Plunger Release Patents (Class 124/37)
  • Patent number: 11826669
    Abstract: The top of a ring-like film forming member with an opening receives bubble solution and gravity causes the solution to flow over the protruding surface of a movable member within the opening such that the surface tension of the bubble solution causes a film to form within the opening and over the surface. The movable member is moved out of the way to allow wind from a wind supply to reach the rear of the ring-like member to form and release a bubble. The protruding shape of the surface allows the film to form and in intact as the member is moved. A trigger mechanically connected to the movable member controls the position of the movable member and the energization of the motor which drives the bubble solution supply and the wind supply. Continuous depression of the trigger causes a series of bubbles to be formed and released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: WING HING MANUFACTURING COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventor: Wai Chung Lo
  • Patent number: 11378353
    Abstract: An arrow gun is provided having a controllable retention force on the arrow. By setting the retention force on the arrow, increased energy from motive compressed gas can be imparted to the arrow. The arrow gun also includes a damping coupling for reducing vibration of an unsupported length of the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Inventors: George Wallace Rodrigues Malheiros, David C. Snyder, Anthony Thomas Cioppa, Justin Heckert
  • Patent number: 10767959
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a recoil reduction air gun and a method of reducing recoil of air guns when discharging. Said recoil reduction air gun comprises a cylinder that is slidably mounted to a main body of said air gun, and a recoil reduction device that is provided between the cylinder and a stock. Said recoil reduction device further comprises a recoil reduction spring seat, a first and a second springs, and a recoil rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: XISICO USA, INC
    Inventors: Xiaoping Ji, Yecheng Wu, Xiaoqiang Sheng, Shengping Zeng, Fuying Ji, Ye Sun, Chengxin Du
  • Patent number: 10648764
    Abstract: A toy launcher apparatus of a soft foam dart where the dart is loaded onto a spike in a firing chamber by a pusher panel that presses against the nose of the dart. The apparatus includes a dart magazine with a feed mechanism. The pusher panel is followed by a barrier sleeve that prevents the next uppermost dart in the magazine, which is being biased upward by the feed mechanism, from causing either the uppermost dart or the second uppermost dart to distort and cause a jam. The barrier sleeve also prevents the magazine from being loaded through a top opening until the uppermost dart in the firing chamber is launched. Near the end of a cocking cycle, the pusher panel, which is connected to a cam follower tab that engages a cam member, moves away from a launch path of the dart in the firing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: HASBRO, INC.
    Inventors: Lee Spielberger, John Paul Lallier, Alan Wong Shing Bun, Jack Tang Wan Yin, Martin Leung Hing Tong
  • Patent number: 9869521
    Abstract: A gas block for a firearm that includes a body portion having a longitudinal axis; a barrel borehole, adapted to receive at least a portion of a barrel therethrough, extending through the body portion, along the longitudinal axis of the body portion; a gas tube extension portion having a longitudinal axis, wherein at least a portion of the gas tube extension portion extends beyond at least a portion of the body portion; a gas tube borehole extending through the gas tube extension portion, along the longitudinal axis of the gas tube extension portion, wherein the gas tube borehole is adapted to receive at least a portion of a gas tube therein; and a gas port disposed between the barrel borehole and the gas tube borehole, such that the barrel borehole is in fluid communication with the gas tube borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Inventor: George Huang
  • Patent number: 9784546
    Abstract: A propelled lance provides a wounding non-lethal anti-opponent action by piercing an enemy's foot or other contacting body part with a lance penetrator. The lance penetrator lodges in the body and further penetration is optionally impeded by an integrated stop device. The lance penetrator optionally inserts an RFID, other identification, tracking, or other payload into the enemy. The lance penetrator provides anti-personnel, anti-vehicle and anti-robot action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Inventors: Robert Van Burdine, Dorothy Devine Burdine
  • Patent number: 9739564
    Abstract: An efficient high-velocity compressed gas-powered gun includes a lower receiver having a trigger assembly. The efficient high-velocity compressed gas-powered gun includes an upper receiver having a gas distribution assembly and a bolt assembly configured to operate in response to actuation of the trigger assembly and configured to be operated by the gas distribution system. The bolt assembly has a first part and a second part that are separated by a small gap just prior to actuation of the trigger assembly, and become separated by a large gap, larger than the small gap, over a projectile-firing period of time immediately after the trigger assembly is actuated. The increase in the gap size is caused by movement of the second part in response to gas entering the small gap from the gas distribution assembly. The first part and the second part move together to cock the gun once they are separated by the large gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: William S. Nachefski
  • Patent number: 9574845
    Abstract: A gun for propelling a projectile, such as a scent compound enclosed in an spherical shell, into a hunting environment comprises a frame housing a compressed gas reservoir in fluid communication with a trigger valve that is operatively associated with a manually-actuable trigger to momentarily open the trigger valve. A projectile barrel and a sound barrel are each in fluid communication with the compressed gas reservoir when the trigger valve is open. The sound barrel includes a pneumatic game call. The pneumatic game call is selectively removable from the sound barrel and replaceable with at least one other pneumatic game call that produces a different game call. A distal end of the projectile barrel preferably includes a plurality of scoring blades fixed therewithin, such that upon exiting the projectile barrel the shell of the projectile is scored by the scoring blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventors: Robert Wyne, Rosemary Corbey
  • Patent number: 9410756
    Abstract: A gas flow volume control apparatus includes an adjustable gas block and a securing member as the securing member fixes the adjustable gas block onto a barrel of a firearm. The adjustable gas block is in fluid communication with the barrel so that generated gas of a propelling bullet can be recycled within a gas-operated reloading system. The generated gas is rerouted from the barrel to the gas-operated reloading system through a gas flow channel and a gas-tube channel of the adjustable gas block. An adjustment channel of the adjustable gas block also allows a user to control the rerouted amount of generated gas in order to optimize the performance of the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Inventors: Todd Conrad Gardner, Wyndell Todd Kern
  • Patent number: 9033133
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing a cellulosic feedstock are disclosed. Embodiments of the method comprise passing the cellulosic feedstock out of at least one outlet of a vessel (such as a holding tank) and obtaining at least two streams of cellulosic feedstock wherein each stream may be fed different hydrolysis reactors. Embodiments of the apparatus comprise passing the cellulosic feedstock downwardly through the vessel and withdrawing the feedstock from the vessel in two different lateral directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Abengoa Bioenergy New Technologies, LLC.
    Inventors: Quang A. Nguyen, Sunalie N. Hillier, Murray J. Burke
  • Patent number: 8733334
    Abstract: A toy hand grenade has a plurality of bores which receive soft darts. A launcher is received in each bore and is spring loaded. An actuator retains the launchers in a spring-loaded, unactuated position. The actuator is displaceable relative to the body to release the launchers and substantially concurrently eject the darts from the hand grenade. A pin or a clip may be employed to lock the actuator in a locked position. A timer is employed to delay actuation of the actuator to release the launchers and eject the darts from the hand grenade. A sandbag ring is imposed to ensure proper orientation and stability of the hand grenade for the timer actuated feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventors: David E. Mroczka, Kevin Mroczka
  • Patent number: 8469011
    Abstract: A toy hand grenade has a plurality of bores which receive soft darts. A launcher is received in each bore and is spring loaded. An actuator retains the launchers in a spring-loaded, unactuated position. The actuator is displaceable relative to the body to release the launchers and substantially concurrently eject the darts from the hand grenade. A pin or a clip may be employed to lock the actuator in a locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventors: Jack Mroczka, David E. Mroczka
  • Patent number: 8257134
    Abstract: A game device that safely emulates a game of Russian Roulette using balloons and the method thereof. The game device resembles a revolver, but without a barrel, and with the muzzle adjacent the cylinder. The game device contains a protected pin instead of a bullet for puncturing a balloon. An expandable ring is rotatably mounted adjacent the muzzle of the device that allows exposure of the pin only when a fully blown balloon is positioned therein to be punctured. Upon actuation of the pin, it is only exposed for a very short period of time to further prevent unnecessary exposure and injury to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventor: Steve Zuloff
  • Patent number: 7905222
    Abstract: One embodiment of a football throwing machine using an axially aligned compression spring for propulsion and a latching mechanism for retaining the spring in its compressed state. A spiral shaped actuator mechanism is used to compress the spring with consistent torque throughout the compression stroke. The spring is released from its compressed state using an efficient triggering mechanism. A timing mechanism allows a delay so the user can position for the catch. The football is held by axially misaligned wheels on one end and a rotating cup on the other. As the spring pushes the ball between the wheels while being ejected from the apparatus, the wheel misalignment causes the helical spinning effect on the football while the cup holding the other end of the football spins freely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Inventor: Edward Anthony Fenley
  • Patent number: 7703447
    Abstract: A dispenser for launching morsels of animal food one at a time. The dispenser includes a grip portion, a hopper for retaining a supply of morsels of animal food, and a launching chamber. A propelling mechanism, activated by a trigger mechanism associated with the grip portion, launches a morsel of food out of the launching chamber. According to one embodiment, the propelling mechanism is a plunger and at least one spring, wherein the plunger is adjustable between a loading position wherein a top portion of the plunger is substantially withdrawn from the launching chamber to permit a morsel of food to pass into the launching chamber, and a ready position wherein the plunger extends at least partially into the launching chamber to prevent additional morsels of food from passing through the inlet into the launching chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Doskocil Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Caveza
  • Patent number: 7028682
    Abstract: A ground-based ball launcher for inflated-ball sports practice provides an impulse that propels the ball upwardly in a trajectory of pre-adjustable angle and velocity so as to obtain a desired maximum height and landing distance offset from the launcher. An optional adjustable time delay gives a player time to move into place and get set for each launching. Launching energy may be provided by a compressed coil spring which can be reloaded by the user with foot-pump action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Inventor: Christopher L. Hansen
  • Patent number: 6843241
    Abstract: A pitching machine that includes a support frame, a ball tube assembly adapted to store and launch the ball. The ball tube assembly is multi-curved and configure such that the ball rolls in the ball tube assembly due to gravity towards a ball rest end for launching. The pitching machine includes a release assembly positioned along the ball tube assembly, the release assembly configured to release the ball from a storage position to a firing position. The pitching machine includes a ball firing assembly positioned beyond the release assembly and along the ball tube assembly, the ball firing assembly configured to launch the ball after being released by the release assembly. The pitching machine includes a control unit adapted to be used by the hitter, the control unit connected to the release assembly and the ball firing assembly to activate the release assembly and the ball firing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventor: David K. Newcomer
  • Patent number: 6752682
    Abstract: A cylindrical toy rocket that measures at least 8-inches long and 2½ inches in diameter. The rocket has a weighted rubber nose cone that is mounted on an inner slide tube that fits inside the rocket's main body tube in contact with a compression spring. At least three guide fins are attached to the outside bottom of the rocket's main body tube. The rocket is launched by means of an attached tether and gripping handle. In use, the handle is gripped in the hand of the player and swung in a vertical circular motion starting in an upward direction. The rocket is then released such that it is catapulted upward into the sky along an initial flight path. When the rocket reaches its apex and starts a descent, the heavier nose cone will assume a downward position. Upon impact with the ground, the nose cone and inner sliding tube are forced into the main tube body of the rocket, thereby compressing and storing potential energy in the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Inventor: Conrad M. Ferrell
  • Patent number: 6612298
    Abstract: A new safety that is incorporated to a sporting pellet or air gun by which the accidental firing of the gun is prevented even when the gun is loaded, making it necessary to remove it in order to fire the gun. This safety includes a square bulky button with cut edges at the top that make it look like a trapezium in its cross-section view; and grooves on the surface to hold and move it manually, and that on its lower face is curved having the correlative shape of the barrel, and also has a side bore where a peg that joins the base of the safety is introduced. A base of the safety, placed under the safety that is a rectangular piece acts as a cam to place the latch when the gun is loaded, from which a second piece also rectangular in shape sticks out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Hector Mendoza-Orozco
  • Patent number: 6572435
    Abstract: A confetti launcher is provided and includes a housing for storing the confetti, a rotatable actuator coupled to the housing, and a spring biased movable member disposed within an interior of the housing for ejecting the confetti. The movable member is positionable between a first position where it is locked relative to the actuator and a second position where it is free to move and an energy stored in a biasing element is released and translated into a force applied to the stored confetti such that the confetti is ejected from an open end of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Mingway Industrial, Limited
    Inventor: Paul Wong
  • Patent number: 6352070
    Abstract: The present invention is a safety formed in a sporting pellet or air rifle which prevents the accidental firing of the rifle even when it is loaded. The safety utilizes a loading pull lever, a crescent-shaped portion positioned generally at the middle of the loading pull lever, a pusher located at an end of the loading pull lever, a piston positioned within the barrel of the rifle so as to be cooperative with the pusher, a piston stopper connected to an end of the piston, a hand-activated safety, a safety base supporting the stem of the safety, a trigger having a particular shape for cooperation with the safety, and a retaining lever which is movable so as to touch the piston stopper and is movable downwardly to secure the rod of the piston. The lever is positioned in front of the trigger so as to prevent the firing of the rifle before the pull lever has been fully depressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Inventor: Hector Mendoza-Orozco
  • Patent number: 6112733
    Abstract: An intrusion apparatus for safely propelling a non-lethal diversionary device into a structure through a barrier. The intrusion apparatus comprises an extension device adapted to be gripped by an individual and being movable generally towards the barrier by the individual. A support assembly is connected to the extension device. The support assembly serves to support the non-lethal diversionary device as the extension device is moved towards the barrier. A barrier breaking assembly is also supported by the extension device. The barrier breaking assembly forms an opening sized to receive the non-lethal diversionary device through the barrier as the extension device is being moved towards the barrier. A propelling assembly is also supported by the extension device. The propelling assembly serves to selectively propel the non-lethal diversionary device into the structure through the opening formed in the barrier at a non-lethal velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Tactical & Rescue Equipment, LLC
    Inventors: Donald W. Wooten, Thomas J. Pilling, Robert M. Wohlfeld
  • Patent number: 6019096
    Abstract: A machine for tossing or set ting a volleyball into the air, to aid in practice of spiking the ball, includes a cylindrical housing with a ball exit opening at one end, with legs to set the housing on the ground with the exit opening facing upward. A ball support cup with attached rod is slidably supported in the housing by a linear bearing. The ball support cup is spring biased toward the exit end; a brake prevents the rod from passing completely through the bearing. The lower end of the rod includes teeth which are engageable with a sprocket wheel of a timer assembly. When a ball is placed on the support cup, and the cup is pushed down, the teeth will engage the sprocket wheel to activate the timer; after a time, the sprocket wheel will disengage from the teeth, allowing the spring to move the support cup upward to launch the ball through the exit opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Gerard R. Snyder
    Inventors: Gerard R. Snyder, Brian Edwards
  • Patent number: 5975068
    Abstract: A toy gun having a pneumatic projectile launcher for launching a foam projectile and a retractable sighting mechanism which automatically raises to an operative viewing position when the gun is cocked. The pneumatic launcher having a plunger is concealed by a sliding housing which simulates the action of an automatic weapon, and the sight is pivotally mounted to the housing. When the gun is cocked by sliding the housing rearwardly relative to the body of the gun, the sight contacts an actuator which rotates the sight to an operative viewing position. When the gun is fired, the housing moves forwardly in unison with the plunger, and the sight automatically rotates to its inoperative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Halter, Joseph J. Smith, Gerard M. O'Shea
  • Patent number: 5884615
    Abstract: A dual mode ammunition loading air or gas-powered gun. The gun is conceived for shooting manually loaded small bullets shot by shot, or for alternatively acting as a repeating weapon for spherical ammunition (2) fed from a loader (4), dispensed one by one into a pocket (9) of an ammunition shifting body (8) mounted in a sliding arrangement, perpendicular to the barrel (3), so as to shift the ammunition up to a position in coalignment with the barrel (3) and with an air/gas delivery hole (17), of a compression chamber. The trigger (18) of the gun, is pin-jointed with a drawing member (19) spring-loaded at one (19a) of its ends and whose other end (19b) is connected to the striking hammer (21) for its cocking and ulterior release. The shifting body (8) is linked with the trigger through an assoicated lever (23) whose first end (23a) is rotatably pin-jointed with said trigger (18) and whose other end (23b) is hinged connected with said shifting body (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Industrias El Gamo, S.A.
    Inventor: Francisco Casas Salva
  • Patent number: 5842907
    Abstract: A radio-controlled toy missile launcher with missile launch mount having a first end mounted on a chassis and a second end movable upward and downward. The missile launch mount has at least one missile projector accommodating a missile. A supporting member is provided to mechanically connect the chassis to the missile launch mount for supporting the missile launch mount. The supporting member is capable of rising up and falling down the second end of the missile launch mount. A thrust applying unit is provided in the missile projector for applying the missile with a thrust enough to allow launching of the missile. A missile holding member is provided in the missile projector for holding the missile from being launched. A release member engages the missile holding member for moving the missile holding member to release the missile from holding by the missile holding member thereby to allow launching of the missile by the thrust force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Nikko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Niimura, Munetoshi Miyasaka
  • Patent number: 5690089
    Abstract: A mechanical hand grenade launcher comprised of a launch tube and spring-ven plunger for propelling a hand grenade to a target area. At the aft end of the launcher is a charging handle that when pulled rearward compresses a spring within the launcher tube. When the spring has been sufficiently compressed, the spring is then locked in the cocked position by a safety pin attached to a first lanyard. A hand grenade is loaded through the fore end of the launcher and the grenade's pull pin is attached to a second lanyard. When rearward force is applied to the second lanyard, the grenade pull pin is dislodged from the grenade. To launch the grenade, rearward force is applied to the first lanyard dislodging the safety pin which releases the spring. The force of the expanding spring imparted to the hand grenade propels the hand grenade out of the fore end of the launch tube toward the target area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: John Patrick Ward
  • Patent number: 5456036
    Abstract: An animal scent dispensing pistol assembly for dispensing scent for attracting animals comprising a pistol including a barrel having a sealed base end, an opened tip end, and a bored intermediate portion therebetween; a handle extended from the barrel; a plunger slidably disposed within the barrel; a spring mechanism disposed within the barrel and coupled to the pistol for urging the plunger towards the tip end of the barrel; a cocking mechanism coupled to the plunger and adapted to be actuated for urging the plunger towards the base end of the barrel to define a retracted orientation; and a trigger mechanism coupled to the pistol and extended therefrom with the trigger mechanism having a rest position for holding the plunger in the retracted orientation and a firing position actuatable for releasing the plunger from the retracted orientation; and a plurality of scent sticks each adapted for holding liquid scent, each scent stick further adapted to be inserted into the barrel of the pistol for subsequent ejec
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Inventor: Scott A. Butz
  • Patent number: 5253873
    Abstract: A spring-operated plunger type ball shooter is disclosed having a ball catcher and holder at one end and a twist grip trigger at the other end. The shooter is designed for the playing of games and includes a gravity actuated elevation indicator and a spring force indicator to increase the fun and accuracy of shooting. The shooter is provided with a trigger assembly along the barrel and a safety catch to hold the plunger rod in its cocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Inventor: Donald Grattan
  • Patent number: 5221081
    Abstract: A mounting plate includes a plurality of support cylinders mounted orthogonally to the mounting plate, wherein each support cylinder is arranged to receive a baseball at its upper end. Each cylinder is of a tubular construction to accommodate the baseball sphere and each cylinder including a coil spring mounted therewithin, with each coil spring including a plurality of spring rods fixedly mounted to adjacent coils of the spring. One of the spring rods is arranged for receiving a hook member, a lower distal end of the hook member secured to a suction cup. The suction cup is initially adhered to the mounting plate within the lower distal end of the cylinder, and each suction cup of each support cylinder arranged for randomly releasing the spring to project the spring upwardly to project the associated baseball from the support cylinder with an axial of an individual attempting to strike.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Inventor: Charles W. Rooks
  • Patent number: 5156137
    Abstract: A projectile launching device is disclosed herein having, in its simplest form, a single elongated launching tube or barrel, onto the rearward end of which is pivotally mounted a lever assembly having a latch member and a release member coupled to one another about the pivot. The release member extends across the rearward end of the barrel and the latch member extends forwardly along the barrel. The barrel is open at its forward end to receive a shaftlike projectile. A hook is carried at the forward end of the latch member to protrude through a slot radially into the barrel for engagement with a tab on the projectile shaft. A spring, housed inside the barrel, rests against the release member of the lever assembly such that when a projectile is inserted into the barrel it compresses the spring against the release member and pivots the lever assembly to force the hook into the barrel and into engagement with the projectile tab, thereby preventing the spring from ejecting the projectile from the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Inventor: Richard A. Clayton
  • 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: 4865318
    Abstract: A ball tossing device includes a tossing mechanism and a foot pedal assembly which is manually depressible for actuating the tossing mechanism to toss a ball upwardly into the air so that it can be hit with a bat. The tossing mechanism includes a timer assembly which delays the ball tossing action of the device by a predetermined delay interval so that a batter can assume a fully ready position before the ball is tossed into the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Inventors: Roger W. Lehmann, Michael I. Satten
  • Patent number: 4850129
    Abstract: A bait forming gun is set forth for the formation of bait associated with fishing. A tray containing a dough-like bait composition is positioned for accepting a forward portion barrel of the gun wherein previously a fishing hook has been inserted through a first axial slot along the barrel wherein upon imposing of the barrel into the bait, the barrel is twisted to sever the bait and encase the fishing hook with the bait. A second diametrically opposed slot within a forwardmost portion of the barrel of an axial extent greater than that of the first slot is positioned to prevent sticking of the bait within the barrel when an associated release plunger is depressed and a spring biased magnet normally holding the bait and hook forced forwardly to eject the bait and hook from the gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Inventors: Paul A. Hoepfner, William D. Hofacket, Gary E. Ellis
  • Patent number: 4732134
    Abstract: Projectile slide-pushers for crossbows. These slide-pushers are made of rigid material and each has a bottom surface conforming to upper outer surface of a crossbow barrel. A common surface on the projectile slide-pusher functions as both a projectile pusher and catch engaging surface. These slide-pushers perform longitudinal motions, parallel to and along the cross bow barrel during shooting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1988
    Inventor: Shimon Waiser
  • Patent number: 4688539
    Abstract: An improved missile-launching weapon for launching either an arrow-type missile, a slug-type missile, or a plurality of shot-type pellets is provided. The weapon includes springs mounted in cooperation with pivotally mounted lever arms such that the lever arms can be moved to place the springs in and out of a loaded condition. The weapon also includes a removable guide that can be interchanged with a modified guide to allow the various types of missiles to be fired. A drive member is slidably mounted on the guide and is propelled by a cable extending between the springs. A trigger mechanism is mounted substantially near the center of gravity of the weapon to releasably latch the slide member in a cocked position. The trigger mechanism provides a proper amount of "feel" to the operator to allow the weapon to be fired accurately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1987
    Inventor: Howard L. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 4665885
    Abstract: A weapon for propelling missiles, such as arrows, quarrels and the like, which looks like a sub-machine gun and is characterized by a compact missile-propelling assembly which is co-planar with the stock, contrary to the long bow which extends transversely of the stock of a conventional cross-bow. The missile-propelling assembly includes a modified toggle lever system which is spring actuated and is arranged to constantly accelerate the missile during the propelling stroke. The lever system is braked by the spring at the end of the propelling stroke, thereby avoiding any noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1987
    Inventors: Stanislas Glomski, Patrick Roseberry
  • Patent number: 4649893
    Abstract: In a compressed-air weapon, for the simplification of original production and repair and for the simplification of stockholding it is proposed that the trigger, the counter-hook-engagement system, the trigger return spring and the trigger safety catch system if provided are combined into one prefabricated construction unit which can be united as a whole with the cylinder tube and the stock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1987
    Assignee: Mayer & Grammelspacher DIANAWERK
    Inventor: Walter Heitz
  • Patent number: 4642066
    Abstract: An apparatus for launching toy vehicles utilizes a hexagonal magazine, rotatably mounted on a frame, having a plurality of pairs of open-ended chambers therein. The magazine is rotated to align a pair of chambers having toy vehicles therein with, respectively, a first and a second ram disposed on the frame, positioned, by an arm, against the urging of springs, back from the openings of the chambers, and locked in place. The rams are selectively, independently releasable, upon forward motion of the arm, which simultaneously engenders a revving sound, to enter corresponding chambers and launch toy vehicles therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1987
    Inventors: Melvin R. Kennedy, Dietmar Nagel, Avi Arad
  • Patent number: 4291663
    Abstract: A machine for throwing a ball with a cylindrical aperture. The machine comprises an arrangement for mounting a rod which carries the ball and which is rotatably mounted to fall from an initial vertical position to a selected angular position after a preselected period. At the selected angular position, a spring drive projects the ball through the air. In a preferred embodiment the ball, which may be of any type, is projected with a spiral motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1981
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon H. Buck, Otto L. Gabler, Eugene J. Kilroy, Richard Leoncavallo
  • Patent number: 4227508
    Abstract: A toy pistol for shooting ping pong balls having a frame with a barrel portion at the forward end and a handle extending downward from the rearward end, a magazine extending upward and rearward therefrom, a ram movable along longitudinal guide member in the frame rearward from said barrel portion, a compression spring to fire the ram forward, and a T-shaped combination trigger and sear having a head with a sear movable generally parallel to and below said guide members, the stem of said T-shaped member being movable into the forward portion of said handle and said head having pins on the opposite end movable in forward and rearward guide slots in the frame, the rearward slot extending rearward and downward, whereby near the end of rearward movement of said T-shaped member the rear end of said head is moved downward to disengage the sear on said head from said ram which is fired forwardly by said compression spring and a tension spring automatically restores the T-shaped member forwardly to starting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1980
    Assignee: Arco Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Bruce M. D'Andrade
  • Patent number: 4225140
    Abstract: A target-type shooting toy having a target area in the rear of a housing and a transparent front wall having a swivel socket in the lower portion to mount swivelly a projectile guide member including a barrel and a projectile return channel, a handle and trigger to move and aim the barrel and actuate a spring-pressed shooting plunger, and projectile return means to return spent projectiles automatically to said return channel for successive movement into the barrel for subsequent shooting. Score recording and audible hit indicating means are actuated by returning projectiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1980
    Inventors: Bruce M. D'Andrade, Kwok W. Tsui
  • Patent number: 4089318
    Abstract: A spring type article projecting device for propelling an object, at a target, is disclosed. The device comprises a stock, a handle and a striker head housing that includes a striker plate actuated by a striker pin. A force deflector member, pivotally mounted within the striker head housing, transfers the striker pin impact to the striker plate. A cocking member is provided which may be moved manually into various positions against the action of a spring. The invention provides a spring type article projecting device which is very simple in construction, is functionally-reliable and which is safe in its use and provides striking qualities superior to known apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1975
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1978
    Inventor: Walter Hesener
  • Patent number: 4068668
    Abstract: An ear lobe piercing device for piercing an ear lobe with a stud, said device having means for holding an ear lobe to numb same prior to insertion of a stud into the lobe, said device further having a plunger for holding the stud, a trigger for both actuating said means for holding the ear lobe and cocking said plunger and trigger means operable by an index finger for releasing the plunger after said plunger has been cocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1975
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1978
    Assignee: Concept Marketing, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry D. Moore, Isaiah W. Johnson, Charley L. Thompson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4067309
    Abstract: A trigger mechanism for an air gun with a cocking mechanism has a trigger and a trigger lever, actuated by the trigger, which retains a tensioned member of the air gun. The trigger lever is coupled with the cocking mechanism by intermediate members in such a manner that when the cocking mechanism is returned to its position of rest, it causes the overlap of the trigger lever over the member retained thereby to be reduced during the last portion of its path of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1978
    Assignee: Feinwerkbau, Westinger & Altenburger KG
    Inventor: Edwin Wohrstein
  • 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: 4026288
    Abstract: A syringe injecting device comprising a body with a slideway therein which receives a syringe carriage biased into one position by a spring and reciprocal in said slideway. A handle extends from the body and there is a communication between the carriage for the syringe and a gear in the handle, which gear is controlled by a latch having a detent which may be released by a trigger from permitting the carriage to be impelled forward under spring action to insert the needle of the syringe into a body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1975
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1977
    Assignee: Insulin Injector Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Costa, Lawrence T. French, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4016854
    Abstract: A pistol to propel and spin ring-like projectiles such as bottle caps. An impeller is released by a trigger and an off-center mounted hammer strikes and propels the bottle caps with a spin. As the bottle cap exits from the barrel of the gun, a wall mounted rib imparts an additional spinning force to the bottle cap. The trigger of the pistol has a portion for engaging and holding an inside surface of the peripheral wall of the projectile in the firing chamber. When the trigger is actuated the portion engaging the projectile will pivot away and permit the spring biased plunger to engage and propel the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1975
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1977
    Inventor: James A. Lehman
  • Patent number: 3949731
    Abstract: There is disclosed in the present application a spear fishing gun assembly adapted to project toward a target either a captive spear or a free spear depending upon the circumstances. The captive spear is projected a distance of up to approximately nine feet from the user and remains coupled to the gun or firing device. The free spear is projected free of the gun although it may for convenience remain connected to the gun by a flexible strand or cord. The propelling force applied to the spears is obtained from a tensioned spring wrapped around the barrel of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1975
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1976
    Inventor: Adolph Caso