Guided Projectile Patents (Class 124/21)
  • Patent number: 11549777
    Abstract: A linear crossbow operates in a linear manner parallel to an arrow flight path. The linear crossbow includes a plurality of limbs and a rotatable string let out assembly. The limbs include free ends that are drawn towards the rotatable string let out assembly as a drawstring is pulled rearward. The limbs power the drawstring to propel an arrow along the arrow flight path from a front end of the crossbow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Ravin Crossbows, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Trpkovski
  • Patent number: 11255626
    Abstract: A disk launcher system for effectively launching a disk. The disk launcher system generally includes a platform having an upper surface, a biasing member attached to the platform adapted to apply a biasing force to a disk positioned on the platform to launch the disk from the platform, a catch member movably positioned with respect to the platform adapted to selectively engage the disk, and a timing post extending upwardly from the upper surface of the platform that forces the disk to move to a side of the timing post after being released by the catch member resulting in rotation of the disk. A trigger may be connected to the catch member to allow for selective movement of the catch member by a user. A cover may also selectively cover a portion of the platform to help protect the user and guide the disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Inventor: David L. Gray
  • Patent number: 11065554
    Abstract: A toy (1000) includes a toy body (100) and an accessory (200). The toy body (100) includes an accessory locking member (4) which cooperates with or is separated from the accessory (200) to position or eject the accessory (200). The accessory (200) is provided with a first clamping part (204) configured to clamp a toy disc (300).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignees: ALPHA GROUP CO., LTD., GUANGDONG AULDEY ANIMATION & TOY CO., LTD., GUANGZHOU ALPHA CULTURE COMMUNICATIONS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Dongqing Cai
  • Patent number: 11015896
    Abstract: A wheel-driven flying disc launcher for conventionally sized and weighted flying discs to achieve optimal velocity, lift and angular momentum for sustained flight. Flying discs having a diameter in the range of 15 cm to 28 cm and a weight in the range of 60 gm to 120 gm engage a spinning drive wheel having a diameter in the range of 10 to 25 cm for discharge through an annulus chute having a width substantially equal to the diameter of the flying disc to be launched and extending through an angle ? around the center of the drive wheel in the range of 45 to 80 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Franklin Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: Seth Hochberg
  • Patent number: 10996020
    Abstract: A sportfishing speargun is sized for ease of use and provides the power of the largest rubber band speargun. The speargun includes a drive system with a first side drive component and a second side drive component, the drive system is driven by one or more power bands to provide mechanical advantage and the force of a large speargun in a compact device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Inventor: Vitaliy Shaulov
  • Patent number: 10765927
    Abstract: The sports ball catapult driven by mechanical means disclosed herein may comprise a main body, an arming mechanism, a drive mechanism, a cradle mechanism, and a firing mechanism. The system is designed to operate by purely mechanical means and without power, and is launch speed and launch angle adjustable. The action of the system is such that the arming mechanism may be engaged by a user to apply tension on the cradle mechanism and drive mechanism. The user may then place a ball into the cradle mechanism, and may launch the ball from the system by engaging the firing mechanism. The engaging of the firing mechanism releases the tension in the system, causing the cradle mechanism to accelerate the ball into the air. The entire system is contained within the main body, which is designed to provide an easily moveable, lightweight, and low maintenance solution for achieving such a purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Inventor: Jeremy Clements
  • Patent number: 10653972
    Abstract: A toy vehicle playset includes a base, a platform, and a launcher. The base is configured to support the platform on a support surface, where the platform is rotatably coupled to the base and configured to rotate about a vertical axis with respect to the base. The launcher is coupled to the base via a launch track. The platform includes at least one track disposed within the top surface of the platform, at least one ramp extending upwardly from the top surface of the platform, and at least one overhead track extending from the ramp over the top surface of the platform. The at least one track, at least one ramp, and at least one overhead track form a continuous track on the platform. The launcher is configured to launch a toy vehicle onto the continuous track of the platform as the platform rotates about the vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: David Welby
  • Patent number: 10451377
    Abstract: An auxiliary catapult device of a grenade contains: a throwing tube, a launch unit, and a trigger unit. The throwing tube includes an outlet, a shoulder, a throwing object, two slots, a through orifice, and a first connection portion, wherein the throwing object has a safety lever. The launch unit includes a piston, a first spring, a piston rod, and a pull bar, wherein the piston has a passing orifice, and the piston rod has a receiving orifice and an engagement portion. The trigger unit includes a seat, a button, two retainers, and two second springs, wherein the seat has an accommodating space, an opening, and a second connection portion. The second connection portion of the seat is connected with the first connection portion of the throwing tube. The button has a notch, and each retainer has a hook and a tilted contact portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Inventor: Ming-Long Shieh
  • Patent number: 10215524
    Abstract: A ball-launching device includes a housing, ball holder, elastomeric member, cocking member, latch, and trigger assembly. The housing has an opening at a first end defining an elongated cavity. The ball holder is disposed in the cavity and slidable in an axial direction from a first position proximate to the opening at the housing first end, to a second position. The elastomeric member is selectively arranged within the housing to bias the ball holder toward the first position. The cocking member includes a first portion disposed outside of the housing, being usable to move the ball holder into a cocked position, where the latch opposes the bias of the elastomeric member and releasably secures the cocking member and the ball holder. Actuating the trigger assembly releases the latch, permitting the elastomeric member to accelerate the ball holder towards the housing first end to launch the ball therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Gramercy Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Chris Mellen
  • Patent number: 9969504
    Abstract: Provided here is a UAV launcher generally comprising a launcher frame, first rail guide, second rail guide, and a conveyor system comprising a conveyor, where the first rail guide, second rail guide, and some portion of the conveyor are typically substantially parallel, and where the first and second rail guide typically extend beyond the driver wheel of the conveyor system in a launching direction. The driver wheel and driven wheel of the conveyor system rotate on axes generally perpendicular to the first and second rail guide. A DC motor is coupled to the driver wheel and generates rotation of the driver wheel, and correspondingly governs the linear velocity of the conveyor. A motor controller is configured to control the RPM of the DC motor using a motor speed profile and a wedge interface coupled to the transmission drive motivates a loaded UAV to a launching velocity such that the UAV achieves airborne operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Raymond Lawson Davis, Patrick Alan Livesay
  • Patent number: 9970732
    Abstract: A ball-launching device includes a housing, ball holder, elastomeric member, cocking member, latch, and trigger assembly. The housing has an opening at a first end defining an elongated cavity. The ball holder is disposed in the housing cavity and slidable in an axial direction from a first position proximate to the opening at the housing first end, to a second position. The elastomeric member is selectively arranged within the housing to bias the ball holder toward the first position. The cocking member includes a first portion disposed outside of the housing, being usable to move the ball holder into a cocked position, where the latch may oppose the bias of the elastomeric member and releasably secure the cocking member and the ball holder thereat. Actuating the trigger assembly releases the latch, permitting the elastomeric member to accelerate the ball holder towards the housing first end to launch the ball therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Gramercy Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Chris Mellen
  • Patent number: 9714808
    Abstract: A bow for launching a projectile has a stock extending along a longitudinal axis and adapted for receiving the projectile. A biasing element has a traveling end and is biased in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. A launcher has a traveling end adapted to engage the projectile for propelling the projectile in a forward direction. A launch system is mounted to the stock and has a leveraging component, the traveling end of the biasing element being coupled to the traveling end of the launcher through the launch system. Movement of the traveling end of the biasing element at a first rate from a cocked position to a released position during launch causes forward movement of the traveling end of the launcher at a second rate higher than the first rate, thereby launching the projectile from the stock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Inventor: Willard D. Carroll, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9696106
    Abstract: The present invention is a miniature crossbow apparatus expressly adapted for use as a toy or amusement device in launching toy projectiles. The crossbow apparatus may be provided in kit form such that the user may develop construction skills and satisfaction by assembling the crossbow apparatus from provided constituent parts. The crossbow apparatus preferably includes at least one feature of a captive axleless rotating trigger feature, an armed bolt (projectile) retention feature, an integrated spare bolt (projectile) retention feature, a grip comprised of O-rings feature, and a crossbow arm anti-rotation feature. The crossbow apparatus further preferably is provided with a crossbow stand (holder) that doubles a target device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Richard C. Kinmont, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9518796
    Abstract: A leveraged bow for launching a projectile, the bow having a stock, a butt region and a grip region, and a fore-end supporting a pair of bow arms. The fore-end includes a top surface for receiving and supporting the projectile and a carriage assembly slidably mounted with an interior region of the fore-end. A main bow power string is coupled to the carriage. The carriage also has a launch string associated therewith which is powered by the movement of the main bow power string. A trigger and latch are used to release the bow power string and, in turn, the launch string to leverage the velocity of the arrow being propelled by the bow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Inventor: Willard D. Carroll, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9518797
    Abstract: A leveraged bow for launching a projectile, the bow having a stock, a butt region and a grip region, and a fore-end supporting a pair of bow arms. The fore-end includes a top surface for receiving and supporting the projectile and a carriage assembly slidably mounted with an interior region of the fore-end. A main bow power string is coupled to the carriage. The carriage also has a launch string associated therewith which is powered by the movement of the main bow power string. A trigger and latch are used to release the bow power string and, in turn, the launch string to leverage the velocity of the arrow being propelled by the bow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Inventor: Willard D. Carroll, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9255764
    Abstract: A crossbow includes a bowstring for firing an arrow combined therewith in the lengthwise direction of the crossbow body so as to be manufactured in a structure that does not have a bow on the crossbow body. Thus, carrying convenience can be provided, and at the same time, the maximum effective range of the crossbow can be adjusted by adjusting the tension of the bowstring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Inventor: No Youn Park
  • Patent number: 9255752
    Abstract: A hand-powered projectile assembly is provided for launching projectiles. The hand-powered projectile assembly includes an elastic projectile pouch, a hollow base ring and a hollow locking ring. The elastic projectile pouch having an open end is attached to the hollow base ring. The hollow base ring is attached to the locking ring. The hollow locking ring further maintains a tight seal with the elastic projectile pouch. The hand-powered projectile assembly further includes a cap to maintain the position of the projectiles inside the elastic projectile pouch. The cap maintains a watertight connection with the hollow base ring. The projectile exits through the open end of the elastic projectile pouch and the hollow base ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Pocket Shot LLC
    Inventor: Shawn Phillips
  • Publication number: 20140251294
    Abstract: The elastic shooting support device according to the present invention is made up of at least one spiral elastic element arranged on the body of a shooting support, the elastic element being fixed by one of its ends to said shooting support, while the other end is connected to a string that is brought from an idle position to a stretched position by winding and compressing the spiral elastic element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: Gennady NOVIKOV
  • Publication number: 20110277736
    Abstract: A projectile launcher includes an acceleration rail with an accelerator mounted on opposite sides of the rail. Each accelerator includes an elastomeric energy generator having an end that is held stationary, while another end is connected to a string. This string then passes over a series of pulleys and crosses over the rail into the other accelerator. Thus, both accelerators act on the same string. In operation, as the string is pulled back and engaged with the projectile on the acceleration rail, the elastomeric drives are stretched. Also, each series of pulleys effectively causes a velocity multiplication that enhances the momentum of the projectile when it is launched.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventor: Wilson Flint
  • Patent number: 6715478
    Abstract: A ball pitching machine utilizes a leaf spring coupled by linkage to a ball pitching arm. The flexion of the spring can be adjusted by varying the time of operation of a motor driven spring flexion assembly. Upon the selectable spring flexion being achieved, the user then energizes a ball pitching arm for rotation of the arm through a rest position, a ball pick up position and then to a ball release position. During arm rotation, the arm is first coupled to the spring by a linkage assembly such that further rotation of the arm causes the stored energy in the spring to be released to the arm at a position to effect the ball trajectory. The ball trajectory compensates for the various ball speeds so that the ball penetrates the batter's strike zone. This energy transfer accelerates rotation of the arm to a ball release position, the speed of the ball, as perceived by the batter, corresponding in part to the spring flexion and/or ball trajectory as selected by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventor: Steven R. Tanner
  • Patent number: 5769064
    Abstract: An elastic band powered ball projecting machine is capable of hurling baseball, softball, tennis ball and simulated ball for batting practice. The machine includes a tube assembly within which a carrier and a piston slide rearwardly between a neutral position and a loaded position and forwardly between the loaded position and a release position. An elastic band is disposed in the piston and the two ends of the elastic band are secured on a frame which is mounted on a supporting assembly. The piston is linked with a roller of a clutch and ratchet mechanism by a wire. The elastic band is stretched under the tension of its own elasticity between the neutral position and the loaded position by pedaling a clutch and ratchet mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventors: Jian Gang Lu, Xian Li Ni
  • Patent number: 5694913
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Inventor: John K. Parrott
  • Patent number: 5579749
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Inventor: William T. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 5579750
    Abstract: Apparatus for launching a disk-like projectile from a catapult with an aperture formed adjacent one end to receive structure of the catapult to configure the catapult to propel the apparatus forward. A channel in an opposite end is configured to receive the projectile with inner edges formed along internal sides and bottom thereof to engage the projectile. Structure of the apparatus offset from a central rotational axis of the received and engaged projectile holds the projectile in the apparatus during forward movement of the apparatus within the catapult and causes the projectile to rotate as the apparatus reaches the end of it's forward travel and releases the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Dwight A. Marshall
    Inventor: Thomas L. Lease
  • Patent number: 5447144
    Abstract: Apparatus for propelling projectiles and particularly suited to throwing footballs. The apparatus includes (a) a structural frame having elongate bearing surfaces and a forward end from which the projectiles are ejected; (b) a ball carriage adapted to contain the projectile, the carriage being slidingly mounted on the bearing surfaces; (c) at least one resilient member for so urging the carriage along the bearing surfaces towards the forward end that the projectile is propelled from the carriage at the forward end of the frame; and (d) a ball rotating assembly mounted on the ball carriage for applying rotation to the projectile as the projectile is propelled from the apparatus. A locking apparatus may also be provided for releasably locking the ball carriage relative to the structural frame. The propelling apparatus, when used in conjunction with a supporting pole, can be accurately aimed and operated by one person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Inventor: Jessie T. Ivy
  • Patent number: 5438972
    Abstract: A washer shaped magnetic missile is combined with a launcher having a probe which supports the missile by extending through its aperture. The washer and launcher magnetically couple but relatively weakly so that deceleration of a travelling launcher will release the missile, off the probe toward a target. The forward face of the missile may be adapted for magnetic, or other couple to a target. There is also shown a flimsy target which may cling to a ferromagnetic surface for use with the missile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Inventor: John J. Harbin
  • Patent number: 5363833
    Abstract: A spear-gun is disclosed which can be loaded by holding the butt end in the hands and moving a slider forwards with the feet to extend a spring. This allows a person of given strength to more easily load the gun or to store more energy in the spring than would be possible with a conventional arm-loaded gun. The gun comprises a barrel (32) with a pistol-grip (30) at the butt end and a head (34) adapted to guide the spear. The spring comprises two rubbers (36) arranged on either side of the barrel and aligned with its axis, the forward ends of the rubbers being connected to a forward slider (40) adapted to slide on the barrel and the rear ends being connected to a rear slider (42) also adapted to slide on the barrel. The forward slider (40) is fitted with releasable non-return dogs (47) that normally prevent it from moving rearwards along the barrel, while the rear slider (42) is adapted to be retained by trigger-operated catches (43).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Inventor: Paul Messud
  • Patent number: 5145740
    Abstract: A retractile speargun line suitable for use in conjunction with a speargun comprising a line of flexible linear material having a first end adapted for connection to a speargun and a second end adapted for connection to a speargun spear by the use of a clip attached at each such end of the type used for leader lines in fishing, said flexible linear material having a springlike helical configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignees: Michael A. Boykin, Dorothy M. Boykin
    Inventor: Michael A. Boykin
  • Patent number: 5123643
    Abstract: An apparatus for accurately and adjustably throwing a ball to a specific location with variable speed while causing the flight characteristics of the thrown ball to simulate those of a pitched or batted ball. The apparatus includes an elongated planar deck, a flexible pouch for receiving the ball to be thrown, and elastic straps connecting the ends of the pouch to rigid members attached to the planar deck. The entire apparatus is mounted on a support structure which may be anchored to the ground to provide stability. The ball to be thrown is placed in the pouch and rests on the deck. The pouch is drawn to the rear of the deck thereby tensioning the elastics and causing the pouch to form a flared U-shape around the ball. Upon release, the pouch propels the ball down the deck which imparts rotation to the ball to its point of release from the pouch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Assignee: Perfect Pitch, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe K. Heilhecker, Kathleen P. Heilhecker
  • Patent number: 5067471
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Inventor: John Y. Kim
  • Patent number: 5033446
    Abstract: This invention relates to a device and method for better enabling outdoors-people to see more wild animals up more closely by helping to cover up or mask their human scent at a greater distance. In the method of the present invention the outdoorsman arrives at his or her desired location and then proceeds to launch scent missiles (loaded with desired scent) in different directions, using the launcher. Typically four such scent missiles will be launched in directions approximately ninety degrees from each other. This surrounds the outdoorsman with natural woodsy odors thereby covering up or masking his/her own human odors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Inventor: Richard A. Bradt
  • Patent number: 4873963
    Abstract: An arrow sling device having a generally slingshot configuration designed for shooting arrows. The main body of the device supports a releasable arrow guide member, has an adjustable sight member mounted thereon, and has the ends of a sling member attached thereto. The sling member is provided with a centrally positioned arrow pouch for centering and gripping the rear end of an arrow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1989
    Inventor: Arie W. Lemmen
  • Patent number: 4807585
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Assignees: John O. Beckwith, Michael A. Gegere
    Inventor: Michael A. Gegere
  • Patent number: 4386598
    Abstract: The sling-shot apparatus includes a handle with lateral arms to which an elastic cord is attached to form a sling. A projectile holding member is connected to this sling and also, a guide structure provided for guiding the movement of the projectile holding member along a rectilinear path when the elastic cord is stretched and released. Sighting members can be provided on the guide structure so that much greater accuracy is possible with the sling-shot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1983
    Inventor: Anton J. Blaser
  • Patent number: 4353887
    Abstract: Divisible tablet having controlled and delayed release of the active substance and consisting of a compact that is optionally provided with a coating and is formed by at least one active substance in an adjunct composition that effects a delayed and controlled release of the active substance and optionally one or more additional adjunct compositions that optionally contain active substances and are arranged in longitudinal layers, the compact being of an oblong shape in which the ratio of length to width to depth is approximately 2.5 to 5: approximately 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1982
    Assignee: Ciba-Geigy Corporation
    Inventors: Hans Hess, Carlo Voellmy
  • Patent number: 4267661
    Abstract: A launching device for launching toy vehicles or other objects includes a mechanism for sequentially launching of a plurality of the vehicles. The landing device includes a handle with a launching ramp defined thereon. Rotatably mounted on the handle is a vehicle support platform capable of holding a plurality of vehicles or objects to be launched. Propelling devices such as rubberbands are attached to the platform and are extended or tensioned by placement of a vehicle onto the platform. A latch is released to launch the vehicle by a trigger mounted on the handle. The toy also includes a biasing member for automatically rotating the platform relative to the launching ramp to position successive vehicles to be launched adjacent to the launching ramp. The rotating member may be a rubberband in which energy is stored by rotating or winding the platform relative to the handle through the employment of a winding mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1981
    Assignee: Marvin Glass & Associates
    Inventor: Stephen P. Hanson
  • Patent number: 4261319
    Abstract: A football passer is provided for passing a football in spiral fashion following a pre-set time delay from an apparatus which comprises a frame, a rigid guide rod fixed at one end on said frame and extending angularly upward therefrom to a free end, an elongate elastomeric sling fixed at opposite ends to said frame spaced on opposite sides of said free end of said guide rod, a latch on said frame adjacent said fixed one end of the guide rod, said latch engaging said elastomeric sling intermediate its ends when said sling is stretched along the guide rod to said one end, timer control on the frame at said one end of the guide rod controlling the release of said latch, and a football having a central axial end to end passage slidably received on said guide rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1981
    Assignee: Fonas Corporation
    Inventor: Jack R. Dixon
  • Patent number: 4230318
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1980
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Dimond
  • Patent number: 4086901
    Abstract: A missile propelling device includes a rigid bow having an ejection tube formed integrally with the bow and disposed intermediate the ends thereof, a plurality of parallel guide rods having corresponding ends thereof secured about the periphery of said ejection tube to define an elongated missile guiding passage whose axis is aligned with the axis of said ejection tube, an elastic string attached to the ends of said bow and having its midportion disposed between preselected guide rods and astride said missile guiding passage, an end cap secured to the ends of said guide rods remote from said ejection tube, and a hook mounted on said end cap and arranged releasably to engage the midportion of said string so that a missile disposed in said elongated missile guiding passage is propelled outwardly therethrough and through said ejection tube in response to release of said string from said hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1978
    Inventor: Joseph J. Clement
  • Patent number: 4036203
    Abstract: A toy cannon is disclosed which incorporates an elongate cylindrical barrel. A projectile is hurled by the cannon by inserting it at the mouth of the barrel. Inside the barrel, a plunger travels at the urging of rubber bands which are mounted on the exterior and parallel to the barrel. The barrel is preferably split so that the plunger has a pair of supporting and extending hooks which are located on the exterior. The hooks engage the rubber band to enable the toy cannon to fire. The toy cannon incorporates a latch at the rear of the barrel to hold the plunger at a caught position. A cowling is provided on the outer surface of the barrel to house the rubber bands that act on the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1975
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1977
    Inventor: Clyde H. Chapman
  • Patent number: 3963017
    Abstract: A projectile launcher includes a housing formed of releasably secured longitudinal sections. The housing defines a bore extending fore-to-aft and including a spring-carrying compartment and a projectile discharge channel. A spring tube is anchored adjacent the forward end of the bore and extends rearwardly within the bore over a reaction guide pulley. A plunger is slidably disposed within the bore and includes a projectile impact portion slidably disposed within the projectile discharge channel. A cord is fastened at one end to the spring tube and at its other end to the plunger. A cocking aperture is provided in the plunger and is operable to receive a removable cocking bar. Rearward movement of the cocking bar when disposed within the cocking aperture causes the plunger to expand the spring in an energy-storing manner. A trigger mechanism is provided at the rear of the housing to retain the plunger and the spring tube in a cocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1975
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1976
    Inventor: James M. Pfotenhauer
  • Patent number: 3949518
    Abstract: A missile launching toy wherein twirling the body in one hand causes rotation of a head within a cylinder by an angularly disposed counterweight fixed to the head but extending outside the cylinder to provide stored energy by compressing a spring or air to launch on release the missile which is shown as an elongated projectile or a stabilized balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1975
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1976
    Inventor: Vincent V. Lenza