US2941325A - Toy cap gun with vibratable wire - Google Patents

Description

Vc. AYALA TOY CA? GUN WITH VIBRATABLE WIRE `lune 21, 1960 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed may s, 195s TOY, CAP GUN WITH VIBRATABLE WIRE Filed May 1959 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 June 21, 1960 c. AYALA 2,941,325

Toy CAP GUN WITH VIBRATABLE WIRE 3371/ y 379 o l aan ff/4M l Q/Jimi; my apa,

June 21, 1960 c, AYALA 2,941,325

TOY CAP GUN WITH VIBRATABLE WIRE Filed May 8, 1959 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 June 21, 1960 c. AYALA 2,941,325

TOY CAP GUN WITH VIBRATABLE WIRE:

Filed May s, 1959 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Il k limited States Fatent TOY CAP GUN WITH VIBRATABLE WIRE Carl Ayala, Chicago, Ill., assignor to Marvin I. Glass, Chicago, Ill.

Filed May 8, 1959, Ser. No. 811,921

Claims. (Cl. 42--57) The present invention relates generally to toy guns and, more particularly, to an improved cap gun or the like, which, in addition to producing the explosive report of the cap, also produces a sound effect simulating the noise or whine produced by the travel or ricochet of a projectile discharged from a gun.

Cap guns are among the most popular of toy guns since they produce a loud realistic report, gun smoke and a gun powder odor. Some cap guns have particular appeal because of the accuracy and faithfulness of physical reproduction. Other guns have additional special attractiveness as a result of the action incorporated in the operation of the gun. For example, these toy guns may incorporate a wide variety of actions including the revolving of the cylinder in a revolver incident to the iiring of the gun, the ability to re the gun by fanning the hammer with the side of the hand, the provision of simulated cartridges each of which holds a cap, etc.

This invention is concerned with the provision of means for producing an auxiliary noise effect which simulates the whine or ricochet of a bullet subsequent to its discharge from a gun. This action greatly enhances the realism of the gun. Of course, a bullet will only be discharged from a gun when it is red, and in this connection and particularly with regard to cap guns, a more realistic action may be achieved by producing the whine or ricochet sound eiect a short time after the explosion of a cap.

Accordingly, the principal object of the present invention is a toy gun which produces a sound simulating the noise eiect of a discharged projectile. A further object of the present invention is the provision of a cap gun which includes lmeans for realistically reproducing the sound produced by the travel or ricochet of a bullet. Another object of the invention is the provision of a toy gun which includes actuation of the above described sound incident to the operation of the tiring mechanism. An additional object of the invention is the provision of a gun of the type described above which includes a time delay mechanism functioning to eifect operation of the auxiliary noise producing means at a time subsequent to the ring of the gun. Still another object of the invention is the provision of a cap gun of the class described in which the desired auxiliary noise effect is produced only in response to the explosion of a cap resulting from the iiring of the gun. Another object of the invention is the provision of a sound producing means which closely simulates the whine or ricochet of a bullet.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be understood by the reference to the following description and accompanying drawings wherein there are shown certain illustrative embodiments of the invention.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is an elevational view ofione embodiment of a cap gun incorporating various of the features of the present invention. The view is partially broken away `and sectioned to illustrate the mechanism contained wit hin the gun.

Figure 2 is a fragmentary elevational view of the cap gun shown in Figure 1 taken from the opposite side;

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3+3 of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-,4 of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a perspective view, partially broken away,- illustrating a portion of the interior mechanism ofl the cap gun shown in Figure l; l

Figure 6 is a fragmentary view illustrating the mechnism of the cap gun shown in ,Figure 1, in cocked posi'- tion just prior to ring;

Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 6,V showing the mechanism at the instant of firing;

Figure 8 is a view similar to Figures 6 and 7, illusa trating the mechanism at a time subsequent to the instant of tiring; n

Figure 9 is a view similar to Figures 6, 7, and 8 showing the position of the mechanism with the trigger released during production of the auxiliary sound elect.

Figure l0 is an elevational view of another embodiment of a cap gun which embodies various features of the present invention. The view is partially broken away to illustrate the operating mechanism;

Figure l1 is a view similar to Figure 10 showing the operating mechanism of the gun in the cocked condition;

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the operating lever included in the mechanism shown in Figure l0;

Figure 13 is a fragmentary view of portions of the operating mechanism of the cap gun shown in Figure 1-0; l

Figure 14 is a fragmentary view illustrating the cap feeding mechanism incorporated in the cap gun shown in Figure 10;

Figure 15 is a sectional view taken along line 15-15 in Figure l0;

Figure 16 is a sectional view taken along line 16--16 in Figure 10;

Figure 17 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 17-17 of Figure 10;

Figure 18 is an enlarged sectional View taken along line 18-118 of Figure 10;

Figure 19 is a perspective view of the trigger element included in the mechanism shown in Figure 10;

Figure 20 `is a perspective View of the hammer arm included in the mechanism shown in Figure l0;

Figure 21 is a view taken along line 2.1-21 o f Figure 18; and

Figure 22 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 22-22 of Figure 2l with the distance between the vibrator and diaphragm exaggerated.

Basically, a cap gun in accordance with' the invention may include the usual cap gun elements, including fa trigger and a hammer actuated by t-he trigger for ring the cap. There is also provided in the gun a soundv pro,- ducing means for simulating the whine or ricochet 'of a bullet. Means are provided for actuating this'sound producing means by interconnect-ing it to the action of one or more of the mechanical elements in the gun. mechanism so that the sound is produced incident to the ring action of the gun. Means may also be provided for effecting a time delay between the firing action and the production of thewhine or ricochet sound effect. Further, means may also be providedto limit production'of the whine or ricochet sound to those instances when a cap-is red.

In addition to the foregoing, there is also provided a sound producing mechanismwhic is adapted toproduce a whine or ricochet sound which closely simulates Vthat of the .travel of an ordinary bullet or projectile. -jI'he' term .whine or ricochet soundvas used herein refers `toa sound which a child could readily imagine `to be a" bullet sound of either a single pitch or a sound having com-` plex pitch vand volume components. Preferably, as will be pointed out, the sound should change in pitch and decrease in volume .overthe period in which the sound is generated. f

Tle embodiments illustrated in the drawings include various ofthe foregoing features. "The form of the invention shown in Figures 1 through 9 includes means lfor providing the whine or ricochet sound and means for interconnecting it with the tiring mechanism of the gun.

-It also includes means for'limiting the production of the whine or ricochet sound to instances wherein a cap is tired and, further, it provides a 'time `delay between the tiring action and the production of the auxiliary whine -r ricochet sound, thus giving the impression of distant bullet ight. u t

Inv general, the embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 1 through 9, includes a conventional cap gun The cap gun 1.1 i's frame which supports a gun barrel 17, a cylinder 19, vand a firing mechanismzl. The barrel 17 and the cylin- -der 19 may be pivotally hinged to the remainder of the gun'frame 15 about the pin 23, as illustrated, to enable the user to loadthe gun with caps. In this connection, the hinged section comprising the barrel and cylinder is spring biased, and a latch (not shown) is provided which maintains the hinged portion lin closed tiring position. iThese features, of course, are all well Yknown in the art. Y l

vv'I'hedisclosed ring mechanism 21 comprisesgenerally, 'a trigger element 25, a hammer arm 27, an anvil 31, and a cap feeding mechanism 33 including ra cap vstorage post`35, a cap guide plate 37, 'and a cap feeder 39. I n Ithe illustrated structure, the anvil 31, the cap Vguide plate 37 and the post 35 are integrally formed on the gun :frame 15, whereas the trigger element 25, the hammer arm 27 and thev cap feeder 39 `are mounted for movement within the gun frame.

The trigger element 25 includes a trigger 41 and a Afiring tang 43 (see Figure 5), both of which extend from a pivot rod 45 which is journalled in the gun frame 15. A trigger spring 47 is employed to bias the trigger element in such a manner that the trigger 41 -is urged towards the forward or non-firing position. The cap feeder 39 is pivotally mounted at one end on the firing tang 43 and its other end is biased against the cap guide plate 37 by action of one end of Vthe trigger spring 47. 'l The hammer yarm 27, as illustrated, is' elongated and irregularly shaped, and carries at its forward end a hammer51 which is fashioned with the usual rearwardly extending'thumb spur 52. VThe hammer arm 27 is also provided with `a rearwardly extending portion 53 which carries various other components as will be more fully described.' The arm 27 is supported in the frame 15 for swinging laction between its cocked and released positions on `a pivot 49. In this connection, a hammer `spring -56 isfutilized to bias the hammer arm 27 forwardly so that the hammer 51 is in engagement with the anvil 31. Extending downwardly and pivotally carried between a pair of ears 58 (see Figure 1) formed on the lower surface of the hammer arm Z7 forwardly of the pivot rod V49, is a hammer tang 55 which is engaged by the .firing tang 43 to cock the hammer arm. The hammer tang 55 is biased forwardly for engagement by the firing tang 43 by a spring 57. A stop (not shown) between the ears 58 acts against the upper portion of the hammer tang to limit the forward motion of the hammer tang relative to the hammer arm, and to cause the hammer arm 27 to cock when the hammer tang 55 is rocked forwardly by .the firing tang 43.

Operation of the ring mechanism is well known in the art and may be readily described with regard toFig- "2,941,326 n "A F H M' ures 9 and 6. First, the gun is loaded with caps by putting a roll of caps on the post 35 and threading the end of the roll between the guide plate 37 and the cap feeder 39.

Rearward movement of the trigger 41 from the position shown in Figure 9 causes the forward surface of the ring tang 43 to engage the hammer tang 55 for cocking the hammer arm 27 in a clockwise direction against the action of the hammer biasing spring 56. In addition, movement vof the trigger element Yalso causes the cap feeder 39 to swing into engagement with the cap guide plate 37 and to move one of the caps on the roll, designated by the numeral 60 in Figure 6, into firing position on the anvil 31.

When the trigger 41 is fully retracted (position shown in Figure 6), the ring tang 43 slides out of engagement with the hammer tang 55, and the hammer biasing spring 56 causes the hammer `arm 27 to rotate rapidly in the counterclockwise direction, thereby striking the hammer V51 against the anvil 31 and exploding the cap 60. When 'the rearward pressure is relieved on the trigger 41, the

trigger spring 47 returns the trigger element 25 and the cap feeder 39 to their normal positions. AsV the trigger element is returned to its normal position, the hammer tang 55 pivots rearwardly against the pressure ofthe spring 57 to permit the trigger tiring tang to pass, after which it returns to its normal position for cocking engagement with the forward surface of the tiring tang. VIn order to simulate the whine or ricochet noise of a bullet after discharge from the barrel, a sound producing mechanism designated generally by the numeral 61 (see Figure l), and a mechanical actuating linkage or mechanism 6-3 for effecting operation of the sound producing means are provided. The operation of the illus- -trated actuating mechanism 63 is arranged to function incident to cocking and release of the hammer arm 27 by action of the trigger element 25.

As shown particularly in Figure 1, the sound producing mechanism 61 in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 t'o 9, is suitably located in the butt 13 of the gun and includes a vibratable membrane or diaphragm 65, and a vibrator 67. These elements are located in the butt of the gun-which defines a sounding chamber 64. However, it should be kept in mind that the sound producing mechanism may be located in any available space within the gun, such as in the cylinder 19, and still achieve Vvarious of the advantageous features of the disclosed invention.

In order to increase the eiciency of the sounding chamber 64, the butt 13 is desirably made with relatively thin plastic walls which are nevertheless sufficiently sturdy fto resist the'abuse to which toy guns are exposed.

The butt of the pistol is also provided with a slotted butt plate 66 which permits sound to pass but which -has suicient strength to withstand the abuse to which the butt V,of the toy gunis exposed. Located above the butt plate 66 in the sounding chamber 64, is the vibratable membrane 65 which 4occupies the bottom portion of the butt andV which is supported by the walls of the butt.

'The'lvibratable membrane 65 may be fabricated from in the drawings andl is rigidly held-in place about its periphery such as by swagingY or soldering the edges of the shim stock to the walls of thetbutt. i v The vibrator67 whichV actuates the vibratable membran@ 65 is suitably formed from a length 0f spring-wine and is fabricated to include a generally horizontal short leg or portion 69 (Figure 1), a generally vertical or upright long leg or portion 71, and a portion 73 joining the legs 69 and 7'1 having a rounded segment or elbow which provides a hammer for striking or vibrating the membrane 65. The free end of the leg 69 is provided with a loop 74, or the like, which may be anchored to the stock 13 of the gun, as illustrated. The upright leg 71 is free to vibrate and extends upwardly a sucie/nt distance to afford releasable engagement with the actuating linkage 63. 'I'he rounded portion 73 is positioned when the wire -is in an untensioned position so that it just contacts the membrane 65 and as the leg 71 swings rapidly between a forward and rearward position after release by the actuating linkage 63, thereby causing the hammer portion 73 to rapidly strike the membrane 65. This produces a satisfactory sound.

As has been pointed out, the mechanical actuating linkage 63 employed in the disclosed embodiment is adapted to include a time delay between the tiring of the gun and the production of the auxiliary bullet sound effect and further includes means controlled by the gases produced incident to the explosion of a cap which limits the production of the auxiliary sound to instances where a cap is iired. In order to accomplish this, the mechanical actuating linkage 63 includes a sound mechanism actuating lever 77, a releasing lever or member 79 rotatably carried on the sound actuating lever 77 for releasable engagement with the vibrator 67, an operating member or sub-frame 81 carrying a time delay means: 83 for retarding the activation of the sound producing mechanism 61 until a time subsequent to the firing of the gun, and a pressure responsive control 84 which is shown particularly in Figures 2 and 3, and which is operable to' position the sub-frame for actuation of the releasing lever- 77 in response to the gas pressures produced incident to the explosion of a cap.

The sound actuating lever 77 is connected about the pivot 78 to the butt of the gun adjacent the bottom. thereof, and extends upwardly to connect lwith the extreme bottom of the rearward portion 53 of the hammer arm through a slot and pin connection, indicated by the numeral 8S. As a result, rocking movement of the hammer arm which accompanies the cooking and release of the hammer causes rocking of the sound actuating lever about the pivot 78.

The upper end of the sound actuating lever 77 is pro-1 vided with a fixed arm 87 which extends forwardly and which includes at its outer end an upwardly extending striking cam or ear 89. As will be hereinafter described., the cam 89 is adapted to actuate the time delay means 83 during the rearward rocking motion of the sound actuating lever 77 which occurs incident to release of the hammer arm.

The releasing lever 79 is pivotally mounted on the sound actuating lever 77 adjacent the upper end thereof,l and includes a rearwardly extending'leg 91 having a right angle portion 93 which releasably engages the upper' end of the vibrator leg 71. Rearward rocking motion of: the sound actuating lever 77 which occurs during releases of the hammer arm causes the releasing lever to move the vibrator leg 71 rearwardly and to place it under tension. The other leg 95 of the releasing lever 79 extends forwardly in generally adjoining relation with the -arm 87 of the sound actuating lever 77 for engagement with the.- time delay means 83. In operation, the time delay means: rotates the releasing lever in the counterclockwise direction until the right angle portion 93 is raised to a point Where the vibrator leg 71 is released to permit the: vibrator 67 to vibrate the membrane 65 thereby produc.- ing the desired noise effect.

In order to relocate the releasing lever 79 for engageu ment with the upper end of the vibrator, an inwardly extending lug or camming surface 97 protrudes froni the inner surface of the butt, as shown' in Figure 6. Tlit 0 lug 97 is positioned so that it will contact the right angle portion 93 of the releasing lever and depress it forward of the vibrator leg 71 incident to forward movement of the sound actuating lever 77.

The time delay means 83 is rotatably carried on the rearward end of the sub-frame 81 and includes a balance or fly wheel 99 which is mounted on a shaft 101 journalled in the sub-frame and which is biased for rotation in the clockwise direction by a hair spring 103. In order to limit the rotative movement of the balance wheel, a stop is carried thereon for engagement against the sub-frame 81. The balance wheel 99 also carries an actuating pin 107 which is positioned, when the stop 105 is engaged by the sub-frame 81, in the path of travel of the striking cam 89 of the sound actuating lever arm 79. Thus, when the hammer arm 27 is released from its cocked position, the rapid rearward swinging of the sound actuating lever '77 causes the striking cam 89 to strike the actuating pin 107 and impart counterclockwise motion to the balance wheel 99. The tension of the spring 103 is arranged to provide for about three quarters of revolution before the counterclockwise movement is arrested and the balance wheel begins to move in the clockwise direction. If there is a misre, or for .some other reason there is no cap explosion, the actuating pin 107 will restrike the cam 89 of the arm 87. However, if a cap has exploded, the sub-frame 81, as will hereinafter be described, will swing to a position .affording engagement of the actuating pin 107 against the leg 95 of the releasing lever 79 to swing the lever counterclockwise (raising the right angle portion 93) thereby releasing the vibrator 67 for action against the membrane 65 to produce the desired whine or ricochet effect.

The sub-frame 81, which carries the balance wheel 99, is pivoted on the pin 108 which is carried on the rearward `portion 53 of the hammer arm 27 (Figure 5) and is biased for swinging movement in the counterclockwise tdirection as shown in Figure 1 by engagement with one end of the hammer arm spring 56. The sub-frame 81 is a channel shaped member comprising a .central web 109 and a pair of extending flanges 111 and 113. One of the ilanges 111 is formed with an ear or lug 115, 'which cooperates with a pin 117 on the hammer arm to limit the counterclockwise travel of lthe sub-frame 81 relative to the hammer arm 27. In addition, the central web 109 is formed with an opening therein to permit the hammer tang 55 to project Itherethrough for engagement with the nring tang 43 of the ltrigger element.

The sub-frame 81, of course, moves with the hammer .arm 27 on which it is supported during release and cock- `:ing of the arm 27 except to the extent that this action of the sub-frame is restrained by engagement with a tstop or pin 119 associated with the control means 84. :As previously pointed out, the control means 84 is oper- ;able in response to the gas pressure produced by the Aexplosion of a cap to permit the sub-frame 81 to move .relative to the hammer arm 27 so that the balance wheel .actuating pin 107 'will engage the releasing lever 79. This will release the vibrator 67 for vibration against the vibratable membrane 65.

The particular pressure responsive control means 84 employed in the illustrated embodiment comprises gen- -erally a pressure sensitive member constituting a hinged jplate 121 carrying the stop 119, a gas chamber 123 (see Figure 3), and a series of ports 129 and 131 through `which the gases resulting from the explosion of a cap ,flow to the gas chamber.

The hinged plate 121 is desirably formed with an outer surface conforming to the general configuration of the ,'gun just rearwardly of the cylinder, as shown in Figure .2, and with an inner surface which is hollowed or re- Vcessecl'to form one wall of the gaschamber 123 (see 'rFigure 3). The plate 121 is'hingedly supported at`it's lower end on a hinge pin 130 whichis supported in the lower portion of Vthe gun frame 15. A leaf springV 125 which is supported on the frame 15 is employed to bias the plate 121 into contacting relation with afgenerally flat face 127 of the gun frame 15 which forms the other wall of the gas chamber. Ot course, if desired, the gas chamber 123 may be formed lby providing a hollow or recess in the face -127 Vof the frame and by employing a flat inner surface on the plate 121 or by other suitable arrangement. Y

The gases produced incident to the explosion of the cap are utilized to effect swinging movement ofthe plate 121 about itshinge pin 130 to Ithereby effect positioning of the sub-frame 81. In this connection, the gases travel from the anvil 31 to the gas chamber 123 through the pair of ports 129 and 131. Ot course, a single port might be employed for this purpose, but it has been found that increased gas pressure is obtained in the gas chamber 123 and, accordingly, more effective operation is secured by the utilization of a pair of ports as shown. In

addition, as can be seen best in Figures l and 3, a trough or recess 133 is provided in the face of the anvil connecting the ports 129 and 131. The provision of the .trough 133 permits the gases to llow through theports 129 and 131 even if the cap fis not exactly centered on the anvil. l Operatingengagement between the pressure responsive plate 121 and the sub-frame 81 is achieved by use of the stop 119 which projects inwardly of the gun frame 15 for engagement with the forward portion of the sub- 'ame central web 109; Engagement of the stop 119 with the sub-frame prevents movement of the sub-frame into a position where the balance wheel kactuating pin 107 can engage the releasing lever 79 to operate the sound producing mechanism 61. However, when an explosion does occur, the gases produced thereby travel through the ports 129 and 131 to the gasv chamber 123. The pressure which forms in the gas chamber 123 acts against -the plate 121. and swings it outwardly to withdraw Ithe stop 119 from engagement with the sub-frame 81. This permits rotation of the sub-frame in the counterclockwise direction to position the fly wheel 99 so that its actuating pin 107 contacts the releasing lever 79 to thereby disengage the vibrator leg 71.V Y

The sequential operation of the actuating linkage 63 which produces the auxiliary sound effect can be understood most clearly with reference to Figures 6 through 9. AsV previously explained, rearward movement of the trigger 41 cocks the hammer arm 27 in the clockwise direction and su-itably positions the cap 60, as shown in Figure 6, in overlying 4relation to the anvil 31. Cocking of the hammer arm 27 also eifects forward or pivotal mo- Y tion in the clockwise direction of the sound actuating lever 77 to locate the striking cam 89 of the lever arm y87 in position for striking the Iactuating pin 107 of the :balance wheel. In addition, as the hammer arm 27 rocks in the clockwise direction, the sub-frame 81 rotates in a counterclockwise direction relative to the hammer arm 27 until the ear 115 engages the hammer arm pin 117 to restrain any further relative movement. The further clockwise movement of the hammer arm 27 carries the Vsub-trarne 81 toA a position which allows the stop 119 vcarried =by the pressure responsive plate 121 to engage the undersurface of the forward portion of the sub-frame web 109. At the same time, the balance wheel 99 rotates under yaction of the balance wheel hair spring 103 until the stop 105 engages theundersurface of the frame web 109. j In this position, the balance wheel. actuating pin V10,'Llies in thepath of travel of the striking cam 89 of the sound actuating lever arm 87. The relation of the various parts after cocking and just prior to release of Athehammer arm is shown in Figure 6. Y

' When the hammer arm27 is released, the hammer 51 strikes Vthe -anvil315toexplode the cap 60 previously positionedy therebetween. Incident to .the release and rapid ,counterclockwise rotation of the hammer arm 27, the sound actuating lever 77 swings rapidly in the clockwise direction. In this connection, the rapid rearward motion of the sound actuating lever 77 causes the striking cam 89 ofthe arm 87 to strike the Ibalancewheel actuating pin' 107 Aand to impart counterclockwise rotation thereto, as shown in Figure 7. The rearward motion of the sound actuating lever also causes rearward positioning of the vibrator in a tensioned condition as will be more fully explained. 'Y

The explosion of the-cap, of course, indicates tiring of the rgun and, in addition, produces the' gases which travelthrough the ports 129 land 131 to the gas chamber 123 and impinge upon the pressureV responsive plate 121. The force of the impnginggas pressure causes'the plate 121 to swing outwardly of the gun frame '15, as show-n in dotted outline in Figure 3. This outward movement of the Vpressure responsive plate 121 w-ithdraws the stop 119 from -the subframe web 109 and, as shown in Figure 8, allowsY the trame'to again rot-ate under action of` the hammer arm biasing spring 56 in a counterclockwise direction until the ear 1115 again comes into engagement with vthe hammer arm pin 117.

While the -above described action of the pressure responsive plate 121 and the sub-frame 81 has been taking place, the balance wheel 99 has been rotating in the counterclockwise direction after having been struck by the striking cam 89 of the sound actuating lever arm 87. When the balance wheel has rotated approximately three quarters of a revolution, the action of the hair spring 103 slows and then reverses the direction of rotation, as shown in Figure 8.

It will be notedV that the release of the operating subframe 81 `by withdrawal of the stop 119 has permitted the frame to swing in a counterclockwise direction relative to the ham-mer arm 27, and, accordingly, the actuating pin 107 of the Ibalance wheel is now positioned to rotate in a path to the rearward of and clear of the striking cam 89 of the sound actuating lever arm 87 and to strike the upper edge of the releasing lever leg 95. This engagement causes the releasing lever 79 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction and disengages the end of the vibrator 67, as shown in Figure 9, to allow vibration Y thereof and accompanying action'against thev membrane 65 to produce the desired noise eiect.

When the hammer arm 27 is again re-cocked, and the sound actuating lever rotates counterclockwise incident thereto, initial movement of the releasing lever carries the right angle portion 93 over the upper end of the vibrator l67. Continued forward movement of the releasing lever results in engagement with the lug `97 on the inside wall of the stock to eiect clockwise movement of the lever to the position as shown in Figure 6. This position of the releasing lever affords engagement by the right angle portion 93 with the upper end of the vibrator 67. When the hammer arm is released and the sound actuating :lever 77 moves rearwardly in the clockwise direction, as illustrated in Figure 7, the upper end of the vibrator is engaged by the right angle portion 93 of the lreleasing lever and is moved rearwardly to a position under tension. Subsequent striking 'by the balance wheel actuating pin 107 of the releasing -lever leg 95 will cause disengagement of the vibrator 67 to produce the desired whine or'ricochet noise. Y

One of the advantageous features of the disclosed construction'results from the fact that the sound producing mechanism is actuated only as a result of the explosion of a cap. When the hammer arm 27 is released and the gun does not fire, the stop 119 is not disengaged from the sub-frame web 109, and consequently, the relation of actuating pin 107 of the balance Wheel by the striking my 89 of the sound actuating lever arm 87. Accordingly, when the balance wheel 99 is energized to rotate in the clockwise direction by action of the hair spring 103, the actuating pin 107 will again contact the striking cam 89 of the sound actuating lever arm 87 instead of the releasing lever 79. Thus, the vibrator 67 will not be released from its position of tension and thereby actuation of the sound producing means is prevented.

After release of the cocked hammer arm 27, the trigger 41 can Ibe allowed to return to its normal position. Return movement of the trigger has no eect on the operation of the mechanical linkage 63 or the sound producing mechanism 61.

Another embodiment of a cap gun incorporating various features of the invention is seen in Figures 10 through 22 and is designated generally by the numeral 201. The gun comprises, as seen in Figure l0, an operating mechanism 203 carried on a gun frame 205 having a butt or stock 217 and a gun barrel 209. More particularly, the operating mechanism 203 includes a iiring mechanism 211 for feeding and exploding caps, a sound producing mechanism 213 which creates a ricochet or whine, and an actuating linkage or mechanism 215 which, in cooperation with the tiring mechanism 211, causes operation of the sound producing mechanism 213.

The gun frame 205 includes a central portion 216 rearwardly of the gun barrel 209 and a butt-forming skeletonized portion 231. More specifically, the central frame portion 216 denes a housing 229 (Figure 17), which encloses various of the operating components and which is formed by an upper wall section or rib 221, a side wall 217 which extends integrally from the rib 221, and an auxiliary side member 227 (see Figures l=6 and 17) which is screwed or otherwise attached to the central frame portion 216 -to complete the lhousing. The central frame portion 216 also carries a pair of side plates 223 and 225 (see Figures l and 16) having convexly shaped outer surfaces which cooperate to form a simulated revolver cylinder.

The butt-forming skeletonized frame portion 231 eX- tends rearwardly from the central frame portion 216, comprising a series of frame members including a forwardly disposed member 233 and a rearwardly disposed member 237 each of which extends downwardly from the central frame portion in spaced relation to one another, and a bottom member 235 which connects the iower ends of the members 2-33 and 237.

The particular firing mechanism 211 employed in the gun 201 includes a hammer arm 241 which is pivotally mounted on the gun frame for action against an anvil 243 which constitutes an extension of the frame rib 221, a cap feeding mechanism 245 which positions the caps on the anvil for striking by the hammer arm 241, and a trigger element 247 which is pivotally supported by the gun frame and which is operable to cock and release the hammer arm 241 and to actuate the cap feeding mechanism 245.

More particularly, the trigger element 247, as seen best in Figure 19, is yformed with a centrally located pivot 251 journalled between the frame Wall 217 and the frame side member 227, a downwardly extending trigger 253, an upwardly extending tiring tang 255 which cocks the hammer arm 241, and a cap feeding tang 257 which extends rearwardly and then downwardly, as shown, and which carries a portion of the cap feeding mechanism 245. Positioned about -the pivot rod 251 is a biasing spring 259 which, as seen particularly in Figure 14, acts to bias the trigger forwardly.

The hammer arm 241 is best seen in Figure 20 and is of irregular outline having a centrally located pivot 261 which is journalled between the frame wall 217 and the frame side member 227. Extending from the general area of the pivot 261 are three outwardly projecting legs 263, 265, and 267. One of the legs 263 extends forwardly and has an upwardly extending section 269 which includes a hammer 271 and a thumb spur 273. The other legs 265 and 267 extend downwardly and are connected with the actuating mechanism 215, as will be more fully explained.

As best seen in Figure 13, the hammer arm 241 is biased for counterclockwise movement (see Figure 10) toward the anvil by a coil spring 275 which is carried in encircling relation to a hub 277 (see Figure 20) formed on the pivot 261. Biasing action of the spring 275 is provided by engagement of one of its arms 279 (see Figure 10) with a post 231 extending from the frame side wall 217 and by engagement of its other arm 233 against a lug 285 formed on the hammer arm ieg 267 (see Figure 20). Cooking of the hammer arm 241 by action of the trigger element 247 is accomplished -by engagement of the tiring tang 255 with a generally L-shaped actuating pawl 287 (see Figure 13) which is carried on a pivot 289 (see Figure 20) formed on the hammer leg 263 and which is biased clockwise by a spring 297 (see Figure 13). The pawl 287 includes a spur 291 disposed for engagement by the trigger element firing tang 255 and a tank 293 which engages a shoulder 295` (see Figure 20) formed on the hammer arm leg 263.

The cap feeding mechanism 245, shown particularly in Figure 14, includes a cap supply post 301 extending from the frame wall 217, a cap guide 303 which constitutes a downward extension of the anvil 243, and a cap feeder 305 which is carried by the trigger element 247 and which includes a forwardly disposed foot 309 in engagement with the cap guide 303. More particularly, the cap lfeeder 305 is carried at its rearward end on a pivot 307 extending from the cap feeding tang 257 of the `trigger element 247' and is biased counter-clockwise to maintain engagement of the foot 309 with the cap guide 303 by a spring 311.

The side plate 223 as seen in Figures 15 and 16, is carried by a hinge pin 313 supported in the frame rib 221, and may be opened against the pressure of the leaf spring 3115 so that a roll of caps may be placed on the post 301. The end of the cap roll is threaded between the cap guide 303 and the cap feeder 305, and pressure on the trigger causes the cap feeder 305 to move upwardly so as to position a cap 249 on the anvil. At the same time, engagement of the trigger element tiring tang 255 with the actuating pawl spur 291 cocks the hammer arm clockwise against action of the hammer arm spring 275. Near the rearwardmost position of the triger, the trigger element firing tang 255 disengages the spur 291 thereby releasing the hammer arm which moves counter-clockwise (Figure 10) under action of the hammer arm spring 275 to re the cap 249. As the trigger is released the biasing spring 259 causes the cap feeder 305 to withdraw and engages the firing tang 255 with the actuating pawl spur 291 so that the pawl 287 pivots counter-clockwise until the ring tang 255 is again disposed rearwardly of the spur 291. The pawl biasing spring 297 then returns the pawl 287 to its rest .position in engagement with the shoulder 295.

As has been pointed out, the tiring mechanism '2111 acts in cooperation with the actuating mechanism 215 to effect operation of the sound producing mechanism 213 and to create the whine or ricochet sound. Further, the sound producing mechanism 213, as seen particularly in Figures 18, 21, and 22, comprises a diaphragm assembly 319 located across the lower portion of the butt 207 and a vibrator 321 which acts again-st the diaphragm assembly to produce the sound desired. As shown, the diaphragm assembly 319 is positioned across a chamber 3117 (see Figure 18) defined between a pair of butt-forming side elements or hand -grips 239 which are attached to the gun frame in any suitable manner, and includes a thin membrane or diaphragm 331 which is extended across over an inner metallic ring 326 and held in generally rigid condition by an outer metallic ring 327 which is frictionally fitted over the inner ring so as to engage therebetween the peripheral portion of the diaphragm 331.

The diaphragm assembly 319 is attached'to the" 11 skeletonized frame portion by a pair of ears 32911 and 329b which extend from the outer metallic ring 327.

The vibrator 321 is formed for releasable operating engagement with the actuating mechanism 215 and for pulsating action against the diaphragm assembly 319. In this connection, the vibrator 321 is a spring member which is formed of spring wire with a xed section 335 which is disposed in generally perpendicular relation to the diaphragm 331 and is rigidly secured in a generally rectangular anchor block 338 having a slight inwardly and downwardly directed taper. The anchor 338,` in turn, is press ttted to a mating recess 340 located adjacent thediaphragm 331 in a hub 342 extending integrally from the outer ring 327. Immediately above the anchor block 338, the spring wire is bent at about a right angle to provide a short portion or section 337 which extends above and radially across the diaphragm 33-1 to a point just beyond its center. The section 337, as seen best in Figure 22, includes a diaphragm engaging portion 337a which is positioned generally over the center of the diaphragm and which slopes downwardly from the relatively elevated position of the remainder of section 337, has a generally at segment 337b disposed in closely overlying relation `to the diaphragm, and is then bent away from the diaphragm. The distance between the generally at section 337b and the diaphragm 331 can be closely governed by controlling the depth of engagement between the anchor block 338 and the hub 342. In this regard, it is preferred to locate the generally fiat section 337b slightly above the diaphragm or in contact therewith, so as not to exert a substantial pressure on the diaphragm when the vibrator 321 is in relaxed condition.

From the unsupported'end of the diaphragm engaging portion 337a, the spring wire is bent to form an elbow and then extends upwardly in an irregular long portion designed to prevent engagement or interference withthe actuating mechanism 215 except at the free upper'end thereof which includes a section 339 disposed for releasable operating engagement with the actuating mechanism 215 so as to create the `desired whine or ricochet sound v effect. When the section 339 of the vibratoris released by the actuating mechanism 215, initial vibratory movement of the spring wire causes striking engagement of the generally at segment 337b with the diaphragm 331. Continued pulsating vibrator action results in loss of energy and resultant variation in the areavof engagement between the flat segment 337b and the diaphragm, thereby changing the effective oscillating free length of the wire, and producing a consequent change in frequency. At the same time, thedisplacement ofthe diaphragm decreases, thereby diminishing the volume of the sound produced. This combined action produces a highly realistic whine or ricochet noise effect. t y

In one commercial embodiment, thediaphragm assembly 319 was constructed with a diaphragm V331 of brass shim stock which had a thickness of .003 inch and was positioned across a brass inner ring 326having an inner. diameter of approximately 1 and 3A; inches, and wall thickness of approximately %4 of an inch. The outer ring 327 was also of brass having an innervdiameter permitting a press iit over the peripheral membrane portion and the inner ring 326, a wall thickness of 5%.; of an inch and an integrally extending hub342 for receiving the anchor block 338.

The vibrator of the commercially constructed unit was formed of spring wire approximately j/32 of ank inch in diameter and had its xed section 335 secured in the anchor block 338 which was seated in Vthe hub 342 to position the section 335 in `perpendicular relation to the diaphragm. The section 337 was 4bent at about a right angle from the xed section-335 and extended for a length approximately 7A; of an inch.- The diaphragm engaging portion 337a had a length of aboutY 'Q- of aninch and was positioned adjacent the center of the diaphragm. The atsegment 337b wasV approximately W16 of an` inch' lon'g`and the engaged depth of the anchor block 338 in the hub 342 was adjusted to locate the flat segment 337b,approximately .003 Vinch above the dia.- phragm 331. The length of the vibrator from beyond the section 33 7 was approximately 2 inches and was bent upwardly in an irregular formation, as shown generally in the drawings, to prevent interference with the opera-y tion of the other components. At its upper end, the section 339 extended generally perpendicular to the plane of the diaphragm and had a length of approximately ya of an inch. When operably engaged by the actuating mechanism, the upper section 339 was `displaced from its relaxed condition for a distance of approximately 1%; of an inch.y When released from this position under tension, the ensuing vibratory action of the spring Wire against the diaphragm created a realistic whine. l w The sound producing efficiency of the diaphragm 331 depends,of course, on its ability to vibrate, which ability, at least in part, is a function of its deformability or hard# ness and mass. In this regard, 4the deformability and mass of the diaphragm may be readily varied to change the tone somewhat and/ or to vary the duration of the sound. One method of controlling the deformability of the diaphragm is to form the shim stock with one or more annular ring segments of arcuate cross section which are preferably arranged in :generally concentric relation to the center of the diaphragm. The deformability of the diaphragm may be readily decreased and the hardness increased by providing a button or reinforcement on the under surface of the central diahragm area. Of course, the deformability and mass can also be controlled in other ways, such as by employing membranes of othe materials or different thicknesses. i

The sound producing mechanism 213 is operably engaged by the actuating mechanism 215 so as to displace the vibrator section 339 and to subsequently release thel vibrator thereby creating the desired whine or ricochet sound. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuating mechanism 215 engages and displaces the vibrator 321' incident to release of the hammer arm 241 and is responsive to the gas pressures formed during cap-firing to effect release of the vibrator. More particularly, the actuating mechanism 215, as seen in Figure 13, includes an actuating lever 345 which is rockable back and forth incident to cooking and release of the hammer arm 241, a releasing member or slide 347y carried by the actuating lever 345 in position for releasable operating engagement with the vibrator 321, a time delay means 349 which effects retarded vibrator-releasng-movement of the slide 347, and a pressure responsive control means 351 (see Figure 16) which functions in cooperation with an operating lever or member 353 (see Figures l0 through 13) to permit vibrator-releasing movement of the slide 347.

As seen especially in Figures 10, 11, and 13, theactuating lever 345 is generally L shaped having a first leg 359 which is rockably carried on a pivot 361 projecting from a cross bar 363 which extends above the diaphragmassembly 319 between the frame members 233 and 237.V

Rocking motion of the actuating lever 345 is imparted through connection of its second leg 355 to the hammer a'rm 241 by a slotted joint about a pin 357 projecting,

from the hammer arm leg 267.

The vibrator engaging slide 347 is generally channeled i shaped having its central web disposed along one side of the actuating lever 345 and is engageable with the vi-V brator by means of a tab 375 which extends transversely from the upper end of the forwardly disposed slide ange 376. At its lower end, the slide 347 is formed with anA ear 377 which engages the time delay means 349 to ini-A tiate operation thereof and which is subsequently struck 'by the Vtime delay means to cause vvibrator-releasing movement of the slide relative to the actuating lever. `Unwanted, movement of the slide 347` relative to thel actuating lever 3451s prevented by frictionmeanswhicn.

includes a spring 365 (see Figure 13). In this regard, the actuating lever 345 is formed with a lug 367 which extends through an elongated opening 369 in the web of the slide. The lug 367 has an aperture through which the restraining spring 365 extends for engagement with the slide 347. More particularly, the spring 365 is formed of spring wire, and has an irregular shape including one leg 370 which extends through the lug 367 and a pair of outer legs 371 and 373, each of which bears against the slide 347 to produce the desired frictional restraint.

The time delay means 349 functions to eect delayed upward vibrator-releasing movement of the slide 347 to thereby effect operation of the sound producing mechanism 213, and comprises a balance wheel 379 which is carried on a shaft 381 and which includes a central recess 383 and an outer iiange-like rim 385. The shaft 38,1 is journalled at one end in the cross bar 363 and at its other end in a plate 387 (see Figure 18) which also extends between the frame members 233 and 237. The balance wheel 379 is biased for counter-clockwise rotation `as seen in Figures 10, 11, and 13 by a coil spring 389 having end portions 391 and 393 which respectively bear against a stub shaft 395 projecting from the cross bar 363 and a post 397 projecting from the fly wheel recess 383.

Operating engagement of the balance wheel 379 and the ear 377 at the lower end of the slide is provided by an actuating pin or striker 399 carried on the balance wheel rim 385. Actuation of the time delay means occurs incident to hammer arm release and resultant slide movement which causes initial clockwise spinning of the balance wheel 379. Subsequently, action of the balance wheel spring 389 reverses the spinning action and causes the pin 399 to strike the slide ear 377. If cap-tiring has occurred, the resultant upward movement of the slide 347 disengages the tab 375 from the upper vibrator segment 339, thereby releasing the vibrator and producing the desired auxiliary noise effect. However, if a mislre has occurred, upward vibrator-releasing movement is halted short of vibrator release due to engagement of the operating lever 353 with a transversely bent portion 400 of the slide 347 As indicated, release of the vibrator 321 incident to upward movement of the slide 347 is dependent on the disposition of the operating lever 353 which is generally of irregular shape and which is carried centrally thereof on a pivot 401 extending from the hammer arm leg 265. At its rearward end 403, the operating lever engages with the slide portion 400 and at its forward end 405, the operating lever is adapted for engagement with a stop or post 417 forming a part of the pressure responsive control means 351.

Cocking movement of the hammer arm 241 moves the operating lever forwardly and causes clockwise pivotal movement incident to engagement of an end portion of the hammer arm pin 357 against rearwardly disposed segment 404 of the operating lever upper surface. This clockwise movement of the operating lever results in engagement of its rearward end 403 with the `slide portion 400, and effects movement of the slide 347 to its lowermost position relative to the actuating lever 345, thereby providing for subsequent engagement of the upper vibrator section 339 by the slide tab 375 during release of the hammer arm. At the same time, the forward end 405 moves forwardly and upwardly clear of the post 407.

During release of the hammer arm, the forward operating lever end 405 moves downwardly to engage the post 407. With the operating lever 353 thus engaged, subsequent upward vibrator-releasing-movement of the slide is halted before release of the vibrator, due to engagement of the slide portion 400 with the operating lever end 403. However, when a cap is tired, the gas pressures `formed result in movement of the post 407 out of engagement with the operating lever 353, thereby permitting downward swinging of the operating lever until engagement of a forwardly disposed segment 406 of its lower surface with the gun frame 205. This additional increment of operating lever counter-clockwise movement positions the rearward end 403 to permit additional upward slide movement, thereby allowing release of the vibrator 321 for production of the ricochet or whine eiect. In addition, when the segment 406 is engaged with the gun frame, the forward operating lever end 405 is positioned so that after cap-tiring the end of the post 407 is positioned for engagement with the side of the operating lever, thereby precluding locking of the operating mechanism due to inward movement of the `post 407 yabove the operating lever.

The pressure responsive control means 351 includes a pressure sensitive member in the form of the side plate 225 which is carried on a hinge pin 411 supported by the frame rib 221, and a gas chamber 409 which is formed, as seen in Figures 1S and 16, between the frame wall 217 and the side plate 225. Of course, the shape and size of the gas chamber 409 can be readily proportioned to obtain optimum results by forming the opposed surfaces of the side plate 225 and the frame wall 217 as desired. As shown, the wall 217 is generally liat and the inner surface 410 of the side plate is slightly concave. In addition, the side plate 225 is inwardly lbiased against the frame wall 217 by the action of a leaf spring 413 which is fixed to the gun frame and acts against a shoulder formed on the side plate.

Passage of the gases formed during cap-firing to the gas chamber 409 is provided by a conduit 415 which extends from the anvil 243 through the frame rib 221 and opens in the frame wall 217. Thus, when the cap 249 explodes, the gases pass through the conduit 415 into the gas chamber 409 to eiect'outward swinging movement of the side plate 225 and to disengage the post 407 from the operating lever 353, thereby permitting subsequent release of thev vibrator and ensuing operation of the sound producing means 213. Of course, if an explosion fails to occur, the side plate 225 and the post 407 will not swing outwardly and, consequently, the vibrator will not be released.

To summerize the operation, with the gun loaded with caps, the trigger 253 can be squeezed to produce both the explosive report occurring incident to cap-tiring and the delayed operation of the sound producing mechanism 2113which creates the bullet ricochetk or whine noise. Trigger movement subsequent to release of the hammer arm from its cocked position does not affect the operation of the actuating mechanism 215 or the sound producing mechanism 213.

Rearward cocking of the hammer arm 241 causes rocking movement of the operating lever 353, which results in engagement of its rearward end 403 with the slide portion 400 to elect movement of the slide 347 relative to the actuating lever 345 to a position enabling engagement of the vibrator. This rocking movement of the operating lever 353 -also positions its forward end 405 in elevated relation to the post 407, thereby allowing, after previous cap-firing action, inward movement of the slide plate 215 into gas-chamber 409-forming relation with the frame Wall 217. In addition, cooking of the hammer arm also operates to swing the actuating lever 345 forwardly. The movement of the slide 347 which accompanies rocking movement of the actuating lever, coupled withthe simultaneous downward movement of the slide relative to the actuating lever, results in movement of the balance wheel-engaging ear 377 in the counterclockwise direction relative to the balance wheel axis, thereby permitting Afollowing counter-clockwise movement of the time delay balance wheel to a limiting position of minimum tension in the-lbalance wheel spring 389.

When the trigger is lfully squeezed, the hammer arm 241 is released, and moves counter-clockwise to strike the cap 249. Incident to this movement, the forward. end

4050i the operating'lever 353 is engaged with the stop 407. In addition, the actuating lever 345 moves rearwardly carrying the slide 347 with it. As a result,'the balance wheel 379 is spun in the clockwise direction against the action of the spring 389. At the same time, the vibrator-engaging tab 375 of the vslide 347 engages the free vibrator section 339 and displaces the vibrato] rearwardly under tension. After rotating about 270 de grecs to 300 degrees, the balance wheel 379 stops, starts rotating in the opposite direction, and strikes the'slide ear 377, thereby causing upward vibrator-releasing-movement of the slide 347.

The ricochet or whine sound is produced only in response to the tiring of a cap.V When a cap is red, the gases produced travel throughthe conduit 415 into the gas chamber 409, acting against the side plate 225, thereby swinging the slide plate outwardly, thus disengaging the post 407 and the operating lever V353, permitting counter-clockwise operating lever movement and raising of the rearward operating lever end 403 relative to the slide portion 400. In turn, this movement permits sufiicient upward slide movement to eiect release ofthe vibrator from its tension condition and .creation of the ricochet or whine sound.

However, should a misre occur after release ofthe hammer arm 241, the operating leverV 353 remainsengaged with the post 407 and, consequently, upward movement of the slide 347 is :limited by engagement 'of the slide portion 400 with the rearward operating lever end 403, thereby preventing vibrator disengagement and operation of the sound producing mechanism.

The cap guns which have been described and illustrated are representative of a large variety of toy guns such as shot guns, rifles, cannons, etc., which can be manufactured to include an auxiliary sound producing means creating a delayed noise elect associated with the travel of a discharged projectile such as', for instance, the whine or ricochet eiect disclosed herein... Moreover,- various of the .features of the present invention maybe omitted to provide toy guns having somewhat different operating characteristics. For instance, the operating mechanism could be constructed without a time delay means, and/or the desired auxiliary sound eiect could be produced independently of cap-tiring action.' Furthermore, other sound means can be incorporated in various arrangements to produce sound eitec'ts other than the whine or ricochet eiect. In addition, the arrangements described tor activation and coordination of the operating components can be varied widely and still obtain the disclosed features of the present invention. AllV such modiiications within the scope ot one skilled inthe art are intended to be covered herein.

The present invention yis a continuation-impart of my pending application Serial No.Y 752,600, which was led on August l, 1958, and is now abandoned.

Certain -features of this invention which are believed to be new are set forth in the appended claims.'u

I claim:

`16 ing a movable trigger, means for 'transmitting forces applied to said trigger to said 'firing-mechanism to re said gun, sound means for producing a sound simulating the' whine of a bullet, said sound means including' a.

vibratable member having a sounding chamber' associated store said tiring mechanism and said sound means `to l.V A toy gun comprising a gun frame, a tiring mechanism carried `on said frame for tiring said gun and producing a percussive report, said tiring mechanism includ-y ing a movable trigger, means for transmitting forces applied to said trigger to said tiring mechanism to iir'e said gun, sound means for producing a sound simulating the whine of a bullet, said sound means including a vibratable member having a sounding chamber associated therewith, a member mechanically connected to and actuated by movement of said tri-gger for vibrating said vibratable member, and time lag means intermediate said trigger Aand said vibratable member for delaying the Vibration of :said vibratable member for a perceptible v,period after the production of said percussive report. A v Y 2. A toy lgun comprising .a gun frame, a tiring vmechanism carried on said frame .for tiring said -gun and'pro- .ducing a percussive report, said` tiring-mechanism their original condition for subsequent operation.

3. A cap gun comprisingA a gun trame, a ring mechanism carriedv on said frame for -ring acap, said tiring mechanism including a movable trigger, a movable hammer for engaging .the cap to be fired, means for transmitting forces applied to said trigger to said hammerto re `said cap, sound means for-producing a soundvsimulating the whine ofa bullet, said sound means includinga vibratable member having a v,sounding chamber associatedtherewith, a member mechanically connectedto and actuated by movementof said trigger for vibrating said vibratable member, time lag means intermediatesaid trigger and said vibratable member for .delaying the vibrationof said vibratable member for a perceptible period after the iiring of Ithe cap, and means for prevent-` ing the vibration of said vibratable member in the event that a cap is not exploded incident to-movement of the hammer. 'Y

4. `A cap gun comprising a gun frame, a tiring mechanism .carried von saidA frame for tiring a cap, said ring mechanism including a movable trigger, a movable hammer for `engaging the cap to be fired, means for transmitting forces applied to said trigger to said hammer-to -re said cap, sound means for producing a sound simulating the whine of a bullet, said soundmeansjincluding a vibratable member having a soundingl chamber associated therewith, a sound actuating linkage mechanically connected to and actuated by movement of said' trigger.` for vibrating said vibratable member, time, lag means intenmediatesaid trigger and said vibratable member for delaying the vibration of said vibratable Vmember for a` perceptible period after the ring of the cap, and means for preventing the vibration of saidvibratable member in'k the event that a cap is not exploded'rincident to movement of the hammer, said last mentioned means comprising :a control member mechanically connected lto said sound actuating linkage, means for transmitting the forces generated'by the expanding gases from the explosion od the cap to said control member, and means in said sound actuating linkage responsive to -forces applied to said control member to permit said sound actuating linkage to vibrate said'vibratable member. Y f. Y.

5. A toy gun comprising a gun frame, a iiringfmecha-` nism carried on said frame for tiringV said gunand producing apercussive report, said iiring mechanism includ` ing a movable trigger, means for transmitting fiorces'r applied to said trigger to said tiring mechanism to' re said gun, sound means for producing a sound simulating Ithe whine ot a bullet, said sound means including a'vibratable member having a sounding chamber associated therewith, a linkage mechanically connected to and actuated by movement of said trigger for vibrating said vibratableV member, said link-age including Va spring biased'V balance wheel, means for rotating said balance wheel incident to movement of said trigger, and means operated by said balance wheel at a given point in its rotationfor vibrating said vibratable member, thereby delaying .the vibration` of said vibratable member for a, perceptible periodA after said .trigger is moved. n 5,.

6. VIn .a toy gun, means for producing a soundY et't't simulatingptheV whine of a bullet comprising a vibratabley 1". ...L M .L-

membrane, means for supporting said membrane for vibratory movement, a vibrator formed of a length of spring wire Which is bent to provide a short portion and a long portion connected by an elbow portion, one end of said short portion being anchored adjacent the outer periphery of said membrane and the other end of said short portion adjacent said elbow portion being disposed for action against the central area of said membrane, and said gun including means for vibrating said long portion so as to impart vibratory action to said short portion in relation to said membrane to thereby produce said sound etect.

7. In a toy gun, means for producing a sound eiect simulating the whine of a bullet comprising a vibratable metallic membrane, means for supporting said membrane for vibratory movement, including a rigid member which extends around the periphery of said membrane and means for rigidly attaching the periphery of said membrane'to said rigid member, a vibrator formed of a length of spring Wire which is bent to provide a short portion and a long portion connected by an e1- bow portion, one end of said short portion being anchored in said rigid member and the other end of said short portion adjacent said elbow portion being disposed for action against the central area of said membrane, and said gun including means for vibrating said long portion so as to impart vibratory action to said short portion in relation to said membrane to thereby produce said sound effect.

8. In a toy gun, means for producing a sound effect simulating the whine of a bullet comprising a vibratable metallic membrane, means for supporting said membrane for vibratory movement, including inner and outer ring members, said membrane being positioned across said inner ring and being rigidly connected thereto through engagement of its outer peripheral margins between said inner and outer rings, said rings being proportioned to frictionally engage said peripheral margin of said membrane between the outer surface of said inner ring and the inner surface of said outer ring, a vibrator formed of a length of spring wire which is bent to provide a short portion and a long portion connected by an elbow portion, means for anchoring one end of said short portion in said outer ring, including an anchor attached to said short portion, and means defining a well proportioned to frictionally engage said anchor on said outer ring, the axis of said well and anchor being generally at right angles to the plane of said membrane, the other end of said short portion adjacent said elbow portion being disposed for action against the central area of said membrane, the position of said elbow portion relative to said membrane being adjustable by varying the position of said anchor in said well thereby determining the quality of sound produced, and said gun including means for vibrating said long portion so as to impart vibratory action to said short portion in relation to said membrane to thereby produce said sound etect.

9. A cap gun comprising a tiring mechanism for caps including a hammer for engaging a cap and a movable trigger, a sound producing means including a vibratable wire and a sounding chamber having a flexible, vibratable diaphragm which is rigidly supported around its periphery and which is vibrated by said wire for simulating the whine of a bullet, a linkage for vibrating said wire, said linkage being mechanically connected to the trigger so as to power said sound producing means solely by forces resulting from movement of said trigger, and means for transmitting movement from the trigger to said hammer to cock and release said hammer to lire a cap, said linkage being arranged to vibrate said wire at a time not earlier than the time that said hammer fires said caps and the period of vibration of said wire extending over a period beyond the time that said cap is tired.

l0. A cap gun comprising a firing mechanism for caps including a hammer for engaging a cap and a movable trigger, a sound producing means including a sounding chamber having a ilexible, Vibratable diaphragm which is rigidly supported around its periphery and which is vibrated by a vibrator for simulating the whine of a bullet, said vibrator being formed from a length of spring wire which is bent to provide a short portion and a long portion connected by an elbow portion, one end of said short portion being anchored adjacent the outer periphery of said diaphragm and the other end of said short portion adjacent said elbow portion being disposed for action against the central area of said diaphragm, a linkage for vibrating said long portion so as to impart vibratory action to said short portion in relation to said diaphragm to thereby produce said sound effect, said linkage being mechanically connected to the trigger so as to power said sound producing means solely by forces resulting from movement of said trigger, and means for transmitting movement from the trigger to said hammer to cock and release said hammer to fire a cap, said linkage being arranged to vibrate said wire at a time not earlier than the time that said hammer lires said caps and the period of vibration of said Wire eX- tenring over a period beyond the time that said cap is lire References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,205,498 Willett Nov. 2l, 1916 1,863,438 Daspit June 14, 1932 2,418,399 Crisler Apr. 1, 1947 2,561,849 Everett July 24, 1951 2,734,310 Christopher Feb. 14, 1956 2,836,919 Du Bois June 3, 1958 2,892,289 Ryan June 30, 1959

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