Games using tangible projectile – Golf – Practice swingable implement or indicator associated with...
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-02
2001-01-09
Nguyen, Kien T. (Department: 3712)
Games using tangible projectile
Golf
Practice swingable implement or indicator associated with...
C473S250000, C473S576000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06171200
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to amusement devices, and more specifically, to an amusement ball having a retractable propelling mechanism.
2. Description of the Related Art
Sales of toys and other amusement devices form a large part of the economy. Some popular amusement devices are conventional ball devices that are propelled or launched through the air by human power. Propelling with human power is conventionally achieveed in one of two methods. In a first method, a conventioral ball device is first physically gripped. Once gripped, the conventional ball device is then launched by using forward momentum of an outward force.
In a second method, the conventional ball device is attached to the end of a rope. The amusement device again first gripped by the rope. Once gripped, the rope is used to twirl the conventional ball device in a circular motion. Using the developed centrifugal force the conventional ball device is released and launched forward. Frequently, the second method produces the furthest throwing results.
Conventional ball devices that can be gripped and then physically launched are known. A problem, however, with these conventional ball devices is that they lack a rope or a cord. The lack of a rope or a cord limits the amount of total force to be applied to the conventional ball device to launch it. This results in limiting or decreasing the distance that the conventional ball device can be propelled.
Conventional ball devices having a rope or a cord attachment that may generate momentum with a circular motion and with the help of centrifugal force be launched are also known. A problem with conventional ball devices having a rope or a cord attachment is that the rope or the cord consistently trails the conventional ball device. The trailing rope increases drag on the conventional ball device. The increased drag clearly hinders the flight of the ball. This results in limiting or decreasing the distance that the conventional ball device can be propelled.
Another problem with conventional amusement devices having a rope or a cord attachment is that the rope consistently flails once it is released. This also increases drag on the ball and results in limiting or decreasing the distance the amusement device can be propelled. The flailing rope also disrupts the aerodynamics of the conventional ball device. More particularly, the flailing rope causes the flight path of the conventional ball device to be altered as the whipping force of the trailing rope causes a shift in the direction of force in which the conventional ball device is propelled. This also reduces the distance the ball can be propelled. Moreover, it reduces the accuracy with which the ball may be directed once it is propelled.
Yet another problem with conventional ball devices having a rope or a cord is that they may be susceptible to causing increased damage in the surroundings where they are propelled. More particularly, the trailing rope may be flaiLing out of control. The trailing and flailing rope causes whip-like forces to be applied to innocent objects and things resulting in damage to those items.
Therefore, there is a need for an amusemnent ball device that may (1) be launched through a rope or a cord and (2) that minimizes or eliminates the application of external forces on the amusement ball device that may unnecessarily hinder the forces to propel the amusement ball device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In an embodiment of the present invention, a retractable amusement ball device includes a retract assembly. The retract assembly includes a recoil mechanism. A line or cord is attached to the recoil assembly at one end. The other end of the line may include a handgrip assembly such as a knob, a ring, or a handle.
When the retractable amusement ball device is at rest, the line is wound about the recoil assembly. The handgrip assembly comes to rest against an exterior of the retractable amusement ball device. When a participant plans to launch the retractable amusement ball device, the participant grips or grabs the handgrip assembly and pulls the line into an extended position. A force is applied to the ball through the extended line and handgrip mechanism. For example, a centrifugal force, may be applied by gripping the handgrip assembly and twirling the ball in a circular manner.
When the participant releases the handgrip assembly, the recoil mechanism rewinds the line back into the retract assembly as the retractable amusement ball device is propelled through the air. By the time the retractable amusement ball device is back at rest, the line is completely recoiled within the retractable amusement ball device and the handgrip assembly is again at rest against the retractable amusement ball device.
An advantage of the present invention is that because the line is recoiled back into the retractable amusement ball device, the line is not consistently trailing the retractable amusement ball device. Therefore, the present invention beneficially reduces drag force on the retractable amusement ball device. Further, another advantage of the present invention is that the line is not flailing around as the retractable amusement ball device is propelled. Therefore, the present invention beneficially reduces or eliminates extraneous whipping forces on the retractable amusement ball device. Moreover, the present invention increases aerodynamic capabilities of the retractable amusement ball device, and thereby beneficially increases propulsion distances.
The present invention also allows for a retractable amusement ball device having increased versatility for the propulsion methods. The present invention beneficially allows a participant to grip this device and propel it in a forward motion without it being hindered by a trailing line. In addition, the present invention allows a participant to grip the handgrip device, pull the line from the retract assembly, and launch the retractable amusement ball device with centrifugal force to propel it in a forward motion. The versatility of the present invention beneficially allows a participant to utilize these methods, as well as numerous other methods, without being hindered from one method or the other when propelling the retractable amusement ball device. Some of these methods may also challenge or improve participant dexterity in that more intricately performed propulsion maneuvers can be realized.
The present invention also allows for a variety of unique handgrip assemblies. In addition to, for example, a knob, a ring, or a handle, the handgrip assembly may be, for example, an optical or light assembly or a parachute assembly. This feature beneficially increases the number of configurations that the ball amusement device may be assembled into, and therefore, increases the number and variety of activities for which the retractable amusement ball device can be used.
The features and advantages described in the specification are not all inclusive and, in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the drawings, specification, and claims. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter.
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Fenwick & West LLP
Nguyen Kien T.
LandOfFree
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