Ballistic device as a teaching tool
AssigneeThe Prophet Corporation
InventorsJason Butler Koberstine, Todd Russell Jennings
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A ballistic device is easily and safely operated and modified by students to change different variables between experiments performed by the students. For example, the ballistic device is configured to facilitate adjusting the number and/or strength of the tensioning members applying a bias to the launching member to facilitate adjusting a location of the launch pad along a length of the launching member. A trigger arrangement is configured to be actuated at a safe distance from the ballistic device.
Claims20
A teaching tool comprising:
- a frame including a base and a tension support section extending upwardly from the base, the tension support section including a first mounting region;
- a launching member extending along a length between a first end and a second end, the first end being coupled to the base so that the launching member moves relative to the base to move the second end relative to the tension support section between a first position and a second position, the launching member defining a second mounting region, the launching member also defining a loading region including a plurality of pre-set load positions;
- a launch pad coupled to the launching member, the launch pad being selectively positionable at any of the pre-set load positions within the loading region;
- a tensioning member configured to couple to both the first mounting region of the tension support section and the second mounting region of the launching member to bias the launching member towards the second position;
- and
- a trigger arrangement that releasably holds the second end of the launching member in the first position against the bias of the tensioning member.
A method of teaching physics concepts to students using a ballistic device including a frame and a launcher arm that pivots relative to the frame, the method comprising:
- selecting a resistance band from a plurality of resistance bands, wherein at least two of the resistance bands have different tensions;
- mounting the selected resistance band to the ballistic device to bias the launcher arm relative to the frame towards a fired position;
- selecting one of a plurality of preset load positions disposed along a length of the launcher arm;
- mounting a launch pad on the launcher arm at the selected load position;
- moving the launcher arm relative to the frame to a cocked position and releasably securing the launcher arm in the cocked position using a trigger;
- loading a payload on the launcher arm at the launch pad;
- and
- actuating the trigger from a location spaced from the ballistic device to enable the launch arm to move from the cocked position to the fired position, thereby hurling the payload away from the launch pad to a first landing position.
A teaching tool comprising:
- a frame including a base and a tension support section extending upwardly from the base, the tension support section including a first mounting region;
- a launching member extending along a length between a first end and a second end, the first end being coupled to the base so that the launching member moves relative to the base to move the second end relative to the tension support section between a first position and a second position, the launching member defining a second mounting region;
- a launch pad coupled to the launching member;
- an installation arrangement coupled to the frame and to the launching member;
- a plurality of tensioning members coupled to the frame such as to inhibit removal from the frame, wherein each of the tensioning members is configured to be selectively operably coupled to the installation arrangement to bias the launching member towards the second position, wherein the tensioning members do not bias the launching member when not operably coupled to the installation arrangement even while coupled to the frame;
- and
- a trigger arrangement that releasably holds the second end of the launching member in the first position against the bias of the tensioning member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.