Multi-tube grenade for a toy launcher

Abstract

Toy grenade (100) for firing a large number of projectiles (BB) at once, comprising a cylindrical sleeve (10), wherein the cylindrical sleeve (10) has several receiving cylinders (13) and a circumferential extension (14), wherein the circumferential extension (14) has a retaining section extending around a center line (X) to provide an annular surface (1) for attaching a flexible rubber ring (11), characterized in that the flexible rubber ring (11) is displaceable between a first position (L1) and a second position (L2) along the retaining section, wherein the rubber ring (11) in the first position (L1) is in a radially outwardly expanded state in which trajectory channels (133) overlap to hold the projectiles (BB) and prevent them from falling out, and wherein the rubber ring (11) in the second position (L2) is in a radially inwardly retracted state.in which it does not radially overlap trajectory channels (133).

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefits of the preliminary US application No. 63 / 355,155, which was filed on June 24, 2022, and is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Hand grenades are common weapons in modern warfare. They are small explosive devices typically thrown by hand. Some grenades use a rocket propulsion system, similar to mortars. These devices are usually thrown into a predetermined area and then explode. However, the present invention does not relate to hand grenades, but to a multi-tube toy grenade (e.g., a 40mm gas and CO2 airsoft grenade, known as an "airsoft grenade") that simulates the effect of a shotgun. It is designed to launch multiple pre-loaded, simulated ammunition projectiles. The multi-tube grenade is gas-powered and can fire all the ammunition projectiles at once in a general direction. These projectiles disperse slightly during firing and flight, so that upon impact they are scattered over an impact area.Everything within the impact zone will be hit by some of the projectiles. After reloading with projectiles, the cartridge or canister can be quickly reloaded into a toy launcher (e.g., the toy projectile launcher described in EP patent EP 2 573 499 B1) and reused.

[0003] The present invention can be used with any non-lethal projectiles, including but not limited to airsoft BBs and paintballs. A conventional multi-tube grenade (e.g., a grenade structure described in U.S. Patent US 8,517,005 B2) on the market, suitable for use with a toy launcher, typically includes a projectile chamber (with circumferentially arranged cylinders positioned such that each receiving cylinder can receive and hold BB projectiles or paintballs through a front opening); a gas-fed storage chamber; an actuating rod assembly; a few activation elements (e.g., primers); and a rubber ring fixedly positioned in a circumferential recess (i.e., a groove described in U.S. Patent US 10,443,970 B2) adjacent to the front openings of each of the circumferentially arranged cylinders.The toy launcher allows the grenade to fire all projectiles simultaneously.

[0004] Unfortunately, loading a large number of BBs into multi-barreled grenades is time-consuming. Sufficient pressure is required each time to push the BB past the rubber ring next to the front openings. If the grenade has 10 loading cylinders, and each cylinder can hold several BBs, the user has to repeat the process multiple times. A device that could simplify reloading such grenades would be extremely beneficial.

[0005] Furthermore, after loading a large number of BBs into conventional grenades, the user cannot safely unload them because the fixed rubber ring blocks the BBs and prevents them from falling out. The user has no option but to unload the BBs by pulling the trigger, releasing the compressed air from the gas-powered storage chamber, thus ejecting all the BBs contained within.

[0006] US 8,517,005 B2 relates to a toy grenade with multiple receiving cylinders and a flexible rubber ring. GB 2,319,074 A relates to a gas cartridge with a chamber for receiving gas under pressure. US 7,059,316 B1 relates to a paintball firing device comprising a cartridge in combination with a percussion device for receiving multiple paintballs. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention relates to a toy grenade designed to fire a large number of projectiles simultaneously, and to a toy grenade capable of unloading the projectiles when necessary. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention provides an alternative type of toy grenade for firing a large number of projectiles at once, comprising a cylindrical sleeve. The cylindrical sleeve includes several receiving cylinders and a circumferential extension. The circumferential extension has a retaining section extending around a center line to provide an annular surface for the sliding attachment of a flexible rubber ring. The flexible rubber ring blocks and prevents the projectiles from falling out only when it is near the rear end (near the front openings of the receiving cylinders). Since the rubber ring is not fixed in position, the user can move the rubber ring toward the far end (the term "far" means toward the front, away from the receiving cylinders) and then empty all the projectiles as needed.The flexible rubber ring is displaceable between a first position and a second position along the holding section, wherein in the first position the rubber ring is in a radially outwardly expanded state in which trajectory channels overlap to hold the projectiles and prevent them from falling out, and wherein in the second position the rubber ring is in a radially inwardly retracted state in which it does not radially overlap trajectory channels.

[0009] In a further embodiment, the invention relates to a toy grenade for firing a large number of projectiles at once, comprising a cylindrical sleeve containing several circumferentially arranged receiving cylinders and several circumferentially arranged extensions, the extensions being configured to slidably mount the flexible rubber ring. The several circumferentially arranged extensions extend essentially around a central axis to define a bore opening through which a rubber ring contact surface (or other switching arrangements) can be movably mounted, since several gaps are present between the multiple circumferentially arranged extensions.The flexible rubber ring is displaceable between a first position and a second position along the holding section, wherein in the first position the rubber ring is in a radially outwardly expanded state in which trajectory channels overlap to hold the projectiles and prevent them from falling out, and wherein in the second position the rubber ring is in a radially inwardly retracted state in which it does not radially overlap trajectory channels.

[0010] In a further embodiment, the invention relates to a toy grenade for firing a large number of projectiles at once, comprising a cylindrical sleeve containing a central bore around which several circumferentially arranged receiving cylinders are configured to allow each receiving cylinder to receive projectiles, wherein the cylindrical sleeve further comprises several circumferentially arranged retaining sections next to each of the front openings of the receiving cylinders, extending around a center line to provide a non-continuous annular surface for attaching a flexible rubber ring, wherein the rubber ring can be easily replaced by the user if desired.The flexible rubber ring is displaceable between a first position and a second position along the holding section, wherein in the first position the rubber ring is in a radially outwardly expanded state in which trajectory channels overlap to hold the projectiles and prevent them from falling out, and wherein in the second position the rubber ring is in a radially inwardly retracted state in which it does not radially overlap trajectory channels.

[0011] In a further embodiment, the invention relates to the toy grenade further comprising a gas storage chamber which is connected to the cylindrical sleeve and which is bounded by a first inner edge and a second inner edge at its front and rear ends; an actuating rod assembly which is hollow and is received in a central bore of the cylindrical sleeve and comprises an air inlet tube arranged at its front, wherein the air inlet tube has a front end forming an air inlet opening and a rear end to which a front radial extension and a rear radial extension are attached, wherein an air outlet opening is formed between the front radial extension and the rear radial extension, wherein the front radial extension and the rear radial extension each have a circumferential surface around which a sealing ring is attached.to engage the sealing rings with the first inner edge and the second inner edge of the gas storage chamber to hermetically seal the gas storage chamber, wherein the front radial extension has a smaller flange at the front than a wider flange at the rear to limit backward movement of the actuating rod assembly when the compressed air in the gas storage chamber is released.

[0012] Compressed air is supplied through the air inlet opening of the air inlet tube, and the compressed air is released through the air outlet opening, so that it collects in the gas storage chamber. Upon ignition, the trigger of a toy launcher is designed to move the actuating rod assembly rearward, releasing the front radial extension from the first inner edge of the gas storage chamber. This releases the compressed air in the gas storage chamber, immediately ejecting the BB projectiles held in the cylindrical sleeve. These and other aspects of the present invention will undoubtedly become clear to those skilled in the art after reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, which is illustrated in the various figures and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS • Fig. 1A-1C represent a circumferentially arranged extension that defines an annular surface for the sliding attachment of a flexible rubber ring. • Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B represents a cylindrical sleeve configured to allow the flexible rubber ring to bend inwards when pushed towards the front ends during the shooting process. • Fig. 3A-3C represent a reloading method in accordance with specific embodiments. • Fig. 4 represents a loading device designed to load a substantial number of BBs simultaneously into each receiving cylinder of the cylindrical sleeve. • Fig. 5A-5G represent a further embodiment which offers several circumferentially arranged extensions that define a non-continuous annular surface for receiving and holding the rubber ring. • Fig. 6A-6H represent another design with a ring contact surface, which is used to move the rubber ring to preferred locations. • Fig. 7A-7H represent a further embodiment in which a switching arrangement can axially move the ring contact surface relative to the cylindrical sleeve between preferred locations. • Fig. 8A-8J represent an actuating rod arrangement that does not obstruct the ring contact surface during the shooting process. • Fig. 9A-9L represent various BB charging devices in accordance with different embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. Numerous specific details are set forth in the following detailed description to enable a comprehensive understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the present invention can also be practiced without these specific details. In other cases, known methods and components have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the embodiments.

[0014] It should also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used here to describe different elements, these elements should not be restricted by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a Fig. The first body described in Section 7E may be referred to as the second body, and similarly, a second body could be referred to as the first body without this deviating from the scope of the present invention. The terminology used here in the description of the invention serves only to describe specific embodiments and is not to be understood as limiting the invention. Airsoft pellets (also called BBs), for example, are spherical projectiles (made of plastic) used in airsoft guns. Hereinafter, they are all referred to as "BB projectiles" or "BBs," but this is not intended to limit the invention.

[0015] As used in the description of the invention and the appended claims, the singular forms "a" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It is also to be understood that the term "and / or," as used herein, refers to and includes all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of the aforementioned features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.As used here, the term "if" can be interpreted, depending on the context, as "when" or "at" or "in response to determining" or "in response to detection". Similarly, the phrase "when determined" or "when [a specified condition or event] is detected" can be interpreted, depending on the context, as meaning "upon determining" or "in response to determining" or "upon detecting [the specified condition or event]" or "in response to detecting [the specified condition or event]".

[0016] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1A, the toy grenade 100 consists of a cylindrical sleeve 10 designed to fire many BB projectiles (hereinafter simply referred to as "BBs") or paintballs at once. The grenade contains the cylindrical sleeve 10 and a gas storage chamber 40, which provides a gas supply and is capable of firing all the BBs simultaneously. Fig. 1B and Fig. Figure 1C shows the cylindrical sleeve 10, which includes several receiving cylinders 13 and a circumferential extension 14 positioned near the inner circumference 101 of the sleeve. The extension 14 extends around the central axis X and is characterized by a retaining section 141, which forms a first annular surface for the sliding placement of a flexible rubber ring 11. Additionally, downstream of the first annular surface is a guide section 142, which is angled inwards relative to it. This structure allows the sleeve 10 to have a tapered tubular nozzle, which facilitates the sliding placement of the flexible rubber ring.

[0017] The terms “forward” and “backward” with respect to the cylindrical sleeve 10 refer to the directions toward the side of the front openings 131 and toward the side of the rear openings 132, respectively. The terms “inward” or “inward” indicate a radial direction toward the central axis X, while “outward” or “outward” indicates a radial direction away from the central axis X.

[0018] In one embodiment, as in the Fig. 2A and Fig. As shown in Figure 2B, the user loads a substantial number of BBs into each receiving cylinder 13 (hereinafter referred to as "cylinder 13"). The flexible rubber ring 11 is then attached to the extension 14. During the firing process (shown in Figure 2B), the user loads a substantial number of BBs into each receiving cylinder 13 (hereinafter referred to as "cylinder 13"). Fig. 8B) The gas pressure builds up behind all receiving cylinders 13 and enters each receiving cylinder 13 through the rear openings 132. As a result, the BBs push the rubber ring 11 toward the front end of the extension 14. The dimensions of the extension 14 are configured to ensure that the rubber ring 11 does not obstruct the trajectory channels 133 after the firing process. For example, the rubber ring 11 can block and prevent BBs from falling when positioned on the first annular surface (referred to as "location L1") adjacent to the front openings 131 of the receiving cylinders 13. Conversely, the guide section 142 of the extension 14 is designed so that the ring 11 can bend inward when pushed by the BBs from location L1 toward the front ends (referred to as "location L2") of the extension 14. The flexible ring 11 can bend either outwards or inwards as it slides between locations L1 and L2.In particular, the flexible ring 11 has a larger circumference at location L1 than at location L2.

[0019] The structure of the tapered tubular nozzle incorporates an annular surface with a tapered section that allows the flexible rubber ring to bend both outwards and inwards as it moves along the surface. The circumferential extension includes an inwardly angled guide section that allows the flexible rubber ring 11 to bend inwards as it moves towards the far end of the circumferential guide section. The guide section extends from the retaining section and is angled relative to it, thus providing a second annular surface that allows the flexible rubber ring 11 to bend outwards or inwards as it moves along the surface.

[0020] In another embodiment of the cylindrical sleeve 10, as in the Fig. 3A, Fig. 3B and Fig. Figure 3C illustrates a procedure comprising the following steps: a) reloading BBs into the receiving cylinders 13 while the ring 11 is at location L2; b) sliding the ring 11 from location L2 to location L1; c) releasing the compressed air (i.e., pressurized gas) within the grenade 100 to eject the BBs stored therein. The circumferential extension is designed to prevent BBs from falling out when the flexible ring 11 is positioned at location L1. During the firing process, the BBs push the ring 11 from location L1 toward location L2. The tapered section (circumferential guide section) of the tubular nozzle is configured to ensure that the ring 11 no longer interferes with the trajectory channels 133 after being pushed to location L2, thus avoiding horizontal overlap with the projectile passages.

[0021] The inclusion of a circumferentially tapered guide section facilitates the smooth movement of the flexible rubber ring 11 from one position to another (such as location L2, where the ring 11 does not obstruct reloading). This design allows the user to reload the next round of BBs more quickly after firing, as no pressure is required to push the BBs through the rubber ring 11. Against this background, a Fig. 4 In the embodiment shown, a device 30 for loading BB projectiles is included, which is designed to load a substantial number of BBs simultaneously into each receiving cylinder 13 of the cylindrical sleeve 10.

[0022] The loading device 30 comprises a body with an upper tray section 31 and a lower dispensing section 32. The tray section 31 has an opening larger than those of typical BB packs (e.g., BB pack bottle 900) and is designed to receive BBs. The lower dispensing section 32 consists of several circumferentially arranged BB queue tubes 301, which are responsible for dispensing BBs into the receiving cylinders 13 of the cylindrical sleeve 10. To prevent accidental spillage, the loading device 30 is equipped with a movable stopper 33, which is positioned at the bottom of the queue tubes 301 and can be used, if necessary, to block and prevent BBs from falling out.

[0023] In another embodiment, as described in the Fig. 5A, Fig. 5B and Fig. Figure 5C shows a toy grenade 200, such as the AceHive series marketed by ACETECH, designed for the simultaneous firing of a large number of BBs. The grenade 200 comprises a cylindrical sleeve 501 with a central bore 12. The receiving cylinders 13 arranged around the central bore 12 are designed to receive BBs. Adjacent to the front openings 131 of the receiving cylinders are circumferentially arranged retaining sections 541. These retaining sections 541 extend around the center line X of the cylindrical sleeve and provide a non-continuous annular surface 1 for attaching the flexible rubber ring. In the Fig. 5C and Fig. Figure 5D shows the cylindrical sleeve 501 incorporating additional circumferentially arranged guide sections 542. These guide sections 542 extend from each retaining section 541 and are angled relative to them, creating a second, non-continuous annular surface 2. This second annular surface allows the rubber ring to bend outwards or inwards as it moves along it. To permit the movement of the ring contact surface 20, a series of circumferentially arranged projections 514 extends substantially around the central axis X and defines a bore opening 121. The rubber ring contact surface 20, or simply the contact surface 20, can be positioned within this bore opening 121, utilizing the gaps 15 between the circumferentially arranged projections 514, as shown in the Fig. 5E , Fig. 5F and Fig. 5G shown.

[0024] The Fig. 6A and Fig. Figure 6B represents an embodiment of the grenade 200 with the contact surface 20. The ring 11 is movable between positions L1 and L2. When the grenade 200 releases compressed air, the BBs move forward and push the ring 11 from position L1 to position L2. The contact surface 20 is designed to stop and hold the ring 11 in a predetermined position, such as position L2. When the ring 11 is in position L2, users can reload the next round of BBs more quickly because the contact surface 20 ensures that the ring 11 does not obstruct any of the BBs in that position. Fig. The flight path channels 133 shown in Figure 6C are disrupted. To facilitate this functionality, the cylindrical sleeve can include a series of circumferentially arranged projections 514 with gaps 15 between them. These gaps 15 allow the contact surface 20 to move, which can be attached and move axially forwards and backwards along the central axis X through these gaps 15. As a result, the contact surface 20 can displace the ring 11 to preferred positions, such as position L1.

[0025] Referring to the Fig. 6D , Fig. 6E and Fig. 6F comprises the contact surface 20 with several ribs 21 arranged on its outer circumferential surface. These ribs 21 are spaced apart at a predetermined distance from one another so that they can be inserted into the gaps 15 between any two extensions 514 and slide the ring 11 into preferred positions. Each rib 21 includes a second retaining section 212 extending substantially around the central axis X. In addition, a rearward-facing section 211 extends from the second retaining section 212 toward the front, angled outward. The circumferentially arranged second retaining sections 212 create a third, non-continuous annular surface 3 that receives the ring 11 and holds it securely in the preferred positions.

[0026] The configuration of the multiple rearward-facing sections 211 is designed such that the ring 11 is pushed to position L1 (where the ring 11 is positioned on the first non-continuous annular surface). When the contact surface 20 is inserted into the bore opening 121 (as shown in Fig. 5F and Fig. (5G shown), the rearward-facing sections 211, in conjunction with the guide surfaces 542, work together to move the ring 11 to position L1. The rearward-facing sections 211 can have (but are not limited to) the same angle of inclination with respect to the central axis X. The multiple ribs 21 are spaced apart to ensure that they do not obstruct the trajectory channels 133. The height 4 of the ribs 21 (relative to the central axis X) can be greater than the distance from the central axis X to the lowest point 5 of the Fig. The flight path channels 133 shown in Figure 6F. By pushing into the bore opening 121, the several rearward-pointing sections 211 of the ribs 21 can push the ring 11 to position L1.

[0027] In the Fig. 6G and Fig. 6H varies the shapes of the circumferentially arranged ribs 21 for the purpose of assembly or positioning. The contact surface 20 may also include several rear ribs 22 positioned opposite some of the circumferentially arranged ribs 21. Each rear rib 22 comprises a pull section 221 facing the rearward-facing sections 211 and serves to pull out the ring 11 when necessary. The pull section 221 extends outward from the central axis X and preferably has a section that is substantially orthogonal to the central axis X, as well as a chamfered section adjacent to the second retaining section 212. Additionally, the contact surface 20 may have a front hole 23 at the front, providing the user with access to a Fig. The air intake opening 411 shown in the 8C image is provided.

[0028] Based on the described embodiment, the sleeve comprises several circumferentially arranged guide sections that allow the rubber ring to bend inwards when pressed towards its far ends. The ring contact surface 20 includes several ribs 21 arranged on its outer circumferential surface. Each rib 21 has a second retaining section extending substantially about the central axis X and a rearward-facing section 211 extending from the second retaining section towards the front and angled outwards relative to it. The multiple circumferentially arranged second retaining sections form the third, non-continuous annular surface that receives and holds the rubber ring in preferred positions. Additionally, the contact surface 20 may include the multiple rear ribs 22 positioned opposite some of the circumferentially arranged ribs 21.These rear ribs 22 are designed to be inserted into the multiple gaps 15 between the extensions 514. Consequently, the contact surface 20 can be positioned next to the bore opening of the cylindrical sleeve and slide axially forwards and backwards. This allows the contact surface 20 to push or pull the rubber ring to preferred positions, such as L1 and L2.

[0029] In Fig. Figure 7A shows the cylindrical sleeve 501 having several slots 16 between adjacent receiving cylinders 13, which are used to insert the multiple rear ribs. This allows the grenade 200 to provide two stabilized positions for the contact surface 20 to interact with the ring 11. Fig. 7B The first stabilized position occurs when the ring 11 is at L1. In this position, the contact surface 20 is retracted to a low position, designated as "position P1," where the rear ribs 22 do not interfere with the ring 11. The user can pull the ring 11 to L2 using the rear ribs 22 and then stabilize the contact surface 20 in a higher, more distant position, designated as "position P2."

[0030] In Fig. 7C is, when the user pushes the ring 11 from L2 to L1 using the contact surface 20, the location of the contact surface 20 in its lowest position, which is designated as “position P0”. The user can then stabilize the contact surface 20 back to position P1. To meet these requirements, the grenade 200 incorporates a switching arrangement 70 (as shown in Fig. (7D shown) for axial movement of the contact surface 20 relative to the sleeve 501 between the remote position (P2), the retracted position (P1) and an intermediate position (P0).

[0031] In the Fig. 7D and Fig. The switching arrangement 70 consists of a spring 701, which provides a spring force, and a cylindrical first body 71 with several circumferentially arranged teeth 711, which are continuously arranged around the rear opening of the first body 71 and extend towards a second body 72 on its rearward-facing side. The second body 72 has several guide ribs 721 on its outer surface, and these guide ribs 721 have chamfered ends 722. The chamfered ends 722 of the guide ribs 721 engage in the circumferentially arranged teeth 711 of the first body 71. When a manual pressure force and the spring force are applied, the guide ribs 721 exert a torsional force relative to the first body 71.

[0032] In Fig. Figure 7F illustrates the interaction of the four elements within an embodiment of the grenade 200. The inner surface of the cylindrical sleeve 501 contains circumferentially arranged guide grooves 51 of different lengths and chamfered guides 52. These guide grooves 51 surround the first body 71 and the second body 72 after the sleeve 501 has been assembled with the switching arrangement 70. The vertical guide grooves 51 ensure that the first body 71 can move only upwards and / or downwards as needed. The second body 72, however, can move both vertically and about its axis of rotation.

[0033] The guide grooves 51, the chamfered guides 52, and the circumferentially arranged teeth 711 of the first body 71 work together to cause the second body 72, which acts like a rotor, to rotate when the manual pressure is released. First, a horizontal force component is generated between the first body 71 and the second body 72, and then between the second body 72 and the chamfered guides 52. The cylindrical sleeve 501, with its guide grooves 51 of varying lengths and the chamfered guides 52, allows vertical and horizontal displacements along inclined paths, limiting the horizontal position. This allows the second body 72 to engage at preferred vertical positions.

[0034] Fig. 7G represents the mechanism required for the twisting action. Since the spring 701 continuously exerts an upward force, a horizontal force component is generated at the chamfered ends 722 attached to the elements. This horizontal force component enables the twisting action and can define the extension-retraction and retraction-retraction states. In other words, the twisting action is assisted by the horizontal force component at the chamfered profiles, thus ensuring the movement of the second body 72.

[0035] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7H, the cylindrical sleeve 501 is equipped with several circumferentially arranged internal guide grooves 51, defined by main columns 511 extending inwards from the inner surface of the sleeve 501. Each main column 511 has a chamfered guide 52 on its underside and serves to limit the horizontal position by means of the side faces of the column 511. Additionally, the cylindrical sleeve 501 includes several circumferentially arranged lower columns 512 positioned between two main columns 511. These lower columns 512 also extend inwards from the inner surface of the sleeve 501 and have chamfered guides 53 on their underside. The chamfered guides 52 of the main columns 511 and the chamfered guides 53 of the lower columns 512 have essentially the same chamfer angle.

[0036] The height (radial distance between the inner edge of the chamfered guides 52 and the inner surface of the sleeve 501) of the lower columns 512 is less than the height (radial distance between the inner edge of the chamfered guides 53 and the inner surface of the sleeve 501) of the main columns 511. This difference in height allows the lower columns to further limit the stop positions of the guide ribs 721 and provides a shorter initial vertical displacement between the retracted position P1 and the intermediate position P0.

[0037] In one embodiment of the grenade 200, in which the switching arrangement 70 is fixedly attached to the ring contact surface 20, the cylindrical sleeve 501 comprises several circumferentially arranged guide grooves 51 (see Fig. 7F), which are provided by the main columns 511 and the several circumferentially arranged lower columns 512. This allows the user to axially move the contact surface 20 relative to the sleeve 501 between the remote position (P2), the retracted position (P1) and the intermediate position (P0), as shown in Fig. 7B and Fig. 7C shown.

[0038] As in Fig. 8A and Fig. As shown in Figure 8B, a toy cannon grenade can consist of the following components: the cylindrical sleeve 501, the gas storage chamber 40, and an actuating rod assembly 41. The gas storage chamber 40 is connected to the cylindrical sleeve 501 and can hold compressed air. The actuating rod assembly 41 can move between a fifth position 5 and a sixth position 6.

[0039] When the actuating rod assembly 41 is at the fifth location 5, it seals the gas storage chamber 40 and prevents the escape of compressed air. However, when it moves toward the sixth location 6, it allows the immediate ejection of BBs from the cartridge case by releasing the compressed air. Unlike the actuating rod assembly described in US Patent US8517005B2, this embodiment is configured to move rearward rather than forward. This design ensures that the actuating rod assembly 41 does not obstruct the ring contact surface 20 during the firing process.

[0040] In Fig. 8C and Fig. In section 8D, the gas storage chamber 40 is bounded by a first inner edge 401 at the front end and a second inner edge 402 at the rear end. The actuating rod assembly 41 is hollow and is positioned within the central bore of the cylindrical sleeve 501. It includes an air inlet tube 410 located at the front, which has an air inlet opening 411 at its front end.

[0041] The actuating rod assembly 41 is equipped at its rear end with a front radial extension 42 and a rear radial extension 43. An air outlet opening 44 is formed between the front and rear radial extensions 42 and 43. The sealing rings 421 and 431 are mounted on the circumferential surfaces of the front and rear radial extensions 42 and 43, respectively. These sealing rings 421 and 431 engage the first inner edge 401 and the second inner edge 402 of the gas storage chamber 40, creating a hermetic seal for the gas storage chamber 40. The front radial extension 42 has a smaller flange 422 at the front and a wider flange 423 at the rear. This design ensures that the actuating rod assembly 41 moves rearward only when compressed air is released from the gas storage chamber 40.

[0042] Compressed air enters the gas storage chamber 40 through the air inlet opening 411 of the air inlet pipe 410 and collects in the chamber. When the trigger is pulled, a primer assembly (in Fig. (8G shown) is designed to move the actuating rod assembly 41 backwards. This movement releases the front radial extension 42 from the first inner edge 401 of the gas storage chamber 40, thereby releasing the compressed air stored in the chamber and immediately ejecting the BBs contained in the cylindrical sleeve 501.In view of the foregoing, an embodiment of the grenade 200 comprising the actuating rod assembly 41 may include: the cylindrical sleeve containing the circumferentially arranged guide sections in front of the tubular nozzle and the circumferentially arranged guide grooves on the inner surface of the cylindrical sleeve; the annular contact surface 20; the switching arrangement 70; and the actuating rod assembly 41, wherein the rod assembly 41 is configured to move backward during the firing process so that the rod assembly 41 and the annular contact surface 20 do not interfere with each other during firing.

[0043] In Fig. 8E contains the toy grenade 200 and the ignition capsule assembly, which is located at the rear of the gas storage chamber 40. The ignition capsule assembly consists of at least one spring 81, an ignition capsule 82, and several steel balls 83. This assembly is responsible for initiating the movement of the actuating rod assembly during the firing process. Fig. Figure 8F shows the actuating rod assembly 41. It comprises a rod 45 extending rearward from the center of the front radial extension 42. A central radial extension 46 extends radially from the rear end of the rod 45. A cylindrical wall 47 extends rearward from the outer edge of the central radial extension 46, oriented symmetrically about the center line X. The rear radial extension 43 extends outward from the rear edge of the cylindrical wall 47 and has an inner chamfered annular surface 48 extending rearward and outward from the rear opening of the cylindrical wall 47. The cylindrical space 432 enclosed by the central radial extension 46, the cylindrical wall 47, and the chamfered annular surface 48 serves as a housing for receiving the detonator assembly.

[0044] The primer assembly guides the backward movement of the actuating rod assembly 41 by engaging with the chamfered annular surface 48 and a lower cylindrical wall 403 (shown in Fig. 8E) works together.

[0045] In Fig. Figure 8G shows the different states of the detonator assembly and the actuating rod assembly. In state (A), the gas storage chamber 40 is filled with compressed air, and a compressed air force 400 is applied to the actuating rod assembly 41 to attempt to move it backward. However, the movement is prevented by the multiple steel balls 83, together with the chamfered annular surface 48, the front face of the lower cylindrical wall 403, and the surfaces of the detonator 82, which impede the backward movement. In state (B), when a manual force 800 is applied to the detonator 82, pushing it forward, a space is created to allow the steel balls 83 to slide inward. The steel balls 83 are then pushed inward until they reach the position shown in state (C).At this point, the actuating rod assembly 41 can move freely backwards until the pressure inside the chamber 40 is reduced due to the excessive release of compressed air by the in . Fig. The gap shown in 8J is no longer strong enough.

[0046] Referring to the Fig. 8H , Fig. 8I and Fig. The detonator 82 consists of an upper radial extension 821, a cylindrical outer wall 822, a chamfered outer annular surface 823, and an annular groove 824. The detonator 82 also has a cylindrical interior 825 for receiving the spring 81. The upper radial extension 821 extends from the top of the cylindrical wall 822. The chamfered outer annular surface 823 extends from the rear edge of the cylindrical wall 822 rearward and inward, thus creating the necessary space for the annular groove 824. Fig. Figure 8J shows a cross-sectional view (showing only partial components) showing that the actuating rod assembly 41 moves backward when the ignition capsule 82 is pushed forward, allowing the compressed air from the gas storage chamber 40 to escape through the gap 87.

[0047] The Fig. 9A-9C represent a reloading method based on the toy grenade embodiments described above, wherein each of the extensions in the cylindrical sleeve includes an inwardly angled guide section. This angled guide section allows the rubber ring to bend inward as it is moved toward the far ends (L2) of the guide sections, thus facilitating the reloading process. The method comprises the following steps: a. Pulling the ring 11 to location L2 and deploying the BB loading device 30, which contains several BBs for loading; b. Picking up or loading BBs from each of the receiving cylinders 13 into the loading device. For this purpose, each receiving cylinder is aligned with a corresponding BB queue tube 301 in the loading device, allowing the BBs to transfer from the receiving cylinders into the queue tubes.Once the BBs are loaded, the openings of the queue tubes 301 are blocked to prevent BBs from falling out; and c. the loading device 30 is removed from the cylindrical sleeve, and then the ring 11 is slid from location L2 to location L1. This movement of the ring ensures that the loaded BBs are held securely in place and do not fall out before the user wishes to fire them.

[0048] In a Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 9D, the loading device 30 can comprise several queue tubes 301 located at suitable positions relative to the circumferentially arranged receiving cylinders 13. This means that each of the suitable queue tubes 301 of the loading device 30 and the receiving cylinders 13 of the cylindrical sleeve each share the same trajectory channel 133. The depth of the queue tubes 301 is designated D1 and corresponds to the height of the BBs stacked parallel within the receiving cylinders 13.

[0049] In Fig. 9E and Fig. 9F is equipped with the loading device 30 with a rotating structure 302 located near each lower opening of the queue tubes 301. This rotating structure 302 is able to prevent the BBs from falling through the lower openings. The rotating structure 302 can be rotated between position R1 and position R2.

[0050] When the rotating structure 302 is in position R1, the blocking sections 311, which extend from the outer circumferential surface 310 inwards to the inner circumference 320 of the rotating structure 302, prevent BBs from falling out. This ensures that the BBs remain securely in place in the queue tubes 301. When the rotating structure 302 is in position R2, it does not interfere with the BBs' trajectory channels. This allows the BBs to flow unimpeded from the queue tubes 301 into the receiving cylinders. The rotating structure 302 is symmetrical about the center line X, and its design allows for easy loading of the BBs into the grenade and prevents unintentional release during the reloading process.

[0051] In the Fig. 9G and Fig. 9H is the rotating structure 302 extended with an annular wall 312 that extends upwards from the outer circumferential surface 310. This annular wall 312 has circumferentially arranged projections 313 on its outer surface. These projections 313 serve for assembling or positioning the rotating structure 302. Continue to Fig. Figure 9I provides a schematic top view of the loading device 30. The loading device 30 is divided into several areas 305, which are separated by circumferentially arranged distribution walls 307. These distribution walls 307 help to distribute the BBs across different areas to ensure uniform loading.

[0052] In the Fig. 9 years and Fig.Figure 9K presents another embodiment showing curved distribution walls 307 that curve towards the upper openings 306 of the queue tubes 301. This curved shape helps to guide the BBs more easily into the upper openings 306. Additionally, shorter distribution walls 308 are placed between two distribution walls 307, adjacent to each upper opening 306. These shorter distribution walls 308 further contribute to directing the BBs more efficiently into the upper openings 306. To facilitate the loading process, once the loading device 30 is filled with BBs, the user can cover the lid 304 and shake the device. This shaking motion helps to ensure that the BBs enter the queue tubes 301 smoothly, thus avoiding potential blockages or jams.

[0053] Based on the provided description, an embodiment of the loading device for BB projectiles for loading a substantial number of BBs into a toy grenade can be outlined as follows: the loading device comprises a body divided into an upper section 31 and a lower section 32. The upper section 31 consists of circumferentially arranged areas 305, separated by distribution walls 307. These distribution walls facilitate the distribution of BBs to different areas within the upper section. Moving to the lower section 32, this section has a central opening 321 that is symmetrical about the central axis X. This central opening is designed to be detachably coupled to the head section of toy grenades. Several circumferentially arranged BB queue tubes 301 are located around the central opening.Each of these queue tubes is connected via the upper opening 306 to the circumferentially arranged areas 305 of the upper section. A corresponding lower opening 303 is located on the underside of each queue tube 301.

[0054] The lower section 32 contains the rotating structure 302, which consists of circumferentially arranged blocker sections 311 positioned next to the lower openings of the queue tubes 301. The purpose of this rotating structure is to prevent the BBs from exiting the column tubes 301 through the lower openings 303. By rotating between position R1 and position R2, the rotating structure ensures that the BBs remain secure in position R1 and do not fall out, while in position R2 it does not interfere with the BBs' trajectory channels 133. This embodiment of the BB loading device provides an efficient mechanism for loading BBs into a toy grenade and ensures trouble-free operation and reliable ammunition delivery.

[0055] The foregoing embodiments are not limited by the details of the description, but should rather be considered as broadly defined within the scope of protection defined in the attached claims.

[0056] In one embodiment, the toy grenade 200 can, for example, comprise the cylindrical sleeve containing several circumferentially arranged receiving cylinders 13 and several circumferentially arranged extensions 514, each of which can comprise the inwardly angled guide section 542 to allow the rubber ring to bend inwards when moved towards the remote ends of the guide sections 542.

[0057] In a further embodiment, the grenade 200 can comprise the cylindrical sleeve for slidingly attaching the flexible rubber ring 11 to the non-continuous annular surface, which contains a centrally formed through-bore that is symmetrical about the central axis X and has an inner circumference 101 around which the several circumferentially arranged receiving cylinders 13 are configured such that each receiving cylinder 13 can receive and load BBs through its front opening 131. Each receiving cylinder 13 contains a rear opening 132.

[0058] In some embodiments, the cylindrical sleeve includes several circumferentially arranged extensions 514 adjacent to each of the front openings 131 and the inner circumference 101. These extensions 514 are configured (via the multiple first retaining sections 541 located on each of the sides facing the front openings 131) to receive and retain the flexible rubber ring 11. Each extension 514 includes the guide section 542, which is located downstream of each of the first retaining sections 541 and is angled inward from the inner circumference toward the central axis X. The multiple circumferentially arranged first retaining sections 541 extend substantially around the central axis X to form the first non-continuous annular surface 1 for receiving and retaining the ring 11.The guide sections 542 are configured so that the ring 11 can bend inwards when it is pushed from the first holding sections 541 towards the front ends of the guide sections 542.

[0059] In light of the foregoing, the toy grenade can comprise the cylindrical sleeve containing a central bore around which the multiple circumferentially arranged receiving cylinders 13 are configured such that each receiving cylinder 13 can receive BB projectiles, the cylindrical sleeve further comprising multiple circumferentially arranged retaining sections 541 (for the non-continuous annular surface 1) adjacent to each of the front openings 131 (of the receiving cylinders 13) and extending around the central axis X to provide the first non-continuous annular surface 1 for attaching the flexible rubber ring, and multiple circumferentially arranged guide sections 542 (for the non-continuous annular surface 2) extending from each of the retaining sections 541 and angled with respect to them to provide the second non-continuous annular surface 2.to allow the rubber ring to bend outwards and inwards as it moves on the annular surfaces (the first and second non-continuous annular surfaces). The multiple circumferentially arranged extensions 514 extend substantially around the central axis X to define the bore opening 121 through which the contact surface 20 can be movably placed, since the multiple gaps 15 are located between the multiple circumferentially arranged extensions 514.

[0060] In one embodiment, the projectile loading device 30 comprises a body with an upper section and a lower section, the upper section containing several circumferentially arranged areas separated by several circumferentially arranged distribution walls; and the lower section containing a central opening symmetrical to a center line and having a circumferential surface around which several circumferentially arranged projectile queue tubes are configured such that each of the queue tubes can receive projectiles through an upper opening connected to the circumferentially arranged areas of the upper section. Thus, the user can place a cover on the loading device and then shake it to feed the projectiles into the queue tubes.Furthermore, when the loading device is coupled with the toy grenade, the user can feed all projectiles from the queue tubes into the receiving cylinders of the toy grenade at once.

[0061] In a further embodiment, a toy grenade comprises the cylindrical sleeve containing several circumferentially arranged receiving cylinders and extensions, over which the extensions are configured to slidably mount a flexible rubber ring; the contact surface 20 arranged near the bore opening of the cylindrical sleeve, which is axially displaceable to move the rubber ring to preferred locations; the switching arrangement 70 for axially moving the contact surface 20 relative to the cylindrical sleeve between preferred locations: a remote position, a retracted position, and an intermediate position; the gas storage chamber 40, which is connected to the cylindrical sleeve; and the actuating rod arrangement 41, which includes the front radial extension and the rear radial extension, each having a circumferential surface around which the sealing ring is mounted.to engage the sealing rings with the first and second edges of the gas storage chamber 40 to hermetically seal the gas storage chamber 40, wherein the front radial extension of the actuating rod assembly has a smaller flange at the front than a wider flange at the rear to limit the rearward movement of the actuating rod assembly when the compressed air in the gas storage chamber is released. Each of the extensions of the cylindrical sleeve includes an inwardly angled guide section that allows the rubber ring to bend inward as it is moved toward the far ends of the guide sections. With respect to the guide section, the term “far” means forward, away from the cylindrical sleeve.

[0062] In another embodiment, the toy grenade comprises the cylindrical sleeve containing several circumferentially arranged extensions, each extension comprising the retaining section and the inwardly angled guide section. The multiple circumferentially arranged retaining sections extend substantially around the centerline to define the annular surface for the sliding attachment of the rubber ring. The inwardly angled guide sections are configured to allow the rubber ring to bend inward as it is moved from the retaining sections to the far ends of the guide sections. With respect to the extensions, the term "far" means toward the front, away from the receiving cylinders.

[0063] In light of the foregoing, a reloading procedure, which can be adapted for use with the cylindrical sleeve, comprises the following steps: a. Pulling the flexible rubber ring from the circumferentially arranged retaining sections to the far ends of the guide sections, b. Picking up and loading BBs or paintballs from each of the receiving cylinders, c. Pushing the flexible rubber ring back from the far ends of the guide sections to the circumferentially arranged retaining sections. The flexible rubber ring blocks and prevents the BBs or paintballs from falling out only when it is in the retaining sections. If the user wishes to safely discharge a large number of BBs, they can simply move the flexible rubber ring away from the retaining sections and then empty all the BBs.

[0064] All changes and modifications that fall within the scope and purpose of the claims shall be covered by the attached claims.

Claims

[1] Toy grenade (100) for firing a large number of projectiles (BB) at once, comprising a cylindrical sleeve (10), the cylindrical sleeve (10) having several receiving cylinders (13) and a circumferential extension (14), the circumferential extension (14) having a retaining section extending about a central line (X) to provide an annular surface (1) for attaching a flexible rubber ring (11), characterized by, that the flexible rubber ring (11) is displaceable between a first position (L1) and a second position (L2) along the holding section, wherein the rubber ring (11) in the first position (L1) is in a radially outwardly expanded state in which it overlaps trajectory channels (133) to hold the projectiles (BB) and prevent them from falling out, and wherein the rubber ring (11) in the second position (L2) is in a radially inwardly retracted state in which it does not radially overlap trajectory channels (133). [2] Toy grenade (100) for firing a large number of projectiles (BB) at once, comprising a cylindrical sleeve (10) containing several circumferentially arranged receiving cylinders (13) and several circumferentially arranged extensions (14) over which the extensions are configured to attach a flexible rubber ring (11); characterized by, that the flexible rubber ring (11) is displaceable between a first position (L1) and a second position (L2) along the holding section, wherein the rubber ring (11) in the first position (L1) is in a radially outwardly expanded state in which it overlaps trajectory channels (133) to hold the projectiles (BB) and prevent them from falling out, and wherein the rubber ring (11) in the second position (L2) is in a radially inwardly retracted state in which it does not radially overlap trajectory channels (133). [3] Toy grenade (100) for firing a large number of projectiles at once, comprising a cylindrical sleeve (10) containing a central bore (12) around which several circumferentially arranged receiving cylinders (13) are configured to allow each of the receiving cylinders (13) to receive projectiles (BB), the cylindrical sleeve (10) further comprising several circumferentially arranged retaining sections next to each of the front openings (131) of the receiving cylinders (13) extending around a center line (X) to provide an annular surface (1) for attaching a flexible rubber ring (11); characterized by, that the flexible rubber ring (11) is displaceable between a first position (L1) and a second position (L2) along the holding section, wherein the rubber ring (11) in the first position (L1) is in a radially outwardly expanded state in which it overlaps trajectory channels (133) to hold the projectiles (BB) and prevent them from falling out, and wherein the rubber ring (11) in the second position (L2) is in a radially inwardly retracted state in which it does not radially overlap trajectory channels (133). [4] Toy grenade (100) according to claim 3, which further comprises a gas storage chamber (40) which is connected to the cylindrical sleeve (501) and is bounded by a first inner edge (401) and a second inner edge (402) at its front and rear ends; an actuating rod assembly (41) which is hollow and is received in the central bore (12) of the cylindrical housing (501) and comprises an air inlet tube (410) arranged at its front, wherein the air inlet tube (410) has a front end forming an air inlet opening (411) and a rear end to which a front radial extension (42) and a rear radial extension (43) are attached, wherein an air outlet opening (44) is formed between the front radial extension (42) and the rear radial extension (43), wherein the front radial extension (42) and the rear radial extension (43) each have a circumferential surface around which a sealing ring (421,431) is attached to engage the sealing rings (421, 431) with the first inner edge (401) and the second inner edge (402) of the gas storage chamber (40) to hermetically seal the gas storage chamber (40), wherein the front radial extension (42) has a smaller flange (422) at the front than a wider flange (423) at the rear.

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