launching assembly includes providing a first launch-prohibiting assembly coupled to said trigger and including a trigger lock movable between a trigger-stopping position and a trigger firing position, and aligning said launching assembly to permit said trigger lock to be positioned in a trigger firing position, prior to the step of moving said trigger to disengage said catch from said projectile and permit said projectile to launch.
- 60. A method of launching a projectile according to claim 59, further comprising the step of:filling said storage tank with said first fluid prior to the step of actuating said pump to force said first fluid into said storage tank.
- 61. A method of launching a projectile according to claim 60, further comprising the step of:repositioning said projectile on said launch platform and permitting said catch to reengage said projectile; repositioning said valve from said second position to said first position to permit additional quantities of said first fluid to enter said projectile from said storage tank without adding additional quantities of said first fluid to said storage tank; repositioning said valve from said first position to said second position to permit additional quantities of said second fluid to enter said projectile; actuating said pump to force said second fluid into said projectile; and moving said trigger to disengage said catch from said projectile and permit said projectile to launch.
- 62. A method of launching a projectile according to claim 59, whereinsaid step of providing a launching assembly includes providing a pressure indicating assembly including a gauge fluidly coupled to said valve assembly, said pumping mechanism, and said projectile, and said step of actuating said pump to force said second fluid into said projectile includes actuating said pump until said gauge indicates a predetermined launch pressure.
US Referenced Citations (26)