US20060099880A1

US20060099880A1 - Arm attachable toy for rotating and launching an object

Info

Publication number: US20060099880A1
Application number: US11/315,702
Authority: US
Inventors: Dominic Laurienzo; Michael Bernstein
Original assignee: Jakks Pacific Inc
Current assignee: Jakks Pacific Inc
Priority date: 2004-08-25
Filing date: 2005-12-20
Publication date: 2006-05-11

Abstract

A toy comprises a housing connected with a launcher to rotate and launch an object. The housing includes an arm attachment mechanism for attaching with a user's arm. The launcher comprises a driving element to form a drive connection with a receiving element on the object. The launcher is connected with a launcher rotating system, which imparts a rotary movement to the launcher. When the launcher ceases to accelerate the object, the receiving element disengages from the drive connection and launches the object.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application is a Continuation-In-Part application, claiming the benefit of priority of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/183,118, filed Jul. 14, 2005, entitled “Toy for Rotating and Launching an Object,” which is a non-provisional patent application claiming the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/604,283, filed Aug. 25, 2004, entitled “Wheel Spinning Launcher and Wheel Toy.” The present application also claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/730,080, filed Oct. 24, 2005, entitled, “Rotating Wheel/Propeller Toy.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Technical Field
The present invention relates to a toy for rotating and launching an object, and more particularly to a launching mechanism that attaches with a users arm for rotating and launching an object.
(2) Description of Related Art
Toy launchers are well known in the art. Toys that accelerate and launch gliders, helicopters, cars, and parachutes are well documented. One method of launching a toy is through a rotary motion, often utilizing a gear system to turn a shaft that rotates the toy.
An example of one launcher disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,701,216, issued to Smith, III et al. (hereinafter “the Smith patent”). The launcher taught in the Smith patent uses a gear rack to drive a gear train and rotate a wheel that is mounted on a shaft. As the gear rack is withdrawn from the toy, a wheel ejector coupled to the gear rack pivots to force the wheel off of the shaft and launch the wheel.
The devices according to the Smith patent have several shortcomings, the first of which is the need for a separate mechanical ejector to release the wheel from the toy. In addition to adding to the cost to manufacture the toy, the wheel ejector device adds to the complexity of design of the toy.
Another shortcoming of the devices made according to the Smith patent is the possibility of causing injury to the user if the wheel is launched in the direction of the user. If the toy is particularly oriented, the wheel will rotate and launch toward the user, risking injury.
Additionally, in some circumstances, it may be desirable to attach the launcher with a user. However, existing devices do not provide for such an attachment
Therefore, a need exists for a toy launcher that can be attached with a user and that is capable of preventing the toy from being launched in the direction of the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the aforementioned limitations and fills the aforementioned needs by providing an arm attachable toy for rotating and launching an object. The toy comprises a housing and an arm attachment mechanism attached with the housing for attaching with a user's arm. A launcher extends from the housing. The launcher is configured to impart a rotary motion to an object. The launcher comprises a driving element configured to engage a receiving element. The receiving element is attached with an object to form a drive connection, such that when the driving element engages the receiving element, the object is rotationally accelerated in one direction, and wherein once the driving element ceases to accelerate the receiving element, the receiving element disengages from the driving element and releases the object from the drive connection. A launcher rotating system is mounted inside the housing and connected with the launcher. The launcher rotating system configured to impart a rotary motion to the launcher.
In another aspect, the arm attachment mechanism comprises an arm strap and a handle, thereby allowing a user to attach the toy with the user's arm and launch the object.
In yet another aspect, the driving element comprises two substantially helical tabs extending in a parallel configuration from the shaft about an axis. The axis runs substantially parallel to and substantially centered in the shaft. The receiving element of the object is similarly configured with two substantially helical tabs extending outward in parallel configuration about an axis, the axis running perpendicular to the rotational motion of the object. The two substantially helical tabs of each of the driving element and receiving element has an edge that runs parallel to the axis of the respective driving element and receiving element, such that the edge of the driving element rests flush against the edge of the receiving element, forming a drive connection which allows the rotation of the driving element to rotate the receiving element.
In another aspect, the edge of the driving element and the edge of the receiving element are formed as matching and interlocking shapes, such that when the edge of the driving element is matched with the edge of the receiving element, an interlocking drive connection is formed.
In yet another aspect, the edge of the driving element and the edge of the receiving element are formed as a hook shapes, such that when the edge of the driving element is matched up with the edge of the receiving element, an interlocking drive connection is formed.
In another aspect, the launcher rotating system comprises a series of interconnected gears and axles, the gears and axles capable of rotating the launcher.
In yet another aspect, the series of interconnected gears and axles comprises an output axle connected with the launcher, the output axle coupled with an output gear, the output gear drivingly connected with an input gear on an input axle, the input axle connected with an input pinion, the input pinion in drivingly connected with a gear rack, said gear rack movably mounted in a guideway in the housing, said gear rack capable of moving to rotate the input pinion and thereby rotate the launcher rotating system.
Additionally, the radius of the gears is selected to provide a desired input-to-output gear ratio.
In another aspect, the toy further includes an object, the object being connected with the receiving element to be rotationally accelerated by the driving element.
In another aspect, the object is a wheel and the receiving element is connected with the hub of the wheel such that when the receiving element forms a drive connection with the driving element, the movement of the gear rack causes the wheel to rotate.
Finally, as can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the present invention also comprises a method for forming and using the toy described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed descriptions of the disclosed aspects of the invention in conjunction with reference to the following drawings, where:
FIG. 1 is an exemplary illustration of a toy according to the present invention, depicting a housing, an arm attachment mechanism, a launcher and a gear rack;
FIG. 2 is an exemplary illustration of a toy according to the present invention, depicting an object being connected with the toy;
FIG. 3 is an illustration of an interior of the toy according to the present invention;
FIG. 4 is an illustration of a receiving element and driving element according to the present invention;
FIG. 5 is an exemplary illustration of an object for launching according to the present invention;
FIG. 6 is an illustration of an interior of the toy according to the present invention;
FIG. 7 is an exemplary illustration of the toy according to the present invention, showing the arm attachment mechanism with an arm strap and handle; and
FIG. 8 is an exemplary illustration of the toy according to the present invention, being attached with a user's arm.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a toy for rotating and launching an object.
More specifically, the present invention relates to a launching mechanism that attaches with a users arm for rotating and launching an object. The following description, taken in conjunction with the referenced drawings, is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and to incorporate it in the context of particular applications. Various modifications, as well as a variety of uses in different applications, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles, defined herein, may be applied to a wide range of aspects. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the aspects presented, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. Furthermore, it should be noted that unless explicitly stated otherwise, the figures included herein are illustrated diagrammatically and without any specific scale, as they are provided as qualitative illustrations of the concept of the present invention.
In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without necessarily being limited to these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in order to avoid obscuring the present invention.
The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents that are filed concurrently with this specification and are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference. All the features disclosed in this specification, (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
Furthermore, any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Section 112, Paragraph 6. In particular, the use of “step of” or “act of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6.
Before describing the invention in detail, an introduction is provided to provide the reader with a general understanding of the present invention.
Next, a description of various aspects of the present invention is provided to give an understanding of the specific details.
(1) Introduction
The present invention relates to a toy for rotating and launching an object. More specifically, the present invention relates to a launching mechanism that attaches with a users arm for rotating and launching an object. The launcher is formed to hold, rotate and release an object. The object is any roll-able object, non-limiting examples of which include a toy wheel and a ball. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the object can be used with other launching devices.
A launcher with a pair of helical tabs extends from a shaft on the toy and interlocks with matching tabs on an object to mount the object on the shaft. In one aspect, a removable gear rack is pulled to rotate a gear train in the toy, which in turn rotates the shaft and the launcher, thereby rotating the object mounted to the launcher. When the launcher ceases to accelerate the object, the tabs of the object disengage from the launcher, launching the object forward. The launcher is configured to release the object in only one direction, and a stopper gear will prevent the toy from rotating the object in the direction of a user.
(2.1.1) Basic Operation
In one aspect, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the toy 100 comprises a housing 102, an arm attachment mechanism 104, a launcher 106, and a launcher rotating system (not illustrated) including a gear rack 108. The launcher rotating system is located inside the housing 102, and the launcher rotating system is drivingly connected with the gear rack 108 such that when the gear rack 108 is moved, the launcher rotating system translates the movement of the gear rack 108 into a rotary motion. The launcher rotating system is then drivingly connected with the launcher 106. When an object such as a wheel 110 is connected with the launcher 106, as in FIG. 2, the launcher 106 rotationally accelerates the wheel 110 until the wheel 110 is released from the launcher 106 and propelled forward. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the object is any rollable object, non-limiting examples of which include a toy wheel and a ball.
Although a gear rack 108 is shown in the aspect of FIG. 1, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the launcher rotating system can comprise a motor or other manually operated mechanism to cause the rotation of the launcher 106.
(2.1.2) Launcher Mechanism
The launcher functions to retain an object, rotate the object, and launch the object, without the need for a manual or mechanical release mechanism. In one aspect, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the launcher 106 is mounted to an output axle 300 which is drivingly connected with the launcher rotating system 302. FIG. 3 illustrates the specific design of one aspect of the launcher 106, including a driving element 304. The driving element 304 comprises two identical helical tabs 306, which extend outward in parallel configuration from the output axle 300 about an axis, such that the axis is running parallel to and centered in the output axle 300. The edges of each of the helical tabs 306 are formed into hook shapes.
FIG. 4 illustrates how the helical tabs 306 of the driving element 304 are configured to interlock, as matching and interlocking shapes, with similar helical tabs 400 on a receiving element 402, the receiving element 402 connected with an object to be rotated (not illustrated). In particular, the hook-shaped edges 404 of the driving element 304 are configured to match up with the hook-shaped edges 406 of the receiving element 402, forming an interlocking drive connection. The interlocking drive connection allows a user to rotate the toy in any orientation and still maintain the interlocking drive connection between the driving element 304 and the receiving element 402.
Once the interlocking drive connection is made between the driving element 304 and the receiving element 402, the user can pull the gear rack (not illustrated) to rotate the driving element 304 and thereby rotate the object connected with the receiving element 402. When the user pulls the gear rack to the point that it is no longer in contact with the launcher rotating system, the launcher rotating system ceases to accelerate the launcher 106 and the driving element 304. Once the driving element 304 ceases to accelerate the receiving element 402, the receiving element 402 disengages from the driving element 304 and releases the object from the interlocking drive connection. This is accomplished because once the launcher rotating system ceases to rotate the driving element 402, the rate of rotation of the driving element 304 decreases immediately. However, due to the object's inertia, the rotational velocity of the receiving element 402 decreases more slowly, and the object and receiving element rotate away from the driving element 304 and disengage from the interlocking drive connection.
Due to the design of the launcher 106 and specifically the helical tabs 306 of the driving element 304, the rotation of the launcher 106 will impart a rotation to the receiving element 402 only if rotated in a clockwise direction. If the launcher 106 is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction, the hook-shaped edges 404 of the driving element 304 will rotate away from the hook-shaped edges 406 of the receiving element 402 and disengage the interlocking drive connection without imparting any rotational motion to the receiving element 402.
In the aspect where the object is a wheel 110, the receiving element 402 is connected with the hub 500 of the wheel, as illustrated in FIG. 5.
(2.1.3) Launcher Rotating System
The launcher rotating system comprises a series of interconnected gears and axles to impart a rotary motion to the launcher. In one aspect, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the launcher rotating system 302 comprises an input axle 600 with an input pinion 602 and an input gear 604, where the input pinion 602 is drivingly connected with a gear rack 108. The launcher rotating system 302 further comprises an output axle 300 with an output gear 606, where the output gear 606 is drivingly connected with the input gear 604, and where the output axle 300 is connected with the launcher 106.
Because the toy 100 is formed to be attached with a user's arm, it is desirable to have the input pinion 602 accessible at a top portion of the housing 102 while the wheel is launched from the side of the housing 102. In this aspect, the input axle 600 is positioned approximately perpendicular to the output axle 300.
In one aspect, the gear rack 108 is movably mounted in a guideway in the housing 102. The gear rack 108 further comprises a handle 608 for a user to easily grip and pull the gear rack 108.
One skilled in the art will appreciate that by changing the radius of the interconnected gears and input pinions of the launcher rotating system, a desired input-to-output gear ratio can be achieved. For example, the radius of the gears and pinions can be reduced to provide for a faster rotation output to the launcher, due to the fact that a given movement of the gear rack produces more revolutions of the gears and input pinions than are produced with a greater radius of the gears and input pinions.
Additionally, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the gear mechanism described herein is for illustrative purposes and the invention is not intended to be limited thereto, as other gear mechanisms can be envisioned for spinning the toy wheel.
(2.1.4) Arm Attachment Mechanism
As shown in FIG. 7, the toy 100 is formed to be attached with a user's arm. To enable attachment, an arm attachment mechanism 104 is included. The arm attachment mechanism 104 includes an arm strap 700 and a handle 702. The arm strap 700 is any suitable device for strapping the toy 100 to a user's arm, non-limiting examples of which include an elastic band, two bands with an attachment device (e.g., Velcro) to attach the two bands, and a band with an attachment device (e.g., clip) to attach with the housing 102.
As shown in FIG. 8, using the arm strap, a user 800 can attach the toy 100 with a user's arm, thereby allowing a user to hold the handle 702 with one hand while using the other hand to draw the gear rack to launch the object 110.

Claims

1. An arm attachable toy for rotating and launching an object, comprising:

a housing;

an arm attachment mechanism attached with the housing for attaching with a user's arm;

a launcher extending from the housing, the launcher configured to impart a rotary motion to an object, wherein the launcher comprises a driving element configured to engage a receiving element, the receiving element attached with an object to form a drive connection, such that when the driving element engages the receiving element, the object is rotationally accelerated in one direction, and wherein once the driving element ceases to accelerate the receiving element, the receiving element disengages from the driving element and releases the object from the drive connection; and

a launcher rotating system mounted inside the housing and connected with the launcher, the launcher rotating system configured to impart a rotary motion to the launcher.

2. The toy as set forth in claim 1, wherein the arm attachment mechanism comprises an arm strap and a handle, thereby allowing a user to attach the toy with the user's arm and launch the object.

3. The toy as set forth in claim 2, wherein the driving element comprises two substantially helical tabs extending in a parallel configuration from the shaft about an axis, the axis running substantially parallel to and substantially centered in the shaft, and wherein the receiving element of the object is similarly configured with two substantially helical tabs extending outward in parallel configuration about an axis, the axis running perpendicular to the rotational motion of the object, and wherein the two substantially helical tabs of each of the driving element and receiving element has an edge that runs parallel to the axis of the respective driving element and receiving element, such that the edge of the driving element rests flush against the edge of the receiving element, forming a drive connection which allows the rotation of the driving element to rotate the receiving element.

4. The launcher of claim 3, wherein the edge of the driving element and the edge of the receiving element are formed as matching and interlocking shapes, such that when the edge of the driving element is matched with the edge of the receiving element, an interlocking drive connection is formed.

5. The launcher of claim 4, wherein the edge of the driving element and the edge of the receiving element are formed as a hook shapes, such that when the edge of the driving element is matched up with the edge of the receiving element, an interlocking drive connection is formed.

6. The toy as set forth in claim 5, wherein the launcher rotating system comprises a series of interconnected gears and axles, the gears and axles capable of rotating the launcher.

7. The toy as set forth in claim 6, wherein the series of interconnected gears and axles comprises an output axle connected with the launcher, the output axle coupled with an output gear, the output gear drivingly connected with an input gear on an input axle, the input axle connected with an input pinion, the input pinion in drivingly connected with a gear rack, said gear rack movably mounted in a guideway in the housing, said gear rack capable of moving to rotate the input pinion and thereby rotate the launcher rotating system.

8. The toy as set forth in claim 7, wherein the radius of the gears is selected to provide a desired input-to-output gear ratio.

9. The toy as set forth in claim 8, wherein the toy further includes an object, the object being connected with the receiving element to be rotationally accelerated by the driving element.

10. The toy as set forth in claim 9, wherein the object is a wheel, and wherein the receiving element is connected with the hub of the wheel such that when the receiving element forms a drive connection with the driving element, the movement of the gear rack causes the wheel to rotate.

11. The toy as set forth in claim 1, wherein the driving element comprises two substantially helical tabs extending in a parallel configuration from the shaft about an axis, the axis running substantially parallel to and substantially centered in the shaft, and wherein the receiving element of the object is similarly configured with two substantially helical tabs extending outward in parallel configuration about an axis, the axis running perpendicular to the rotational motion of the object, and wherein the two substantially helical tabs of each of the driving element and receiving element has an edge that runs parallel to the axis of the respective driving element and receiving element, such that the edge of the driving element rests flush against the edge of the receiving element, forming a drive connection which allows the rotation of the driving element to rotate the receiving element.

12. The launcher of claim 11, wherein the edge of the driving element and the edge of the receiving element are formed as matching and interlocking shapes, such that when the edge of the driving element is matched with the edge of the receiving element, an interlocking drive connection is formed.

13. The launcher of claim 11, wherein the edge of the driving element and the edge of the receiving element are formed as a hook shapes, such that when the edge of the driving element is matched up with the edge of the receiving element, an interlocking drive connection is formed.

14. The toy as set forth in claim 1, wherein the launcher rotating system comprises a series of interconnected gears and axles, the gears and axles capable of rotating the launcher.

15. The toy as set forth in claim 14, wherein the series of interconnected gears and axles comprises an output axle connected with the launcher, the output axle coupled with an output gear, the output gear drivingly connected with an input gear on an input axle, the input axle connected with an input pinion, the input pinion in drivingly connected with a gear rack, said gear rack movably mounted in a guideway in the housing, said gear rack capable of moving to rotate the input pinion and thereby rotate the launcher rotating system.

16. The toy as set forth in claim 15, wherein the gears have a radius and the radius of the gears is selected to provide a desired input-to-output gear ratio.

17. The toy as set forth in claim 1, wherein the toy further includes an object, the object being connected with the receiving element to be rotationally accelerated by the driving element.

18. The toy as set forth in claim 17, wherein the object is a wheel, and wherein the receiving element is connected with the hub of the wheel such that when the receiving element forms a drive connection with the driving element, the movement of the gear rack causes the wheel to rotate.