INTERACTIVE HAND-HELD TOY APPARATUS

Abstract

Embodiments described provide an interactive hand-held wand-style fighter aircraft apparatus including a multi-axis sensor in electrical communication with a microcontroller and memory module to provide a plurality of colored light schemes and play a variety of pre-programmed sound effects stored within the memory module to simulate the effects of an operational fighter aircraft. The apparatus further includes a handle portion housing the microcontroller and further including a plurality of push-button switches and a trigger which when released launches a variety of dummy projectiles from a spring-activated launcher mounted on the aircraft assembly.

Claims

1. An interactive hand-held toy fighter aircraft apparatus; the apparatus comprising: an elongated and translucent body configured to releasably secure: a waterproof speaker; a strand of light emitting diodes extending throughout the translucent body of the apparatus; a handle portion having a plurality of push-button control switches and further including: a microcontroller configured to illuminate the strand of light emitting diodes when at least one of the push-button switches is depressed; a multi-axis sensor to sense a change of movement of the apparatus; a trigger mechanically connected to a spring-activated projectile launcher; a power switch; a battery source electrically connected to the microcontroller and the multi-axis sensor; and a fighter aircraft assembly releasably attached at the first end of the elongated and translucent body.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the waterproof speaker is further configured to connect to a smart device over a wireless network.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the microcontroller further includes a memory module containing a plurality of pre-programmed sound effects corresponding to a fighter aircraft.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further including a spring-activated projectile launcher at a fuselage portion of the fighter aircraft assembly and configured to selectively release a dummy projectile when a trigger is squeezed.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the dummy projectile includes at least: a dummy missile; and a dummy bomb.

6. An interactive hand-held fighter aircraft apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a stylized fighter aircraft assembly connected to a first end of a translucent and elongated body and further including a compressed spring-activated projectile launcher along an outside portion of the assembly; a translucent and elongated body connecting the fighter aircraft assembly at a first end and a handle portion at a second end and configured to store a strand of light emitting diodes; a handle portion located at a second end of the apparatus and configured to contain: a waterproof speaker configured to play a timed pre-programmed sound effect; at least one push-button switch to control a timed light scheme using a colored light emitting diode; a multi-axis sensor configured to sense a movement of the apparatus and cause an electrical signal to be transmitted to a microcontroller; a trigger configured to launch a dummy projectile from a spring-activated projectile launcher; a microcontroller configured to: store a plurality of pre-programmed sound effects corresponding to a fighter aircraft in a memory module; illuminate the strand of light emitting diodes when a push-button switch is depressed; play at least one sound effect through the waterproof speaker in response to a received electrical signal from the multi-axis sensor; and

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the trigger is mechanically connected to the spring-activated projectile launcher using a trigger rod.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the spring-activated projectile launcher includes a compressed spring to enable re-loading of the dummy projectile when launched.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the pre-programmed sound effects correspond to a variety of fighter aircraft sounds.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the pre-programmed sound effects include: a dummy explosion sound; and a dummy missile launch.

11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the waterproof speaker is further configured to receive a signal over a wireless network using a mobile device.

12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the light emitting diodes are further configured to selectively flash a plurality of color schemes corresponding to a light configuration of a fighter aircraft.

13. The apparatus of claim 6, further including a coupling between the elongated body and the aircraft assembly to form a hermetic seal.

14. An interactive hand-held toy aircraft wand assembly, the apparatus comprising: a translucent and elongated body having a handle portion at a first end and a releasably attached fighter aircraft assembly at the second end; an ergonomically shaped handle further including: a waterproof speaker to enable pre-programmed sound effects corresponding to a fighter aircraft's sounds to be played; a microcontroller including a memory module in electrical communication with the waterproof speaker to enable a plurality of pre-programmed sound effects to be selectively played by depressing at least one push-button switch at a time; a retractable trigger in mechanical communication with a spring-activated projectile launcher configured to release a dummy projectile when initiated; a trigger mechanically connected to a spring-activated projectile launcher and configured to release a dummy projectile; and a translucent fighter aircraft assembly having at least one spring-activated projectile launcher located at a wing or a fuselage portion of the aircraft.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the ergonomically shaped handle further includes a battery operated power source electrically connected to the microcontroller.

16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the trigger is mechanically connected to the spring-activated projectile launcher using a trigger rod.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, further including a battery operated power source electrically connected to the microcontroller.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] A more complete understanding of the embodiments, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an interactive hand-held toy fighter aircraft apparatus;

[0013] FIG. 2 is a is a block diagram illustrating the control architecture of the apparatus;

[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the fighter aircraft assembly illustrated in the preferred embodiment;

[0015] FIG. 4 is a view of the fighter aircraft assembly shown in one embodiment; and

[0016] FIG. 5 is a further view of the apparatus shown in an alternative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are set forth in this application. Any specific details of the embodiments are used for demonstration purposes only, and no unnecessary limitation or inferences are to be understood therefrom. Furthermore, as used herein, relational terms, such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like, may be used solely to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element without necessarily requiring or implying any physical or logical relationship, or order between such entities or elements.

[0018] The embodiments provide an interactive hand-held wand-styled toy fighter aircraft apparatus having a toy fighter aircraft assembly releasably attached to a hermetically sealed elongated body. The interactive apparatus further includes a plurality of colored light emitting diodes contained within the hermetically sealed elongated body which connects the aircraft assembly at the first end and handle portion at the opposite second end. The user may control the color schemes, sound selection, and the spring-loaded or pneumatic ejection apparatus by depressing the push-button actuator a number of times until the desired setting is achieved. One example of operation would be to energize the apparatus by placing the switch in the on position, depressing the push-button actuator at least once and having both a colored light scheme and pre-programmed sound play for a pre-determined period of time upon ejecting a desired projectile from the fighter aircraft apparatus.

[0019] Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the views. There is shown in FIG. 1 as the preferred embodiment an interactive hand-held toy fighter aircraft apparatus 10 which allows the user to securely grip handle portion 12 while simultaneously engaging a variety of push-button switches 14 and trigger 16 to release a variety of dummy projectiles 17 from the fighter aircraft assembly 18 to imitate fight aircraft combat missions and aerial maneuvers. The apparatus 10 is comprised of a handle portion 12 with an elongated and translucent body 20 located at the first end of the handle 22. The body 20 is an elongated and cylindrically shaped tube which extends from the first end of the handle 22 to the fuselage portion of the aircraft 24 where it is hermetically sealed to the aircraft assembly 18 using a coupling 26. The body 20 further includes a strand of light emitting diodes 28 and a trigger rod 29 which extends from the trigger 16 to the aircraft assembly 18 to activate the compressed spring when the user squeezes the trigger. It is contemplated that the apparatus 10 is comprised of high durometer plastic manufactured using a mold or injection mold.

[0020] The elongated body 20 is linearly designed having a length 30 extending from the first end of the handle 22 to the second end of the elongated body 32. The linearly shaped elongated body 20 is further designed to allow the illuminable strand of light emitting diodes 28 which are coiled about the trigger rod 29 located at the axis of the elongated body 34.

[0021] The strand of light emitting diodes 28 includes a plurality of colored diodes 38 electrically connected to a timer 40 within a microcontroller 42 (further illustrated in FIG. 2) which create a multi-colored light configuration conserving power and minimizing heat generation.

[0022] The fighter aircraft assembly 18 has a toy fighter aircraft shaped configuration and is releasably attached to the first end of the elongated body 32 using a coupling 26 which connects the elongated body 20 to the aircraft assembly 18 creating a hermetic seal to prevent moisture intrusion into the control electronics. The hollow coupling 26 further allows the strand of illuminable light emitting diodes 28 to be continuously coiled about the trigger rod 29 which extends to the aircraft assembly 18. The fighter aircraft assembly 18 is further configured to contain at least one ejection chair apparatus 42 by either spring loaded or pneumatic means, and at least one spring-activated projectile launcher 50 at a fuselage 24 or wings 52 of the aircraft assembly.

[0023] The handle portion 12 located at the second end of the elongated body 32 and opposite the aircraft assembly 18 further includes a plurality push button switches 14 and push-button power actuator 45 which are both electrically connected to the at least one battery supply 48 and microcontroller 42.

[0024] Shown in FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the control architecture of the apparatus 210. The microcontroller 42 further includes a memory module 46 which enables a plurality of pre-programmed sound effects simulating jet noise to be stored and selectively played by depressing the push-button actuator 14 a pre-determined number of times. The microcontroller 42 is further connected to the timer 40 which is configured to control the duration of the light scheme and pre-programmed sound effects played through the waterproof speaker 53. The microcontroller 42 is further connected, either electrically or mechanically, to the compressed spring-activated projectile launcher 50 allowing the release or launch of a dummy projectile 17 from the fuselage 24 or wings 52 of the aircraft assembly when the trigger 16 is pulled.

[0025] The multi-axis sensor 44 is designed to sense any movement of the apparatus 10 and respond by initiating a pre-determined light scheme or playing one of the stored pre-programmed sound effects. For example, if the child were to tilt the apparatus 10 forward from a vertical to horizontal position, the multi-axis sensor 44 would sense both the force and movement within the single load cell sensor and the sound of missile launching may be heard. In another example, if the apparatus were tipped up-side-down the multi-axis sensor 44 would sense the change in movement and immediately display flashing red lights to indicate the aircraft is in danger of crashing.

[0026] The body 20 further secures the elongated trigger rod which mechanically connects the interior portion of the trigger components 54 with the spring-activated projectile launcher 50. While playing with the toy, the user may be able to squeeze the trigger 16 and release bombs and missiles over a fictional target. Once dispersed, the dummy projectile 17 can be re-loaded into spring-activated projectile launcher 50.

[0027] Shown in FIG. 3 is a further view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus 10. Like the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, the apparatus 10 provides an interactive play experience where the user is able to wave the wand in the air and simulate the toy fighter aircraft assembly taking flight through the air and engaging in various aerial moves. The push-button switches 14 and trigger 16 allow the user to twirl the apparatus 10 in the air and mimic aerial flight operations.

[0028] Shown in FIG. 4 is a rear view of the apparatus 10 shown in the preferred embodiment with the elongated body 12 releasably attached to the aircraft assembly 18 using a coupling 26 at the second end of the elongated body 32. Further illustrated is the spring-activated projectile launcher 50 without any loaded dummy projectiles 17. It is contemplated the apparatus 10 will enable a user to switch fight aircraft assembly types 18 by twisting the aircraft assembly from the second end of the elongated body 32 to unseat it from the elongated body 12.

[0029] Shown in FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the handle 22 including the power switch 45 having an upper on and lower off selector. The push-button 45 may be selectively depressed a pre-determined number of times to control the color scheme, light duration/flash, and pre-programmed sound effects stored within the memory module 46.

[0030] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present embodiment is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the following claims.