Toy Launching Apparatus

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/655,967, filed on Jun. 4, 2024 and titled TOY LAUNCHING APPARATUS, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/774,316, filed on Mar. 19, 2025 and titled TOY LAUNCHING APPARATUS. Both of these applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

This disclosure relates to a toy launching apparatus.

Persons of all ages enjoy playing with toys.

In one aspect, a toy apparatus includes: a base portion; a receptacle including a first open end, a second open end, and a sidewall that extends between the first open end and the second open end; a platform configured to move relative to the base portion between a first position and a second position, the first position under the second open end of the receptacle; and a launcher coupled to the platform, the launcher configured to move the platform between the first position and the second position.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features.

The toy apparatus also may include a cutting assembly that includes a cutting surface and a cutting interface. The cutting surface may move in a space between the second open end of the receptacle and the platform in response to manipulation of the cutting interface. The cutting assembly may include cutting blades mounted on a pivot point assembly. The platform may be mounted to the base portion and may slide relative to the base portion between the first position and the second position; the cutting assembly may be mounted to the base portion, and the cutting surface may slide relative to the base portion in response to manipulation of the cutting interface. The base portion may include a slot in a planar surface; the platform may be on a first side of the planar surface; the launcher may be on a second side of the planar surface; and the apparatus also may include a mechanical interface that passes through the slot and attaches the launcher to the platform. The mechanical interface may include a post. The launcher may be in an initial state when the platform is in the first position, the launcher may be in a launching state when the platform is in the second position, and the launcher may have a smaller extent along a first direction in the initial state than in the launched state. The launcher may include a plurality of rigid mechanical links configured to rotate relative to each other. The launcher may be coupled to a launching interface including: a first handle attached to a first one of the rigid mechanical links at a first pivot point; and a second handle attached to a second one of the rigid mechanical links at a second pivot point. Moving the first handle and the second handle toward each other may slide the platform relative to the base portion toward the second position. Placing the first handle and the second handle in contact with each other may cause the post that is attached to the launcher and the platform to collide with an end wall of the slot.

The receptacle may be configured to receive a moldable material.

The receptacle may be configured to receive a pre-formed slice of material. The pre-formed slice of material may be a pre-formed disk of material. The pre-formed disk of material is a pre-formed disk of moldable material. The pre-formed disk of material is a pre-formed disk of rigid material.

In another aspect, a toy set includes: a moldable material; and a launching apparatus including: a base portion; a platform mounted to the base portion, the platform configured to receive the moldable material; a cutting surface configured to move in a space above the platform and to cut through the moldable material such that a slice of the moldable material is on the platform; and a launcher coupled to the platform, the launcher configured to move the platform between an initial position and a launched position.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features.

Moving the launcher into the launched position may eject the slice of the moldable material.

The launcher may include rigid mechanical links configured to rotate relative to each other. The toy set also may include a launching interface, the launching interface including a first handle coupled to a first one of the rigid mechanical links and a second handle coupled to a second one of the rigid mechanical links, and moving the first handle and the second handle toward each other may move the platform toward the launched position.

In another aspect, a method includes: positioning a platform mounted in a base portion in an initial position by sliding the platform along a track in the base portion; placing a piece of material onto the platform; moving the platform along the track toward an end wall of the track; and releasing the piece of material from the platform by colliding the platform with the end wall of the track.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features.

Placing a piece of material onto the platform may include: providing a moldable material to the platform; and preparing a slice of the moldable material by moving a cutting surface above the platform and through the moldable material that is on the platform such that a slice of the moldable material is placed on the platform. Moving the cutting surface above the platform may include moving the cutting surface in a plane above the platform that is substantially parallel to the platform.

Moving the platform toward the end wall of the track may include activating an interface coupled to the platform. Activating the interface coupled to the platform may include moving two handles toward each other.

Placing a piece of material onto the platform may include placing a pre-shaped piece of moldable material on the platform.

Placing a piece of material on the platform may include placing a pre-shaped disk on the platform.

In another aspect, a toy apparatus includes: a base portion; a platform configured to move relative to the base portion between a first position and a second position; and a launcher coupled to the platform, the launcher configured to move the platform between the first position and the second position.

In another aspect, a toy apparatus includes: a base portion; a launcher including: a mechanical launcher associated with a folded state and an expanded state; and a launching interface operable to transition the mechanical launcher from the folded state to the expanded state in response to manual manipulation; and a platform mounted to the base portion, the platform including a material receiving section. The platform is configured to move relative to the base portion from a first position to a second position to launch a piece of material on the material receiving section in response to the mechanical launcher transitioning into the expanded state.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features.

The mechanical launcher may include a plurality of rigid mechanical links that rotate relative to each other in response to manual manipulation of the launching interface.

The platform may have a range of motion defined by the base portion, the second position of the platform is at an end of the range of motion, and the piece of material on the material receiving section is launched when the platform reaches the end of the range of motion.

The techniques discussed herein may be implemented as a system, an apparatus, a device, or a method.

are side views of a toy apparatus. The toy apparatusincludes a base portionand a platformthat moves relative to the base portionbetween a first position() and a second position() in response to activation of a launcher. The platformholds a pieceof material. The moving platformstops suddenly at the second position, generating a collision force that ejects the pieceof material from the platform. The toy apparatusrelies on the collision force to launch the pieceof material, and the launchercan be implemented without springs or other mechanisms that store potential energy. This design promotes safety and simplicity of design.

The pieceof material may be made of any type of material capable of holding a shape. The material may be a material that is moldable by the user of the toy apparatusor a material that is pre-formed into the piece. Examples of materials that are moldable by the user of the toy apparatusinclude, without limitation, putty, clay, a viscous gel capable of holding a shape, and/or a dough substance (for example, PLAY-DOH®, available from Hasbro, Inc. of Pawtucket, Rhode Island). The moldable material may be a non-homogenous material that includes a base moldable material and one or more additives or secondary materials substantially adhered to the base moldable material. Examples of additives or secondary materials include, for example, sand, pellets, glitter, other moldable materials, and/or plastic design elements. Examples of material that can be pre-formed into the pieceinclude, without limitation, rigid or semi-rigid plastic, hardened gels, metals, and ceramics. Moreover, the pre-formed piecemay be made of a material that could be by the end-user.

The piecemay have any shape. For example, the piecemay be a disk of material. The disk may be circular, elliptical, or an irregular shape that may or may not have rounded edges. The piecemay be a square or a rectangular disk-like object. In some implementations, the pieceis a ball or a sphere of material. The piecemay be shaped in a manner similar to a pizza pie or other food item.

relate to another example toy apparatus.is a side cross-sectional view of the toy apparatus, andis a top view of the top apparatus.are bottom views of the toy apparatus.

The toy apparatusincludes a base portionand a platformthat is slidably mounted to the base portion. The cutting apparatusand the platformmove independently of each other. The platformhas a bottom sideand a top sidethat supports a piece. The toy apparatusalso includes a cutting apparatusthat is slidably mounted to the base portion. The cutting apparatusincludes a cutting edgethat can cut through a moldable material but is safe to touch. For example, the cutting edgemay be a beveled edge or a straight edge that can cut through a moldable material but does not cut a human user of the toy apparatus. The cutting apparatusis above (displaced in the Z direction) the platform, and the cutting apparatusand the platformare separated from each other in the Z direction. The cutting apparatusmay be used to form the pieceon the top sideof the platform or the piecemay be pre-formed and placed on the top side.

The base portionincludes a launcher coverand railsandThe railsandare walls or sides that extend in the Z direction. The railsandinclude respective slots(not shown) andand respective tracksandThe platformis mounted to the base portionat the slotsandFor example, the platformmay include flanges or tabs that extend in the +/−Y directions and into the slotsandThe flanges can slide in the slotsandallowing the platformto slide relative to the base portionin the +/−X directions.

The top portion of each railincludes a respective trackThe cutting apparatusis slidably mounted to the tracksandEach trackandmay be a protrusion that extends in the Z direction and receives a corresponding slot on an undersideof the cutting apparatus. In some implementations, each trackandis a recess that extends into the respective railin the −Z direction and receives a corresponding protrusion on the undersideof the cutting apparatus.

Other implementations are possible. For example, the cutting apparatusmay include bearings on the undersideinstead of slots or a protrusion. In these implementations, the bearings allow the cutting apparatusto move in the +/−X directions relative to the base portion.

The toy apparatusalso includes a launcherthat is coupled to the platform. The launcherincludes a launching interfacethat, when activated, controls a mechanical launching mechanism() to move the platformin the X direction. Referring also to, which are bottom views of the toy apparatus, the mechanical launching mechanismhas a retracted state () and an expanded state (). The mechanical launching mechanismis below the launching coverand are not visible in. The mechanical launching mechanismis coupled to the launching interfaceand to a coupling element. The coupling elementis attached to the platform. In the example shown, the coupling elementis attached to a platform postthat extends from the bottom sideof the platformand through an openingin the launch cover.

The launching interfaceis any type of manual interface. For example, the launching interfacemay be a knob, a paddle, or a button. The launching interfacemay include more than one manual interface. For example, the launching interfacemay include two paddles that are moved toward each other to manually activate the mechanical launching mechanism.

The mechanical launching mechanismis any type of mechanical device or apparatus that expands and contracts. The mechanical launching mechanismmay be a mechanism that does not store potential energy or is not primarily intended to store potential energy. For example, the mechanical launching mechanismmay include one or more mechanical links that are configured to rotate relative to each other (to fold and unfold) in response to activation of the launching interface. Although the mechanical launching mechanismmay be implemented as a mechanism that does not store potential energy, in some implementations, the mechanical launching mechanismincludes elements that store potential energy, such as springs or elastic components.

The coupling elementis any device or apparatus that can attach the mechanical launching mechanismto the platform. For example, the coupling elementmay be a mechanical link that is attached to the platform postand the mechanical launching mechanism.

The operation of the toy apparatusis discussed next with reference to.is a bottom view of the toy apparatuswhen the platformis in a first position. When the platformis in the first position, the launching interfacethe mechanical launching mechanismis folded, retracted, relaxed, or otherwise not expanded.

The pieceof material is placed on a top sideof the platform. The piecemay be a pre-formed disk of material that the user places on the top side, or the piecemay be formed with the cutting apparatus. To form the piecewith the cutting apparatus, the user places a bulk segment of material that can be cut with the cutting apparatuson the top sideof the platform. The user then moves the cutting apparatusin the X direction until the cutting surfacepasses all the way through the material, thereby separating the piecefrom the rest of the original material. The user removes the material that did not become part of the piece. In some implementations, the toy apparatusincludes a receptacle that holds and positions the material prior to cutting and retains the portion of the moldable material that does not become part of the piece.

Activating the launch interfacecauses the mechanical launching mechanismto expand, pushing the platformin the X direction to a second position.is a bottom view of the toy apparatus with the platform in the second position. The second position is the end of the range of motion of the platform. In the example shown, the platformis in the second position when the postreaches an endof the cover opening. The end of the range of motion of the platformmay be determined by other elements and/or different elements. For example, the range of motion of the platformmay be determined by the slotsandWhen the platformmoves into the second position, it stops suddenly because the platformencounters a physical barrier. For example, the platform postencounters the endof the cover openingand/or the platformencounters the end of the slotsandThe sudden stopping of the platformgenerates a force that releases the piecefrom the top sideof the platform, thereby launching the piece. In this way, the pieceis launched even though the launcherexpands without relying on a mechanism that intentionally stores potential energy. For example, the launcherdoes not necessarily include a spring or elastic element that expands to push the platformin the X direction.

After launching the piece, the user may reset the toy apparatusby pushing the platformin the −X direction until the platformreaches the first position shown in. In some implementations, the launching interfaceis configured to return the platformto the first position. In some implementations, the toy apparatusincludes a lever or other device that the user activates to return the platformto the first position. Moreover, the toy apparatusmay include a return spring or other elastic component that returns the platformto the first position without user action. In these implementations, the spring or other elastic component counteracts the motion of the platformcaused by the expansion of the launching mechanismsuch that the return spring does not increase the force used to launch the piecefrom the platformand the return spring is not considered part of the mechanical launching mechanism.

relate to another toy apparatus.is an exterior perspective view of a housingand a base plateof the toy apparatus. The toy apparatusincludes a launcherthat launches a piece of material (such as the pieceor the piece) though a launching openingin the housing. The toy apparatusalso includes a cutting apparatusand a material holder. The material holderincludes a removable cover. The removable coveris shown as closed in. When closed, the removable covercovers an opening into the interior of the toy apparatus. Referring also to, which is a perspective partial interior view of the toy apparatus, and to, which is a side partial interior view of the toy apparatus, the material holderincludes a receptaclethat is below the opening covered by the closed removable cover. When the removable coveris opened, moldable material or a pre-formed piece of material can be loaded into the receptaclethrough the opened cover. The receptacleis a cylinder that extends from a first open endto a second open end. The receptaclepositioned over a material receiving sectionof a platform. The launching openingis defined by a base portion, which includes a top portionand a bottom portion. In the example shown, the top portionis adjacent to the receptacle.

Referring also to, which is a perspective view of part of the interior of the toy apparatuswith the top portionhidden, the top portionalso covers a cutting basethat includes a cutting surface. The cutting surfacehas an edge that can cut through moldable material. Referring also to, which is a front view of part of the interior of the toy apparatuswith the top portionhidden, the cutting baseis coupled to the leverby a rotational connection assembly, and the cutting baseis attached to tracksandThe rotational connection assemblyallows the leverto rotate relative to the base portion.

shows the leverin an initial position. With the leverin the initial position, the cutting baseis not positioned over the material receiving sectionand the second endof the receptacle is open to the material receiving section. When the leveris rotated in the clockwise direction (into the page in), the cutting baseslides along the tracksandin the X direction and moves through a space between the material receiving sectionof the platformand the endsuch that the cutting basecovers the material receiving section. In other words, when the leveris rotated in the clockwise direction, the cutting baseblocks the open endof the receptacle. When the leveris rotated in the counterclockwise direction (out of the page in), the cutting baseslides along the tracksandin the −X direction and moves out of the space between the material receiving sectionof the platformand the endof the receptacle.

Referring also to, which is a perspective view of part of the interior of the toy apparatuswith the top portionand the cutting basehidden, the platformis slidably mounted in the bottom portion. The bottom portionincludes an opening. Referring also to, which is a perspective view of the platform, and, which is a perspective bottom view of the platform, the platformincludes a postthat extends form an undersideof the platform. The undersideis opposite to the material receiving section. Referring again to, the platformis mounted in the bottom portionwith the postpassing through the opening.

The platformalso includes a return mechanism attachment point.is a bottom view of the platformwith a return springattached to the return mechanism attachment pointand to the lower portion. The toy apparatusmay be implemented without the return spring.

Referring also to, which is a bottom view of the interior of the toy apparatus, the launcherincludes launching interfacesanda mechanical launching mechanism, and a connection element. The launching interfacesandare mechanically coupled to the mechanical launching mechanismvia respective armsandThe armsandmay be relatively long (for example, about 4 inches) to provide additional leverage and comfort for the user and to make it easier for a child to activate the launcher. The mechanical launching mechanismincludes a plurality of mechanical links arranged in a crossed or scissor-like manner and coupled to each other at pivot points(only one of which is labeled). The links are substantially rigid and generally do not store potential energy. For example, the links may be made of metal or plastic.

The mechanical links rotate relative to each other at the pivot points. The pivot pointsmay be, for example, rivets or pins. The mechanical launching mechanismis coupled to the postof the platformwith the connection element. In the example shown, the coupling elementis an opening in each of the links closest to the postand the postis passes through the openings in the links to couple the platformto the launcher.shows the launcherin an initial launch position. When the launcheris in the initial launch position, the mechanical launching mechanismis folded, retracted, or non-extended, and the launching interfacesandare separated along the Y axis. The platformis in a first position under the endof the receptacle.

The operation of the toy apparatusis discussed next. If the launcheris not in the initial launch position, the user places the launcherin the initial launch position. The removable cover() is removed and a moldable material is inserted into the receptaclethrough the first end. If the leveris in the initial position (such as shown in), the cutting baseis not between the material receiving sectionand the endof the receptacle. Thus, moldable material that is inserted into the receptaclerests on the material receiving section. If the leveris not in the initial position, the cutting basecompletely or partially blocks moldable material from flowing from the endof the receptacle to the material receiving section. Thus, if the leveris not in the initial position, the user rotates the leverinto the initial position so that the moldable material can reach the material receiving section.

After the moldable material is on the material receiving section, the user forms the piece by rotating the leverin the clockwise direction (where clockwise is the clockwise direction looking into the page in). Rotating the leverin the clockwise direction causes the cutting baseto slide in the X direction and into the space between the material receiving sectionand the second open end, pushing the cutting surfacethrough the moldable material that rests on the material receiving section. Passing the cutting surfacethrough the moldable material separates the portion of the moldable material that rests on the material receiving sectionfrom the moldable material above the cutting base, thereby forming the piece. The piece is the portion that rests on the material receiving section. The cutting baseblocks the endof the receptaclesuch that the moldable material that is not part of the piece is retained in the receptacle.

To launch the piece, the user activates the launcherby squeezing the launching interfacesandtoward each other. Squeezing the launching interfacesandtoward each other causes the links in the mechanical launching mechanismto extend in the −X direction such that the mechanical launching mechanismis expanded. The postmoves in the −X direction with the expanding mechanismand the platformslides in the −X direction. The platformcontinues to move in the −X direction until it reaches the end of its range of motion. The range of motion of the platformmay be defined by more than one element. For example, the platformmay reach the end of its range of motion when the postcollides with an endof the opening, when the launching interfacesandmake contact with each other, and/or when the platformhits a flangeon the portion. The platformstops suddenly when it reaches the end of its range of motion, and the force of the sudden stop ejects the piece from the material receiving sectionand through the launching opening. In this way, the piece is launched from the toy apparatusin response to activating the launching interfacesand