Mechanical guns and projectors – Fluid pressure – With control for discharge of fluid pressure
Reexamination Certificate
2001-11-09
2003-11-11
Carone, Michael J. (Department: 3643)
Mechanical guns and projectors
Fluid pressure
With control for discharge of fluid pressure
C124S032000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06644294
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to recreational projectile launching devices, and more particularly to an improved air cannon for launching large projectiles such as golf balls, paint balls, and the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Recreational projecting/launching devices are well-known in the art. Depending upon the target of interest, the projectile may be hollow or solid and launched at various velocities. Such devices typically include mechanisms for storing projectiles, automatically feeding the projectiles, and for launching the projectiles at various predetermined rates. The devices used for launching larger projectiles are typically actuated by pressurized gas or the like or include a means for developing such pressure for the purpose of launching.
Such devices are used for various entertainment purposes including tennis, golf, baseball, paint balls, or the like large projectiles. Such projectiles provide a safe and reusable supply of projectiles for use in numerous games such as war games. The various known patents all provide variations to launching devices typically for amusement purposes.
For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,066 discloses a gas powered ball gun for propelling ball projectiles, such as paint balls, found in amusement park settings. An air reservoir formed in a housing stores a pressurized gas charge which combines with gas pressure from a separate source to propel the ball projectile. Automatic reloading is accomplished by drop-feeding balls into the chamber from a vertical feeding tube.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,938,272 discloses a toy cannon which utilizes a flint ignition system igniting a fuel-air mixture to discharge a ball out of the barrel.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,223,472 discloses a toy projectile launching device which has a main tubular member in communication with an air pump, an air storage tank, and a projectile launching housing rotatably coupled to the main tubular member. The device launches a toy rocket from the launching housing. A manually operated valve is switchable between a first, second, and third position. The first position permits the transfer of air from an air pump to the air storage tank, the second position permits the passage of the compressed air from the air storage tank to the rocket launching housing, and the third position permits the escape of minute quantities of air through an air-operated sounding mechanism, such as a whistle.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,850,826 is drawn to a blow gun assembly for launching spherical projectiles, specifically paint balls. The device includes a loading chamber slidably received in a housing having loading, muzzle, and air input apertures. An ammunition clip in the form of a horizontal cylinder is provided. The loading chamber is movable from a first position to a second position within the housing, but is biased in the first position. When the loading chamber is in its second position, the breech channel is aligned with the loading aperture to define a projectile loading pathway, and a projectile will move from the ammunition clip into the breech channel of the loading chamber. When the loading chamber is in the first position, the breech channel is aligned with the muzzle aperture and the air input aperture to define a projectile launching pathway. A projectile will then move propelled through the breech channel into the barrel and is then discharged.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,086,902 discloses a toy projectile launching apparatus. The apparatus is pneumatically connected to an operating mechanism having a chamber whose size can be suddenly changed by squeezing, or a manual blow, or the release of a stressed spring, to alter the pneumatic pressure applied. The projectiles, which simulate shells or bullets, are fed into a launching position at the bottom of the magazine by gravity.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,343,849 discloses a rapid fire ball gun. A hollow body supports a pressurizable air vessel. A cylindrical ball chamber may hold a plurality of compressible foam balls between intermediate seals. Pulling the trigger of the gun releases pressurized air to expel a ball out the barrel.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,094,294 teaches a ball projecting device which utilizes a pneumatically operated detente in the barrel of the device. The detent holds the ball within the barrel until a predetermined air pressure is built up behind the ball, which then causes the detent to collapse, expelling the ball from the barrel.
Various games using toy projectiles are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,613,678, 5,681,043, 3,469,842, 3,582,079, 3,843,125, and 4,183,530.
While the foregoing described prior art devices have, in different ways, improved the state of the art for such ball launchers and toy guns, there remains a continuing demand for novel devices or improved gun features. In addition, the prior art fails to contemplate a controller means electrically coupled to a plurality of solenoids to provide a timing sequence for launching and relocating of another projectile.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The instant invention is an improved air cannon that electronically controls high pressure air to propel spherical projectiles, particularly golf balls or paint balls, for amusement purposes. The balls are propelled with sufficient pressure to allow targeting of objects at a distance of about 100-300 yards. When a firing means is actuated, a valve opens to send high pressure air behind a ball within the chamber, forcing the expulsion of that ball. The gun is then automatically restored to a firing position by way of activated microswitches and solenoids providing movement of components.
Following expulsion of a ball, a succession of microswitch-activated solenoids open designated air valves in a specific order for the controlled movement of components for reloading of the cannon. Once a ball is discharged, a retaining pin is slid to cover the main chamber opening, thereby preventing a next ball from entrance into the chamber as the breech, herein referred to as a retractable cylinder, is displaced. As this occurs, the retractable cylinder is moved backward. Next, the retaining pin is slid away from the entrance of the chamber, thus mobilizing a next ball located in a cylinder, constructed and arranged for housing a plurality of balls, to enter into the chamber. The retractable cylinder is then moved forward, pushing the ball forward within the main chamber in order to reach a firing position. Once reaching the proper position, plungers prohibit the ball from rolling forward; and, as a sensor detects the ball, an indicator light is illuminated, signaling the cannon is ready to fire again.
Accordingly, it is an objective of the instant invention to provide an electronically controlled air-powered cannon to launch projectiles in rapid succession with repeatable air pressures.
It is a further objective of the instant invention to provide an electronically controlled air-powered cannon to launch projectiles under high pressure to reach extended distances.
It is yet another objective of the instant invention to provide an electronically controlled air-powered cannon to launch projectiles which allows the end-user to visualize a projectile under low light conditions.
It is a still further objective of the invention to provide electronic based circuitry for the timed firing and reloading of projectiles.
It is a still further objective of the invention to provide a series of solenoids for an air-powered cannon controlled electronically for the precise movement of components.
It is yet another objective of the instant invention to provide an electronically controlled air-powered cannon to launch projectiles including safety features to inhibit firing.
Other objectives and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features t
McHale & Slavin P.A.
Piascik Susan L
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