Cap launching toy

Abstract

The retraction member is formed by a leaf spring member that retracts the extrusion member by its own elasticity. Since the leaf spring member is formed in an annular shape as a whole, the bending elasticity and restoring elasticity of the leaf spring member can be performed well. Furthermore, since a compression coil spring is not used and the leaf spring member is formed in an annular shape as a whole, safety during use can be improved. [Solution] The device comprises a launching mechanism H that ejects the cap C and an extrusion mechanism P that pushes out the cap. The launching mechanism consists of an arc-shaped elastic member E, with a cap storage section ER formed inside the elastic member. The extrusion mechanism consists of an extrusion member PP that pushes the cap out from the opposing gap G between the open ends E1·E1 of the elastic member against the self-elasticity of the elastic member, and a pull-back member PB that pulls back the extrusion member. The pull-back member is formed of a leaf spring member SP that pulls back the extrusion member by its own elasticity, and the leaf spring member is formed in an annular shape as a whole.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cap launching toy that launches a synthetic resin cap used for, for example, a PET bottle or a beverage bottle.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as this type of cap launching toy, it has a launching mechanism for flicking off the cap and an extrusion mechanism for extruding the cap. The launching mechanism is composed of an arcuate elastic member that surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the cap and can expand and contract in diameter by its own elasticity as a whole. A cap storage portion is formed at an inner position of the elastic member. The opposing gap between the open both ends of the elastic member is formed to allow the passage of the cap in the expanded diameter state of the elastic member and to block the passage of the cap in the contracted diameter state. The extrusion mechanism is known to have a structure composed of an extrusion member that extrudes the cap from the opposing gap between the open both ends of the elastic member against the self-elasticity of the elastic member and a pulling-back member that pulls back the extrusion member.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the case of the above conventional structure, the pulling-back member for pulling back the extrusion member uses a compression coil spring wound around a wire rod. Therefore, for safety reasons, a housing for storing the compression coil spring is required, the structure of the extrusion mechanism becomes complicated, and there may be a lack of durability in use, and accordingly, the manufacturing cost may be increased. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention aims to solve these problems, and the invention described in claim 1 of the present invention comprises a launching mechanism for flicking off a cap and an extrusion mechanism for pushing out the cap, wherein the launching mechanism is made of an elastic member that surrounds the outer surface of the cap and is able to expand and contract in diameter by its own elasticity and is as a whole arc-shaped, a storage portion for the cap is formed at the inner position of the elastic member, the opposing gap between the open ends of the elastic member is formed to allow the cap to pass through when the elastic member is expanded and to prevent the cap from passing through when it is contracted, the extrusion mechanism comprises an extrusion member that pushes out the cap from the opposing gap between the open ends of the elastic member against the self-elasticity of the elastic member and a pull-back member that pulls back the extrusion member, the pull-back member is made of a leaf spring member that pulls back the extrusion member by its own elasticity and the leaf spring member is formed in an annular shape as a whole.

[0006] Furthermore, the invention described in claim 2 is characterized in that recoil portions are formed at both open ends of the elastic member to compress the outer circumferential surface of the cap, the invention described in claim 3 is characterized in that the recoil portions are formed in a cylindrical shape, and the invention described in claim 4 is characterized in that the leaf spring member as the pull-back member is formed in an overall ring shape by a flat leaf spring portion that protrudes toward both the left and right sides of the arc-shaped elastic member and a corrugated leaf spring portion in which a plurality of wavy portions are continuous from one end to the other end of the flat leaf spring portion.

[0007] Furthermore, the invention described in claim 5 is characterized in that a mounting member is provided on the arc-shaped elastic member for storing and placing the cap inside the storage section, and the invention described in claim 6 is characterized in that the flat leaf spring portion of the leaf spring member as the pull-back member is formed to protrude from both the left and right sides of the elastic member, a sliding hole is formed in the elastic member through which the extruded end of the extruder slides in and out, and the base end of the extruder is fixed to the central portion of the corrugated leaf spring portion of the leaf spring member as the pull-back member, and the invention described in claim 7 is characterized in that a pair of opposing finger rest protrusions are formed on the outer surface of the central portion of the corrugated leaf spring portion of the leaf spring member as the pull-back member.

[0008] Furthermore, the invention described in claim 8 is characterized in that a finger rest recess is formed between the opposing pair of finger rest protrusions, the invention described in claim 9 is characterized in that the extruded member is formed in the shape of a square rod and the sliding hole is formed in the shape of a square hole, and the invention described in claim 10 is characterized in that the elastic member, the extruded member and the retraction member are made of synthetic resin. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] As described above, in the invention described in claim 1, for example, a cap-launching toy is placed on a table, and the cap is stored in a storage compartment located inside an arc-shaped elastic member that surrounds the outer surface of the cap of the launching mechanism, and the extrusion member of the extrusion mechanism pushes the cap out from the opposing gap between the open ends of the elastic member against the self-elasticity of the elastic member, and as the extrusion member further pushes out, the extrusion member transitions from an expanded diameter state to a contracted diameter state by its own elasticity, and as it transitions from an expanded diameter state to a contracted diameter state, the cap is pushed out and flung away from the opposing gap between the open ends by the self-elasticity of the elastic member, the extrusion member is pulled back by the pull-back member, and the pull-back member returns to its initial position by its own elasticity, and in this case the pull-back member is a plate that pulls back the extrusion member by its own elasticity Formed from a spring member, and with the leaf spring member formed in an annular shape overall, the leaf spring member can perform its bending elasticity and restoring elasticity well. The extruded member can be well pulled back by the restoring elasticity of the leaf spring member acting as the pull-back member. Compared to the case where the pull-back member is made of a compression coil spring, a housing for the compression coil spring is unnecessary, the structure of the extruded mechanism can be simplified, manufacturing costs can be reduced, durability during use can be improved, and the recovery of the cap can be facilitated. Furthermore, because a compression coil spring is not used and the leaf spring member is formed in an annular shape overall, safety during use can be improved, making it safe for infants and children to use, and expanding the range of applications.

[0010] Furthermore, in the invention described in claim 2, since recoil portions are formed at both open ends of the elastic member to recoil against the outer surface of the cap, the expansion and contraction of the arc-shaped elastic member by the outer surface of the cap can be performed smoothly. Furthermore, in the invention described in claim 3, since the recoil portions are formed in a cylindrical shape, friction between the outer surface of the cap and the recoil portions is smooth, the cap is reliably pushed out and recoiled from the opposing gaps between the recoil portions, and the expansion and contraction of the elastic member can be performed even more smoothly. Furthermore, in the invention described in claim 4, the leaf spring member as the pull-back member is on both the left and right sides of the arc-shaped elastic member. Because the entire structure is formed in an annular shape by a flat leaf spring portion that protrudes laterally and a corrugated leaf spring portion consisting of multiple continuous wavy sections extending from one end of the flat leaf spring portion to the other, the combined structure of the flat leaf spring portion and the corrugated leaf spring portion allows for good overall bending elasticity and restoring elasticity of the leaf spring member. The extrusion member can be effectively pulled back by the restoring elasticity of the leaf spring member due to the combined structure of the flat leaf spring portion and the corrugated leaf spring portion of the pull-back member, the structure of the leaf spring member as a pull-back member can be further simplified, and the safety of using the pull-back member can be improved.

[0011] Furthermore, in the invention described in claim 5, since a mounting member is provided on the arc-shaped elastic member for storing and placing the cap inside the storage section, it is possible to prevent the cap from falling out of the storage section, and the cap-launching toy can be used not only on a table but also while holding the cap-launching toy in one hand, allowing the cap to be launched into the air, thus expanding the range of uses. Furthermore, in the invention described in claim 6, the flat leaf spring portion of the leaf spring member acting as the pull-back member is formed to protrude from both the left and right sides of the elastic member, and a sliding hole portion is formed in the elastic member through which the extruded end of the extruder slides in and out, and the base end of the extruder portion is the pull-back portion Since it is fixed to the central part of the corrugated leaf spring portion of the leaf spring member as a material, the protrusion and recession sliding of the extrusion member can be performed smoothly. Furthermore, in the invention described in claim 7, since a pair of opposing finger rest protrusions are formed on the outer surface of the central part of the corrugated leaf spring portion of the leaf spring member as the pull-back member, for example, the user can place the index fingers of both hands on the outer surface of the flat leaf spring portion and the thumbs of both hands on the pair of opposing finger rest protrusions, thereby bending the leaf spring member with its own elasticity to push out the extrusion member, allowing for a smooth pushing operation of the extrusion member, enabling the extrusion member to be pushed out straight, and setting the direction in which the cap is ejected to a straight direction.

[0012] Furthermore, in the invention described in claim 8, since a finger rest recess is formed between the opposing pair of finger rest protrusions, for example, the user can place the index and middle fingers of one hand on the outer surface of the flat leaf spring portion, place the thumb of the other hand on the finger rest recess, and while holding it with one hand, flex the leaf spring member with its own elasticity to push out the extrusion member, making it easy to flick the cap into the air. Furthermore, in the invention described in claim 9, since the extrusion member is formed in the shape of a square rod and the sliding hole portion is formed in the shape of a square hole, the rotation of the extrusion member can be prevented, and the protrusion and recess sliding of the extrusion member can be performed reliably and smoothly. Furthermore, in the invention described in claim 10, since the elastic member, the extrusion member and the retraction member are made of synthetic resin, mass production and weight reduction of the cap-launching toy can be achieved, and manufacturing costs can be further reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is an overall perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an overall plan view with a portion of an embodiment of the present invention cut off. [Figure 3] This is an overall side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is an overall perspective view of the usage state of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is an overall plan view of an embodiment of the present invention in use, immediately before firing. [Figure 6] This is an overall plan view of an embodiment of the present invention during firing. [Figure 7] This is an overall plan view of the embodiment of the present invention immediately after firing, showing the state of use. [Figure 8] This is an overall plan view of the usage state after firing in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is an overall plan view of another usage scenario of the embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] Figs. 1 to 9 show embodiments of the present invention. As shown in Figs. 1, 2, 5, and 6, W is a cap-firing toy, which generally includes a firing mechanism H for ejecting a cap C made of, for example, synthetic resin by elastic force and an extrusion mechanism P for pushing out the cap C. The firing mechanism H is composed of an arc-shaped elastic member E that surrounds the outer peripheral surface C1 of the cap C and can expand and contract in diameter by its own elasticity. A storage portion ER for the cap C is formed inside the elastic member E. The opposing gap G between the open both ends E1·E1 of the elastic member E is formed to have a dimension L that allows the passage of the cap C in the expanded diameter state SD of the elastic member E and blocks the passage of the cap C in the contracted diameter state RD. The extrusion mechanism P includes an extrusion member PP for pushing out the cap C from the opposing gap G between the open both ends E1·E1 of the elastic member E against the self-elasticity of the elastic member E and a pulling-back member PB for pulling back the extrusion member PP. The pulling-back member PB is formed by a leaf spring member SP that pulls back the extrusion member PP by its own elasticity, and the leaf spring member SP is formed in an annular shape as a whole. Although not shown in the figures, the elastic member E may be divided into two to form two semi-arc-shaped elastic pieces that surround the outer peripheral surface C1 of the cap C, and these two semi-arc-shaped elastic pieces may be projected left and right to form an arc-shaped elastic member E that can expand and contract in diameter by its own elasticity.

[0015] In this case, as shown in Figs. 1, 2, 5, and 6, striking portions for pressing the outer peripheral surface of the cap are respectively formed at the open both ends of the elastic member. Also, in this case, as shown in Figs. 1, 2, 5, and 6, the striking portions E2·E2 are formed in a cylindrical shape, and the opposing gap G between the respective striking portions E2·E2 is formed to have a dimension L that allows the passage of the cap C in the expanded diameter state SD of the elastic member E and blocks the passage of the cap C in the contracted diameter state RD. Also, in this case, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the leaf spring member SP as the pulling-back member PB is formed in an annular shape as a whole by a flat leaf spring portion SPH that projects toward the left and right sides of the arc-shaped elastic member E and a corrugated plate spring portion SPW in which a plurality of corrugated portions WP·· extending from one end to the other end of the flat leaf spring portion SPH are continuous.

[0016] Also, in this case, as shown in FIG. 1, a tongue-shaped placing member N for placing and storing the cap C in the storage portion ER is provided below the arc-shaped elastic member E. Also, in this case, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, a flat plate spring portion SPH of a leaf spring member SP as the pulling-back member PB protrudes from both left and right sides of the elastic member E toward the elastic member E, and a sliding hole portion EH in which the pushing end portion PP1 of the pushing member PP slides in and out is formed in the elastic member E. The base end portion of the pushing member PP is fixed to the central portion of the corrugated plate spring portion SPW of the leaf spring member SP as the pulling-back member PB. Also, in this case, as shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, a pair of opposing finger-contact convex portions SPW1·SPW1 are formed on the outer surface of the central portion of the corrugated plate spring portion SPW of the leaf spring member SP as the pulling-back member PB.

[0017] Also, in this case, as shown in FIG. 9, a finger-contact concave portion SPW2 is formed between the pair of opposing finger-contact convex portions SPW1·SPW1. Also, in this case, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the pushing member PP is in the shape of a square rod, in this case, formed as a square rod, and the sliding hole portion EH is in the shape of a square hole, in this case, formed as a square hole. Also, in this case, the elastic member E, the pushing member PP, and the pulling-back member PB are made of synthetic resin.

[0018] In this embodiment, since the configuration is as described above, for example, the cap-launching toy W is placed on a table, and as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the cap C is stored in the storage section ER located inside the arc-shaped elastic member E that surrounds the outer peripheral surface C1 of the cap C of the launching mechanism H, and as shown in Figure 6, the extrusion member PP of the extrusion mechanism P pushes out the cap C from the opposing gap G between the open ends E1·E1 of the elastic member E against the self-elasticity of the elastic member E, that is, the cap C is pushed out by the extrusion member PP. The outer surface C1 of the cap C causes the arc-shaped elastic member E to be in an expanded diameter state SD. As shown in Figure 7, when the extruded member PP is further extruded and exceeds the maximum outer diameter of the cap C, the extruded member PP transitions from the expanded diameter state SD to the contracted diameter state RD due to its own elasticity. As the maximum outer diameter of the cap C transitions from the expanded diameter state SD to the contracted diameter state RD, the cap C is pushed out and flung away from the opposing gap G between the open ends E1 and E1 due to the self-elasticity of the elastic member E. As shown in Figure 8, the extruded member PP is pulled back by the pull-back member PB. When pulled back, the pull-back member PB returns to its initial position due to its own elasticity. In this case, the pull-back member PB is formed by a leaf spring member SP that pulls back the extruded member PP by its own elasticity, and since the leaf spring member SP is formed in an annular shape as a whole, the bending elasticity and restorative elasticity of the leaf spring member SP can be performed well, and the extruded member PP can be pulled back well by the restorative elasticity of the leaf spring member SP acting as the pull-back member PB. Compared to the case in which the pull-back member PB is made of a compression coil spring, a housing to house the compression coil spring is not required, the structure of the extruded mechanism P can be simplified, manufacturing costs can be reduced, durability in use can be improved, and the recovery of the cap C can be facilitated. Furthermore, because a compression coil spring is not used and the leaf spring member SP is formed in an annular shape as a whole, safety in use can be improved, it can be used safely by infants and children, and the range of applications can be expanded.

[0019] Furthermore, in this case, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 5, and 6, since repulsive portions E2 and E2 are formed at both open ends E1 and E1 of the elastic member E, which repel the outer circumferential surface C1 of the cap C, the expansion and contraction of the arc-shaped elastic member E by the outer circumferential surface C1 of the cap C can be performed smoothly. Also, in this case, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 5, and 6, since the repulsive portions E2 and E2 are formed in a cylindrical shape, the friction between the outer circumferential surface C1 of the cap C and the repulsive portions E2 and E2 is smooth, and the cap C is reliably pushed out and repelled from the opposing gap G between each repulsive portion E2 and E2, allowing the expansion and contraction of the elastic member E to be performed even more smoothly. Also, in this case, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the leaf spring member SP as the pull-back member PB is the arc-shaped elastic member E Because the entire structure is formed in an annular shape by a flat leaf spring portion SPH protruding to both the left and right sides and a corrugated leaf spring portion SPW consisting of multiple wavy portions WP... extending from one end to the other of the flat leaf spring portion SPH, the composite structure of the flat leaf spring portion SPH and the corrugated leaf spring portion SPW allows for good overall bending elasticity and restoring elasticity of the leaf spring member SP. The extruded member PP can be effectively pulled back by the restoring elasticity of the leaf spring member SP due to the composite structure of the flat leaf spring portion SPH and the corrugated leaf spring portion SPW of the pull-back member PB. The structure of the leaf spring member SP as a pull-back member PB can be further simplified, and the safety of using the pull-back member PB can be improved.

[0020] Furthermore, in this case, as shown in Figure 1, a mounting member N is provided on the arc-shaped elastic member E for storing and placing the cap C inside the storage section ER, thus preventing the cap C from falling out of the storage section ER. This allows the cap-launching toy W to be used not only on a table but also while holding it in one hand T, enabling the cap C to be launched into the air and expanding its range of use. Also, in this case, as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, the flat leaf spring portion SPH of the leaf spring member SP, which serves as the pull-back member PB, is formed to protrude from the elastic member E toward both the left and right sides of the elastic member E. A sliding hole portion EH is formed in the elastic member E through which the extruded end PP1 of the extruded member PP slides in and out. The base end of the extruded member PP is the corrugated plate of the leaf spring member SP, which serves as the pull-back member PB. Because it is fixed to the central part of the spring part SPW, the protrusion and recession sliding of the extrusion member PP can be performed smoothly. Also, in this case, as shown in Figures 5, 6, and 7, a pair of opposing finger rest protrusions SPW1, SPW1 are formed on the outer surface of the central part of the corrugated leaf spring part SPW of the leaf spring member SP which is the pull-back member PB. For example, by placing the index fingers T1, T1 of both of the user's hands T, T1 on the outer surface of the flat leaf spring part SPH and the thumbs T2, T2 of both of the user's hands T, T1 on the pair of opposing finger rest protrusions SPW1, SPW1, the leaf spring member SP can be bent with its own elasticity to push out the extrusion member PP, the extrusion operation of the extrusion member PP can be performed smoothly, the extrusion member PP can be pushed out straight, and the direction in which the cap C is flicked off can be set to a straight direction.

[0021] Furthermore, in this case, as shown in Figure 9, a finger rest recess SPW2 is formed between the opposing pair of finger rest protrusions SPW1 and SPW1. For example, by placing the index finger T1 and middle finger T3 of one hand T on the outer surface of the flat leaf spring portion SPH, and placing the thumb T2 of the other hand T on the finger rest recess SPW2, the leaf spring member SP can be bent with self-elasticity while being held in one hand T, thereby pushing out the extrusion member PP, and easily flicking the cap C into the air. Also, in this case, as shown in Figures 1 and 2... As shown in Figure 3, the extruded member PP is formed in the shape of a square rod, in this case a square rod, and the sliding hole EH is formed in the shape of a square hole, in this case a square hole, so that the rotation of the extruded member PP can be prevented, and the protrusion and recess sliding of the extruded member PP can be performed reliably and smoothly. Furthermore, in this case, since the elastic member E, the extruded member PP, and the retraction member PB are made of synthetic resin, mass production and weight reduction of the cap launching toy W can be achieved, and manufacturing costs can be further reduced.

[0022] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the shape and size of the cap C, the pull-back member PB, the leaf spring member SP, the flat leaf spring section SPH, the corrugated leaf spring section SPW, the elastic member E, the recoil sections E2 and E2, and the mounting member N can be appropriately designed and modified.

[0023] Furthermore, while the above embodiments apply the present invention to synthetic resin caps used in PET bottles and beverage bottles, it can also be applied to imitation caps, disc-shaped, cylindrical, or bottomed cylindrical products such as imitation coins, and toy launchers of imitation products.

[0024] In summary, the intended objectives can be fully achieved. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0025] W Cap Launching Toy WP wavy part C Cap C1 outer surface H launch mechanism P Extrusion Mechanism PP extruded member PP1 extrusion end PB pull-back member SP leaf spring component SPH Flat Leaf Spring Section SPW corrugated leaf spring section SPW1 Finger rest protrusion SPW2 Finger rest recess E Elastic member E1 open ends E2 playing section EH Sliding hole ER storage compartment N mounting member G Opposing gap L dimensions SD (Small Diameter) Expanded State RD (Reduced Diameter)

Claims

1. A cap-launching toy comprising a launching mechanism for flicking off a cap and an extrusion mechanism for pushing out the cap, wherein the launching mechanism is made of an elastic member that surrounds the outer surface of the cap and is capable of expanding and contracting in diameter by its own elasticity and is generally arc-shaped, a storage portion for the cap is formed inward of the elastic member, the opposing gap between the open ends of the elastic member is formed to allow the cap to pass through when the elastic member is expanded and to prevent the cap from passing through when it is contracted, and the extrusion mechanism comprises an extrusion member that pushes the cap out from the opposing gap between the open ends of the elastic member against the self-elasticity of the elastic member and a pull-back member that pulls back the extrusion member, the pull-back member is made of a leaf spring member that pulls back the extrusion member by its own elasticity and the leaf spring member is generally formed in an annular shape.

2. The cap-launching toy according to claim 1, characterized in that a repulsive portion is formed at both open ends of the elastic member to compress the outer surface of the cap.

3. The cap-launching toy according to claim 2, characterized in that the above-mentioned launching part is formed in a cylindrical shape.

4. The cap launching toy according to claim 1, characterized in that the leaf spring member used as the pull-back member is formed in an overall ring shape by a flat leaf spring portion that protrudes toward both the left and right sides of the arc-shaped elastic member and a corrugated leaf spring portion in which a plurality of wavy portions are continuous from one end to the other of the flat leaf spring portion.

5. The cap launching toy according to claim 1, characterized in that the curved elastic member is provided with a mounting member for storing and placing the cap inside the storage section.

6. The cap launching toy according to claim 4, characterized in that the flat leaf spring portion of the leaf spring member serving as the pull-back member is formed to protrude from the elastic member toward both the left and right sides of the elastic member, a sliding hole portion is formed in the elastic member through which the extruded end of the extruder member slides in and out, and the base end of the extruder member is fixed to the central portion of the corrugated leaf spring portion of the leaf spring member serving as the pull-back member.

7. The cap launching toy according to claim 6, characterized in that a pair of opposing finger rest protrusions are formed on the outer surface of the central portion of the corrugated leaf spring of the leaf spring member used as the pull-back member.

8. The cap launching toy according to claim 7, characterized in that a finger rest recess is formed between the pair of opposing finger rest protrusions.

9. The cap launching toy according to claim 6, characterized in that the extruded member is formed in the shape of a square rod, and the sliding hole portion is formed in the shape of a square hole.

10. The cap-launching toy according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic member, the extrusion member, and the retraction member are made of synthetic resin.

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