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PROJECTILE LAUNCHER AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to US Provisional Patent

Application No. 61/858,917, filed July 26, 2013, entitled "Projectile Launcher and Method of Operating the Same," the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Various embodiments of the present invention relate to a toy projectile launcher or dart launching mechanism and a method of operating the same.

[0003] Darts or toy projectiles have been used in toy guns, blasters or other toys to provide an enhanced play factor to the toy blasters or toys. Children desire to play with projectile launchers that can launch multiple projectiles. Also, as with any toy projectile launcher, it is desirable to provide the same with a safety mechanism that allows for consistent operation and prevents misuse.

[0004] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a toy projectile launcher that utilizes pressurized air to launch toy projectiles. It is also desirable to provide an improved pneumatically driven operating device for a toy projectile launcher. It is also desirable to provide a launcher that provides air at a consistent pressure to launch sequential projectiles in a consistent manner. It is also desirable to provide a toy projectile launcher that has a safety mechanism and improvements to the operation thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In one embodiment, a toy is provided. The toy having: a reservoir configured to hold a compressed fluid; a conduit operatively coupling the reservoir to a pneumatically driven operating device; a magazine configured to hold a plurality of projectiles therein, wherein the pneumatically driven operating device is configured to be fluidly coupled to the magazine; and a safety mechanism for preventing the fluid MAT0306PCT (17428PCT)

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coupling of the pneumatically driven operating device to the magazine, wherein the safety mechanism comprises at least one member pivotally mounted to the toy for movement between a first position, wherein operation of pneumatically driven operating device is prevented and the magazine is not fluidly coupled to the pneumatically driven operating device and a second position wherein the magazine is fluidly coupled to the pneumatically driven operating device.

[0006] In one embodiment, a toy projectile launcher configured to launch projectiles, comprising: a body; an elastic bladder coupled to the body, the elastic bladder being configured to hold a compressed fluid; a pneumatically driven operating device, the operating device controlling the flow of fluid in the body and the release of fluid to launch projectiles from the body; and a conduit operatively coupling the bladder to the operating device, wherein the elastic bladder provides fluid at a constant pressure to the operating device.

[0007] In an alternative embodiment, the toy projectile launcher further comprises a valve disposed between the elastic bladder and the operating device.

[0008] In an alternative embodiment, the toy projectile launcher further comprises a magazine with a plurality of chambers, each of the chambers configured to receive a projectile.

[0009] In an alternative embodiment, the operating device comprises a chamber and a reciprocating member located in the chamber, the reciprocating member controlling the release of fluid through the operating device to the magazine.

[0010] In an alternative embodiment, the reciprocating member includes a valve member that is movably mounted to the reciprocating member, the valve member allowing the release of fluid from the chamber to the magazine.

[0011] In an alternative embodiment, the elastic bladder has a first end and a second end having the same diameters, and a middle portion located between the first end and the second end, the middle portion having a diameter different than the diameter of the first end and the second end. MAT0306PCT (17428PCT)

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[0012] In an alternative embodiment, the toy projectile launcher further comprises a pump coupled to the housing, the pump being movable relative to the housing by a user to increase the pressure of the air in the elastic bladder.

[0013] In an alternative embodiment, the elastic bladder expands as the pump is moved by the user.

[0014] In an alternative embodiment, the elastic bladder contracts when air is released from the elastic bladder.

[0015] In an alternative embodiment, the elastic bladder provides a constant air pressure to launch projectiles.

[0016] In an alternative embodiment, the elastic bladder is expandable as fluid is compressed therein, the force exerted by the elastic bladder on the fluid therein being constant as the fluid is released from the elastic bladder.

[0017] In another embodiment, a toy projectile launcher is configured to pneumatically propel a projectile via compressed air, comprising: a body; a reservoir coupled to the body and configured to hold a compressed fluid; a pneumatically driven operating device; a conduit operatively coupling the reservoir to the pneumatically driven operating device; a magazine configured to hold a plurality of the projectiles therein, the magazine being removably coupled to the body, the pneumatically driven operating device being fluidly coupleable to the magazine; and a safety mechanism for preventing the operation of the pneumatically driven operating device and the fluid coupling of the pneumatically driven operating device to the magazine, wherein the safety mechanism comprises at least one member pivotally mounted to the body for movement between a first position, wherein operation of pneumatically driven operating device is prevented and the magazine is not fluidly coupled to the pneumatically driven operating device and a second position wherein the magazine is fluidly coupled to the pneumatically driven operating device.

[0018] In an alternative embodiment, the reservoir is formed of an elastic tubular member.

[0019] In an alternative embodiment, the elastic tubular member is an expandable bladder. MAT0306PCT (17428PCT)

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[0020] In an alternative embodiment, the expandable bladder has a first end having a first diameter, a second end having a second diameter the same as the first diameter, and a middle portion located between the first end and the second end, the middle portion having a third diameter different than the first diameter and the second diameter.

[0021] In an alternative embodiment, the expandable bladder has a first, initial configuration and a second, expanded configuration.

[0022] In an alternative embodiment, the toy projectile launcher further comprises a pump coupled to the housing, the pump being movable relative to the housing by a user to increase the pressure of the air in the reservoir.

[0023] In an alternative embodiment, the reservoir expands as the pump is moved by the user.

[0024] In an alternative embodiment, the reservoir contracts when air is released from the reservoir.

[0025] In an alternative embodiment, the reservoir provides a constant air pressure to launch projectiles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] These and/or other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

[0027] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a device for launching a dart or projectile in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] FIG. IB is a perspective view of the device illustrated in FIG. 1A;

[0029] FIG. 2 is front view of the device illustrated in FIG. 1 A;

[0030] FIGS. 3A-3C are interior views of the device illustrated in FIGS. 1A-2, wherein outer portions of the device have been removed; MAT0306PCT (17428PCT)

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[0031] FIG. 4 is perspective view of the device illustrated in FIG. 1A with portions removed to illustrate a portion of a safety mechanism for use with the device, when a dart has been properly inserted into the device;

[0032] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the device illustrated in FIG. 1A, wherein outer portions have been removed;

[0033] FIGS. 6A and 6B are side views illustrating operational components of the device depicted in at least FIGS. 1-5;

[0034] FIG. 7 is a partial cross- sectional view illustrating operational components of the device depicted in FIG. 1A;

[0035] FIGS. 8A-12E illustrate operation of a safety mechanism, an engine or operating mechanism, and a piston assembly of one non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] FIGS. 13-20 illustrate different views of an alternative embodiment of a toy blaster according to the present invention;

[0037] FIG. 21 illustrates a side view of some of the internal components of the toy blaster depicted in at least FIG. 13;

[0038] FIG. 22 illustrates a perspective view of some of the internal components of the toy blaster depicted in at least FIG. 13; and

[0039] FIG. 23 illustrates a side view of a bladder of the toy blaster depicted in FIG. 13.

[0040] Although the drawings represent varied embodiments and features of the present invention, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated in order to illustrate and explain exemplary embodiments the present invention. The exemplification set forth herein illustrates several aspects of the invention, in one form, and such exemplification is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner. MAT0306PCT (17428PCT)

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Referring now to the FIGS., a toy, toy gun, toy blaster or apparatus 10 for launching a toy projectile constructed in accordance with various non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. The toy blaster can be referred to alternatively as a toy gun or launching device.

[0042] Apparatus 10, hereinafter referred to as toy 10, comprises a main housing 12. Housing 12 includes a passageway 13 extending through the housing 12 that accommodates a magazine 30 containing one or more projectiles and allows the magazine 30 to advance therethrough. Housing 12 also has a grip portion 14 and an actuation or trigger mechanism 16. The actuation or trigger mechanism 16 is movably mounted to the housing for movement in the direction of arrows 18A and 18B.

Movement or operation of the actuation or trigger mechanism 16 in the direction of arrow 18B operates various components of the toy 10. For example, in one embodiment, movement of actuation mechanism 16 causes compressed air or fluid to be released or transferred from a reservoir to an operating device or engine 20 (see FIG. 3A) in order to active the same. In one non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the operating device 20 may be a pneumatically driven operating device.

[0043] Operation of the operating device 20 ultimately causes a projectile or dart 22 to be launched from the toy. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the projectile or dart 22 that is to be launched is aligned with a nozzle 24 such that compressed air from a cylinder of the operating device 20 can be directed into a particular chamber 28 (see FIG. 2) of a magazine 30 in which a projectile 22 is located such that the projectile 22 can be launched therefrom.

[0044] The magazine 30 is slidably or movably secured to the toy 10 so that different projectiles 22 in chambers 28 of the magazine 30 can be aligned to be launched from the toy 10. Referring to FIG. 2, a front view of the toy 10 is illustrated. As shown, a few projectiles 22 are illustrated in different chambers 28 of the magazine 30. MAT0306PCT (17428PCT)

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[0045] Referring to FIG. 3C, the base 31 of the magazine 30 is illustrated. As shown, the bottom surface 3 ID of the base 31 includes a centrally located row of openings 31 A, each of which is in fluid communication with one of the chambers 28. The bottom surface 3 ID includes two parallel rows of recesses and notches formed therein as well. Recesses or notches 3 IB are used to advance the magazine 30 relative to the toy blaster 10. Recesses or notches 31C are used to position the magazine 30 relative to the air source. A spring-biased positioner 3 IE (shown in FIG. 3B) engages one of the notches 31C to ensure that the proper opening 31 A is in position to fire one of the projectiles 22.

[0046] In one non-limiting embodiment, the magazine 30 is configured such that magazine 30 moves in a linear direction with respect to the toy 10 to position projectiles 22 for firing in a sequential manner. The movement of the magazine 30 with respect to housing 12 of the toy 10 is also achieved via movement of actuation mechanism 32, which is also activated or operated by the operating device 20.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 3B, actuation mechanism 32 has an advancing member 34, which is movably mounted to the toy 10 or housing 12 and is configured to engage one of the notches 3 IB on the base 31 of the magazine 30. The advancing member 34 includes a movable projecting piece with tapered edges that move into and out of engagement with the back surface of the magazine 30. Each of the notches 3 IB includes a pair of walls that are angled so that the advancing member 34 pushes on one of the walls to move the magazine 30 with respect to the housing 12 of the toy 10. The engagement of the advancing member 34 with one of the recesses or notches 3 IB results in the magazine 30 moving to position the next chamber in line for launching the projectile 22.

[0048] In one embodiment, the movement of the magazine with respect to the housing 12 occurs after launching of a projectile 22 from the toy 10. Accordingly, the magazine 30 will advance so that a new projectile 22 is aligned with nozzle 24 such that this projectile 22 is now ready to be launched from the toy 10. Accordingly, movement MAT0306PCT (17428PCT)

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of actuation mechanism 32 causes slidable movement of the magazine 30 respect to the toy 10.

[0049] In order to provide toy 10 with a mechanism for launching only a predetermined type of projectile 22 from toy 10, a safety mechanism 38 is provided. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 12A, safety mechanism 38 comprises a first lever 40 and a second lever 42 each being pivotally mounted to the toy 10 such that a first contact portion 44 of the first lever 40 is positioned to make contact with the projectile 22 when the projectile 22 is properly inserted into a chamber 28 of the magazine 30 that is in fluid communication with nozzle 24 via one of a plurality of openings 46 in the magazine 30.

[0050] Similarly, a second contact portion 48 of the second lever 42 is positioned to make contact with projectile 22 when the projectile 22 is properly inserted into a chamber 28 of the magazine 30 that is in fluid communication with nozzle 24 through one of the plurality of openings 46 in the magazine 30. Each of the first lever 40 and the second lever 42 are biased by springs so that the first contact portion 44 and the second contact portion are continuously in engagement with the magazine and are continuously biased into openings 46 between the rails 28B and 28C on each side of the magazine 30.

[0051] As shown in at least FIGS. 1A, IB and 2, the chambers 28 of the magazine 30 are offset from each other such that only one of the plurality of chambers 28 can be fluidly coupled to the nozzle 24 as the magazine 30 moves with respect to the toy 10. When a chamber 28 having a projectile 22 inserted therein is aligned or coupled with nozzle 24, a portion of the projectile 22 will contact either the first contact portion 44 or the second contact portion 48, thereby causing pivotal movement of the corresponding one of the first lever 40 or the second lever 42.

[0052] Referring back to FIGS. 12A and 12B, movement of the first lever 40 causes a corresponding movement of a member or arm 49 coupled to the first lever 40, while movement of the second lever 42 causes a corresponding movement of a member or arm 50 coupled to the second lever 42. Movement of member 49 in the direction of MAT0306PCT (17428PCT)

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arrow 52 or member 50 in the direction of arrow 54 causes a corresponding movement of a member 56 in the direction of arrow 58. When member 56 moves in the direction of arrow 58, it moves from a first position (see at least FIG. 12A) to a second position (see at least FIG. 12B). The first position prevents compressed air from entering into nozzle 24 by not allowing the pneumatically driven operating device 20 to function or release air while the second position allows the device 20 to allow compressed air to enter into nozzle 24, and thus allow a projectile 22 to be launched from the magazine 30.

[0053] Safety mechanism 38 is thus configured to prevent the release of compressed air from a cylinder 70 (see FIG. 11) of the operating device 20 from being directed into nozzle 24. In other words, unless a properly configured projectile 22 is inserted into a chamber 28 when it is aligned or fluidly coupled to the nozzle 24, the operating device 20 will not function and compressed air will not be directed into the chamber 28. Accordingly, any improper projectile in the chamber will not be launched.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 9, in one embodiment of the invention, each chamber 28 of the magazine 30 has an outer wall 28A that includes a slot or opening 46 formed therein. The opening 46 extends through the outer wall 28A. In addition, a pair of rails or guides 28B and 28C are located along opposite sides of the magazine 30 and on opposite sides of the openings 46.

[0055] The openings 46 are located on opposite sides of the magazine 30 and are configured to allow either the first contact portion 44 of the first lever 40 or the second contact portion 48 of the second lever 42 to engage a toy projectile 22 via the corresponding opening 46 in the outer wall 28A. The first contact portion 44 or the second contact portion 48 contacts an exterior surface of the projectile 22 that is inserted into a chamber 28 that is fluidly coupled to nozzle 24.

[0056] Referring now to at least FIG. 6A, an exemplary embodiment of a system according to the present invention is illustrated. In different embodiments of toy projectile launchers according to the invention, the configuration and arrangement of the components of the system can vary. System 74 for creating a reservoir of compressed air or fluid for use with the operating device 20 is illustrated. System 74 has an expandable MAT0306PCT (17428PCT)

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bladder 76 that is received within a chamber 78 of the toy 10. In one embodiment, the expandable bladder 76 is a generally cylindrical tube with a first end or end portion, a second end or end portion, and a middle portion located between the first end and the second end.

[0057] In this embodiment, the bladder 76 is coupled to a movable member or sled 77 at one end 76A and to a port structure 77 A at its other end 76B. The bladder 76 is illustrated in its initial or non-charged state or configuration in FIG. 6A. As shown, the bladder 76 includes an enlarged portion 76C that is located between the ends 76A and 76B that has a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the ends 76A and 76B. This enlarged portion may be referred to alternatively as a middle portion. The bladder 76 is formed of an elastic or elastomeric material so that it expands as air is pumped into the bladder 76 via a handle, such as handle 86. As the bladder 76 stretches to accommodate the pumped in air, the elastic nature of the material causes the bladder 76 to want to return to its initial or rest configuration. Thus, as air is discharged from the bladder 76 during the operation of the toy blaster 10, the bladder 76 applies a continuous force on the air to send it to the operating system. In other words, the back pressure applied by the bladder 76 to the compressed air in the bladder 76 is constant due to the properties of the bladder 76. For example, if the pump is used to charge or fill the bladder 76 with air that is approximately equivalent to that needed to shoot 16 projectiles, the force applied to the air in the bladder 76 as it exits the bladder 76 is the same whether the remaining air in the bladder 76 corresponds to 15 shots or 1 shot remaining out of the 16. In other words, the air or fluid exiting the bladder 76 is at a constant pressure through the discharge of an enlarged or charged bladder 76.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 6A, the bladder 76 is fluidly coupled to a cylinder 80 via a conduit 82. Disposed within the cylinder 80 is a piston 84 that is slidably received within an inner chamber of cylinder 80 and is operatively coupled to a charging handle 86 via a rod 88. Accordingly, movement of the charging handle 86 in the direction of arrow 90 causes the piston 84 to move in the direction of 90 as well. Thereafter and once the charging handle 86 has been extended from the cylinder 80, movement of the charging handle 86 in a direction opposite to arrow 90 causes the piston MAT0306PCT (17428PCT)

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84 to move in the same direction, thereby compressing air or fluid located within the cylinder 80. The compressed fluid travels to the bladder 76 via the conduit 82.

[0059] The toy blaster 10 includes a valve mechanism 92 that is operatively or fluidly couples the conduit 82 to the cylinder 80. The valve mechanism 92 prevents the backflow of compressed air from the bladder 76 during the pumping of the handle 86. In addition, the valve mechanism 92 is fluidly coupled to the environment such that during the movement of the handle 86 along the direction of arrow 90, air is drawn in through the valve mechanism 92 into the cylinder 80. When the handle 86 is moved in the direction opposite to arrow 90, the valve mechanism 92 allows the flow of air from the cylinder 80 to the bladder 76.

[0060] In one non-limiting embodiment, the housing 12 of the toy is configured to have a base member 93 (see FIG. 6B). The base member 93can be supported or placed on a surface as charging handle 86 is moved or pumped relative to the cylinder 80 to fill the bladder 76 with compressed air or fluid. In addition, in one embodiment, the base member 93 includes one or more openings 93A into which air may be drawn.

[0061] Referring back to FIG. 6 A, the port mechanism 77 A includes an inlet port portion 77B that is connected to conduit 82 and an outlet port portion 77C that is connected to a valve mechanism 96 that is located downstream of the bladder 76. The toy blaster 10 includes a fluid conduit 94 that is connected to the valve mechanism 96 as shown. Conduit 94 couples the valve 96 to the operating device 20. The valve 96 is operatively coupled to the actuation or trigger mechanism 16 such that movement of the trigger 16 in the alternating directions of arrows 18A and 18B fluidly couples or fluidly decouples the bladder 76 to/from the operating device 20. In other words, movement of the trigger mechanism 16 along the direction of arrow 18A opens the valve 96 to allow compressed air or fluid to be supplied from the bladder 76 to the operating device 20.

[0062] Referring now to at least FIGS. 7-12E, the operation of the operating device 20 of the toy blaster 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention is described. Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10A, the operating device 20 includes a MAT0306PCT (17428PCT)

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cylinder 70 that is fluidly coupled to conduit 94 via a passageway 95 and a valve 98. The valve 98 can be manipulated into an open or closed position via a lever 100 (see FIG. 10B) that is coupled to an actuating portion 100A (see FIG. 9B). As shown in FIG. 9B, the valve 98 includes an O-ring or engaging portion 98A that engages a valve seat when the valve 98 is in its closed position. The valve 98 is biased along the direction of arrow lOOC (see FIG. 9B) to its closed position by a spring. When valve 98 is closed, air is prevented from traveling from the bladder 76 to the operating mechanism 20. The valve 98 can be moved along the direction of arrow 100B (see FIG. 9B) against the bias of the spring to open the valve 98 and allow the compressed air to pass from the bladder 76 to the operating mechanism 20. Valve 98 is moved along the direction of arrow 100B by engagement of the actuating portion 100A with the stem of the valve 98.

[0063] The actuating portion 100A rotates as the lever 100 rotates in a first direction, as discussed in detail below. The actuating portion 100A includes one or more cam lobes that are configured to engage the end of the valve stem to push the valve stem against the bias of the spring to open the valve 98. When the actuating portion 100A and lever 100 rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the cam lobe that is engaged with the valve stem moves away from the stem, thereby allowing the spring engaged with the valve 98 to force the valve 98 closed. When the trigger 16 is pulled along the direction of arrow 18A in FIGS. 1A and 6A, some of the compressed air in the bladder 76 enters the conduit 94 and is located in the conduit 94 upstream of the valve 98. For the compressed air to travel from the conduit 94 to the cylinder 70, the valve 98 has to be opened.

[0064] Located within cylinder 70 is a piston 102, which is only partially illustrated in FIGS. 9-1 OA. Piston 102 is configured to move within cylinder 70 in the directions of arrows 104 (see FIG. 9). Cylinder 70 is fluidly coupled to nozzle 24 via an opening or orifice 106. Located at a forward end of piston 102 is a valve 108 that is engageable by a rod or stem 110. The valve 108 controls the flow of air from the chamber or cylinder 70 to the opening 106. The pressurized fluid or air travels from conduit 94 to nozzle 24 via the path illustrated by the dashed lines 112 shown in at least FIGS. 9-9D. MAT0306PCT (17428PCT)

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[0065] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, rod 110 is positioned to actuate valve 108, if the safety mechanism 38 is actuated by a properly sized projectile 22 in a chamber 28 of the magazine 30. The actuation of the safety mechanism 38 results in the member 56 being moved to its second position, as previously described.

[0066] When member 56 is in its second position, a contact or arm member 114 of member 56 is positioned to contact a hammerlock cam 116 (see FIG. 12E). Referring back to FIG. 9, the hammerlock cam 116 is pivotally mounted to a piston assembly 118 that moves in the direction of arrows 104 along with piston 102 that is operatively secured to the piston assembly 118. Contact of the hammerlock cam 116 with arm member 114 of member 56 causes the hammerlock cam 116 to rotate in the direction of arrow 120 (see FIG. 12E), which in turn causes a hammerlock 122 (see FIGS. 11 and 12C) to move from a first position in the direction of arrow 124 to a second position. When the hammerlock 122 is in the first position shown in FIGS. 8C and 11, a hammer 126 that is slidably mounted is prevented from moving from a first position (see FIG. 11) in which the hammer 126 does not contact rod 110. When the hammer 126 is retained in this position, the linear motion of the piston assembly 118 does not result in actuation of valve 108 and the engine does not operate or work. Accordingly, the pressurized fluid in the chamber 70 does not flow past valve 108 to nozzle 24, even though trigger 16 has been actuated. Moreover, when a properly sized projectile 22 is not detected, the hammer 126 is not actuated and the engine 20 does not work.

[0067] If on the other hand, a properly sized projectile 22 is located within one of the plurality of chambers 28 of the magazine 30, the corresponding one of the first contact portion 44 of the first lever 40 or the second contact portion 48 of the second lever 42 contacts an exterior surface of the projectile 22, thereby resulting in movement of member 49 or member 50 which in turn moves member 56 from its first position (illustrated in FIG. 8C and 12A) to its second position (illustrated in FIGS. 8B, 12B, 12D and 12E). Referring to FIG. 8C, portion 114 does not contact the hammerlock cam 116 and thus the hammer 126 remains in its first position while the piston assembly 118 slides forward. MAT0306PCT (17428PCT)

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[0068] Piston assembly 118 is spring biased forward in the direction of arrow 128 by a pair of springs 130, which provide a biasing force to a sled member 132 of the piston assembly. Sled member 132 is operatively coupled to piston 102 and thus movement of the sled member 132 in the direction of arrows 104 causes a corresponding movement of piston 102. Hammer 126 is slidably received within a housing portion 134 of the operating device 20. In one non-limiting exemplary embodiment, hammer 126 is spring biased into the second position by a spring 136. When a sufficient amount of pressurized air fills the chamber 70, the air forces the piston assembly 118 against the bias of springs 130.

[0069] The sled member 132 is coupled to the lever 100, which as described above, moves to actuate the valve 98. When the trigger 16 is pulled or actuated, compressed fluid from reservoir 76 is supplied through a conduit up to the valve 98. When the sled member 132 moves via the bias of the springs 130 along the direction of arrow 128 in FIG. 9, the lever 100 is moved to its position that causes a cam lobe on actuator 100A to engage the stem of valve 98, thereby allowing pressurized fluid from conduit 94 to fill the chamber 70. As the pressure of the fluid in the chamber 70 increases, the force on the sled member 132 from the pressurized fluid in chamber 70 overcomes the opposing force on the sled member 132 from the springs 130, thereby moving the sled member 132 in a direction opposite to arrow 128. When the sled member 132 moves a sufficient distance against the bias of the spring, lever 100 is similarly moved or rotated and the actuator 100 A disengages from the stem of the valve 98, thereby resulting in the valve 98 being closed and no additional pressurized fluid entering the chamber 70.

[0070] When the magazine 30 has one or more projectiles 22 located in its chambers 28, the safety mechanism 38 is actuated and member 56 is moved from its first position to its second position. Once the fluid is supplied to chamber 70, and since member 56 is in its second position, rod 110 and hammer 126 operate to open valve 108 by unseating it, thus allowing pressurized fluid in chamber 70 to exit the chamber 70 past the valve 108 and out through opening 106 to launch a projectile. As the pressure of the fluid remaining in chamber 70 drops, the springs 130 bias the sled assembly 132 toward MAT0306PCT (17428PCT)

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the opposite end of the chamber 70 from the springs 130 and the lever 100 is moved, thereby causing valve 98 to open again to allow pressurized fluid from the conduit 94 to enter the chamber 70. The fluid travels from the bladder 76 to the conduit 94 and to the chamber 70 provided that the trigger 18 is pulled and the fluid has a sufficient pressure. Each time the valve 98 is opened to allow fluid from the conduit 94 to enter the chamber 70, the amount of pressurized fluid in the bladder 76 decreases, until all of the fluid pumped into the bladder 76 is exhausted and no longer remains in the bladder 76. With each operation of valve 98 and then valve 108, as described above, a projectile 22 is launched from magazine 30.

[0071] Once the bladder 76 is pressurized with fluid by pumping the handle, the pressurized fluid can be used to shoot multiple projectiles sequentially due to the oscillating movement of the sled assembly 132, the opening and closing of valve 108, and the opening and closing of valve 98 as long as trigger 16 is pulled to allow air to exit the bladder 76 into the conduit 94.

[0072] In addition, the pneumatic operation of operating device 20 also causes linear movement of the magazine 30 via the aforementioned actuation mechanism 32 and advancing member 34. In one non-limiting exemplary embodiment, advancing member 34 is operatively coupled to the piston assembly 118 such that as piston assembly 118 reciprocates in the direction of arrows 104, advancing member 34 of actuation mechanism 32 engages complementary features 36 (such as notches 3 IB) of magazine 30 such that magazine 30 is advanced in a first direction as each one of a plurality of projectiles 22 is pneumatically launched from a chamber 28 of the magazine 30.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 9, a spring-biased release pin 140 is positioned to engage a feature or rib 142 on the magazine 30 when the magazine 30 is engaged with the housing 20. Rib 142 is configured to push release pin 140 downwardly against a biasing force of a spring to open a valve 144. When opened, valve 144 releases any air entrained within the cylinder 70, when a new magazine 30 is inserted into the toy 10. MAT0306PCT (17428PCT)

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[0074] In one non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the dart or projectile 22 has an elongated tubular body portion which has a forward end or front end and a rearward end. The rearward or rear end has an opening that extends into the opening of the elongated tubular body portion and the front end has a blunt soft tip secured thereto.

[0075] Referring back to FIG. 1 A, the toy blaster 10 also includes a shield assembly 300 that has shields 310 that are pivotally mounted via hinges 312 to the body of the blaster 10. An actuator or button 320 is provided that can be actuated by a user to deploy the shields 310 from their initial or retracted positions (shown in FIG. 1A) to their deployed or extended positions. The shields 310 are biased to their deployed positions via springs and are retained in their initial positions by latches or catches, which are released by the pressing of the actuator 320. The shields 310 can be moved or pivoted about their hinges 312 back to their initial positions manually by the user.

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 13-20, an alternative embodiment of a toy blaster 400 is illustrated. Referring to FIG. 13, the toy blaster 400 includes a housing 402, a support bar 404, and a shoulder engaging portion 405. The support bar 404 is coupled to the shoulder engaging portion 405 and to the handle portion 406. A trigger 408 is located in an opening in the handle portion 406. The housing 402 includes a passageway 418 therethrough that is configured to accommodate a magazine 500 (see FIG. 20) containing one or more projectiles to be launched by the toy blaster 400. The housing 402 also includes a rail 420 to which various accessories, such as a mobile device, a sight, a camera, or other device, can be removably coupled. The toy blaster 400 also includes a pair of deployable and repositionable shields 416 that are pivotally coupled to the housing 402, which are similar to the shields of blaster 10.

[0077] Also similar to toy blaster 10, toy blaster 400 includes a housing 410 that contains an elastic or elastomeric bladder that is pressurized with fluid by the pumping of shaft or rod 412 using the grip portion 414. The operating system of toy blaster 400 functions the same as the previously described toy blaster 10. In addition, toy blaster 400 includes a valve mechanism 430 that includes an actuator 432 that can be pressed by a user to release air that is in the chamber of the operating system after the MAT0306PCT (17428PCT)

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projectiles in a magazine have been discharged. The actuator 432 can also be pressed to reset the operating system.

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 21-23, several views of different components of toy blaster 400 are illustrated. Referring to FIG. 21, one of the body portions of the toy blaster 400 has been removed, which allows the internal components to be viewed. The toy blaster 400 includes a cylinder 440 in which a piston is located that is movable by a user via handle 414. A trigger 408 can be pulled by the user along the direction of "A." The trigger 408 is coupled to a sleeve 409 via a coupler 482 (see FIG, 22). In one embodiment, the sleeve 409 is configured to slide back and forth over the cylinder 440. Fluidly coupled to the cylinder 440 is a conduit 444 that is also in communication with a bladder 450. In Fig. 21, the cylinder 490 in which bladder 450 is located is illustrated. As the handle 414 is reciprocated by a user, air exits the cylinder 440 through an outlet port 442 into conduit 444 and into bladder 450. As shown in FIG. 23, the bladder 450 includes ends 452 and 454 and a middle portion or region 456 located therebetween. The middle portion 456 includes an enlarged diameter portion 458.

[0079] Referring back to FIG. 22, the bladder 450 is coupled to members 460 and 462. In one embodiment, members 460 and 462 are fixed. In another embodiment, member 460 moves relative to member 462. Compressed fluid in bladder 450 is released to the operating device or system 495 via valve 470. The valve 470 is actuated by a user pulling the trigger 408. As the user pulls the trigger 408 along the direction of arrow "A," a valve actuating member 471 is moved by the sleeve 409. The valve actuating member 471 is configured to open the valve 470 to allow air to travel through port 472 to the operating system 495 when the member 471 moves along the direction of arrow "A." A spring 482 is coupled to an extension member of sleeve 409. The spring 484 biases the sleeve 409 and the trigger 408 along the direction of arrow "B." As the sleeve 409 moves along the direction of arrow "B," the valve 470 closes and compressed fluid in the bladder 450 does not pass the valve 470. The operating system 495 controls the release of compressed fluid to launch projectiles located in magazine 500. MAT0306PCT (17428PCT)

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[0080] In one embodiment, the invention relates to a toy configured to pneumatically propel a projectile via compressed air, comprising: a reservoir configured to hold a compressed fluid; a conduit operatively coupling the reservoir to a

pneumatically driven operating device; a magazine configured to hold a plurality of the projectiles therein, wherein the pneumatically driven operating device is configured to be fluidly coupled to the magazine; and a safety mechanism for preventing the fluid coupling of the pneumatically driven operating device to the magazine, wherein the safety mechanism comprises at least one member pivotally mounted to the toy for movement between a first position, wherein operation of pneumatically driven operating device is prevented and the magazine is not fluidly coupled to the pneumatically driven operating device and a second position wherein the magazine is fluidly coupled to the pneumatically driven operating device.

[0081] As used herein, the terms "first," "second,"- and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. In addition, it is noted that the terms "bottom" and "top" are used herein, unless otherwise noted, merely for convenience of description, and are not limited to any one position or spatial orientation.

[0082] The modifier "about" used in connection with a quantity is inclusive of the stated value and has the meaning dictated by the context (e.g., includes the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity).

[0083] While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not MAT0306PCT (17428PCT)

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be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention.