Display for string shooting device

Abstract

Provided herein is a display for a string shooting device, and more particularly, to a display package or case that enables a user to operate the string shooting device within the container. A display for a device for propelling a looped string including: a display defining a cavity therein; an inset within the cavity; a string shooting device suspended within the cavity; and a looped string, where the looped string defines a path within the cavity from the string shooting device, around the inset within the cavity, and back to the string shooting device. The display of an example embodiment further includes an opening within the display, where at least one of a button, switch, or sensor of the string shooting device is accessible from outside of the display through the opening.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 778,079, filed on Mar. 26, 2025, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0002] Example embodiments relate generally to a display for a string shooting device, and more particularly, to a display package or case that enables a user to operate the string shooting device within the container.BACKGROUND

[0003] String shooting toys provide entertainment for users as they propel a looped string through the air with the string appearing to float as it is propelled. Movement of the string shooting toy while the string is being propelled causes the string to respond and to bend along its path, which provides a novel and stunning visual effect. String shooting devices are generally used in an environment that provides sufficient space for a user to propel the looped string unimpeded with sufficient space around the user to allow for movement of the device to impart movement and bending of the floating, looped string.

[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to a display for a string shooting device, and more particularly, to a display package or case that enables a user to operate the string shooting device within the container.

[0005] Embodiments provided herein include a display for a device for propelling a looped string including: a display defining a cavity therein; an inset within the cavity; a string shooting device suspended within the cavity; and a looped string, where the looped string defines a path within the cavity from the string shooting device, around the inset within the cavity, and back to the string shooting device. The display of an example embodiment further includes an opening within the display, where at least one of a button, switch, or sensor of the string shooting device is accessible from outside of the display through the opening.

[0006] According to some embodiments the at least one of a button, switch, or sensor is operable to cause the string shooting device to propel the looped string along the path within the cavity. According to certain embodiments the string shooting device is suspended within the cavity. According to some embodiments at least a portion of the path of the looped string is visible through a front of the display. The display of an example embodiment is formed of a thermoformed plastic, and wherein the inset is a depression in at least one of a front surface or a back surface of the display, wherein at the inset the front surface contacts the back surface of the display.

[0007] According to certain embodiments the display is a box, where the inset is suspended within the cavity of the box. The inset of an example embodiment defines a curved outer surface. According to certain embodiments the looped string is of a length greater than a direct path from the string shooting device, around the inset, and back to the string shooting device. According to certain embodiments excess string of the looped string accumulates at a bottom of the cavity of the display during operation of the string shooting device within the cavity.

[0008] Embodiments provided herein include a display for a device for propelling a looped string including: a display defining a cavity therein; an inset within the cavity; an attachment point for attaching a string shooting device within the cavity; and an unobstructed path within the cavity from a point proximate the attachment point, around an outer surface of the inset, and back to the point proximate the attachment point. The display of some embodiments further includes an opening within the display, wherein a location within the cavity proximate the attachment point is accessible by a user through the opening.

[0009] According to some embodiments a string shooting attached at the attachment point is accessible by the user through the opening for actuation of the string shooting device. According to certain embodiments the attachment point for attaching a string shooting device within the cavity comprises an attachment point to an outer surface of the display. According to certain embodiments at least a portion of the unobstructed path is visible through a front of the display.

[0010] The display of an example embodiment is formed of a thermoformed plastic, and wherein the inset is a depression in at least one of a front surface or a back surface of the display, wherein at the inset the front surface contacts the back surface of the display. According to certain embodiments the display is a box, and wherein the inset is suspended within the cavity of the box. According to some embodiments the inset defines a curved outer surface. The display of some embodiments further includes a string shooting device suspended at the attachment point. The display of certain embodiments further includes an opening within the display, wherein at least one of a button, switch, or sensor of the string shooting device is accessible from outside of the display through the opening.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Having thus described embodiments of the disclosure in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale. The following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of the present disclosure and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, the drawings are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations provided herein. Example embodiments of the present disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings.

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a profile view of a string shooter propelling a looped string according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a display for a string shooting device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a display for a string shooting device that is not operating according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a display for a string shooting device that is operating according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of a display for a string shooting device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates a front-side view of a display for a string shooting device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Some embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Indeed, various embodiments of the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements.

[0019] As used herein, the term “or” is used in both the alternative and conjunctive sense, unless otherwise indicated. The term “along,” and similarly utilized terms, means near or on, but not necessarily requiring directly on an edge or other referenced location. The terms “approximately,”“generally,” and “substantially” refer to within manufacturing and / or engineering design tolerances for the corresponding materials and / or elements unless otherwise indicated. Thus, use of any such aforementioned terms, or similarly interchangeable terms, should not be taken to limit the spirit and scope of embodiments of the present invention.

[0020] The figures are not drawn to scale and are provided merely to illustrate some example embodiments of the inventions described herein. The figures do not limit the scope of the present disclosure or the appended claims. Several aspects of the example embodiments are described below with reference to example applications for illustration. It should be understood that numerous specific details, relationships, and methods are set forth to provide a full understanding of the example embodiments. One having ordinary skill in the relevant art, however, will readily recognize that the example embodiments can be practiced without one or more of the specific details or with other methods. In other instances, well-known structures and / or operations are not shown in detail to avoid obscuring the example embodiments.

[0021] Embodiments of the present disclosure are designed to be used in toys or gadgets that propel a continuous loop of string around a mechanically driven drive wheel at a fast rate, such as the string shooting device of U.S. Patent No. 11,674,774, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. These toys or gadgets are referred to herein as string shooters. Embodiments of the present disclosure employ the use of a string that has high surface area derived from threads, fibers or texture which radiate out from the surface of the string giving the string a fuzzy texture. The string of example embodiments, when accelerated through the air, increase the air friction by expanding a turbulent air boundary layer around the string. Embodiments increase the air friction and when the string runs as a continuous loop, the string creates lift along the length of the string that is propelled outward toward the distal end of the loop.

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a string shooting device in which a looped string 1 having radiating threads 2 is propelled by a drive wheel 3 driven by a motor 4. The outgoing portion of string 9, in relatively low tension, travels to a distal end 7 of the looped string 1 and back to the drive wheel along incoming string 8 portion which is in relatively high tension to the proximal end 6 of the looped string. The body 5 houses the power source, such as a battery, to power the motor 4 that turns the drive wheel 3. The drive wheel 3, driven by the motor 4, provides rotational acceleration to the looped string 1 via frictional engagement between the looped string and the drive wheel. The device features at least one drive wheel, and a second wheel that may be an idling guide wheel, or may be a second drive wheel, driven in an opposite rotational direction as the first drive wheel to grasp and propel the string. Preferably, the looped string interfaces only with the drive wheel 3, a second wheel, and the air around the string. According to some embodiments, the string shooter may include one or more string guides to help maintain the string in the proper orientation relative to the drive wheel as the string is propelled.

[0023] Embodiments of the present disclosure are configured to be hand-held devices, where a user holds the body 5 and turns on the motor 4 to drive the looped string 1 with the drive wheel 3. The rotational force of the drive wheel 3 drives the looped string 1 through frictional engagement. As the looped string 1 moves through the air, the radiating threads 2 create drag as they extend the boundary layer of turbulent air around the string. This aerodynamic friction created by each radiating thread becomes additive drag on the looped string. As the string begins to move downward with the force of gravity, the distal end 7 of the looped string rises with a lifting force of the string caused by the aerodynamic friction. As the distal end 7 of the looped string 1 descends, more lift is induced on the string resisting gravity. When sufficient lift in the moving string overcomes the weight of the string, the string begins to hover or float in the air.

[0024] String shooting devices as described herein provide a stunning visual effect by propelling the string into the air and appearing to float as the looped string continues to be propelled along its path. The visual effects are increased to some extent by a length of the looped string as the spectacle becomes larger when the distance the string travels from the device increases. The visual effect is further enhanced through movement of the device body causing waves, ripples, and curves in the looped string as it travels along its path. These dynamic effects are enhanced by a longer length of looped string as the movement propagates over longer distances. Thus, operation of string shooting devices is typically reserved for wide open spaces that have few obstacles to impede operation of the string shooting device.

[0025] The string shooting device of embodiments described herein itself, while not propelling a looped string, may not provide significant visual impact to a user and for unfamiliar user, the function of the device may not be immediately apparent. For example, a string shooting device packaged in a box may display the device and may even feature pictures of the device in use. However, pictures of the device in operation and even videos may not provide meaningful depiction of how visually stunning and entertaining the string shooting device may be.

[0026] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a display for a string shooting device that enables operation of the string shooting device within the display package to provide at least some indication to a user as to the functionality of the unique device and a sample of the visual effects it can provide. Embodiments can be employed for static display on a shelf (e.g., for a

[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a string shooting device 100 similar to that of FIG. 1 within display 200. The display can be a box intended for permanent display, such as a wooden display box. Optionally, the display may be a display package for retail sale, such as one that may be found on a store shelf. Whether designed as a permanent, durable display, or a disposable retail packaging display, the embodiments described herein are equally applicable.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, the display 200 includes a box; however, the display could include a clamshell-type plastic package or other container that can implement similar configurations of open space and sealed areas as described herein. The box of display 200 of FIG. 2 includes a cavity 210 within which the string shooting device 100 is displayed. As shown, the string shooting device 100 may be secured within the display 200, such as to a back surface 202 of the display or bottom of the display. In the illustrated embodiment, the string shooting device 100 is secured to the back surface 202 of the display 200 box with ties 215. The display 200 further includes a front surface 204. Within the front surface 204 is an opening 206. The opening 206 of the front surface 204 provides a user interacting with the display 200 access to the string shooting device 100. More specifically, the opening 206 provides access to a button, switch, or sensor that provides for operation of the device (i.e., the turning on of the wheels to propel the string).

[0029] According to some embodiments, the string shooting device 100 may include lighting, such as a light embedded within the device configured to shine a light on a path of the string as it is propelled by the first and second wheel of the device. This light may charge phosphorescent fibers or particles on the string to cause the string to glow as it is propelled from the string shooting device 100. The light may be activated busing the button, switch, or sensor used to activate the wheels that propel the string, and / or may be operated using a separate button, switch, or sensor. When the button, switch, or sensor used to turn the light on is in the on position, the light may only illuminate when the button, switch, or sensor used to operate the wheels is commanded to be on. In this way, the light is not on while the string is not being propelled.

[0030] Within the cavity 210 of the display 200 shown in FIG. 2 is the looped string 230 that is threaded between the first wheel and the second wheel of the string shooting device 100, which is depicted with a housing covering the wheels removed for illustrative purposes. The looped string 230 is looped from the string shooting device 100 around inset 240. The inset 240 can be an object separate from the box of the display 200 that is suspended within the cavity 210 or integrally formed into the box of the display 200, such as if the front surface 204 is a thermoformed plastic with the inset 240 being a thermoformed indentation in the front surface, for example. In some embodiments the display 200 is formed of a thermoformed plastic where the inset is a depression in at least one of a front surface or a back surface of the display, and where at the inset the front surface contacts the back surface of the display. Regardless of whether the inset 240 is part of the box of the display 200 or a separately formed object, the functionality remains the same as detailed herein.

[0031] The looped string 230 is looped from the string shooting device 100 around the inset 240 and back to the string shooting device 100. As the looped string 230 is significantly longer than the path along which it is looped, the excess string accumulates at a bottom of the cavity as shown at 232. The looped string 230 travels along a substantially unobstructed path around the inset 240. While the looped string 230 intersects and impacts a top surface 208 of the display 200, the top surface 208 is not part of the unobstructed path that extends from the string shooting device 100, around the inset 240, and back to the string shooting device 100, by way of any accumulating string.

[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates the display 200 from a front view, as would be seen for example on a store shelf. As shown, the string shooting device 100 is held within the cavity 210 of the display 200 with ties 215. The opening 206 is positioned over a portion of the string shooting device 100 allowing access to a switch 110 of the device from outside of the display 200. The string shooting device 100 of FIG. 3 is depicted in an off status where the first wheel and the second wheel (covered by housing 120) are not propelling the looped string 230.

[0033] A user can insert one or more fingers through the opening 206 of the display 200 and operate the button, switch, or sensor shown in FIG. 3 as a switch 110. Operating the switch 110 turns on the first and second wheels to propel the looped string 230 within the cavity 210 of the display 200. FIG. 4 illustrates the string shooting device 100 in operation with the first and second wheels propelling the looped string 230. The looped string 230 is forcefully propelled from the housing 120 of the string shooting device 100 toward a top surface 208 of the display 200. Upon the looped string reaching the top surface 208, the string is deflected in the direction the loop began at rest, toward inset 240. The looped string 230 continues around the inset 240 and accumulates at 232 at a bottom of the cavity 210 of the display 200.

[0034] The string shooting device 100 continues to pull string from the accumulated string at the bottom of the cavity 210 and continues to propel the string toward a top surface 208 of the display 200 as long as the device is in the on status. The inset 240 keeps the string in this continuous path while precluding tangles of the looped string 230 and demonstrating at least a portion of the visual effect of the string shooting device 100 operation. The display 200 is depicted in a position with the top surface 208 in a top position. However, the display 200 can be moved to any orientation and the functionality of the string shooting device 100 doesn’t change as the looped string is propelled at such a rate that orientation and hence gravity does not impact the path of the looped string exiting the housing 120. The inset 240 keeps the looped string 230 in a loop such that regardless of orientation of the display, the string shooting device 100 is operable to demonstrate functionality. This is particularly important for a toy display as it may be handled by individuals that orient the display 200 however is most convenient or comfortable for them to operate the switch 110. Further, during shipping, handling, display, purchase, etc. the orientation of the display 200 may change numerous times. The display 200 configured as described herein is orientation agnostic such that movement and position does not frustrate the purpose of the display. The inset 240 of the illustrated embodiments has a curved outside surface such that contact between the looped string 230 and the inset does not impede the propelled, looped string nor are there any sharp edges to abrade and potentially break the looped string. This curvature of the outer surface of the inset 240 further enhances the orientation agnostic design as, regardless of orientation of the display 200, the looped string in operation can contact any portion of the inset 240 without worry of snagging, tangling, or otherwise damaging the looped string or slowing the movement of the propelled, looped string 230.

[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates another example embodiment of a display 400 for a string shooting device. The embodiment of FIG. 4 includes an insert 410 that can be received within a display box (not show). The insert 410 includes features similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 2-4 in a different configuration. The illustrated insert 410 can be a thermoformed plastic, a pressed paperboard, foam (e.g., Styrofoam™) or any other material capable of being formed into a shape that functions as described herein. The string shooting device 300 of the illustrated embodiment is suspended and secured within the insert 410. The insert includes a recess 415 into which the string shooting device 300 is received and held relatively stationary. In some cases, the recess 415 defines a tight fit with the string shooting device 300 to effectively “lock” the string shooting device within the insert 410 until such time as a user removes the device from the insert. In some embodiments, the recess 415 that holds the device in place may be configured to depress or otherwise actuate an actuator. For example, in an embodiment of the string shooting device 300 that includes a light, such as a light source configured to project light onto a path of the string, the light may be operated by a second actuator. The second actuator may be held in the actuated state by the recess 415 such that when a user interacts with the device and operates the string shooting functionality, the light is assured to be operating.

[0036] The insert 410 further includes a cavity 420 disposed above the string shooting device 300, where a housing 310 of the string shooting device is positioned at least partly within the cavity. As with the embodiment previously described the string shooting device 300 of the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4 includes a pair of wheels that are at least partially covered by the housing 310, where a looped string 330 is propelled up and away from the housing 310 in response to the pair of wheels propelling the looped string. The looped string 330 is pulled back into the housing by the pair of wheels as the loop follows a path of the looped string. The string shooting device 300 may be actuated by an actuator 320 (e.g., a button, switch, sensor, etc.) to cause at least one of the pair of wheels within the housing 310 to be driven to thereby propel the looped string 330. The insert 410 of the illustrated embodiment includes a recess 425 around the actuator 320 as the recess 425 enables a user to insert a finger and control the actuator to activate the string shooting device 300 while it is held within the insert.

[0037] As shown, when the string shooting device is activated by a user (e.g., by inserting a finger into recess 425 and activating the actuator 320), the looped string 330 is propelled into the cavity 420. The looped string 330 of the depicted embodiment is a shortened looped string relative to the embodiment described with respect to FIGS. 2-4, sized to form a complete loop within the cavity 420 without having excess string accumulating in the cavity. The insert 410 further includes inset 440 which is a relatively smaller inset disposed in a lower left corner of the cavity 420. This inset 440 can be formed from the insert material or separately formed and attached to the insert. The inset 440 of the illustrated embodiment is attached to a front surface of the insert 410 and extends through the cavity 420 and contacts a back surface of the cavity. This inset 440 effectively forms a column whereby the looped string 330 is looped around the column of the inset 440 and cannot escape from being around the inset until the inset is moved.

[0038] The display 400 of the embodiment of FIG. 5 further includes an accessory storage area 450 within which accessories of the string shooting device 300 may be kept such as within a retail store display package. The accessories can include, for example, a charging cord, an instruction manual, additional looped strings, etc.

[0039] FIG. 6 illustrates a front-side view of the display 400 including the insert 410. As shown, the actuator 320 is visible for actuating the string shooting device 300 and propelling the looped string 330 within the cavity 420. The looped string 330 is propelled into the cavity 420 along an unobstructed path that extends from the housing 310 of the string shooting device 300, up into the cavity 420, around the inset 440, and back to the housing 310. This path, along with the accessible actuator 320, enables the string shooting device 300 to be used while held securely within the display 400. This allows for user interaction and a user can witness the visual effects of the string shooting device 300 while the device is still within the display 400. This is particularly beneficial when the display 400 is a retail package on a store shelf. The display 400 may be received within an outer box, such as a box printed with product information and instructions on how to activate the string shooting device 300 within the packaging.

[0040] The illustrated embodiments described herein provide a device that is capable of propelling a looped string in an efficient and effective manner. Embodiments provide a display which permits operation of a string shooter within the display. Further, the configuration of the display as described above enables tangle-free or tangle-reduced operation of the device. The display for a string shooting device provided herein offers unique and distinct operation of the looped string as it is propelled by devices described herein while the device is secured within a display, such as for retail where a user may wish to try the device before purchasing.

[0041] Many modifications and other embodiments of the present disclosure set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be appreciated, in light of the present disclosure, that different combinations of elements and / or functions can be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and / or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as can be set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. A display for a device for propelling a looped string comprising:a display defining a cavity therein;an inset within the cavity;a string shooting device suspended within the cavity; anda looped string, wherein the looped string defines a path within the cavity from the string shooting device, around the inset within the cavity, and back to the string shooting device.

2. The display of claim 1, further comprising:an opening within the display, wherein at least one of a button, switch, or sensor of the string shooting device is accessible from outside of the display through the opening.

3. The display of claim 2, wherein the at least one of a button, switch, or sensor is operable to cause the string shooting device to propel the looped string along the path within the cavity.

4. The display of claim 1, wherein the string shooting device is suspended within the cavity.

5. The display of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the path of the looped string is visible through a front of the display.

6. The display of claim 1, wherein the display is formed of a thermoformed plastic, and wherein the inset is a depression in at least one of a front surface or a back surface of the display, wherein at the inset the front surface contacts the back surface of the display.

7. The display of claim 1, wherein the display is a box, and wherein the inset is suspended within the cavity of the box.

8. The display of claim 1, wherein the inset defines a curved outer surface.

9. The display of claim 1, wherein the looped string is of a length greater than a direct path from the string shooting device, around the inset, and back to the string shooting device.

10. The display of claim 9, wherein excess string of the looped string accumulates at a bottom of the cavity of the display during operation of the string shooting device within the cavity.

11. A display for a device for propelling a looped string comprising:a display defining a cavity therein;an inset within the cavity;an attachment point for attaching a string shooting device within the cavity; andan unobstructed path within the cavity from a point proximate the attachment point, around an outer surface of the inset, and back to the point proximate the attachment point.

12. The display of claim 11, further comprising:an opening within the display, wherein a location within the cavity proximate the attachment point is accessible by a user through the opening.

13. The display of claim 12, wherein a string shooting attached at the attachment point is accessible by the user through the opening for actuation of the string shooting device.

14. The display of claim 11, wherein the attachment point for attaching a string shooting device within the cavity comprises an attachment point to an outer surface of the display.

15. The display of claim 11, wherein at least a portion of the unobstructed path is visible through a front of the display.

16. The display of claim 11, wherein the display is formed of a thermoformed plastic, and wherein the inset is a depression in at least one of a front surface or a back surface of the display, wherein at the inset the front surface contacts the back surface of the display.

17. The display of claim 11, wherein the display is a box, and wherein the inset is suspended within the cavity of the box.

18. The display of claim 11, wherein the inset defines a curved outer surface.

19. The display of claim 11, further comprising a string shooting device suspended at the attachment point.

20. The display of claim 19, further comprising:an opening within the display, wherein at least one of a button, switch, or sensor of the string shooting device is accessible from outside of the display through the opening.

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