Abstract: A device for imparting rotational movement to a satellite during discharge from an adapter of a launcher. The satellite includes a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis passing through a center of gravity. The first axis, the second axis, and the third axis are mutually perpendicular. The device includes at least one line dismountably attached to a first point on the satellite and a first point on the adapter. The at least one line is attached to the satellite and the adapter such that the at least one line imparts a rotational movement to the satellite as the satellite is discharged and separates from the adapter with a discharge velocity in a direction along the first axis. A lock dismountably attaches the at least one line to the satellite.

Abstract: A tension band comprising a generally rectangular mass of rubber or other suitable elastomeric material for use in lieu of a spring in conventional trap machines. Each end of the band is tapered and has a curvilinear central concave portion. A mounting hole lies adjacent to the central concave portion. The band has a centrally located longitudinal slot extending between the mounting holes. It is also provided with a pair of bushings which are seated in the mounting holes. Each bushing has a bore extending therethrough and is made of a hard plastic material. The diameter of the bushing is larger than that of the bore, such that the bore can be drilled out and enlarged if required.

Abstract: A bird throwing apparatus for training bird dogs such as Labrador Retrievers, Setters and other dogs in the art of retrieving shot birds such as quail, dove and in particular, ducks. In a preferred embodiment the bird throwing apparatus is characterized by a frame fitted with pulleys, around which are wound four lengths of surgical tubing. One end of each of the lengths of surgical tubing is attached to a bird cradle for receiving dead birds and the other ends are attached to the apparatus frame, such that the bird cradle is suspended in the center of the frame at the release end of the frame when the surgical tubing is relaxed, and in cocked position at the opposite end of the frame at a trigger mechanism, when the surgical tubing is tensioned.

Abstract: A launching apparatus comprising an "H"-shaped frame, having right and left frame sections, with swing arms pivotally mounted at forward ends of the frame section. Each swing arm has a forward portion which interconnects with a cable and pulley system, and a rear portion which connects to an elastic tension member extending from the rear portion of the swing arm to a rear location on the "H" frame. A middle draw portion of the cable extends between front pulleys on the forward ends of the swing arms, and when the middle portion of the cable is pulled rearwardly, the swing arms rotate so that the front pulleys move inwardly and rearwardly, and then further rearwardly and outwardly. At the same time, the elastic tension members become stretched.

Abstract: A projectile launching apparatus has a barrel for supporting a projectile ior to and during launch. The barrel is defined by a breech end, a muzzle end and a longitudinal launch axis along which the projectile is launched. A length of elastomeric material is fixed at its ends to opposing sides of the barrel aft of the muzzle end. Linear actuators are aligned parallel to and on opposite sides of the barrel. A guide or pulley is mounted on each of the linear actuators for linear movement therewith to positions forward of the ends of the elastomeric material. Third and fourth guides or pulleys are fixed by a frame such that the fourth pulley is positioned aft of the third pulley along the longitudinal launch axis. The elastomeric material is led along a path from one fixed end, about the first pulley, between the third and fourth pulleys, and about the second pulley to where the elastomeric material terminates at its other fixed end.

Abstract: A toy for propelling soft spherical projectiles includes a projectile of material such as foamed plastic, and a hand held launcher. A tubular elastic member is anchored to the projectile and extends through the projectile and out of a surface of the projectile a sufficient distance to allow a user to grasp and stretch the elastic member. The launcher includes a hand grip and a seat against which the projectile is positioned, and an opening to the rear of the seat through which the elastic member extends. After positioning the projectile on the seat, a user pulls the elastic member rearward to stretch, then releases it to propel the projectile forward. The projectile may include a strip of adhering material such as a hook and loop fastener; a target with a complementary adhering material may be mounted on a wall or the launcher.

Abstract: A machine for employing the recoil effect of four rubber cords (F) to propel balls at a target for hitting by a batter or as a game of accuracy. The rubber cords are secured to two support poles (A) inserted into the ground and stabilized by four guide wires (D) staked at the front and rear of each pole. These guide wires are offset to the outside of each pole about two feet. An alignment device (B) consisting of a 4'.times.5' mat with a line drawn up its center is used to properly align the support poles with a target (C). A harness (G) having a hole in the middle about 1" in diameter or a pouch into which a ball is placed is also attached to the four rubber cords. The harness is folded over the ball and drawn by hand to a aiming rod (E) which is staked at the end of the center line of the alignment device away from the target. By adjusting the aiming rod left or right and aligning the calibrations on the harness (H) with those on the aiming rod (I), accuracy in hitting the target can be achieved.

Abstract: A toy missile launching device includes a hollow barrel which simulates a bazooka. A water balloon is mounted in the barrel detachably connected to a trigger mechanism. An elastic band is secured to the water balloon and anchored to the front end of the barrel in a stretched condition when the water balloon is mounted to the trigger mechanism whereby actuation of the trigger mechanism permits detachment of the water balloon from the trigger mechanism under the contracting influence of the elastic band to launch the water balloon out of the barrel.

Abstract: A slingshot-type ball pitching apparatus includes an elongated frame having a fork and trigger mechanism vertically adjustably supported at opposite front and rear ends thereof. A ball-carrying pouch is connected by stretchable tension members to the fork and may be pulled rearwardly to secure the ball within the set trigger mechanism. Upon release by the trigger mechanism, the ball is propelled forwardly from the apparatus. The trigger mechanism is preferably adjustable both vertically and transversely relative to the frame.

Abstract: A ball launching device includes a tripod, an elastic cord connected to the tripod, and a ball holder connected to the elastic cord. The tripod has first and second downwardly diverging front legs and a back leg. The first and second front legs define a ball launching passage therebetween. The elastic cord is connected to the first and second front legs for launching the ball through the passage. The ball holder is connected to the elastic cord for releasably holding the ball therein.

Abstract: A human free-flight launcher including a seat positioned within a tetrahedral frame and supported therein by elasticized cords which, upon retraction of the seat within the interior of the tetrahedral support frame, come under tension to cause the seat, upon its release, to be propelled forward launching the person seated therein into free-flight through an open face of the tetrahedral support frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for projecting a soccer ball includes a generally horizontal base and a frame extending upwardly from the base including a pair of spaced apart vertical memebers. Each vertical member has a plurality of vertically spaced attachment locations. A sling including a pouch for receiving a ball is attached to a selected set of the attachment locations. A set of elongated elastomeric members are attached to a selected set of the attachment locations for supporting the pouch in the frame. The pouch is constructed of a flacid conformable sheet bounded by a perimeter and has an inner surface including frictionally engaging ribs for engaging the ball sufficiently to impart a spin on the ball upon the ball's projection therefrom. An H-shaped handle is fixed to the pouch perimeter at a plurality of points for imparting a ball-projecting pull on the sling.

Abstract: A toy bow has a frame with a central aperture for a captive arrow shank and a rearwardly facing central space. An elastomeric string extends between standards and the arrow shank is apertured to receive the bow string. The arrow head is of magnetic material for cooperation with a missile also of magnetic material, these members providing mutual magnetic force to hold the missile on the arrowhead until released by the arrow's deceleration after forward movement. Preferably parts of the bow interfere with the forward excursion of the bow string to decrease the forward excursion of the arrow.

Abstract: A slingshot construction (10) including a handle member (20), a pair of upwardly projecting arm elements (32) attached to the handle member (20), a pair of elastic bands (13) attached on one end to the arm elements (32) and attached on the other end to a pouch (14); wherein, the improvement comprises using multiple lengths of rubber tubing (40) as the elastic bands (13) on each side of the slingshot.

Abstract: An improved foot strap used in conjunction with a balloon launcher which provides rollers such as beads on the strap to reduce friction when the strap is released. Retaining beads are also provided to hold the roller or rollers in a central position on the strap.

Abstract: A game apparatus for throwing aerial projectiles such as water balloons, baseballs, etc., into the air, the preferred embodiment being substantially a plastic ring connected to a pouch by multiple elastic thrust bands, with the pouch being held to the ground by a foot strap and the ring being positioned in front of and over the head of the user, whereby, when the foot strap is released, the projectile is hurled through the center of the ring into the air.

Abstract: Missile-launching toy, operable by one person as well as by more than one person. A single operator grasps hand grips on looped elastic tubing carrying a pocket member adapted to carry on its top or upper surface one or more toy missiles for launching. The foot of the operator is inserted removably, with leg bent, in a foot-engaging stirrup member on the bottom or under surface of the pocket member. The operator's leg is straightened, stretching the looped elastic tubing. After extending the leg and thereby stretching the elastic member, the operator extends his or her arms in the desired direction, and finally lets the strap slip off the foot, thereby launching the accommodated article.

Abstract: An improved slingshot includes an elongated mainframe and a fork assembly pivotally mounted about a transverse axis at the forward end of the mainframe. The fork assembly includes a pivotal flip-fork resiliently biased to normally assume a lowered neutral non-shooting position in which is lies below the path of flight of a projectile shot by the slingshot. The flip-fork is pivotally movable against the bias to an upright shooting position upon stretching of a power band connected to the flip-fork. Upon being moved to its shooting position, the flip-fork stores energy in addition to that being stored in the elastic power band as the latter is stretched to load the slingshot. The mainframe of the slingshot includes a hand grip located between forward and rearward ends of the mainframe and rearward and forward frame portions extend respectively rearwardly and forwardly of the hand grip.

Abstract: Presented is a portable catapult device for hurling a succession of simulated baseballs for the purpose of affording novices in the game of baseball an opportunity to swing at the simulated baseball to thereby increase their proficiency at batting. The device includes a base on which is mounted a carriage that is reciprocable by engagement with an endless chain, and a sling mounted on the base through use of elastic bands selectively connected to and disconnected from one end of the reciprocable carriage so that the elastic bands are stretched a predetermined amount and when released carry a ball-impelling member that engages the ball and impels the ball from the device at a predetermined velocity and in a predetermined trajectory that carries the ball toward the batter.

Abstract: A toy car launcher includes a base which carries a combination of pulleys which cause a slide in an elongated track to be rapidly propelled down a track when a pair of handles are pulled. A car placed on the track is propelled by the slide down the track, gaining velocity until it exits the track and continues its travel. The track is hinged to ease transport and storage.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a method and apparatus for launching a ring. The apparatus includes a frame with three frame limbs. Each frame limb includes a longitudinal axis, a neck, a shoulder, an arm and a port. The frame limbs are joined at a common axis along their longitudinal axes. An elastomeric band is connected to each arm and bridges each port. A trigger stretches the bands into their respective ports, this stretching action causes a concomitant rotational action associated with the bands. This rotational action will provide a rotational motion to the ring while the releasing of the trigger will provide an axial motion to the ring. This simultaneously imparted rotational and axial motion launches the ring from the frame for prolonged and stable flight.

Abstract: A game participant enclosure for a water balloon game includes a plurality of side walls and an overhead protector and water balloon engager supported by the side walls. The protector and engager includes a water balloon opening sufficiently large for a water balloon to pass therethrough from the interior of the enclosure and a plurality of water openings sufficiently small to prevent water balloons from entering the enclosure. A water balloon launcher is disposed within the enclosure such that water balloons are launchable through the water balloon opening. In one aspect of the invention, two such enclosures are positioned a selected distance from each other and water balloons are launched from one enclosure to the other to splash the participants in the opposing enclosure.

Abstract: A self-loading, remotely operable and variable, portable ball thrower. An arm with a hand attached thereto is, in the uncocked position, tensioned by an elastic biasing element, such as surgical tubing, in the forward direction. An individual batter, operator, can, by means of a cocking handle, operate the arm in the rearward direction, pick up a ball from a self-loading trough, and reset the arm in the cocked position. Assuming a natural batter's stance, the batter may then, with his or her foot, release the cocking handle thereby allowing the elastic biasing element to draw, with ever increasing speed, the arm towards the uncocked position. Upon reaching the uncocked position, the ball is released in a fluid throwing manner in a consistent angle towards the batter.

Abstract: An apparatus for slinging and putting an object that has an elongated cylindrical shaft which accommodates a spurred putter head and a sling assembly on opposite ends thereof. A hand grip is provided on the shaft to hold the apparatus in a desired position. The object is directed toward a desired target by positioning the spur of the putter head into the ground and drawing and releasing the sling while the shaft is held at the desired angle. When the object is on a putting surface, the apparatus is converted into a putter by removing the sling section from the apparatus. The apparatus can be converted into a firearm target thrower by substituting a staked end section for the putter section. When the staked end is implanted into the ground, the sling is used to propel objects into the air for firearm shooting practice.

Abstract: A self-loading, remotely operable and variable, portable ball thrower. An arm with a hand attached thereto is, in the uncocked position, tensioned by an elastic biasing element, such as surgical tubing, in the forward direction. An individual batter, operator, can, by means of a cocking handle, operate the arm in the rearward direction, pick up a ball from a self-loading trough, and reset the arm in the cocked position. Assuming a natural batter's stance, the batter may then with his or her foot release the cocking handle thereby allowing the elastic biasing means to draw, with ever increasing speed, the arm towards the uncocked position. Upon reaching the uncocked position, the ball is released in a fluid throwing manner in a consistent angle towards the batter.

Abstract: A rubber band powered gun includes a barrel assembly within which a projectile traveller slides between a cocked position and a release position. A singulator also slides in the barrel assembly and feeds a single projectile from a magazine to the traveller each time the traveller moves from the release to the cocked position. A slide, movably mounted on the barrel assembly, engages and moves the traveller to the cocked position. At the cocked position, the slide disengages the traveller and is movable toward the release position. A rubber band is connected between the traveller and the slide for exerting an elastic force directed toward the release position on the traveller at the cocked position in response to movement of the slide toward the release position. A trigger is provided for retaining the traveller at the cocked position while the slide moves toward the release position. A mechanism retains the slide at the release position.

Abstract: An apparatus for slinging and putting an object that has an elongated cylindrical shaft which accommodates a spurred putter head and a sling assembly on opposite ends thereof. A hand grip is provided on the shaft to hold the apparatus in a desired position. The object is directed toward a desired target by positioning the spur of the putter head into the ground and drawing and releasing the sling while the shaft is held at the desired angle. When the object is on a putting surface, the apparatus is converted into a putter by removing the sling section from the apparatus. The apparatus can be converted into a firearm target thrower by substituting a staked end section for the putter section. When the staked end is implanted into the ground, the sling is used to propel objects into the air for firearm shooting practice.

Abstract: A game in which players, in turn, lay down cards, or other distinguishable items, that are divided into two or more sets of two or more items each. The cards are laid down in lines with the goal of laying down an end card that matches the one at the other end of a line in order to qualify for a jump attempt. For the jump attempts, a biased, upwardly angled jump ramp is provided for placement at one end of the line of items to be jumped and a target landing ramp is supplied for the other end. If the jump is successful, the player collects all of the items jumped.

Abstract: A slingshot is disclosed in which pairs of primary and secondary swing arms pivoted to a holder frame are pivoted by drawing of a connected drawstring against the resistance of elastic elements, and in which the secondary swing arms swing out to provide a relatively great payout of the drawstring as it is moved to the fully drawn position. This allows the use of an inelastic drawstring.

Abstract: An improved ball pitching machine is described which can be easily adjusted so as to vary the trajectory of pitched balls, while at the same time affording maximum protection to by-standers by virtue of a selectively openable housing having an adjustable ball-clearing outlet. In preferred forms, the machine includes an elongated, rotatable ball pitching arm having a concave ball-receiving hand adjacent the outer end thereof; the hand is adjustably secured to the arm in a manner permitting variance of the angle of inclination of the hand relative to the arm, thus allowing the machine to deliver lob-type or essentially straight pitches as desired. The housing has an adjustable cover for varying the effective dimensions of the ball-clearing outlet, so that the outlet size can be correlated to a desired adjustment of the pitching hand.

Abstract: A ball throwing machine for hitting out tennis balls or the like at predetermined time intervals, in which a lock cover is rotatable or slidable into engagement with a switch which is capable of making and breaking an electric current to a drive motor. Said lock cover is mounted in a position adjacent to a rotating trace of a hitting lever. In the event an object other than ball, for example, a hand, a finger or a rod, should be drawn into the interior of the machine together with the hitting lever while this lever is rotated by a motor to expand a biasing spring, the lock cover will rotate or slide to break the electric current to the motor and stop the motor immediately, thereby preventing the occurrence of injury.

Abstract: A compound archery bow has a main frame with a pair of rigid arms extending outwardly from a central handle portion. A cam member is rotatably journaled on the end of each arm and a bowstring is connectable between the cam members. A resilient member, preferably a pair of rubber tubes, interconnects the main frame and each cam member at a point offset from its axis. When the cam rotates as the bowstring is drawn, the point of attachment of the resilient member to the cam member is brought into general alignment with the cam axle and the point of attachment of the resilient member to the main frame. Forces generated on the cam member by the resilient member at full draw are thus substantially radial. Both points of attachment of the resilient members are adjustable, and the applied tension of the resilient members is adjustable as well. A pulley is rigidly connected to each cam member, and the pulleys are interconnected by a cable to cause both cam members to rotate correspondingly.

Abstract: A baseball game apparatus includes a pitching mechanism including an upwardly inclined slotted track extending above the playing surface for pitching a ball in a lofted trajectory toward home plate, the angle of inclination being variable to adjust the loft of pitched balls. The pitching mechanism is adapted to receive a plurality of interchangeable pitching arms for varying the characteristics of the pitching mechanism. Each pitching arm includes one or more variously angled surfaces for controlling the trajectory of the pitched ball. A rotatable batting member is disposed adjacent home plate and includes a control lever disposed below the playing surface, and a depressible bunt control mechanism selectively engages the control lever for stopping the rotatable batting member generally over home plate to bunt a pitched ball.

Abstract: A skill-type game is disclosed having two opposing projectile launching areas, each launching area including means for launching a projectile and a projectile receiving target area including at least one projectile-receiving upstanding channel adapted to receive a plurality of projectiles, one at a time, in stacked relation one above another. Each launching area includes means for launching a projectile upwardly from a game floor area into a channel, and means for launching a projectile along the game floor area to dislodge a lowermost projectile out of a channel.

Abstract: The device includes a main part, or launcher, in the form of a slingshot, of large size, for operation by three people. The launcher includes a funnel acting as a holder for the balloon to be launched, secured to a pair of elastic strings respectively secured at their outer ends to handles. A balloon filled with water is placed in the holder, and one person holds each of the handles, while a third draws the holder back and releases it, this action flinging the balloon at a target. The device also includes a container for the launcher, and the container has a cover which also serves as a flying saucer.

Abstract: A firearm training device comprises a combat target mounted at one end of a frame, an adjustabe inclined slide and a slingshot mechanism mounted within the frame. When the device is activated, a heavy ball is rolled down the slide. If the user hits the target with wax bullets before the ball reaches the end of the slide, it releases a trigger mechanism which blocks the further progress of the ball down the slide. If the ball reaches the bottom of the slide, prior to the bullet striking the target, the ball activates a trigger mechanism which releases the slingshot mechanism propelling a projectile such as a rubber ball at the trainee with sufficient force to effectively punish him. The device thus gives added impetus to the trainee's efforts to fire quickly and accurately.

Abstract: A shooter board game includes a board member having an upper planar surface, a pair of upright sides, and one upright end, wherein a target area is disposed on the upper surface adjacent the one upright end thereof. A shooter assembly is positioned off of the board member at the other end thereof, wherein one of a plurality of playing pieces is shot from the shooter assembly at the target area. The shooter assembly is allignable with the marginal edge of the board adjacent the other end to increase the accuracy of aiming the playing pieces. A pair of scoring tracks are included for monitoring the progress of the game by each player.

Abstract: A novel amusement apparatus or target game includes a target for receiving projectiles aimed and fired from a mobile firing device. The target includes a plurality of separate, projectile retaining compartments which are open at the front and each compartment has a selected scoring value for projectiles that are accurately fired and retained therein. The mobile firing device is manually aimed and fired to forcefully propel the projectiles towards selected compartments of the target. The firing device includes a body, preferably in the form of an animal which is supported in upstanding position on a suitable playing surface and a firing head is pivotally mounted on the body and is biased for moving an outer end portion or nose to strike and fire a projectile toward the target.

Abstract: A launcher is described having a tubular body containing therewithin a plurality of headers and pistons, and wherein spaced elastic bands communicating therebetween are caused to be placed in a high degree of tension through a bidirectional ratchet mechanism to controllably propel an object placed in a cup forward said tubular body when a trigger is actuated to release stored energy in the tension bands.

Abstract: A toy launcher is provided for launching airplanes, missiles or the like, the launcher being provided with a base having a drum member pivotally mounted within the base, the periphery of the drum having a bearing for receiving the axis of a joy stick handle which is pivotally mounted with respect to the drum member. A gimbal mechanism within the drum is operatively connected to the handle and to a launch arm extending out from the drum, the launch arm containing a launch mechanism for releasably receiving airplanes or the like for launching the same in response to actuation of a trigger mechanism in the handle. Manipulation of the joy stick angularly displaces the surface of the launch arm to permit pre-positioning of the intended flight path and bank angle of the projectiles to a given attitude prior to launching.

Abstract: A hand operated, elastic powered catapult, including a tubular barrel carried on a hand grip and a generally conical, elastic power chamber. The open end of the power chamber is stretched around the muzzle end of the barrel and secured by a locking ring to extend back through the barrel where the closed apex may be gripped. The convex conical power chamber is composed of two conical surfaces that merge into each other a generally cylindrical projectile pocket receiving a spherical pellet. When the power chamber is stretched back and released, the pellet is projected at high velocity from the barrel.

Abstract: A catapult toy includes a base plate, a mounting platform swivelably mounted on the base plate, a pair of arches positioned in a side-by-side relationship on the mounting platform at one end thereof to define an arching guide therebetween, a pivot arm pivotally mounted between the arches to move generally in a vertical plane in the arching guide, a cup disposed on the free end of the pivot arm for carrying a projectile, and a stop element attachable to the arches to bridge the arching guide at various locations therealong and thereby serve to stop upward movement of the pivot arm. Also included are a pair of upright standards mounted on the mounting platform on each side of the vertical plane in which the pivot arm moves, and an elastic band mounted on the upright standards to extend therebetween underneath the pivot arm. Finally, a latch is provided to hold the pivot arm in a latched position in which the arm is stretching or biasing the elastic band.

Abstract: A toy elastic band projectile-firing gun comprises an elongated barrel and a handle connected to the rear portion of the barrel. A wire trigger element is carried pivotally on the outer face of the handle having one extremity extending forwardly of the handle and the other extremity shaped and dimensioned to slide within a vertical slot in the rear end of the barrel. Depression of the one extremity of the trigger element causes an upward movement of the other extremity of the trigger element within the vertical slot to thereby eject the elastic band from the rear end of the barrel.

Abstract: A stretched elastic pull element for launching a toy rocket glider is released by the action of the rocket propulsion gas discharge acting against a control plate disposed in the path of said discharge. The control plate, being connected to the holder, pivots under action of a discharged gas and causes the locking element to be released and permit the elastic pull element to act on the rocket glider.