Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
CA 02764925 2012-01-20
MULTI-PELLET LAUNCHER
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains generally to man-powered weapons. More
particularly, the present invention pertains to systems and methods for
shooting a plurality
of pellets (i.e. projectiles or shot) at a target with a statistically
predictable and defined
shot group on the target. The present invention is particularly, but not
exclusively, useful
as a system and method for propelling a multi-pellet-filled launch tube from a
man-
powered weapon, and for employing the resultant acceleration force on the
launch tube to
unlatch and release the pellets from the launch tube for impact in a shot
group on a
target.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Typically, man-powered weapons are designed to launch only one projectile at a
time. In particular, this is the case when the weapon is to be operated and
fired by a
single individual. For example, the arrow of a well-known bow and arrow set is
such a
projectile, as is the bolt of a crossbow or the dart of a blowgun. There are
instances,
however (e.g. the extermination of vermin or clay pigeon shooting), when it
would be
preferable to simultaneously launch several projectiles (e.g. pellets) all at
the same time.
In this respect, there is a need for a man-powered weapon that is comparable
in its on-
target effect to the familiar shotgun. To achieve such comparability with a
man-powered
weapon, like a shotgun, all of the pellets need to be collectively launched as
a predictably
defined group. The situation for a man-powered weapon is exacerbated, however,
due to
the fact that they typically employ only a single launching string or, in the
case of an air
gun, a single launching tube.Ideally, when a plurality of projectiles are to
be launched simultaneously from a
single man-powered weapon, the launching mechanism of the weapon needs to have
comparably direct influence upon each projectile (e.g. pellet). Specifically,
the influence
and control over each projectile in the plurality must be similar, and be
effective to the
same extent, as if only one projectile was being launched. It happens,
however, that with
a single string or single barrel launcher (e.g. a bow, a crossbow or an air
gun), such
influence and control is virtually impossible. A solution for this problem is
to, somehow,
structurally combine the several projectiles into a cohesive unit for launch.
This solution,
of course, must be short term. Immediately after launch, the problem then
becomes how
to effectively separate the projectiles. Specifically, this separation must be
accomplished
in a manner that causes the projectiles to travel toward a target in a
predictably defined
group that will have the intended on-target effect.
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CA 02764925 2012-01-20
With the above in mind, it is an object of the present invention to provide a
multi-
pellet launcher that will hold a plurality of projectiles together as a single
cohesive unit
prior to and during launch. Another object of the present invention is to
provide a multi-
pellet launcher that will maintain a group integrity for the pellets
(projectiles) while in flight,
for the purposes of achieving an intended on-target effect (i.e. have a
statistically well
defined shot group). Still another object of the present invention is to
provide a multi-
pellet launcher that is easy to use, is simple to manufacture, and is cost
effective.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a system is provided for propelling
pellets (projectiles) from a launch tube. In particular, the propulsion of
pellets occurs after
the launch tube has been shot from a man-powered weapon (e.g. a bow, a
crossbow or
an air gun). Prior to being shot (launched), the launch tube holds a plurality
of pellets
inside the tube. Specifically, this is accomplished by positioning the pellets
between a
retainer plug that is restrained inside the launch tube, and a compression
spring that is
fixedly mounted inside the launch tube. In order to restrain the retainer
plug, a latch is
established relative to the launch tube. The latch then prevents a forward
movement of
the retainer plug, and the pellets, in response to a bias force that is
imposed on the
retainer plug and the pellets by the partially compressed spring.
In overview, while the launch tube is being propelled in a forward direction
by a
man-powered weapon, the resultant acceleration force on the launch tube moves
the
retainer plug and pellets in a relatively rearward (proximal) direction with
respect to the
tube. This proximal movement of the retainer plug and pellets in the launch
tube further
compresses the spring, and simultaneously releases the latch from the retainer
plug. In
flight, after the initial acceleration force has subsided, the compressed
spring provides a
forward propulsion force on the plurality of pellets and the retainer plug.
This propulsion
force then ejects the pellets and the retainer plug from the launch tube. The
pellets then
continue on toward an intended target.
Structurally, the launch tube of the present invention is formed with a lumen,
and it
defines a longitudinal axis. In a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, it also
has an open distal end and a closed or partially closed proximal end.
Beginning at the
proximal end of the lumen inside the launch tube, the spring is positioned and
affixed to
its closed proximal end. The plurality of pellets (projectiles) is then
positioned in the
lumen against the spring. Next, the retainer plug is positioned in the lumen
distal to the
plurality of pellets (projectiles). In greater structural detail, for one
embodiment of the
present invention, the retainer plug has a distal ring that is dimensioned to
move within
the lumen, and it has a proximal ring that is also dimensioned to move within
the lumen.
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Between these rings of the retainer ring is a mid-section that is formed with
a decreasing
taper in the proximal direction.
In the vicinity of the retainer plug, the sidewall of the launch tube is
formed with
one or more lateral vents. Preferably, these vents are located equidistant
from the distal
end of the tube. One or more latch spheres are provided to interact between
the proximal
ring of the retainer plug and the vents of the launch tube. Specifically, this
interaction is in
response to the distally directed force that is generated when the spring is
partially
compressed. More specifically, each latch sphere is trapped in a respective
vent, and it is
urged against a distal edge of the vent by the proximal ring of the retainer
plug. Thus,
prior to a launch, the distal bias of the compressed spring on the retainer
plug holds the
retainer plug, and the pellets, stationary in the lumen of the launch tube.
Upon shooting a launch tube from a man-powered weapon, an acceleration force
is imposed in a distal direction on the pellets, and on the proximal end of
the spring within
the lumen of the launch tube. This acceleration causes the retainer plug and
pellets to
move proximally relative to the launch tube, and the spring is further
compressed. In turn,
this relative motion of the retainer plug and launch tube causes the proximal
ring of the
retainer plug to release the latch sphere(s) and causes a tapered or stepped
region of the
retainer plug to eject the latch sphere(s) from the launch tube through their
respective
vents. Consequently, the retainer plug and the plurality of pellets are
released by the
latch and are propelled from the launch tube in response to the distal bias of
the spring.
An additional structure of the launch tube is an inner sleeve that can be
affixed
inside the lumen of the launch tube, proximal to the spring. Specifically,
this inner sleeve
is positioned at a distance "df" from the distal end of the launch tube to act
as an
abutment for the spring when it is compressed. The distance "df" can, of
course, be
varied as desired. In any event, it is preferable that the inner sleeve be
affixed to place
the pellets (projectiles) relatively near the distal end of the launch tube.
With this in mind,
the present invention envisions that, even though the pellets may extend
through a
relatively short distance (i.e. a few inches), an inner sleeve will allow the
total length of
the launch tube to be as long as is required for a conventional bow, compound
bow or
crossbow.
For a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there may be as many as
forty or more pellets, and they can be made of steel. Also, in order to
promote tumbling
of the retainer plug after a launch of the launcher, the distal ring of the
retainer plug may
be formed with a distal recessed surface, and is made of a light-weight
material such as
Acrilonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS), Polycarbonate or Polysulfone. Also, for
the
purpose of dispensing the pellets in-flight for a controlled, on-target
impact, the pellets
inside the launch tube can be combined with a plurality of spacers. If used,
individual
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spacers can be positioned between adjacent pellets in the launch tube. In
another
embodiment, for the same purpose, a plurality of magnets can be combined with
the
pellets in a configuration where adjacent magnets straddle two pellets, and
pellets on
opposed sides of a same magnet are subjected to a different polarity.
For an alternate embodiment of a latch for the multi-pellet launcher, the
launch
tube is formed with a pair of axially opposed slots that extend, parallel to
each other, in a
proximal direction from the distal end of the launch tube. A detent is formed
at the
proximal end of each slot. For this embodiment, the retainer plug is
cylindrical and
includes a pair of axially opposed pins that extend outwardly from the
retainer plug. For
an assembly of the multi-pellet launcher in accordance with this alternate
embodiment,
the pins on the retainer plug are received in a respective slot of the launch
tube and are
advanced in a proximal direction. When the pins are at the proximal end of
their
respective slots, the retainer plug is rotated to engage the pins with a
respective detent at
the end of the slot. This holds the retainer plug stationary in the launch
tube. Upon a
subsequent launching of the launch tube, the resultant acceleration force
rotates the pins
out of their detents. This then frees the retainer plug for axial movement out
of the launch
tube in a distal direction when the acceleration force subsides. It is an
important
consideration for this particular embodiment of the latch, that the pins do
not extend
beyond the outer diameter of the launch tube when the retainer plug is engaged
with the
launch tube. This is necessary to allow an assembled launcher to be received
within the
barrel of a weapon (e.g. an air gun) without any interference of the pins on
the retainer
plug with the bore of the barrel.
In yet another embodiment of a latch for the present invention, the launch
tube is
formed with at least one lateral opening. For this embodiment, the retainer
plug includes
a clip that is mounted on the retainer plug, and the clip is reconfigured to
engage with the
lateral opening. Importantly, the clip does not extend beyond the lateral
opening. When
the launch tube is launched, as in the other embodiments of the present
invention, the
resultant acceleration force moves the retainer plug in a proximal direction
relative to the
launch tube. Consequently, the clip is released from the lateral opening. The
retainer
plug is thereby released for free travel through the launch tube.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as
to its
structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying
drawings,
taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar
reference
characters refer to similar parts, and in which:
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Fig. 1 is a side elevation view of a multi-pellet launcher in accordance with
the
present invention;
Fig. 2A is a perspective view of a launcher of the present invention during
mid-
launch from a crossbow;
Fig. 2B is a plan/elevation view of the launcher of the present invention
prepared
for launch from a bow;
Fig. 3 is a plan/elevation view of an air gun for use with the present
invention;
Fig. 4A is a cross-section view of the multi-pellet launcher as seen along the
line
4-4 in Fig. 1 prior to launch;
Fig. 4B is a cross-section view of the multi-pellet launcher as seen in Fig.
4A as
the launcher is being accelerated during launch;
Fig. 4C is a cross-section view of the multi-pellet launcher as seen in Fig.
4B after
launch;
Fig. 5 is a cross-section view of an alternate embodiment of a multi-pellet
launcher
as would be seen along the line 4-4 in Fig. 1;
Fig. 6 is a cross-section view of another embodiment of the multi-pellet
launcher
as seen along the line 4-4 in Fig. 1;
Fig. 7A is an exploded perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a launch
tube and retainer plug for use with the present invention, with the retainer
plug positioned
for engagement with the launch tube;
Fig. 7B is a view as shown in Fig. 7A with the retainer plug engaged with the
launch tube;
Fig. 8A is a cross-section view of a launcher as seen along the line 8-8 in
Fig. 7A
prior to a launch;
Fig. 8B is a cross-section view of the launcher shown in Fig. 8A, immediately
after
a launch;
Fig. 8C is a front-on view looking into the launch tube of the launcher;
Fig. 8D is a cross-section view of an alternate embodiment for the inner
sleeve
shown in Fig. 8A, prior to launch;
Fig. 8E is a cross-section view of the inner sleeve shown in Fig. 8D,
immediately
after launch;
Fig. 9A is a cross-section view of another alternate embodiment of a launch
tube
and retainer plug prior to a launch;
Fig. 9B is a cross-section view of the launch tube shown in Fig. 9A
immediately
after a launch;
Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a spring guide for use with the spring in an
alternate embodiment of the present invention; 5
CA 02764925 2012-01-20
Fig. 11A is a cross sectional view of a launcher using a spring guide, as seen
along the line 8-8 in Fig. 7A, prior to launch; and
Fig. 11B is a view of the launcher shown in Fig. 11A immediately after launch.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring initially to Fig. 1, a multi-pellet launcher in accordance with the
present
invention is shown and is generally designated 10. As shown, the launcher 10
includes a
hollow, elongated launch tube 12 that has a distal end 14 and a proximal end
16. For the
launcher 10, the distal end 14 of launch tube 12 is open, and its proximal end
16 is closed
or partially closed. For purposes of disclosure, the launch tube 12 defines a
longitudinal
axis 18 that extends between the distal end 14 and the proximal end 16. As
intended for
the present invention, the launcher 10 can be used as a bolt for a crossbow 20
(see Fig.
2A), as an arrow for a bow 22 (see Fig. 2B) or as a launch tube 12 to be used
with an air
gun 23 and launched from its barrel 25 (see Fig. 3). In all important
respects, the multi-
pellet launcher 10 will be essentially the same regardless of the type of man-
powered
weapon that is to be used (i.e. crossbow 20, bow 22 or air gun 23).
Referring now to Fig. 4A, a launcher 10 is shown in greater detail to include
a
nock 24 at its proximal end 16 and a flight stabilizer 26 that will stabilize
the launch tube
12 during its flight. Other structural aspects of the launcher 10 are
discussed with
reference to the lumen 28 of the launch tube 12, and begin with an inner
sleeve 30 that is
fixedly attached to the launch tube 12, inside the lumen 28. Referring for the
moment
back to Fig. 1, it will be seen that the inner sleeve 30 is positioned in the
lumen 28 of the
launch tube 12 at a distance "di" from the distal end 14 of the launch tube
12. Fig. 1 also
indicates that the inner sleeve 30 is positioned at a distance "da" from the
proximal end 16
of the launch tube 12.
Fig. 4A also shows that a spring 32 is positioned in the lumen 28 immediately
distal the inner sleeve 30, and between the inner sleeve 30 and a plurality of
pellets 34.
As intended for the launcher 10, there may be six or more pellets 34. The
pellets 34
shown in the drawings are only exemplary. It will be appreciated that the
distance "df" will
depend primarily on the number of pellets 34 that are to be used. On the other
hand, the
distance "da" may vary considerably, depending on the type of man-powered
weapon to
be used. As envisioned for the present invention, the overall length of the
launcher 10
(i.e. di + da) may be as long as twenty nine or thirty inches.
Positioned distal to the pellets 34 is a retainer plug 36 that is preferably
made of a
light weight material such as Acrilonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS),
Polycarbonate or
Polysulfone. Structurally, the retainer plug 36 is formed with a proximal ring
38 and a
distal ring 40, with a mid-section 42 formed therebetween. Importantly, both
the proximal6
CA 02764925 2012-01-20
ring 38 and the distal ring 40 are dimensioned for movement within the lumen
28 of the
launch tube 12. Further, it is important that the mid-section 42 be formed
with a
decreasing taper in the proximal direction from the distal ring 40 to the
proximal ring 38.
As perhaps best seen in Fig. 4B, the launch tube 12 is formed with one or more
vents 44. In Fig. 4B, the vents 44a and 44b are only exemplary, as there may
be more
vents 44 if desired. Both Figs. 4A and 4B, however, show that each vent 44
interacts with
a respective latch sphere 46. Again, like the vents 44a and 44b, the latch
spheres 46a
and 46b are only exemplary. Despite the number of vents 44 and latch spheres
46 that
may be used, it is to be appreciated that each latch sphere 46 interacts
individually with
the retainer plug 36 and with its respective vent 44. Importantly, the purpose
of these
interactions is to hold the pellets 34 in the lumen 28 of the launch tube 12
prior to a
launch. Specifically, Fig. 4A shows that prior to a launch, each of the latch
spheres 46 is
trapped (wedged) between the proximal ring 38 of the retainer plug 36 and the
forward
(distal) edge of a vent 44. This structural interaction changes dramatically
with a launch
of the launch tube 12.
As a launch tube 12 is launched from a crossbow 20, or bow 22, in the
direction of
arrow 47 (see Fig. 4B) an acceleration force is generated that will cause the
retainer plug
36 and the plurality of pellets 34 to move in a proximal direction inside the
lumen 28 of the
launch tube 12. With this movement, several things happen. For one, the spring
32 is
further compressed. For another, as the retainer plug 36 moves in the proximal
direction,
the proximal ring 38 of retainer plug 36 disengages from the latch spheres 46.
As this
happens, the tapered mid-section 42 of the retainer plug 36 ejects the latch
spheres 46
away from the launch tube 12, through their respective vents 44. A consequence
of this
is that both the retainer plug 36 and the pellets 34 are no longer confined in
the lumen 28
of the launch tube 12.
Shortly after launch, in accordance with well known principles, the initial
acceleration force on the launch tube 12 subsides. With this diminution of the
acceleration force, the potential energy in the compressed spring 32 is
released to propel
the retainer plug 36 and pellets 34 from the launch tube 12. As shown in Fig.
4C, after
being propelled from the launch tube 12 by the spring 32, the retainer plug 36
separates
and tumbles away from the pellets 34. To assist in this separation and
tumbling behavior,
the distal face 48 of retainer plug 36 can be formed with a recessed (concave)
surface. In
any event, the desired result is that the plurality of pellets 34 will then
follow a planned
trajectory toward a target (not shown), for an intended on-target affect. An
important
consideration here is that the pellets 34 need to also achieve a degree of
separation from
each other for the creation of the desired on-target shot group.
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For an alternate embodiment of the launcher 10, as shown in Fig. 5, a
plurality of
spacers 50 can be employed to help with the separation of pellets 34 after
launch. The
spacers 50a and 50b shown in Fig. 5 are exemplary. If used, the spacers 50
will typically
be positioned to straddle each pellet 34 in a manner such as is shown for the
spacers 50a
and 50b. Preferably, the spacers 50 will be made of a light weight material
such as felt or
paper. In another alternate embodiment of the launcher 10 for this same
purpose, as
shown in Fig. 6, a plurality of magnets 52 can be employed. In this
embodiment, a pair of
magnets (e.g. magnets 52a and 52b) will straddle a pair of pellets (e.g.
pellets 34a and
34b). For best effect, within this structure, the opposed sides of the magnets
52a and
52b will have the same polarity. Thus, the magnets 52 (magnets 52a and 52b are
exemplary) will add a repelling force on the pellets 34a and 34b that will
influence their
separation in flight.
An alternate embodiment for the structure of a latch to be used with the
present
invention is shown in Figs. 7A & 7B. In Fig. 7A it will be seen that a launch
tube 54 has a
proximal end 56 and a distal end 58, with a pair of opposed parallel slots 60a
and 60b
that extends in a proximal direction from the distal end 58. Further, with
reference to the
slot 60a in Fig. 7A, it is seen that the end of the slot 60a is formed with a
detent 62, and
an angled edge 64 extends in a proximal direction therefrom. Fig. 7A also
shows a
cylindrical shaped retainer plug 66 that includes a pin 68 which extends
outwardly from
the plug 66. Actually, there is a pair of opposed pins 68 (one is not shown).
With
reference to Fig. 7B, it will be appreciated that during an assembly of the
retainer plug 66
with the launch tube 54, the pin(s) 68 is(are) inserted into the respective
slots 60a and
60b. They are advanced through the slots 60a and 60b, and the retainer plug 66
is then
rotated to seat the pin(s) 68 against the detent(s) 62.
In an operation of the launch tube 54, the acceleration force that initially
results
during a launch of the launch tube 54 will cause the retainer plug 66 to move
in a
rearward (proximal) direction relative to the launch tube 54. This relative
movement of
the retainer plug 66 then causes the pin 68 to follow the angled edge 64. The
result here
is that the retainer plug 66 is rotated to realign the pin 68 with the slot
60a, and to thereby
allow for a free distal (forward) movement of the retainer plug 66 out of the
launch tube 54
when the acceleration force subsides. An important aspect of this particular
embodiment
of a latching action for the present invention is that the pin(s) 68 do not
extend beyond the
outer surface 70 of the launch tube 54. This is so in order to allow for an
assembled
launch tube 54 to be positioned in a hollow launch tube (not shown), such as
in the barrel
of an air gun 23. Additionally, it will be appreciated by the skilled artisan
that the inside
surface 72 of the barrel 25 of air gun 23 can be rifled to assist in the
proper rotation and
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alignment of the retainer plug 66 during an operation of this embodiment of
the present
invention.
Fig. 8A shows an alternate configuration for components inside the launch tube
12/54. One component of interest is the inner sleeve 74. As shown, the inner
sleeve 74
is positioned inside the launch tube 12/54, and is preferably located at or
near the
proximal end 56. Further, the inner sleeve 74 includes an abutment 76 that
establishes a
hollow 78 for the inner sleeve 74. Within this structure, the spring 32 is
positioned
between the abutment 76 and a washer 80. Importantly, when so positioned, a
portion of
the spring 32 will be inside the hollow 78. Thus, as shown in Fig. 86, when
the spring 32
is compressed by a force of acceleration (represented by arrow 82 in Fig. 8B),
compression of the spring 32 is controlled. Specifically, during a launch of
the launch
tube 12/54, the compression of spring 32 will be limited by the constraints
imposed on it
by dimensions of the hollow 78 inside the inner sleeve 74. Figs. 8A and 8B
also indicate
that the abutment 76 of the inner sleeve 74 can be formed with an opening 84.
Opening
84, however, is optional. Indeed, when the launch tube 54 is to be used with
an air gun
(not shown), it is preferable that the opening 84 be closed.
Still referring to Figs. 8A and 8B, an arrangement for stacking pellets 34
(e.g.
pellets 34c-f) within a launch tube 12/54 is shown. In detail, by cross
referencing Fig. 8B
with Fig. 8C, a stacking arrangement for a relatively large number of the
pellets 34 (e.g.
thirty or more pellets 34) is shown. In particular, this stacking arrangement
is possible
when each of the pellets 34 has a diameter "do" that is slightly less than
half the inner
diameter "di" of the launch tube 12/54 (see Fig. 8C). For purposes of
disclosure, specific
reference is made to pellets 34c, 34d, 34e and 34f (only pellets 34c, 34d and
34f are
shown in Fig. 8B). With Figs. 8B and 8C, it will be appreciated that the
pellets 34c and
34e are essentially positioned inside the launch tube 12/54, side-by-side.
Likewise, the
pellets 34d and 34f are also side-by-side. In order to easily achieve this
stacking
configuration during loading, the pellets 34c-f can be introduced into the
launcher tube
12/54 in pairs (e.g. pellets 34d and 34f together, and then pellets 34c and
34e).
Fig. 8D shows a two-part alternative structure for the inner sleeve 74 that
was
disclosed above and is shown in Fig. 8A. Specifically, for this embodiment, a
distal inner
sleeve 74' and associated abutment 76' are shown in axial alignment with the
inner
sleeve 74 and its abutment 76. For both embodiments, the object is to control
compression of the spring 32 (compare Fig. 8E with Fig. 8B).
Referring now to Figs. 9A and 9B, yet another embodiment of a latching
mechanism for the launcher 10 of the present invention is shown. In this
embodiment,
the launch tube 12/54 is formed with at least one lateral opening 86, and a
clip 88 is
mounted on a cylindrical shaped retainer plug 90. When the retainer plug 90
and its clip
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CA 02764925 2012-01-20
88 are positioned in the lumen 28 of a launch tube 12/54, and the clip 88 is
received in
the lateral opening 86 of the launch tube 12 (see Fig. 9A), the clip 88 will
hold the retainer
plug 90 stationary in the launch tube 12/54. Specifically, this will be in
response to forces
imposed on the retainer plug 90 by a spring 32 (not shown in Figs. 9A and 9B).
Importantly, the clip 88 will not extend beyond the lateral opening 86. As
with the other
latching embodiments for the present invention, the retainer plug 90 is
acceleration
activated. Thus, in response to the acceleration force of a launch, the
retainer plug 90
moves in a proximal (rearward) direction. This then frees the clip 88 from the
lateral
opening 86 for subsequent free travel of the retainer plug 90 through the
launch tube
12/54 along with the propulsion of pellets 34a (et. seq.) from the launch tube
12/54.
In yet another configuration for components inside the launch tube 12/54, a
spring
guide 92 is employed to control and restrict compression of the spring 32. As
shown in
Fig. 10, the spring guide 92 includes a base 94 and an extension 96 which
projects from
the base 94. A through hole 98 is formed in the spring guide 92, and this
through hole 98
extends through both the base 94 and the extension 96. Preferably, the spring
guide 92
is made of a rigid, light-weight material such as polycarbonate.
Figs. 11A and 11B show how a spring guide 92 is employed by the present
invention. First, in Fig. 11A, it will be seen that a pair of spring guides 92
are used with
the spring 32. Specifically, there is a distal spring guide 92a and a proximal
spring guide
92b that are respectively engaged with opposite ends of the spring 32. As
shown in Fig.
11A, both of the spring guides 92a and 92b are positioned in the launch tube
12/54 with
their respective extensions 96 inserted into the center space of spring 32.
Further, the
base 94 of distal spring guide 92a is positioned against the pellet(s) 34, and
the base 94
of proximal spring guide 92b is positioned against the abutment 76 at the
proximal end 56
of the launch tube 12/54. As shown in Fig 11A, the configuration of the spring
32 with the
spring guides 92a and 92b is prior to a launch. After launch, the spring 32 is
compressed
substantially as shown in Fig. 11B by the acceleration force of the launch.
Importantly,
this compression of spring 32 is limited during an acceleration by the contact
that occurs
between the extension 96 of spring guide 92a and the extension 96 of spring
guide 92b.
A consequence of this is that the spring guides 92a and 92b help prevent a
fouling of the
spring 32 during its operation.
While the particular Multi-Pellet Launcher as herein shown and disclosed in
detail
is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein
before
stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently
preferred
embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the
details of
construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended
claims.
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