LAUNCH APPARATUS

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of priority with Europe Patent Application No. EP24191818, filed Jul. 30, 2024; the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

This disclosure relates to a launch apparatus, in particular to such apparatus that comprises a launcher element that is configured to, when it is driven through a guide channel in the launch direction and when a wooden skewer is present in the guide channel, push the wooden skewer in a direction different other than the launch direction, such as upwards or downwards or sideways, preferably against an inner surface of the guide channel.

Description of the Related Art

When designing a launch apparatus, such as disclosed in CN212941451U, the safety of the apparatus is of the utmost importance, especially when it concerns a toy launch apparatus, such as a toy gun. The risk of injury for children who play with such apparatus should be reduced as much as possible. It is for example highly desired that a launch apparatus can only launch objects that are intended to be launched with that apparatus. If the launch apparatus would for example be suitable for launching anomalous objects, i.e. other objects than intended, such as marbles or wooden skewers, children may be severely hurt.

Hence, there is a need in the art for a safer launch apparatus.

SUMMARY

Therefore, a launch apparatus, e.g. a toy launch apparatus, such as a toy gun, is disclosed herein. The launch apparatus comprises a launch system for launching an object that has been loaded in the launch apparatus. The launch system comprises a guide channel extending in a launch direction. The launch system also comprises a launcher element. At least part of the launcher element is mounted in the guide channel and is movable through the guide channel along the launch direction. Further, the launch system comprises a drive system for driving the at least part of the launcher element through the guide channel in the launch direction. The launcher element is configured to accelerate the loaded object for launching the loaded object from the launch apparatus when the at least part of the launcher element is driven through the guide channel in the launch direction. Further, the at least part of the launcher element is configured to, when it is driven through the guide channel in the launch direction and when an anomalous object, such as a wooden skewer, is present in the guide channel, push the anomalous object in a direction other than the launch direction, such as upwards or downwards or sideways, preferably against an inner surface of the guide channel.

Such launch apparatus is highly advantageous because it reduces the risk that an anomalous object that is present in the guide channel is launched at high speed from the launch apparatus. The at least part of the launcher element namely pushes the anomalous object in another direction than the launch direction. This prevents the anomalous object from being launched from the launch apparatus at high speed. For example, the launch apparatus may push the anomalous object against an inner surface of the guide channel. As a result, the anomalous object will experience a drag force from the inner surface which reduces the speed of the anomalous object and potentially of the launcher element as well.

Preferably, the at least part of the launcher element is configured to, when it is driven through the guide channel in the launch direction and when the anomalous object is present in the guide channel, push the anomalous object in a direction that is perpendicular to the launch direction. This may be understood as that the at least part of the launcher element applies a force to the anomalous object, which force has a component in that perpendicular direction.

The launcher element is preferably configured to accelerate the loaded object in the launch direction when the at least part of the launcher element is driven through the guide channel in the launch direction. Typically, some part of the launcher element pushes against the to-be-launched object in the launch direction when the launcher element is driven through the guide channel in the launch direction.

As referred to herein, the object that the launch system is configured to launch when the object has been loaded in the launch apparatus may be understood as the object that is intended by design to be launched by the launch system. This object may be any type of object, preferably an object that has a low risk of injuring a child, such as a foam bullet, toy airplane, a kite, et cetera.

As referred to herein, an anomalous object in the guide channel may be understood to refer to any object other than the object that is intended by design to be launched by the launch system. Examples of anomalous objects are wooden skewers, pens, pencils, marbles, et cetera.

The guide channel may be configured to retain the launcher element so that the launcher element itself cannot be launched from the launch apparatus, for example in that the guide channel comprises a slot through which some part of the launcher element can extend so that that part prevents the launcher element from exiting the guide channel.

In an embodiment, the at least part of the launcher element is configured to, when it is driven through the guide channel in the launch direction and when the anomalous object is present in the guide channel, cause the anomalous object, such as a wooden skewer, to get stuck between the launcher element and the inner surface of the guide channel herewith hampering movement of the launcher element in the launch direction.

This embodiment is advantageous as it allows to significantly slow down the launcher element when the launcher element meets the anomalous object in the guide channel. Typically, in this embodiment, the launch apparatus would jam in that the launcher element would come to a halt when the anomalous object gets stuck between the launcher element and the inner surface of the guide channel. This may prevent that the anomalous object exits the launch apparatus.

As referred to herein, the anomalous object getting stuck between the launcher element and the inner surface of the guide channel may be understood as that the inner surface of the guide channel and the launcher element apply forces on the anomalous object that are, at least to some extent, counteracting.

In an embodiment, the at least part of the launcher element is configured to, when it is driven through the guide channel in the launch direction and when a wooden skewer is present in the guide channel, push the wooden skewer in a direction other than the launch direction, such as upwards or downwards or sideways, preferably against an inner surface of the guide channel.

One object that always should have the attention of launch apparatus designers is a skewer, for example a wooden skewer, that is intended to pierce food. Such skewer can be very dangerous when launched from a launch apparatus. The sharp tip of the skewer may seriously hurt for example an eye when travelling at high speed. Further, skewers are relatively thin, so they would often fit into launch apparatuses if these are not properly designed.

Any anomalous object referred to in this disclosure may be a wooden skewer. Typical thickness of a wooden skewer is approximately 3 mm.

In an embodiment, a front portion of the at least part of the launcher element narrows towards a front end of the at least part of the launcher element.

This embodiment provides for a launcher element that is relatively easily manufactured while still being effective in pushing the anomalous object in a different direction than the launch direction. In this embodiment, the launcher element has a relatively narrow front end.

In this embodiment, specifically the front portion may be understood to be configured to push the anomalous object in a direction other than the launch direction when the launcher element is driven through the guide channel in the launch direction and when an anomalous object, such as a wooden skewer, is present in the guide channel.

As referred to herein, if some element extends in the launch direction from a first position to a second position then the front portion of such element may be understood as the end portion of that element which end portion extends to the second position.

Preferably, the front portion of the at least part of the launcher element gradually narrows towards the front end. This is advantageous as it allows the front portion to contain no sharp edges. Such sharp edges may engage with the anomalous object somehow as a result of which the anomalous object may still be launched from the launch apparatus at considerable speed.

In an embodiment, the narrowing front portion extends along the launch direction between a first plane that is orthogonal to the launch direction and the front end of the at least part of the launcher element. In the first plane, the guide channel has an inner dimension. Further, in the first plane, a distance, preferably a distance along the direction in which the at least part of the launcher element is configured to push the anomalous object, between the narrowing front portion and an inner wall of the guide channel is more than 1% of the inner dimension, preferably more than 2% of the inner dimension, more preferably more than 5% of the inner dimension, most preferably more than 10% of the inner dimension.

This embodiment is advantageous in that it allows to ensure that, when pushed by the narrowing front portion in the direction other than the launch direction, there is a high likelihood that the anomalous object is properly pushed against the inner surface or even gets stuck between the inner surface and the launcher element.

As referred to herein, the inner dimension of the guide channel in the first plane may be understood to refer to the largest distance, in the first plane, between any two inner walls defining the guide channel.

If the anomalous object is a wooden skewer, then, irrespective of the inner dimension of the channel, the distance, in the first plane, between the narrowing front portion and the inner wall of the guide channel is more than 0.5 mm, preferably more than 1 mm, more preferably more than 3 mm.

In an embodiment, the narrowing front portion extends along the launch direction between a or the first plane that is orthogonal to the launch direction and the front end of the at least part of the launcher element. In this embodiment, the narrowing front portion does not comprise a surface having a normal vector that is directed in the launch direction. Preferably, the narrowing front portion does not comprise a surface having a normal vector that makes an angle smaller than 10 degrees with the launch direction. More preferably, the narrowing front portion does not comprise a surface having a normal vector that makes an angle smaller than 20 degrees with the launch direction. Most preferably, the narrowing front portion does not comprise a surface having a normal vector that makes an angle smaller than 30 degrees with the launch direction.

This embodiment is advantageous as it provides for a launcher element that effectively pushes the anomalous object aside. If the front portion would have a surface that is perpendicular to the launch direction, then this surface may push the anomalous object in the launch direction which may cause the anomalous object to be launched at high speed from the launch apparatus.

In an embodiment, at least part of a or the front portion of the at least part of the launcher element is beveled or has a conical shape or has a concave shape.

This embodiment provides for front portions that effectively push the anomalous object in a direction different from the launch direction.

In this embodiment, specifically the at least part of the front portion may be understood to be configured to push the anomalous object in a direction other than the launch direction when the launcher element is driven through the guide channel in the launch direction and when an anomalous object, such as a wooden skewer, is present in the guide channel.

It should be appreciated that the three alternatives for the shape of the at least part of the front portion mentioned above are not necessarily exclusive of one another.

In an embodiment, the guide channel comprises a slot that extends along the launch direction. In this embodiment, a second part of the launcher element extends through the slot and outside of the guide channel. The launch system is configured to accommodate the loaded object in a ready-to-launch position in which at least part of the object sits outside of the guide channel. In this embodiment, the second part of the launcher element is configured to, when the at least part of the launcher element is driven through the guide channel in the launch direction, push against the at least part of the object herewith accelerating the object for launching the object from the launch apparatus.

This embodiment is advantageous in that it does not require the launcher element to contact and push against the object in the guide channel. Typically, the shape of the part of launcher element that sits in the guide channel, while effective to push an anomalous object in a direction different from the launch direction, may not be suitable for effectively pushing the object in the launch direction as well. Outside of the guide channel, especially in the interior of the launch apparatus, there would be more freedom to select the shape of the launcher element, because an anomalous object typically cannot be positioned in a ready-to-launch position in the interior of the launch apparatus.

Preferably, the second part of the launcher element and the at least part of the object remain outside of the guide channel during the launch. The slot preferably extends all the way to the end of the guide channel so that the object can be launched from the launch apparatus. This also allows to load the object in the launch apparatus by sliding the object into the guide channel at that end.

In an embodiment, the second part comprises a surface having a normal vector that makes an angle with the launch direction less than 30 degrees, preferably less than 20 degrees, more preferably less than 10 degrees, such as perpendicular to the launch direction. The surface is configured to push the at least part of the object herewith accelerating the object for launching the object from the launch apparatus.

In an embodiment, a second part of the loaded object in the ready-to-launch position sits in the guide channel.

In an embodiment, the guide channel comprises a second slot that extends along the launch direction. In this embodiment, the loaded object in the ready-to-launch position extends from a first position outside of the guide channel through the second slot and through the guide channel and through the slot to a second position outside of the guide channel.

Preferably, the second slot extends all the way to the end of the guide channel.

The second slot may on one side open into the guide channel and on an opposite side open into an exterior of the launch apparatus. The (first) slot referred to above may open on one side into the guide channel and on an opposite side into an interior of the launch apparatus.

In an embodiment, the first position is a position outside of the launch apparatus and the second position is a position in an interior of the launch apparatus. In this embodiment, the second part of the launcher element sits in the interior of the launch apparatus.

In this embodiment, the second part of the launcher element is configured to push against the to-be-launched object in the interior of the launch apparatus. It would typically be very difficult to position an anomalous object in the interior of the launch apparatus such that the second part of the launcher element would push against the anomalous object. Thus, this embodiment provides for an even safer launch apparatus.

In an embodiment, the guide channel comprises a or the slot that extends along the launch direction and comprises a or the second slot that extends along the launch direction. In this embodiment, the second slot is positioned above the slot, and the slot is wider than the second slot.

This embodiment is advantageous in that if someone would try to position an anomalous object in the guide channel through the second slot, then the anomalous object would likely fall through the slot underneath it as this last mentioned slot is wider than the second slot. Hence, this embodiment makes it more difficult to position an anomalous object in the guide channel and thus provides for a safer launch apparatus.

In an embodiment, the guide channel comprises one or more surfaces that support the launcher element. This embodiment provides for a convenient guide channel.

In an embodiment, the drive system comprises an elastic member that is configured to be under tension when the object has been loaded in the launch apparatus and configured to, upon a trigger event, release its elastic energy for pulling the launcher element through the guide channel in the launch direction.

This embodiment provides for a relatively simple drive system. The trigger event may be a user pulling a trigger that releases the elastic member.

Additionally or alternatively, the drive system may comprise a coil spring for driving the launcher element. Such coil spring would for example be configured to be compressed or stretched when the object has been loaded in the launch apparatus and configured to, upon a trigger event, decompress or, respectively, de-stretch, for pulling or pushing the launcher element through the guide channel in the launch direction.

Additionally or alternatively, the drive system comprises a compressed air source for driving the at least part of the launcher element using compressed air.

An aspect of this disclosure relates to a launch system, preferably a toy launch system, comprising any of the launch apparatuses disclosed herein and any of the to-be-launched objects as disclosed herein. Preferably, in this aspect, the object has been loaded in the launch apparatus. The object may thus be in a to-be-launched position as described herein.

Elements and aspects discussed for or in relation with a particular embodiment may be suitably combined with elements and aspects of other embodiments, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Embodiments of the present invention will be further illustrated with reference to the attached drawings, which schematically will show embodiments according to the invention. It will be understood that the present invention is not in any way restricted to these specific embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features, combinations, and embodiments will be appreciated by one having the ordinary level of skill in the art upon a thorough review of the following details and descriptions, particularly when reviewed in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a lunch system according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2A shows how an object may be loaded in the launch apparatus according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2B shows how an object may be loaded in the launch apparatus according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3A shows an interior of a launch apparatus according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3B shows a front view of a launch apparatus according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4A shows a perspective view on a guide channel comprising two slots according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4B shows a cross section of the guide channel in a plane perpendicular to the launch direction;

FIG. 4C shows a perspective view on a guide channel having mounted therein a launcher element according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5A shows a side view, front view, and top view of a launcher element according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5B shows various perspective views of the launcher element of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A shows a side view, and a front view of an object according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6B shows perspective views of the object of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7 shows the launch system according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8 shows the launch system of FIG. 7 in further detail; and

FIG. 9 shows perspective views of the guide channel having mounted there a launcher element and object according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For purposes of explanation and not limitation, details and descriptions of certain preferred embodiments are hereinafter provided such that one having ordinary skill in the art may be enabled to make and use the invention. These details and descriptions are representative only of certain preferred embodiments, however, a myriad of other embodiments which will not be expressly described will be readily understood by one having skill in the art upon a thorough review of the instant disclosure. Accordingly, any reviewer of the instant disclosure should interpret the scope of the invention only by the claims, as such scope is not intended to be limited by the embodiments described and illustrated herein.

The features, components, and configurations described in connection with the various embodiments illustrated herein may be combined, interchanged, or otherwise modified in any number of ways without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiments are presented by way of example and not limitation, and it is intended that the invention encompasses all such combinations, permutations, and modifications as would be understood by those skilled in the art.

Unless explicitly defined herein, terms are to be construed in accordance with the plain and ordinary meaning as would be appreciated by one having skill in the art.

General Description of Embodiments

In a general embodiment, a launch apparatus is disclosed. The launch apparatus comprises a launch system for launching an object that has been loaded in the launch apparatus. The launch system comprises a guide channel extending in a launch direction and a launcher element, wherein at least part of the launcher element is mounted in the guide channel and is movable through the guide channel along the launch direction. The launch system further comprises a drive system for driving the at least part of the launcher element through the guide channel in the launch direction. The launcher element is configured to accelerate the loaded object for launching the loaded object from the launch apparatus when the at least part of the launcher element is driven through the guide channel in the launch direction. The at least part of the launcher element is configured to, when the at least part of the launcher element is driven through the guide channel in the launch direction and when an anomalous object is present in the guide channel, push the anomalous object in a direction other than the launch direction.

In some embodiments, the at least part of the launcher element may be configured to, when it is driven through the guide channel in the launch direction and when the anomalous object is present in the guide channel, cause the anomalous object to get stuck between the launcher element and the inner surface of the guide channel, thereby hampering movement of the launcher element in the launch direction.

In some embodiments, the anomalous object may be a wooden skewer.

In some embodiments, a front portion of the at least part of the launcher element may narrow towards a front end of the at least part of the launcher element.

In some embodiments, the narrowing front portion may extend along the launch direction between a first plane that is orthogonal to the launch direction and the front end of the at least part of the launcher element. In this first plane, the guide channel may have an inner dimension, and a distance between the narrowing front portion and an inner wall of the guide channel may be more than 1% of the inner dimension.

In some embodiments, the distance between the narrowing front portion and the inner wall of the guide channel may be more than 2% of the inner dimension.

In some embodiments, the distance between the narrowing front portion and the inner wall of the guide channel may be more than 5% of the inner dimension.

In some embodiments, the narrowing front portion may extend along the launch direction between the first plane that is orthogonal to the launch direction and the front end of the at least part of the launcher element, wherein the narrowing front portion may not comprise a surface having a normal vector that is directed in the launch direction.

In some embodiments, at least part of the front portion of the at least part of the launcher element may be beveled or may have a conical shape or a concave shape.

In some embodiments, the guide channel may comprise a slot that extends along the launch direction. A second part of the launcher element may extend through the slot and outside of the guide channel. The launch system may be configured to accommodate the loaded object in a ready-to-launch position in which at least part of the object sits outside of the guide channel. The second part of the launcher element may be configured to, when the at least part of the launcher element is driven through the guide channel in the launch direction, push the at least part of the object, thereby accelerating the object for launching the object from the launch apparatus.

In some embodiments, the second part may comprise a surface having a normal vector that makes an angle with the launch direction that is less than 30 degrees, the surface being configured to push the at least part of the object, thereby accelerating the object for launching the object from the launch apparatus.

In some embodiments, a second part of the loaded object in the ready-to-launch position may sit in the guide channel.

In some embodiments, the guide channel may comprise a second slot that extends along the launch direction, wherein the loaded object in the ready-to-launch position may extend from a first position outside of the guide channel through the second slot and through the guide channel and through the slot to a second position outside of the guide channel.

In some embodiments, the first position may be a position outside of the launch apparatus and the second position may be a position in an interior of the launch apparatus, wherein the second part of the launcher element may sit in the interior of the launch apparatus.

In some embodiments, the guide channel may comprise the slot that extends along the launch direction and may further comprise the second slot that extends along the launch direction, wherein the second slot may be positioned above the slot, and the slot may be wider than the second slot.

In some embodiments, the guide channel may comprise one or more surfaces that support the launcher element.

In some embodiments, the launch apparatus may comprise a toy gun.

In some embodiments, the at least part of the launcher element may push the anomalous object in at least one of an upward direction, a downwards direction, or a sideways direction from the launch direction.

In some embodiments, the at least part of the launcher element may push the anomalous object against an inner surface of the guide channel.

Each of the components of the launch apparatus and related system described herein may be manufactured and/or assembled in accordance with the conventional knowledge and level of a person having skill in the art.

While various details, features, combinations are described in the illustrated embodiments, one having skill in the art will appreciate a myriad of possible alternative combinations and arrangements of the features disclosed herein. As such, the descriptions are intended to be enabling only, and non-limiting. Instead, the spirit and scope of the invention is set forth in the appended claims.

Illustrated Embodiments

In the figures, identical reference numbers indicate identical or similar elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates a launch system according to an embodiment. In FIG. 1, the launch system is embodied specifically as a toy launch system. The toy launch system comprises a launch apparatus 2 according to an embodiment, and an object 6 according to an embodiment. In FIG. 1, the launch apparatus is embodied specifically as a toy gun. Such toy gun would typically essentially consist of plastic. The launch apparatus 2 comprises a launch system for launching an object 6 that has been loaded in the launch apparatus 2. Typically, the launch system is triggered by a user pulling a trigger 20, which causes the launch of the object 6. As shown, the object 2 that is launched from the launch apparatus 2 may be attached to another object 8, such as a kite.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate how the object 6 may have been loaded in the launch apparatus 2. At least part of the object 6 may have been slid into a guide channel, which is not readily visible in FIG. 2, by sliding the object 6 in the direction of the arrow. In the depicted embodiment, this involved sliding at least part of the object 6 through a slot 30 indicated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A shows the interior of the launch apparatus and exposes the various elements of the launch system. The launch system comprises a guide channel 9 that extends in what is referred to as the launch direction. In FIG. 3A, the launch direction is the direction indicated by the arrow pointing to the right. The launch system further comprises a launcher element 10 that is mounted in the guide channel 9. The launcher element is movable through the guide channel along the launch direction (back and forth). Preferably, the launcher element is slidably mounted in the guide channel 9.

In the specific embodiment of FIG. 3A, the launcher element comprises a hook 12 and a notch 22. An elastic member 14, such as a rubber band, is hooked around hook 12 and around a pin 18. Upon the object 6 being loaded in the launch apparatus 2, the object 6 slides to the left through the guide channel 9 and at some point will push the launcher element 6 to the left as well. Herewith, the elastic member 14 is tensioned. At some point, the notch 22 of the launcher element will reach trigger 20, in particular a shoulder 23 of the trigger. The launcher element, which continues to move leftwards, will cause the trigger 20 to rotate clockwise around point 24 so that the notch 22 of the launcher element 10 can pass the shoulder 23. Once the notch 22 has passed shoulder 23, the shoulder will return to the position as indicated in FIG. 3A, and the notch, and therefore the launcher element 10, will be latched behind shoulder 23.

A spring system 24 will push the shoulder 23 upwards to prevent unintended release of the launcher element 10 and unintended launch of object 6 from the launch apparatus 2. In the depicted embodiment, the spring system 24 acts against a pin 26.

Thus, FIG. 3A shows the state of the launch apparatus after the object 6 has been loaded in the launch apparatus 2. In this state, the object 6 is in a so-called ready-to-launch position. If in this state, trigger 20 is pulled, i.e. moved in the clockwise direction as indicated by the curved arrow, then the shoulder 23 will move downwards as a result of which the notch 22 is no longer latched behind the shoulder 23. Then, the elastic member 14 pulls the launcher element 10 through the guide channel 10 in the launch direction.

While the launcher element 10 is driven through the guide channel in the launch direction, it will accelerate object 6 for launching it from the launch apparatus. The launcher element may for example pull the object 6. In the depicted embodiment, however, the launcher element 10 pushes the object 6 for accelerating it.

FIG. 3B shows a front view of the launch apparatus. It shows that the channel 9 is open at the end. Further, the launch apparatus comprises an opening 27 at its front side that fits a lower part 40 of the object 6 so that the object 6 can be slid into the guide channel 9 from the front side. However, preferably, the opening does not fit a lower part 39 (see FIGS. 4A and 5A and 5B) so that the launcher element 10 cannot exit the launch apparatus 2 and remains at least partially in the guide channel 9.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view on the guide channel 9 according to an embodiment. Herein, the guide channel 9 comprises a slot 28 and a slot 30. Slot 30 is positioned above slot 28. The slot 28 opens into the interior 29 of the launch apparatus 2 and slot 30 opens into the exterior of the launch apparatus 2. Slot 28 has a width w1 and slot 30 has a width w2. Preferably, although not shown, width w1 is larger than width w2, so that any anomalous object, such as a wooden skewer, that fits through slot 30 will also fit through slot 28. Hence, if someone would for example try to position a wooden skewer through slot 30 in the guide channel, the wooden skewer will likely fall through slot 28 as well. An anomalous object, such as a wooden skewer, in the guide channel is undesired as someone may try to launch the anomalous object from the guide channel by causing the launcher element 10 to move through the guide channel in the launch direction.

In the embodiment of FIG. 4A, the guide channel 9 comprises one or more support surfaces, in this case a support surface 32a and a support surface 32b for supporting the at least part of the launcher element that is mounted in the guide channel 9.

FIG. 4C illustrates in more detail that at least part of the launcher element 10 is mounted in the guide channel. For clarity, part of the housing 31 defining the guide channel 9 is not shown.

FIG. 4C illustrates a hazardous situation, because a wooden skewer 34 is present in the guide channel 9 as anomalous object. The wooden skewer 34 lies on support surface 32a. Someone may for example have inserted the wooden skewer 34 into the opening of the guide channel 9 at the front of the launch apparatus as shown in FIG. 3B. However, fortunately, the part of the launcher element 10 that is mounted in the guide channel 9 is configured to, when it is driven through the guide channel 9 in the launch direction push the wooden skewer in a direction other than the launch direction.

The launcher element 10 of FIG. 4A is shown in more detail in FIGS. 5A and 5B. FIG. 5A respectively shows, from left to right, a side view of the launcher element, a front view of the launcher element 10, and a top view of the launcher element 10. FIG. 5B shows several projections of the launcher element 10 from different angles.

As shown, a front portion of the part of the launcher element which part is mounted in the guide channel 9 narrows towards a front end of that part. In particular, the narrowing front portion extends along the launch direction between a first plane P that is orthogonal to the launch direction and the front end of the at least part of the launcher element. In the first plane P, preferably the distance between the narrowing front portion and the inner wall of the guide channel is more than 0.5 mm, preferably more than 1 mm, more preferably more than 3 mm. FIGS. 5A and 5B also show that the narrowing front portion does not comprise a surface having a normal vector that is directed in the launch direction.

FIG. 4B shows a cross section of the guide channel in the first plane P. Herein, the inner dimension, which may be understood as the largest distance in plane P between any two walls defining the guide channel, is the distance between points A and B.

FIGS. 5A and 5B also show that at least part of the front portion of the part of the launcher element 10 that is mounted in the guide channel 9 is beveled or has a conical shape or has a concave shape. For the launcher element 10 of FIGS. 5A and 5B (and of FIG. 4A), at least part of the front portion is beveled in that it comprises two beveled surfaces 36a and 36b.

Returning to FIG. 4C, if the launcher element 10 is driven through the guide channel 9 in the launch direction while the skewer is present there, it will cause the wooden skewer 34 to get stuck between the launcher element and inner surface 35 of the guide channel herewith hampering movement of the launcher element in the launch direction. Beveled surface 36a (not visible in FIG. 4C, but visible in FIGS. 5A and 5B) will namely push the wooden skewer 34 sideways against inner surface 35 which will result in the wooden skewer becoming stuck between beveled surface 36a and inner surface 35. As a result, the wooden skewer 34 will not be launched from the guide channel 9.

Of course, other embodiments are also possible, for example an embodiment, wherein the at least part of the launcher element 10 pushes the wooden skewers upwards or downwards.

FIG. 5A also indicates the part of the launcher element 10 that extends through the slot and outside of the guide channel. This part is the part that sits below the height indicated by line 42 in the side view and front view of FIG. 5A. This part comprises, preferably at its front side, a surface 39 that is substantially perpendicular to the launch direction. Surface 39 may be configured to push a part 40 (see FIG. 6A) of the object 6 which part sits outside of guide channel 9, herewith accelerating the object 6 for launching the object from the launch apparatus 2.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an embodiment of the to-be-launched object 6. In particular FIG. 6A respectively shows, from left to right, a side view, and a front view of the object 6. When this object 6 is in the ready-to-launch position as indicated for example in FIG. 3A, then the part 40 of the object, which is below the height indicated by line 44, sits outside of the guide channel 9. The part of the object between heights 45 and 46 sits in the guide channel 9 when the object is in the ready-to-launch position.

FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 illustrate the launcher element 10 and object 6 in a ready-to-launched position according to an embodiment.

The part of the launcher element 10 which part sits outside of the guide channel 9 in the ready-to-launch position is in contact with part 40 of the object. Then, when the launcher element moves in the launch direction (to the right in FIGS. 7 and 8), the launcher element 10, in particular the surface 39 of launcher element 10, pushes against part 40 and herewith the object 6 is accelerated for launching the object 6 from the launch apparatus.

As indicated in FIG. 8, the object 6 extends from a position outside of the guide channel, at a height indicated by line 50, through slot 30 (not visible in FIG. 8), through the guide channel 9 to a position outside of the guide channel, at a height indicated by line 52.

In the depicted embodiment, at line 50 the object is in the exterior of the launch apparatus, and at line 52 that object 6 is in the interior of the launch apparatus.