US20150226514A1 - Projectile Firing Building Element - Google Patents
Projectile Firing Building Element Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20150226514A1 US20150226514A1 US14/533,344 US201414533344A US2015226514A1 US 20150226514 A1 US20150226514 A1 US 20150226514A1 US 201414533344 A US201414533344 A US 201414533344A US 2015226514 A1 US2015226514 A1 US 2015226514A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- base
- projectile
- actuator
- linear portion
- toy assembly
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41B—WEAPONS FOR PROJECTING MISSILES WITHOUT USE OF EXPLOSIVE OR COMBUSTIBLE PROPELLANT CHARGE; WEAPONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F41B7/00—Spring guns
- F41B7/08—Toy guns, i.e. guns launching objects of the gliding type, e.g. airplanes, parachute missiles
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H13/00—Toy figures with self-moving parts, with or without movement of the toy as a whole
- A63H13/02—Toy figures with self-moving parts, with or without movement of the toy as a whole imitating natural actions, e.g. catching a mouse by a cat, the kicking of an animal
- A63H13/04—Mechanical figures imitating the movement of players or workers
- A63H13/10—Mechanical figures imitating the movement of players or workers shooting arrows or other missiles
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H33/00—Other toys
- A63H33/009—Toy swords or similar toy weapons; Toy shields
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H33/00—Other toys
- A63H33/04—Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H33/00—Other toys
- A63H33/04—Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts
- A63H33/042—Mechanical, electrical, optical, pneumatic or hydraulic arrangements; Motors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H33/00—Other toys
- A63H33/30—Imitations of miscellaneous apparatus not otherwise provided for, e.g. telephones, weighing-machines, cash-registers
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41B—WEAPONS FOR PROJECTING MISSILES WITHOUT USE OF EXPLOSIVE OR COMBUSTIBLE PROPELLANT CHARGE; WEAPONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F41B15/00—Weapons not otherwise provided for, e.g. nunchakus, throwing knives
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H17/00—Toy vehicles, e.g. with self-drive; ; Cranes, winches or the like; Accessories therefor
- A63H17/006—Missile-launching means on toy vehicles
Definitions
- This disclosure relates to a projectile firing building element.
- toys that move.
- movement or animation in toys can be produced using a set of gears and springs mechanically coupled to the toy.
- Toy construction sets are made up of a plurality of building elements, which include coupling mechanisms such as studs or recesses of specific heights and placement to enable interconnection with other building elements.
- a toy assembly in one general aspect, includes a projectile that includes a linear portion and an engagement portion.
- the toy assembly also includes a base that includes a pivot point and defines an opening that receives the linear portion of the projectile, and the base retains the projectile in a frictional engagement.
- the assembly also includes an actuator that includes a trigger portion. The actuator is coupled to the base at the pivot point. Applying force to the trigger portion of the actuator in a first direction causes movement of the engagement portion of the projectile in a second direction, distinct from the first direction, and releases the projectile from the frictional engagement.
- Implementations may include one or more of the following features.
- the first direction can be toward a surface that holds the pivot point, and the second direction can be parallel to a longitudinal axis of the linear portion of the projectile.
- the actuator can include a wall portion configured to contact the engagement portion of the projectile, and applying force to the trigger portion of the actuator can cause the wall portion to push the engagement portion of the projectile in the second direction.
- the engagement portion of the projectile can include a flat face extending radially from a longitudinal axis of the linear portion.
- the base can include a clamp, and the frictional engagement can include placing part of the projectile in the clamp.
- One or more of the clamp or the pivot point can include a c-clip.
- the projectile can further include a post that extends radially from the projectile, and the post is the part of the projectile that is placed in the c-clip.
- the base can further include a coupling stud and a coupling recess for connecting the base to a separate building element.
- the base can include a first building element that is releasably coupled to a second building element and a third building element, where the second building element includes the clamp and the third building element includes the pivot point.
- the clamp can be at a first side of the base and the pivot point can be at a second side of the base, where the first side has a normal perpendicular to a normal of the second side.
- the clamp can protrude from the first side of the base, and the pivot point can protrude from the second side of the base.
- the base can define a second opening through which an end of the linear portion of the projectile is accessible.
- the trigger portion of the actuator can include a coupling stud.
- the actuator can include a recess that accepts the protruding pivot point to couple the actuator to the base.
- the wall portion of the actuator can define a notch configured for placement around the linear portion of the projectile.
- the linear portion of the projectile can have a circular cross-section.
- a toy construction system in another general aspect, includes a projectile including a linear portion having a first end and a second end, and an engagement portion at the first end.
- the system also includes a base including a clamp and a pivot point, the base defining a first opening that receives the second end of the linear portion of the projectile and a second opening that provides access to the second end of the linear portion, and the clamp retaining a portion of the projectile.
- the system also includes a first actuator removably coupled to the pivot point, the first actuator configured to cause release of the projectile from the clamp in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the linear portion when force is applied to the first actuator in a direction that is different from the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the linear portion, and a second actuator configured to cause release of the projectile from the clamp when force is applied to the second end of the linear portion of the projectile.
- the second actuator can include a building element that pushes the second end of the linear portion.
- the second end of the linear portion can pass through the second opening to an exterior of the base.
- the first actuator can include a wall portion and a trigger portion.
- the wall portion can be configured to contact the engagement portion of the projectile, and applying force to the first actuator can include applying force to the trigger portion in a direction that is towards a surface that holds the pivot point to cause the wall portion to move the engagement portion of the projectile in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the linear portion of the projectile.
- the base can include a coupling stud and a coupling recess.
- a device in another general aspect, includes a projectile including a linear portion that extends along a longitudinal axis, and a flat face and a post that extend radially from the longitudinal axis.
- the device also includes a base with a coupling stud, a coupling recess, a pivot point, and a clamp, where the base defines an opening in one side that receives the linear portion of the projectile, and the clamp retains the linear portion of the projectile in the base.
- the device also includes an actuator coupled to the base at the pivot point, the actuator includes a wall portion and a trigger portion, the wall portion being disposed between the flat face of the projectile and the side of the base that defines the opening.
- a toy construction system in another general aspect, includes a plurality of interconnectible building elements, and a toy assembly configured to connect to at least one of the interconnectible building elements.
- the toy assembly includes a projectile that includes a linear portion and an engagement portion, and a base that includes a pivot point and defines an opening that receives the linear portion of the projectile, the base retaining the projectile in a frictional engagement.
- the toy assembly also includes an actuator including a trigger portion, the actuator coupled to the base at the pivot point. Applying force to the trigger portion of the actuator in a first direction causes movement of the engagement portion of the projectile in a second direction, distinct from the first direction, and releases the projectile from the frictional engagement.
- a toy assembly in another general aspect, includes a projectile including a linear portion that extends along a longitudinal axis, the linear portion including a first end and a second end, and a post that extends radially outward from the longitudinal axis at the first end; and a base defining an opening that receives the linear portion, and the base including a clamp extending outward from a surface of the base, the clamp receiving the post that extends radially outward from the longitudinal axis, where the projectile is released from the base in response to a force applied directly to the second end of the linear portion.
- the clamp can include a c-clip.
- the base further can include a post sized to fit into a c-clip of a building element that is separate and distinct from the projectile and the base. When the projectile is released from the base, the post can be released from the clamp.
- FIG. 1A is a side view of an exemplary toy assembly that includes a projectile held in a base.
- FIG. 1B is a side view of the exemplary toy assembly of FIG. IA with the projectile released.
- FIG. 2A is a perspective view of another exemplary toy assembly.
- FIG. 2B is an exploded perspective view of the toy assembly of FIG. 2A .
- FIG. 2C is a top view of the toy assembly of FIG. 2A .
- FIG. 2D is a front view of the toy assembly of FIG. 2A .
- FIG. 2E is a side view of the toy assembly of FIG. 2A .
- FIG. 2F is a rear view of the toy assembly of FIG. 2A .
- FIG. 3A is a perspective view of another exemplary toy assembly.
- FIG. 3B is an exploded perspective view of a base assembly of the toy assembly shown in FIG. 3A .
- FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the exemplary toy assembly shown in FIG. 3A with the projectile released.
- FIG. 4A is a perspective view of another exemplary toy assembly.
- FIG. 4B is an exploded perspective view of the exemplary toy assembly of FIG. 4A .
- FIG. 5A is a side view of another exemplary toy assembly.
- FIG. 5B is a side view of the toy assembly of FIG. 5A releasing a projectile in a first manner.
- FIG. 5C is a side view of the toy assembly of FIG. 5A releasing a projectile in a second manner.
- FIG. 6A is a perspective view of another exemplary toy assembly.
- FIG. 6B is an exploded perspective view of the toy assembly of FIG. 6A .
- a toy assembly having a projectile, a base, and an actuator (or hinge) is disclosed.
- the base of the toy assembly holds the projectile. Applying force to the actuator causes the release (or firing) of the projectile, and the released projectile moves away from the base in a direction that is different from the direction of the applied force.
- the projectile can be released in multiple ways. In some implementations, the projectile can be released by applying force directly to one end of the projectile.
- the toy assembly can be used on its own or as part of a larger toy system that is assembled by connecting the toy assembly to one or more other components, such as interconnecting building elements.
- an exemplary toy assembly 100 includes a projectile 120 , a base 140 that receives the projectile 120 in an opening 142 , and an actuator 160 .
- the actuator 160 is coupled to the base 140 at a pivot point 180 .
- the toy assembly 100 fires the projectile 120 in response to a force 182 that is applied to the actuator 160 in a direction “X”.
- the toy assembly 200 includes a projectile 220 that is received and held in a base 240 .
- the projectile 220 is released from the base 240 in response to application of a force on an actuator 260 that is coupled to the base 240 at a pivot point 280 .
- the actuator 260 rotates about the pivot point 280 , causing a wall portion 262 of the actuator 260 to tilt away from a surface 244 of the base 240 .
- the tilting wall portion 262 pushes on the projectile 220 to release the projectile 220 from the base 240 .
- the projectile 220 moves away from the base 240 along a direction “Z.”
- application of force to the toy assembly 200 in one direction causes the projectile 220 to be released from the base 240 and travel in a direction (“Z”) that is different than the direction of the applied force (“X”).
- the projectile 220 includes a linear portion 222 , an engagement portion 224 , a coupling stud 226 , and a post 228 .
- the linear portion 222 extends along a longitudinal axis 223
- the engagement portion 224 and the post 228 extend radially from the longitudinal axis 223 .
- the engagement portion 224 has a flat face 225 configured for contact with the actuator 260 .
- the coupling stud 226 allows the projectile to be connected to one or more building elements in a construction set 230 .
- the base 240 includes a side 241 that defines a first end 243 of an opening 242 that receives the projectile 220 .
- the opening 242 extends into the base 240 and defines an axis 244 .
- the side 241 also includes a clamp 246 .
- the clamp 246 holds the post 228 of the projectile 220 to retain the projectile 220 in the base 240 .
- the clamp 246 includes a c-clip that extends outward from the base 240 in a direction that is normal to the surface of the side 241 .
- the base 240 also includes the pivot point 280 .
- the pivot point 280 includes a c-clip that extends outward from the base 240 along a direction that is normal to a surface 248 .
- the clamp 246 , and the pivot point 280 are integral with the base 240 such that the base 240 is a single piece.
- the base 240 can include one or more coupling mechanisms that allow interconnection with other building elements.
- the base 240 includes a stud 250
- the bottom of the base 240 can include one or more recesses (not shown) sized and arranged to accept and hold one or more studs of other building elements of the construction set 230 .
- the actuator 260 includes a wall portion 262 and a trigger portion 270 .
- the wall portion 262 defines a notch 268 .
- the notch 268 fits over and partially surrounds the linear portion 222 of the projectile 220 .
- the wall portion 262 also includes a flat surface 264 that engages with at least part of the face 225 of the projectile 220 .
- the trigger portion 270 of the actuator 260 includes a surface 272 having a recess 274 and a bar 276 .
- the recess 274 and the bar 276 receive the pivot point 280 to couple the actuator 260 to the base 240 .
- the trigger portion 270 also includes a stud 278 .
- the stud 278 allows interconnection of the trigger portion 270 with other building elements of the construction set 230 .
- the stud 278 also can be the portion of the actuator 260 that receives the force for releasing the projectile 220 .
- FIGS. 2C-2F are, respectively, top, front, side, and rear views of the exemplary toy assembly 200 .
- the bar 276 of the actuator 260 snaps into the c-clip of the pivot point 280 to couple the actuator 260 to the base 240 .
- the c-clip of the clamp 246 holds the post 228 of the projectile 220 .
- the wall portion 262 of the actuator 260 is disposed between the engagement portion 224 of the projectile 220 and the base 240 .
- the linear portion 222 of the projectile 220 has a circular cross-section. The end 227 of the projectile 220 is accessible from an exterior of the base 240 through an opening 245 defined in a rear side of the base 240 .
- the toy assembly 300 includes a projectile 320 , a base assembly 340 , and an actuator 360 .
- the base assembly 340 is formed from multiple interconnecting building elements.
- FIG. 3B is an exploded perspective view of the building elements of the base assembly 340 .
- the building elements for the base assembly 340 include two base blocks 341 and 342 , a clamp block 344 , and a pivot point 380 .
- the base blocks 341 and 342 define respective openings 347 and 348 .
- the clamp block 344 includes a c-clip 345 .
- the base blocks 341 and 342 also include respective studs 349 and 350 , and each of the base blocks 341 and 342 include recesses in a bottom side (not shown) that allow the base blocks 341 and 342 to interconnect with studs 351 and 352 of the clamp block 344 .
- FIGS. 3A and 3C show the toy assembly 300 with the base assembly 340 in an assembled state.
- studs 351 and 352 on the clamp block 344 are connected the bottom sides of the base blocks 341 and 342 .
- Connecting the base blocks 341 and 342 to the clamp block 344 results in the base blocks 341 and 342 being laterally displaced along the clamp block 344 with the centers of the openings 347 and 348 aligned.
- the aligned openings 347 and 348 define a passage 353 ( FIG. 3C ) through the base assembly 340 .
- the pivot point 380 and the actuator 360 are connected to the base assembly 340 .
- recesses (not shown) in the bottom of the pivot point 380 are connected to the stud 349 of the base block 341 such that a c-clip 382 of the pivot point 380 extends outward from the base block 341 .
- the actuator 360 is coupled to the c-clip 382 to connect the actuator 360 to the base assembly 340 .
- the projectile 320 includes a linear portion 322 , an engagement portion 324 , and a post 328 .
- the actuator 360 includes a wall portion 362 and a trigger portion 370 .
- the wall portion 362 includes a surface 364 that contacts the engagement portion 324 of the projectile 320 when force is applied to the trigger portion 370 .
- the wall portion 362 also defines a notch 368 .
- the projectile 320 is received in the base assembly 340 by inserting the linear portion 322 of the projectile 320 into the passage 353 until the post 328 snaps into the c-clip 345 . Once the post 328 snaps into the c-clip 345 , the wall portion 362 is disposed between the engagement portion 324 of the projectile 320 and the base block 341 . Additionally, the linear portion 322 extends through the passage 353 such that an end 325 of the projectile 320 accessible from an exterior of the base assembly 340 .
- the wall portion 362 tilts upward and away from the base block 341 .
- the tilting wall portion 362 pushes against the engagement portion 324 to release the post 328 from the c-clip 345 .
- the toy assembly 400 includes a projectile 420 , a base 440 , and an actuator 460 .
- the projectile 420 is held in the base 440 .
- Applying pressure to an end 461 of the actuator 460 in a direction “X” causes a wall portion 462 of the actuator 460 to tilt away from the base 440 along an arc “A”.
- the tilting wall portion 462 presses against the projectile 420 and overcomes a frictional engagement that holds the projectile 420 in the base 440 .
- the projectile 420 is released from the base 440 along a direction “Z.”
- the toy assembly 400 allows the projectile 420 to be fired in a direction different from the direction of the applied force.
- the base 440 includes a body 449 , a clamp 444 , a base post 446 , a wall 448 that defines an opening 442 , and a pivot point 480 .
- the clamp 444 includes a c-clip that extends along a direction normal to a surface of the wall 448
- the pivot point 480 includes a c-clip that extends outward from a surface of the body 449 .
- the size of the opening of the c-clip can be varied to control how far the projectile 420 is shot.
- the base 440 also includes the base post 446 , which can be used to couple the base 440 to, for example, another building element or a mount.
- the post 446 can be received in a c-clip that forms a hand of a toy action figure (not shown).
- the base post 446 can also be used as a grip for an operator who uses the toy assembly 400 , for example, when the toy assembly 400 is not connected to another building element.
- the actuator 460 is connected to the base 440 by coupling a recess 464 and bar 466 of the actuator 460 to the pivot point 480 .
- the wall portion 462 extends along the wall 448 such that a notch 468 , defined by the wall portion 462 , is placed over the opening 442 . Consequently, connection of the actuator 460 to the base 440 does not obstruct the opening 442 .
- the projectile 420 is received in the base 440 through the opening 442 .
- the projectile 420 includes a linear portion 422 , an engagement portion 424 , a stud 426 , and a post 428 .
- the linear portion 422 extends along a longitudinal axis 423 and has a circular cross-section.
- the post 428 of the projectile 420 snaps into the clamp 444 and holds the post 428 in frictional engagement.
- the wall portion 462 is captured between the engagement portion 424 of the projectile 420 and the wall 448 of the base 440 .
- the positioning of the wall portion 462 relative to the engagement portion 424 allows the actuator 460 to act as the firing mechanism for the projectile 420 .
- a force applied to the end 461 of the actuator 460 causes the wall portion 462 to tilt upward, away from the wall 443 , thus pushing the post 428 out of the clamp 444 .
- FIGS. 5A-5C side views of an example of a toy construction system 500 are shown.
- the system 500 can fire a projectile 520 in two different ways.
- FIG. 5A is a side view of the system 500 before the projectile 520 is fired.
- FIG. 5B is a side view of the system 500 being fired in a first way
- FIG. 5C is a side view of the toy system being fired in a second way.
- applying a force 582 to an end 525 of the projectile 520 fires the projectile 520 in a direction 585 .
- applying a force 584 to a first actuator 560 causes a wall portion 562 of the first actuator 560 to tilt and push the projectile 520 out of the system 500 in the direction 585 .
- the system 500 includes a projectile 520 , a base 540 , and a first actuator 560 .
- the projectile 520 is received in a passage 542 that extends through the base 540 from a first opening 544 to a second opening 545 .
- the projectile 520 includes a linear portion 522 , an engagement portion 524 , an end 525 , and a post 528 .
- the projectile 520 is held in the base 540 through a frictional engagement between the post 528 and a clamp 548 , and the end 525 is accessible from an exterior of the base 540 .
- the projectile 520 is released from the base 540 when a force 582 sufficient to overcome the frictional engagement between the post 528 and the clamp 548 is applied to the end 525 in a direction “Z.”
- an operator of the system 500 applies the force 582 to the end 525 through an element 583 .
- the element 583 can be referred to as a second actuator.
- the element 583 can be, for example, a tool that makes direct contact with the end 525 , another building element that is indirectly connected to the end 525 , or a portion of the operator, such as a part of the operator's hand, that makes direct physical contact with the end 525 .
- the first actuator 560 is removed from the base 540 before the force 582 is applied.
- the pivot point 580 can be a c-clip that receives and holds a portion of the first actuator 560 , but also allows the first actuator 560 to be removed from the base 540 .
- the first actuator 560 can be removed from the pivot point 580 by pulling the first actuator 560 away from the pivot point 580 to release the first actuator 560 from the frictional engagement provided by the c-clip.
- FIG. 5B shows the projectile 520 being released with the first actuator 560 removed
- the projectile 520 can be fired from the system 500 without removing the first actuator 560 .
- the first actuator 560 includes a wall portion 562 that defines a notch (not shown) that partially surrounds the linear portion 522 of the projectile 520 without obscuring the first opening 544 .
- the projectile 520 can be ejected from the base 540 without removing or moving the first actuator 560 .
- the projectile 520 is released from the base 540 in response to the application of the force 584 to the first actuator 560 .
- the force 584 is applied in a direction “X”, causing the wall portion 562 to tilt away from a side 546 along an arc “A.”
- the tiling wall portion 562 presses against the engagement portion 524 to overcome the frictional engagement between the post 528 and the clamp 548 and release the projectile 520 from the base 540 .
- the projectile 520 exits the base 540 in the direction “Z.”
- the toy assembly 600 includes a projectile 620 that is received in a base 640 .
- the projectile 620 is held in the base 640 by a clamp 644 .
- the projectile 620 is released from the base 640 in response to a force being directly applied to a second end 635 of the projectile 620 .
- Application of force to the second end 635 causes the projectile 620 to be entirely released from the base 640 .
- the projectile 620 and the second end 635 which is the portion of the toy assembly 600 that is used to eject the projectile 620 from the base 640 , are a single element and both are disconnected from the base 640 in response to the application of force.
- the projectile 620 defines a longitudinal axis 621 , and includes a linear portion 622 and a post 628 .
- the linear portion 622 extends along the longitudinal axis 621
- the post 628 extends radially outward along a direction that is normal to the longitudinal axis 621 .
- the projectile 620 also includes a collar 624 that defines flat faces 626 and 627 .
- the flat face 627 includes a stud 629 that connects to a cavity on a separate building element, a protective piece, or a decorative element.
- the stud 629 connects to an end cap 630 .
- the base 640 includes the clamp 644 that protrudes from a side 645 of the base 640 .
- the clamp 644 is a single-piece element that has a shape that changes only enough to open sufficiently to hold the post 628 in frictional engagement between prongs 651 and 652 that define an opening 653 .
- the post 628 is pressed against the prongs 651 and 652 until the post 644 is received in the opening 653 .
- the prongs 651 and 652 are forced open as the post 628 moves outward from the base 640 .
- the clamps 651 and 652 squeeze the post 628 as the clamps 651 and 652 return to their original shape.
- the squeezing pushes the post 628 , forcing the projectile 620 forward so that the projectile launches from the base 640 .
- the clamp 644 holds the projectile 620 in the base with the prongs 651 and 652 , and the prongs 651 and 652 also provides at least part of the mechanism and/or force that propels the projectile 620 away from the base.
- the clamp 644 can be a c-clip, as shown in the example of FIG. 6B .
- the c-clip offers a compact design that can be sized to be the scale of the base 640 and makes a minimal visual and structural impact on the base 640 .
- the clamp 644 receives the post 628 of the projectile, and frictional engagement between the post 628 and the clamp 644 holds the projectile 620 to the base.
- the base 640 also defines an opening 641 that receives the linear portion 622 of the projectile 620 .
- the second end 635 extends outwardly from a side 648 of the base 640 and is accessible from an exterior of the base 640 . The projectile 620 is released from the base 640 when the force applied to the second end 635 is sufficient to overcome the frictional engagement between the post 628 and the clamp 644 .
- the base 640 also includes a post 649 that connects to a cavity or clip (such as a c-clip) on a separate element.
- a cavity or clip such as a c-clip
- the post 649 can be received in a c-clip that forms a hand of an action figure toy (not shown).
- the projectiles 120 , 220 , 320 , 420 , and 520 can be held in their respective bases 140 , 240 , 240 , 440 , and 540 by a frictional engagement other than a c-clip that holds a portion of the projectile.
- the projectiles 120 , 220 , 320 , 420 , and 520 can be held by an interference fit between the linear portion of the projectile and the opening defined by the base.
- the projectile can be held in the base without a post and a c-clip. Any of the projectiles 120 , 220 , 320 , 420 , 520 , and 620 can be used with any of the bases 140 , 240 , 340 , 440 , 540 , or 640 .
- any of the bases 140 , 240 , 240 , 440 , 540 and 640 of the respective toy assemblies 100 , 200 , 300 , 400 , 600 , and the system 500 can be a molded, single-piece element or an assembly made from multiple interconnected components.
- the projectiles, bases, and/or actuators discussed above can be made of plastic.
- the linear portions 122 , 222 , 322 , 422 , 522 , and 622 can have a cross-section of any shape.
- the linear portions 122 , 222 , 322 , 422 , 522 , and 622 can have a cross-section in the shape of a circle, a square, a rectangle, a star, a hexagon, or an ellipse.
- the size of the opening of the c-clip and/or the positioning of the prongs can be adjusted to control how far a projectile released from the c-clip travels.
Abstract
A toy assembly includes a projectile that includes a linear portion and an engagement portion. The toy assembly also includes a base that includes a pivot point and defines an opening that receives the linear portion of the projectile, and the base retains the projectile in a frictional engagement. The assembly also includes an actuator that includes a trigger portion. The actuator is coupled to the base at the pivot point. Applying force to the trigger portion of the actuator in a first direction causes movement of the engagement portion of the projectile in a second direction, distinct from the first direction, and releases the projectile from the frictional engagement.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/762,949, filed on Feb. 8, 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/707,432, filed on Sep. 28, 2012, each of which is entitled PROJECTILE FIRING BUILDING ELEMENT, and each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- This disclosure relates to a projectile firing building element.
- Children enjoy playing and interacting with toys that move. Typically, movement or animation in toys can be produced using a set of gears and springs mechanically coupled to the toy.
- Toy construction sets are made up of a plurality of building elements, which include coupling mechanisms such as studs or recesses of specific heights and placement to enable interconnection with other building elements.
- In one general aspect, a toy assembly includes a projectile that includes a linear portion and an engagement portion. The toy assembly also includes a base that includes a pivot point and defines an opening that receives the linear portion of the projectile, and the base retains the projectile in a frictional engagement. The assembly also includes an actuator that includes a trigger portion. The actuator is coupled to the base at the pivot point. Applying force to the trigger portion of the actuator in a first direction causes movement of the engagement portion of the projectile in a second direction, distinct from the first direction, and releases the projectile from the frictional engagement.
- Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The first direction can be toward a surface that holds the pivot point, and the second direction can be parallel to a longitudinal axis of the linear portion of the projectile.
- The actuator can include a wall portion configured to contact the engagement portion of the projectile, and applying force to the trigger portion of the actuator can cause the wall portion to push the engagement portion of the projectile in the second direction. The engagement portion of the projectile can include a flat face extending radially from a longitudinal axis of the linear portion.
- The base can include a clamp, and the frictional engagement can include placing part of the projectile in the clamp. One or more of the clamp or the pivot point can include a c-clip. When the clamp is a c-clip, the projectile can further include a post that extends radially from the projectile, and the post is the part of the projectile that is placed in the c-clip.
- The base can further include a coupling stud and a coupling recess for connecting the base to a separate building element. The base can include a first building element that is releasably coupled to a second building element and a third building element, where the second building element includes the clamp and the third building element includes the pivot point. The clamp can be at a first side of the base and the pivot point can be at a second side of the base, where the first side has a normal perpendicular to a normal of the second side. The clamp can protrude from the first side of the base, and the pivot point can protrude from the second side of the base.
- The base can define a second opening through which an end of the linear portion of the projectile is accessible. The trigger portion of the actuator can include a coupling stud. The actuator can include a recess that accepts the protruding pivot point to couple the actuator to the base. The wall portion of the actuator can define a notch configured for placement around the linear portion of the projectile. The linear portion of the projectile can have a circular cross-section.
- In another general aspect, a toy construction system includes a projectile including a linear portion having a first end and a second end, and an engagement portion at the first end. The system also includes a base including a clamp and a pivot point, the base defining a first opening that receives the second end of the linear portion of the projectile and a second opening that provides access to the second end of the linear portion, and the clamp retaining a portion of the projectile. The system also includes a first actuator removably coupled to the pivot point, the first actuator configured to cause release of the projectile from the clamp in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the linear portion when force is applied to the first actuator in a direction that is different from the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the linear portion, and a second actuator configured to cause release of the projectile from the clamp when force is applied to the second end of the linear portion of the projectile.
- Implementations can include one or more of the following features. The second actuator can include a building element that pushes the second end of the linear portion. The second end of the linear portion can pass through the second opening to an exterior of the base. The first actuator can include a wall portion and a trigger portion. The wall portion can be configured to contact the engagement portion of the projectile, and applying force to the first actuator can include applying force to the trigger portion in a direction that is towards a surface that holds the pivot point to cause the wall portion to move the engagement portion of the projectile in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the linear portion of the projectile. The base can include a coupling stud and a coupling recess.
- In another general aspect, a device includes a projectile including a linear portion that extends along a longitudinal axis, and a flat face and a post that extend radially from the longitudinal axis. The device also includes a base with a coupling stud, a coupling recess, a pivot point, and a clamp, where the base defines an opening in one side that receives the linear portion of the projectile, and the clamp retains the linear portion of the projectile in the base. The device also includes an actuator coupled to the base at the pivot point, the actuator includes a wall portion and a trigger portion, the wall portion being disposed between the flat face of the projectile and the side of the base that defines the opening.
- In another general aspect, a toy construction system includes a plurality of interconnectible building elements, and a toy assembly configured to connect to at least one of the interconnectible building elements. The toy assembly includes a projectile that includes a linear portion and an engagement portion, and a base that includes a pivot point and defines an opening that receives the linear portion of the projectile, the base retaining the projectile in a frictional engagement. The toy assembly also includes an actuator including a trigger portion, the actuator coupled to the base at the pivot point. Applying force to the trigger portion of the actuator in a first direction causes movement of the engagement portion of the projectile in a second direction, distinct from the first direction, and releases the projectile from the frictional engagement.
- In another general aspect, a toy assembly includes a projectile including a linear portion that extends along a longitudinal axis, the linear portion including a first end and a second end, and a post that extends radially outward from the longitudinal axis at the first end; and a base defining an opening that receives the linear portion, and the base including a clamp extending outward from a surface of the base, the clamp receiving the post that extends radially outward from the longitudinal axis, where the projectile is released from the base in response to a force applied directly to the second end of the linear portion.
- Implementations can include one or more of the following features. The clamp can include a c-clip. The base further can include a post sized to fit into a c-clip of a building element that is separate and distinct from the projectile and the base. When the projectile is released from the base, the post can be released from the clamp.
- The subject matter discussed above can be implemented as a toy assembly, a kit for a toy assembly, a toy construction system, a system that includes a toy assembly, a device, and/or a method or process for using a toy assembly. Further features and advantages will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
- The present disclosure is further described in the detailed description that follows, in reference to the noted drawings by way of non-limiting examples of exemplary implementations, in which like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings, and wherein:
-
FIG. 1A is a side view of an exemplary toy assembly that includes a projectile held in a base. -
FIG. 1B is a side view of the exemplary toy assembly of FIG. IA with the projectile released. -
FIG. 2A is a perspective view of another exemplary toy assembly. -
FIG. 2B is an exploded perspective view of the toy assembly ofFIG. 2A . -
FIG. 2C is a top view of the toy assembly ofFIG. 2A . -
FIG. 2D is a front view of the toy assembly ofFIG. 2A . -
FIG. 2E is a side view of the toy assembly ofFIG. 2A . -
FIG. 2F is a rear view of the toy assembly ofFIG. 2A . -
FIG. 3A is a perspective view of another exemplary toy assembly. -
FIG. 3B is an exploded perspective view of a base assembly of the toy assembly shown inFIG. 3A . -
FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the exemplary toy assembly shown inFIG. 3A with the projectile released. -
FIG. 4A is a perspective view of another exemplary toy assembly. -
FIG. 4B is an exploded perspective view of the exemplary toy assembly ofFIG. 4A . -
FIG. 5A is a side view of another exemplary toy assembly. -
FIG. 5B is a side view of the toy assembly ofFIG. 5A releasing a projectile in a first manner. -
FIG. 5C is a side view of the toy assembly ofFIG. 5A releasing a projectile in a second manner. -
FIG. 6A is a perspective view of another exemplary toy assembly. -
FIG. 6B is an exploded perspective view of the toy assembly ofFIG. 6A . - A toy assembly having a projectile, a base, and an actuator (or hinge) is disclosed. The base of the toy assembly holds the projectile. Applying force to the actuator causes the release (or firing) of the projectile, and the released projectile moves away from the base in a direction that is different from the direction of the applied force. In some implementations, the projectile can be released in multiple ways. In some implementations, the projectile can be released by applying force directly to one end of the projectile. The toy assembly can be used on its own or as part of a larger toy system that is assembled by connecting the toy assembly to one or more other components, such as interconnecting building elements.
- Referring to
FIG. 1A , anexemplary toy assembly 100 includes a projectile 120, a base 140 that receives the projectile 120 in anopening 142, and anactuator 160. Theactuator 160 is coupled to the base 140 at apivot point 180. Referring also toFIG. 1B , thetoy assembly 100 fires the projectile 120 in response to aforce 182 that is applied to theactuator 160 in a direction “X”. Application of theforce 182 to theactuator 160 causes theactuator 160 to rotate about thepivot point 180 such that awall portion 162 of the actuator 160 tilts away from thebase 140 along an arc “A.” The tiltingwall portion 162 contacts the projectile 120 at aninterface 184, thus pushing the projectile 120 in a direction “Z.” Consequently, the projectile 120 is released from thebase 140 and moves along the direction “Z.” - Referring to
FIG. 2A , a perspective view of anotherexemplary toy assembly 200 is shown. Thetoy assembly 200 includes a projectile 220 that is received and held in abase 240. The projectile 220 is released from the base 240 in response to application of a force on anactuator 260 that is coupled to the base 240 at apivot point 280. In greater detail, when force is applied to atrigger portion 270 of theactuator 260 in a direction “X,” theactuator 260 rotates about thepivot point 280, causing awall portion 262 of theactuator 260 to tilt away from asurface 244 of thebase 240. The tiltingwall portion 262 pushes on the projectile 220 to release the projectile 220 from thebase 240. Once released, the projectile 220 moves away from thebase 240 along a direction “Z.” As such, application of force to thetoy assembly 200 in one direction causes the projectile 220 to be released from thebase 240 and travel in a direction (“Z”) that is different than the direction of the applied force (“X”). - Referring also to
FIG. 2B , the projectile 220 includes alinear portion 222, anengagement portion 224, acoupling stud 226, and apost 228. Thelinear portion 222 extends along alongitudinal axis 223, and theengagement portion 224 and thepost 228 extend radially from thelongitudinal axis 223. Theengagement portion 224 has aflat face 225 configured for contact with theactuator 260. Thecoupling stud 226 allows the projectile to be connected to one or more building elements in aconstruction set 230. - The
base 240 includes aside 241 that defines afirst end 243 of anopening 242 that receives the projectile 220. Theopening 242 extends into thebase 240 and defines anaxis 244. Theside 241 also includes aclamp 246. Theclamp 246 holds thepost 228 of the projectile 220 to retain the projectile 220 in thebase 240. Theclamp 246 includes a c-clip that extends outward from the base 240 in a direction that is normal to the surface of theside 241. The base 240 also includes thepivot point 280. Thepivot point 280 includes a c-clip that extends outward from thebase 240 along a direction that is normal to asurface 248. In thetoy assembly 200, theclamp 246, and thepivot point 280 are integral with the base 240 such that thebase 240 is a single piece. - The base 240 can include one or more coupling mechanisms that allow interconnection with other building elements. For example, the
base 240 includes astud 250, and the bottom of the base 240 can include one or more recesses (not shown) sized and arranged to accept and hold one or more studs of other building elements of the construction set 230. - The
actuator 260 includes awall portion 262 and atrigger portion 270. Thewall portion 262 defines anotch 268. When theactuator 260 is coupled to the base 240 at thepivot point 280, thenotch 268 fits over and partially surrounds thelinear portion 222 of the projectile 220. Thewall portion 262 also includes aflat surface 264 that engages with at least part of theface 225 of the projectile 220. - The
trigger portion 270 of theactuator 260 includes asurface 272 having arecess 274 and abar 276. Therecess 274 and thebar 276 receive thepivot point 280 to couple theactuator 260 to thebase 240. Thetrigger portion 270 also includes astud 278. Thestud 278 allows interconnection of thetrigger portion 270 with other building elements of the construction set 230. Thestud 278 also can be the portion of theactuator 260 that receives the force for releasing the projectile 220. -
FIGS. 2C-2F are, respectively, top, front, side, and rear views of theexemplary toy assembly 200. Referring toFIG. 2C , thebar 276 of the actuator 260 snaps into the c-clip of thepivot point 280 to couple theactuator 260 to thebase 240. Referring toFIG. 2D , the c-clip of theclamp 246 holds thepost 228 of the projectile 220. As shown inFIG. 2E , when theactuator 260 is coupled into thepivot point 280 and the projectile 220 is inserted in thebase 240, thewall portion 262 of theactuator 260 is disposed between theengagement portion 224 of the projectile 220 and thebase 240. Referring toFIG. 2F , thelinear portion 222 of the projectile 220 has a circular cross-section. Theend 227 of the projectile 220 is accessible from an exterior of the base 240 through anopening 245 defined in a rear side of thebase 240. - Referring to
FIG. 3A , a perspective view of anotherexemplary toy assembly 300 is shown. Thetoy assembly 300 includes a projectile 320, abase assembly 340, and anactuator 360. In thetoy assembly 300, instead of being a single piece, thebase assembly 340 is formed from multiple interconnecting building elements. -
FIG. 3B is an exploded perspective view of the building elements of thebase assembly 340. The building elements for thebase assembly 340 include twobase blocks clamp block 344, and apivot point 380. The base blocks 341 and 342 definerespective openings clamp block 344 includes a c-clip 345. The base blocks 341 and 342 also includerespective studs studs clamp block 344. -
FIGS. 3A and 3C show thetoy assembly 300 with thebase assembly 340 in an assembled state. Referring again toFIG. 3B , to assemble thebase assembly 340,studs clamp block 344 are connected the bottom sides of the base blocks 341 and 342. Connecting the base blocks 341 and 342 to theclamp block 344 results in the base blocks 341 and 342 being laterally displaced along theclamp block 344 with the centers of theopenings openings FIG. 3C ) through thebase assembly 340. - As shown in
FIGS. 3A and 3C , thepivot point 380 and theactuator 360 are connected to thebase assembly 340. To connect thepivot point 380 to thebase assembly 340, recesses (not shown) in the bottom of thepivot point 380 are connected to thestud 349 of thebase block 341 such that a c-clip 382 of thepivot point 380 extends outward from thebase block 341. Theactuator 360 is coupled to the c-clip 382 to connect theactuator 360 to thebase assembly 340. - The projectile 320 includes a
linear portion 322, anengagement portion 324, and a post 328. Theactuator 360 includes awall portion 362 and atrigger portion 370. Thewall portion 362 includes asurface 364 that contacts theengagement portion 324 of the projectile 320 when force is applied to thetrigger portion 370. Thewall portion 362 also defines anotch 368. - The projectile 320 is received in the
base assembly 340 by inserting thelinear portion 322 of the projectile 320 into thepassage 353 until the post 328 snaps into the c-clip 345. Once the post 328 snaps into the c-clip 345, thewall portion 362 is disposed between theengagement portion 324 of the projectile 320 and thebase block 341. Additionally, thelinear portion 322 extends through thepassage 353 such that anend 325 of the projectile 320 accessible from an exterior of thebase assembly 340. - As shown in
FIG. 3C , when force is applied to theactuator 360, thewall portion 362 tilts upward and away from thebase block 341. The tiltingwall portion 362 pushes against theengagement portion 324 to release the post 328 from the c-clip 345. - Referring to
FIG. 4A , another example of atoy assembly 400 is shown. Thetoy assembly 400 includes a projectile 420, abase 440, and anactuator 460. The projectile 420 is held in thebase 440. Applying pressure to anend 461 of theactuator 460 in a direction “X” causes awall portion 462 of theactuator 460 to tilt away from thebase 440 along an arc “A”. The tiltingwall portion 462 presses against the projectile 420 and overcomes a frictional engagement that holds the projectile 420 in thebase 440. As a result, the projectile 420 is released from thebase 440 along a direction “Z.” Thus, thetoy assembly 400 allows the projectile 420 to be fired in a direction different from the direction of the applied force. - Referring also to
FIG. 4B , thebase 440 includes a body 449, aclamp 444, abase post 446, awall 448 that defines anopening 442, and apivot point 480. Theclamp 444 includes a c-clip that extends along a direction normal to a surface of thewall 448, and thepivot point 480 includes a c-clip that extends outward from a surface of the body 449. The size of the opening of the c-clip can be varied to control how far the projectile 420 is shot. The base 440 also includes thebase post 446, which can be used to couple the base 440 to, for example, another building element or a mount. For instance, thepost 446 can be received in a c-clip that forms a hand of a toy action figure (not shown). Thebase post 446 can also be used as a grip for an operator who uses thetoy assembly 400, for example, when thetoy assembly 400 is not connected to another building element. - The
actuator 460 is connected to thebase 440 by coupling arecess 464 and bar 466 of theactuator 460 to thepivot point 480. When theactuator 460 is connected to the base, thewall portion 462 extends along thewall 448 such that anotch 468, defined by thewall portion 462, is placed over theopening 442. Consequently, connection of theactuator 460 to thebase 440 does not obstruct theopening 442. - The projectile 420 is received in the base 440 through the
opening 442. The projectile 420 includes alinear portion 422, anengagement portion 424, astud 426, and apost 428. Thelinear portion 422 extends along alongitudinal axis 423 and has a circular cross-section. When thelinear portion 422 is received in theopening 442, thepost 428 of the projectile 420 snaps into theclamp 444 and holds thepost 428 in frictional engagement. Additionally, when the projectile 420 is inserted into theopening 442, thewall portion 462 is captured between theengagement portion 424 of the projectile 420 and thewall 448 of thebase 440. The positioning of thewall portion 462 relative to theengagement portion 424 allows theactuator 460 to act as the firing mechanism for the projectile 420. In the example shown, a force applied to theend 461 of theactuator 460 causes thewall portion 462 to tilt upward, away from the wall 443, thus pushing thepost 428 out of theclamp 444. - Referring to
FIGS. 5A-5C , side views of an example of atoy construction system 500 are shown. Thesystem 500 can fire a projectile 520 in two different ways.FIG. 5A is a side view of thesystem 500 before the projectile 520 is fired.FIG. 5B is a side view of thesystem 500 being fired in a first way, andFIG. 5C is a side view of the toy system being fired in a second way. As shown inFIG. 5B , applying aforce 582 to anend 525 of the projectile 520 fires the projectile 520 in adirection 585. As shown inFIG. 5C , applying aforce 584 to afirst actuator 560 causes awall portion 562 of thefirst actuator 560 to tilt and push the projectile 520 out of thesystem 500 in thedirection 585. - The
system 500 includes a projectile 520, abase 540, and afirst actuator 560. The projectile 520 is received in apassage 542 that extends through the base 540 from afirst opening 544 to asecond opening 545. The projectile 520 includes alinear portion 522, anengagement portion 524, anend 525, and apost 528. The projectile 520 is held in the base 540 through a frictional engagement between thepost 528 and aclamp 548, and theend 525 is accessible from an exterior of thebase 540. - Referring to
FIG. 5B , the projectile 520 is released from the base 540 when aforce 582 sufficient to overcome the frictional engagement between thepost 528 and theclamp 548 is applied to theend 525 in a direction “Z.” To release the projectile 520, an operator of thesystem 500 applies theforce 582 to theend 525 through anelement 583. Theelement 583 can be referred to as a second actuator. Theelement 583 can be, for example, a tool that makes direct contact with theend 525, another building element that is indirectly connected to theend 525, or a portion of the operator, such as a part of the operator's hand, that makes direct physical contact with theend 525. - In the example of
FIG. 5B , thefirst actuator 560 is removed from the base 540 before theforce 582 is applied. Thepivot point 580 can be a c-clip that receives and holds a portion of thefirst actuator 560, but also allows thefirst actuator 560 to be removed from thebase 540. For example, thefirst actuator 560 can be removed from thepivot point 580 by pulling thefirst actuator 560 away from thepivot point 580 to release thefirst actuator 560 from the frictional engagement provided by the c-clip. - Although
FIG. 5B shows the projectile 520 being released with thefirst actuator 560 removed, the projectile 520 can be fired from thesystem 500 without removing thefirst actuator 560. Thefirst actuator 560 includes awall portion 562 that defines a notch (not shown) that partially surrounds thelinear portion 522 of the projectile 520 without obscuring thefirst opening 544. Thus, the projectile 520 can be ejected from thebase 540 without removing or moving thefirst actuator 560. - Referring to
FIG. 5C , the projectile 520 is released from the base 540 in response to the application of theforce 584 to thefirst actuator 560. Theforce 584 is applied in a direction “X”, causing thewall portion 562 to tilt away from a side 546 along an arc “A.” Thetiling wall portion 562 presses against theengagement portion 524 to overcome the frictional engagement between thepost 528 and theclamp 548 and release the projectile 520 from thebase 540. Once released, the projectile 520 exits the base 540 in the direction “Z.” - Referring to
FIG. 6A , a perspective view of anothertoy assembly 600 is shown. Thetoy assembly 600 includes a projectile 620 that is received in abase 640. The projectile 620 is held in thebase 640 by aclamp 644. The projectile 620 is released from the base 640 in response to a force being directly applied to asecond end 635 of the projectile 620. Application of force to thesecond end 635 causes the projectile 620 to be entirely released from thebase 640. In other words, the projectile 620 and thesecond end 635, which is the portion of thetoy assembly 600 that is used to eject the projectile 620 from thebase 640, are a single element and both are disconnected from the base 640 in response to the application of force. - Referring also to
FIG. 6B , an exploded perspective view of thetoy assembly 600 is shown. The projectile 620 defines alongitudinal axis 621, and includes alinear portion 622 and apost 628. Thelinear portion 622 extends along thelongitudinal axis 621, and thepost 628 extends radially outward along a direction that is normal to thelongitudinal axis 621. - The projectile 620 also includes a
collar 624 that definesflat faces flat face 627 includes astud 629 that connects to a cavity on a separate building element, a protective piece, or a decorative element. In the example ofFIG. 6B , thestud 629 connects to anend cap 630. - The
base 640 includes theclamp 644 that protrudes from aside 645 of thebase 640. Theclamp 644 is a single-piece element that has a shape that changes only enough to open sufficiently to hold thepost 628 in frictional engagement betweenprongs opening 653. In particular, to insert thepost 628 into theclamp 644, thepost 628 is pressed against theprongs post 644 is received in theopening 653. When the force is applied to thesecond end 635, theprongs post 628 moves outward from thebase 640. As thepost 628 moves forward, theclamps post 628 as theclamps post 628, forcing the projectile 620 forward so that the projectile launches from thebase 640. In other words, theclamp 644 holds the projectile 620 in the base with theprongs prongs - The
clamp 644 can be a c-clip, as shown in the example ofFIG. 6B . As compared to other connection mechanisms, the c-clip offers a compact design that can be sized to be the scale of thebase 640 and makes a minimal visual and structural impact on thebase 640. - The
clamp 644 receives thepost 628 of the projectile, and frictional engagement between thepost 628 and theclamp 644 holds the projectile 620 to the base. The base 640 also defines anopening 641 that receives thelinear portion 622 of the projectile 620. Thesecond end 635 extends outwardly from aside 648 of thebase 640 and is accessible from an exterior of thebase 640. The projectile 620 is released from the base 640 when the force applied to thesecond end 635 is sufficient to overcome the frictional engagement between thepost 628 and theclamp 644. - The base 640 also includes a
post 649 that connects to a cavity or clip (such as a c-clip) on a separate element. For example, thepost 649 can be received in a c-clip that forms a hand of an action figure toy (not shown). - Other implementations are within the scope of the following claims. For example, the
projectiles respective bases projectiles projectiles bases - Any of the
bases respective toy assemblies system 500 can be a molded, single-piece element or an assembly made from multiple interconnected components. The projectiles, bases, and/or actuators discussed above can be made of plastic. - The
linear portions linear portions - In implementations in which the
clamp - While many alterations and modifications of the present disclosure will become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art after having read the foregoing description, it is to be understood that the particular embodiments shown and described by way of illustration are in no way intended to be considered limiting. Further, the disclosure has been described with reference to particular preferred embodiments, but variations within the spirit and scope of the disclosure will occur to those skilled in the art. The foregoing examples have been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the present disclosure. Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary implementations, the words, which have been used herein, are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes can be made, within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure in its aspects. Although the present disclosure has been described herein with reference to particular means, materials, and implementations, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, the present disclosure extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (23)
1-19. (canceled)
20. A toy assembly comprising:
a projectile comprising an engagement portion and a linear portion that extends from the engagement portion along a longitudinal axis, the linear portion having a cylindrical shape and a circular cross-section;
an actuator comprising a trigger portion;
a base comprising:
a pivot point configured to receive the actuator, and
a body that defines an opening, the opening being configured to receive and hold the linear portion of the projectile in the opening; and
a base post extending outward from the body of the base, the base post being configured to couple the base to a separate and distinct building element, wherein
the projectile is released from the opening of the body in a first direction that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the linear portion in response to force being applied to the trigger portion of the actuator in a second direction, the second direction being distinct from the first direction.
21. The toy assembly of claim 20 , wherein the building element that is separate and distinct from the base comprises a portion of a toy figure, and the base post is configured to be held in a c-clip that forms a hand of the toy figure.
22. The toy assembly of claim 20 , wherein the base comprises a coupling stud configured to connect the base to a separate and distinct building element, and the projectile comprises a coupling stud configured to connect the projectile to a separate and distinct building element.
23. The toy assembly of claim 20 , wherein the body of the base has an outer surface that is at least partially cylindrical.
24. The toy assembly of claim 20 , wherein the base comprises a coupling stud configured to connect the base to a separate and distinct building element.
25. The toy assembly of claim 20 , wherein the engagement portion of the projectile has a circular cross-section, and a diameter of the circular cross-section of the engagement portion is larger than a diameter of the circular cross-section of the linear portion.
26. The toy assembly of claim 20 , wherein the linear portion comprises a first end and a second end, the engagement portion being at the first end, and further comprising applying force in the first direction to the second end of the linear portion.
27. The toy assembly of claim 20 , wherein the trigger portion partially surrounds the linear portion of the projectile.
28. The toy assembly of claim 27 , wherein, when the linear portion of the projectile is received in the opening of the base, the trigger portion partially surrounds the linear portion of the projectile without obscuring the opening of the body.
29. The toy assembly of claim 28 , wherein the trigger portion comprises a notch that partially surrounds the linear portion.
30. The toy assembly of claim 20 , wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.
31. A toy assembly comprising:
a projectile comprising an engagement portion and a linear portion extending from the engagement portion along a longitudinal axis, the linear portion having a cylindrical shape and a circular cross-section;
an actuator comprising a trigger portion;
a base comprising:
a first side that defines a pivot point, the pivot point being configured to receive the actuator, the actuator being configured to rotate about the pivot point when received at the pivot point,
a second side defining an opening, the opening being configured to receive and hold the linear portion of the projectile, and
a third side, opposite to the first side, the third side defining at least one recess configured to receive and hold a coupling stud of a separate and distinct building element in a frictional engagement, wherein
the base is a molded, single-piece element, and
the projectile is released from the base in a first direction that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the linear portion in response to force being applied to the trigger portion of the actuator in a second direction, the second direction being distinct from the first direction.
32. The toy assembly of claim 31 , wherein the first side of the base comprises a surface and a coupling stud that extends from the surface.
33. The toy assembly of claim 32 , wherein the surface is in a plane, an end of the coupling stud that is farthest from the surface in a direction that is normal to the plane is a first distance from the plane along the direction that is normal to the surface, the pivot point is a second distance from the plane along the direction that is normal to the surface, and the first and second distances are different.
34. The toy assembly of claim 33 , wherein the first distance is less than the second distance.
35. The toy assembly of claim 32 , wherein a center of the coupling stud of the first side and a center of one of the at least one recesses of the third side are aligned in the second direction.
36. The toy assembly of claim 32 , wherein the trigger portion partially surrounds the linear portion of the projectile.
37. The toy assembly of claim 36 , wherein the trigger portion comprises a notch that partially surrounds the linear portion.
38. A toy construction set comprising:
a plurality of interconnectible building elements; and
a toy assembly configured to connect to at least one of the interconnectible building elements, the toy assembly comprising:
a projectile comprising an engagement portion and a linear portion that extends from the engagement portion along a longitudinal axis, the linear portion having a cylindrical shape and a circular cross-section;
an actuator comprising a trigger portion;
a base comprising:
a pivot point configured to receive the actuator, and
a body that defines an opening, the opening being configured to receive and hold the linear portion of the projectile in the opening; and
a base post extending outward from the body of the base, the base post being configured to couple the base to a separate and distinct building element, wherein
the projectile is released from the opening of the body in a first direction that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the linear portion in response to force being applied to the trigger portion of the actuator in a second direction, the second direction being distinct from the first direction.
39. A toy construction set comprising:
a plurality of interconnectible building elements; and
a toy assembly configured to connect to at least one of the interconnectible building elements, the toy assembly comprising:
a projectile comprising an engagement portion and a linear portion extending from the engagement portion along a longitudinal axis, the linear portion having a cylindrical shape and a circular cross-section;
an actuator comprising a trigger portion;
a base comprising:
a first side that defines a pivot point, the pivot point being configured to receive the actuator, the actuator being configured to rotate about the pivot point when received at the pivot point,
a second side defining an opening, the opening being configured to receive and hold the linear portion of the projectile, and
a third side, opposite to the first side, the third side defining at least one recess configured to receive and hold a coupling stud of a separate and distinct building element in a frictional engagement, wherein
the base is a molded, single-piece element, and
the projectile is released from the base in a first direction that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the linear portion in response to force being applied to the trigger portion of the actuator in a second direction, the second direction being distinct from the first direction.
40. A toy assembly comprising:
a projectile comprising:
an engagement portion comprising a flat face, the flat face having a circular cross-section, and
a linear portion extending from the flat face of the engagement portion along a longitudinal axis, the linear portion having a cylindrical shape and a circular cross-section, a diameter of the circular cross-section of the flat face being larger than a diameter of the circular cross-section of the linear portion;
a base comprising a body that defines an opening, the opening being configured to receive and hold the linear portion of the projectile in the opening;
an actuator configured to couple to the body of the base and to rotate relative to the body of the base when connected to the base, the actuator comprising a wall portion and a trigger portion, the trigger portion extending in a direction that is perpendicular to a direction along which the wall portion extends, the actuator, wherein
the wall portion of the actuator applies force at least a portion of the flat face of the projectile in a first direction in response to rotating the trigger portion relative to the body of the base, and
the projectile is released from the opening of the body in a second direction that is distinct from the first direction in response to the wall portion of the actuator applying force to the flat face of the projectile.
41. The toy assembly of claim 40 , wherein the actuator is accessible from an outside of the body of the base.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/533,344 US20150226514A1 (en) | 2012-09-28 | 2014-11-05 | Projectile Firing Building Element |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
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US201261707432P | 2012-09-28 | 2012-09-28 | |
US13/762,949 US8893699B2 (en) | 2012-09-28 | 2013-02-08 | Projectile firing building element |
US14/533,344 US20150226514A1 (en) | 2012-09-28 | 2014-11-05 | Projectile Firing Building Element |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US13/762,949 Continuation US8893699B2 (en) | 2012-09-28 | 2013-02-08 | Projectile firing building element |
Publications (1)
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US20150226514A1 true US20150226514A1 (en) | 2015-08-13 |
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US13/762,949 Active 2033-05-31 US8893699B2 (en) | 2012-09-28 | 2013-02-08 | Projectile firing building element |
US14/533,344 Abandoned US20150226514A1 (en) | 2012-09-28 | 2014-11-05 | Projectile Firing Building Element |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US13/762,949 Active 2033-05-31 US8893699B2 (en) | 2012-09-28 | 2013-02-08 | Projectile firing building element |
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US (2) | US8893699B2 (en) |
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US9687750B2 (en) | 2014-10-06 | 2017-06-27 | Mattel, Inc. | Pivoting disc launching toy |
USD793488S1 (en) | 2016-02-12 | 2017-08-01 | Mega Brands Inc. | Launcher |
US9814997B1 (en) | 2015-07-23 | 2017-11-14 | Mega Brands Inc. | Toy construction element with moving members |
USD834105S1 (en) | 2017-06-01 | 2018-11-20 | Mattel-Mega Holdings (Us), Llc | Construction set element |
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US8893699B2 (en) * | 2012-09-28 | 2014-11-25 | Hasbro, Inc. | Projectile firing building element |
CA2900881C (en) * | 2013-03-12 | 2021-01-05 | Lego A/S | Shooting toy |
JP5937160B2 (en) * | 2014-08-29 | 2016-06-22 | 株式会社Area81 | Deformed block toy |
US10190842B2 (en) * | 2015-04-08 | 2019-01-29 | Mattel, Inc. | Toy projectile launch system |
CN107537161B (en) * | 2016-06-27 | 2023-03-31 | 奥飞娱乐股份有限公司 | Toy capable of ejecting accessory |
USD870212S1 (en) | 2018-02-22 | 2019-12-17 | Carl William Bolton | Hand held spring loaded captive plunger device |
DK180321B1 (en) * | 2019-01-29 | 2020-11-16 | Lego As | TOY TOP LAUNCH RAMP |
USD937360S1 (en) * | 2020-01-22 | 2021-11-30 | Costas Sisamos | Snap-lock construction toy male round axle |
USD936752S1 (en) * | 2020-01-22 | 2021-11-23 | Costas Sisamos | Snap-lock construction toy axle |
USD936751S1 (en) * | 2020-01-22 | 2021-11-23 | Costas Sisamos | Snap-lock construction toy beam connector |
USD937361S1 (en) * | 2020-01-22 | 2021-11-30 | Costas Sisamos | Snap-lock construction toy rod male female unit |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US8893699B2 (en) | 2014-11-25 |
US20140090630A1 (en) | 2014-04-03 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |