High performance launcher with striking hammer

Abstract

A toy projectile launcher includes a housing, a launch canister, an air piston assembly, a trigger, a trigger lever having a distal end portion connected to the launch canister, a storage cylinder rotatably mounted within the housing and including a plurality of projectile seats, and a spring biasing the launch canister away from the storage cylinder, wherein each projectile seat is configured to receive a projectile. When the trigger is actuated, the trigger lever pulls the launch canister into engagement with one of the projectile seats of the storage cylinder to form a hermetic seal between the rear portion of the launch canister and one of the projectile seats.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a toy projectile launcher, such as a toy pistol, gun, etc., for launching toy projectiles, such as foam bullets, darts, balls, etc., with a simplified configuration and improved performance. Background Art

[0002] Conventional toy projectile launchers have utilized various forms of rifles, pistols, artillery shells, machine guns, etc. for launching toy projectiles, such as foam balls and darts, to name just two. Such toy launchers vary in size, power, and storage capacity. More specifically, toy launchers of foam projectiles (bullets (or "darts"), balls, etc.) have become ubiquitous. One standard version of the foam bullet has been marketed under the trade name Sold with a rubber tip and a foam body of about 71.5 mm in length. Various types of rifles, machine guns, etc. have been sold to fire such foam projectiles.

[0003] The cap of a toy dart is typically made of a material other than foam that allows the dart to be fired from a launcher at a target person or object and / or to be propelled at an appropriate distance and / or at a relatively rapid speed.

[0004] Traditional dart guns have traditionally been marketed to pre-teens for casual play. More recently, with the advent of special event war games such as paintball, laser tag, etc., higher powered launchers have been developed to target fans of such special events using foam darts.

[0005] As an example, launchers with metal barrels rather than plastic barrels have been used to improve launch speed. Such launchers and darts are usually sized to have a very small gap between the inner diameter of the barrel of the launcher and the outer diameter of the dart to provide improved launch speed and accuracy.

[0006] Additionally, toy launchers have been designed to resemble pistols with a battering hammer, reminiscent of pistols used in, for example, the "Wild West". Examples of such products are "HammerShot". However, these known products are focused on the age 8 and up category and are not very powerful, having a launch distance of approximately 50 feet.

[0007] Using the above-mentioned metal barrel launcher, it is necessary to further improve the launching force of the projectile. Summary of the invention

[0008] To solve the above problems, the present disclosure generally relates to an improved toy launcher for launching high-performance foam darts. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, one or more sealing mechanisms are provided to improve the airtight seal from the air piston mechanism to the launch barrel of the toy projectile launcher. Advantageously, an effective and high-performance initiator that provides high-speed and accurate projectile launch can be achieved.

[0009] Specifically, the present disclosure is directed to a toy launcher having a storage cylinder having projectile seats each configured to hold a projectile. In an exemplary embodiment, the projectile seats are connected to each other in the form of an integral or detachable belt, chain, etc., as described in PCT Application No. PCT / SG2021 / 050186, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Therefore, the present disclosure relates to a mechanism in a launcher that utilizes a flexible arrangement between such projectile seats to facilitate forming multiple airtight seals between the components and thereby forming an airtight connection between a piston and a launch barrel for launching a projectile held in one of the holders. In addition, the present disclosure relates to a simplified construction for an improved integrated launcher having a hammer mechanism that is configured to be pressed by a user to place the launcher in a trigger-on configuration.

[0010] A toy projectile launcher according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a housing; an air piston assembly, the air piston assembly including an air piston cylinder, a plunger element and a compression spring; a launching barrel; a trigger, the trigger including a trigger lever, the trigger lever having a distal portion connected to the launching barrel; a storage cylinder, the storage cylinder being rotatably mounted in the housing and including a plurality of projectile seats, wherein each projectile seat is configured to accommodate a projectile; and a spring, the spring biasing the launching barrel away from the storage cylinder, wherein, when the trigger is actuated, the trigger lever pulls the launching barrel into engagement with one of the projectile seats of the storage cylinder to form an airtight seal between a rear portion of the launching barrel and one of the projectile seats.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, wherein the air piston cylinder includes an outlet port.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the plunger element further comprises an outer wall comprising a first extension and a second extension, and a plunger rod surrounded by a compression spring at least partially accommodated within the outer wall.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the toy projectile launcher further includes: a striking hammer including a hammer arm and a first lever arm, the hammer arm having a first distal end portion pivotally attached to the air piston cylinder, the first lever arm having a proximal end portion pivotally attached to the hammer arm and a distal end portion in contact with a first extension of an outer wall of the plunger element; a trigger arm pivotally attached to the housing and including a protrusion having an inclined front wall and a rear wall; a second lever arm pivotally coupled to the second distal end portion of the hammer arm and configured to engage with the storage cylinder to cause rotation of the storage cylinder; wherein, when the striking hammer moves from an upper position to a lower position: the first lever arm A lever arm pivots relative to the hammer arm and pushes the plunger element into a cocked configuration in which a compression spring of the plunger element is compressed due to contact of the first lever arm with a first extension of an outer wall of the plunger element; a second extension of the outer wall of the plunger element slides over an inclined front wall of a protrusion of the trigger arm and engages with a rear wall of the protrusion of the plunger element so that the plunger element is retained in the cocked configuration; and the hammer arm pivots downward so that the second lever engages with the storage cylinder and causes the storage cylinder to rotate to place a projectile in one of the projectile seats in line with the outlet port of the air piston cylinder and the firing barrel.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the toy projectile launcher further includes a spring that biases the battering hammer into an upper position such that when the battering hammer is released, the battering hammer returns to the upper position while the plunger element remains in the cocked configuration.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, when the trigger is further actuated, the trigger contacts the trigger arm to pivot the trigger arm out of engagement with the plunger element, allowing the compression spring to freely push the plunger element into the air piston barrel, thereby launching the projectile from the storage cylinder and out of the launching barrel.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the toy projectile launcher further includes a handle.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the air piston assembly is at least partially disposed in the handle.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the toy projectile launcher further includes an elastomeric collar disposed adjacent the outlet port to form an airtight seal at a rear portion of one of the projectile seats.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, when the trigger is released, a spring pulls the firing barrel away from the storage cylinder.

[0020] A toy projectile launcher according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a housing; an air piston assembly, which includes an air piston cylinder, a plunger element and a compression spring; a launching cylinder; a trigger, which includes a trigger extension member; a storage cylinder, which is rotatably mounted in the housing and includes a plurality of projectile seats, wherein each projectile seat is configured to accommodate a projectile; a spring, which biases the storage cylinder away from the launching cylinder; and a push lever, which is rotatably mounted in the housing, wherein, when the trigger is actuated, the trigger extension member engages with the push lever to rotate the push lever into engagement with the storage cylinder, so that one of the projectile seats is pushed into engagement with the rear portion of the launching cylinder to form an airtight seal between the rear portion of the launching cylinder and one of the projectile seats.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the air piston cylinder includes an outlet port.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, a plunger element comprises an outer wall comprising a first extension and a second extension, and a plunger rod surrounded by a compression spring at least partially accommodated within the outer wall.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the toy projectile launcher further includes: a striking hammer, the striking hammer including a hammer arm and a first lever arm, the hammer arm having a first distal end portion pivotally attached to the air piston cylinder, the first lever arm having a proximal end portion pivotally attached to the hammer arm and a distal end portion in contact with a first extension of an outer wall of the plunger element; a trigger arm, the trigger arm pivotally attached to the housing and including a protrusion having an inclined front wall and a rear wall; a second lever arm, the second lever arm being pivotally coupled to the second distal end portion of the hammer arm and being configured to engage with the storage cylinder to cause rotation of the storage cylinder; wherein, when the striking hammer moves from an upper position to a lower position: the first lever arm The lever arm pivots relative to the hammer arm and pushes the plunger element into a cocked configuration in which a compression spring of the plunger element is compressed due to contact of the first lever arm with a first extension of an outer wall of the plunger element; the second extension of the outer wall of the plunger element slides over the inclined front wall of the protrusion of the trigger arm and engages with a rear wall of the protrusion of the plunger element so that the plunger element is retained in the cocked configuration; and the hammer arm pivots downward so that the second lever engages with the storage cylinder and causes the storage cylinder to rotate to place a projectile in one of the projectile seats in line with the outlet port of the air piston cylinder and the firing barrel.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the toy projectile launcher further includes a spring that biases the battering hammer into an upper position such that when the battering hammer is released, the battering hammer returns to the upper position while the plunger element remains in the cocked configuration.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, when the trigger is further actuated, the trigger contacts the trigger arm to pivot the trigger arm out of engagement with the plunger element, allowing the compression spring to freely push the plunger element into the air piston barrel, thereby launching the projectile from the storage cylinder and out of the launching barrel.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the toy projectile launcher further includes a handle.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, the air piston assembly is at least partially disposed in the handle.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, the toy projectile launcher further includes an elastomeric collar disposed adjacent the outlet port to form an airtight seal at a rear portion of one of the projectile seats.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, when the trigger is released, a spring pushes the storage cylinder away from the firing barrel.

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, the projectile is a foam dart. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] Figure 1 is a schematic, partially cut-away side view of key elements of a toy projectile launcher in an untriggered configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 2 is a schematic, partially cut-away side view of key elements of a toy projectile launcher in a cocked configuration with the hammer pulled down, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 3 is a schematic, partially cut-away side view of key elements of a toy projectile launcher in a triggered configuration with the hammer released, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 4 is a schematic, partially cut-away side view of key elements of a toy projectile launcher after a trigger pull according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C 3 are a perspective view, a side view, and a rear view of a storage cylinder according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, respectively.

[0037] Figure 5D is a rear view of a storage cylinder according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Fig. 6AIllustrated are internal components of a toy projectile launcher in an untriggered configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 6B Illustrated are internal components of a toy projectile launcher in an untriggered configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 6C Illustrated are internal components of a toy projectile launcher in an untriggered configuration with the hammer removed for an improved view of the components according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 7 is a schematic, partially cut-away side view of key elements of a toy projectile launcher in an untriggered configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 8 is a schematic, partially cut-away side view of key elements of a toy projectile launcher in a cocked configuration with the hammer pulled down, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Fig. 9 is a schematic, partially cut-away side view of key elements of a toy projectile launcher in a triggered configuration with the hammer released, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Fig.10 is a schematic, partially cut-away side view of key elements of a toy projectile launcher after a trigger pull according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The present disclosure generally relates to an improved toy launcher having an assembly for sealing a launch barrel so as to thereby improve the air pressure launch force. To achieve this objective, according to an exemplary embodiment, the toy launcher includes an internal sealing assembly for improving the air passage seal between the air piston assembly and the launch barrel.

[0046] Figure 1 1 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the key elements of a toy projectile launcher 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. For the purpose of clear and concise description of the key elements and mechanisms of the toy projectile launcher 100, parts not necessary for understanding the scope and spirit of the present disclosure are not shown. A person of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand the support elements required to accommodate and support the various illustrated elements, including the support elements required to facilitate the belt 182 (see FIG. Figure 5A-Figure 5C ) those support elements that house and advance into and out of the launcher 100, with various design choices that will not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a projectile launcher 100 in an untriggered position according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 As shown, the projectile launcher 100 is shaped like a pistol with a battering hammer. In embodiments, the launcher 100 can be in various other shapes and arrangements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, as described in detail below. The launcher 100 includes a housing 101, a handle 105, a launch barrel 110, a trigger 115, and a battering hammer 120. A plurality of components are disposed within the housing, including an air piston assembly 140 and a cylinder 180 configured to accommodate a plurality of projectiles (such as darts 1000).

[0048] The air piston assembly 140 is angularly disposed within the housing 101 and includes a proximal portion positioned within the handle 105 and a distal portion positioned directly behind the cylinder 180. In an exemplary embodiment, the air piston assembly 140 is completely contained within the handle 105, with no parts of the air piston assembly extending from the handle 105 or the housing 101.

[0049] The air piston assembly 140 includes a barrel 142 and an associated plunger element 144. According to an exemplary embodiment, the barrel 142 of the air piston assembly 140 has a generally round cylindrical or oval shape, and the plunger element 144 is biased away from the rear wall 107 within the handle 105 of the launcher housing 101 by a spring 150.

[0050] The barrel 142 includes a protrusion 143 extending rearwardly toward the rear of the housing 101. As shown, the protrusion 143 has an inclined lower wall. The barrel 142 also includes an outlet port 152 at its front end, which extends generally parallel to and in line with the projectile seat of the cylinder 180, as explained in further detail below.

[0051] The plunger element 144 incorporates a size and shape corresponding to the inner circumference of the barrel 142 so as to form an airtight seal with the inner surface of the barrel 142. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the plunger element 144 incorporates an elastic O-ring 145 (made of an elastic material (such as a polymer)) to form an improved seal. In an exemplary embodiment, the elastic O-ring is disposed at the distal end of the plunger rod 149. The spring 150 is disposed around the plunger rod 149 so that when the spring 150 is extended and contracted during operation of the transmitter 100, the spring 150 is guided by the rod 149.

[0052] In an exemplary embodiment, the plunger element 144 also includes a plunger outer wall 146 extending rearwardly from the front end of the plunger element 144. The plunger outer wall 146 includes a first protrusion 147 extending outwardly toward the front of the housing 101 and a second protrusion 148 extending outwardly toward the rear of the housing 101. In an exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the spring 150 extends between the plunger rod 149 and the plunger outer wall 146.

[0053] A trigger arm 160 is also disposed within the housing 101. The trigger arm 160 extends generally adjacent and parallel to the plunger rod 149 and is also disposed adjacent the trigger 115. The trigger arm 160 is pivotally attached to an inner wall of the housing 101 by a first biasing spring 162. The first biasing spring 162 is configured to bias the trigger arm 160 in a counterclockwise direction. A trigger arm protrusion 164 extends from a proximal portion of the trigger arm 160 toward the plunger element 144.

[0054] exist Figure 1 In the initial configuration shown, the pistol 100 is stationary and the hammer 120 is in an untriggered position. The hammer 120 includes a hammer arm 122, which is pivotally attached at its distal end portion to a post 141 provided on the outer wall of a barrel 142 of an air piston assembly 140. The proximal end portion of the hammer arm 122 is pivotally attached to a first lever arm 124. The other proximal end portion of the hammer arm 122 is biased upward toward the top of the housing 101 by a second biasing spring 125.

[0055] In this initial state, the distal end portion of the first lever arm 124 rests on the second protrusion 148 of the plunger outer wall 146. The weight of the hammer arm 122 and the first lever arm 124 is insufficient to overcome the upward pull of the second biasing spring 125 and the upward push of the spring 150, so that the plunger element 144 is not pulled downward by the first lever arm 124 in this initial state and remains in the barrel 142 and is sealed with the barrel.

[0056] Figure 21 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a projectile launcher 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated configuration, the hammer 120 has been pulled down, and the launcher 100 is in a cocked state. Specifically, when the hammer 120 is pulled down, the first lever arm 124 pivots relative to the hammer arm 122 and pushes the second protrusion 148 downward. This in turn causes the spring 150 to be pulled rearward until the front end of the plunger element 144 contacts the rear wall of the barrel 142. At the same time, the first protrusion 147 is pushed back until it encounters the rear inclined side wall of the trigger arm protrusion 164, at which point the first protrusion slides on the trigger arm protrusion 164 against the counterclockwise bias of the trigger arm 160 until it reaches the other side of the trigger arm protrusion 164 and becomes stationary adjacent to the front side wall of the trigger arm protrusion 164. This latching of the first protrusion 147 by the trigger arm protrusion 164 causes the plunger element 144 to remain in the cocked position, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 shown.

[0057] Cylinder 180 is configured to hold a plurality of projectiles, such as foam darts. To this end, cylinder 180 may have components including a belt and a propulsion mechanism, as described in PCT Application No. PCT / SG2021 / 050186, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. More specifically, as Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C As shown, the cylinder 180 may include a band 182 comprised of six (6) or any other number of dart holders 183, each dart holder 183 being sized to accommodate a foam dart 1000 for use with the launcher 100. The dart holders 183 may be pivotally connected to one another, such as by hinges. In an exemplary embodiment, the band 182 is wrapped around a core structure 184 that engages with the propulsion mechanism 200, as explained in more detail below.

[0058] like Figure 5DAs shown, in an exemplary embodiment, the cylinder 180 has a unitary structure consisting of a housing 181 and a plurality of tubular openings forming a dart holder 183. A core structure 184 is disposed within the housing 181, and in an exemplary embodiment, the core structure 184 may be mounted within the housing 181 on a spring that biases the core structure 184 outwardly toward the rear of the launcher 100. This allows the cylinder 180 to be removed from the launcher 100 when necessary and to be reloaded and placed back into the launcher, or to be replaced by a new cylinder 180 that has been loaded. The rear face of the core structure 184 includes an engagement mechanism 185, which in turn includes a plurality of openings 186. The openings 186 are configured to engage with a corresponding number of protrusions extending from the front of the propulsion mechanism 200 that is rotatably mounted within the housing 101. The rear of the propulsion mechanism 200 may include a back plate 204 having a series of ridges 206 arranged around the central axis of the propulsion mechanism 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the number of ridges 206 may be the same as the number of dart holders 183 .

[0059] like Figure 5A-Figure 5C As shown, and also as Figure 2 As shown, the second lever arm 178 is pivotally attached to the distal portion of the hammer arm 124. When the hammer 120 strikes downward, the second lever arm 178 is pulled upward by the hammer arm 122, which in turn causes the second lever arm 178 to engage one of the ridges 206 of the back plate 204 of the propulsion mechanism 200, thereby rotating the propulsion mechanism 200 in a clockwise direction when viewed from the rear of the launcher 100. Since the front of the propulsion mechanism 200 engages with the core structure 184 via the engagement mechanism 185, the rotation of the propulsion mechanism in turn causes a corresponding rotation of the cylinder 180. Thus, with each downward depression of the hammer 120, the projectile is propelled to be in line with the front opening of the barrel 142 of the air piston assembly 140. As explained in further detail below, a rubberized collar 210 is attached to the front opening of the barrel 142 and acts as a seal that pushes against the rear wall of each dart holder 183.

[0060] Fig. 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 6C The hammer 120 and its engagement with the protrusion 143 of the barrel 142 and its operation to cause the rotation of the cylinder 180 are shown in more detail. As shown in these figures, the hammer arm 122 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be U-shaped, with a tail end so as to resemble a boot spur, wherein the tail end extends outwardly from the housing 101 so that a user can press down on the tail end to trigger the launcher 100. The stabbing arms of the hammer arm 122 extend around opposite sides of the barrel 142, and the end portion of each stabbing arm is attached to the respective side of the barrel 142 via posts 141A, 141B.

[0061] When the hammer arm 122 is pulled upward into its rest position by the second biasing spring 125, the hammer arm 122 presses upward against the protrusion 143 on the barrel 122. The U-shaped portion of the hammer arm 122 includes a wall 127 that slopes inwardly toward the protrusion 143 so that there is sufficient clearance between the lower sloped wall of the protrusion 143 and the wall 127 to allow the hammer arm 122 to move upward until it encounters the outer edge of the protrusion 143. At this point, the upward force of the hammer arm 122 on the protrusion 143 presses the collar 210 against the rear opening of the dart holder 183 to form a rear seal.

[0062] When the hammer 120 is pulled down, the pressure on the protrusion 143 is released, allowing the entire air piston assembly 120 to move slightly backward. The backward movement creates a small gap between the distal end of the hammer arm 122 and the back plate 204, allowing the second lever arm 178 to rotate the advancement mechanism 200 to advance the cylinder 180 one chamber position and bring the next dart into line with the outlet of the barrel 122.

[0063] When the hammer 120 is released, the second biasing spring 125 pulls the hammer arm 122 back upward, so that the hammer arm 122 contacts the protrusion 143 again, and the entire air piston assembly 120 is gently pressed forward again.

[0064] A trigger lever 220 is also disposed within the housing 101, the trigger lever being biased in a forward position by a third biasing spring 228. A proximal portion of the trigger lever 220 is attached to the trigger 115, and a distal portion of the trigger lever 220 is attached to the launch barrel 110. In this regard, the launch barrel 110 includes a groove 111 into which a distal portion of the trigger lever 220 is inserted.

[0065] like Figure 4 As shown, when the trigger 115 is pulled, the trigger lever 220 is pulled rearwardly, thereby moving the launch barrel 110 into the front of the dart holder 183 holding the projectile intended to be launched. This provides a front seal for the dart holder 183, so that the dart holder 183 is now sealed at both ends. In an exemplary embodiment, the rear of the launch barrel 110 can be provided with a resilient O-ring to enhance the front seal. However, it should be understood that the O-ring is not required, and other exemplary embodiments can provide a front seal by a close tolerance between the rear section of the launch barrel 110 and the front of the projectile seat 183.

[0066] Further pulling of the trigger 115 causes the trigger 115 to contact and push back on the distal portion of the trigger arm 160. This in turn causes the trigger arm 160 to rotate clockwise against the first biasing spring 162 until the trigger arm projection 164 releases the first projection 147 of the plunger element 144. The spring 150 is now free to quickly push the plunger element 144 upward to engage the distal end of the barrel 142, thereby forcing air out of the barrel 142 to launch the projectile from the dart holder 183 out of the launching barrel 110.

[0067] When the trigger 115 is released, the third biasing spring 228 pulls the trigger 115 forward to its rest configuration. This will also release the trigger arm 160 and allow it to rotate counterclockwise back to its rest configuration.

[0068] Figure 7-10 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a projectile launcher 1100 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The launcher 1100 in this exemplary embodiment differs from the previously described exemplary embodiments in that the launch barrel is fixed rather than reciprocating, and the projectile cylinder moves back and forth to form a front seal with the launch barrel.

[0069] like Figure 7-10 As shown in , the projectile launcher generally includes components similar to the launcher 100, including a housing 1101, a handle 1105, a launch tube 1110, a trigger 1115, and a hammer 1120. Many components are disposed within the housing, including an air piston assembly 1140 and a cylinder 1180, which is configured to accommodate a plurality of projectiles, such as darts 1000.

[0070] The air piston assembly 1140 is angularly disposed within the housing 1101 and includes a proximal portion positioned within the handle 1105 and a distal portion positioned directly behind the cylinder 1160. In an exemplary embodiment, the entirety of the air piston assembly 1140 is housed within the handle 1105. The air piston assembly 1140 includes a barrel 1142 and an associated plunger element 1144. According to an exemplary embodiment, the barrel 1142 of the air piston assembly 1140 has a generally circular cylindrical or oval shape, and the plunger element 1144 is biased away from a rear wall 1107 within the handle 1105 of the transmitter housing 1101 by a spring 1150. The barrel 1142 includes a protrusion 1143 extending rearwardly toward the rear of the housing 1101. As seen in the figure, the protrusion 1143 has an inclined lower wall. The barrel 142 also includes an outlet port 1152 at its front end that extends generally parallel to and in line with the projectile seat of the cylinder 1160. The outlet port 1152 may be comprised of at least two telescoping sections coupled by a spring 1153 to allow the cylinder 1180 to reciprocate relative to the air piston assembly 1140.

[0071] The plunger element 1144 incorporates a size and shape corresponding to the inner circumference of the barrel 1142 so as to form an airtight seal with the inner surface of the barrel 1142. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the plunger element 1144 incorporates an elastic O-ring 1145 (made of an elastic material (such as a polymer)) to form an improved seal. In an exemplary embodiment, the elastic O-ring is disposed at the distal end of the plunger rod 1149. The spring 1150 is disposed around the plunger rod 1149 so that when the spring 1150 is extended and contracted during operation of the transmitter 1100, the spring 1150 is guided by the rod 1149.

[0072] In an exemplary embodiment, the plunger element 1144 also includes a plunger outer wall 1146 extending rearwardly from the front end of the plunger element 1144. The plunger outer wall 1146 includes a first protrusion 1147 extending outwardly toward the front of the housing 1101 and a second protrusion 1148 extending outwardly toward the rear of the housing 1101. In an exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the spring 1150 extends between the plunger rod 1149 and the plunger outer wall 1146.

[0073] A trigger arm 1160 is also disposed within the housing 1101. The trigger arm 1160 extends generally adjacent and parallel to the plunger rod 1149 and is also disposed adjacent the trigger 1115. The trigger arm 1160 is pivotally attached to the inner wall of the housing 1101 by a first biasing spring 1162. The first biasing spring 1162 is configured to bias the trigger arm 1160 in a counterclockwise direction. A trigger arm protrusion 1164 extends from a proximal portion of the trigger arm 1160 toward the plunger element 1144.

[0074] exist Figure 7 In the initial configuration shown, the pistol 1100 is stationary and the hammer 1120 is in an uncocked position. The hammer 1120 includes a hammer arm 1122, which is pivotally attached at its distal end portion to a post 1141 disposed on the outer wall of a barrel 1142 of an air piston assembly 1140. The proximal end portion of the hammer arm 1122 is pivotally attached to a first lever arm 1124. The other proximal end portion of the hammer arm 1122 is biased upward toward the top of the housing 1101 by a second biasing spring 1125.

[0075] In this initial state, the distal end portion of the first lever arm 1124 rests on the second protrusion 1148 of the plunger outer wall 1146. The weight of the hammer arm 1122 and the first lever arm 1124 is insufficient to overcome the upward pull of the second biasing spring 1125 and the upward push of the spring 1150, so that the plunger element 1144 is not pulled downward by the first lever arm 1124 in this initial state and remains in the barrel 1142 and is sealed with the barrel.

[0076] Figure 8The launcher 1100 is shown in a cocked state, wherein the hammer 1120 is pulled down. Specifically, when the hammer 1120 is pulled down, the first lever arm 1124 pivots relative to the hammer arm 1122 and pushes the second protrusion 1148 downward. This in turn causes the spring 1150 to be pulled rearward until the front end of the plunger element 1144 contacts the rear wall of the barrel 1142. At the same time, the first protrusion 1147 is pushed rearward until it encounters the rearward inclined side wall of the trigger arm protrusion 1164, at which point the first protrusion 1147 slides on the trigger arm protrusion 1164 against the counterclockwise bias of the trigger arm 1160 until it reaches the other side of the trigger arm protrusion 1164 and becomes stationary adjacent to the front side wall of the trigger arm protrusion 1164. This latching of the first protrusion 1147 by the trigger arm protrusion 1164 causes the plunger element 1144 to remain in the cocked position, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9 shown.

[0077] Cylinder 1180 is configured to hold a plurality of projectiles, such as foam darts. To this end, cylinder 1180 may have components including a dart holder and an engagement mechanism, as previously described with respect to the previous exemplary embodiment. However, in this exemplary embodiment, cylinder 1180 has a rear extension 1182 and a front extension 1184 that accommodates a spring 1186. When cylinder 1180 is pushed forward, spring 1186 is compressed and forms a front seal between the projectile seat of cylinder 1180 and the rear of launch barrel 1110, and once the projectile is launched, spring 1186 pushes cylinder 1180 back to its resting position.

[0078] The second lever arm 1178 is pivotally attached to the distal portion of the hammer arm 1124. When the hammer 1120 strikes downward, the second lever arm 1178 is pulled upward by the hammer arm 1122, which in turn causes the second lever arm 1178 to engage the propulsion mechanism, thereby rotating the cylinder 1180 in a clockwise direction as viewed from the rear of the launcher 100. Thus, with each downward depression of the hammer 1120, the projectile is propelled to be in line with the outlet port 1152 of the barrel 1142 of the air piston assembly 1140. A rubberized collar 1210 is attached to the front opening of the barrel 1142 and acts as a seal that pushes against the rear wall of each dart holder 1183. When the cylinder 1180 is pushed forward, the spring 1153 pushes the collar 1210 forward, thereby maintaining the rear seal of the projectile seat.

[0079] The trigger 1115 includes a trigger extension 1116 that protrudes into the housing 1101. As explained in further detail below, when the trigger 1115 is pulled back, the trigger extension 1116 engages with the push lever 1117, thereby rotating the push lever 1117 into engagement with the rear extension 1182 of the cylinder 1180, thereby pushing the projectile seat of the cylinder 1180 into sealing engagement with the rear of the launch barrel 1110. The push lever 1117 can be biased by, for example, a spring 1119 to resist rotation caused by the trigger extension 1116. The trigger 1115 also includes a forward extension 1118, which is attached at its distal end to a third biasing spring 1228 that holds the trigger 1115 in the forward position.

[0080] The operation of transmitter 1100 is generally the same as the previously described exemplary embodiments. Fig.10 As shown, when the trigger 1115 is pulled, the cylinder 1180 is pushed forward by the push lever 1117, so that the projectile holder containing the projectile intended to be launched moves into sealing engagement with the rear of the launch barrel 1110 to form a front seal. When the trigger 1115 is released, the third biasing spring 1228 pulls the trigger 1115 back to its forward position, thereby allowing the push lever 1117 to disengage from the cylinder 1180 so that the spring 1186 can push the cylinder 1180 back to its rest configuration. Once in the rest configuration, the cylinder 1180 is no longer engaged with the launch barrel 1110, so that the cylinder 1180 is free to rotate when the hammer 1120 is pulled down to launch a subsequent projectile.

[0081] *******

[0082] Although the specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described in detail, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it is intended to cover all such modifications and improvements within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A toy projectile launcher, comprising: case; an air piston assembly, the air piston assembly comprising an air piston cylinder, a plunger element and a compression spring; Launch tube; a trigger, the trigger comprising a trigger lever having a distal portion connected to the firing barrel; a storage cylinder rotatably mounted within the housing and comprising a plurality of projectile seats, wherein each projectile seat is configured to receive a projectile; and a spring biasing the firing tube away from the storage cylinder, wherein when the trigger is actuated, the trigger lever pulls the launching barrel into engagement with one of the projectile seats of the storage cylinder to form an airtight seal between a rear portion of the launching barrel and the one of the projectile seats.

2. The toy projectile launcher of claim 1, wherein: The air piston cylinder includes an outlet port.

3. The toy projectile launcher of claim 2, wherein: The plunger element further comprises: an outer wall, the outer wall comprising a first extension portion and a second extension portion; and a plunger rod, the plunger rod being surrounded by the compression spring, The compression spring is at least partially received within the outer wall.

4. The toy projectile launcher of claim 3, further comprising: A striking hammer, comprising: a hammer arm having a first distal end portion pivotally attached to the air piston cylinder; and a first lever arm having a proximal portion pivotally attached to the hammer arm and a distal portion in contact with the first extension of the outer wall of the plunger element; a trigger arm pivotally attached to the housing and including a projection having angled front and rear walls; a second lever arm pivotally coupled to the second distal end portion of the hammer arm and configured to engage the storage cylinder to cause rotation of the storage cylinder; Wherein, when the striking hammer moves from the upper position to the lower position: the first lever arm pivots relative to the hammer arm and, due to contact of the first lever arm with a first extension of an outer wall of the plunger element, pushes the plunger element into a cocked configuration in which the compression spring of the plunger element is compressed; The second extension of the outer wall of the plunger element slides over the inclined front wall of the protrusion of the trigger arm and engages with the rear wall of the protrusion of the plunger element so that the plunger element is retained in the cocked configuration; and The hammer arm pivots downwardly so that the second lever engages the storage cylinder and causes the storage cylinder to rotate to place a projectile within one of the projectile seats in line with the outlet port of the air piston cylinder and the launching barrel.

5. The toy projectile launcher of claim 4 , further comprising a spring biasing the striking hammer into the upper position such that when the striking hammer is released, the striking hammer returns to the upper position while the plunger element remains in the cocked configuration.

6. The toy projectile launcher of claim 5, wherein: When the trigger is further actuated, the trigger contacts the trigger arm to pivot the trigger arm out of engagement with the plunger element, allowing the compression spring to freely push the plunger element into the air piston barrel, thereby launching a projectile from the storage cylinder and out of the launching barrel.

7. The toy projectile launcher of claim 1, further comprising a handle.

8. The toy projectile launcher of claim 7, wherein: The air piston assembly is at least partially disposed in the handle.

9. The toy projectile launcher of claim 7, wherein: The air piston assembly is completely contained within the handle.

10. The toy projectile launcher of claim 2, further comprising an elastomeric collar disposed adjacent the outlet port to form an airtight seal at a rear portion of one of the projectile seats.

11. The toy projectile launcher of claim 1, wherein: When the trigger is released, the spring pulls the firing barrel away from the storage cylinder.

12. A toy projectile launcher comprising: case; an air piston assembly, the air piston assembly comprising an air piston cylinder, a plunger element and a compression spring; Launch tube; a trigger, the trigger comprising a trigger extension member; a storage cylinder rotatably mounted within the housing and comprising a plurality of projectile seats, wherein each projectile seat is configured to receive a projectile; a spring biasing the storage cylinder away from the firing barrel; and a push lever, the push lever being rotatably mounted in the housing, wherein, when the trigger is actuated, the trigger extension member engages with the push lever to rotate the push lever into engagement with the storage cylinder, so that one of the projectile seats is pushed into engagement with the rear portion of the launching barrel to form an airtight seal between the rear portion of the launching barrel and the one of the projectile seats.

13. The toy projectile launcher of claim 12, wherein: The air piston cylinder includes an outlet port.

14. The toy projectile launcher of claim 12, wherein: The plunger element comprises: an outer wall, the outer wall comprising a first extension portion and a second extension portion; and a plunger rod, the plunger rod being surrounded by the compression spring, The compression spring is at least partially received within the outer wall.

15. The toy projectile launcher of claim 14, further comprising: A striking hammer, comprising: a hammer arm having a first distal end portion pivotally attached to the air piston cylinder; and a first lever arm having a proximal portion pivotally attached to the hammer arm and a distal portion in contact with the first extension of the outer wall of the plunger element; a trigger arm pivotally attached to the housing and including a projection having angled front and rear walls; a second lever arm pivotally coupled to the second distal end portion of the hammer arm and configured to engage the storage cylinder to cause rotation of the storage cylinder; Wherein, when the striking hammer moves from the upper position to the lower position: the first lever arm pivots relative to the hammer arm and, due to contact of the first lever arm with a first extension of an outer wall of the plunger element, pushes the plunger element into a cocked configuration in which the compression spring of the plunger element is compressed; The second extension of the outer wall of the plunger element slides over the inclined front wall of the protrusion of the trigger arm and engages with the rear wall of the protrusion of the plunger element so that the plunger element is retained in the cocked configuration; and The hammer arm pivots downwardly so that the second lever engages the storage cylinder and causes the storage cylinder to rotate to place a projectile within one of the projectile seats in line with the outlet port of the air piston cylinder and the launching barrel.

16. The toy projectile launcher of claim 15, further comprising a spring biasing the battering hammer into the upper position such that when the battering hammer is released, the battering hammer returns to the upper position while the plunger element remains in the cocked configuration.

17. The toy projectile launcher of claim 16, wherein: When the trigger is further actuated, the trigger contacts the trigger arm to pivot the trigger arm out of engagement with the plunger element, allowing the compression spring to freely push the plunger element into the air piston barrel, thereby launching a projectile from the storage cylinder and out of the launching barrel.

18. The toy projectile launcher of claim 12, further comprising a handle.

19. The toy projectile launcher of claim 18, wherein: The air piston assembly is at least partially disposed in the handle.

20. The toy projectile launcher of claim 18, wherein: The air piston assembly is completely contained within the handle.

21. The toy projectile launcher of claim 13, further comprising an elastomeric collar disposed adjacent the outlet port to form an airtight seal at a rear portion of one of the projectile seats.

22. The toy projectile launcher of claim 12, wherein: When the trigger is released, the spring pushes the storage cylinder away from the firing barrel.

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