Toy launcher scar barrel and method of manufacturing the same

Abstract

An apparatus for attachment to the muzzle of a projectile launcher. The apparatus includes a hollow main housing having a plurality of arms extending from a proximal end portion to a distal end portion. A plurality of plates are configured to extend between the plurality of arms of the main housing. Each plate includes: a first opening extending through the thickness of the plate; and a second opening extending across the width of the plate. A roller is disposed within the first opening, and a pin is disposed within the second opening, wherein each pin is inserted through a central opening of a corresponding roller. In an exemplary embodiment, the separate plates and arms are combined into an integral structure having sections for receiving the roller and the pin, and a cover plate or housing is disposed above the integral structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to a toy projectile launcher, such as a toy pistol or gun, for launching toy projectiles, such as foam bullets, darts, balls, etc., and particularly to a device placed at the muzzle end of the launcher to cause the projectile to spin upon launch. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional toy projectile launchers use various forms of rifles, pistols, explosives, machine guns, etc., to fire toy projectiles, such as foam balls and darts. These toy launchers vary in size, power, and storage capacity. More specifically, toy launchers that fire foam projectiles (bullets (or "darts"), balls, etc.) are ubiquitous. One standard for foam bullets is sold under the brand name Nerf®, featuring a rubber tip and a foam body approximately 71.5 mm in total length. Various types of rifles, machine guns, etc., are available on the market for firing these foam projectiles.

[0003] Projectiles are more accurate when they spin / rotate during flight. Therefore, bullets are driven through rifled barrels to achieve this spin. Similarly, foam darts are more accurate after being spun.

[0004] There are three common traditional methods for making a projectile spin, each of which involves attaching a tube to the muzzle of the launcher.

[0005] refer to Figure 10A A traditional technique involves molding ridges onto the inner surface of the tube through which the dart passes, either by injection molding or extrusion molding, to create rifling. However, this produces only limited spin and generates excessive friction, thus negatively impacting the dart's speed.

[0006] refer to Figure 10B Another traditional technique involves extending a single filament of fishing line downwards along the tube to create a surface that allows the dart to spin. This is an effective method, but it is labor-intensive because each line needs to be tied manually, and quality control can be problematic in mass production.

[0007] refer to Figure 10CAnother traditional technique involves the use of metal / plastic rollers positioned at an angle (typically 10-15 degrees from the vertical), with a metal pin extending through a central hole. The resulting tube (sometimes called a "SCAR barrel") has three rows of rollers positioned at 120 degrees along the circumference of the tube. The number of rollers in each row (e.g., from two to five) can vary. The more rollers, the more spin. However, each roller also generates friction and slows down the dart. Therefore, there is an optimal combination between the dart's speed and the number of rollers needed to generate the necessary spin for the desired accuracy. Each roller has a narrow, raised edge / wall so that friction is kept to a minimum as the dart body passes over the roller. The angular position of the rollers induces the dart's spin. This is currently the most popular design, especially because consumers can easily replace damaged rollers from open-market sources, or even find larger / smaller rollers to suit personal preference.

[0008] To date, all SCAR barrels using the roller method have been 3D printed. However, 3D printing is a slow and complex process, and therefore, the final product can be relatively expensive for precise and high-quality parts. Furthermore, 3D-printed barrel attachments may not be as durable as injection-molded products in the event of a drop impact.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for a SCAR barrel assembly process that provides SCAR barrels not only for enthusiasts who can afford the high retail prices currently available at specialty stores. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The purpose of this invention is to provide a SCAR barrel for a launcher that is designed for mass production and provides the public with quality, durability, accuracy and affordability.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention relates to a SCAR barrel assembled using separate components formed in a mold, wherein these separate components include plates and / or sections having holes and / or slots for inserting rollers and pins, as well as other separate components for holding the pins in place.

[0012] According to an exemplary embodiment, a device for attachment to the muzzle of a projectile launcher includes: a hollow main housing including a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, a plurality of arms extending from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion, a plurality of plates configured to extend between the plurality of arms of the main housing, one or more rollers, and one or more pins. Each plate includes one or more first openings penetrating the plate thickness and one or more second openings traversing the plate width. Each of the one or more second openings communicates with a corresponding one of the one or more first openings. Each of the one or more rollers is disposed within a corresponding one of the one or more first openings. Each roller includes a central opening. Each of the one or more pins is disposed within a corresponding second opening of the one or more second openings and is inserted through the central opening of the roller within the corresponding first opening of the one or more first openings that communicates with the corresponding second opening of the one or more second openings.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the hollow main shell and the multiple plates are independent components.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, one or more rollers and one or more pins are separate components that are respectively inserted into one or more first openings and one or more second openings.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the device further includes a cap disposed on the distal end portion of the main housing.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, multiple arms and multiple plates together form the inner hole of the device.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of rollers are oriented at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the device.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the proximal end portion of the main housing is configured to rest on the muzzle of the projectile launcher.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, each roller includes a raised edge surrounding the circumference of the roller.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, one or more rollers extend into the inner hole.

[0021] According to an exemplary embodiment, a device for attaching to the muzzle of a projectile launcher includes: a hollow body, one or more rollers, one or more pins, and a plurality of cover plates. The hollow body includes a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and a plurality of segments extending from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion. Each segment includes one or more through holes extending through the thickness of the segment and one or more recesses extending across the width of the segment. Each of the one or more recesses communicates with a corresponding through hole in one of the one or more through holes. Each of the one or more rollers is disposed within a corresponding through hole in one of the one or more through holes. Each roller includes a central opening. Each of the one or more pins is disposed within a corresponding recess in one of the one or more recesses and is inserted through the central opening of the roller in a corresponding through hole in one of the one or more through holes that communicates with the corresponding recess in one of the one or more recesses. Each of the plurality of cover plates is disposed on a corresponding segment in one of the one or more segments. The cover plates hold one or more pins in place while allowing one or more rollers to rotate freely.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the body and the multiple cover plates are independent components.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of cover plates includes a stud configured to be inserted into a corresponding opening in a corresponding segment of the plurality of segments.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, one or more rollers and one or more pins are separate components that are respectively inserted into one or more through holes and one or more recessed grooves.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the body forming apparatus has an inner hole.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of rollers are oriented at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the device.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, the proximal end portion of the main body is configured to be placed on the muzzle of the projectile launcher.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, each roller includes a raised edge surrounding the circumference of the roller.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, one or more rollers extend into the inner hole.

[0030] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a device for attachment to the muzzle of a projectile launcher includes: a hollow body and a housing. The hollow body includes a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, a plurality of segments extending from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion, one or more rollers, and one or more pins. Each segment includes one or more through holes extending through the thickness of the segment and one or more recesses extending across the width of the segment. Each of the one or more recesses communicates with a corresponding through hole in one of the one or more through holes. Each of the one or more rollers is disposed within a corresponding through hole in one of the one or more through holes. Each roller includes a central opening. Each of the one or more pins is disposed within a corresponding recess in one of the one or more recesses and is inserted through the central opening of the roller in a corresponding through hole in one of the one or more through holes that communicates with the corresponding recess in one of the one or more recesses. The housing is disposed on the body and configured to hold the one or more pins in place while allowing the one or more rollers to rotate freely.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, the body and the housing are separate components.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, the housing includes a pair of radial walls extending toward the longitudinal axis of the housing.

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, each pair of radial walls is configured to press against the ends of one or more pins within a corresponding segment of a plurality of segments.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, one or more rollers and one or more pins are separate components that are respectively inserted into one or more through holes and one or more recessed grooves.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, the body forming apparatus has an inner hole.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of rollers are oriented at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the device.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the proximal end portion of the main body is configured to be placed on the muzzle of the projectile launcher.

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, each roller includes a raised edge surrounding the circumference of the roller.

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, one or more rollers extend into the inner hole. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0041] Figure 1This is an exploded perspective view of a SCAR barrel assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figures 2A-2E The assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 1 The various steps of the SCAR barrel assembly;

[0043] Figure 3A and Figure 3B It shows Figure 1 The SCAR barrel assembly is mounted at the muzzle end of the launcher;

[0044] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of a SCAR barrel assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 5A- Figure 5D The assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 4 The various steps of the SCAR barrel assembly;

[0046] Figure 6A and Figure 6B It shows Figure 4 The SCAR barrel assembly is mounted at the muzzle end of the launcher;

[0047] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of a SCAR barrel assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 8A- Figure 8F The assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 7 The various steps of the SCAR barrel assembly;

[0049] Figure 9A and Figure 9B It shows Figure 7 The SCAR barrel assembly is mounted at the muzzle end of the launcher; and

[0050] Figures 10A-10C A conventional device for making a projectile spin is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0051] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to a tube for placement at the end of the barrel of a toy projectile launcher to cause the projectile to spin upon exiting the launcher. This tube may be referred to as a "SCAR barrel," and in the exemplary embodiment, refers to a launcher accessory that causes a dart or other projectile to spin upon exiting the launcher.

[0052] Figure 1This is an exploded view of a SCAR barrel assembly (generally indicated by reference numeral 1) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The assembly 1 includes a hollow main housing 10, generally cylindrical. The main housing 10 includes a proximal end portion 12 configured to fit onto the muzzle of a toy launcher. In an exemplary embodiment, the outer diameter of the proximal end portion 12 may be smaller than the outer diameter of the remainder of the main housing 10. The main housing 10 also includes arms 14A, 14B, 14C extending from the proximal end portion 12 toward a distal end portion 16 of the main housing 10. The arms 14A, 14B, 14C are preferably spaced equidistantly at 120-degree intervals around the circumference of the assembly 1.

[0053] Device 1 also includes plates 18A, 18B, and 18C, which are generally rectangular with a width W, a length L, and a thickness T. Each plate 18A, 18B, and 18C includes a flat outer wall 19 and a curved inner wall 21. The curved inner wall 21 follows a concave curvature and forms a portion of the inner aperture of device 1. Each plate 18A, 18B, and 18C includes a corresponding set of first openings 20 extending through the thickness T of the plate 18A, 18B, and 18C. Each plate 18A, 18B, and 18C also includes a set of second openings 22 extending across the width of the plate 18A, 18B, and 18C. Each first opening 20 communicates with a corresponding one of the second openings 22 within each plate 18A, 18B, and 18C.

[0054] As explained in more detail below, each of the first openings 20 is configured to receive a roller 30, which is generally cylindrical. Each roller 30 has a central opening 31 and a raised, narrow edge 33 surrounding the outer circumference of the roller 30. The rollers 30 are positioned in the first openings 20 such that their edges 33 protrude into the aperture of the device 1. The edges 33 of the rollers 30 provide a minimal amount of contact for the projectile passing through the device 1, and thus minimize friction with the projectile, which would otherwise cause the projectile to lose velocity. In an exemplary embodiment, the first openings 20 are set at a corresponding angle such that the rollers 30 are also angled relative to the direction of the projectile, thereby causing the projectile to spin as it passes through the device 1.

[0055] As explained in more detail below, each of the second openings 22 is configured such that the corresponding pin 34 can pass through it and through the central opening 31 of the corresponding roller 30. Therefore, the pin 34 is able to hold the roller 30 within the plates 18A, 18B, 18C while allowing the roller 30 to rotate freely as the projectile passes through the device 1 and comes into contact with the roller 30. In an exemplary embodiment, the roller and the pin may be made of any suitable material, such as, for example, metal or plastic.

[0056] The device 1 also includes a cap 40 located at the distal end portion. The cap 40 can be attached to the arms 14A, 14B, 14C using screws 50 inserted into corresponding openings 41 in the cap 40, thereby holding the plates 18A, 18B, 18C in place on the main housing 10.

[0057] It should be understood that device 1 is not limited to the number of arms, plates, rollers and associated pins described and shown herein, and other exemplary embodiments may include more or fewer such components.

[0058] Figures 2A-2E The various steps of assembling apparatus 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention are shown. For example... Figure 2A As shown, in each plate 18A, 18B, 18C, a roller 30 is inserted into a corresponding first opening 20, and each roller 30 is held in place by pushing a corresponding pin 34 through the central opening 31 of the roller 30. In this respect, each pin 34 is located in a corresponding pair of grooves 17 communicating with a corresponding one in the second opening 22, and is pressed by the inner wall 21 of the plates 18A, 18B, 18C. Figure 2B and 2C One or more plates 18A, 18B, 18C are shown after the insertion of roller 30 and pin 34.

[0059] Figures 2C-2E The subsequent assembly steps are shown, wherein each plate 18A, 18B, 18C is inserted between a corresponding pair of arms 14A, 14B, 14C. In this respect, each plate 18A, 18B, 18C includes a corresponding outer edge groove 23. Figure 2D The outer edge groove 23 facilitates the entry of plates 18A, 18B, 18C between arms 14A, 14B, 14C. When plates 18A, 18B, 18C reach the base of their respective arms 14A, 14B, 14C, the first protrusion 24 at the proximal end of plates 18A, 18B, 18C inserts into the corresponding opening 11 in the top wall of the main housing 10. In this respect, the corresponding opening 11 is located between the base portions 15 of arms 14A, 14B, 14C surrounding the top wall of the main housing 10. Then, a cap 40 is placed at the distal end of the device 1 using a screw 50, which passes through the opening 41 of the cap and is screwed into a threaded opening 16 in the distal end wall of arms 14A, 14B, 14C. Figure 2E In an exemplary embodiment, the positioning of the cap 40 may be assisted by second protrusions 25 at the distal ends of plates 18A, 18B, and 18C, which fit into corresponding cavities 42 surrounding the cap 40.

[0060] Figure 3A and Figure 3BThe placement of the device 1 at the end of the launcher muzzle 60 is shown. In an exemplary embodiment, the muzzle 60 is inserted into the proximal end portion 12 of the device 1 until it abuts against the inner stop 27 protruding from the hole in the device 1. The device 1 can be held on the muzzle 60 by frictional engagement. As shown, when the projectile 100 passes through the device 1, the roller 30 causes the projectile 100 to spin.

[0061] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of a SCAR barrel assembly (generally indicated by reference numeral 100) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The assembly 100 differs from the assembly 1 in that it includes a body formed as a single integral piece (i.e., without separate plates) for example by injection molding with one or more slides, and uses separate cover plates to hold down the pins of each row of rollers.

[0062] More specifically, the device 100 includes a hollow body 110 that is generally cylindrical. In an exemplary embodiment, the body 110 has a one-piece structure and can be formed, for example, by injection molding. The body 110 includes a proximal end portion 112 configured to fit onto the muzzle of a toy launcher. In an exemplary embodiment, the outer diameter of the proximal end portion 112 may be smaller than the outer diameter of the rest of the main housing 110. The body 110 also includes segments 118A, 118B, 118C (118B not shown, but located between segments 118A and 118C) extending from the proximal end portion 112 of the body 110 toward the distal end portion 116 of the body 110. The segments 118A, 118B, 118C are preferably spaced equidistantly at 120-degree intervals around the circumference of the device 100.

[0063] Each segment 118A, 118B, 118C includes a corresponding set of through holes 120 extending through the body 100 and communicating with the hollow interior of the body 100. Each segment 118A, 118B, 118C also includes a set of recessed grooves 122 extending across the width of the segment 118A, 118B, 118C. Each through hole 120 in each segment 118A, 118B, 118C communicates with a corresponding recessed groove in the recessed groove 122.

[0064] As explained in more detail below, each through-hole 120 is configured to receive a roller 130, which is generally cylindrical. Each roller 130 has a central opening 131 and a raised, narrow edge 133 surrounding the outer circumference of the roller 130. The rollers 130 are positioned in the through-hole 120 such that their edges 133 protrude into the aperture of the device 100. The edges 133 of the rollers 130 provide a minimal amount of contact for a projectile passing through the device 100, and thus minimize friction with the projectile that would otherwise cause the projectile to lose velocity. In an exemplary embodiment, the through-holes 120 are set at a corresponding angle such that the rollers 130 held within the through-holes 120 are also angled relative to the direction of the projectile, thereby causing the projectile to spin as it passes through the device 100.

[0065] As explained in more detail below, each recess 122 is configured such that a corresponding pin 134 can be received within the recess 122 and pass through the central opening 131 of the corresponding roller 130. Therefore, the pin 134 is able to hold the roller 130 in place within sections 118A, 118B, 118C, while allowing the roller 130 to rotate freely as the projectile passes through the device 100 and contacts the roller 130. In an exemplary embodiment, the roller and pin may be made of any suitable material, such as metal or plastic.

[0066] The device 100 also includes cover plates 150A, 150B, and 150C, each corresponding to one of the sections 118A, 118B, and 118C. Cover plates 150A, 150B, and 150C have corresponding openings 152 that allow rollers 130 to protrude through them. Cover plates 150A, 150B, and 150C also have corresponding studs 154 protruding from the bottom wall of each cover plate, and these studs 154 are configured to engage with corresponding openings 125 in sections 118A, 118B, and 118C to retain the cover plates 150A, 150B, and 150C on sections 118A, 118B, and 118C.

[0067] Figure 5A- Figure 5D The various steps of assembling the apparatus 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention are shown. As shown in FIG5A, a pin 134 is inserted through the central opening 131 of each roller 130, and then each pin-roller assembly is inserted into sections 118A, 118B, 118C, wherein each roller 130 extends into a corresponding one of the through holes 120, and each pin 134 is inserted into a corresponding one of the recesses 122.

[0068] Then, cover plates 150A, 150B, and 150C are placed on the corresponding sections 118A, 118B, and 118C, with pins 154 inserted into the corresponding openings 125 in sections 118A, 118B, and 118C. After cover plates 150A, 150B, and 150C are in place, rollers 130 protrude through the cover plate openings 152, and the end of pins 134 is held in place to allow rollers 130 to rotate freely.

[0069] Figure 5C The fully assembled device 100 is shown, and Figure 5D This is a view taken through the distal end of the device 100, showing the roller 130 and the pin 134.

[0070] Figure 6A and Figure 6B The placement of the device 100 at the end of the launcher muzzle 160 is shown. In an exemplary embodiment, the muzzle 160 is inserted into the proximal end portion 112 of the device 100 until it abuts against an inner stop 127 protruding from a hole in the device 100. The device 100 can be held on the muzzle 160 by frictional engagement. As shown, when the projectile 1000 passes through the device 100, the roller 130 causes the projectile 1000 to spin.

[0071] It should be understood that the device 100 is not limited to the number of parts, covers, rollers and associated pins described and shown herein, and other exemplary embodiments may include more or fewer such components.

[0072] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of a SCAR barrel assembly (generally indicated by reference numeral 200) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The assembly 200 is similar to the assembly 100 in that it comprises a single, integral body. However, instead of using a separate cover to hold the pin in place, it inserts the main housing into one or more outer casings having three sets of walls that hold the pin in place.

[0073] More specifically, the device 200 includes a hollow body 210 that is generally cylindrical. In an exemplary embodiment, the device 200 has a one-piece structure and can be formed, for example, by injection molding. The body 200 includes a proximal end portion 212 configured to fit onto the muzzle of a toy launcher. In an exemplary embodiment, the outer diameter of the proximal end portion 212 may be smaller than the outer diameter of the rest of the main housing 210. The body 200 also includes segments 218A, 218B, 218C (218B not shown, but located between segments 218A and 218C) extending from the proximal end portion 212 of the body 210 toward the distal end portion 216 of the body 210. The segments 218A, 218B, 218C are preferably spaced equidistantly at 120-degree intervals around the circumference of the device 200.

[0074] Each segment 218A, 218B, 218C includes a corresponding set of through holes 220 extending through and communicating with the hollow interior of the body 200 (Figure 8A). Each segment 218A, 218B, 218C also includes a set of recesses 222 extending across the width of segments 218A, 218B, 218C (Figure 8A). Each through hole 220 communicates with a corresponding recess 222 in each segment of segments 218A, 218B, 218C.

[0075] As explained in more detail below, each through-hole in the through-hole 220 is configured to receive a roller 230, which is generally cylindrical. Each roller 230 has a central opening 231 and a raised, narrow edge 233 surrounding the outer circumference of the roller 230. The rollers 230 are positioned in the through-hole 220 such that their edges 233 protrude into the aperture of the device 200. The edges 233 of the rollers 230 provide a minimal amount of contact for a projectile passing through the device 200, and thus minimize friction with the projectile that would otherwise cause the projectile to lose velocity. In an exemplary embodiment, the through-holes 220 are set at a corresponding angle such that the rollers 230 held within the through-holes 220 are also angled relative to the direction of the projectile, thereby causing the projectile to spin as it passes through the device 200.

[0076] As explained in more detail below, each recess in the recess 222 is configured such that the corresponding pin 234 can be received within the recess 222 and pass through the central opening 231 of the corresponding roller 230. Therefore, the pin 234 can hold the roller 230 in place within sections 218A, 218B, 218C, while allowing the roller 230 to rotate freely as the projectile passes through the device 200 and contacts the roller 230. In an exemplary embodiment, the roller and pin can be made of any suitable material (e.g., metal or plastic).

[0077] The device 200 also includes a housing 250 into which the body 210 is inserted. The housing 250 is typically cylindrical with a hollow interior. The housing 250 has a proximal end portion 251 whose outer diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the rest of the housing 250. The inner diameter of the proximal end portion 251 of the housing 250 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the proximal end portion 212 of the body 210 to accommodate the proximal end portion 212 of the body 210. The housing 250 includes an inner wall 252 from which pairs of radial walls 254A, 254B extend toward the longitudinal axis of the housing 250. In an exemplary embodiment, the number of pairs of radial walls 254A, 254B corresponds to the number of segments 218A, 218B, 218C. As explained in more detail below, when the body 210 is inserted into the housing 250, the radial walls 254A, 254B press against pins 234 and hold them in place.

[0078] The device 200 also includes a cap 240 having a central opening 242 and a collar 244 configured to be inserted into the hollow interior of the body 210. In an exemplary embodiment, the collar 244 of the cap 240 may include an elongated protrusion 246 configured to be inserted into an elongated groove 255 corresponding to the distal end of the housing 250. Figure 8D In an exemplary embodiment, the collar 244 may be threaded, and the distal end portion of the hollow interior of the housing 250 may have a corresponding thread so that the cap 240 can be screwed into the hollow interior.

[0079] Figure 8A- Figure 8F The various steps of assembling the apparatus 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention are illustrated. As shown in FIG8A, a pin 234 is inserted through the central opening 231 of each roller 230, and then, as shown in FIG8B, each pin-roller assembly is inserted into sections 218A, 218B, 218C, each roller 230 extends into a corresponding one of the through holes 220, and each pin 234 is inserted into a corresponding one of the recesses 222. Figure 8C This is a view taken through the distal end of the device 200, showing the roller 230, pin 234, and radial walls 254A, 254B.

[0080] like Figure 8D As shown, the main body 210 is then inserted into the housing 250 until the proximal end portion 212 of the main body 210 is fully inserted into the proximal end portion 251 of the housing 250. Figure 8F As shown, the housing 250 has a stop wall 256 protruding around the inner circumference of the housing 250 at its proximal end. The inner diameter of the proximal end portion 212 of the body 210 is equal to the inner diameter of the stop wall 256, such that the proximal end portion 212 of the body 210 and the stop wall 256 form a smooth surface without obstruction, which would otherwise interfere with the passage of the projectile. When fully inserted, the proximal end of the body 210 abuts against the stop wall 256 of the housing 250. Furthermore, when the body 210 is fully inserted into the housing 250, each pair of radial walls 254A, 254B presses against the ends of the pins 234 in a corresponding row of pins 234 on the body 210, thereby holding the pins 234 in place while allowing the rollers 230 to rotate freely.

[0081] Figure 8E The fully assembled device 200 is shown, with the cap 240 inserted at the distal end.

[0082] Figure 9A and Figure 9BThe placement of the device 200 at the end of the launcher muzzle 260 is shown. In an exemplary embodiment, the muzzle 260 is inserted into the proximal end portion 212 of the device 200 until it abuts against an inner stop 227 protruding from a hole in the device 200. The device 200 can be held on the muzzle 260 by frictional engagement. As shown, when the projectile 1000 passes through the device 200, the roller 230 causes the projectile 1000 to spin.

[0083] It should be understood that the device 200 is not limited to the number of parts, rollers and associated pins described and shown herein, and other exemplary embodiments may include more or fewer such components. Although specific embodiments of this disclosure have been specifically illustrated and described, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, it is intended to cover all such modifications and improvements that fall within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A device for attaching to the muzzle of a projectile launcher, comprising: Hollow main shell, the hollow main shell comprising: Proximal end portion; The distal end portion; Multiple arms extending from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion; A plurality of plates configured to extend between the plurality of arms of the main housing, each of the plates comprising: One or more first openings extending through the thickness of the plate; One or more second openings extending across the width of the plate, each of the one or more second openings communicating with a corresponding first opening among the one or more first openings; One or more rollers, each of the one or more rollers being disposed within a corresponding first opening in the one or more first openings, each roller including a central opening; and One or more pins, each of the one or more pins being disposed within a corresponding second opening in one of the one or more second openings and inserted through the center opening of the roller in a corresponding first opening in one of the one or more first openings that communicates with the corresponding second opening in one of the one or more second openings.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The hollow main shell and the plurality of plates are independent components.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The one or more rollers and the one or more pins are separate components that are respectively inserted into the one or more first openings and the one or more second openings.

4. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a cap disposed at the distal end portion of the main housing.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The plurality of arms and the plurality of plates together form the inner hole of the device.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The plurality of rollers are oriented at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the device.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The proximal end portion of the main housing is configured to be positioned above the muzzle of the projectile launcher.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, Each roller includes a raised edge around its circumference.

9. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The one or more rollers extend into the inner hole.

10. A device for attaching to the muzzle of a projectile launcher, comprising: Hollow body, the hollow body comprising: Proximal end portion; The distal end portion; A plurality of segments extending from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion, each of the segments comprising: One or more through holes extending through the thickness of the section; One or more recessed grooves extending across the width of the section, each of the one or more recessed grooves communicating with a corresponding through hole in the one or more through holes; One or more rollers, each of the one or more rollers being disposed within a corresponding through hole in one or more through holes, each roller including one or more central openings; and One or more pins, each of the one or more pins being disposed in a corresponding recess in one or more of the one or more recesses and inserted through the central opening of the roller in a corresponding through hole communicating with the corresponding recess in one or more of the one or more recesses; Multiple cover plates, each of which is disposed on a corresponding segment of the one or more sections, wherein the cover plates hold the one or more pins in place while allowing the one or more rollers to rotate freely.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, The main body and the plurality of cover plates are independent components.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, Each of the plurality of cover plates includes a stud configured to be inserted into a corresponding opening in a corresponding segment of the plurality of segments.

13. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, The one or more rollers and the one or more pins are separate components that are respectively inserted into the one or more through holes and the one or more recesses.

14. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, The main body forms the inner hole of the device.

15. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, The plurality of rollers are oriented at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the device.

16. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, The proximal end portion of the main body is configured to be positioned above the muzzle of the projectile launcher.

17. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, Each roller includes a raised edge around its circumference.

18. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein, The one or more rollers extend into the inner hole.

19. A device for attachment to the muzzle of a projectile launcher, comprising: Hollow body, the hollow body comprising: Proximal end portion; The distal end portion; A plurality of segments extending from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion, each of the segments comprising: One or more through holes extending through the thickness of the section; One or more recessed grooves that traverse the width of the section, each of the one or more recessed grooves communicating with a corresponding through hole in the one or more through holes; One or more rollers, each of the one or more rollers being disposed within a corresponding through hole of the one or more through holes, each roller including one or more central openings; and One or more pins, each of the one or more pins being disposed in a corresponding recess in one or more of the one or more recesses and inserted through the central opening of the roller in a corresponding through hole communicating with the corresponding recess in one or more of the one or more recesses; A housing disposed above the body and configured to hold the one or more pins in place while allowing the one or more rollers to rotate freely.

20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein, The main body and the shell are separate components.

21. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein, The housing includes a pair of radial walls extending toward the longitudinal axis of the housing.

22. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein, Each pair of radial walls is configured to press against the ends of one or more pins within a corresponding segment of the plurality of segments.

23. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein, The one or more rollers and the one or more pins are separate components that are respectively inserted into the one or more through holes and the one or more recesses.

24. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein, The main body forms the inner hole of the device.

25. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein, The plurality of rollers are oriented at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the device.

26. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein, The proximal end portion of the main body is configured to be positioned above the muzzle of the projectile launcher.

27. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein, Each roller includes a raised edge around its circumference.

28. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein, The one or more rollers extend into the inner hole.

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