Abstract: A tool for seating a tubeless tire on a rim using pressurized gas includes a cylindrical pressure tank with a nozzle affixed to it, and a rapid opening gas valve. The nozzle includes a jet configured to receive pressurized gas from the cylindrical pressure vessel into a chamber of the nozzle. As the stream of gas enters the chamber, the Venturi effect causes air to enter the chamber through air intake ports and the stream of gas and air from the air intake ports is blown out of the outlet of the nozzle. The tire is seated on the rim by positioning the system so that the air from the nozzle rapidly blows into the tire between the bead of the tire and the rim upon the valve being opened.

Abstract: A toy gun (10) with a foregrip includes a gun body (1) having a barrel (11), a gas chamber (12) and a magazine (13); an air valve assembly (3) closing the gas chamber (12); a linkage bar assembly (4) having a trigger bar (41) driving the air valve assembly (3) to open gas chamber (12), a bar dial (42) and a return spring (43) between the gun body (1) and the bar dial (32); a trigger assembly (5) having a trigger member (51) with one end abutted the trigger bar (41) and another end pressed or released from the bar dial (42); and a dialing structure (6) having one end with a foregrip (61) moving horizontally relative to barrel (11) and another end with a link member (62) driving the feed assembly (2) to close or open magazine (13) and pressing or releasing trigger bar (41) and bar dial (42).

Abstract: A ball throwing machine can include a hopper for receiving one or more balls and a ball delivery device. The ball delivery device can be used to throw or pitch a ball from the hopper to a user of the machine. The ball delivery device can include wheels to impart speed to the ball and a direction system to control the projection angle of the ball. The direction system can control at least one of the up and down angle and the side to side angle of the ball as it is thrown, among possibly other throwing parameters. A controller may be provided for controlling operation of the ball throwing machine.

Abstract: A position adjusting device includes a first support member, a yaw axis motor disposed on the first support member, a second support member rotatably disposed on the first support member through the yaw axis motor, and a pitch axis motor disposed on the second support member and used for driving the load to rotate. The yaw axis motor is used for driving the second support member to rotate about a yaw axis to cause the load to rotate about the yaw axis. The pitch axis motor is used for driving the load to rotate about a pitch axis.

Abstract: A tool for seating a tubeless tire on a rim using pressurized gas includes a cylindrical pressure vessel with a pistol grip extending radially from the tank. The tool includes a rapid opening gas valve positioned between the cylindrical pressure vessel and a nozzle. In some embodiments the nozzle includes a jet configured to receive pressurized gas from the cylindrical pressure vessel into a chamber of the nozzle so that as the stream of gas enters the chamber, the Venturi effect causes air to enter the chamber through air intake ports and the stream of gas and air from the air intake ports is blown out of the outlet of the nozzle. The tire is seated on the rim by positioning the system so that the air from the nozzle rapidly blows into the tire between the bead of the tire and the rim upon the valve being opened.

Abstract: An impact-safe projectile launcher for use within an inflatable structure is presented. The projectile launcher comprises a launch tube having an inner end and an outer end. A mount connects the launch tube to the inflatable structure, e.g. a bounce house. An air inlet is provided at the inner end of the launch tube. A projectile inlet is provided downstream of the air inlet at the inner end of the launch tube. An air blower is connected to the inflatable structure and operatively connected such that air flows continuously from the air blower through the air inlet down the launch tube. The continuous flow of air propels impact-safe projectiles that are inserted into the projectile opening down the launch tube and out of the projectile launcher through the outer end of the launch tube.

Abstract: An electric toy gun structure includes a casing having a room therein and a rear end with a through hole communicating with the room; a firing mechanism disposed in the room, the firing mechanism having a piston corresponding to the through hole; a guide pipe coupled at the rear end of the casing and communicating with the through hole; a hit rod movably disposed in the guide pipe, the hit rod having a first end and a second end, the first end passing through the through hole and being located in the room, the second end being coupled with a weight, a first elastic member disposed in the room, one end being against the piston and the other end being against the hit rod; and a second elastic member disposed in the guide pipe, one end being against the casing and the other end being against the weight.

Abstract: This device will train an individual to strike a baseball or softball using a machine that is suitable for all outdoor and indoor applications and can be operated either manually or remotely. A ball feed rack has been incorporated into the original device to make the operation of the device as automatic as possible while still maintaining the features of the original patent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for delivering targets (2) comprising at least one column (4) for storing targets (2) capable of receiving a first target (11) at the lowest point of the column (4) and at least a second target (12) stacked on the first target (11), means for delivering the first target (11), and retention means for retaining the second target (12) in the column (4), characterized in that the retention means for retaining comprise a ramp (21) configured to exert a bearing force on the lower face of the second target (12) during the delivery of the first target (11). This invention also relates to a machine for launching targets (2) equipped with a device and a method for distributing the targets (2).

Abstract: A machine for launching disk-shaped targets has two faces located on each side of an edge. The machine includes means for loading a target into a launch area, an arm for launching the target placed in the launch area and a surface guiding the target by means of contact with at least one of the aforementioned faces thereof. The guiding surface has at least one portion wherein the areas that come into contact with the face of the target are not continuous. The machine is particularly suitable for shooting practice, such as archery.

Abstract: A loader for a slingshot is disclosed, having a tubular magazine for holding pellets, the magazine having a reloading end and a dispensing end with an opening, an end cap for closing the magazine at the reloading end, a dispensing mechanism at the dispensing end for dispensing pellets into a pouch, the dispensing mechanism comprising two or more resilient fingers spaced around the opening for retaining and selectively releasing pellets, the fingers flexible from a closed to an open position by application of force, and apertures defined by the space between the fingers for accessing pellets wherein the pellets are gravity-fed within the magazine. A method of using the loader is also described.

Abstract: A multiple eye paintball loader motor controller having a container and an outfeed tube to direct paintballs to a marker. Ball sensors are in the loader outfeed tube to predict incoming paintballs and the rate of supply. A controller is connected to the ball sensor to sense the incoming balls to control or adapt the operation of the loader in accordance with the supply rate. Secondary sensors may also be utilized to provide additional information. Secondary sensors may be placed in the outfeed tube, placed to provide supplemental side information, or a combination of these placements. Various placements provide feed rate information and may also detect jammed ball positions in the transition area at the end of the outfeed tube.

Abstract: A link for a toy ammunition chain made up of a plurality of links hinged together side-by-side in articulated fashion includes a cylindrical body adapted to receive a soft projectile. A first hinge component extends laterally from the body and has a pair of hinge pins. A second hinge component extends laterally from the body at a position opposite the first hinge component and has a pair of recesses each for pivotally receiving a hinge pin of an adjacent link in the chain.

Abstract: An automatic feed mechanism for use with a batting aid device having a first end configured to receive a ball and a second end configured to drop the ball from the batting aid device. The automatic feed mechanism includes a substantially enclosed tubular member configured to receive a ball from the batting aid device and defining an internal support surface configured to support the ball, a wheel coupled to and positioned at least partially within the tubular member and having a rotational axis orientated substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal extension of the tubular member, and a motor configured to rotate the wheel at least a portion of a full rotation; wherein as the wheel rotates, the wheel is configured to engage and advance the ball through the tubular member in a direction from the first end toward the second end of the batting aid device.

Abstract: A paint ball gun barrel indexing pin includes a plunger, cover, body, and first and second magnets that bias the plunger within the barrel. Magnetic coupling is used between rigid components that are used to position paint balls within a paint ball gun. In a “push-push” arrangement, a pair of magnets are oriented with like poles facing each other. When force is applied to one of the pair of magnets, the force will be transmitted through the magnetic fields to the second magnet. This magnetic coupling offers low resistance to movement when the magnets are in an initial substantially spaced apart relationship. Such low force coupling ensures gentle handling of the paint balls. However, as the limits of travel are approached, the magnetic coupling will exponentially increase forces between the magnets, preventing a “bottoming out” of the coupling.

Abstract: A wheeled cart like ball dispensing device for storing, transporting, and dispensing soccer balls by delivering soccer balls to a player in a variety of delivery modes for simulating game conditions for a player to practice responding to a variety of different shots.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading and unloading pellets in a slingshot includes a handle and a magazine. The handle is hollow. The magazine is mounted in the handle and has a body and a switch. The body has a lower end, a receiving space defined in the body, a sliding hole defined through the lower end and a channel. The channel is defined in the lower end and communicates with the receiving space and the sliding hole. The switch is mounted slidably in the sliding hole and has a baffle, a resilient element, a through hole and a hook. The resilient element is mounted on the baffle. The through hole is defined through the baffle and corresponds to the channel of the body. The hook is mounted on the baffle and extends over the through hole.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pitching machine arranged specifically to pitch small diameter balls utilized in baseball and softball training and practice exercises for increasing a batter's proficiency for regular batting play. The pitching machine includes a body housing one or more electric motors to turn one or more wheels which, in turn, can project a ball toward a batter. The pitching machine includes a feeder tube configured to capture and store a number of balls for use with the pitching machine, and which can be reversibly attached to the pitching machine for automatic feeding of stored balls to the one or more wheels. In the illustrated embodiment, the machine is configured to pitch balls smaller than standard baseballs or softballs.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a magazine for loading paintballs into a guppy. The magazine is in the form of a tapered plastic container defining a chamber, an exit port leading from the chamber and a top loading opening leading to the chamber. A cover is snap mounted to the container and a paintball feed mechanism is mounted adjacent the bottom of the container next to the port. The feed mechanism comprising a slide housing mounted to the container and a slide member defining a beveled aperture sidably mounted in the slide housing, the slide member being spring biased in a closed position to provide selective access to paintballs held in the container chamber allowing a guppy to be mounted to a guppy support member which extends away from the feed mechanism to be loaded with paintballs.

Abstract: A detent body with a center bore is secured to the chamber wall of a paint-ball gun. A floating detent with a hollow core and a domed tip reciprocates within the center bore, allowing the tip to extend into the chamber to restrict movement of a paint ball. Axially aligned slots extend through opposing sides of the floating detent. A pin extends through the slots and corresponding pin holes in opposing sides of the detent body to create a stationary abutment for limiting axial movement of the floating detent. A compressive spring disposed within the hollow core between the pin and the inner end urges the outer tip into the chamber. A set screw threaded into the end of the hollow core engages the pin and the floating detent. Rotation of the set screw regulates axial movement of the outer tip into and out of the chamber.

Abstract: A paint ball gun magazine or a combined hopper/feeder apparatus is disclosed, where the magazine includes a closing assembly designed to allow the magazine to transition between a closed state and an open state and to a paint ball including a closable magazine. A paintball adapter is also disclosed, where the adapter includes a closing assembly designed to allow the adapter to transition between a closed state and an open state and to a paint ball gun including a closable magazine and/or a closable adapter.

Abstract: A paint ball gun magazine or a combined hopper/feeder apparatus is disclosed, where the magazine includes a closing assembly designed to allow the magazine to transition between a closed state and an open state, and to a paint ball gun including a closable magazine or hopper/feeder apparatus.

Abstract: A paintball container is provided having a semi-circular door for fast, efficient loading of paintballs. The container can be in the form of a gun magazine or can be in the form of a pod for supplying paintballs to the magazine. A semi-circular door of the magazine is biased closed with a spring and allows the magazine to be quickly loaded. The magazine includes a door tab attached to the door and a fixed tab attached to a stop which cooperatively engage respectively a fixed tab and a door tab of a paintball pod which is inverted thereon and rotated during magazine loading.

Abstract: A portable paintball container tube loading stand is disclosed, which facilitates the loading of paintballs into paintball container tubes. This support stand comprises a vertical free standing frame which supports a shelf in which there are apertures for vertically inserting paintball container tubes. A hopper, with an open top and bottom, is rotatably attached to this shelf and can be positioned atop this shelf over the inserted tubes. The walls of this hopper are tapered downward towards the open ends of the inserted paintball tubes. These open ends are essentially flush with the top surface of the shelf. Paintballs are delivered into the upper wide mouth of the hopper which directs these paintballs downward into the container tubes. After the tubes have been loaded, the hopper is rotated to the open position to allow the loaded tubes to be removed.

Abstract: A spring-loaded feed mechanism for a paintball loader. The feed mechanism includes an inner spool and an outer spool. A torsion spring is positioned between the inner and outer spools. The outer spool includes a pressure wall, from which the torsion spring is located on one end of the spring. A retaining wall is attached to the inner spool and is located at the opposite end of the torsion spring. When an operator of a paintball gun using the spring-loaded feed mechanism discontinues firing paintballs, the feed mechanism is stopped. Simultaneously, during the deceleration of the feed mechanism, the torsion spring is compressed, which allows the mechanical energy of the rotating feed mechanism to be stored within the compressed spring. When the operator desires to fire the paintball gun, the feed mechanism is accelerated to the requisite rotational speed. The compressed spring is release, thereby allowing the spring to assist in accelerating the feed mechanism to the necessary rotational speed.

Abstract: A magazine for an air gun of this invention can be freely attached to and detached from an air gun body using a magazine body, and has a plurality of pellet holders capable of being loaded with one pellet at a time. The plurality of pellet holders move orbitally about a pellet holder path and the pellets can be fed one at a time from the pellet holders towards a rotary sub chamber positioned below. With the air gun of this invention, the direction of the rotary sub chamber can be changed by shifting a rotary sub chamber positioned below the magazine, a trans link and a bolt forwards and backwards, so that the direction of single pellets dropping from the magazine can be changed by ninety degrees for feeding into the barrel. The magazine conveyor link is also interlocked so as to move to the front and rear in unison with movement to the front and rear of the trans link.

Abstract: In an athletic ball server, a collapsible tripod supports an elongated inclined tray containing a linear array of balls. A gate at the low end of the tray cyclically releases balls one at a time from the array to gravity. One edge of a trampoline is pivoted on the tripod. The central portion of the trampoline is aligned to bounce a ball released from the tray. An eye-bolt is connected between the tripod and the trampoline allowing the angular position of the trampoline to be varied. By adjusting the eye-bolt, it is possible to achieve any desired trajectory of the bounced ball from a pop-up or slow pitch trajectory to a ground ball trajectory.

Abstract: The computer system includes a receptor field (2) with sensors (Ri) each of which receives data with specific characteristic (A, B, C). These data are passed to processors (Pi, Pi/k), whereby only those connections (Li) between sensors and processors are released that are suited to an evaluation of the data according to a combination of specific data dictated by a phase program of a phase program circuit (7). The computer system also includes a selector circuit (71) that discards those program commands from dictated program commands (73) that lead to a “senseless” computation result. A motor program circuit (8) for the control of effectors (9) may be connected to the computer system that at least contribute to the movement of the receptor field (2) in order to bring the receptor field closer to suitable data with specific characteristics in order to enable better execution of the program.

Abstract: A paintball dispensing hopper has an insulating sidewall enclosing a paintball storage space with an open top. A hinged top cover moves between an open position providing access to the open top of the container for filling the storage space with paintballs, and a closed position sealing the open top of the container. All interior surfaces of the sidewall are curved in a manner for directing the paintballs toward a lower frontal dispensing tube. A dispensing valve is engaged with the dispensing tube for dispensing the paintballs by either rotation or linear motion.

Abstract: A ball feeding device for a for connection to a separate and independent ball propelling machine, such as those used to propel softballs, tennis balls, and baseballs. The preferred embodiment includes a lower chute connected to the feed port of a ball machine. Balls are delivered to the lower chute from a hopper through a feed port comprising of a tumbler casing of a hollow tube formation having an entry hole on its open upper end and a feed hole on its open lower end. The casing has a tumbler hole on its wall leading to the feed port. A tumbler sleeve is positioned in the tumbler hole and axial extends perpendicular to the path of the feed port. The tumbler sleeve has a ring gear around its circumference. The tumbler sleeve also has a semicircular sleeve extension, having an inner and outer wall which extends a predetermined distance into the feed port and obstructs the passage of balls though the port. The upper end of the casing is placed within the exit hole of the hopper.

Abstract: A container which can be held and opened by one hand has a dome-shaped cap formed by a series of adjacent, contiguous and ogee-shaped segments resiliently held together by an elastic ring. When the cap is forced down over the opening rim of the vessel, the ogee-shaped segments separate to expose the vessel opening. A similar cap mounted in the inverse direction in the inlet of a paintball-shooting gun magazine opens when contacted by the rim of a paintball container from which the magazine is being reloaded.

Abstract: A high volume reservoir is adapted to hold up to 1000 or more paintballs. A harness or pack is provided to allow the reservoir to be unobtrusively carried by the operator of a paintball marker. A conduit is adapted to extend between the reservoir and paintball marker to continuously or selectively feed paintballs into the marker. A valve assembly mounted on the end of the conduit allows an operator to simultaneously load and fire the paintball marker.

Abstract: An improved ball projecting apparatus for balls of various sizes, weights, materials and shapes, which utilizes air pressure supplied by a separate and independent source of flowing air, such as a leaf blower, to project balls. More specifically, it comprises of a barrel (10) of tubular form defining a linear air discharge axis. The barrel is attached on one end to the source of flowing air (11). A barrel hole (12) is formed in the barrel wall. Attached to the barrel is a tumbler casing (14). The casing has a hollow tubular formation. It has an entry hole (16) and a feed hole (19) formed on its wall directly opposite each other. The tumbler casing is attached and sealed at its feed hole to the barrel hole creating a path or feed port through the casing and into the barrel. Inside the casing is a tumbler (20) being of hollow tubular shell formation which is solid on all walls and ends except for a tumbler hole (22) formed on its wall, exposing the tumbler chamber into which a ball is deposited.

Abstract: The improved paintball loader and hopper is designed to allow a paintball player to load up to one hundred paintballs in just a few seconds without opening or closing the hopper or speed loader tube separately. After fitting the paintball gun with the improved hopper, the improved loader is then lined up with the rails on the hopper and pushed forward to engage the stop on the hopper which opens the loader gate as the loader is pushed forward. At the same time, the loader rails engage the hopper gate and push it open beneath the loader's open gate. The paintballs in the loader fall into the hopper and the loader is pulled back and disengaged from the hopper which allows the rubber bands on the gates to pull the gates into the closed position.

Abstract: A compressed gas powered gun for firing fragile projectiles includes a bolt assembly that will retract and not fracture a projectile when it gets hung up in the breech due to misalignment with the barrel. The bolt assembly includes a front section that will come in contact with the projectile and direct gas at same, a back section for securing the bolt assembly to the cocking mechanism of the gun, a rod extending from the front section and slidable within the rear section and a spring positioned between the front and back sections about the rod so that the front section will retract when coming in contact with a projectile hung up in the breech of the gun.

Abstract: Practice batting of baseballs or the like is facilitated by apparatus having a gently inclined ball feeding trough from which balls drop onto a more steeply inclined ball acceleration chute. The chute has an upcurving lower end that directs the balls into a trajectory that initially extends upward and outward from the device. The lower end of the trough extends into a trough support at the upper end of the chute and is maintained in the operating position by pins on the trough or trough support which extend into slots on the other of the two components. The slot configuration enables pivoting of the trough towards the chute after a short longitudinal movement of the trough. This enables shipping, carrying and storage of the device in a much more compact form. Such compaction and set up of the apparatus prior to use does not require removal and reinstallation of threaded bolts, screws or the like.

Abstract: A machine (10) for projecting a ball, such as a volleyball (B), includes a longitudinally extending, pivotally mounted impact arm (27). A power spring (32) is attached to one end of the arm (27). A ramp (41) is provided on the arm (27) and is mounted angularly with respect to the longitudinal direction of the arm (27). A motor (34) has a rotating shaft (37) which carries a crank arm (38) having a roller (40) at the end. The roller (40) first engages the ramp (41) to extend the spring (32) and pivot the arm (27) and then disengages the ramp (41) so that the arm (27) pivots the other direction under the influence of the spring (32). A pivotally mounted cradle (25) holds a ball (B) in the path of the arm (27) so that the other end of the arm (27) strikes the ball (B). A shock absorbing system (47) engages the arm (27) after the ball (B) has been struck.

Abstract: A magazine is provided for rifles and smooth barrel shoulder guns of the single shot type that use pellets as projectiles, that further have loading mechanisms which include a bolt, and that use as propellant either compressed air (pre-charged or provided by a pump), or carbon dioxide cartridges. The magazine of this invention will permit the operation of these guns as repeaters. The magazine stores pellets in reservoir ducts built into a body. The pellets are fed one at a time into a chute duct for rifle loading. The motion of the pellets within the magazine is propelled by gravity. A guide, which is part of the magazine, helps the operation of filling the magazine with pellets. This guide has a gate which prevents filling the magazine with pellets turned around backwards. The preferred embodiment of the invention may be attached and removed from the rifles by means of built-in clamps, or may be built onto a rifle especially designed to feature it.

Abstract: A gas-powered paint ball gun in which a magazine is attached tangentially to a firing chamber or barrel. An opening is provided in the magazine so as to release back-pressure. Paint balls are fed into the firing chamber through the magazine in a direction tangent to the firing chamber and in a direction perpendicular to the radial direction of the firing chamber or barrel. The paint balls being loaded into the firing chamber each have a limited radial distance to travel and therefore have a limited travel period. The unique configuration enables each paint ball being loaded into the chamber to come to rest in the firing chamber more rapidly and thereby reduces the risk of the gun becoming jammed. Further, this configuration enables the gun to be fired more rapidly and with greater assurance that the gun will not jam.

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 magazine is provided for rifles and smooth barrel shoulder guns of the single shot type that use pellets as projectiles, that further have loading mechanisms which include a bolt, and that use as propellant either compressed air (pre-charged or provided by a pump), or carbon dioxide cartridges. The magazine of this invention will permit the operation of these guns as repeaters. The magazine stores pellets in reservoir ducts built into a body. The pellets are fed one at a time into a chute duct for rifle loading. The motion of the pellets within the magazine is propelled by gravity. A guide, which is part of the magazine, helps the operation of filling the magazine with pellets. This guide has a gate which prevents filling the magazine with pellets turned around backwards. The preferred embodiment of the invention may be attached and removed from the rifles by means of built-in clamps, or may be built onto a rifle especially designed to feature it.

Abstract: An economical relief pitcher in which there is employed a plurality of tubes, at least one of them being employed as a firing tube and at least one being employed for storing balls to be fired, the firing tube being connected with a high volume source of air. A remote push actuator can be employed to actuate a rocker arm and actuator device for allowing a single ball at a time into the firing tube which is connected with a high volume source of air for firing. A delay is employed for effecting a delay from the pushing of the push actuator until the ball is fired. A lower tapered orifice is preferably employed for creating a suction pressure to help the balls get into the firing tube.

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

Abstract: A ball throwing machine for tossing a plurality of balls in succession, one at a time. The machine has a frame adapted to rest on a supporting surface, a spring-loaded pivotally mounted catapult arm that receives, holds, and tosses the balls, and a cam wheel and cam wheel shaft turnably mounting the cam wheel on the frame. The shaft has an axis which is laterally offset from the pivot axis of the catapult arm. The cam wheel has peripheral teeth, and a power driven pinion engages the teeth to impart turning movement to the wheel. There are cam rollers on the wheel which engage, one at a time, a cam plate on the catapult arm. The arrangement is such that the catapult arm is periodically shifted toward a ball-receiving position, picks up a ball, and as the cam wheel turns further, one cam roller by-passes the cam plate enabling the catapult arm to snap under the action of the spring and toss the ball.

Abstract: A BB gun loader has a rigid BB container having an open end covered by a removable cap and having the other end an outlet side to emit one BB at a time. The outlet is shaped to fit into the end of a BB gun magazine. A dispenser mechanism is a single molded piece pinned to the rigid BB container for rotation on a pair of pins responsive to the pressing of a dispenser button located on the exterior of the container to open and close a BB outlet door covering the BB outlet. A pair of leaf springs are formed into the dispenser mechanism and extend against one side of the BB container to return the BB outlet door to a closed position when the dispenser-button is released.

Abstract: The invention feeds balls to a connected ball propelling machine, such as those used to propel softballs and baseballs. The feeder includes a chute angled with respect to gravity so that balls loaded into an upper end thereof tend to travel through the chute but are restricted in their movement by an abutment surface. The abutment surface is formed on a bumper member extending upwardly into the chute. A rotating shaft extends across the chute in proximity to and behind the abutment surface. The shaft includes a pair of hooks extending about the bumper member so that upon rotation of the shaft, the hooks lift one ball at a time over the bumper member. This allows the lifted ball to continue its travel down the chute and into the ball propelling machine. A cam included on the shaft, and switches are used to control a motor connected to rotate shaft.

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

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for shooting bullets by pressure medium for use in a toy gun. This mechanism includes a piston member fitted into an outer tubular member and reciprocating in response to changes in the pressure medium, and wait hook arms are provided in the piston member. Further, an inner tubular body having a gas injection hole is fixedly provided within the outer tubular member, and a needle valve for opening and closing the injection hole is provided in association with the inner tubular body. This needle valve is provided with a weight biased by a spring member. The weight is disengaged from the wait hook arm by the advancing movement of the piston member and hits against the rear end portion of the needle valve. In addition, at the rear end portion of the needle valve, there is provided a seal valve for temporarily closing a gas introduction hole provided on the side of the rear end portion of the outer tubular member by hitting of the weight.

Abstract: A pellet dispenser comprising an elongated tube for holding pellets end-to-end and a pellet restraining device on the tube. This restraining device comprises (1) a casing straddling the tube near one end; (2) a push-button; (3) a generally U-shaped body extending down from the push button and straddling the tube; (4) a spring biasing the push button and the U-shaped body to a position in which the bottom of the "U" is just beneath the tube; (5) a rigid first stop member extending from the U-shaped body up into tube to engage the front of the first pellet in the tube except when the push button is depressed; and (6) a second stop member with a soft, deformable bottom piece extending from the push button down into the tube to engage the next pellet directly behind the first pellet when the push button is depressed.