US3858884A - Simulated shooting apparatus including a transparent striking member - Google Patents

Abstract

A shooting game consisting of a light projector having a light source, a lens, a support means for interchangeably positioning a translucent support between the light source and the lens, and a trigger device movable for acting on a perforating member positioned adjacent the support. The perforating member comprises a translucent plate having a pointed element projecting therefrom toward the support, which translucent plate is supported on the projector by a universal joint structure for permitting lateral movement of the plate relative to the support in any selected direction. The translucent plate, which is normally resiliently urged into a position spaced from the support, is subject to movement when contacted by an impact member released by the trigger device, thereby causing the pointed projection to puncture the support.

Description

United States Patent Cassagnes Jan. 7, 1975 [75] Inventor: Andre J. M. Cassagnes, Vitry Sur Seine, France [73] Assignee: Les Jouets Educatifs Universels,

Drancy, France [22] Filed: Jan. 24, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 326,251

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Jan. 26, 1972 France 72.02581 [52] US. Cl. 273/1012 [51] Int. Cl. A63f 9/02 [58] Field of Search ..273/101.1, 101.2; 35/25 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,169,832 8/1939 Cohn 273/1012 2,805,064 9/1957 Glass 3,239,225 3/1966 Jones 273/1012 3,620,534 11/1971 Einfalt 273/1012 Primary ExaminerRichard C. Pinkham Assistant Examiner-Marvin Siskind Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Woodhams, Blanchard and Flynn [57] ABSTRACT A shooting game consisting of a light projector having a light source, a lens, a support means for interchangeably positioning a translucent support between the light source and the lens, and a trigger device movable for acting on a perforating member positioned adjacent the support. The perforating member comprises a translucent plate having a pointed element projecting therefrom toward the support, which translucent plate is supported on the projector by a universal joint structure for permitting lateral movement of the plate relative to the support in any selected direction. The translucent plate, which is normally resiliently urged into a position spaced from the support, is subject to movement when contacted by an impact member released by the trigger device, thereby causing the pointed projection to puncture the support.

6 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures PATENTH] JAN (I975 SHEET 1 OF 4 vN mmmmw a .PATEN'TED JAN 71975 SHEET 3 0? 4 SIMULATED SHOOTING APPARATUS INCLUDING A TRANSPARENT STRIKING MEMBER The present invention relates to a shooting game, the object of the invention being to provide a game of this type which is entertaining and does not present any danger to the players even when the players are children.

The shooting game according to the invention is characterized essentially in that it comprises, in combination, a light projector comprising, inter alia, a light source, a lens, a means for interchangably positioning a perforable and advantageously translucent support between the light source and the lens in order to project the image of this support on a screen for receiv ing a round target, and a trigger device of the pistoltype movably mounted relative to the projector and acting, via this trigger, on a tapered element which can perforate the support at any point on its visible surface, the perforations of the support being visible, in projection, on the screen in superposition with the target.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the target is outlined directly on the perforable translucent support and therefore projected onto the screen at the same time as the image of the support.

Therefore, when the trigger of the pistol is actuated, the tapered element perforates the translucent support at a given point on the targer and this perforation is naturally visible in projection on the screen, which makes it possible to determine immediately the value of the shot effected. It should therefore be understood that this game is not dangerous to the players since it does not use projectiles. On this account it is also particularly economical as it only necessitates replacement of the worn targets which are inexpensive.

It can also be seen that this game is very entertaining, particularly as the target can be projected onto a large scale screen in order to render it completely visible to a large number of players or spectators, without affect ing the difficulty of the shot which depends essentially on the size of the target outlined on the support and the extent of movement necessary for scanning this target with the pistol.

In another embodiment of the invention the target is outlined on the screen which is therefore advantageously formed by a translucent plate detachably mounted on the projector.

Because of this arrangement, the same target can be used indefinitely and it is only necessary to replace the perforable support which is particularly inexpensive as it does not bear any inscription. In this case the perforable support could be opaque and comprise, for example, a sheet of aluminium.

Furthermore, as the translucent plate forming the screen is detachably on the projector, it is possible for the same projector to be associated with a series of different and more or less difficult targets, which further increases the attraction of the game.

The trigger member of the pistol type is preferably mounted on the projector with the aid of a Cardan joint, which makes it possible to easily effect all the movements necessary for scanning the entire surface of the target.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tapered element is secured on a rigid translucent plate, which is movable transversely relative to the piston and automatically returned to an inoperative position some distance from the translucent plate by return springs, percussion means controlled by the trigger being provided to impact violently against this plate in order to project it towards the translucent support in opposition to the action of return springs.

Because of this arrangement the tapered element is automatically driven back, immediately after impact, and therefore only remains in contact with the translucent support for a short space of time, which makes it possible to avoid any possible tearing of this support in the event of untimely movement of the pistol.

The tapered element is preferably made of an opaque material and located in an inoperative position a short distance from the translucent support so that its image is visible in projection on the screen.

Therefore, it is the actual image of the tapered ele ment which constitutes the aiming or sighting means of the pistol in the form of a movable dark spot on the screen, which obviously permits shooting of high precision.

The percussion means comprises a U-shaped striker, which is also movable transversely relative to the pistol and can be drawn back by the trigger in opposition to the action of at least one return spring, then released suddenly to impact violently against the rigid plate supporting the tapered element.

The resilient return means of the rigid plate are advantageously formed by the return spring of the striker, one end of the spring being attached to the striker whereas the other end is attached directly to the plate, which produces a particularly simple embodiment.

Two embodiments of the invention are described below by way of examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a simplified view, in section and in elevation, of a shooting game according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial section along the line Il-Il shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial section along the line III- -III shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 4 is a simplified view, in section and in elevation, of a modified embodiment of the shooting game according to the invention.

The shooting game shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 comprises firstly a light projector which consists principally of a housing 1 of parallelepiped form, the upper part of which is provided with a detachable cover 2 and inside which there are successively arranged a light source 3, in this case an electric lamp, a condenser 4 and a lens 5 which projects outwardly through an opening in the front wall of the housing I. I

Positioned between the condenser 4 and the lens 5 is a viewing device designed to carry a translucent support 6 on which are outlined targets 7 to be projected onto a screen (not shown). This viewing device consists essentially of a first fixed plate 8, arranged perpendicularly to the optical axis of the projector and rendered integral with the housing by means of cross pieces 9, and a second movable plate 10 which constantly bears resiliently against the plate 8 with the aid of two screws 11 provided with springs 12. These two plates 8 and 10 are provided with circular opening, 13 and 14 respectively, centred on the optical axis of the projector which therefore precisely defines the part of the support 6 which is visible in projection on the screen.

In this example the translucent support 6 is in the form of a ribbon-like material, for example tracing paper, which is wound on to a feed roll arranged in the lower section of the housing 1. After leaving the roll 15, the material passes between the two plates 8 and 10, on a level with the openings 13 and 14, and its free end projects out of the housing 1 through a slot 16 provided for this purpose in the cover 2.

The targets 7 outlined on the support 6 are in the form of circles defined by a relatively broad line, as shown in FIG. 3. It will also be noted that, in this illustrated and described embodiment, the dimensions of these circles are such, in relation to those of the openings l3 and 14, that four targets can be projected simultaneously onto the screen. However, it is obvious that this number could be varied.

In accordance with the invention, the light projector described above is associated with a pistol-like element 17 which is movably mounted on the housing 1 by means of a Cardan or universal joint 18 arranged around the lens 5. This pistol 17, provided with a grip 19 and a trigger 20, is rigidly connected to the Cardan joint 18 by means of two parallel cheeks 21 and projects outwardly through an opening 22 provided for this purpose in the rear wall of the housing 1. This opening 22 is wide enough to permit a certain movement of the piston 17in all directions.

Actuation of the piston trigger controls the transverse movement of the hook-shaped catch 23 which can be brought into contact with a U-shaped movable stirrup 24 in order to draw back the latter. This stirrup 24 is arranged around the light source 3 and the condenser 4 and mounted so as to be transversely movable between the two cheeks 21, with the aid of projections 25 capable of sliding in longitudinal slots 26 provided for this purpose in each of the two cheeks. It will also be noted that the catch 23 is provided with a pin 27 bearing against an inclined ramp 28 which is integral with the pistol body. Therefore, when the catch 23 is drawn back under the action of the trigger 20, this catch is also gradually raised and therefore finally releases the stirrup 24.

Arranged between the condenser 4 and the viewing device is a translucent plate 29 of rectangular form, which is made for example of plastic material, and is substantially parallel to the support 6 located in the viewing device. Fixed in the centre of this plate 29 is a pointed probe 30, the tapered part of which is directed towards the support 6. This pointed projection is also made of an opaque material, for example metal, and its image is therefore visible in projection on the screen at the same time as the images of the targets 7, in the form ofa small dark spot, the function of which will become clearer from the following description.

The translucent plate 29 is transversely movable, parallel to itself and in the direction of the support 6, owing to two lateral elements 31 provided with projections 32 which can slide freely in longitudinal slots 33 provided for this purpose in the two cheeks 21. In addition, this plate 29 is resiliently drawn back into an inoperative position by two return springs 34 which are arranged on either side of the cheeks 21 and the ends of which are attached to the projection 25 of the stirrup 24 and the projection 32 of the plate 29, respectively. In its inoperative position, the translucent plate 29 therefore bears constantly against the ends in front of the movable stirrup 24 whereas the tapered end of the projection 30 is located a short distance from the surface of the support 6. Moreover it will be noted that the return springs 34 also serve to pull the movable stirrup 24 as can be clearly seen also in FIG. 2, for example.

The shooting game just described operates in the following manner:

Firstly, the different movable elements of the game are located in the position shown in FIGS. I or 2, with the catch 23 being in contact with the rear part of the stirrup 24.

When the trigger 20 of the pistol 17 is actuated, the catch 23 is pulled back together with the movable stirrup 24 in opposition to the action of the two return springs 34. During this rearward movement ofthe movable stirrup 24, the translucent plate 29 is also slightly drawn back, for a distance of several millimeters, by means of the springs 34 until the projections 32 bear against the ends of the slots 33.

As the catch 23 is being drawn back under the action of the trigger 20, it is simultaneously raised by the pin 27 bearing against the ramp 28 until its hook releases the stirrup 24. The latter is therefore immediately pulled forward by the springs 34 and projected violently against the rear face of the translucent plate 29 by its front ends, owing to the previous backward movement of this plate when the trigger of the pistol was actuated.

Under the effect of the impact, the translucent plate 29 is projected forward in opposition to the action of return springs 34, and the pointed projection 30 supported by the plate 29 perforates the support 6 at a given point on its visible surface defined by the circular opening 14, thereby producing in this support a hole similar to those shown at 35 in FIG. 3. Immediately after perforation of the support 6 by the projection 30, the plate 29 is drawn back by the springs 34 towards its inoperative position shown in FIGS. 1 or 2. It is therefore possible to avoid tearing of the support 6, which is relatively fragile, in the event of untimely movement of the pistol 17 when the trigger is actuated.

In effect it can be easily seen that, because of the Cardan joint 18, the piston 17 can be moved in all directions through the opening 22 in the rear wall of the housing 1. Moreover, this makes it possible for the support 6 to be perforated by means of the projection 30 at any desired point on its visible surface.

The precise object of the game is to make the greatest number of holes 35 possible along the relatively broad lines defining the circular targets 7 outlined on the support 6, without these holes 35 being joined together. Furthermore, the game is considered lost as soon as a hole 35 is produced beyond the lines, either inside or outside the circle. In effect it can be seen that if the game consisted of aiming at a central point, the target would have to be changed after practically every game, which would be relatively inconvenient.

The procedure for producing these holes 35 along the lines forming the targets will now be described.

When the electric lamp 3 is supplied with current, large-scale images of the four targets 7 defined by the openings 13 and I4 ofthe viewing device are projected by the lens 5 onto a screen (not shown) which may comprise simply a wall or any other appropriate flat surface. Furthermore, as the projection 30 supported by a translucent plate 29 is made of an opaque material, its image is also visible in projection on the screen in the form of a small dark spot which is moved at the same time as the pistol 17. Therefore, it is the actual projection 30, Le, the element for directly perforating the support 6, which constitutes the sighting means of the pistol 17, which obviously makes it possible to ef feet high precision shooting.

To aim at a given point on one of these visible targets 7 projected onto the screen, it is therefore sufficient to move the pistol 17 until the image of the projection coincides with this point on the target, and then press the trigger 20. Then the projection 30 is projected forward, in the manner described above, and perforates the support 6 at precisely the point corresponding to the position of its image on the projection screen.

The perforations such as 35, produced in the support 6 by the projection 30, are immediately transmitted onto the projection screen in the form of clearer spots, and the quality of each shot can therefore be immediately determined.

When one of the four targets 7 has been used, the players pass on to the next target, and when all four targets have been used in turn, it is sufficient to pull the end of the support 6 projecting out through the slot 16 of the cover 2 to render four new targets visible on the projection screen.

This game has great appeal because large-scale images of the targets 7 are projected onto a screen and therefore the players and any possible spectators can immediately determine the results of the shooting. Moreover, this game is not dangerous as it does not use projectiles, and it is therefore particularly suitable for children.

In the modified embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the housing 1 of the projector has a special shape and its rear face comprises an inclined wall 36 provided with an opening 37. Arranged on a level with this opening 37 is a translucent plate 38, made for example of frosted glass, and constituting the projection screen of the shooting game. The image of the translucent support 6 is projected onto this plate 38 by reflection, with the aid of a mirror 39 provided on the front wall of the housing 1.

The shooting game according to the invention therefore has greater versatility, owing to the fact that the projection screen is directly incorporated in the projector housing 1.

Moreover, the target or targets '7 can in this case be outlined directly on the plate 38 forming the screen, which makes it possible to use in the viewing device a support 6 which does not have any inscription and is therefore particularly inexpensive. In effect, the perforations on the support 6 are therefore visible when projected onto the translucent plate 38, in superposition with the target or targets outlined on this plate. Therefore, as before, it is possible to determine the quality of the shooting effected without the target or targets being damaged in any way. Consequently, these targets can be used indefinitely and it is only necessary for the support 6 defined by the openings I3 and 14 of the viewing device to be periodically renewed.

Finally, the translucent plate 38 can also be detachably mounted on the housing 1, which makes it possible for the attraction of the game to be considerably increased by providing an entire series of different and more or less difficult targets.

I claim:

1. In a shooting game having a housing, a light source mounted on the housing, a lens mounted on the housing and spaced from the light source, means for posi tioning a perforable support between the light source and the lens for permitting an image of the support to be projected onto a screenlike surface, a puncturing member positioned adjacent the support and movable for puncturing same, a trigger member movably mounted relative to said housing, and an impact member controlled by the trigger member and positioned to impact against said puncturing member upon release of the trigger member for causing said puncturing member to puncture said support, the: perforation of said support by said puncturing member being visible on the screenlike surface when the image of said support is projected thereon, comprising the improvement wherein said puncturing member comprises a plate p0- sitioned between said light source and said support, said plate permitting light rays to pass therethrough whereby the light rays from said light source pass through both said plate and said support prior to being projected onto said screenlike surface, said plate having a pointed puncturing element fixed thereto and projecting from one side thereof in a direction toward said support, resilient means coacting with said puncturing member for normally maintaining same in a position wherein the free end of said puncturing element is slightly spaced from said support, and mounting means movably supporting said plate on said housing for permitting said plate to be moved in a direction toward said support, and said mounting means including universal joint means movably supporting said plate on said housing for permitting said plate to be moved laterally relative to said support in any selected direction.

2. A game according to claim 1, wherein said mounting means includes a substantially U-shaped mounting member having a pair of elongated legs extending in the longitudinal direction of said housing, said mounting means including a pin-and-slot connection between said legs and said plate for permitting movement of said plate relative to said legs in a direction toward and away from said support, and said universal joint means being connected between said housing and said legs at a location which is spaced a substantial distance from said pin-and-slot connection in the longitudinal direc tion of said housing.

3. A game according to claim 2, wherein said puncturing member includes a substantially Ushaped portion having a center portion defined by said plate and a pair of leg portions extending substantially transverse of said plate, said leg portions extending substantially parallel with and closely adjacent the legs of said mounting member, and said pin-and slot connection coacting between each leg portion and the adjacent leg.

4. A game according to claim 2, wherein said resilient means comprises spring means.

5. A game according to claim I, wherein said housing includes an elongated tubular member having said lens disposed adjacent one end thereof and having an opening formed adjacent the other end thereof, handle means projecting outwardly through said opening and being movably supported on said housing for move ment of said handle means transversely of said housing relative to the longitudinally extending direction thereof, said handle means having said trigger member movably supported thereon.

6. A game according to claim 5, wherein said impact member is supported for sliding movement relative to said handle means substantially in the longitudinally extending direction of said housing, said impact member being interconnected to said handle means so as to be moved in unison therewith when said handle means is moved transversely relative to said housing.

Claims (6)

1. In a shooting game having a housing, a light source mounted on the housing, a lens mounted on the housing and spaced from the light source, means for positioning a perforable support between the light source and the lens for permitting an image of the support to be projected onto a screenlike surface, a puncturing member positioned adjacent the support and movable for puncturing same, a trigger member movably mounted relative to said housing, and an impact member controlled by the trigger member and positioned to impact against said puncturing member upon release of the trigger member for causing said puncturing member to puncture said support, the perforation of said support by said puncturing member being visible on the screenlike surface when the image of said support is projected thereon, comprising the improvement wherein said puncturing member comprises a plate positioned between said light source and said support, said plate permitting light rays to pass therethrough whereby the light rays from said light source pass through both said plate and said support prior to being projected onto said screenlike surface, said plate having a pointed puncturing element fixed thereto and projecting from one side thereof in a direction toward said support, resilient means coacting with said puncturing member for normally maintaining same in a position wherein the free end of said puncturing element is slightly spaced from said support, and mounting means movably supporting said plate on said housing for permitting said plate to be moved in a direction toward said support, and said mounting means including universal joint means movably suppOrting said plate on said housing for permitting said plate to be moved laterally relative to said support in any selected direction.

2. A game according to claim 1, wherein said mounting means includes a substantially U-shaped mounting member having a pair of elongated legs extending in the longitudinal direction of said housing, said mounting means including a pin-and-slot connection between said legs and said plate for permitting movement of said plate relative to said legs in a direction toward and away from said support, and said universal joint means being connected between said housing and said legs at a location which is spaced a substantial distance from said pin-and-slot connection in the longitudinal direction of said housing.

3. A game according to claim 2, wherein said puncturing member includes a substantially U-shaped portion having a center portion defined by said plate and a pair of leg portions extending substantially transverse of said plate, said leg portions extending substantially parallel with and closely adjacent the legs of said mounting member, and said pin-and-slot connection coacting between each leg portion and the adjacent leg.

4. A game according to claim 2, wherein said resilient means comprises spring means.

5. A game according to claim 1, wherein said housing includes an elongated tubular member having said lens disposed adjacent one end thereof and having an opening formed adjacent the other end thereof, handle means projecting outwardly through said opening and being movably supported on said housing for movement of said handle means transversely of said housing relative to the longitudinally extending direction thereof, said handle means having said trigger member movably supported thereon.

6. A game according to claim 5, wherein said impact member is supported for sliding movement relative to said handle means substantially in the longitudinally extending direction of said housing, said impact member being interconnected to said handle means so as to be moved in unison therewith when said handle means is moved transversely relative to said housing.

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