Through the water projectile toy

Abstract

A projectile for launch in a body of water is described herein. The head of the projectile may be soft, the projectile may have a total specific gravity greater than about 0.95, the center of gravity may be located nearer the front end of the projectile as compared to the rear end and/or the length of the projectile relative to the maximum diameter may be greater than about 7:1. Methods of launching the same are also described herein.

Claims

1. A through-the-water projectile comprising an elongated smooth body comprising: a) a forward end; b) a rear end; c) a length extending from the forward end to the rear end; d) a maximum width perpendicular to the length; e) a head forming the forward end of the elongated smooth body and comprising a resilient leading edge having a hardness of 80 shore A or less, the head comprising a head maximum width; and f) a rear section forming the rear end of the elongated body and rearwardly disposed relative to the head and comprising a shaft, the shaft comprising a shaft minimum width, the shaft minimum width less than the head maximum width, wherein the elongated smooth body has a total specific gravity greater than about 0.95 and a center of gravity, wherein the center of gravity of the elongated smooth body is within about the forward 40% of the elongated smooth body length, and further wherein the ratio of the elongated smooth body length to the maximum width, excluding thin protrusions and stabilizers, is greater than 7:1.

2. The through-the-water projectile of claim 1, wherein the shaft is integral with the head.

3. The through-the-water projectile of claim 1, wherein the shaft is attached to the head.

4. The through-the-water projectile of claim 1 further comprising at least one stabilizer, the at least one stabilizer attached or integral to the shaft and located within about the rear 20% of the elongated smooth body length.

5. The through-the-water projectile of claim 4, wherein the elongated smooth body comprises a longitudinal axis extending through a widthwise center of the elongated smooth body parallel to the elongated smooth body length, wherein the geometric shape of at least one of the elongated smooth body and the at least one stabilizer are configured to cause the elongated smooth body to spin around the smooth body longitudinal axis as the projectile moves through water to aid the projectile to travel in a predictable trajectory.

6. The through-the-water projectile of claim 1 wherein the elongated body has a width of at least about 1 inch within about 1 inch from the leading edge and further wherein the leading edge is rounded or blunt.

7. The through-the-water projectile of claim 1 wherein the maximum width of the elongated smooth body is within about the forward 20% of the projectile's length and the head comprises a curve that defines the head's shape.

8. The through-the-water projectile of claim 1 wherein the leading edge is generally hemispherical in shape, and further wherein the head gradually tapers rearwardly in width from the head maximum width to the shaft.

9. The through-the-water projectile of claim 1 wherein the leading edge is generally hemispherical in shape, wherein the head gradually tapers rearwardly in diameter from a maximum diameter to a minimum diameter that is substantially equal to the minimum width of the shaft and further wherein the shaft comprises a plurality of fins radiating from the shaft.

10. A method of using the through-the-water projectile of claim 1, comprising the steps of a) providing the through-the-water-projectile of claim 1 and b) launching the through-the-water projectile in a body of water.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein step b) comprises using a launcher comprising an elastic band to launch the through-the-water projectile in the water.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein the launcher is a hand wearable launcher.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the elongated smooth body comprises a longitudinal axis extending through a widthwise center of the elongated smooth body parallel to the elongated smooth body length, and further wherein the elongated smooth body spins around the elongated smooth body longitudinal axis as the projectile moves through the body of water.

14. The method of claim 10 wherein step b) comprises i) engaging the rear end of the elongated smooth body with a launcher with an elastic band having stored kinetic energy and ii) using the stored kinetic energy from the launcher to launch the elongated smooth body through the water in a sustained trajectory.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the elongated smooth body comprises a longitudinal axis extending through a widthwise center of the elongated smooth body parallel to the elongated smooth body length, wherein the elongated smooth body spins around the elongated smooth body longitudinal axis as the projectile moves through the body of water.

16. The method of claim 14 wherein the method comprises grasping the projectile by the head while launching the projectile.

17. The method of claim 10 wherein the leading edge is generally hemispherical in shape, wherein the head gradually tapers rearwardly in width from the head maximum width to the shaft.

18. The method of claim 10 wherein the leading edge is generally hemispherical in shape, wherein the head gradually tapers rearwardly in diameter from a maximum diameter to a minimum diameter that is substantially equal to the minimum width of the shaft and further wherein the shaft comprises a plurality of fins radiating from the shaft.

19. The method of claim 10 wherein the resilient leading edge has a hardness of between 40 to 60 shore A.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 illustrates a side elevation view of a projectile of one embodiment of the present invention.

(2) FIG. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of a projectile launcher of one embodiment of the present invention.

(3) FIG. 3 illustrates a side perspective view of the projectile launcher of FIG. 2 being used to launch the projectile of FIG. 1.

(4) FIG. 4 illustrates a side elevation view of a projectile with a blunt tip of another embodiment of the present invention.

(5) FIG. 5 illustrates a side elevation view of a projectile with a blunt tip of another embodiment of the present invention.

(6) FIG. 6 illustrates a side elevation view of a projectile with a unitary design of another embodiment of the present invention.

(7) FIG. 7 illustrates a side elevation view of two projectiles of another embodiment of the present invention.

(8) FIG. 8 illustrates a side perspective view of a projectile launcher and projectile of another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(9) FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of the projectile, generally designated by the number 10, and shows the various parts and reference points of that particular embodiment. The projectile 10 may include a head portion 1, a maximum diameter/width 2, a leading edge or tip 3 of the projectile 10, a center of gravity 4, a shaft region 5 which is the smallest diameter/width 8 of the projectile 10 and stabilizer fins 6, which may or may not be necessary depending on the length to weight ratio and other factors.

(10) For purposes of the present invention, the maximum diameter/width 2 and the minimum diameter/width 8 of the shaft 5 refer to the maximum diameter/width of the elongated body (more particularly head 1) and the minimum diameter/width of the shaft 5, as determined without taking into account any stabilizers 6 or thin protrusions, such as wings. In other words, the stabilizers 6 and thin protrusions (if present) are not taken into account when defining the maximum diameter/width 2 and the minimum diameter/width 5. In FIG. 1, it can also be seen that the shape of head 1 uses an accelerated foil shaped curve and not merely a consistent linear reduction of diameter/width as it tapers down from the maximum diameter/width 2 to the diameter/width 8 of the shaft 5. In other words, it is not a straight taper in this embodiment and the curve is similar to the curve of an airplane wing as it convexes along the axis of the shaft 5. The projectile 10 is in the form of an elongated smooth body 12 having a forward end 13 comprising the head 1 and a rear end 7 comprising the shaft 5. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the center of gravity 4 is in the head portion 1. In particular embodiments, the center of gravity 4 is within the forward 40% of the projectile's length 11, meaning that if the elongated smooth body 12 has a length 11 of 10 inches for example, the center of gravity 4 is located no more than 4 inches from the tip/leading edge 3. In particular embodiments, the stabilizers 6 are within the rear 20% of the projectile's length 11, meaning that if the elongated smooth body 12 has a length 11 of 10 inches, for example, the stabilizers 6 are located within 2 inches of the rear end 7 of the elongated smooth body 12. In particular embodiments, the maximum diameter/width 2 is adjacent to the leading edge 3. For example, the maximum diameter/width 2 of the elongated smooth body is preferably within the forward 20% of the projectile's length 11, meaning that if the elongated smooth body 12 has a length of 18 inches for example, the maximum general diameter/width 2 is located no more than 3.6 inches from the tip/leading edge 3. The language width/diameter takes into account that the head 1 and the shaft 5 may be cylindrical in shape (i.e., have a diameter). Preferably, the head 1 and the shaft 5 are generally cylindrical in shape, it being understood that generally cylindrical includes tapered cylinders. Optionally, the head 1 has a width/diameter of 1 inch or more within the first 1 inch of the elongated body's length 11, as measured from the leading edge 3. This feature of creating a relatively wide head 1 adjacent to (i.e., at or near) the leading edge 3 is designed to prevent injury to user eyes.

(11) FIG. 2 shows depicts a simple launcher 14 that includes latex tubing or another elastomeric tube 15 to provide the elastic in which to store energy for release when launched, a molded engagement 16 for unidirectionally holding the projectile 10 from the rear end 7 and attached to the latex tubing 15 and a lanyard 17 to go around the wrist to free the hand for swimming or other activities without losing the launcher 14.

(12) FIG. 3 shows how the launcher 14 depicted in FIG. 2 may be used. The latex tube 15 goes around the fingers and back to the engagement. The projectile 10 may be pushed back from the head 1 or pulled from the rear end 7 to build kinetic energy. The head 1 may then simply be grasped to store that kinetic energy and aim the projectile 10. Releasing the head 1 causes the projectile 10 to launch in a predictable trajectory. The wrist is simply inserted into the loop of the lanyard 17.

(13) FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of the projectile 10 that is velocity limiting. When launched at a force this projectile 10 will quickly slow to a speed that will be sustained by inertia and the back draft of water current created as the projectile 10 directs water around itself and as it slips through the liquid atmosphere. With a blunt tip 3, the water is directed to move more perpendicular to the elongated shape than horizontal. This perpendicular movement of water dissipates inertial force but becomes exponentially less of a factor as the projectile 10 slows. A more blunt tip 3 is desired when people may be present in the line of trajectory or when the projectile 10 is used for a catch or game of tag pattern of use.

(14) FIG. 5 also depicts an embodiment with a less blunt tip 3. This tip 3 also directs water away from the tip when moving through the water but because of the shape, the perpendicular displacement of water is not as great, and so, all other things being equal, the typical traveling speed of this projectile 10 is higher than that depicted in FIG. 4. A sharper, less blunt tip 3 is desirable when the only concern is the equipment such as the projectile 10 itself or the walls of a pool and the quick action of spearfishing is the goal. But some compromise is an option for older age groups or the wearing of adequate protection. A toy model may differ from a sporting goods model in this way.

(15) FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment where the head 1 and the shaft 5 are a unitary design. This is perhaps the best choice for a hand launch because a more secure purchase for grip is provided, however a launcher 14 could be used. In this embodiment, more surface area is traded for more subtle transitions and therefore less turbulence. The shape is similar to the shape of an airplane wings curves moving concentric to the axis of its longitude throughout its length. The center of gravity 4 and maximum diameter/width 2 are still near the tip 3 and the shaft portion 5 still stabilizes the projectile's 10 trajectory through a liquid. Small stabilizers 6 can be used to great affect if added to the embodiment pictured.

(16) FIG. 7 depicts projectiles with character head 1 shapes. By symmetry and forward weighting the shape, said shape may be somewhat concentrically inconsistent. The more forward the weight and a greater ratio of weight forward along with a greater ratio of length to maximum diameter/width, the more an inconsistent shape may be overcome and provide the projectile 10 with a predictable trajectory. Designing the projectile 10 to spin as it travels can also help with some shapes where others may have a top, bottom, left and right in relation to the surface.

(17) FIG. 8 depicts a launcher 14 with an elastomeric band 15 attached to the engagement 16 and a glove to free the users hand for swimming purposes.

(18) Having now described the invention in accordance with the requirements of the patent statutes, those skilled in the art will understand how to make changes and modifications to the disclosed embodiments to meet their specific requirements or conditions. Changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. In addition, the steps of any method described herein may be performed in any suitable order and steps may be performed simultaneously if needed.

(19) Terms of degree such as generally, substantially, about and approximately as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. For example, these terms can be construed as including a deviation of at least 5% of the modified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the word it modifies.