阅读说明：本技术 玩具弹射件 (Toy ejection piece ) 是由 丹尼斯·伯纳尔 于 2020-03-24 设计创作，主要内容包括：根据实施方式的一种弹射件,所述弹射件可以具有本体和附接至所述本体的稍端部,所述本体包括从本体的第二端部延伸的突块部分和可选地在所述第二端部处围绕本体的周向设置的一个或更多个鳍状物。(An ejector according to embodiments may have a body and a tip attached to the body, the body including a tab portion extending from a second end of the body and optionally one or more fins disposed around a circumference of the body at the second end.)

1. A toy projectile, comprising:

a body having a length extending from a first end to an oppositely disposed second end, wherein the body has a generally cylindrical shape;

a tab portion extending from the second end, the tab portion having a diameter that is less than a diameter of the body at the second end such that a step is defined between the second end and the tab portion, wherein the tab portion has a length that extends between a first tab end that abuts the second end of the body and a second tab end that terminates in a flat or substantially flat surface;

a tip end attached to the body at the first end; and

one or more fins attached to or integral with the body at the second end upstream of the tab portion.

2. The toy projectile of claim 1, wherein a ratio of a length of the body to a length of the lug portion is about 12:1 to about 20: 1.

3. A toy projectile, comprising:

a body extending from a first end to a second end, wherein the body has a boat configuration such that a diameter of the body tapers from a maximum body diameter toward the second end, thereby defining a lug portion having a lug diameter smaller than the maximum body diameter;

one or more fins disposed about a circumference of the body adjacent the second end of the body, wherein an outer circumference is defined by an outer surface of the one or more fins and has a diameter substantially the same as the maximum body diameter;

wherein the one or more fins terminate at a fin end upstream of the tab portion such that the tab portion extends outwardly to define a reduced circumferential portion as compared to an outer circumferential portion defined by the one or more fins, and a step is defined between the fin end and the tab portion.

4. The toy projectile of claim 3, wherein a ratio of the maximum body diameter to the diameter of the lug portion is about 10:1 to about 1.25: 1.

5. The toy projectile of claim 3, wherein the difference between the maximum body diameter and the lug diameter is about 0.5mm to about 3 mm.

6. A toy projectile, comprising:

a body extending from a first end to a second end;

a plurality of fins attached to or integral with the body at the second end, wherein the body including the plurality of fins has a first diameter, each fin being spaced from an adjacent fin by a space, wherein a portion of the body disposed in the space tapers inwardly toward the second end along a length of the fin;

a tab portion extending from the second end, wherein the tab portion has a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter; and

a tip portion attached to the body at the first end.

7. The toy projectile of claim 6, wherein a ratio of the first diameter to the second diameter is about 10:1 to about 1.25: 1.

8. The toy projectile of claim 6, wherein the difference between the first diameter and the second diameter is about 0.5mm to about 3 mm.

9. The toy launcher according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising 6 fins spaced around a circumferential portion of the body.

10. The toy launcher of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tab portion has a length of about 1mm to about 5 mm.

11. The toy projectile of any preceding claim, wherein the lug portion includes a circumferential wall joining a first lug end at the second end with an oppositely disposed second lug end, wherein the circumferential wall tapers inwardly from the first lug end toward the second lug end.

12. The toy projectile of claim 11, wherein the circumferential wall has a taper of about 100 °.

13. The toy launcher of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tab portion comprises a circumferential wall joining a first tab end at the second end with an oppositely disposed second tab end, wherein the circumferential wall is a straight, non-tapered wall.

14. The toy launcher of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body has a length defined between the first end and the second end of about 50mm to about 100 mm.

15. The toy launcher of any of the preceding claims, wherein the body has a reduced diameter portion at the first end, and the tip end is sized to mate with the reduced diameter portion.

16. A toy projectile in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the body is formed from an expanded bead material.

17. The toy projectile of claim 16, wherein the expanded bead material is one or more of expanded bead polyethylene, expanded bead polypropylene, expanded bead polystyrene, expanded bead thermoplastic polyurethane, and expanded bead polylactic acid.

18. The toy launcher of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the length of the body is about 60mm to about 70mm, and the length of the tab portion is about 3mm to about 5 mm.

Background

There are various projectile toys on the market, such as darts, discs, arrows and balls. Typically, such projectile toys are foam structures made from extruded foam materials such as polyurethane and polyethylene. Such toy ejectors are designed to be released with sufficient force for the desired flight characteristics, while maintaining a safe impact force to avoid injury to the user when hitting the target. The flexibility required by safety standards may be counter to the need to provide desired flight characteristics (e.g., distance, accuracy, and precision).

Disclosure of Invention

According to an embodiment, a toy ejector may include a body extending from a first end to a second end, wherein the body has a generally cylindrical body; a tab portion extending from the second end, the tab portion having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the body at the second end such that a step is formed between the second end and the tab portion; a tip attached to the body at a first end; and one or more fins attached to or integral with the body at the second end upstream of the tab portion.

According to embodiments, the toy projectile may include a body extending from a first end to a second end, wherein the body has a stern-type structure that tapers toward the second end to define a tab portion; providing one or more fins around a circumference of the body near the second end of the body; wherein the one or more fins terminate at the fin end upstream of the lug portion such that the lug portion extends outwardly, defining a reduced circumferential portion as compared to an outer circumferential portion of the one or more fins, and defining a step between the fin end and the lug portion.

According to an embodiment, a toy ejector may include a body extending from a first end to a second end; a plurality of fins attached to or integral with the body at the second end, wherein the body including the fins is generally cylindrical in shape having a diameter of a first diameter, each fin being spaced from an adjacent fin by a space, wherein a portion of the body within the space tapers inwardly along the length of the fin toward the second end; a tab portion extending from the second end, wherein the tab portion has a second diameter that is less than the first diameter; and a tip attached to the body at the first end.

According to an embodiment, a toy ejector system may include a toy ejector including a body having a first end and a second end and a protrusion extending outwardly from the second end, the protrusion being sized to interact with a simple ejector check housing assembly of a toy ejector launcher; and a toy ejection member launching device having a simple ejection member checking and locking function. The device may include an ejector retaining member; an ejector cartridge assembly extending rearwardly to an ejector retaining member, wherein a simple ejector check housing assembly of the ejector cartridge assembly is movable between an inspection position and a non-inspection position, the ejector cartridge assembly including a step-like structure having an ejector receiving opening at the simple ejector check housing for a toy ejector to be disposed therein, a protrusion at the ejector receiving opening and preventing entry of another ejector from the ejector receiving opening; an elongated structure in the simple ejector inspection housing assembly for inspecting the bumps; a simple ejector button located at an end of the elongated structure; and a simple projectile inspection spring mounted with an end of the elongated structure on the simple projectile button, the simple projectile button of the elongated structure being movable between an inspection position and a non-inspection position and preventing movement of the simple projectile button unless the projection of the toy projectile is located at the projectile receiving port of the simple inspection cartridge case assembly.

According to an embodiment, a toy projectile is provided that is formed from expanded bead material and the expanded bead material has improved flight characteristics.

In embodiments, the toy projectile has increased precision, may be launched at a faster speed, and/or has increased precision.

According to an embodiment, a toy ejector has a body extending between a first end and an oppositely disposed second end, wherein at least a portion of the body is formed of an expanded bead material, and a tip attached to the body at the first end.

In an embodiment, the expanded bead material is an expanded bead polyolefin.

In an embodiment, the ratio of tip density to bulk density is about 25:1 to about 50: 1. In embodiments, the ratio of tip density to bulk density is from about 30:1 to about 40:1, or from about 35:1 to about 40: 1. In an embodiment, the ratio is about 37: 1.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a schematic diagram of a toy projectile in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 2A-2D are photographs of a body of a toy projectile according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a closed cell structure of the body made of expanded bead material;

figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a tip portion of a toy ejector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a toy projectile having an inserted solid core portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 5 is a perspective view of a schematic diagram of a toy ejector showing a triangular tab according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 6 is a perspective view of a schematic diagram of a toy ejector showing a rectangular tab according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 7 is a perspective view of a schematic diagram of a toy ejector showing a hexagonal boss according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 8 is a perspective view of a schematic diagram of a toy ejector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a pentagonal tab;

fig. 9 is a perspective view of a schematic diagram of a toy ejector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a star tab; and

fig. 10A is a front view of a toy projectile according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

figure 10B is a cross-sectional view of the toy ejector of figure 10A;

fig. 11A is a front view of a toy projectile according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

figure 11B is a cross-sectional view of the toy ejector of figure 11A;

fig. 12A is a front view of a toy projectile according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

figure 12B is a cross-sectional view of the toy ejector of figure 12A;

fig. 13A is a front view of a toy projectile according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

figure 13B is a cross-sectional view of the toy projectile of figure 13A;

fig. 14A is a front view of a toy projectile according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

figure 14B is a cross-sectional view of the toy ejector of figure 14A;

fig. 15A is a front view of a toy projectile according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

figure 15B is a cross-sectional view of the toy projectile of figure 15A;

fig. 16A is a front view of a toy projectile according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

figure 16B is a cross-sectional view of the toy ejector of figure 16A;

fig. 17A is a side view of a toy projectile according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

figure 17B is a rear view of the toy projectile of figure 17A;

figure 17C is a perspective view of the toy ejector of figure 17A;

fig. 18A and 18B are perspective views of the toy projectile of fig. 17A, illustrating the surface texture created by the use of expanded bead material to form the projectile.

Detailed Description

Referring to fig. 1, a toy projectile 100 according to embodiments generally includes a tip 102 attached to a body 104 or disposed on the body 104. Tip 102 can be removably or permanently attached to body 104. The body 104 extends from the first end 101 to the second end 103. The tip end 102 may be attached to the first end and the second end 103 may be the rear end. In various embodiments, as shown in fig. 1, toy ejector 100 may include additional body structure, such as one or more stepped fins 106 and rearwardly projecting lugs 108. In other embodiments, the body 104 may be a cylindrical or other shaped structure without such additional body structure. Suitable body shapes may include cylindrical, hexagonal, pentagonal, octagonal, or other multi-faceted shapes.

According to an embodiment, the body 104 is made of an expanded bead polyolefin material. However, it is contemplated herein that other non-bead foam materials may be used.

Referring to fig. 2A-2D, the use of expanded bead material provides a body 104 comprising a plurality of closed cell structures 110. Each cell represents expanded bead material. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the closed cell foam material, when compared to the open cell material, absorbs and transmits energy emitted backwards through the honeycomb structure during use to increase rigidity, thereby helping to improve the accuracy and precision of the projectile. In an embodiment, the ejector may have a closed cell foam material optionally with further surface treatment to further enhance flight characteristics, such as reduced drag.

The expanded bead material may be formed into the desired projectile structure using known methods including forming methods. The projectile may be a dart, arrow, ball, disc or any other known projectile structure. According to embodiments, the expanded bead material may be an expanded bead polyolefin and/or an expanded bead thermoplastic polyolefin. For example, the expanded bead material may be expanded bead polypropylene, expanded bead polyethylene, expanded bead polystyrene, expanded bead thermoplastic polyurethane, expanded bead polylactic acid, and combinations thereof. In embodiments, the bead material to be expanded may be solid or hollow, or a combination of solid and hollow beads may be used. In embodiments, the body 104 comprises expanded beads that expand an average amount of their original size by about 25x to 45x, about 30x to about 35x, about 35x to about 45x, or about 20x to about 30 x. Other suitable average amounts of expansion include about 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, or 45 times the original size. Other suitable amounts of expansion may be determined as known in the art for a given particular intumescent material.

In various embodiments, the body 104 may be provided as a solid structure of expanded bead material. It has been found that advantageously, due to the reduction in overall mass provided by the expanded bead material, it is possible to provide a solid structure rather than a conventional hollow structure. However, it is also contemplated herein that the body may be a hollow structure formed from expanded bead material. In embodiments where the body comprises or is hollow expanded bead material, it has been found advantageous to select the wall thickness of the hollow body to be at least 2 beads wide to ensure sufficient structural rigidity and adhesion between the beads during moulding to avoid breakage during use and particularly repeated use. Fig. 10B illustrates an embodiment of the body 104 having a hollow portion defined by an opening 122 extending partially through the length of the body 104. The length of opening 122 may vary depending on different toy ejector configurations and/or to accommodate various launching mechanisms. For example, fig. 13B shows an embodiment in which the opening 122 extends substantially along the length of the body 104. In various embodiments, the width and length of the opening 122 may be used to adjust the weight and density characteristics of the body 104.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4, it is also contemplated that the body may include a hollow portion and a solid core 118 inserted into the hollow portion 120. In embodiments, one or both of the solid and hollow portions may be made of expanded bead foam. In the embodiment shown in fig. 4, the solid core portion 118 may extend outwardly from the hollow portion 120 of the body such that the hollow portion 120 surrounds a portion of the solid core portion 118. The overall length of the extension may vary depending on the overall desired length of the ejector 100 and the desired compatibility with the particular launch device in which the ejector 100 is used.

In embodiments where the body 104 includes a core inserted into and surrounded by a hollow portion, the density or mass of the body is understood herein to be the combined density or mass of the solid core 118 and the hollow portion 120, i.e., the entire body structure, whether provided as separate or integral components.

The body 104 may have various shapes as shown in fig. 10 to 13. The shape of the body 104 may be customized for the desired use. For example, the toy ejector may be shaped for insertion into a particular launching device and/or play pattern.

In contrast to conventional extruded materials used for toy projectile molding, the use of expansion of bead material in a mold cavity for projectile molding according to embodiments may allow projectiles to be produced that include various shapes and features thereon, particularly when a unitary structure is manufactured. Other elements, such as fin structures and other potential flight enhancement structures, may be incorporated into the mold used to make the projectile from the intumescent material. The expansion of the beads within the mold may allow additional body structures to be formed while maintaining a fit with the body structures, thereby preventing these additional structures from being damaged, torn, separated from the body, or otherwise damaged during use. In various embodiments, the mold may have a polished inner surface that translates into a smooth surface on the molded product. In various embodiments, sufficient smoothness may be obtained by embossing. In other embodiments, surface coatings known in the art may be added, if desired.

In various embodiments, the ejection member 100, including the body and the tip, can have a mass of about 0.5g to about 3g, about 1.3g to about 1.4g, about 1g to about 1.5g, or about 1g to about 2 g. Other suitable masses include about 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, and 3.0 g.

In various embodiments, the body 104 made of expanded bead material may have a density of about 20kg/m³To about 30kg/m³About 26kg/m³To about 28kg/m³About 22kg/m³To about 30kg/m³Or about 24kg/m³To about 29kg/m³. Other suitable densities include about 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30kg/m³. In an embodiment, the density is 27.7kg/m³. In various embodiments, the reduced density of toy projectile 100 may allow projectile 100 to be launched at higher speeds while maintaining safety for use as a toy, as evaluated by astm f963-16 (2016). The present standard contains the maximum required kinetic energy density, which is calculated by the following formula:

reducing the mass of the toy projectile helps to reduce the KED overall, allowing the projectile to travel at higher speeds while maintaining an acceptable KED for toy safety. In various embodiments, high speeds may be associated with increased flight distances.

However, it has been found that merely reducing the overall mass of the ejector, while allowing for increased speed within a given KED range, does not necessarily result in an ejector having desirable flight characteristics such as stability of the flight path, repeatability in precision and accuracy (precision) of striking a predetermined target, and the like. Indeed, based solely on the reduction in mass, one may expect a reduction in flight performance, as the projectile may be more susceptible to external forces during flight and/or instability upon exiting the launcher.

Referring to fig. 3, in an embodiment, the tip portion 102 may include an inner protrusion 112, the inner protrusion 112 designed to concentrate added mass and raise the center of gravity of the tip portion 102. In various embodiments, the tip portion 102 may also include an additional internal protrusion 112 on the internal sidewall. In an embodiment, these protrusions may enable the tip 102 to be attached to the body with, for example, an adhesive. It has been advantageously found that the inclusion of an internal projection to increase the mass of the tip results in locating the centre of gravity of the ejector closer to the tip 102, given the lightweight nature of the body 104. This in turn provides a significant distance between the center of gravity of the ejector 100 and the center of pressure of the ejector. In an embodiment, the center of pressure is near the midpoint of the ejector. Without being bound by theory, it is also believed that the use of a bead foam material having a closed cell structure can increase the rigidity of the projectile and stabilize the movement of the projectile within the barrel of the launching device and the trajectory of the projectile as it leaves the launching device. Furthermore, it is believed that the honeycomb structure does not absorb the emission energy nor deform under such forces, but rather converts the emission energy into acceleration energy of the projectile. An advantage of increasing the stiffness and/or reducing the internal absorption of the emitted energy to avoid deformation is that the accuracy can be increased.

It has been advantageously found that in various embodiments, by balancing the density of the body with the density of the tip 102 and increasing the mass of the tip, desired flight characteristics, such as accuracy and/or precision, may be achieved. In an embodiment, the ratio of the tip 102 density to the body 104 density may be about 25:1 to about 50: 1. In embodiments, the ratio of tip density to bulk density may be about 30:1 to about 40:1, about 25:1 to about 30:1, about 35:1 to about 38:1, or about 35:1 to about 40: 1. In an embodiment, the ratio is about 37: 1.

In an embodiment, the density of the body 104 may be increased at the second end 103 as compared to the first end 101. In an embodiment, the body 104 may have a gradient density that increases from the first end 101 to the second end 102. The density difference and/or density gradient may be achieved by any means, including but not limited to during molding, or by adding structure or other material at or near the molded second end 102.

As further seen in fig. 3, the tip portion may also include an internal cavity into which the projections extend. The internal chamber 114 is vented through one or more vent holes 116 provided in the tip portion 102. The vents 116 may be positioned on the tip portion 102 in a variety of ways so long as the vents 116 are in fluid communication with the internal chamber 114. The vent 116 allows air from the interior chamber 114 to escape when the tip strikes a surface, allowing the outer wall of the tip 102 to expand outward such that the impact area of the tip 102 expands upon contact. This allows for an increased impact area, which may further help to keep the KED within toy safety standards, while allowing for the launch of projectiles at higher speeds.

In an embodiment, as shown in fig. 15B and 16B, an insert 124 may also be used to achieve an increase in tip mass. Referring to fig. 15B, the insert 124 may be an integral part of the tip 102, or as shown in fig. 16B, the insert 124 may be attached to a surface at the tip 102. Alternatively, the insert 124 may be a separate structure that may have one end extending into the interior chamber 114 of the tip end 102 and an oppositely disposed end extending into the insert receiving opening 126 at the first end 101 of the body 104. In embodiments including opening 122 extending from second end 103, opening 122 and insert receiving opening 126 are not connected. That is, there is still some solid portion 128 of the body 104 between the two openings 122, 126.

In various embodiments, the tip portion 102 is formed of a flexible material that allows the tip portion to expand significantly upon impact, thereby providing a large impact area over which the impact forces are distributed. In embodiments, the tip portion is formed from a rubber material having a shore a hardness of about 20 to about 50, about 30 to about 40, about 25 to about 35, or about 35 to about 50. Other suitable shore a hardness values include about 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50. In an embodiment, the tip portion is made of thermoplastic rubber (TPR).

In various embodiments, the tip portion 102 may have a width of about 250m²To about 400m²About 275m²To about 325m²About 290m²To about 310m²The impact area of (a). Other suitable values include about 250, 260, 270, 280, 290, 300, 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360, 370, 380, 390 and 400m²。

Referring again to fig. 1, in an embodiment, the toy ejector may include a backward stepped fin and a tab portion as part of the body. In other embodiments, the toy ejector may include a rearward step portion and a tab without fins. In yet another embodiment, the toy ejector may not have a stepped portion, but rather includes a taper from the width of the body to the width of the tab.

The toy ejector may be of any suitable size. For example, the toy ejector may have an overall length of about 50mm to about 100mm, about 60mm to about 80mm, or about 75mm to about 80 mm. Other suitable lengths include about 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, or 100 mm. For example, the toy ejector may have an overall length of about 61 mm. For example, the toy ejector may have an overall length of about 62 mm. For example, the toy ejector may have a length of about 69 mm.

In embodiments, the toy ejector may have a body with a length defined between a first end and a second end of about 40mm to about 65mm, about 45mm to about 55mm, about 50mm to about 60 mm. Other suitable body lengths include about 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, or 65 mm.

In an embodiment, the body may have a cylindrical shape. In an embodiment, the body may include a reduced diameter portion 105 at the first end 101, and the tip 102 may be disposed at the reduced diameter portion 105 and attached to the body. The body diameter referred to herein refers to the overall and overall diameter of the body, which may be measured at the central portion of the body. The reduced diameter portion has a reduced diameter relative to the overall diameter of the body. For example, the overall diameter (or the diameter of the central portion of the body) may be about 10. For example, the overall diameter may be the diameter of the body measured at the point where the diameter reaches a maximum. In an embodiment, as shown in fig. 17A, for example, a fin extending from the body may be disposed on the tapered diameter portion of the body such that an outer circumferential portion of the fin has a diameter that is the same or substantially the same as the overall diameter of the body (excluding the reduced tip portion). For example, the body having the taper may have a stern-type structure. In these embodiments, the body has a substantially uniform diameter when considering the circumferential portion defined by the outer circumference of the fin, except that optionally a reduced diameter portion is provided at the first end to accommodate the tip. As mentioned above, the tab portion may be an end of the aft structure of the body, or may be a separate or other integrally formed structure having a reduced diameter relative to the diameter of the body.

For example, the body may have a diameter of about 10mm to about 20mm, about 14mm to about 18mm, about 15mm to about 17mm, or about 16 mm. Other suitable diameters may include about 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5, 16, 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5, 19, 19.5, or 20 mm. The diameter may be measured as the maximum diameter of the body. In an embodiment, the diameter of the body may remain substantially constant between at least a central portion of the body and the fin area when considering a circumferential dimension defined by the outer surface of the fin.

The body may include a tab portion extending from the second end. The tab portion may have a length extending between a first tab end and a second tab end. The first tab end may be continuous with the second end of the body. In an embodiment, the body may have a stern structure at the second end, the stern structure tapering and terminating in a lug portion of reduced diameter compared to the diameter of the body upstream of the stern structure. In these embodiments, the tab portion may not be considered to have a defined second tab end, but rather is provided as a continuous extension of the body. Also in these embodiments, the body having a stern-type structure may have a second end which is the terminal end of the ejector and is thus positioned at the end of the lug portion. Thus, the body has a reduced diameter portion that defines the tab portion as a tapered reduction from a point adjacent the second end to the second end. As described in the preceding paragraph, in these embodiments, the body may also have a reduced diameter portion at the first end for receiving the tip. In such a stern-type embodiment, the diameter of the body is considered to be measured at the location where the diameter of the body is the largest, excluding any extensions of the body, such as fins, and the diameter of the nub is considered to be the diameter of the second end.

In an embodiment, the body may have a generally cylindrical shape with fins disposed at the second end and a tab portion 108 extending from the second end. The fins may be evenly spaced about the circumference of the body, and the portion of the body disposed in the space between the fins may taper inwardly along the length of the fins towards the tab portion. That is, the spacing at the body portion may taper from a first diameter corresponding to the diameter of the body upstream of the fin to a second reduced diameter corresponding to the diameter of the tab portion 108. This taper may give the ejector the appearance of a stern-type structure at the second end, terminating in a lug portion, with fins extending outwardly from the stern-type structure upstream of the lug portion. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the combination of the aft structure and the fins may improve flight characteristics including, but not limited to, flight distance and flight stability.

For example, the tab portion may be sized to interact with a housing structure of a toy ejector launching device to ensure that an appropriately sized ejector is used with a given device. Referring to fig. 5-9, the tab portion may have any suitable size and shape, so long as the tab portion has a sufficient diameter to fit within the housing structure. In an embodiment, the tab portion has a minimum length corresponding to the length of the housing structure by which it must engage with the locking or other interface structure of the device. The shape of the tab portion includes, but is not limited to, circular, oval, star, hexagonal, triangular, and rectangular. In an embodiment, the tab portion has a sidewall that tapers to connect with the base, the tab portion extending from the base. In other embodiments, the tab portion is not tapered relative to the base from which it extends. In an embodiment, the side wall of the tab portion is fully connected to and in contact with the base. In other embodiments, the tab portion is point or line connected to the base such that there is at least one gap between the tab portion and the base.

In an embodiment, the tab portion terminates at the second end and has a flat or substantially flat surface at the second end. For example, a generally flat surface may have some rounding or bumps or mold marks in the manufacturing process, such as small indentations or depressions, but is typically visually flat. For example, the terminal surface may be free of gaps, openings, holes, notches, and the like.

In embodiments, for a toy projectile as shown in fig. 17, the length of the tab portion 108 may be defined as at least about 1mm to at least about 5mm, about 2mm to about 4mm, about 3mm to about 3.5mm between the second end or fin end and the end of the oppositely disposed tab. For example, the tab portion 108 may have a length of about 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3, 1.75, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, or 5 mm.

In embodiments, the ratio of the length of the body to the length of the tab may be about 12:1 to about 20:1, about 15:1 to about 18:1, about 17:1 to about 18:1, or about 15:1 to about 17: 1. Other suitable ratios include about 12:1, 13:1, 14:1, 15:1, 16:1, 17:1, 18:1, 19:1, and 20: 1. For example, the ratio may be about 17.25: 1. In embodiments, the toy ejector may have an overall length of about 60mm to about 70mm, and the tab may have a length of about 3mm to about 5 mm.

In embodiments, the length of the tab portion 108 may be insignificant, and longer lengths, such as 10mm or more, may be suitably used with toy ejector launchers having an IP detection system, as described in detail below, so long as the tab portion 108 has a suitable diameter (or effective diameter) to fit within and engage a locking or other interface structure of the IP detection system.

In embodiments for use with a toy ejector launcher as shown in fig. 17, the tab portion 108 may have a diameter of about 2mm to about 8mm, about 3mm to about 7mm, about 4mm to about 8mm, or about 5mm to about 7 mm. Other suitable diameters include about 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3, 1.75, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.7, 7.3, 7.8, 7.9, 7.8, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.6, 7.8, 7.5, 8mm or 8 mm.

In an embodiment, a toy ejector launcher with an IP detection system may identify a step between a second end of the ejector and the tab portion. The step may be defined by a difference in diameter between the second end or fin end and the tab portion. In embodiments, the difference between the diameter at the second end or fin end and the diameter of the lug portion may be about 0.5mm to about 3mm, about 1mm to about 2mm, about 1mm to about 3mm, or about 0.7mm to about 1.6 mm. Other suitable diameter differences include about 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.5875, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.

In embodiments, a toy projectile according to the present disclosure has a ratio of the diameter of the body (at the maximum width of the body) to the diameter of the lug portion of about 10:1 to about 1.25:1, about 5:1 to about 2.5:1, about 3:1 to about 2:1, about 10:1 to about 5: 1. Other suitable amounts include about 10:1, 9.5:1, 9:1, 8.5:1, 8:1, 7.5:1, 7:1, 6.5:1, 6:1, 5.5:1, 5:1, 4.75:1, 4.5:1, 4.25:1, 4:1, 3.75:1, 3.5:1, 3.25:1, 3:1, 2.75:1, 2.5:1, 2.25:1, 2:1, 1.75:1, 1.5:1, or 1.25: 1.

In an embodiment, the body may include a rear fin. Any suitable number of fins may be included on the body. For example, the ejector may include 6 fin spaces to surround the circumference of the body. Other fin numbers are contemplated. The fin may be disposed at the second end and may terminate at the fin end, and then the tab portion extends from the fin end to define a step portion between the fin end and the tab portion. The fins may also have various cross-sectional shapes, and in various embodiments may be rounded, or multi-faceted, for example. Advantageously, the fins can be made integral with the body using a moulded intumescent material. However, in embodiments, it is also contemplated that known methods of attaching the fins to the body may be used, including heat sealing, adhesives, tapes, and the like. Referring to fig. 1, the rear fin may have a generally circular shape or a semi-cylindrical shape with a fin top having a rounded shape. Alternatively, referring to figures 17A and 17B, the trailing fin structure may have a more linearly defined edge, where the top of the fin is flat.

In embodiments, the ejector 10 may include features that allow it to be used with an ejector having a simple ejector check housing structure as described herein and in the co-pending application entitled "toy ejector with multiple simple ejector check and lock method". For example, the ejector 100 may include a stepped end and a tab 108, such that when the stepped end and tab are located at an ejector receiving port having a corresponding step, a rearward stepped formation and tab portion of the ejector is allowed to be at the ejector receiving port, such that a detection check is triggered.

In an embodiment, a toy projectile system may include a toy projectile having a step and a protrusion and a toy projectile launching device having a projectile receiving opening and a simple projectile inspection housing assembly capable of identifying the compatibility of the toy projectile with the launcher.

Scheme(s)

Scheme 1. ejection piece includes:

a body extending between a first end and an oppositely disposed second end, wherein at least a portion of the body is formed of an expanded bead material;

a tip portion attached to the body at a first end, the tip portion including an internal protrusion extending into the internal chamber, and one or more vent holes in fluid communication with the internal chamber,

wherein the ratio of the bulk density to the tip density is from about 20:1 to about 40: 1.

Scheme 2. an ejection piece includes:

a body extending between a first end and an oppositely disposed second end, wherein at least a portion of the body is formed of an expanded bead material, the body having an insert receiving opening extending into the body from the first end, and the insert receiving opening extending less than the overall length of the body;

a tip attached to the body at a first end, the tip having an internal cavity; and

an insert having a first end extending into the interior chamber and a second end extending into the insert receiving opening, wherein a ratio of the bulk density to the tip density is about 20:1 to about 40: 1.

Scheme 3. an ejection member, comprising:

a body extending between a first end and an oppositely disposed second end, wherein at least a portion of the body is formed of an expanded bead material, the body having an insert receiving opening extending into the body from the first end, and the insert receiving opening extending less than the overall length of the body; and

a tip portion having an insert protrusion extending into an insert receiving opening in the body,

wherein the ratio of the bulk density to the tip density is from about 20:1 to about 40: 1.

Scheme 4. the projectile of any of the above schemes, wherein the expanded bead material is one or more of expanded bead polyethylene, expanded bead polypropylene, expanded bead polystyrene, expanded bead thermoplastic polyurethane, and expanded bead polylactic acid.

The ejector of any of the above aspects, wherein the body further comprises one or more fins disposed at or proximate to the second end of the body.

Scheme 6. the ejector of scheme 5, wherein, the body includes 4 fins.

Scheme 7. the ejector of scheme 5, wherein, the body includes 6 fins.

The ejector of any of the above aspects, wherein the body further comprises a tab extending outwardly from the second end, wherein the tab has a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the body at the second end.

The ejector of claim 8, wherein the tab extends about 4mm from the second end.

Claim 10 the ejector of claim 8 or 9, wherein a step is provided between the second end and the projection.

Solution 11. the ejector according to solution 10, comprising a tapered wall connecting the step and the projection.

Solution 12. the ejector of solution 11, wherein the taper is about 100 °.

Solution 13. the ejector of solution 12, comprising a non-tapered wall connecting the step and the projection.

The ejector of any of the above aspects, wherein the body is solid.

Scheme 15. the ejector according to any of the schemes 1 to 13, wherein the body comprises a hollow portion and a solid core portion disposed in the hollow portion, wherein the solid core portion is formed of an expanded bead material.

The ejector of any of claims 1-13, wherein the body includes a hollow portion extending within the body from the second end to the first end, the hollow portion extending less than the entire length of the body.

Scheme 17. a toy projectile, comprising:

a body having a length extending from a first end to an oppositely disposed second end, wherein the body has a generally cylindrical shape;

a tab portion extending from the second end, the tab portion having a diameter that is less than a diameter of the body at the second end such that a step is defined between the second end and the tab portion, wherein the tab portion has a length that extends between a first tab end and a second tab end, the first tab end is contiguous with the second end, and the second tab end terminates in a flat or substantially flat surface;

a tip portion attached to the body at the first end; and

one or more fins attached to or integral with the body at the second end upstream of the tab portion.

Scheme 18. the toy projectile of scheme 17, wherein the ratio of the length of the body to the length of the tab portion is about 12:1 to about 20: 1.

Scheme 19. a toy ejection member comprises

A body extending from a first end to a second end, wherein the body has a stern-type configuration such that a diameter of the body tapers from a maximum body diameter toward the second end, thereby defining a tab portion having a tab with a diameter less than the maximum body diameter;

one or more fins disposed about a circumference of the body proximate the second end of the body, wherein an outer circumference is defined by an outer surface of the one or more fins and has a diameter that is substantially the same as the maximum body diameter;

wherein the one or more fins terminate at a fin end upstream of the tab portion such that the tab portion extends outwardly to define a reduced circumferential portion as compared to an outer circumferential portion defined by the one or more fins, and a step is defined between the fin end and the tab portion.

The toy projectile of claim 19, wherein the ratio of the maximum body diameter to the diameter of the lug portion is from about 10:1 to about 1.25: 1.

The toy projectile of claim 19, wherein the difference between the maximum body diameter and the diameter of the lug portion is about 0.5mm to about 3 mm.

Scheme 22. a toy projectile, comprising:

a body extending from a first end to a second end;

a plurality of fins attached to or integral with the body at the second end, wherein the body including the plurality of fins has a first diameter, each fin being spaced from an adjacent fin by a space, wherein a portion of the body disposed within the space tapers inwardly toward the second end along a length of the fin;

a tab portion extending from the second end, wherein the tab portion has a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter; and

a tip portion attached to the body at the first end.

The toy projectile of claim 22, wherein a ratio of the first diameter to the second diameter is about 10:1 to about 1.25: 1.

The toy projectile of claim 22, wherein the difference between the first diameter and the second diameter is about 0.5mm to about 3 mm.

Scheme 25. the toy projectile of any one of the preceding claims, comprising 6 fins spaced around a circumferential portion of the body.

The toy projectile in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tab portion has a length defined between the end of the fin and the end of the oppositely disposed tab portion of about 1mm to 5 mm.

The toy projectile in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lug portion includes a circumferential wall joining a first lug end at the second end with an oppositely disposed second lug end, wherein the circumferential wall tapers inwardly from the first lug end to the second lug end.

Scheme 28. the toy projectile of scheme 22, wherein the taper of the circumferential wall is about 100 °.

The toy projectile in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tab portion includes a circumferential wall joining a first tab end at the second end with an oppositely disposed second tab end, wherein the circumferential wall is a straight, non-tapered wall.

The toy launcher of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body has a length defined between the first end and the second end of about 50mm to about 100 mm.

The toy projectile in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body has a reduced diameter portion at the first end, and the tip is sized to mate with the reduced diameter portion.

A toy projectile in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the body is formed from an expanded bead material.

The toy projectile of claim 16, wherein the expanded bead material is expanded bead polyethylene, expanded bead polypropylene, expanded bead polystyrene, expanded bead thermoplastic polyurethane, or expanded bead polylactic acid.

The toy ejector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the length of the body is about 60mm to about 70mm, and the length of the tab portion is about 3mm to about 5 mm.

It is noted that throughout this disclosure, words such as "forward", "rearward", "above", "below", "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", "upper" and "lower" and similar terms refer to the ejector portion as it appears in the drawings relative to other portions or in relation to the position of the ejector that is loaded into and ejected from the launching device in normal use.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. Therefore, it is intended to cover all such changes and modifications that fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. The matters set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings are offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. The actual scope of the invention is to be determined by the appended claims, appropriately interpreted, based on the doctrine of equivalents.