Toy projectile launcher feeding mechanism and method

Abstract

A toy launcher includes: a housing; a magazine configured to be placed in an opening in the housing, wherein a projectile within the magazine is held in a first orientation; a chambering slide movably attached to the housing between a first position and a second position; a reciprocating frame operatively connected to the chambering slide; a projectile receiving case pivotally connected to the toy launcher housing adjacent to the magazine; and a reciprocating feed lever operatively connected to the reciprocating frame. Further, in a first loading step, the chambering slide moves from the first position to the second position and then returns to the first position in a second loading step, causing the feed lever to push a projectile from the magazine into the projectile receiving case, causing the projectile receiving case to pivot to position the projectile in a second orientation, and placing the second-oriented projectile at a firing position within the toy launcher.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a toy projectile launcher, such as a toy pistol or a long gun, for launching toy projectiles, such as foam bullets, darts, balls, etc., and has a feeding mechanism to reduce the size of the projectile launcher.

[0002] Related applications

[0003] This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 066,389, filed August 17, 2020, entitled "Feeding Mechanism and Method for Toy Projectile Launcher," and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 147,835, filed February 10, 2021, entitled "Feeding Mechanism and Method for Toy Projectile Launcher." The contents of these applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Background Technology

[0004] Traditional toy projectile launchers utilize various forms of rifles, pistols, blasters, 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 for foam projectiles, bullets (or "darts"), balls, etc., have become ubiquitous. A standard product for foam bullets is already branded under... Sold off-the-shelf, these projectiles feature 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. In most cases, these standard... Foam bullet launchers are large, rifle-style launchers, which can be inflexible and cumbersome during gameplay. Similar to conventional bullets in automatic or semi-automatic rifles (e.g., submachine guns), standard elongated foam dart bullets need to be housed in an external body that guides each dart forward, entering the chamber sequentially. In other words, multiple elongated foam dart bullets cannot be haphazardly arranged in a hopper like polyurethane (PU) foam balls or paint balls are typically housed in their respective launchers. The storage casing for elongated dart bullets can be in the form of a magazine, drum, or cylinder. In any case, the heavier tip of the foam dart bullet needs to point forward to meet flight requirements.

[0005] The magazine is the most common storage casing for standard, slender foam dart rounds. Similar to traditional magazines used in standard rifles or submachine guns, the foam dart magazine is typically inserted into the underside of the blaster body. The magazine can also be inserted from the side of the blaster body or downwards into the top of the blaster. In all these variant configurations, the magazine protrudes from the blaster. While the design of the "submachine gun" foam dart launcher may be for aesthetic reasons, the protruding magazine, in both realistic and future models, limits the design to traditional submachine gun designs or their variations.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a more portable foam or plastic toy projectile launcher that offers more flexible gameplay without sacrificing firing speed and accuracy, while also providing increased projectile capacity. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention generally relates to an improved toy launcher for launching foam darts from a storage magazine to a firing position using a feeding mechanism, thereby reducing the overall size of the launcher.

[0008] Specifically, the present invention relates to a dart feeding mechanism that conceals a foam dart magazine within the casing of a blaster, thereby allowing the blaster body to take any shape, such as a shotgun, where a protruding magazine would otherwise appear unattractive or unrealistic. In embodiments, the feeding mechanism is used with a standard foam dart magazine, such as those used for... Magazine compatibility with launchers, etc. The magazine body is relatively long, which can hold foam darts; the length directly relates to the number of darts the magazine can hold.

[0009] In one embodiment, to increase magazine capacity without the magazine protruding significantly from the launcher housing, the launcher allows the magazine to be inserted into the main body through the rear of the launcher. Alternatively, the magazine can be inserted through an opening at the front of the launcher. With this magazine insertion configuration, the foam darts stored in the magazine will be aligned in a direction orthogonal to the launcher's firing direction—in other words, when the magazine is inserted into the launcher, the stored foam darts will either point upwards or downwards—depending on whether the magazine is inserted above or below the launching assembly.

[0010] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the feeding mechanism is integrated within the launcher housing, which redirects the stored foam darts to the firing direction, thereby avoiding (e.g., in insertable cartridges, etc.) the requirement for the initial orientation of the stored foam darts towards the firing direction, thus eliminating the need for the foam dart storage chamber to extend in a direction perpendicular to the firing direction. Advantageously, an effective, user-friendly, and high-performance blaster can be achieved with a more compact design without sacrificing the capacity to load a large number of projectiles. Furthermore, the invention relates to a simple toy launcher for an improved integrated launcher with a two-step loading / breech and firing mechanism, which reduces the size of the launcher while achieving high projectile firing force and increased dart capacity.

[0011] According to an exemplary embodiment, the toy launcher incorporates a projectile feeding mechanism that redirects a first projectile with a first orientation in a storage area to a second orientation at a firing position.

[0012] In one embodiment, the projectile feeding mechanism includes a lever configured to push a first projectile from a storage area toward a loading surface or into a projectile receiving casing.

[0013] In this embodiment, the lever is connected to the sliding handle.

[0014] In one embodiment, the lever includes an extendable and retractable tip.

[0015] In one embodiment, the toy launcher includes a coupling mechanism between the cylinder of the sliding handle and the air piston assembly.

[0016] In one embodiment, when the sliding handle is moved to the rearward position, the cylinder can be moved to the rearward position.

[0017] In one embodiment, when the sliding handle is moved to the rear position, the front of the cylinder pushes the plunger element to press the compression spring against the rear wall of the toy launcher.

[0018] In one embodiment, when the sliding handle moves from the rearward position to the forward position, the projectile feeding mechanism advances the first projectile to the loading position in front of the cylinder.

[0019] In one embodiment, when the sliding handle moves from the rearward position to the forward position, the lever of the projectile feeding mechanism pivots upward to push the first projectile toward the loading surface or into the projectile receiving case.

[0020] In one embodiment, the loading surface is formed by an elastic wing that pushes the first projectile upward toward the projectile surface when the lever pushes the first projectile forward.

[0021] In one embodiment, when the sliding handle moves from the rearward position to the forward position, the plunger element and the cylinder form an internal air chamber.

[0022] In one embodiment, the barrel pushes the loaded projectile, which is in the loaded position, forward into the firing position inside the launch tube.

[0023] In some embodiments, when the latch assembly between the plunger element and the trigger assembly is released, the plunger element is pushed forward by a compression spring to expel air from the internal air chamber through an air nozzle on the front end of the cylinder after the loaded projectile is in the firing position.

[0024] In one embodiment, in the firing position, an air nozzle at the front end of the air piston assembly is adjacent to the projectile, which is located in the launch tube.

[0025] In one embodiment, the cross-section of the spring-loaded air piston assembly is generally elliptical to maximize the volume of the internal air chamber without increasing the thickness or length of the toy launcher.

[0026] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a toy launcher comprising: a housing; a storage chamber configured to be disposed in an opening of the housing, wherein a projectile within the storage chamber is held in a first orientation; a loading slide movably attached to the housing between a first position and a second position; a reciprocating frame operatively connected to the loading slide; a projectile receiving shell pivotally connected to the toy launcher housing adjacent to the storage chamber; and a reciprocating feed lever operatively connected to the reciprocating frame, wherein in a first loading step, the loading slide moves from the first position to the second position and then returns to the first position in a second loading step, causing the feed lever to push a projectile from the storage chamber into the projectile receiving shell, causing the projectile receiving shell to pivot to place the projectile in a second orientation, and placing the projectile in the second orientation at a firing position within the toy launcher.

[0027] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the operational connection between the feed lever and the reciprocating frame is configured such that the feed lever moves relative to the storage magazine as the reciprocating frame reciprocates.

[0028] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the reciprocating feed lever includes at least one first pin and at least one second pin, the at least one second pin being disposed below at least one first pin, wherein the at least one second pin is mounted to the housing.

[0029] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the reciprocating frame includes at least one first track and at least one second track disposed below the at least first track, wherein at least one first pin of the reciprocating feed lever is slidably engaged within the at least first track of the reciprocating frame, and at least one second pin of the reciprocating feed lever is slidably engaged within the at least second track of the reciprocating frame.

[0030] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the reciprocating feed lever includes a retractable tip portion that is biased into an extended configuration.

[0031] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the loading slider is in a first position before the first loading step, the retractable tip portion is pushed into the retractable configuration by the foremost projectile stored in the storage magazine.

[0032] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in the first loading step, when the loading slider moves from the first position to the second position, the at least one first pin of the reciprocating lever is pushed backward in at least the first track of the reciprocating frame, such that the reciprocating lever pivots about the at least one second pin to a position below the storage magazine, thereby releasing the retractable tip portion of the reciprocating lever into an extended configuration.

[0033] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in the second loading step, when the loading slider moves from the second position to the first position, the at least one first pin of the reciprocating lever is pulled forward in at least the first track of the reciprocating frame, such that the reciprocating lever pivots about the at least one second pin, and the retractable tip portion in the extended configuration is pushed into engagement with the foremost projectile in the storage magazine, thereby pushing the foremost projectile into the projectile receiving case.

[0034] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the storage magazine is spring-loaded.

[0035] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the toy launcher further includes a launch tube.

[0036] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first orientation of the projectile is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the launch tube.

[0037] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second orientation of the projectile is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the launch tube.

[0038] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention,

[0039] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the toy launcher further includes an air piston assembly, and the air piston assembly includes: a cylinder operably connected to a trigger slider; a plunger element slidably disposed within the cylinder; an air nozzle disposed at the front of the cylinder; a push rod extending from the front of the cylinder; and a compression spring biasing the plunger element within the cylinder away from the rear wall of the toy launcher housing.

[0040] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in the first loading step, when the loading slide moves from the first position to the second position, the cylinder pushes the plunger element backward to compress the compression spring against the rear wall.

[0041] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in the second loading step, when the loading slide moves from the second position to the first position, the cylinder is pulled forward while the plunger element is held in place by the connection between the plunger element and the rear wall, thereby drawing air into the internal air chamber formed by the plunger element and the cylinder through the air nozzle.

[0042] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in the second loading step, when the loading slider moves from the second position to the first position, the push rod pushes the projectile receiving case, causing the projectile to be pivoted to the second orientation.

[0043] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in the second loading step, when the loading slider moves from the second position to the first position, the air nozzle extends into the projectile receiving case to push the projectile into the firing position.

[0044] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the toy launcher further includes a trigger assembly.

[0045] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the trigger assembly is actuated after the second loading step, the connection between the plunger element and the rear wall is released, causing the compression spring to push the plunger element forward to expel air from the internal air chamber through the air nozzle, thereby firing the projectile from the toy launcher.

[0046] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cross-section of the air piston assembly is substantially elliptical.

[0047] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a toy launcher comprising: a housing; a storage chamber configured to be disposed in an opening of the housing, wherein a projectile within the storage chamber is held in a first orientation; a loading slide movably attached to the housing between a first position and a second position; a reciprocating frame operatively connected to the loading slide; and a reciprocating feed lever operatively connected to the reciprocating frame, wherein in a first loading step, the loading slide moves from the first position to the second position and then returns to the first position in a second loading step, causing the lever to eject a projectile from the storage chamber into the second orientation and place the projectile in the second orientation at a firing position within the toy launcher.

[0048] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the operational connection between the feed lever and the reciprocating frame is configured such that the feed lever moves relative to the storage magazine as the reciprocating frame reciprocates.

[0049] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the reciprocating feed lever includes at least one first pin and at least one second pin, the at least one second pin being disposed below at least one first pin, wherein the at least one second pin is mounted to the housing.

[0050] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the reciprocating frame includes at least one first track and at least one second track disposed below the at least first track, wherein at least one first pin of the reciprocating feed lever is slidably engaged within the at least first track of the reciprocating frame, and at least one second pin of the reciprocating feed lever is slidably engaged within the at least second track of the reciprocating frame.

[0051] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the reciprocating feed lever includes a retractable tip portion that is biased into an extended configuration.

[0052] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the loading slider is in a first position before the first loading step, the retractable tip portion is pushed into the retractable configuration by the foremost projectile stored in the storage magazine.

[0053] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in the first loading step, when the loading slider moves from the first position to the second position, the at least one first pin of the reciprocating lever is pushed backward in at least the first track of the reciprocating frame, such that the reciprocating lever pivots about the at least one second pin to a position below the storage magazine, thereby releasing the retractable tip portion of the reciprocating lever into an extended configuration.

[0054] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, when the loading slider moves from the second position to the first position, the at least one first pin of the reciprocating lever is pulled forward in at least the first track of the reciprocating frame, such that the reciprocating lever pivots about the at least one second pin, and the retractable tip portion in the extended configuration is pushed into engagement with the foremost projectile in the storage magazine, thereby pushing the foremost projectile out of the storage magazine and into the second orientation.

[0055] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the storage magazine is spring-loaded.

[0056] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the toy launcher further includes a launch tube.

[0057] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first orientation of the projectile is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the launch tube.

[0058] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second orientation of the projectile is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the launch tube.

[0059] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the toy launcher further includes a spring-loaded wing that, while a reciprocating lever pushes the foremost projectile out of the storage magazine, pushes the tip portion of the foremost projectile downward to pivot the foremost projectile to the second orientation.

[0060] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the toy launcher further includes an air piston assembly, and the air piston assembly includes: a cylinder operably connected to a trigger slider via a reciprocating frame; a plunger element slidably disposed within the cylinder; an air nozzle disposed in front of the cylinder; and a compression spring biasing the plunger element within the cylinder away from the rear wall of the toy launcher housing.

[0061] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in the first loading step, when the loading slide moves from the first position to the second position, the cylinder pushes the plunger element backward to compress the compression spring against the rear wall.

[0062] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in the second loading step, when the loading slide moves from the second position to the first position, the cylinder is pulled forward while the plunger element is held in place by the connection between the plunger element and the rear wall, thereby drawing air into the internal air chamber formed by the plunger element and the cylinder through the air nozzle.

[0063] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in the second loading step, when the loading slider moves from the second position to the first position, the air nozzle pushes the projectile into the firing position.

[0064] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the toy launcher further includes a trigger assembly.

[0065] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the trigger assembly is actuated after the second loading step, the connection between the plunger element and the rear wall is released, causing the compression spring to push the plunger element forward to expel air from the internal air chamber through the air nozzle, thereby firing the projectile from the toy launcher.

[0066] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cross-section of the air piston assembly is substantially elliptical. Attached Figure Description

[0067] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0068] Figure 1A This is a schematic partial cross-sectional side view of a key element of a toy projectile launcher having an inserted empty magazine, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0069] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A schematic cross-sectional view of the ammunition magazine shown.

[0070] Figure 2 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional side view of a toy projectile launcher with an inserted, fully loaded magazine, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic partial cross-sectional side view of the projectile launcher positioned in the rearward loading and chambering (loading) position.

[0072] Figure 4 It is based on exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 2 A schematic partial cross-sectional side view of the projectile launcher being positioned in the initial stage of the forward firing position.

[0073] Figure 5 It is based on exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 2 The projectile launcher is being positioned in the forward firing position. Figure 4A schematic partial cross-sectional side view of the continuation phase.

[0074] Figure 6 It is based on exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 2 The projectile launcher is being positioned in the forward firing position. Figure 5 A schematic partial cross-sectional side view of the continuation phase.

[0075] Figure 7 It is based on exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 2 The projectile launcher is in the forward firing position. Figure 6 A schematic partial cross-sectional side view of the continuation phase.

[0076] Figure 8A , 8B 8C, 8D and 8E are illustrations of a magazine compatible with a projectile launcher according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077] Figure 9 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional side view of a toy projectile launcher with an inserted, fully loaded magazine according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A schematic partial cross-sectional side view of the projectile launcher being positioned in the rear-loading and chambering (loading) position.

[0079] Figure 11 This is according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 A schematic partial cross-sectional side view of the projectile launcher being positioned in the initial stage of the forward firing position.

[0080] Figure 12 This is according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 The projectile launcher is in the forward firing position. Figure 11 A schematic partial cross-sectional side view of the continuation phase.

[0081] Figure 13 This is according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 When the projectile launcher is fired Figure 12 A schematic partial cross-sectional side view of the continuation phase. Detailed Implementation

[0082] This invention generally relates to an improved toy launcher having a feeding mechanism that, when loaded for firing, redirects the projectile from a storage direction in a projectile storage area to a firing direction. To achieve this, according to an exemplary embodiment, the toy launcher incorporates a spring-loaded rod coupled to the projectile loading mechanism for simultaneously loading the launcher and redirecting the projectile for firing. According to another exemplary embodiment, the projectile is pushed from the projectile storage area into a separate projectile receiving case, which is then pivoted to align with the firing position. The projectile receiving case serves to protect the projectile from wear and fatigue during the launcher loading step of redirecting the projectile to the firing position.

[0083] Figure 1A and 1B These are schematic partial cross-sectional views of key components of a toy projectile launcher 100 according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention and an empty storage magazine 105 configured to be inserted into the launcher 100. For clarity and simplicity in illustrating the key components and mechanisms of the toy projectile launcher 100 and the storage magazine 105, parts unnecessary for understanding the scope and spirit of this disclosure are not shown. Those skilled in the art will readily understand the various support elements required to accommodate and support the illustrated components, including those facilitating insertion and removal of the magazine 105 from the launcher 100, with various design options that do not depart from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0084] Figure 1A This is a schematic side sectional view of a projectile launcher 100 in the unloaded position according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with an empty storage magazine 105 inserted therein. Figure 1A As shown, the projectile launcher 100 is shaped like a short-barreled shotgun, and the handle 103 is shaped like a pistol grip rather than a full-length stock. In embodiments, the launcher 100 can be of various other shapes and arrangements without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, as detailed below. Figure 1A As shown, a reciprocating air piston assembly 255, including a cylinder 205 and a plunger element 210, is located above the handle 103 of the projectile launcher 100 and the inserted magazine 105. According to an exemplary embodiment, the cylinder 205 of the air piston assembly 255 has a generally cylindrical or elliptical shape, and the plunger element 210 is biased by a compression spring 220 away from the rear wall 215 of the rear portion of the launcher housing 110. The plunger element 210 has dimensions and shape corresponding to the inner circumference of the cylinder 205 to form an airtight seal with the inner surface of the cylinder 205. According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the plunger element 210 includes a resilient O-ring 212 (…). Figure 1A To form an improved seal. For example... Figure 1AAs shown, the cylinder 205 is connected to the chambered slide 225 via a reciprocating frame 230, which, together with the chambered slide 225, is adapted to be connected to a track 235 incorporated in the housing 110 of the launcher 100. According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the reciprocating frame 230 includes a pin 240 that slides along the track 235 as the chambered slide 225 slides back and forth as in a pump-action shotgun, which in turn fires the air piston assembly 255 when feeding foam darts for firing into the launcher, as will be described in further detail below. In an embodiment, the chambered slide 225 may also be connected to the reciprocating frame 230 via the pin 240.

[0085] like Figure 1A and 1B As shown, the magazine 105 includes a loading compression spring 115 and a pusher block 120. When the magazine 105 is empty, as... Figure 1A and 1B As shown, the compression spring 115 is in the extended state, at which time the push block 120 is pushed upward. Figure 1B (From center to left), when the magazine 105 is inserted into the launcher 100, the push block 120 is positioned close to the dart loading lever 125, such as... Figure 1A As shown below, the projectile—such as a foam dart / bullet—is propelled by a spring 115 via a block 120, such that the topmost projectile is delivered to the firing position via a lever 125.

[0086] like Figure 1B As further shown, when the magazine 105 is empty, block 120 is located near the top opening of the magazine 105. Additionally, the magazine 105 includes a frame 135 comprising two generally circular stops for fitting around the outer surfaces of the sides of the topmost dart stored in the magazine 105.

[0087] According to the ammunition magazine 105 Figures 1A to 7 The positional orientation is shown. Figure 8A , 8B Figures 8C and 8C are perspective, bottom, and top views of the magazine 105, respectively, showing the frame 135 on the magazine 105 for holding the foam dart 400. As shown, the frame 135 includes two generally circular stops 835a and 835b, sized to hold the dart 400 in its forward position when the pusher 120 and compression spring 115 push the dart 400 forward. Figures 8A-8C As further shown, stops 835a and 835b are close to the corresponding sides of the dart 400, slightly higher than the diameter of the dart 400, so that the force from the compression spring 115 presses the dart 400 against the stops 835a and 835b, thereby holding and aligning the dart 400 for loading, which will be described in further detail below. Figure 8C This includes dimensions related to the stops 835a and 835b used to accommodate the foam dart 400. It should be understood that... Figure 8C The dimensions shown are merely exemplary, and other dimensions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention may be appropriate.

[0088] Stops 835a and 835b may be made of a resilient material, such as a semi-rigid polymer, such that stops 835a and 835b are rigid enough to resist the force applied by the compression spring 115 through block 120 to hold the dart 400, while being flexible enough to allow the user to push the dart 400 over the top of the gap between stops 835a and 835b of frame 135 as shown in the figure. Figures 8A-8C The position is shown. Therefore, by pushing the dartball through the top opening of the magazine 105 and pressing down on the block 120, and by sliding the next dartball between the two circular stops 835a and 835b of the frame 135 from the front or rear, or by pushing the next dartball downward from the top side of the magazine 105 between the two circular stops 835a and 835b of the frame 135 (thus bending the two stops 835a and 835b of the frame 135 around the loaded dartball 400), the dartball can be vertically loaded into the magazine 105. Similarly, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the two circular stops 835a and 835b of the frame 135 are made of a semi-rigid material and are sized to fit the loaded projectiles, such that the projectile loaded at the front—for example, in the magazine 105 as shown in the example—is loaded into the magazine 105. Figure 2 The dart 400-1, when inserted into the launcher 100, will remain in place and will not slide out from the front or rear of the magazine 105; in other words, in Figure 2 The top or bottom side of the magazine 105 in the configuration shown.

[0089] Figure 8D and 8E These are side and rear views of the magazine 105 showing the dimensions of the various components of the magazine 105 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Magazines of different sizes, accommodated by launchers 100 of correspondingly different sizes, may also be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

[0090] Return to reference Figure 1AThe reciprocating frame 230 includes two tracks 140a and 140b, which are substantially parallel to track 235. Corresponding pins 145a and 145b of the reciprocating feed lever 125 are slidably engaged with tracks 140a and 140b, respectively, such that the reciprocating frame 230 can slide relative to the lever 125 along tracks 140a and 140b when the reciprocating frame 230 is moved by the user moving the loading slider 225 back and forth. According to an exemplary embodiment, pin 145b of the feed lever 125 is anchored to the housing 110 of the launcher 100 to allow the feed lever 125 to pivot up and down, as will be described in further detail below. Additionally, the lever 125 is disposed between the two side portions of the reciprocating frame 230. Therefore, the front portion of the reciprocating frame 230 can be implemented with a U-shaped element, etc., having corresponding tracks 140a and 140b on the left and right sides for connection to the two sides of the feed lever 125 via corresponding pins 145a and 145b. Accordingly, the reciprocating frame 230, along its sliding track 235 relative to the housing 110 of the launcher 100, can be coupled to the outer sides of the two side elements of the reciprocating frame 230 or to the central block element arranged below the position of the feed lever 125, as shown. Figure 1A As shown. As will be described in further detail below, the reciprocating frame 230 allows the user to pull back the chamber slide 225 to move the cylinder 205 and plunger element 210 backward during the first chambering step.

[0091] Although the reference pins and rails describe the manner in which the reciprocating frame 230 moves relative to the housing and the manner in which the feed lever 125 moves relative to the frame 230, it should be understood that exemplary embodiments of the invention are not limited to these structures, and any other manner in which the reciprocating frame can be mounted to reciprocate relative to the housing while being restricted between a first position and a second position, and any other manner in which the feed lever 125 can be mounted to pivot relative to the housing, should be considered to fall within the scope of the invention. Furthermore, it should be understood that the feed lever 125 may be replaced by any other type of mechanism that does not require pivoting (e.g., the movement of the frame 230 can be vertically up and down relative to the housing during reciprocating motion) to eject projectiles from the magazine.

[0092] Figure 2 This is a schematic side sectional view of the fully loaded storage area in the ammunition magazine 105 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The ammunition magazine 105 is inserted into the projectile launcher 100 through the rear ammunition magazine receiving slot opening 130. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fully loaded ammunition magazine 105 accommodates fifteen (15) darts 400 (400-1…400-15). Figure 2As shown, when the magazine 105 is loaded into the launcher 100, the loaded darts 400 are oriented vertically upwards. Therefore, the loaded darts 400 are oriented in a direction orthogonal to the firing direction of the launcher 100. As will be described in further detail below, the launcher 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a forward firing direction to redirect the foremost loaded dart 400-1 from the upward loading direction into the firing tube of the launcher 100. It should be noted that without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, the length of the magazine 105 and the corresponding length of the housing 110 for receiving the magazine 105 can be varied to accommodate more or fewer darts 400 in the magazine 105. Different lengths and capacities can be used for any number of darts 400-n, provided that the launcher 100 is not made excessively bulky and is of a reasonable length. Figure 2 As shown, the loaded cartridge 105 is held in Figure 1A and 1B The foremost dart 400-1 between the circular extensions of the frame 135 shown is pushed against the tip portion 325 of the feed lever 125. The tip portion 325 is connected to the rest of the lever 125 by an internal compression spring 300, and is therefore compressible and extendable. Figure 2 As shown, the dart 400-1 pushes against the tip 325 and compresses the spring 300, causing the lever 125 to compress the dart 400-1.

[0093] Next, Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic partial cross-sectional side view of the projectile launcher positioned in the rearward loading and chambering (loading) position. (See attached image.) Figure 3 As shown, the user pulls the upper slide 225 backward (see arrow), which causes the reciprocating frame 230 to slide backward on the track 235. Correspondingly, the piston assembly 255, coupled to the frame 230, moves backward, causing the spring 220 to be compressed between the plunger element 210 and the rear wall 215. Advantageously, the plunger element 210 begins at a position near the front of the cylinder 205, as... Figure 1A As shown, therefore, the compression spring 220 can... Figure 3 The position shown is fully compressed. The rear wall 215 includes a hole that allows the dome-shaped tip portion 305 of the plunger element 210 to extend through and through another hole, which engages in a spring-loaded plate 315, which in turn connects to the trigger assembly 320 (see [link]). Figure 1A ).like Figure 1AAs shown, plate 315 is coupled to compression spring 325, which deflects plate 315 downward toward trigger assembly 320. According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the leading edge of the dome-shaped tip portion 305 is rounded, and when it is pushed rearward, the rounded, angled leading edge pushes upward toward the top edge of the hole in plate 315 to compress spring 325, such that the tip portion 305 can be pushed from the front of plate 315 through the hole to pass over the opposite rear side of plate 315, as... Figure 3 As shown. Once the tip portion 305 is fully pushed past the plate 315 to pass through the hole therein, the spring 325 will cause the plate 315 to move downwards to engage with the notch or slot 330 opposite to the circular surface of the tip portion 305 (see...). Figure 1A This causes the tip portion 305 and the corresponding plunger element 210 to engage with and be temporarily held in place by the plate 315. Once the plate 315 is pushed downward into the recess 330 by the compression spring 325 and the top edge of the corresponding hole is pushed into the bottom surface of the recess 330 (see... Figure 1A and 3 The notch 330 hooks onto the opposite rear side of the plate 315 above the hole—therefore, the plate 315, the compression spring 325, and the notch 330 together form a latch assembly for holding the plunger element 210 in the rearward position. When the plunger element 210 is pulled back by the reciprocating frame 230, the spring 220 is compressed against the rear wall 215 of the main launcher housing 110 at the position where the plate 315 and the notch 330 are hooked and engaged with each other.

[0094] like Figure 3 As further shown, when the reciprocating frame 230 slides backward along the track 235 via the pin 240, tracks 140a and 140b slide past pins 145a and 145b of the lever 125. Furthermore, track 140b is longer than track 140a, causing the front end of track 140b to extend further forward than track 140a. Therefore, upon reaching the engagement between the notch 330 and the plate 315, the front end of track 140a pushes against pin 145a, while track 140b continues to slide past pin 145b. Thus, the lever 125 pivots about pin 145b, and the tip 325 slopes downward along the outer surface of the uppermost dart 400-1 until it passes the bottom of the dart 400-1. Once the tip 325 passes the dart 400-1, the internal spring 300 is decompressed, causing the tip 325 to elongate and the lever 125 to lengthen. Figure 3 As shown, the tip 325 extends to a sufficient length so that its top surface can abut against the rear surface of the dart 400-1 to push upward against 400-1. Figure 3As further shown, the track 235 serves as a structural stop to limit the rearward movement of the loaded slider 225 to the aforementioned fully extended position, namely, the engagement position between the notch 330 and the plate 315, and the extended position of the lever 125 below the dart 400-1.

[0095] With the notch / groove 330 of the rod portion 305 engaged with the plate 315 by the downward bias of the spring 325, the user can push the chambering slide 225 forward during the second loading step—similarly to a pump-action shotgun—see [link to relevant documentation]. Figures 4 to 6 The forward arrow is located near the loading slide 225. Therefore, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the reciprocating frame 230 slides forward along the track 235 during the forward movement of the loading slide 225. Thus, the cylinder 205 is forced to slide forward toward the front of the launcher 100, while the rod portion 305 and the plunger element 210 are held in place by the plate 315. Figure 4-6 As shown, the compression spring 220 remains fully compressed when the upper slide 225 returns to its original forward position.

[0096] Figure 4 The illustration shows the first intermediate position of the forward loading movement of the loading slider 225, where the lever 125 begins to tilt back and upward to push the dart 400-1 upward toward the spring-loaded vane 405. Figure 4 As shown, when the reciprocating frame 230 slides forward along the track 235 together with the loading slider 225, the cam notch 143a on the track 140a pushes the pin 145a forward. Therefore, the lever 125 tilts upward and its tip 325 now extends through and engages the bottom of the dart 400-1, pushing the dart 400-1 upward through the frame 135. As previously described, the frame 135 may include two circular, semi-elastic extensions that hold the dart 400-1 in place. Thus, using sufficient force applied by the cam notch 143a against the pin 145a, the dart 400-1 slides upward between the circular extensions of the frame 135 until the tip of the dart 400-1 abuts against the fin 405, as... Figure 4 As shown. The winglet 405 is directed towards the torsion spring 406. Figure 1A and 3The position shown is biased downwards, and the torsion spring 406 is positioned relative to the dart 400-1 toward the rear end of the launcher 100. Therefore, when the tip of the dart 400-1 is pushed upwards against the fin 405, the fin 405 rotates upwards and backwards. Thus, the fin 405 exerts a generally downward and forward force on the leading tip of the dart 400-1—thus redirecting the dart 400-1 from an upward pointing direction to a forward pointing direction toward the launch tube 415 of the launcher 100. Furthermore, with the plunger element 210 temporarily connected to the back plate 315, the plunger element 210 begins to form an air chamber 407 within the tube 205, whereby air is drawn in through the front nozzle 410 of the tube 205, as... Figure 4 As shown. According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the nozzle 410 may have a diameter much smaller than that of the air chamber 407, so that the forward push of the plunger 210 will expel air through the nozzle 410 at a higher pressure.

[0097] Figure 5 The second intermediate position is shown, which is the projectile launcher 100 of the present invention from... Figure 3 The rear-loading position is placed in the forward-firing position. Figure 4 The continuation of. For example... Figure 5 As shown, when lever 125 pushes dart 400-1 fully upward into the upper part of housing 110, the next dart 400-2 is pushed forward into position in frame 135 by compression spring 115 and stop 120 via other loaded darts. As a result, internal compression spring 300 and the tip 325 of lever 125 return to their shortened configuration, as... Figure 2 As shown, it abuts against the outer surface of the dart 400-2. Additionally, the fin 405 continues to apply a generally downward and forward force to the leading tip of the dart 400-1—thus continuing to redirect the dart 400-1 from an upward pointing direction to a forward pointing direction within the launcher 100. Furthermore, with the plunger element 210 temporarily connected to the back plate 315, the plunger element 210 continues to form an air chamber 407 within the cylinder 205, whereby air is drawn in through the front nozzle 410 of the cylinder 205, as... Figure 5 As shown.

[0098] Next, Figure 6 The third intermediate position is shown, which is the projectile launcher 100 of the present invention from... Figure 3 The rear-loading position is placed in the forward-firing position. Figure 5 The continuation of. For example... Figure 6As shown, the leading tip of the dart 400-1 is propelled fully forward and downward by the fins 405, thus generally oriented forward toward the launch tube 415 in front of the nozzle 410 of the tube 205. Furthermore, as the loading slide 225 continues to move forward (see arrow) and the plunger element 210 remains temporarily connected to the backplate 315, the air chamber 407 continues to expand within the tube 205, thereby drawing in air through the front nozzle 410 of the tube 205. Figure 6 As shown, the rear of the launch tube 415 includes a tapered opening 600 for receiving and guiding a generally forward-oriented dart projectile 400-1 into the launch tube 415. Operationally, as the tube 205 and nozzle 410 move forward via the loading slide 225, the nozzle 410 pushes the rear end of the dart projectile 400-1 forward toward the launch tube 415. Figure 6 As shown, the tip of the dart 400-1 enters the conical opening 600 and slides along the inclined wall of the conical opening 600 to insert the dart 400-1 into the launch tube 415.

[0099] Therefore, as Figure 7 As shown, the dart 400-1 is aligned with and inserted into the launch tube 415, and the front part of the nozzle 410 is inserted into the conical portion 600 to form an airtight connection between the gas chamber 407 and the rear end of the dart 400-1.

[0100] therefore, Figure 3-6 The illustration shows the loading slider 225 moving forward in the direction indicated by the forward arrow, causing the uppermost dart 400-1 to be loaded into the firing position located in front of the tube 410 within the launch tube 415, as shown. Figure 7 As shown. According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the launch tube 415 has an inner diameter that provides a minimum clearance for the dart 400, allowing for substantially airtight propulsion from the launch tube 415 when pressurized air is released from the cylinder assembly 255.

[0101] As shown in Figures 1-7, the rear conical portion 600 of the launch tube 415 has a slightly larger inner diameter to accommodate the front nozzle 410 of the receiving tube 205, thereby again providing a basic airtight connection from the gas chamber 407 to the rear surface of the dart 400-1 at the launch position within the launch tube 415. According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the nozzle 410 is coupled with an O-ring 412 made of an elastic material (e.g., a polymer) on its outer periphery to form a seal around the inner periphery of the rear portion of the launch tube 415, further improving the airtight connection.

[0102] When the dartball is at 400-1 Figure 7 At the position shown, the transmitter 100 is ready to pull the trigger and fire. Figure 7As shown, the interface between the rear of the trigger assembly 320 and the locking plate 315 includes an inclined cam surface 420, such that when the trigger assembly 320 is pulled back by the user, the locking plate 315 moves upward against the spring 325 sliding upward along the inclined cam surface 420. Figure 7 As shown, the trigger assembly 320 is biased forward by the spring 700 in the default position, so that when the trigger 320 is in the forward, default, non-firing position, the plate 315 disengages from the inclined surface 420.

[0103] When the user pulls the trigger assembly 320 back and the trigger assembly 320 slides back, the cam surface 420 is pushed back and the plate 315 slides upward accordingly. Therefore, as the plate 315 is pushed upward by the inclined surface 420 of the trigger assembly 320, the engagement between the plate 315 and the notch / groove 330 of the tip portion 305 is released as the orifice of the plate 315 moves upward to a position that releases the notch / groove 330. Thus, the spring 220 is released from its fully compressed state, thereby forcefully driving the plunger element 210 forward, thereby expelling the collected air from the air chamber 407 through the nozzle 410 to fire the dart 400-1 through the firing tube 415. Accordingly, the trigger assembly 320 returns to its forward default position by the spring 700 and the plate 315 returns to its lowered position by the compression spring 325. According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the loading slider 225 can be pulled back again to... Figure 3 The indicated position is used to load the next dart 400—for example, 400-2—from the storage magazine 105. Figure 7 The firing position is shown.

[0104] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the tube 205 can be embodied as a larger internal volume of the air chamber 407—thereby increasing the launching force of the launcher 100 on the dart 400. As shown in Figures 1-7, the tube 205 has an increased height compared to, for example, the launch tube 415. According to an exemplary embodiment, the internal cylinder assembly 255 includes an elongated cross-section—for example, an ellipse—in its height dimension. Therefore, the internal cylinder assembly 255 can maintain a similar width to, for example, the launch tube 415 while increasing its height—for example, an aspect ratio of 7:5 (35mm:25mm).

[0105] While exemplary embodiments are described in the context of foam bullet / dart launchers using shortened foam bullets / darts, it should be understood that the two-step loading / loading and firing action according to this disclosure can be applied to toy projectile launchers or fluid launchers for other types of projectiles (e.g., balls or the like), where fluid from a reservoir replacing the magazine is driven by a plunger. In such an environment, the two-step loading / pumping action and lever redirection assembly of this disclosure enable the pumping action launcher to provide projectile or fluid connection redirection, which in turn contributes to the miniaturization of the launcher.

[0106] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, instead of directly supplying darts from the storage magazine and then using spring-loaded flaps (or some other mechanism) that directly contact the darts to redirect them to the firing position as previously described, the darts can first be loaded from the magazine into a protective housing, such as an open cylinder, which can then be redirected to align the darts with the firing position. The housing serves to prevent wear on the dart tip, which would otherwise be abraded by direct contact with the inner wall of the launcher during redirection to the firing position, and to minimize fatigue on the dart body, which could otherwise lead to jamming and other malfunctions due to repeated handling of the dart.

[0107] Figure 9 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional side view of a toy projectile launcher 1000 having an inserted, fully loaded magazine according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. This exemplary embodiment is similar to the previously described embodiments and includes the same components, except that a cylinder is provided to receive toy darts from the storage magazine and thus protect the darts during reorientation to the firing position, thereby addressing problems related to wear and jamming of the dart tip due to fatigue of the dart body.

[0108] The launcher 1000 includes a housing 1110 with a track 1235, a launch tube 1415, a reciprocating frame 1230 with tracks 1140a and 1140b and a pin 1240 slidably engaged with the track 1235, a feed lever 1125 with a tip portion 1325 and pins 1145a and 1145b slidably engaged with the tracks 1140a and 1140b of the frame 1230 respectively, and a loading slide 1225. The launcher also includes a magazine 1105, a trigger assembly 1320, a handle 1103, a nozzle 1410, an internal cylinder assembly 1255, a rear wall 1215, and a plate 1315. Figure 9As shown, the internal cylinder assembly 1255 includes a resilient O-ring 1212, a plunger element 1210, a cylinder 1205, a notch hook 1330, a tip portion 1305, and a spring 1220. These components are housed within the main launcher housing 1110. The storage magazine 1105 stores foam dart projectiles 1400. Each of these components is structurally similar and performs the same function as... Figure 1A , 1B It has a function that is basically similar to the corresponding component described for transmitter 100 in 2-7.

[0109] Although the reference pins and rails describe the manner in which the reciprocating frame 1230 moves relative to the housing and the manner in which the feed lever 1125 moves relative to the frame 1230, it should be understood that exemplary embodiments of the invention are not limited to these structures, and any other manner in which the reciprocating frame 1230 can be mounted to reciprocate relative to the housing while being restricted between a first position and a second position, and any other manner in which the feed lever 1125 can be mounted to pivot relative to the housing, should be considered to fall within the scope of the invention. Furthermore, it should be understood that the feed lever 1125 may be replaced by any other type of mechanism that does not require pivoting (e.g., the movement may be vertically up and down relative to the housing during the reciprocating motion of the frame 230) to eject projectiles from the magazine.

[0110] like Figure 9 As shown, the internal cylinder assembly 1255 includes a cylinder 1205 and a plunger element 1210 located above the handle 1103 and the magazine 1105 of the projectile launcher 1000. According to an exemplary embodiment, the cylinder 1205 of the internal cylinder assembly 1255 has a generally cylindrical or elliptical cross-section, and the plunger element 1210 is held against and biased away from the rear wall 1215 of the launcher housing 1110 by a compression spring 1220. According to an embodiment, when the cylinder 1205 of the cylinder assembly 1255 has an elliptical cross-section, an internal chamber 1407 of the cylinder assembly 1255 is formed (shown and described below) and it has increased capacity without increasing the thickness of the launcher 1000. The plunger element 1210 has dimensions and shape corresponding to the inner circumference of the cylinder 1205 to form an airtight seal with the inner surface of the cylinder 1205. The plunger element 1210 also includes a resilient O-ring 1212 to form an improved seal. Figure 9 As shown, the cylinder 1205 is connected to the upper chamber slide 1225 via a reciprocating frame 1230, and the reciprocating frame 1230 and the upper chamber slide 1225 are adapted to be connected to the track 1235 incorporated in the housing 1110 of the launcher 1000. Figure 9As shown, when the loading slider 1225 slides back and forth similarly to a pump-action shotgun, the pin 1240 of the reciprocating frame 1230 slides along the track 1235, which in turn loads the internal cylinder assembly 1255 for firing while feeding the foam dart rounds 1400 into the cylinder 905, as will be described in further detail below. In an embodiment, the loading slider 1225 may also be coupled to the reciprocating frame 1230 via the pin 1240.

[0111] like Figure 9 As shown, nozzle 1410 includes an O-ring 1412 surrounding its outer periphery. In an embodiment, the O-ring 1412 is made of an elastic material such as a polymer, similar to a bonding agent. Figure 7 O-ring 412 is depicted and described. Similar to O-ring 412, O-ring 1412 forms a seal around the inner circumference of the rear part of the launch tube 1415.

[0112] In addition to the components mentioned above Figure 9 The exemplary embodiment depicted replaces the spring-loaded vane 405 from the launcher 100 with a cylinder 905. The cylinder 905 is shaped and sized to receive foam darts to be loaded into it. Figure 9 As shown, although cylinder 905 is biased to a vertical position by torsion spring 910, as described below, cylinder 905 is held in a horizontal position by engagement with air nozzle 1410. Figure 9 In the image, the toy projectile launcher 1000 is in a stationary position. That is, the toy projectile launcher 1000 is in an unloaded position, thereby storing foam darts 1400 (including the depicted darts 1400-1 and 1400-2) in the storage magazine 1105. Figure 9 In this configuration, the foam dart 1400 has not yet been loaded into cylinder 905. Furthermore, the loading slide 1225 is in its stationary forward position. Additionally, as shown, the nozzle 1410 passes through cylinder 905, holding cylinder 905 in a horizontal position.

[0113] Figure 10 This is based on exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 9 A schematic partial cross-sectional side view of the projectile launcher 1000 positioned in the rearward loading and chambering (loading) position. (See attached image.) Figure 10 As shown, the loading slider 1225 has been pulled back from its resting forward position to a position facing the rear of the toy projectile launcher 1000, including the first loading step. When the loading slider 1225 is pulled back, the reciprocating frame 1230 is operated and slides rearward on the track 1235, which in turn causes the internal cylinder assembly 1255 (see...) to... Figure 9The spring 1220 moves backward. This causes the spring 1220 to be compressed between the plunger element 1210 and the rear wall 1215. According to an embodiment, the plunger element 1210 begins at a position near the front of the cylinder 1205, causing the spring 1220 to become fully compressed.

[0114] The rear wall 1215 includes a hole that allows the dome-shaped tip portion 1305 to extend through and pass through another hole engaged in the spring-loaded plate 1315. According to an exemplary embodiment, the leading edge of the dome-shaped tip portion 1305 is rounded, and when it is pushed rearward, it is pushed from the front of the plate 1315 through the hole to pass over the opposite back side of the plate 1315, as... Figure 10 As shown in the diagram. Once the tip portion 1305 is fully pushed past the plate 1315 to pass through the hole therein, the plate 1315 engages with a notch or groove 330 opposite to the circular surface of the tip portion 1305, such that the tip portion 1305 and the corresponding plunger element 1210 engage with and are temporarily held in place by the plate 1315. The notch 1330 hooks onto the opposite back side of the plate 1315 above the hole, so that the top edge of the hole is pushed into the bottom surface of the notch 1330—therefore, the plate 1315 and the notch 1330 form a latch assembly 1210 in a rearward position for holding the plunger element. When the plunger element 1210 is pulled back by the reciprocating frame 1230, the spring 1220 is compressed against the rear wall 1215 of the housing 1110 in the position where the plate 1315 and the notch 1330 are hooked and engaged with each other.

[0115] In addition, such as Figure 10 As shown, the air nozzle 1410, connected to the internal cylinder assembly 1255, also moves rearward and out of the cylinder 905. Also as... Figure 10 As shown, when the nozzle 1410 leaves the cylinder 905, the spring 910 returns the cylinder 905 to the upright vertical position.

[0116] Moreover, similar to the operation described with respect to the previous exemplary embodiments, the movement of the loading slider 1225 also causes the feed lever 1125 to pivot downwards below the storage magazine 1105, with the tip portion 1325 extending below the dart round to be loaded from the magazine 1105.

[0117] Figure 11 It is based on exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 9 A schematic partial cross-sectional side view of the projectile launcher 1000 in the initial stage of its forward firing position. Figure 11 As shown, in the second loading step, the loading slide 1225 is pushed forward, which causes the reciprocating frame 1230 to slide the barrel 1205 forward toward the front of the launcher 1000, while the tip portion 1305 and the plunger element 1210 are held in place by the plate 1315. Figure 11-12As shown, the compression spring 1220 is kept fully compressed before the loaded slide 1225 returns to its initial forward position, through engagement of the leading edge of the dome-shaped tip portion 1305 in a hole in the plate 1315. Simultaneously, the tip portion 1325 of the dart loading lever 1125 lifts the foremost dart in the magazine 1105 upwards and loads it into the vertically oriented cylinder 905. This... Figure 11 As shown, the dart 1400-1 has been lifted by the tip portion 1325 and loaded from the magazine 1105 into the cylinder 905. In this exemplary embodiment, the push rod 915 is connected to the front of the cylinder above the nozzle 1410. As shown, the push rod 915 is longer than the nozzle 1410, and therefore reaches and engages the cylinder 905 before the nozzle 1410. Furthermore, with the plunger element 1210 temporarily connected to the back plate 1315, the plunger element 1210 begins to form an air chamber 1407 within the cylinder 1205, whereby air is drawn in through the front nozzle 1410 of the cylinder 1205, as... Figure 11 As shown. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the nozzle 1410 may have a diameter much smaller than that of the air chamber 1407, so that the forward push of the plunger 1210 will expel air through the nozzle 1410 at a higher pressure.

[0118] Figure 12 It is based on exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 9 The projectile launcher 1000 is in the forward firing position. Figure 11 A schematic partial cross-sectional side view of the continuation phase. (e.g.) Figure 12 As shown, the loading slide 1225 moves forward to complete the second loading step. When the second loading step is completed, the push rod 915 also moves forward. As the push rod 915 moves forward, it causes the cylinder 905 to rotate against the bias of the spring 910 until the cylinder 905 reaches a horizontal orientation, as shown. Figure 12 As shown. When the loading handle 1225 completes its stroke, the nozzle 1410 enters the cylinder 905. The O-ring 1412 located at the distal end of the nozzle 1410 entering the cylinder 905 contacts the dart 1400-1, which then... Figure 10 and 11 As shown, it has been loaded into cylinder 905. Nozzle 1410 applies a horizontal force to dart 1400-1, and as... Figure 12 As shown, the dart is placed at the rear of the launch tube 1415. Furthermore, the O-ring 1412 of the nozzle 1410 engages the rear of the launch tube 1415 to form an airtight seal between the nozzle 1410 and the launch tube 1415. Additionally, with the plunger element 1210 temporarily connected to the back plate 1315, the plunger element 1210 continues to form an air chamber 1407 within the tube 1205, whereby air is drawn in through the nozzle 1410 of the tube 1205, as... Figure 12 As shown.

[0119] Furthermore, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the launch tube 1415 has an inner diameter that provides a minimum clearance for the dart 1400, allowing for substantially airtight propulsion from the launch tube 1415 when pressurized air is released from the cylinder assembly 1255.

[0120] like Figure 12 As shown, the rear portion of the launch tube 1415 is tapered and has a slightly larger inner diameter to accommodate the distal end of the nozzle 1410 of the tube 1205. This provides a basic hermetically tight connection from the gas chamber 1407 through the cylinder 905 to the rear surface of the dart 1400-1 in the launch position within the launch tube 1415. As previously described, the O-ring 1412 incorporated in the nozzle 1410 is made of an elastic material (e.g., a polymer) surrounding the outer circumference of the nozzle to form a seal around the inner circumference of the rear portion of the launch tube 1415, further improving the hermetically tight connection.

[0121] In addition, such as Figure 12 As shown in the exemplary embodiment, the launcher 1000 may include a cylinder guide 925 that uses a spring 910 as a rotation axis to guide the movement of the cylinder 905 as the cylinder rotates from a vertical position to a horizontal position. Figure 9-13 As shown, the cylinder guide 925 can be an inclined top, which guides the front end of the cylinder 905 when the cylinder 905 moves between the horizontal and vertical positions.

[0122] Figure 13 This is according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 The projectile launcher at 1000 firing times Figure 12 A schematic partial cross-sectional side view of the continuation phase. (e.g.) Figure 13 As shown, when the trigger assembly 1320 is pulled back by the user, the plunger element 1210 is released from the spring-loaded plate 1315. The plunger element 120 then moves rapidly forward under the force of the compression spring 1220, thereby expelling air from the air chamber 1407 through the nozzle 1410 under high pressure. (Refer to the above...) Figure 12 As shown, nozzle 1410, via O-ring 1412, is inserted through cylinder 905 to form a seal around the inner circumference of the rear of launch tube 1415, providing an airtight connection. Air from nozzle 1410 impinges on dart projectile 1400-1, which travels through launch tube 1415 and exits from the front of projectile launcher 1000. The airtight seal between launch tube 1415 and nozzle 1410 ensures that no air guided from air chamber 1407 through nozzle 1410 escapes, thereby maximizing the force exerted on dart projectile 1400-1 by the air guided through nozzle 1410. Figure 13 As shown in the embodiment, the nozzle 1410 remains in the cylinder 905 after the air is expelled and the cylinder 905 remains in a horizontal orientation until the reloading cycle is repeated.

[0123] *******

[0124] Although specific embodiments of this disclosure have been shown and described in detail, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, it is intended to cover all such modifications and improvements within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A toy launcher, comprising: case; The ammunition storage compartment is configured to be placed in an opening in the casing, and the projectiles inside the ammunition storage compartment remain in a first orientation; A top slide member movably attached to the housing between a first position and a second position; A reciprocating frame, operatively connected to the upper slide; The projectile housing is pivotally connected to the toy launcher housing, adjacent to the storage magazine. and The feed lever, operably connected to the reciprocating frame, causes the loading slider to move from a first position to a second position in the first loading step and then return to the first position in the second loading step, resulting in the feed lever pushing the projectile from the storage magazine into the projectile receiving case, causing the projectile receiving case to pivot, positioning the projectile in a second orientation, and placing the second-oriented projectile at the firing position within the toy launcher.

2. The toy launcher as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The operational connection between the feed lever and the reciprocating frame is configured such that the feed lever moves relative to the storage magazine as the reciprocating frame reciprocates.

3. The toy launcher as described in claim 2, wherein, The feed lever includes at least one first pin and at least one second pin, the at least one second pin being disposed below the at least one first pin, wherein the at least one second pin is mounted to the housing.

4. The toy launcher as claimed in claim 3, wherein, The reciprocating frame includes at least one first track and at least one second track disposed below the at least one first track, wherein the at least one first pin of the feed lever is slidably engaged within the at least one first track of the reciprocating frame, and the at least one second pin of the feed lever is slidably engaged within the at least one second track of the reciprocating frame.

5. The toy launcher as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The feed lever includes a retractable tip portion that is biased into an extended configuration.

6. The toy launcher as claimed in claim 5, wherein, When the loading slide is in the first position before the first loading step, the retractable tip portion is pushed into the retracted configuration by the foremost projectile stored in the storage magazine.

7. The toy launcher as claimed in claim 6, wherein, In the first loading step, as the loading slider moves from the first position to the second position, the at least one first pin of the feed lever is pushed backward in the at least one first track of the reciprocating frame, causing the feed lever to pivot about the at least one second pin to a position below the storage magazine, thereby releasing the retractable tip portion of the feed lever into the extended configuration.

8. The toy launcher as claimed in claim 7, wherein, In the second loading step, as the loading slide moves from the second position to the first position, the at least one first pin of the feed lever is pulled forward in the at least one first track of the reciprocating frame, causing the feed lever to pivot about the at least one second pin, and the retractable tip portion in the extended configuration is pushed into engagement with the foremost projectile in the storage magazine, thereby pushing the foremost projectile into the projectile receiving case.

9. The toy launcher as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The storage magazine is spring-loaded.

10. The toy launcher of claim 1, further comprising a launch tube.

11. The toy launcher of claim 10, wherein, The first orientation of the projectile is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the launch tube.

12. The toy launcher of claim 10, wherein, The second orientation of the projectile is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the launch tube.

13. The toy launcher of claim 10, further comprising an air piston assembly, the air piston assembly comprising: A cylinder operably connected to the upper slide; A plunger element that can be slidably disposed inside the cylinder; An air nozzle is located at the front of the cylinder; A push rod extending from the front of the cylinder; and A compression spring, with its bias cylinder containing a plunger element located away from the rear wall of the toy launcher's housing.

14. The toy launcher as claimed in claim 13, wherein, In the first loading step, as the loading slide moves from the first position to the second position, the cylinder pushes the plunger element backward to compress the compression spring against the rear wall.

15. The toy launcher as claimed in claim 14, wherein, In the second loading step, as the loading slide moves from the second position to the first position, the cylinder is pulled forward while the plunger element is held in place by the connection between the plunger element and the rear wall, thereby drawing air into the internal air chamber formed by the plunger element and the cylinder through the air nozzle.

16. The toy launcher as claimed in claim 15, wherein, In the second loading step, as the loading slider moves from the second position to the first position, the push rod redirects the projectile receiving case so that the projectile is placed in the second orientation.

17. The toy launcher of claim 16, wherein, In the second loading step, when the loading slide moves from the second position to the first position, the air nozzle extends into the projectile housing to push the projectile into the firing position, and the air nozzle forms an airtight seal with the launch tube.

18. The toy launcher of claim 17, further comprising a trigger assembly.

19. The toy launcher according to claim 18, wherein, When the trigger assembly is actuated after the second loading step, the connection between the plunger element and the rear wall is released, causing the compression spring to push the plunger element forward to expel air from the internal air chamber through the air nozzle, thereby firing the projectile from the toy launcher.

20. The toy launcher of claim 13, wherein, The cross-section of the air piston assembly is elliptical.

21. A toy launcher, comprising: case; A storage magazine is configured to be placed in an opening in a housing, wherein projectiles within the storage magazine are held in a first orientation, wherein, in the first orientation, the longitudinal axis of each projectile is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing, the storage magazine includes a frame that holds the foremost projectile in the storage magazine; A top slide member movably attached to the housing between a first position and a second position; A reciprocating frame operably connected to the upper slide; and A feed lever, operably connected to a reciprocating frame, causes the loading slide to move from a first position to a second position in a first loading step, and then back to the first position in a second loading step, resulting in the feed lever moving to a position one below the foremost projectile from the storage magazine, and then to a position two above the first position, to push the foremost projectile upward through the frame and out of the storage magazine into a second orientation, and to place the projectile in the second orientation at a firing position within the toy launcher, wherein, in the second orientation, the longitudinal axis of the projectile is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

22. The toy launcher of claim 21, wherein, The operational connection between the feed lever and the reciprocating frame is configured such that the feed lever moves relative to the storage magazine as the reciprocating frame reciprocates.

23. The toy launcher of claim 21, wherein, The feed lever includes at least one first pin and at least one second pin, the at least one second pin being disposed below the at least one first pin, wherein the at least one second pin is mounted to the housing.

24. The toy launcher as claimed in claim 23, wherein, The reciprocating frame includes at least one first track and at least one second track disposed below the at least one first track, wherein the at least one first pin of the feed lever is slidably engaged within the at least one first track of the reciprocating frame, and the at least one second pin of the feed lever is slidably engaged within the at least one second track of the reciprocating frame.

25. The toy launcher of claim 24, wherein, The feed lever includes a retractable tip portion that is biased into an extended configuration.

26. The toy launcher of claim 25, wherein, When the loading slide is in the first position before the first loading step, the retractable tip portion is pushed into the retracted configuration by the foremost projectile stored in the storage magazine.

27. The toy launcher of claim 26, wherein, In the first loading step, as the loading slider moves from the first position to the second position, the at least one first pin of the feed lever is pushed backward in the at least one first track of the reciprocating frame, causing the feed lever to pivot about the at least one second pin to a position below the storage magazine, thereby releasing the retractable tip portion of the feed lever into the extended configuration.

28. The toy launcher of claim 27, wherein, When the loading slider moves from the second position to the first position, the at least one first pin of the feed lever is pulled forward in the at least one first track of the reciprocating frame, causing the feed lever to pivot about the at least one second pin, and the retractable tip portion in the extended configuration is pushed into engagement with the foremost projectile in the storage chamber, thereby pushing the foremost projectile out of the storage chamber and into the second orientation.

29. The toy launcher of claim 21, wherein, The storage magazine is spring-loaded.

30. The toy launcher of claim 21, further comprising a launch tube.

31. The toy launcher of claim 30, wherein, The first orientation of the projectile is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the launch tube.

32. The toy launcher of claim 30, wherein, The second orientation of the projectile is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the launch tube.

33. The toy launcher of claim 28 further includes a spring-loaded wing that, as the feed lever ejects the foremost projectile from the storage magazine, pushes downward the tip portion of the foremost projectile to pivot the foremost projectile to the second orientation.

34. The toy launcher of claim 30, further comprising an air piston assembly, the air piston assembly comprising: The cylinder is operably connected to the upper slide via a reciprocating frame; A plunger element that can be slidably disposed inside the cylinder; An air nozzle positioned in front of the cylinder; A compression spring, with its bias cylinder containing a plunger element located away from the rear wall of the toy launcher's housing.

35. The toy launcher as claimed in claim 34, wherein, In the first loading step, as the loading slide moves from the first position to the second position, the cylinder pushes the plunger element backward to compress the compression spring against the rear wall.

36. The toy launcher as claimed in claim 35, wherein, In the second loading step, as the loading slide moves from the second position to the first position, the cylinder is pulled forward while the plunger element is held in place by the connection between the plunger element and the rear wall, thereby drawing air into the internal air chamber formed by the plunger element and the cylinder through the air nozzle.

37. The toy launcher of claim 36, wherein, In the second loading step, as the loading slide moves from the second position to the first position, the air nozzle pushes the projectile into the firing position, and the air nozzle forms an airtight seal with the launch tube.

38. The toy launcher of claim 37, further comprising a trigger assembly.

39. The toy launcher according to claim 38, wherein, When the trigger assembly is actuated after the second loading step, the connection between the plunger element and the rear wall is released, causing the compression spring to push the plunger element forward to expel air from the internal air chamber through the air nozzle, thereby firing the projectile from the toy launcher.

40. The toy launcher of claim 34, wherein, The cross-section of the air piston assembly is elliptical.

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