Short-range projectile launcher with detachable barrel

Abstract

A toy projectile launcher is disclosed having a housing, a projectile container, a charging slide, an air piston assembly, a barrel interface section, and a detachable launch barrel. The projectile container is adapted to contain projectiles, such as foam dart projectiles. The charging slide is movable forward and rearward. When the charging slide is moved rearward, the air piston barrel is moved rearward and a projectile is moved into position in front of the air piston assembly. When the charging slide is moved forward, the projectile is pushed into the barrel interface section by an air nozzle disposed at the front of the air piston assembly. A first air-tight seal is formed between the air piston assembly and the rear of the foam dart projectile, and a second air-tight seal is formed between the barrel interface section and the detachable launch barrel.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 151,853, filed February 22, 2021, entitled “Short Projectile Launcher with Detachable Cylinder,” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This 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 simplified structure and improved performance. 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... These foam projectiles are sold as is, featuring rubber tips and a foam body approximately 71.5 mm in length. Other high-performance dart projectiles may be shorter. Various types of rifles, machine guns, and other weaponry are already on the market for firing these foam projectiles.

[0005] The caps of toy darts are typically made of a material different from foam, which allows the dart to be launched from the launcher toward a target person or object and / or to be propelled a suitable distance and / or to be propelled at a relatively fast speed.

[0006] Traditional dart guns have long been sold to pre-teens for everyday play. More recently, with the rise of special event war games (such as paintball and laser tag), higher-powered launchers have been developed for enthusiasts of these activities using foam darts.

[0007] For example, launchers with metal tubes instead of plastic tubes have been used to increase launch speed. The dimensions of such launchers and darts are typically designed with a very small gap between the inner diameter of the launcher tube and the outer diameter of the dart to provide improved launch speed and accuracy.

[0008] Accordingly, each type of transmitter is specifically designed to accommodate the needs of younger children for lower power and greater safety, or to accommodate the needs of older children or adults for higher power. This prevents this traditional transmitter from being effective in all types of games.

[0009] In light of the above, it is necessary to improve the user's adjustability of the transmitter in terms of safety, transmission speed, and accuracy. Summary of the Invention

[0010] To address the aforementioned needs, the present invention generally relates to an improved pneumatic toy launcher for launching high-performance foam darts. According to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, a toy projectile launcher is equipped with a function that allows a user to switch between a configuration that meets safety standards for teenage users and a configuration that meets the high-power requirements of older or professional users. To this end, the launcher may include a detachable launch tube that forms an airtight seal at the front end of the foam dart to allow the dart to be launched with higher firing force, and when the detachable launch tube is removed or replaced with a slightly larger diameter detachable launch tube without a front seal, the front seal is removed, resulting in a lower firing force.

[0011] In exemplary embodiments, the launcher may include a mechanism for loading high-performance foam darts from a storage chamber to the firing position of the launch tube, while simultaneously forming an airtight seal between the air piston nozzle and the launch tube, thereby improving the firing dynamics of the loaded darts. For example, co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 906,996 and PCT Patent Application No. PCT / SG2021 / 050248 disclose respective pistol launchers that include a mechanism for loading darts stored in a storage handle or magazine to the firing position of the pistol launcher's launch tube. (The contents of U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 906,996 and PCT Patent Application No. PCT / SG2021 / 050248 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.) In the disclosed launcher, the air piston assembly is movable with a loading slide in a two-step loading / loading manner, wherein the air piston assembly retracts when the loading slide is pulled back, thereby allowing the top-positioned dart in the storage compartment (storage handle or magazine) to be raised to a position in front of the air piston assembly, and when the loading slide is pushed forward, the air piston assembly is pushed forward such that the air nozzle at the front of the air piston assembly pushes the top-positioned dart into the launch tube, forming an airtight seal with the launch tube behind the loaded dart. It is anticipated that the detachable launch tube of the present invention can be used with other configured pneumatic launchers.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the launcher may include a mechanism adapted to accommodate an air piston nozzle that passes through a storage drum to chamber darts stored in the drum and form an airtight seal with the launch tube (or launch tube interface section) in front of the storage drum. For example, co-pending PCT patent application number PCT / SG2021 / 050250 discloses a resilient mechanism that holds each foam dart in place within a storage area and allows the air piston nozzle to pass through the storage area (located behind the projectile) and form a sealing connection with the launch tube, thereby creating a rear seal behind the projectile. (The contents of PCT patent application number PCT / SG2021 / 050250 are incorporated herein by reference.) The attachment of the removable tube creates a front seal for the projectile, and the combination of the rear and front seals results in a higher launch force. Without the removable tube, there is no front seal, and the projectile is launched with lower power. Similarly, a low-power removable launch tube may be used that does not form a front seal and / or has a slightly larger inner diameter to reduce the launch force of the projectile. Such a launch tube can improve accuracy without increasing the projectile velocity.

[0013] According to an exemplary embodiment, the toy launcher includes a housing, a projectile retainer disposed within the housing and configured to receive a plurality of projectiles, a launch tube interface section disposed at the front of the housing, and an air piston assembly disposed within the housing. According to an exemplary embodiment, the air piston assembly includes an air piston cylinder having an air nozzle disposed at its front, a plunger element, and a compression spring.

[0014] According to an exemplary embodiment, the toy launcher includes a chambered slide adapted to move forward and backward relative to the housing, wherein a projectile retainer and an air piston assembly are coupled to the chambered slide.

[0015] According to an exemplary embodiment, the toy launcher includes a first detachable launch tube adapted to (i) engage and attach to a launch tube interface segment; and (ii) disengage and detach from the tube interface segment.

[0016] According to an exemplary embodiment, when the upper slide member moves from the forward position to the rearward position, the air piston cylinder moves rearward and pushes the plunger element to compress the compression spring against the rear wall of the housing.

[0017] According to an exemplary embodiment, when the loading slider moves from the rearward position to the forward position: the air piston cylinder moves forward to form an internal air chamber between the front of the air piston cylinder and the plunger element, and the air nozzle moves forward to form a first airtight seal between the air piston cylinder and the cylinder interface section.

[0018] According to an exemplary embodiment, when the first detachable launch tube is attached to the tube interface section, a second airtight seal is formed between the air nozzle and the first detachable launch tube.

[0019] According to an exemplary embodiment, when the loading slider moves from the forward position to the rearward position, the first projectile held in the projectile holder is moved to a position in front of the air piston cylinder.

[0020] According to an exemplary embodiment, when the loading slider moves from the rearward position to the forward position, the air nozzle pushes the first projectile into the tube interface section, entering the firing position located in front of the first airtight seal and behind the second airtight seal.

[0021] According to an exemplary embodiment, when the first detachable launch tube is detached from the tube interface section, a second airtight seal is no longer formed before the first projectile is launched.

[0022] According to an exemplary embodiment, the toy launcher further includes a second detachable launch tube adapted to (i) engage and attach to the launch tube interface section; and (ii) disengage and detach from the launch tube interface section. According to an exemplary embodiment, when the second detachable launch tube is attached to the tube interface section, an airtight seal is no longer formed between the air nozzle and the second detachable launch tube when the loading slider moves from a rearward position to a forward position.

[0023] According to an exemplary embodiment, the toy projectile launcher further includes a latch assembly coupled between the plunger element and the trigger assembly, wherein the trigger assembly is adapted to be pulled backward by a user of the toy projectile launcher.

[0024] According to an exemplary embodiment, when the first projectile is in the firing position, the air nozzle is adjacent to the first projectile.

[0025] According to an exemplary embodiment, the toy launcher is configured as a pistol having a projectile retainer disposed within the handle of the housing. According to some embodiments, when the loading slider moves from a forward position to a rearward position, a first projectile is lifted from the projectile retainer within the handle to the front of the air piston assembly.

[0026] According to an exemplary embodiment, the projectile retainer is a rotatable storage drum. According to some embodiments, when the loading slider moves from a forward position to a rearward position, the projectile retainer rotates to position the first projectile in front of the air piston assembly.

[0027] According to an exemplary embodiment, the projectile retainer includes a plurality of resilient projectile stops, each abutting a portion of a corresponding projectile loaded in the projectile retainer. In an exemplary embodiment, each resilient projectile stop includes a surface configured to face a forward-facing air piston and is pushed forward by an air nozzle as the air piston cylinder is pushed forward by a chambered slider moving from a rearward position. According to an exemplary embodiment, each resilient projectile stop bends outward when pushed by the air nozzle to make way for the air nozzle so that it extends through the projectile retainer.

[0028] According to an exemplary embodiment, the projectile is a foam dart.

[0029] According to an exemplary embodiment, the toy launcher includes a coupling mechanism between a chambered slider and an air piston cylinder.

[0030] According to an exemplary embodiment, the projectile holder includes a projectile propulsion mechanism for propelling the next loaded projectile in the projectile holder to a loaded position in front of the air piston cylinder.

[0031] According to an exemplary embodiment, the second detachable launch tube has a slightly larger inner diameter than the first detachable launch tube.

[0032] According to an exemplary embodiment, when the connection of 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 located behind the loaded projectile in the firing position and in front of the air piston cylinder. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0034] Figure 1A This is a schematic partial cross-sectional side view of a key element of a toy projectile launcher with a detachable launch tube attached, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 1B This is a schematic partial cross-sectional side view of attaching a detachable launch tube to a toy projectile launcher according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 1C This is a schematic partial cross-sectional side view of detaching a detachable launch tube from a toy projectile launcher according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 1D It is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure that is compatible with Figure 1A A schematic partial cross-sectional front view of the projectile storage drum used in conjunction with the projectile.

[0038] Figure 2It is based on exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 1A A schematic partial cross-sectional side view of a toy projectile launcher with a detachable launch tube.

[0039] Figure 3 It is based on exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 2 A schematic partial cross-sectional side view of a toy projectile launcher, with its chambering slider positioned in the rear-loading and chambering (loading) position.

[0040] Figure 4 It is based on exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 2 A schematic partial cross-sectional side view of a toy projectile launcher, with its chambering slider positioned in the rear-loading and chambering (loading) position.

[0041] Figure 5 It is based on exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 4 A schematic partial cross-sectional side view of a toy projectile launcher, in which the chambered slider is returning to the forward firing position.

[0042] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic partial cross-sectional side view of a toy projectile launcher that fires foam darts after the trigger is pulled. Detailed Implementation

[0043] This invention generally relates to an improved toy launcher that can be modified by the user to allow the launcher to operate with higher power and greater precision or with lower power and greater safety. To achieve this, according to an exemplary embodiment, the toy launcher includes a detachable launch tube, which, when attached, provides an air passage seal to the projectile's tip, thereby improving power and accuracy. When the tube is removed or replaced with another tube of a larger diameter compared to the high-power tube, the air passage seal is released, and the projectile is launched at lower power to address safety concerns. The second tube can provide greater accuracy without increasing launch power.

[0044] Figure 1A This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of key components of a toy projectile launcher 100 according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. For clarity and simplicity in depicting the key components and mechanisms of the toy projectile launcher 100, portions not essential for understanding the scope and spirit of the present 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 the insertion and removal of the drum 105 from the launcher 100, with a variety of design options that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 1AThis is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a toy projectile launcher 100 in the unloaded position according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1A As shown, the projectile launcher 100 is shaped like a pistol. In embodiments, without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, the launcher 100 may have various other shapes and arrangements, such as, for example, a Thompson submachine gun. Figure 1A As shown, a reciprocating air piston assembly, including a cylinder 101, a plunger element 102, and a front air nozzle 103, is located above a handle 104 and within the housing 110 of the projectile launcher 100, rearward of the projectile holding drum 105. According to an exemplary embodiment, the cylinder 101 of the air piston assembly has a generally cylindrical or elliptical cross-section, and the plunger element 102 is biased by a compression spring 115 away from the rear wall 107 of the rear portion of the launcher housing 110. The plunger element 102 has dimensions and shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the cylinder 101 to form an airtight seal with the inner surface of the cylinder 101. According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the plunger element 102 may include an elastic O-ring (made of an elastic material, such as a polymer) (not shown) to form an improved seal.

[0046] like Figure 1A As shown, the cylinder 101 is connected to a loading slide 117, which is coupled to a track (not shown) incorporated in the housing 110 of the launcher 100. As will be described in more detail below, the forward and backward movement of the loading slide 117 can preload an air piston assembly while simultaneously supplying foam darts for launch.

[0047] like Figure 1A As shown, the cylinder 101 is coupled to the drum 105 via a linear-to-rotational drive mechanism, such as a guide screw and nut mechanism 115, such that linear movement of the cylinder 101 (due to the movement of the slider 117) causes rotational movement of the drum 105. As will be described in further detail below, the drum 105, which accommodates projectiles—such as foam darts / bullets, etc.—is advanced by the linear movement of the cylinder 101, such that the next projectile will be delivered to the firing position. Accordingly, a spring-loaded stop 125 (not shown) is coupled to the top of the housing 110 to hold the drum 105 in the aligned position as it is advanced via the cylinder 101. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the cylinder 101 does not need to be coupled to the drum 105, in which case the drum 105 can be manually rotated to deliver the projectile to the firing position.

[0048] In an embodiment, drum 105 may include connecting elements (not shown) for detachably engaging corresponding elements (not shown) in transmitter 100 to form a rotary joint that allows slider 117 to propel drum 105 by rotation, with a stop (not shown) ensuring the overall alignment of drum 105 each time the user pulls slider 117.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, drum 105 is configured to launch toy darts. The darts may be loaded into drum 105 before drum is loaded into launcher 100 and / or may be loaded and / or reloaded into drum 105 after drum 105 is loaded into launcher 100. According to an exemplary embodiment, the dart, generally identified by reference numeral 170, has an elongated dart body 175 and a cap 180 attached to the dart body. The dart body 175 is generally cylindrical and made of foam or a similar material, while the cap 180 is made of rubber or a similar material. In embodiments, the dart 170 may have a length, for example, in the range of approximately 33 mm to 45 mm, such as 35 mm, 36 mm, 37 mm, or 40 mm, to name just a few. Alternatively, although the invention is described in the case of a foam bullet / dart launcher utilizing shortened foam bullets / darts, the dart may have a length of 71.5 mm. Accordingly, the dart 170 has an outer cross-sectional diameter of 12.9 mm at its widest point. In alternative embodiments, the dart 170 may have an outer cross-sectional diameter of, for example, 12.5 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, or 15 mm at its widest point, to name just a few. In embodiments, the dart 170 may incorporate one or more recesses and corresponding ridges on its foam body—for example, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 895,172, filed June 8, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The dimensions of the drum 105 depend on the dart it will use.

[0050] like Figure 1A As shown and will be described in further detail below, drum 105 incorporates a corresponding S-shaped cantilever stop spring 140 for each projectile retainer. This stop spring has downward flexibility to allow the nozzle 103 of the air piston assembly to pass through drum 105 and form a seal with the launch tube 165 formed inside the removable launch tube 160. Removal of the launch tube 160 (and the corresponding launch tube 165) removes the seal between the nozzle 103 and the launch tube 165, resulting in the projectile being launched with lower power. In an exemplary embodiment, as... Figure 1B and Figure 1C As shown, the launch tube 160 can be removably attached to the tube interface section 190 located at the front of the launcher 100 via a locking mechanism 195. Although the locking mechanism 195 is shown as a torsion locking mechanism in the figure, it should be understood that the locking mechanism is not limited thereto and in other exemplary embodiments may be a screw mechanism, a plug-in attachment, or any other configuration that allows the launch tube 160 to be detachably attached to the tube interface section 190.

[0051] According to an exemplary embodiment, the spring 140 is made of an elastic thermoplastic material. In embodiments, other suitable elastic materials may be used to provide the spring 140 with the required flexibility, enabling it to bend and move away from the dart holder 205 as the nozzle 103 extends through the drum 105, as shown in FIG1. Figure 1D ), and can return to the original configuration as a dart holder 205 ( Figure 4 The air nozzle 103 serves as a rear stop (or stop) for the dartball 170 held within the drum 105. Conventional drums utilize a rigid retaining wall at the rear of the drum to hold the dartball within the drum. When the drum has openings that allow the dartball to be pushed forward for launch, the cross-sectional area of ​​these openings is necessarily smaller than that of the dartball holder of such a drum. In the embodiments of this disclosure, the diameter of the air nozzle 103 can be maximized because the spring 140 can be displaced from the dartball holder 205 as the nozzle 103 moves through it.

[0052] like Figure 1B and 1C As shown, the barrel interface section 190 is fixed to the housing 110 and includes a rear opening for receiving the nozzle 103 and an opposite front opening connected to the launch tube 160. As will be described in further detail below, when the launch tube 160 is mounted to the launcher 100, the barrel interface section 190 forms an airtight connection between the air piston nozzle 103 and the launch tube 160, and is ready to receive a loaded projectile, such as a foam dart 170, placing it in the loaded position for firing. Therefore, the user can pull back the chambering slide 117 to move the air piston assembly—i.e., the barrel 101, the plunger element 102, and the nozzle 103—and advance the drum 105 in a first chambering step, and then, in a second chambering step, the user can push the chambering slide 117 forward to advance the barrel 101 and the nozzle 103. As will be described in detail below... Figures 2 to 6 As shown, the dart 170 held in the drum 105 is pushed forward by the nozzle 103 into the tube inlet section 190 (and partially into the launch tube 165 of the launch tube 160) and into the launch position in front of the nozzle 103. Since the outer diameter of the air nozzle 103 is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the dart holder 205 and the inner diameter of the launch tube 160, an airtight seal is formed behind the dart 170 with the launch tube 160.

[0053] Figure 1D This is based on exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1A A schematic partial cross-sectional side view of the drum 105 shown. (See diagram) Figure 1D As shown, drum 105 includes integrated dart holders 205 surrounding its outer periphery, each dart holder being sized to accommodate foam darts 170 used with launcher 100, and in accordance with... Figure 1AIn the arrangement shown, nozzle 103 extends through dart holder to connect to barrel interface section 190. Without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, the drum may comprise, as... Figure 1D Different numbers of dart holders 205 and / or different numbers of rows of dart holders 205 are shown. Co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 038,106 discloses an example of a drum comprising multiple rows of darts. (The contents of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 038,106 are incorporated herein by reference.)

[0054] Now refer to Figure 2-6 Describe the operation of the toy launcher. Figures 2 to 6 Each of the figures shows a toy launcher 100 with the launch tube 160 removed.

[0055] exist Figure 2 In the middle, the toy launcher 100 is in a stationary state, with the nozzle 103 inserted into and passing through the drum 105. Figures 3 to 4 The toy launcher is shown from Figure 2 The configuration shown proceeds to the first pull-back loading step. Specifically, as previously described, the toy launcher 100 includes a cylinder 101, which, together with the plunger element 102, forms an air piston assembly. The cylinder 101 is coupled to a top slide 117 so that the user can pull back the cylinder 101 and the plunger element 102 during the first pull-back loading step. Figure 3 and 4 As shown, the spring 115 is compressed between the plunger element 102 and the rear wall 107. Advantageously, the plunger element 102 begins near the front of the cylinder 101, as shown in FIG1, so that the spring 115 can be compressed. Figure 4 The position shown is completely compressed.

[0056] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the rear wall 107 includes a hole that allows the dome-shaped rod portion 305 ( Figure 4 ) extends through and through another hole 310 ( Figure 2The additional hole 310 engages in a spring-loaded plate 315, which in turn is connected to the trigger assembly 320. When the user pulls back the chamber slide 117, the cylinder 101, plunger 102, and rod 305 are also pushed back. Plate 315 is coupled to a compression spring 325, which deflects plate 315 downward toward the trigger assembly 320. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the leading edge of the dome-shaped rod 305 is rounded, and when it is pushed back, the rounded, inclined leading edge pushes upward toward the top edge of the hole 310 in plate 315 to compress spring 325, such that rod 305 can be pushed from the front of plate 315 through hole 310 past the opposite rear side of plate 315. Once rod 305 has been pushed past plate 315 far enough through hole 310, spring 325 will cause plate 315 to move downward into a notch or slot 330 opposite to the rounded surface of rod 305. Figure 4 This allows the rod 305 and the corresponding plunger element 210 to engage with and be temporarily held in place by the plate 315. For example... Figure 4 As shown, once plate 315 is pushed downward into recess 330 by compression spring 325, recess 330 hooks onto the opposite back surface of hole 310, thus pushing the top edge of hole 310 into the bottom surface of recess 330. Therefore, plate 315, compression spring 325, and recess 330 together constitute a latch assembly for holding lever 305 in the rearward position when compression spring 115 is fully compressed.

[0057] In an alternative embodiment, a structural stop (not shown) may be used to limit the rearward movement of the upper slide 117 to the aforementioned fully extended position—that is, the engagement position between the notch 330 and the plate 315.

[0058] Accordingly, as the cylinder 101 and the upper slide 117 move back... Figure 4 In the configuration shown, the nozzle 103 is pulled back away from the barrel interface section 190 and passes through the rear opening in the dart holder 205 and away from one of the dart holders 205 in the drum 105, thereby making room at the rear end to allow the drum 105 to rotate.

[0059] In substantially synchronize with the retraction of nozzle 103 from dart holder 205 of drum 105, drum 105 rotates to advance to the next dart holder 205. As described above, according to an exemplary embodiment, the linear motion of cylinder 101 is converted into rotational motion transmitted to drum 105 by the operation of a linear-rotation drive mechanism.

[0060] Figure 4A separate dart holder 205 is shown holding the dart 170 after the drum 105 has been rotated as the loading slide 117 has been pulled back. In an exemplary embodiment, each dart holder includes a central body portion configured as a cylinder with a cross-sectional diameter of approximately 13 mm for assembling and holding the widest point of the foam body of the dart 170. Each holder 205 includes an internal rear end opening for an inward extension of the spring 140 such that its hook-shaped element forms a forward-facing planar stop to stop the rear end of the dart 170, thereby holding the dart 170 in the central body portion of the dart holder 205 and preventing the dart 170 from moving through the rear of the drum during loading. Each hook-shaped element is used to engage the rear end of each corresponding dart, which is loaded into the drum 105 by insertion into the front end of each dart holder 205. According to an exemplary embodiment, both the launch tube 160 and the launch tube interface section 190 have an inner diameter of approximately 13.26 mm to provide minimum clearance for the darts 170, wherein each dart 170 has an outer diameter of approximately 13 mm. According to an exemplary embodiment, the body portion, including the hook-shaped portion, has an inner diameter of approximately 12.9 mm and may taper slightly from the hook-shaped element to the front end—in other words, have a slightly larger inner circumference towards the front end—to allow each dart 170 to be inserted from the front end to abut against the forward surface of the hook-shaped element and to hold each dart 170 in place. For example, the inner diameter of the body portion near the front end is slightly greater than 12.9 mm, and the inner diameter of the body portion near the hook-shaped element is slightly less than 12.9 mm. The dimensions provided herein are merely exemplary and are not intended to limit the invention in any way.

[0061] For reference Figure 5 With the notch / groove 330 of the rod 305 engaged with the plate 315 by the downward bias of the spring 325, the user can push the loading slide 117 forward during the second loading step, see Figure 5 The forward arrow is near the upper slide member 117. Therefore, the cylinder 101 is pushed forward toward the front of the launcher 100, while the rod portion 305 and the plunger element 102 are held in place by the plate 315. Figure 5 As shown, the compression spring 115 remains fully compressed when the upper slide member 117 returns to its original forward position. Therefore, the plunger element 102 forms an air chamber 405 within the cylinder 101, whereby air is drawn in through the nozzle 103 of the cylinder 101. According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, an elastic element (not shown) is incorporated on the inner surface of the rear portion of the cylinder 101 to further improve the sealing of the air chamber 405 and provide cushioning between the front surface of the plunger element 102 and the inner surface of the rear portion of the cylinder 101. The nozzle 103 may have a diameter significantly smaller than the diameter of the air chamber 405, such that the forward thrust of the plunger 102 can expel air through the nozzle 103 at a higher pressure.

[0062] like Figure 5 As further shown, when the loading slider 117 moves forward in the direction indicated by the forward arrow, the dart 170 is pushed forward from the drum 105 into the barrel interface section 190 by the nozzle 103 (and, as... Figure 1A As shown, when the launch tube 160 is mounted on the launcher 100 (partially entering the launch tube 165), it is now inserted back into the rear opening of the tube interface section 190 via the dart holder 205. The front of the nozzle 103 is pressurized to contact the rear of the dart 170, thereby forming a rear hermetically sealed area. When the launch tube 160 is mounted on the launcher 100 before the loading step, a front hermetically sealed area is also formed between the dart 170 and the launch tube 165. The combination of the front and rear seals provides the dart 170 with a higher flight speed compared to its flight speed without the launch tube 160 installed.

[0063] like Figure 5 As further shown, when the nozzle 103 is inserted into the dart holder 205, the corresponding spring element 140 bends downward to make room for the nozzle 103. Because the outer diameter of the nozzle 103 can be almost the same as the inner diameter of the dart holder 205 when the spring element 140 is completely removed from the dart holder 205, the diameter of the nozzle 103 is maximized, which contrasts with the reduced diameter of the nozzle due to the use of a rigid retaining wall at the rear of the drum.

[0064] In an exemplary embodiment, the nozzle 103 is fitted with an O-ring 303 around its outer circumference to form a seal around the inner circumference of the rear opening of the launch tube interface section 190. Advantageously, a rear airtight seal is formed directly from the air chamber 405 through the nozzle 103 to the rear end of the dart 170 now located at the firing position in the launch tube interface section 165, without requiring any connection with the dart holder 205, thus further improving the airtight connection. Furthermore, the spring 140 allows the nozzle 103 to have a larger cross-section—for example, having an outer diameter slightly less than 12.9 mm to fit through the body portion 220 of each dart holder 205—so that a rear airtight seal can be formed with the tube interface section 190, while the air outlet of the nozzle 103 substantially overlaps with the rear end of the dart 170, thereby increasing the launching force on the dart 170.

[0065] Figure 6The diagram illustrates how pulling the trigger causes a dart 170 to be launched from the launcher 100. In this respect, according to an exemplary embodiment, the trigger assembly 320 includes a cam surface 325. When the trigger assembly 320 is pulled back by a user, the cam surface 325 causes a locking plate 315 to move upward. In some embodiments, the trigger assembly 320 may be biased forward in a default position by a spring 350 or a similar element, causing the plate 315 to return to its downward position when the trigger assembly 315 is in a forward, default non-firing position. When the plate 315 is pushed upward by the cam surface 325 of the trigger assembly 320, the engagement between the plate 315 and the notch / groove 330 of the lever portion 305 is released as the hole 310 moves upward to a position that releases the notch / groove 330. Thus, as Figure 6 As shown, spring 115 releases from its fully compressed state, forcefully driving plunger element 102 forward until its front surface abuts against the rear inner surface of tube 101, thereby expelling collected air from air chamber 405 through nozzle 103 to launch dart 170. If launch tube 160 is not installed, dart 170 is launched directly from tube interface section 190, with only the rear hermetically sealed area (between nozzle 103 and dart 170) providing the launching force. When launch tube 160 is installed, dart 170 is launched through launch tube 160, and in addition to the existing rear hermetically sealed area between nozzle 103 and dart 170, a front hermetically sealed area (between dart 170 and launch tube 165) provides an additional front hermetically sealed area, allowing dart 170 to be launched with greater speed and accuracy compared to when launch tube 160 is not installed.

[0066] After the trigger is released, the trigger assembly 320 returns to its forward default position and the plate 315 returns to its lower position. According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the chambering slide 117 can be pulled back again. Figure 4 The position shown is used to load the next dart 170 from the drum magazine 105 into the firing position, and to push it in by pushing the chambering slide 117 forward again. Figure 5 The firing position is shown.

[0067] 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 / 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), wherein fluid from a reservoir in the handle is driven by a plunger. In such a context, the two-step loading / pumping action of this disclosure enables handheld high-speed fluid burst launchers.

[0068] *******

[0069] 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 projectile launcher, comprising: case; A projectile retainer is disposed within the housing and configured to accommodate multiple projectiles; A cylindrical interface section is provided at the front of the housing; An air piston assembly comprising an air piston cylinder, a plunger element, and a compression spring, disposed within the housing and including an air piston nozzle disposed at its front; A chamber slide adapted to move forward and backward relative to the housing, the projectile retainer and the air piston assembly being coupled to the chamber slide; as well as A first detachable launch tube is adapted to (i) engage and attach to the tube interface section; and (ii) disengage and detach from the tube interface section; When the upper chamber slider moves from the forward position to the rearward position, the air piston cylinder moves rearward and pushes the plunger element to compress the compression spring against the rear wall of the housing; Specifically, when the upper chamber slider moves from the rearward position to the forward position: The air piston cylinder moves forward, forming an internal air chamber between the front portion of the air piston cylinder and the plunger element; and... The air nozzle moves forward to push one of the plurality of projectiles from the projectile holder into the cylinder interface section, thereby forming a first airtight seal between the air piston cylinder and the cylinder interface section; When the first detachable launch tube is attached to the tube interface section, a second airtight seal is formed between the air nozzle and the first detachable launch tube.

2. The toy projectile launcher according to claim 1, wherein, When the loading slider moves from the forward position to the rearward position, the first projectile held in the projectile holder is moved to a position in front of the air piston cylinder.

3. The toy projectile launcher according to claim 2, wherein, The projectile holder includes a projectile propulsion mechanism for propelling a first projectile held in the projectile holder to a position in front of the air piston cylinder.

4. The toy projectile launcher according to claim 2, wherein, When the loading slider moves from the rearward position to the forward position, the air nozzle pushes the first projectile into the tube inlet section, entering the firing position located in front of the first airtight seal and behind the second airtight seal.

5. The toy projectile launcher according to claim 4, wherein, When the first detachable launch tube is detached from the tube interface section, the second airtight seal is no longer formed before the first projectile.

6. The toy projectile launcher of claim 1, further comprising a second detachable launch tube, in, The second detachable launch tube is adapted to (i) engage and attach to the tube interface segment; and (ii) disengage and detach from the tube interface segment; Specifically, when the second detachable launch tube is attached to the tube interface section, and when the upper slide member moves from the rearward position to the forward position, no airtight seal is formed between the air nozzle and the second detachable launch tube.

7. The toy projectile launcher as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The first detachable launch tube has a first inner diameter and the second detachable launch tube has a second inner diameter. Wherein, the first inner diameter is smaller than the second inner diameter.

8. The toy projectile launcher of claim 4, further comprising a latch assembly coupled between the plunger element and the trigger assembly, wherein the trigger assembly is adapted to be pulled backward by a user of the toy projectile launcher.

9. The toy projectile launcher according to claim 8, wherein, When the connection of the latch assembly between the plunger element and the trigger assembly is released, the plunger element is pushed forward by the compression spring to expel air from the internal air chamber through the air nozzle following the first projectile in the firing position.

10. The toy projectile launcher as claimed in claim 4, wherein, When the first projectile is in the firing position, the air nozzle is adjacent to the first projectile.

11. The toy projectile launcher as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The housing is configured in a pistol shape, wherein The projectile retainer is located inside the handle of the housing.

12. The toy projectile launcher according to claim 11, wherein, When the loading slider moves from the forward position to the rearward position, the first projectile is lifted from the projectile holder located in the handle to a position in front of the air piston assembly.

13. The toy projectile launcher as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The projectile holder is a rotatable storage drum; When the loading slider moves from the forward position to the rearward position, the projectile holder rotates to position the first projectile in front of the air piston assembly.

14. The toy projectile launcher according to claim 13, wherein, The projectile retainer includes a plurality of resilient projectile stops, each of which contacts a portion of a corresponding projectile loaded in the projectile retainer.

15. The toy projectile launcher according to claim 14, wherein, Each of the aforementioned elastic projectile stops includes a surface configured to face the forward air piston, and this surface is pushed forward by the forward air nozzle as the air piston cylinder is pushed forward by the chambered slide member returning from the rearward position to the forward position.

16. The toy projectile launcher according to claim 15, wherein, Each of the elastic projectile stops bends outward when pushed by the front air nozzle to make way for the front air nozzle so that it can extend into the projectile holder.

17. The toy projectile launcher according to claim 1, wherein, The projectiles were foam darts.

18. A toy projectile launcher, comprising: case; A projectile retainer is disposed within the housing and configured to accommodate multiple projectiles; A cylindrical interface section is provided at the front of the housing; An air piston assembly comprising an air piston cylinder, a plunger element, and a compression spring, disposed within the housing and including an air piston nozzle disposed at its front; A chamber slide adapted to move forward and backward relative to the housing, the projectile retainer and the air piston assembly being coupled to the chamber slide; A latch assembly is connected between the plunger element and the trigger assembly, wherein the trigger assembly is adapted to be pulled back by a user of the toy projectile launcher; as well as, A first detachable launch tube is adapted to (i) engage and attach to the tube interface section; and (ii) disengage and detach from the tube interface section; Specifically, when the upper chamber slider moves from the forward position to the rearward position: The air piston cylinder moves rearward and pushes the plunger element to compress the compression spring against the rear wall of the housing; and, The first projectile housed in the projectile holder is moved to a position in front of the air piston cylinder; Specifically, when the loading slider moves from the rearward position to the forward position: The air piston cylinder moves forward, forming an internal air chamber between the front portion of the air piston cylinder and the plunger element; and... The air nozzle moves forward to push one of the plurality of projectiles from the projectile holder into the cylinder interface section, thereby forming a first airtight seal between the air piston cylinder and the cylinder interface section together with the first projectile disposed between the air piston cylinder and the cylinder interface section; Wherein, when the first detachable launch tube is attached to the tube interface section: A second airtight seal is formed between the front of the first projectile and the first detachable launch tube; and The air nozzle pushes the first projectile into the tube inlet section, placing it in a firing position located in front of the first airtight seal and behind the second airtight seal. When the connection of the latch assembly between the plunger element and the trigger assembly is released, the plunger element is pushed forward by the compression spring to expel air from the internal air chamber through the air nozzle following the first projectile in the firing position.

Images