Abstract: A projectile-propelling toy includes a first port and a first propulsion mechanism for propelling a projectile via the first port as well as a second port and a second propulsion mechanism for propelling a projectile via the second port. The first and second propulsion mechanisms are separate and independent, at least one of the first and second propulsion mechanisms being pneumatic. A kit for the toy includes a housing having an engaging element for releasably receiving a first weapon and a cavity for telescopically receiving at least a major portion of a second weapon. A magazine is adapted to be releasably received in functional engagement by each of the first weapon, the second weapon and the housing. One weapon includes a manually-driven pneumatic propulsion mechanism for propelling a projectile, a spring-driven pneumatic propulsion mechanism for propelling a projectile, and a selector for manually selecting which of the pneumatic propulsion mechanisms is operative at a given time.

Abstract: An air-pulse powered arrow shooting toy set provided with at least one soft arrow whose shaft is formed of resilient, flexible foam material, the rear section of the shaft having an axial bore so that the arrow is slidable onto a launching tube which then extends into the bore. Coupled to the tube is an air gun which, when cocked and then fired, produces a compressed air pulse which is delivered to the launching tube to shoot off the arrow. The air gun includes a barrel having a piston slidable therein which is attached to a piston rod that extends out of one end of the barrel to join a handle. Surrounding the piston rod between the one end of the barrel and the piston is a compressible helical spring. A hand grip attached to the barrel is provided with a spring-biased trigger having a latching finger which when the trigger is inactive extends into a slot in the barrel.

Abstract: A wheeled jet reaction toy including a wheeled vehicle adapted to carry an empty beverage can of the "pop top" type having an opening at one end. The vehicle is adapted to clamp the empty beverage container with its open "pop top" end facing rearwardly. An exhaust tube mounted on the vehicle communicates with the empty beverage container through the "pop top opening". An air pump is mounted on a launch pad and a nozzle is connected by a hose to the air pump with the nozzle extending into the exhaust tube when the vehicle is straddling the launch pad so that air under pressure can be transmitted by the pump through the exhaust tube and into the beverage container. The vehicle containing the beverage container is held in position at the launch pad by a guillotine type quick release mechanism which engages the end of the exhaust tube and holds it against a seal surrounding the nozzle.

Abstract: A toy vehicle and a handheld pneumatic launcher combination includes a piston and an elongated hollow cylinder with a flange adjacent one end of the cylinder providing grips for a child which simulate an airplane control yoke. While supporting lateral extensions of the flange with the fingers of each hand, the child's thumbs are free to press upon an actuator at one end of the piston forcing the piston head into the cylinder. Attached at the other end of the elongated cylinder, in pneumatic communication with the cylinder, is a launch tube that fits into a socket adjacent the bottom of a toy vehicle that is made predominantly of a lightweight plastic foam. The axis of the launch tube is preferably offset from the axis of the cylinder. In addition, the launch tube is tapered and has a closed end with perforations through the sidewalls of the tube adjacent the closed end.

Abstract: A launcher for a soft compressible closed cell foam ball which includes a cavity in which the ball is forced into from the front of the barrel and is held loosely therein and a plunger coupled to the barrel for causing the ball to be compressed and then spring out of the cavity accompanied by a loud popping sound.

Abstract: An air gun having a fixed barrel mounted on a body and a source of compressed air or gas housed in the body has a device for enabling a pellet to be inserted directly into the barrel. A breech block is angularly movable between a loading position in which the breech is exposed and a firing position in which the breech is closed, the breech block having passage for completing the connection between the breech and the source of compressed air. In the embodiment shown the breech block is cylindrical and is rotatably mounted in a continuation of a cylinder in which a spring urged piston works, and has a guide chute in its cylindrical surface to assist the introduction of the pellet. Seals may be provided at either end of the breech block.

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 method and apparatus has two stages of acceleration establishing levels of kinetic energy in paired bodies contributing to a total system mass that is to be accelerated in a given time profile. A first stage of acceleration places the paired bodies in helical trajectories about a toroidal space. The second stage of acceleration has mutual cross coupling between the paired masses for the reflection of reaction forces resulting from the independently, but simultaneously, applied forces for enhancement of the acceleration and for mutual suppression of recoil within the apparatus.

Abstract: There is disclosed a practice device to be used with a bow. This device comprises a cylindrical tube transversely secured to the main body of the bow, and a piston rod reciprocately engaging the tube according to the motion imparted thereto by the user. The inner end of the piston rod is abuttingly engageable by the bow-tensioning cord and is capable of stretching the latter outwardly from the bow main body. The piston rod is used as an arrow, except that it remains mounted in the cylindrical tube, never leaving the bow after release of the stretched tensioned bow cord.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pneumatic toy projectile launching device including a launching barrel, a reservoir for air under pressure, a pump inflation member and a flexible conduit joining the pump to the body of the device. The single conduit is employed both to fill the reservoir and for triggering launching of the projectile.