WO2015149729A1

WO2015149729A1 - A device for launching small objects, particularly balls or pellets

Info

Publication number: WO2015149729A1
Application number: PCT/CZ2015/000030
Authority: WO
Inventors: Libor PYTEL
Original assignee: Pytel Libor
Priority date: 2014-04-01
Filing date: 2015-03-31
Publication date: 2015-10-08
Also published as: CZ26932U1

Abstract

A device (1) for launching small objects, in particular balls or pellets, consisting of a standing part (2), of a launching part (3) rotatably mounted to the standing part (2), and an elastic element (8) for storing energy during the rotation of the launching part (3) in one direction and for releasing energy during the rotation of the launching part (3) and launching the object in the opposite direction. The launching part (3) is formed by a tension arm (4) and a launch arm (5), wherein the mutually adjacent ends of the tension arm (4) and the launch arm (5) are provided with a means for coupling the rotational movement of the tension arm (4) and the launch arm (5), and at least one of the arms (4, 5) is connected with an elastic element (8) for storing energy during the movement of the averted ends of the arms (4, 5) towards each other into the tension position, in which the arms (4, 5) basically form the shape of a letter "V" and for releasing the stored energy during the return movement of the arms (4, 5) to the resting position.

Description

A device for launching small objects, particularly balls or pellets

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a device for launching small objects, specifically balls or pellets or other small objects, consisting of a standing part and a launching part.

Background of the invention

Various devices are used in table games and other games for the purposes of launching small objects, such as balls or pellets. A game of table football is known, for example, in which the player figures are attached to the playing surface by a spring. The figure is pre-stressed on a spring against the direction of the ball's launch by the hand or finger. After releasing, the figure abruptly springs back, and impacts the ball to launch it in the desired direction. The figure here simultaneously forms the standing and launching part.

Document EP I 685 881 describes a different design for the playing figures for table football or another table ball game. The playing figure has a single support leg fixed to the playing surface which together with the body forms the standing part, and a single movable leg which is rotatably mounted on an axis on the standing part and at the connection with the body of the figure is provided with a spring so as to form the launching part. Using the finger, the launching part is twisted backwards into the tension position. After releasing, the launching part, through the tension of the spring, is expelled and rapidly returns to its resting position, thereby launching the playing ball.

Document US 2 289 421 describes a playing figure, specifically a bowler, whose body forms the standing part and whose arms form the launching part, equipped with a spring in its shoulder. The arm is held in the tension position by a movable pin. Releasing the pin springs the arm back, launching the ball.

The disadvantages of the aforementioned playing figures lie in the fact that in order to function correctly, they require a solid surface to which they are attached. The game thus makes high demands for space. The manufacture of the above described playing figures with their respective playing surfaces is demanding in terms of cost and material. The overall game, respectively the device, is expensive and difficult to carry, and its use is limited. The invention aims to provide a device which would remedy the above disadvantages, would be small, easily portable, inexpensive, easy to grip by left- and right-handers, and would be simple to manufacture, while providing other uses such as promotional use.

Summary of the invention

This task is solved by creating a device for launching small objects, especially balls or pellets, according to the present invention. The device consists of a standing part, a launching part rotatably mounted to the standing part, and of an elastic element for storing energy during the rotation of the launching part in one direction and for releasing energy during the rotation of the launching part and launching the object in the opposite direction. The essence of the invention lies in the fact that the launching part is formed by a tension arm and a launch arm. The mutually adjacent ends of the tension arm and the launch arm are provided with a means for coupling the rotary movement of the tension arm and the launch arm, and at least one of the arms is connected with an elastic element for storing energy during the movement of the averted ends of the arms towards each other into the tension position, in which the arms essentially form the shape of the letter "V", and for releasing the stored energy during the return movement of the arms into the resting position. When the player pulls the free end of the tension arm towards himself into the tension position, he simultaneously overcomes the resistance of the elastic element which stores energy and simultaneously moves the coupled launch arm backwards. When the player releases the tension arm, it springs back to its resting position. Together with the tension arm, the coupled launch arm also springs back, thus launching the object in front of it.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each arm has its own axis of rotation. The tension arm is rotatably mounted to the standing part on its own axis of rotation of the tension arm, while the launch arm is rotatably mounted to the standing part on its own axis of rotation of the launch arm. The axes of rotation are arranged at mutually adjacent ends of the arms arranged in a central region of the launching part. An arrangement in which each arm has its own axis of rotation simplifies the shape construction of the device and reduces the demands for strength both on the axis of rotation and on the actual body of the tensioner and launch arm.

In one preferred embodiment, the elastic element consists of a rubber strip connecting the tension arm and launch arm at their outer side opposite the direction of tension. The outer placing of the elastic element is suitable e.g. for embodiments in which the ends of the arms are provided with cogged segments.

In another preferred embodiment, the elastic element is a thin steel strip connecting the tension arm and the launch arm at their point of contact. The strip is slidably mounted at its one end in a casing formed as a recess in the tension arm, while its other end is slidably mounted in a casing formed as a recess in the launch arm. The steel strip functions as a means for storing and releasing energy as well as a means for coupling the movement of the tension arm and launch arm. When the arm moves into the tension position and back to its resting position, the steel strip bends while moving in its casing due to changes in its length during bending.

In another preferred embodiment, the elastic element is formed by a rubber strip interconnecting the arms and mounted at one of its ends in a casing formed as a recess in the tension arm, while its other end is mounted in a casing formed as a recess in the launch arm. The shape of the rubber strip is adaptable, so it can be mounted in a fixed position into both casings, especially when using softer and more flexible rubber. The function of the rubber strip is the same as the function of the steel strip.

In another preferred embodiment, the elastic element is formed by a coil spring arranged between the standing part and the launching part. By arranging the coil spring on the axes of rotation of the arms forming the launching part, multiplied force is achieved for springing the launch arm. It is possible, however, to deploy a coil spring only on one axis of rotation. The function remains the same, only with reduced springing force of the launch arm. The means for coupling the rotary movement of the tension arm and launch arm can be solved in many different ways, in one preferred embodiment, this means is formed by cogs formed on the tension arm and cogs formed on the launcher arm, wherein the cogs of the tension arm and the cogs of the launch arm mesh together at the point where the two arms meet. This may be cogged segments at the ends of the arms, inner cogged surfaces at the interface area where the two arms overlap, and similar.

The means for coupling the movement of the arms in another preferred embodiment is formed by a friction drive. The function of the friction wheels of the friction drive is the same as the function of the cogs.

From the functional point of view, it is preferred that the standing part is taller than the launching part. This embodiment ensures that there is no friction between the launch arm and the surface of the base, so that its movement is not hampered during launching. It should be emphasized that the device is intended for launching objects on any hard surface and does not require a special pad.

Finally, it is preferred that the standing part is in the shape of a horizontal "U" and the tension arm and launch arm are each in the shape of the letter "L" mirrored against each other, whereby the standing part and the tension arm and the launch arm fit together. This design is easy to handle and simultaneously allows the device to be turned over so that it may be used by a left-handed person. The lower arm of the horizontal "U" forms the base of the device, while its upper arm and the base of the "L" forming the upper part form a support for fingers when applying tension to the tension arm. The base of the "L" launch arm then has sufficient space to hit and launch a small object.

The advantages of the device according to the invention consist especially in the fact that no additional accessory is required for its application, it can be applied to any hard surface, and it can launch special balls as well as any small objects, e.g., rubber or paper balls, etc. The device is small, easily portable, simple to manufacture, and inexpensive. The surface of the device can be used for advertising purposes. Description of the illustrations

The invention is illustrated in more detail by means of the illustrations, in which Fig. I shows a front view of the device with an elastic element comprising a strip in the resting position, Fig. 2 shows the device according to Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the device according to Fig. 1, Fig. 4 is a front view of the device with the launching part in the active position, Fig. 5 is a vertical sectional view of the elastic element of the device according to Fig. 1 in the active position, Fig. 6 is a side view of the device according to Fig. 1 in the active position, Fig. 7 is a plan view of the device according to Fig. 1 with the launching part in the active position, Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the device according to Fig. 1 with the launching part in the active position, Fig. 9 is a front view of the device with cogs and elastic element with the launching part in the active position, Fig. 10 is a rear perspective view of the device according to Fig. 9, Fig. 1 1 is a front perspective view of the device according to Fig. 9, Fig. 12 is a side view of the device according to Fig. 9, Fig. 13 is a side view of the device with cogs and a coil spring as the elastic element with the launching part in the active position, Fig. 14 is a plan view according to Fig. 13, Fig. 15 is a front view of the device according to Fig. 13, Fig. 16 is a vertical sectional view of the device according to Fig. 15, Fig. 17 is a rear perspective view of the device according to Fig. 13, and Fig. 18 is a front perspective view of the device according to Fig. 13.

Examples of the preferred embodiments of the invention

It is understood that the hereinafter described and illustrated specific examples of the realization of the invention are presented for illustrative purposes and not as a limitation of the examples of the realization of the invention to the casings shown herein. Experts who are familiar with the state of technology shall find, or using routine experimentation will be able to determine, a greater or lesser number of equivalents to the specific realizations of the invention which are specifically described here. These equivalents shall also be included into the scope of the claims.

The device 1 according to the present invention is formed by a standing part 2 and a launching part 3, which are manufactured as plastic moldings. They can also be made from wood, metal, or composite. The standing part 2 is fixed, is in the shape of a horizontal letter "U", and is taller than the launching part 3. The standing part 2 and the launching part 3 are parallel. The launching part 3 is formed by an upper tension arm 4 and a lower launch arm 5. The arms 4, 5 are symmetrical, are each in the shape of the letters "L", and are arranged opposite each other in a mirror position. This has the advantage that the device 1 can be turned over so that it can be used both right-handed and left-handed. The tension arm 4 is connected to the standing part 2 by its own axis of rotation 6 while the launch arm 5 is connected to the standing part 2 also by its own axis of rotation 7. The tension arm 4 is arranged above the launch arm 5. When the tension arm 4 is pressed, the launch arm 5 is also pressed, so that the arms 4, 5 form, in the tension position, the shape of the letter "V" whose apex is formed by the elastic element 8. When releasing the tension arm 4, the tension arm 4 returns abruptly to its resting position, simultaneously springing the launch arm 5 and launching the ball or pellet 13.

Figs. 1-8 show an exemplary embodiment of the invention, wherein the tension arm 4 and launch arm 5 are connected by the elastic element 8 consisting of a strip. The strip is made of steel or rubber. The strip is placed in the casing 9 in the tension arm 4 and in the casing | formed opposite in the launch arm 5. If the strip is made of steel, then it is placed in the casing 9, 9 loosely enough so that it can slide when tension is applied to the arms 4, 5. Its length however is long enough so that it does not fall out of the casing % 9\ If the strip is made of rubber, it may be placed permanently in the casing 9, 9J_, because rubber material is more malleable. The rubber strip can even be inserted directly into the casing 9, 9J_, during the production of the launching part 3.

The casing 9, 9 . is formed in the central part of the shank of the arms 4, 5, in the casing where the arms 4, 5 are made of thin plastic. If the arms 4, 5 are made of thicker plastic, the casing , may be molded in the front or rear part of the shank of the arms 4, 5.

The elastic element 8 can also be, in the example of the embodiment shown in Figs. 13 to 18, formed as a coil spring. The coil spring is mounted on the axis of rotation 6 of the tension arm 4 or on the axis of rotation 7 of the launch arm 5. It may also be, however, mounted on both axes of rotation 6, 7 for multiplying force. It can be directly molded into the arms 4, 5 of the launching part, or it can be attached to the axes of rotation 6, 7 between the standing part 2 and the launching part 3.

Figs. 9 to 12 illustrate another example of the embodiment of the invention, in which the elastic element 8 is formed by an outer rubber strip 10 connecting the tension arm 4 and the launch arm 5. The arms 4, 5 are provided with a means for coupling the movement; in this example of the embodiment the launch arm 5 terminates with cogs 12 which mesh with the cogs 11 forming the ends of the tension arm 4.

In other examples of the embodiment which are not shown in the illustrations, the means for coupling the movement of the arms 4, 5 is formed by a friction wheel mounted on the tension arm 4 and as a friction wheel mounted on the launch arm 5. The friction wheels engage with each other and form a friction drive which functions the same as the cogged gears described above.

The device 1 operates such that upon pulling back the tension arm 4 with the finger, the tension arm 4 is tilted backwards, accumulates energy through the action of the elastic element 8, and at the same time due to the coupled motion the launch arm 5 also tilts in the same direction as the tension arm 4. The tension arm 4 and launch arm thus form the shape of the letter "V" in the tension position. After releasing the tension arm 4, the tension arm 4 springs back forward into its resting position, and together with it the launch arm 5 also moves forward, launching during this springing movement the object, e.g. ball or pellet, which was placed before the launch arm 5 before applying the tension. The tension arm 4 and launch arm 5 both straighten in the resting position and remain substantially parallel with the standing part 2.

Industrial applicability

The device for launching small objects, particularly balls or pellets, according to the invention can be used alone or as part of different or shooting or throwing games. Overview of the markings used in the illustrations

1 device

2 standing part

3 launching part

4 tension arm

5 launch arm

6 axis of rotation of the tension arm

7 axis of rotation of the launch arm.

8 elastic element

9 casing formed in the tension arm

9' casing formed in the launch arm

10 rubber strip

11 cogs of the tension arm

12 cogs of the launch arm

13 ball or pellet

Claims

1. A device (1) for launching small objects, in particular balls or pellets, consisting of a standing part (2)_r of a launching part (3) rotatably mounted to the standing part (2), and of an elastic element (8) for storing energy during the rotation of the launching part (3) in one direction and for releasing energy during the rotation of the launching part (3) and for launching the object in the opposite direction ch ra cterized in th at the launching part (3) is formed by a tension arm (4) and a launch arm (5), wherein the mutually adjacent ends of the tension arm (4) and the launch arm (5) are provided with a means for coupling the rotational movement of the tension arm (4) and the launch arm (5) and at least one of the arms (4, 5) is connected with an elastic element (8) for storing energy during the movement of the averted ends of the arms (4, 5) towards each other into the tension position, in which the arms (4, 5) basically form the shape of the letter "V" and for releasing the stored energy during the return movement of the arms (4, 5) to their resting position.

2. A device according to claim 1 ch a ra cterized i n th at the tension arm (4) is mounted rotatably to the standing part (2) on its own axis of rotation (6) of the tension aim (4), the launch arm (5) is mounted rotatably to the standing part (2) on its own axis of rotation (7) of the launch arm (5), wherein the axes of rotation (6, 7) are arranged at mutually adjacent ends of the arms (4, 5) arranged in the central area of the launching part (3).

3. A device according to claim 1 or 2 ch a ra cterized in th at the elastic element (8) comprises a rubber strip (10) connecting the tension arm (4) and the launch arm (5) on their outer side opposite the direction of tension.

4. A device according to claim 1 or 2 ch aract erized in th at the elastic element (8) is a steel strip connecting the arms (4, 5) slidably mounted on its one end in a casing (9) formed as a recess in the tension arm (4), while its other end is slidably mounted in a casing (9') formed as a recess in the launch arm (5).

5. A device according to claim l or 2 characterized in that the elastic element (8) is a rubber strip connecting the arms (4, 5) mounted by its one end in a casing (9) formed as a recess in the tension arm (4), while its other end is mounted in a casing (9') formed as a recess in the launch arm (5).

6. A device according to claim l or 2 characterized in that the elastic element (8) is a coil spring arranged between the standing part (2) and the launching part (3).

7. A device according to claim 1 or 2 ch aracterized in th at the means for coupling the movement comprises cogs (11) formed on the tension arm (4) and by cogs (12) formed on the launch arm (5), wherein the cogs (1 1) of the tension arm (4) and the cogs (12) of the launch arm (5) mesh together.

8. A device according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that the means for coupling the movement of the arms (4, 5) is formed by a friction drive.

9. A device according to at least one of claims 1 to 8 characterized in that the standing part (2) is taller than the launching part (3).

10. A device according to at least one of claims 1 to 9 characterized in that the standing part (2) is in the shape of a horizontal "U" and the tension arm (4) and launch arm (5) are each in the shape of the letter "L" mirrored against each other, wherein the standing part (2) and the tension arm (4) and the launch arm (5) are adjacent to each other.