Abstract: A gun is provided with a removable rotary ammunition clip assembly and a slidably mounted barrel to permit the clip assembly to be removed if a pellet jams in a position partially out of the clip and partially in the barrel. The clip assembly is an integral unit and includes a cylindrical loader which is rotatably mounted on the clip housing, an index lever and pawl for rotating the loader, and a transfer bar for translating sliding movement of the trigger into pivoting movement of the index lever. Sliding movement of the trigger moves the trigger link against a hammer for cocking the hammer, and the trigger link moves a hammer latch out of a latching position in which it will engage the hammer to prevent accidental discharge.

Abstract: A launcher for holding and successively launching a plurality of projectiles, such as fireworks projectiles, which explode into an aerial pyrotechnic display. The launcher includes a pressure tank containing a compressed gas and a plurality of launching tubes for holding the projectiles. The launching tubes are constructed to form a magazine to enable successive launching of fireworks projectiles by appropriate indexing of the magazine and thus the launching tubes. A control apparatus opens and closes a valve to introduce compressed gas into one of the launching tubes to launch a projectile into the air. Indexing of the launching tubes when the pressure tank is pressurized prior to launch is prevented by a stop mechanism. The stop mechanism also prevents inadvertent or accidental detonation of the projectile in the launching tube.

Abstract: Apparatus for launching movable discs of targets for trap shooting, of the type using a rotatable barrel (2) into which are loaded movable targets (1) that are superposed on each other in columns (3, 4) maintained by vertical tubes (5), disposed between an upper plate (6) recessed for the passage of the movable targets (1) and a lower plate (7) recessed for the passage of the movable targets (1) which fall on a base plate (10) fixed against rotation, which presents each movable target (1) to a launching ramp (42) in front of the launching arm (11). The loading of the movable targets (1) takes place frontally by spacing apart the vertical tubes (5). On the base plate (10), a roller cam acts to maintain in place the next-to-last movable target, this roller cam comprising adjusting mechanism to be adapted as a function of the diameter of the targets (1) used.

Abstract: A toy gun for repeatedly firing stretched rubber bands from projections upon removable rotating hollow cylinders. All mechanisms are themselves powered by rubber bands. While unattached to the gun, cylinders are wound up by separating a front locking pin and turning front and body in opposite directions, thus winding the rubber band affixed inside. Inserting the cylinder onto the gun frame forces the cylinder to contact a projection which again separates the front locking pin from the cylinder body. The cylinder has on its exterior raised lengthwise projections, called "slats". Each slat but one has near the rearward end of the gun a notch. A cylinder is loaded by stretching a rubber band over each notched slat. Aligned with slat notches is a holding pin affixed to the gun. The holding pin contact either a rubber band or the unnotched slat, preventing unwanted cylinder rotation. Pulling the trigger engages a `slip hammer` that pushes the rearward part of the rubber band above the slat.

Abstract: A gun includes a pivoting barrel assembly, a trigger/hammer double action firing mechanism, and a barrel/inline valve mechanism for firing projectiles. The pivoting barrel assembly includes a projectile-holding rotatable cylinder and an indexing mechanism for rotating the cylinder when the trigger is pulled. A hammer is cocked by a hammer link which is operatively connected to the trigger, and a cam on the hammer lifts the hammer link out of engagement with the hammer when the hammer reaches its cocked position. The valve mechanism includes a valve stem which is slidably mounted in a valve body. A pin portion on the valve stem extends through a valve seal and a valve seal retainer, and the valve seal retainer is retained in the valve body by retainer pins which extend through the body into a groove in the valve seal retainer. A detent housing is connected to the valve body, and a detent is slidably mounted with the detent housing. The detent is engageable with projectile chambers in the cylinder.

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.

Abstract: The body 12 of an air gun accommodates a removable magazine 16 immediately behind the breech 14, for pellets to be loaded one at a time from the magazine into the breech. The magazine comprises a drum 33 which is rotatably mounted within a housing 31 and comprises ten pellet-holding slots 38 around its axis. A torsion spring 42 urges rotation of the drum in indexing steps as controlled by an escapement mechanism comprising a rocking pawl 50. The pawl is displaced against the action of a return spring 58 by a plunger 60 which projects from a cocking arm 22 of a conventional cocking mechanism of the gun; the plunger is arranged to actuate the escapement only towards the end of a cocking stroke of the arm 22. A loading ram/air transfer tube 28 is reciprocated, in effecting the cocking action, to withdraw from one slot 38 in the drum and enter a next slot to load a fresh pellet into the breech.

Abstract: A ball delivery apparatus, in particular for tennis balls, includes a ball magazine, a ball firing system, and a feed system that moves balls from the ball magazine one by one to the ball firing system. The ball firing system fires each ball in accordance with a preprogrammed firing setting that in each instance determines the speed, spin, and/or direction of each ball. A variable feed sequence frequency of the feed system is controlled as a function of the firing settings of the ball firing system. A time interval scale for establishing the movement of the next ball through the feed system is associated with each firing setting accepted by the ball firing system for firing a ball. The intervals between the balls can be matched to the particular ball characteristics.

Abstract: A soft-throw machine is disclosed that dispenses softballs or baseballs or other articles one at a time (or alternatively, a selected plurality or multiplicity at a time) from a reservoir onto a chute for delivery to a hitting area where a person may strike the ball. In addition to its automatic dispensing, soft-throwing capability, the machine is specially designed for quiet operation to decrease the possibility that the striker or batter can anticipate delivery of the ball.

Abstract: A pellet feed system for an air gun, according to which a magazine is provided with a plurality of compartments dimensioned to permit the containment of pellets of various shapes; and including a pellet setting device operable in conjunction with said magazine for advancing the pellets singly from the magazine down into a loading cylinder so that the skirt of the pellet is sized by the force applied within the loading cylinder diameter. The operation just described can be performed in any normal position of the gun (not relying solely on gravity), and can even be operated in a gravity-free environment.

Abstract: A magazine for an air gun comprises an outer case, a circular pellet carrier rotatably mounted in the outer case, and a cover that is pivotally mounted on the outer case. A coil spring resiliently biases the pellet carrier towards an end position. To load the magazine, the cover is pivoted to cause the pellet carrier to rotate to another end position, and a soft lead airgun pellet is then dropped in through a hole in the outer cover into a pellet chamber in the pellet carrier. The outer cover is then rotated, allowing successive pellets to be dropped into successive pellet chambers within the pellet carrier. In use, a probe pushes the first pellet out of the magazine into the breech of an airgun, and following this, the magazine automatically indexes under spring pressure to present the next pellet ready for loading. The pellets themselves serve as part of the indexing mechanism. The transfer probe places the pellets accurately in position within the breech of the airgun.

Abstract: This invention relates to an arrow holder for a bow and in particular to one mainly including a sleeve mounted within a retaining ring of the bow with one end facing a bowstring of the bow. A cover is mounted over the front end of the sleeve, and a rotating barrel is disposed within the sleeve with one end thereof extending out of a rear end of the sleeve and being displaced by a predetermined distance from the bowstring. The rotating barrel has a plurality of longitudinally extending slots formed around the outer surface thereof to receive arrows. A sliding ring is mounted on the rotating barrel with an annular groove for receiving a screw extending through the sleeve into the groove, and a positioning ring is mounted on the rotating barrel having a plurality of resilient spring members. A protection ferrule is located over an end of the rotating barrel extending from the rear end of the sleeve for protecting the rotating barrel.

Abstract: A gun, which compresses a spring during cocking and uses the air accelerated by the spring to propel a projectile during firing, incorporates several safety features. The size of the handle makes it impossible for children to operate. The trigger cannot be moved to its firing position unless the gun is cocked, the gun housing is closed, and a manual safety button is actuated during firing. To prevent unintended projectiles from being inserted into the barrel, the front of the barrel is blocked except during firing and the rear of the barrel is blocked at all times by either the projectile-carrying magazine or a barrel block.

Abstract: A pellet-firing toy gatling gun includes a rotatable multiple barrel assembly with a number of barrels arranged in a substantially circular array that is rotated such that each barrel passes a predetermined firing position one time during each rotation of the barrel assembly. A firing mechanism positions a spherical pellet at the firing position and propels the pellet through a barrel in response to a cocking and firing actuation sequence. An actuating mechanism acts between the rotatable barrel assembly and the firing mechanism in response to rotation of the barrel assembly by effecting the cocking and firing actuation sequence in synchronism with rotation of the barrel assembly.

Abstract: A compressed gas powered marking gun for firing marking pellets and similar projectiles each of which is generally spherical and sufficiently fragile so as to break upon impact with a target is disclosed including a compressed gas source, a projectile supply magazine containing a plurality of projectiles, and means for sequentially aligning projectiles from the supply magazine with the gun barrel through which projectiles may be sequentially discharged. The firing mechanism includes a user actuable trigger for selectively supplying compressed gas from the source to expel a projectile through the barrel, and a selector mechanism movable between a first position where the trigger actuated supplying of gas is disabled, a second position where one actuation of the trigger supplies gas to expel a single projectile, and a third position where compressed gas is repeatedly periodically supplied.

Abstract: A toy gun for shooting rubber bands in rapid succession includes a rotating cylinder onto which the rubber bands initially are loaded one-by-one. Rotation of the cylinder to effectuate initial loading of the rubber bands stretches an elastic cord which later rotates the cylinder in the opposite direction as rubber bands are fired in succession. A plurality of pivotal hooks disposed on the rear portion of the rotating cylinder each engage the rear end of a stretched rubber band, the forward end of which is retained by a corresponding hook disposed on the front portion of the cylinder. An actuator/stop element responsive to a trigger operates to depress or pivot the hook and rubber band aligned with the actuator/stop element, shooting that rubber band. The depressed or pivoted hook is retained so that when the trigger is released, the actuator/stop element moves away from a rotation limiting stop connected to the depressed or pivoted hook.

Abstract: A ball pitching system comprising a pneumatically actuated pitching arm and automatic ball feed system. The pneumatic actuation is provided by an automatic pressure sensor valve. Compressed air is provided by a DC compressor affixed to the frame of the pitching apparatus and may be powered by a conventional 12 volt vehicular battery system. In this manner the preselect pitching of baseballs and the like along a predefined trajectory can be provided at remote locations away from conventional power sources by using conventional automotive electrical supply. The system further provides a reliable, inexpensive assemblage require little maintenance and maximum enjoyment of use with baseballs and the like.

Abstract: A machine for repetitively throwing footballs by means of spaced apart confronting surfaces of spinning wheels. The machine includes a magazine with clamps for holding a plurality of footballs fixed in predetermined alignment for transfer for eventual throwing. A transfer arm is disclosed for sequentially transferring successive balls from the magazine to the throwing wheels while continuously holding them against misalignment until engagement by the throwing wheels. Several components of the machine are pivoted about a common axis to enable ball transfer without letting go of the balls. An operator's station and controls are provided so an operator can control all functions of the machine without touching the balls.

Abstract: A repeating rubber band pistol for shooting elastic band and the like, including a pistol frame with handle and a pair of support arms extending upwardly from the frame, the support arms having a pair of complementary holes therein, a hand crank with a rotary spindle thereon adapted to be mounted in the pair of support arms through the pair of holes therein and adapted to be freely movable therein, a cylindrical magazine with a plurality of radially-extending elongated arms disposed circumferentially about a centrally-arranged spindle member having a central aperture therein for mounting a plurality of stretched rubber bands thereon to hold in readiness for shooting said rubber bands, and a solid cylindrically shaped spindle mounted on the frame forwardly of the handle and the support arms and adapted to freely receive the apertured magazine thereon, whereby when a string is anchorably secured to the spindle of the hand crank and the string is secured mediately about the body of one of the stretched rubber ba

Abstract: A football place kicking apparatus having a rotatable hopper for releasably retaining a plurality of footballs with a motor for rotating the hopper for presenting a football to a mechanism for grasping a football from the football supporting hopper, one at a time, and removing the football from the hopper and displacing it along a directed path of travel to a lowered position adjacent to the apparatus for place kicking the football while it is held by the grasping mechanism. After the football is kicked, a new cycle is begun by returning the grasping mechanism to its original position for grasping another football from the hopper. The new cycle is completed when the grasped football is moved to the place kicking position and kicked. An electrical circuit is energized by a foot-actuated switch to operate the hopper motor and to operate the football grasping mechanism.

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.

Abstract: An archery practice/exercise device for use with a bow including a handleriser portion and a bow string. The practice/exercise device includes a cylinder having a closure member for partially closing a forward end of the cylinder so as to delimit an orifice through which air may be expelled from the cylinder. A piston is mounted for movement within the cylinder and an arrow-like shaft having a forward end is coupled to the piston and extends outwardly from a rear end of the cylinder. A fastening arrangement is disposed proximate to the rear end of the cylinder and secured thereto for enabling rigid attachment of the cylinder to the handleriser of the bow whereupon attachment to the handleriser, the cylinder extends forwardly of the handleriser for stabilizing the bow.

Abstract: A crossbow is provided with a magazine which holds several bolts. A plurality of open-sided channels defined by the magazine receive the bolts. The magazine is mounted on a stock of the crossbow for rotation to move successive bolts into a firing position.

Abstract: A gas-powered gun includes a movable loader for moving projectiles into alignment with the barrel of the gun and a detent engageable with the loader for retaining a protectile in the firing position. The loader is provided with projectile ports for holding the projectiles, and the detent is engageable with each port as it moves into alignment with the barrel. The detent is slidably mounted within a detent holder, and the detent holder is connected to a source of pressurized gas. A gas passage extends through the detent, and when the gun is fired, pressurized gas flows through the detent and propels the projectile through the barrel.

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.

Abstract: A game employing a gun capable of emitting a light beam can be played using a target apparatus which ejects objects each time this apparatus is approximately actuated by a light beam. The target apparatus includes a turntable which is capable of being rotated by a motor. The turntable includes a plurality of holders, each of which is adapted to hold an object to be ejected from the apparatus. An ejection lever is mounted on the base of the apparatus so as to be capable of ejecting an object from a holder positioned directly above it. After such an object is ejected the motor rotates the turntable. Structures are provided for returning the ejection lever to a position in which it can eject an object from an adjacent holder and for indexing the turntable so that an adjacent holder is above the lever as a result of such rotation of the turntable. A circuit including a photocell is provided on the apparatus for operation of the ejection lever so as to eject an object from a holder positioned above this lever.

Abstract: A tennis ball retrieving and propelling device for placement on a surface having a ball delivery tube and a carrousel type ball retriever positioned below the ball delivery tube for receiving balls to be pneumatically transported to the ball delivery tube. The delivery tube is provided with a mechanism for constricting the effective cross sectional area thereof. The mechanism is provided with a releasing element for releasing the constriction to permit a ball to be pneumatically propelled through the tube. The mechanism includes a section of flexible tubing attached to the delivery tube, a cable surrounding the flexible tubing and a device attached to the cable for tensioning and releasing the cable to restrict and release a ball traveling through the flexible tube. The balls are pneumatically retrieved and propelled from the propelling device. The propelling device has elements for controlling the speed, azimuth and elevation of a ball delivered therefrom.

Abstract: A propulsion device is provided, designed especially for discharging tennis balls for practice purposes, at selected angles of inclination, and at a predetermined, selected velocity. Employed in the device is a distributor, which is disposed between a hopper and an air pressurizing drum, the distributor being designed to feed balls, one at a time, to the drum, at predetermined intervals.The distributor is disposed between the hopper and drum in such fashion as to cause the spherical objects to be efficiently agitated within the hopper, by passage over the exteriorly cylindrical surface of the drum while moving to the point at which the objects feed into the drum. Efficient agitation of the spherical objects within the hopper thus assures to the maximum extent that the distributor will be fully charged with said objects.

Abstract: A target throwing apparatus in which a revolving magazine having a number of stacks of targets is independently and fixedly supported relative to an oscillating target throwing housing. A cocking mechanism stops the throwing arm just before reaching the over-center position whereupon initiating of the next cocking cycle throws the target. A power train consists of three equal-sized gears mounted on three parallel shafts to throw the targets and to oscillate the housing. The magazine includes a ramp and cam by which the entire column of targets is lowered by gravity prior to having springbiased fingers engage the second target from the bottom and having the lower-most target fall onto a predetermined drop pad on a target launching plate, which pad location does not change regardless of the position of the oscillating housing and launching plate. A scotch yoke assembly is utilized in translating rotary shaft motion to symmetrical reciprocating motion to oscillate the housing.