Abstract: A toy launch apparatus for discharging circular projectiles of predetermined diameter and height. The apparatus includes multiple safety features to prevent inappropriate objects inserted into the apparatus from enabling the apparatus to operate. A side latch is mounted that locks a shuttle to a housing assembly unless a properly sized projectile is inserted that rotates a side latch bar rotatably mounted to the shuttle out of engagement with an abutment surface in the housing assembly. A top latch is mounted that locks the shuttle to the housing assembly unless the inserted projectile also rotates a top latch bar mounted to the shuttle out of engagement with another abutment surface in the housing assembly.

Abstract: A toy launch apparatus for discharging circular projectiles of predetermined diameter and height. The apparatus includes multiple safety features to prevent inappropriate objects inserted into the apparatus from enabling the apparatus to operate. A side latch is mounted that locks a shuttle to a housing assembly unless a properly sized projectile is inserted that rotates a side latch bar rotatably mounted to the shuttle out of engagement with an abutment surface in the housing assembly. A top latch is mounted that locks the shuttle to the housing assembly unless the inserted projectile also rotates a top latch bar mounted to the shuttle out of engagement with another abutment surface in the housing assembly.

Abstract: A toy drive mechanism having extensions such as leg and neck members covered with a plush covering. The drive mechanism is operative to move the leg, back, and head members in coordinated movements imitating an animal tugging or pulling on a rope. The realistic movement is provided by a series of rotating devices, some on differing axes relative to the drive shaft, and an information processor activated by one or more switches located throughout the body. One switch in particular, located between the neck and head and motivated by a user pulling on the rope in the toy's mouth, will cause the toy to exert a pulling motion accompanied by sound effects.