Abstract: A reconfigurable toy vehicle launcher includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes at least a portion of a launching mechanism. The second portion includes a compartment configured to receive a set of launchable toy vehicles and is reconfigurable with respect to the first portion. In particular, the second portion is reconfigurable between a first position in which the launching mechanism can sequentially launch the set of launchable toy vehicles away from the toy and a second position in which the first portion and the second portion provide a toy or a storage solution.

Abstract: A hand-held flinging device includes a launcher that engages the projectile and improves control of the launcher and projectile, during a throwing/flinging motion, until centrifugal force causes disengagement of the projectile from the launcher. The engagement system involves the rearward portions of a launcher shaft and the projectile bore, so that, upon disengagement, frictional engagement and interference of the engagement system with the projectile is prevented or limited as the projectile moves forward to fly off the launcher. The engagement system may include a member that snaps into engagement with a hole or recess to hold the projectile on the launcher even through the wind-up portion of the throw that may include the launcher distal end being pointed downward. The preferred projectile covers the entire or nearly the entire launcher shaft distal of the hand grip and is heavier toward its front end.

Abstract: A method and aircraft system are provided for determining an optimal gliding speed that maximizes gliding distance of the aircraft upon engine failure, and comprises calculating the optimal gliding speed from a speed polar curve, true airspeed, heading, and vertical wind speed. The polar curve may be constructed with consideration of the aircraft center of gravity and weight. The calculated gliding speed, which may be restricted to a threshold, is provided to the pilot and optionally to an autopilot. The method is repeated periodically, or if the wind vertical or horizontal velocities exceed a threshold for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A playset includes a launching device and one or more accessory toys. The launching device includes a launch tube and a bellows system operable to generate a flow of air through the launch tube. The accessory toys may include vehicles such as air-launched vehicles and surface-launched vehicles. Each accessory toy may include a port that receives the launch tube. In use, an accessory toy is mounted onto the launch tube and the bellows is compressed, causing the air to propel the vehicle into the air or along a surface. In another embodiment, the launch tube may include and interference assembly that selectively prohibits the mounting of an accessory toy onto the launch tube, or prevents the launching of accessory toys already mounted onto the tube. The launching device may further be incorporated into a carrying case or a transport vehicle toy.

Abstract: A toy airplane with foldable wings. The wings can be folded before being launched by a launcher. When the toy airplane is launched the wind pressure maintains the wings in the folded position. When the toy airplane reaches a certain reduced speed, springs of the toy plane move the wings back into an unfolded position. Movement of wings into the unfolded position closes a switch and powers a propeller of the toy plane. The propeller can be powered by a battery within the toy plane fuselage. The combination of a motorized propeller, switch and folded wings provides a toy airplane that minimizes drag during launch and allows for extended flight after launch.

Abstract: An apparatus has a container with a cavity containing a medium, and the container is sealed with a membrane that ruptures at a rupture pressure. A pressurizer pressurizes the cavity to at least the rupture pressure, and a projectile is disposed externally to the cavity during the pressurization. The projectile is propelled by the medium following rupture of the membrane. Preferred containers include pressurized cylinders, gun barrels, and ammunition cartridges, and preferred media include air, pressurized air and explosives, and a particularly preferred apparatus is a toy rocket launcher.

Abstract: A launch vehicle includes an air pump, an injection valve, a connecting member, a trigger, and a projectile. Thus, the launch vehicle is operated on the ground and is also operated in a hand-held manner, thereby enhancing the amusement effect of the launch vehicle. In addition, the user only needs to hold the air pump and the trigger so as to launch the projectile easily and conveniently in an energy-saving manner, thereby facilitating the user operating the launch vehicle. Further, the launch vehicle has a simplified construction to perform the hand-held launching function, thereby decreasing the costs of fabrication. Further, the launch vehicle is further provided with a safety device to prevent the trigger from being triggered unintentionally to protect the user's safety.

Abstract: A flying toy has a handle and a driving mechanism to spin a propeller assembly for launching, the propeller assembly having blades on the top end and a freely rotatable conical sleeve on the bottom end. The handle comprises a plurality of pinch rollers surrounding the driving mechanism such that when the driving mechanism is activated to spin the blades, the pinch rollers are moved inward to engage with the conical sleeve for holding the propeller assembly while the blades are spun, and the pinch rollers are moved away from the conical sleeve for launching the propeller assembly. The flying toy also has a landing platform affixed to the handle, the platform having a funnel-shaped receptacle to receive the bottom end of the propeller assembly. The receptacle wall has soft fins for hampering the spinning of the propeller assembly when receiving a descending propeller assembly.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for launching unmanned aircraft and other flight devices or projectiles are described. In one embodiment, the aircraft can belaunched from an apparatus that includes a launch carriage that moves along a launch axis. A gripper carried by the launch carriage can have at least one grip portion in contact with the aircraft while the launch carriage accelerates along the launch axis. The at least one grip portion can move out of contact with the fuselage of the aircraft as the launch carriage decelerates, releasing the aircraft for takeoff.

Abstract: A glider toy has pivoting wings that may be locked in a retracted position prior to launch. Upon launching of the glider, the wings may be unlocked. During flight, the wings extend forward for an entertaining glide at the urging of one or more elastic members. A launcher includes an orientation-sensitive safety feature that limits the angles at which projectiles may be launched therefrom. The safety feature permits projectiles to be launched from the launcher only within approximately a generally upward, non-vertical angular range.

Abstract: A flying toy apparatus is provided. The flying toy apparatus typically includes a body having an elongate channel formed therein, the channel extending in a longitudinal direction along the body. The flying toy apparatus also typically includes an elastic launch member coupled to the body and configured to be stretched forward in the longitudinal direction by a digit of a user. The channel is typically configured to accommodate passage of the digit therein during launch of the body over the digit. A foam nose member may be coupled to a leading portion of the body to soften impact and/or guide the digit into the channel. A grip may be provided on the body for the user to securely hold the apparatus during launch. Fins may also be provided on the body.

Abstract: A flying-object launching toy gun comprises a body 20 with a launch barrel 30, a running block 50 for holding the flying-object 12 in a separable condition, the running block 50 movable along the launch barrel 30 between a rear pre-shooting position and a front post-shooting position, a loading knob 70 for bringing the running block 50 into the pre-shooting position, the loading knob 70 displaceable along the launch barrel 30, a coil spring 76 for causing the running block 50 to rapidly move from the pre-shooting position into the post-shooting position, and a spin generator 38, 56 for applying rotational force to the flying-object 12 as the running block 50 is caused to move from the pre-shooting position into the post-shooting position. The toy gun helps enable the flying-object to fly longer distance and prolonged time.

Abstract: A flying-object launching toy gun comprises a body 20 with a launch barrel 30, a running block 50 for holding the flying-object 12 in a separable condition, the running block 50 movable along the launch barrel 30 between a rear pre-shooting position and a front post-shooting position, a loading knob 70 for bringing the running block 50 into the pre-shooting position, the loading knob 70 displaceable along the launch barrel 30, a coil spring 76 for causing the running block 50 to rapidly move from the pre-shooting position into the post-shooting position, and a spin generator 38, 56 for applying rotational force to the flying-object 12 as the running block 50 is caused to move from the pre-shooting position into the post-shooting position. The toy gun helps enable the flying-object to fly longer distance and prolonged time.

Abstract: A toy airplane includes a flying wing body having a capacitor-powered electric motor propulsion apparatus supported within the body. A charging receptacle is formed in the airplane body and supports electrical contacts which in turn are coupled to the propulsion unit. A separate battery-powered charger includes a charger head insertable into the receptacle to transfer energy from internal batteries within the charger to the capacitor power unit of the airplane. A launcher button operates a normally closed switch to decouple the motor from the propulsion unit during the charging process.

Abstract: A device for propelling confetti or festive streamers or the like comprises a slinging device having a rim portion defining an open area and a handle connected to said rim portion. A cup element of a size adapted to pass through said open area and capable of holding confetti is connected to the rim portion by elastic lengths. The cup element preferably has tapered wall portions whereby the cup element can be withdrawn from the rim portion against the tension of the elastic elements and released to sling the cup element through the open area to propel confetti or coiled streamers within the cup element.

Abstract: A flying toy has a wing having a leading edge, a first end, and a second end. A ballast element is coupled to the first end of the wing, and a launcher receiver element that receives a launcher is coupled to the ballast element.

Abstract: An automatic tow release system for model aircraft launched with the help of a tow line (12) which has novel means for continuously and automatically adjusting the climb angle of the fuselage and automatically releasing the tow line (12) when the aircraft reaches a predetermined climbing position. The tow release system comprises a primary (16) and a secondary (18) control string, a connecting body (20), a primary (42) and a secondary (44) connecting means between the connecting body (20) and the aircraft, and a release promoting means. The release promoting means is a feature of the particular design of the tow release system. The control strings (16, 18) are attached to the tow line (12) at one end and to the connecting body (20) at the other end. The connecting body (20) is demountably connected to the aircraft during the tow through the primary (42) and secondary (44) connecting means, respectively.

Abstract: A device for launching a flying structure having a nose end and a tail end, having a cradle member having a first and a second end, a nose engagement member having a first and second end, a tail engagement member, and means for propelling the flying structure. The cradle member retains the flying structure prior to its launch. The second end of the nose engagement member is pivotably attached to the first end of the cradle member. The nose engagement member releasably engages the nose of the flying structure prior to launch. The tail engagement member releasably engages the tail of the flying structure prior to launch and is attached to the second end of the cradle member. When the means for propelling the flying structure is an elastic cord, the cord is attached to both the first end of the nose engagement member and to a stationary object such that the cord supplies motive force to propel the flying structure after the cord is stretched.

Abstract: A new high performance rubberband launched toy autogiro is described. Using lightweight rigid materials, this device ascends at high velocity to over 100 feet, then unfolds its wings and begins a spinning slow-speed descent lasting 15 seconds or more. Minimal skill is needed to launch this toy, and depending on the force used to launch it, short or long times aloft can be achieved. Under thermal updraft conditions, descent time can extend to over a minute.

Abstract: Tossable ring airfoil projectiles configured to adopt and maintain a flying orientation that generates lift. The tossable ring airfoil projectiles generally include (i) a ring airfoil having a trailing end, an aperture, and a longitudinal symmetry axis running through the aperture, and (ii) a tail associated with the ring airfoil and extending rearward beyond the trailing end. The ring airfoil provides lift that allows the tossable ring airfoil projectile to follow a flying trajectory. The tail stabilizes the projectile during flight and may provide a torque that biases the ring airfoil toward preferred flying orientations. The tail may extend along the longitudinal symmetry axis and may include outwardly extending fins. The tossable ring airfoil projectile further may include a connection configured to associate the tail with the ring airfoil. The connection also may extend along the longitudinal symmetry axis and may include outwardly extending flanges.

Abstract: The present invention provides an amusement device with a flying member launchable by a hand-held launcher. The launcher includes launching guide rod connected to a handle grip carrying a trigger mechanism with a catch hook. A coil spring is coaxially received on the guide rod. The flying member includes a generally tubular internal support frame, an exterior shell supported by said frame and a latch body connected to the shell for releasably connecting the flying member to the launcher. In use, the frame of the member and the guide rod are aligned coaxially, and the flying member is pushed onto the rod, compressing the spring, until the catch hook of the launcher releasably captures the latch body. When the trigger mechanism is actuated, the flying member is forced off the rod by the spring, taking flight. The connection of the latch body to the shell prevents the launching of the frame without the shell. The invention encompasses a method of making one embodiment of the flying member.

Abstract: A toy glider having a single wing formed from a flat sheet of polystyrene foam, or other material of similar characteristics, and a specific finger gripped launch handle suitably attached to the forward portion of the wing along the longitudinal center-line thereof. The wing may have creases extending transversely from the vicinity of the forward point of the wing tips to or near the midpoint of the trailing edge thereof, the wing portions rearwardly of the creases being angled upwardly by a shallow angle providing majority span wing twist wash out and simultaneously functioning as adjustable elevons.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a launcher and one or more gliders for use therewith. The dihedral of the glider is achieved with two parallel creases that run front to back down the center of the glider. At the leading edge of the wing surfaces, self adhesive strips of flat magnetic sheet stock can be applied to the top and bottom of each wing to provide both proper weight to initiate desirable trim to the glider and to provide a force to separate the nested planes after launching, i.e., magnetic repulsion. For a multiple launch, the gliders are stacked on top of one another and placed upside down and mounted on a launching stick. Through use of a vertical upward force the gliders are launched with sufficient force so that wind resistance will induce the glider wings to collapse upon themselves, facilitating a higher launch.

Abstract: A toy is composed of a projectile and a tube for launching the projectile into the air. The projectile has a pair of wings symmetrically disposed about a longitudinal axis. The leading edge of the wings normally extend outwardly at an oblique angle from a nose which defines the forward end of the projectile. In that position, the projectile will fly through the air. The wings are spring-biased into position for flying. When a manual force opposed to such biasing is applied to the wings, the wings fold inwardly such that the leading edges pivot toward each other. When the wings are closed, the projectile is in a pre-launching position. The projectile is launched into the air via a tube which is hollow and open at one end through which the projectile exits from the tube.

Abstract: A shuttle launch system for a model rocket which includes a model rocket engine having a propellant charge for propelling the model rocket in a first direction and an ejection charge for ejecting matter in a second direction generally opposite the first direction consists of a booster rocket having a longitudinally extended tube with a peripheral sidewall, an inner chamber and top and bottom ends and an engine-receiving chamber adjacent the bottom end of the tube. A shuttle glider support structure is mounted on the booster rocket for releasably supporting a shuttle glider thereon. A fluid passage extends between the inner chamber of the booster rocket and the shuttle glider support structure such that a portion of gas within the inner chamber is redirected from the inner chamber through the fluid passage and out of the shuttle glider support structure.

Abstract: A toy vehicle launcher which has a vehicle that can slide along a track. The launcher includes a string which extends along each side of a longitudinal axis of the track. The string is attached to a pair of handles which can be pulled so that the string engages the vehicle and propels the same along the track. Both the track and vehicle have corresponding T shaped features which capture and maintain the vehicle on the track.

Abstract: The present invention is a missile-helicopter device which is capable of a projected, nose up ascent and a helicopter nose up descent. The device has an elongated missile body, fins, a latch release for the fins, bias mechanism for the fins and propulsion. The fins have relatively long lengths and short widths and are hingedly connected to the upper half of the missile body. The fins have a first position which is a substantially vertical position along their lengths parallel to the elongated missile body such that the fins protrude along their widths radially outwardly from the missile body at least at the lower half of the missile body so as to function as flight stabilizing fins during ascent. They also have a second position which is at approximately right angles or larger to the missile body such that the fins protrude radially outwardly along their lengths away from the upper half of the missile body so as to create a nose up helicopter type rotation during descent.

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 load carrying and releasing pendular device for attachment to a kite string and release the load on jerking on the kite string. The device is fixedly attached to the kite string at an upper location. The device is also releasably coupled to the kite string at a second lower location. The kite string is releasable from coupling to the device at the second location by jerking on the string of the kite. The device assumes a first raised position when it is coupled to the kite string both at the first upper location and at the second lower location. On jerking the kite string, the string becomes released at the second lower position and the device pivots from the first raised position to a second lower position. This pivoting of the device, providing movement of portions of the device, relative to the kite string causes the release of the load releasably carried by the device.

Abstract: A folding swept wing toy glider having wind sections foldable to a first position wherein the upper surfaces are abutting for launching and biased for deployment at slow speed to a second gliding position wherein the wing sections are substantially coplanar. The wing sections have adjustable trim tabs formed in the trailing edges of the tip portions thereof for flight control adjustments and the glider can be launched by a rubber band launcher.

Abstract: A glider comprising a pair of wings having overlapped forward, inner root portions that are freely pivotally connected and tailfins on rearward, outer portions of the wings. The tailfins are angularly offset from the general longitudinal axes of the wings so as to have an airfoil liftout angle of attack to the relative wind during flight which causes the wings to swing out to an extended configuration.