PROJECTILES LAUNCH ACCESSIBILITY TO USERS WITH UPPER LIMB PROSTHESES USING ASSISTIVE HANDLING TECHNOLOGY AND METHODS

Abstract

Apparatus, tools, and methods intended as assistive apparatus for toy projectile launching from a launcher having an outer housing with a rearward stock portion, a grip/handle portion forward of the stock portion, an opening for a projectile magazine and a forward muzzle portion. A projectile magazine connects to the outer housing through the opening. An energy source mounted in the outer housing for launching a dart, with a power/rev trigger mounted to the outer housing for activating the energy source, and a launch trigger for causing dart launching. A bracket mounts to the grip, with a clamp/clamping mechanism for securing the bracket to the grip. First panel and second panel mechanisms mount to the bracket to trigger activating, launch, and magazine release structures.

Description

PRIORITY CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 119(e) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/289,539 filed Dec. 14, 2021.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to assistive technology providing toy dart launch handling tools and methods intended to otherwise facilitate handheld operations of mechanical apparatus, and more particularly for play and use of projectile launchers in gameplay, toy and non-toy environments to increase accessibility.

Known assistive structures may secure tools to the wrist of a user by a cord or the like provided to prevent dropping the tool in work environments. However, tools and such structures are not known to assist in the use of projectile launchers in gameplay and entertainment environments including but not limited to balls, darts, paintballs in gameplay and various toy and non-toy environments.

Various other known apparatus and configurations for tools intended to be held exist but do not facilitate improved grasping and operational movements therewith manipulated by the user.

It would be desirable to provide assistive technology providing toy dart launch handling tools and methods intended to otherwise facilitate handheld operations of mechanical apparatus, more quickly, easily, and safely.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses shortcomings of the prior art. Described novel solutions described herein include subcomponents with different responsibilities, including bracket mounts to a grip, with a clamp/clamping mechanism for securing the bracket to the grip. First panel and second panel mechanisms mount to the bracket to trigger activating, launch, and magazine release structures.

Briefly summarized, the present invention relates to tools intended to be held in the hands of users with upper limb prostheses using assistive handling assistive launcher apparatus bracket/mount for mounting to the launcher grip, with a clamp/clamping mechanism for securing the bracket to the grip, and further includes a first panel/acceleration plate/push plate mounted to the bracket for activating the power trigger; a second panel/firing plate/activation trigger mechanism mounted to the bracket for activating the launch trigger; and a magazine release structure/clip ejection release/clip ejection mechanism mounted to the magazine for releasing the magazine from the outer housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the inventions, the accompanying drawings and description illustrate preferred embodiments thereof, from which the inventions, structure, construction and operation, and many related advantages may be readily understood and appreciated.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a toy projectile launcher in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a toy projectile launcher in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a toy projectile launcher in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a bracket from a toy projectile launcher in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a first plate from a toy projectile launcher in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a second plate from a toy projectile launcher in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a bracket assembly from a toy projectile launcher in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a bracket assembly from a toy projectile launcher in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a bracket assembly from a toy projectile launcher in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a clamping mechanism from a toy projectile launcher in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 shows a side view of a magazine clip ejection release from a toy projectile launcher in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a bracket assembly and magazine clip ejection release from a toy projectile launcher in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the described embodiments set forth in the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention. Various modifications, equivalents, variations, and alternatives, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Any and all such modifications, variations, equivalents, and alternatives are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Likewise, a reasonably broad scope for claimed or covered subject matter is intended. Among other things, for example, subject matter may be embodied as methods, devices, components, or systems. The following detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be taken in a limiting sense.

With reference to the figures, projectile launch handling embodiments are shown and described for advantageously facilitating user held integrated design toy launch apparatus, systems, methods and structural tools with underdeveloped hands assistive technology subcomponents in accordance with the present inventions. Applicants Assignee's launching mechanism propelling projectiles including U.S. Pat. No. 9,958,230 to Nugent, et al. for “Rapid Fire Toy Launch Apparatus” issued May 1, 2018, U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,967,130 and 9,194,646 to Victor, et al. for “Toy Projectile Launcher Apparatus” issued Mar. 3, 2015, and U.S. Pat. No. 10,876,809 to Kopman, et al. for “Quick Start Projectile Launcher and Methods” issued Dec. 29, 2020, contents of which are also incorporated by reference including any incorporations by reference contained therein, which individually and cumulatively disclose structure, apparatus and methods and embodiments described complementing the improvements and inventions disclosed herein. Further aspects and advantages are discussed below. Applicants Assignee's launching mechanism propelling projectiles methods included in U.S. Patent Application No. for Underdeveloped Hands Assistive Technology Providing Projectiles Launch Handling Tools and Methods as filed on even date herewith, include contents of which are also incorporated by reference including any incorporations by reference contained therein.

Assistive apparatus including tools intended to be held as assistive apparatus are disclosed for a toy projectile launcher having an outer housing, the outer housing having a rearward stock portion, a grip/handle portion forward of the stock portion, and an opening for a projectile magazine and a forward muzzle portion. A bracket mounts to the grip, with a clamp/clamping mechanism for securing the bracket to the grip.

Preferred embodiments non-exhaustively include apparatus and methods with first panel/acceleration plate/push plate mounts to the bracket for activating the power trigger. A second panel/firing plate/activation trigger mechanism mounts to the bracket for activating the launch trigger, and a magazine release structure/clip ejection release/clip ejection mechanism mounts to the magazine for releasing the magazine from the outer housing.

A projectile magazine connects to the outer housing through the opening. An energy source is mounted in the outer housing for launching a dart. A power/rev trigger is mounted to the outer housing for activating the energy source, and a launch trigger is mounted to the outer housing for causing a dart to be launched. The assistive apparatus provides a bracket/mount for mounting to the grip, and a clamp/clamping mechanism for securing the bracket to the grip, and further includes a first panel/acceleration plate/push plate mounted to the bracket for activating the power trigger; a second panel/firing plate/activation trigger mechanism mounted to the bracket for activating the launch trigger; and a magazine release structure/clip ejection release/clip ejection mechanism mounted to the magazine for releasing the magazine from the outer housing.

As seen in the figures, including FIGS. 1-3, in preferred embodiments of the invention there is a toy projectile launcher 10 for an individual to use to launch a toy projectile externally from inside the launcher. The launcher may be used by most individuals, but the launcher is adapted particularly to be assistive to individuals having less typical anatomical features and/or those having prosthetic limbs or components, especially associated with upper limbs or arms. Examples of some of the adaptive features and components are shown in FIG. 12, for example.

The launcher 10 includes an outer housing 20 having a forward portion 22 and a rearward portion 24, with a forward grip 26 extending from the forward portion 22 of the outer housing 20, a rearward grip 28 extending from the rearward portion 24 of the outer housing 20, and an exit opening 30 in the forward portion 22 from which a projectile can be projected. Though not shown in the figures herein, illustrated and described in documents incorporated by reference herein are various types of launching apparatus disposed within an outer housing, the launching apparatus being engageable with a toy projectile, such as a dart or ball, also not shown herein. Similarly, such references show examples of an energy source associated with the launching apparatus, typically a battery that is or can be electrically connected to the launching apparatus, possibly with a switch for selectively energizing the launching apparatus.

The launcher 10 includes a power trigger 32 disposed on the outer housing and in communication with the energy source. For example, the power trigger 32, when depressed either momentarily or for a certain duration may selectively electrically connect the energy source and launching apparatus to place the launcher in a ready state to launch a toy projectile.

The launcher 10 further includes a launch trigger 34 disposed on the outer housing and in communication with the launching apparatus. On selective depression of the launch trigger 34, the launching apparatus is activated to launch a toy projectile with velocity through the exit opening 30 and out of the launcher.

To provide accessibility and assistance to those having prosthetic apparatus and others, the launcher 10 as seen in FIGS. 1-3 also has a first panel 40 that is or may be mechanically linked to the power trigger 32 such that movement of the first panel effectuates actuation of the power trigger to supply continuous energy to said launching apparatus.

To further provide accessibility and assistance, the launcher 10 also has a second panel 50 that is or may be mechanically linked to the launch trigger 34 such that movement of the second panel effectuates actuation of the launch trigger to effectuate launching of the toy projectile through the exit opening and out of the housing.

Although FIGS. 1-9 show multiple orientations and linkage arrangements for the first panel 40 and second panel 50 relative to the power trigger 32 and launch trigger 34, respectively, many other configurations of such are possible and are contemplated to be within the scope of the invention. Additionally, various ones of such configurations could permit actuation of the associated trigger by when the panel is either linearly translated in one or more dimensions or angularly rotated along one or more axes of rotation, or a combination thereof. In particular, such panels are intended to be configured for association with prosthetic apparatus and motions and forms of interactive contact that would be readily associated with such apparatus to use a toy projectile launcher is contemplated herein.

As may be seen in FIGS. 1-9, either or both panels 40 and 50 may be effectively connected to their respective triggers 32 and 34 through mechanical linkages, and such may be adaptively supported by a bracket assembly 60 that is mounted upon the forward grip 26. FIG. 12 shows the bracket assembly and magazine clip ejection release. The bracket assembly 60 may for example include a bracket 62 suitable for substantially surrounding the forward grip portion 26. FIGS. 4-7 show components of the brackets. In the shown examples, the bracket extends around at least half and sometimes three-fourths or more of the grip portion 26. The bracket 62 may have one or more screw holes 64 for receiving one or more screws 66 that may be used to tighten the bracket 62 and/or bracket assembly 60 on the forward grip portion 26.

The bracket assembly 60 can take various configurations of angular, planar, curved, or rounded portions, but the bracket assembly may be preferably held in place on the forward grip 26 by use of a clamping mechanism 70. FIG. 10 shows the clamping mechanism for use on projectile launcher 10. As seen, the clamping mechanism 70 may comprise one or more screws 66 and one or more screw receptacles 72 that may be mechanically linked together, such as by clamping plate 74. With this type of configuration, the screws 66 can be rotated into the screw receptacles 72 on the clamping plate 74 to effectively squeeze opposite sides of the bracket assembly 60 or bracket 62 together to grip the forward grip portion 26 more effectively.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, as seen in FIG. 5, the first panel 40 extends from the bracket assembly 60 by a first panel extender 42 that has a first panel rotator 44 extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom and a shorter first panel actuator 46 also extending therefrom. In an embodiment of the invention, the first panel 40 may be depressed or otherwise have force applied to it such that the panel 40 rotates around the first panel rotator 44 that may be secured on or within the bracket assembly 60, such that while rotating through a given arc, the first panel actuator 46 may make contact with and depress the power trigger 32.

Similarly, FIGS. 8-9 show components of the bracket assembly 60 which may for example include a bracket 62, with the second panel 50 extending from the bracket assembly 60 by a second panel extender 52 that has a rotary connection end 54 or other means for rotationally interacting with the bracket assembly 60. Extending substantially perpendicularly from the second panel extender 52 may be a second panel actuator 56, as seen in FIG. 6. In an embodiment of the invention, the second panel 50 may be depressed or otherwise have force applied to it such that the panel 50 rotates around at the rotary connection end 54 of the second panel extender 52 such that while rotating through a given arc, the second panel actuator 56 may contact and depress the launch trigger 34.

As seen in FIG. 11, to further provide accessibility and assistance, there may be adaptive apparatus used in association with hardware meant to store additional projectiles for being launched by the projectile toy launcher 10. In particular, the outer housing 20 may include a magazine slot 80 for accepting insertion of a magazine clip 82 for storing and releasing into the housing for launch additional toy projectiles. However, it can be difficult to remove such a magazine from the outer housing with prosthetics or otherwise. As such, in a preferred embodiment of the invention there is also included a magazine clip ejection release 84 for facilitating ejection of the magazine clip 82 from the magazine slot 80. In a preferred embodiment, the release 84 may include a band 86 for circumferentially gripping the magazine clip 82, a rod 88 for connecting/interacting with the band 86 and a loop 90 connected to the rod 88 for facilitating adaptive/prosthetic manipulation. In this manner, the loop 90 may be pulled, for example, to impart pulling force through the rod and band to the magazine clip and remove the magazine clip from the magazine slot.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, there is a toy projectile launcher for an individual to use to launch a toy projectile, the launcher comprising an outer housing having a forward portion and a rearward portion, with an exit opening in the forward portion, a forward grip extending from the forward portion of the outer housing, a rearward grip extending from the rearward portion of the outer housing, a toy projectile disposed within the outer housing, launching apparatus disposed within the outer housing, the launching apparatus being engageable with the toy projectile, an energy source, a power trigger disposed on the outer housing and in communication with the energy source, a launch trigger disposed on the outer housing and in communication with the launching apparatus, a first panel mechanically linked to the power trigger such that movement of the first panel causes continuous actuation of the power trigger to supply continuous energy to the launching apparatus, and a second panel mechanically linked to the launch trigger such that movement of the second panel causes actuation of the launch trigger and thereby causes the energized launching apparatus to transfer energy to the toy projectile so as to impart velocity to the projectile relative to the housing to launch the projectile through the exit opening and out of the housing.

The toy projectile launcher may further comprise a bracket secured to the forward grip, the first panel extending from the bracket such that it is rotatable relative thereto to cause the continuous actuation of the power trigger to supply continuous energy to the launching apparatus. The toy projectile launcher may further comprise a bracket secured to the forward grip, the second panel extending from the bracket such that it is rotatable relative thereto to cause the actuation of the launch trigger and thereby cause the energized launching apparatus to transfer energy to the toy projectile.

The toy projectile launcher may further comprise a bracket secured to the forward grip, the first panel extending from the bracket such that it is rotatable relative thereto to cause the continuous actuation of the power trigger to supply continuous energy to the launching apparatus and the second panel extending from the bracket such that it is rotatable relative thereto to cause the actuation of the launch trigger and thereby cause the energized launching apparatus to transfer energy to the toy projectile.

The toy projectile launcher may further comprise a clamp for adjustably securing the bracket on the forward grip. The toy projectile launcher of claim 1 may have the outer housing including a magazine interface portion, the magazine interface portion configured for interfacing with a magazine.

The toy projectile launcher may further comprise a magazine containing a plurality of toy projectiles, the magazine interfacing with the magazine interface portion of the outer housing. The toy projectile launcher may further comprise a magazine ejection mechanism mounted to the housing, the magazine ejection mechanism being movable relative to the housing to release the magazine from interfacing therewith.

Preferred embodiments of the invention include an assistive apparatus for a toy projectile launcher having an outer housing with forward and rearward portions, an exit opening in the forward portion, a forward grip extending from the forward portion and a rearward grip extending from the rearward portion, a toy projectile disposed within the housing, launching apparatus disposed within the housing, the launching apparatus being engageable with the toy projectile, an energy source, a power trigger disposed on the housing and in communication with the energy source, and a launch trigger disposed on the housing and in communication with the launching apparatus, the assistive apparatus comprising a first panel mechanically linked to the power trigger such that movement of the first panel causes continuous actuation of the power trigger to supply continuous energy to the launching apparatus, and a second panel mechanically linked to the launch trigger such that movement of the second panel causes actuation of the launch trigger and thereby causes the energized launching apparatus to transfer energy to the toy projectile so as to impart velocity to the projectile relative to the housing to launch the projectile through the exit opening and out of the housing.

The assistive apparatus for a toy projectile launcher may further comprise a bracket secured to the forward grip, the first panel extending from the bracket such that it is rotatable relative thereto to cause the continuous actuation of the power trigger to supply continuous energy to the launching apparatus. The assistive apparatus for a toy projectile launcher may further comprise a bracket secured to the forward grip, the second panel extending from the bracket such that it is rotatable relative thereto to cause the actuation of the launch trigger and thereby cause the energized launching apparatus to transfer energy to the toy projectile.

The assistive apparatus for a toy projectile launcher may further comprise a bracket secured to the forward grip, the first panel extending from the bracket such that it is rotatable relative thereto to cause the continuous actuation of the power trigger to supply continuous energy to the launching apparatus and the second panel extending from the bracket such that it is rotatable relative thereto to cause the actuation of the launch trigger and thereby cause the energized launching apparatus to transfer energy to the toy projectile. The assistive apparatus for a toy projectile launcher may further comprise a clamp for adjustably securing the bracket on the forward grip.

The assistive apparatus for a toy projectile launcher may have the outer housing including a magazine interface portion, the magazine interface portion configured for interfacing with a magazine. The assistive apparatus for a toy projectile launcher may further comprise a magazine containing a plurality of toy projectiles, the magazine interfacing with the magazine interface portion of the outer housing. The assistive apparatus for a toy projectile launcher may further comprise a magazine ejection mechanism mounted to the housing, the magazine ejection mechanism being movable relative to the housing to release the magazine from interfacing therewith.

Preferred embodiments of the invention include a method of launching a toy projectile from a toy projectile launcher having an outer housing with forward and rearward portions, an exit opening in the forward portion, a forward grip extending from the forward portion and a rearward grip extending from the rearward portion, a toy projectile disposed within the housing, launching apparatus disposed within the housing, the launching apparatus being engageable with the toy projectile, an energy source, a power trigger disposed on the housing and in communication with the energy source, a launch trigger disposed on the housing and in communication with the launching apparatus, a first panel mechanically linked to the power trigger, and a second panel mechanically linked to the launch trigger, the method comprising the steps of moving the first panel to cause continuous actuation of the power trigger to supply continuous energy to the launching apparatus, and moving the second panel to cause actuation of the launch trigger and thereby causes the energized launching apparatus to transfer energy to the toy projectile so as to impart velocity to the projectile relative to the housing to launch the projectile through the exit opening and out of the housing.

The method may include a toy projectile launcher further including a bracket and an adjustable clamp for securing the bracket to the forward grip, the bracket for supporting the first panel and the second panel thereon, and the method may further include the additional step of adjusting the clamp to secure the bracket to the forward grip. The method may include a toy projectile launcher further includes a magazine interface portion, the magazine interface portion configured for interfacing with a magazine, a magazine for containing a plurality of toy projectiles, the magazine interfacing with the magazine interface portion of the outer housing, and a magazine ejection mechanism mounted to the housing, the magazine ejection mechanism being movable relative to the housing to release the magazine from interfacing therewith, and the method may include the additional step of moving the magazine ejection mechanism relative to the housing to release the magazine from interfacing with the housing.

It is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention herein described are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. From the foregoing, it can be seen that there has been provided a detailed description with various features, and while particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes, and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. Therefore, the aim is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. The matters set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings are offered by way of illustrations only and not as limitations. The actual scope of the invention is to be defined by the subsequent claims when viewed in their proper perspective based on the prior art. Other apparatus, methods, features and advantages will be, or will become, apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional structures, methods, features and advantages are within the scope of the inventions. Nothing in this section should be taken as a limitation on the claims.

Claims

1. A toy projectile launcher, comprising:

an outer housing having a forward portion and a rearward portion, with an exit opening in said forward portion;

a forward grip extending from said forward portion of said outer housing;

a rearward grip extending from said rearward portion of said outer housing;

launching apparatus disposed within said outer housing, said launching apparatus being engageable with a projectile;

an energy source;

a power trigger disposed on said outer housing and in communication with said energy source;

a launch trigger disposed on said outer housing and in communication with said launching apparatus;

a first panel mechanically linked to said power trigger such that movement of said first panel causes continuous actuation of said power trigger to supply continuous energy to said launching apparatus; and

a second panel mechanically linked to said launch trigger such that movement of said second panel causes actuation of said launch trigger.

2. The toy projectile launcher of claim 1, comprising a bracket secured to said forward grip, said first panel extending from said bracket such that it is rotatable relative thereto to cause said continuous actuation of said power trigger to supply continuous energy to said launching apparatus.

3. The toy projectile launcher of claim 1, comprising a bracket secured to said forward grip, said second panel extending from said bracket such that it is rotatable relative thereto to cause said actuation of said launch trigger and thereby cause said energized launching apparatus to transfer energy to the projectile.

4. The toy projectile launcher of claim 1, comprising a bracket secured to said forward grip, said first panel extending from said bracket such that it is rotatable relative thereto to cause said continuous actuation of said power trigger to supply continuous energy to said launching apparatus and said second panel extending from said bracket such that it is rotatable relative thereto to cause said actuation of said launch trigger and thereby cause said energized launching apparatus to transfer energy to the projectile.

5. The toy projectile launcher of claim 1, comprising a clamp for adjustably securing said bracket on said forward grip.

6. The toy projectile launcher of claim 1, wherein said outer housing includes a magazine interface portion, said magazine interface portion configured for interfacing with a magazine.

7. The toy projectile launcher of claim 6, comprising a magazine containing a plurality of projectiles, said magazine interfacing with said magazine interface portion of said outer housing.

8. The toy projectile launcher of claim 7, comprising a magazine ejection mechanism mounted to said housing, said magazine ejection mechanism being movable relative to said housing to release said magazine from interfacing therewith.

9. The toy projectile launcher of claim 1, wherein said second panel mechanically linked to said launch trigger such that movement of said second panel causes actuation of said launch trigger and thereby causes said energized launching apparatus to transfer energy to the projectile to impart velocity to the projectile relative to said housing to launch the projectile through said exit opening and out of said housing.

10. An assistive apparatus for a toy projectile launcher having an outer housing with forward and rearward portions, an exit opening in said forward portion, a forward grip extending from said forward portion and a rearward grip extending from said rearward portion, launching apparatus disposed within said housing, said launching apparatus being engageable with a projectile, an energy source, a power trigger disposed on said housing and in communication with said energy source, and a launch trigger disposed on said housing and in communication with said launching apparatus, said assistive apparatus comprising:

a first panel mechanically linked to said power trigger such that movement of said first panel causes continuous actuation of said power trigger to supply continuous energy to said launching apparatus; and

a second panel mechanically linked to said launch trigger such that movement of said second panel causes actuation of said launch trigger and thereby causes said energized launching apparatus to transfer energy to the projectile so as to impart velocity to the projectile relative to said housing to launch the projectile through said exit opening and out of said housing.

11. The assistive apparatus for a toy projectile launcher of claim 10, comprising a bracket secured to said forward grip, said first panel extending from said bracket such that it is rotatable relative thereto to cause said continuous actuation of said power trigger to supply continuous energy to said launching apparatus.

12. The assistive apparatus for a toy projectile launcher of claim 10, comprising a bracket secured to said forward grip, said second panel extending from said bracket such that it is rotatable relative thereto to cause said actuation of said launch trigger and thereby cause said energized launching apparatus to transfer energy to the projectile.

13. The assistive apparatus of claim 10, comprising a bracket secured to said forward grip, said first panel extending from said bracket such that it is rotatable relative thereto to cause said continuous actuation of said power trigger to supply continuous energy to said launching apparatus and said second panel extending from said bracket such that it is rotatable relative thereto to cause said actuation of said launch trigger and thereby cause said energized launching apparatus to transfer energy to the projectile.

14. The assistive apparatus of claim 11, comprising a clamp for adjustably securing said bracket on said forward grip.

15. The assistive apparatus of claim 10, wherein said outer housing includes a magazine interface portion, said magazine interface portion configured for interfacing with a magazine.

16. The assistive apparatus of claim 15, comprising a magazine containing a plurality of projectiles, said magazine interfacing with said magazine interface portion of said outer housing.

17. The assistive apparatus of claim 16, comprising a magazine ejection mechanism mounted to said housing, said magazine ejection mechanism being movable relative to said housing to release said magazine from interfacing therewith.

18. A method of using a toy projectile launcher having an outer housing with forward and rearward portions, an exit opening in said forward portion, a forward grip extending from said forward portion and a rearward grip extending from said rearward portion, launching apparatus disposed within said housing, the launching apparatus being engageable with a projectile, an energy source, a power trigger disposed on said housing and in communication with said energy source, a launch trigger disposed on said housing and in communication with said launching apparatus, a first panel mechanically linked to said power trigger, and a second panel mechanically linked to said launch trigger, said method comprising the following steps:

moving said first panel to cause continuous actuation of said power trigger to supply continuous energy to said launching apparatus; and

moving said second panel to cause actuation of said launch trigger and thereby causes said energized launching apparatus to transfer energy to the projectile to impart velocity to the projectile relative to said housing to launch the projectile through said exit opening and out of said housing.

19. The method of claim 18, providing the toy projectile launcher with a bracket and an adjustable clamp for securing said bracket to said forward grip, said bracket for supporting said first panel and said second panel thereon, and said method includes the additional step of adjusting said clamp to secure said bracket to said forward grip.

20. The method of claim 18, providing the toy projectile launcher with a magazine interface portion, said magazine interface portion configured for interfacing with a magazine, a magazine for containing a plurality of projectiles, said magazine interfacing with said magazine interface portion of said outer housing, and a magazine ejection mechanism mounted to said housing, said magazine ejection mechanism being movable relative to said housing to release said magazine from interfacing therewith, said method including the additional step of moving said magazine ejection mechanism relative to said housing to release said magazine from interfacing with said housing.