FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to toy projectiles and more particularly relates to launchable toy projectiles that fly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Compressed air toy launchers and similar launchers for toy projectiles that are designed for recreational use are well known in the art and commonly used as children's toys. A common design is a launcher that shoots projectile arrows using compressed air. These toys rely on a secondary propulsion device that provides the force necessary to launch the projectiles into the air. Secondary launchers can be heavy and cumbersome, limiting the activities that people playing with the toys can undertake. It would be desirable to have a toy projectile that can fly large distances using a self-contained propulsion device that amplifies the force applied to the propulsion device by a person's hand.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect the present invention relates to a toy projectile having a self- contained propulsion device that is operable with the force applied by a person's hand, without the need for a secondary launcher. The toy projectile comprises a body and a propulsion device that focuses the force applied to the propulsion device, by a person's hand, launching the toy projectile. The toy projectile may also comprise multiple propulsion devices depending on the embodiment of the invention.

The toy projectile may also comprise a counter-weight, one or more fins, and one or more light sources. The toy projectile may have a cylindrical shaped body having a tapered shoulder, which improves the aerodynamic properties of the toy projectile when in flight. The cylindrical shaped body may also have a hollow core in which the propulsion device is mounted, the propulsion device extending out of the rear end of the body. A second propulsion devices may also be mounted in the hollow core extending out of the front end of the body.

In an embodiment, the propulsion device comprises a launch pad affixed to a spring compression chamber which is defined within a hollow core of a cylindrical shaped body. The spring compression chamber may comprise an internal cylinder that slidably engages a spring disposed within an external cylinder. In operation, the toy projectile is held in place by a person and force is applied by the person's hand to the launch pad causing the internal cylinder to slide within the external cylinder compressing the spring. As the spring is compressed, potential energy is stored within the spring. After the spring is compressed it will exert a restoring force until the spring expands and returns to its relaxed position. Potential energy stored in the spring is converted into kinetic energy as the spring is expanded against the internal cylinder causing the launch pad to push against the hand of the person operating the toy projectile creating a normal force thrusting the toy projectile forward into flight.

In another embodiment, the propulsion device comprises a spring affixed to the cylindrical shaped body by a connecting member within its hollow core. The connecting member may be a bushing, plastic cylinder, disk, pin, a portion of the spring, or other suitable object to affix the spring to the body. The propulsion device further comprises a plunger which is slidably mounted within the hollow core for engaging and compressing the spring. A launch pad is disposed on the plunger to provide a surface to which a person's hand can apply force. In operation, the toy projectile is held in place by a person and force is applied by the person's hand to the launch pad causing the plunger to slide within the hollow core compressing the spring. After the spring is compressed it will exert a restoring force until the spring expands and returns to its relaxed position. Potential energy stored in the spring is converted into kinetic energy as the spring is expanded against the plunger causing the launch pad to push against the hand of the person operating the toy projectile creating a normal force thrusting the toy projectile forward into flight.

In another similar embodiment, the propulsion device comprises a spring affixed to the body by connecting member, a bushing defined within the body coaxially aligned with the spring; and a plunger slidably mounted within the bushing and the spring. A contact member disposed on the plunger is provided to engage and compress the spring as the plunger slides into the hollow core of the toy projectile body. A launch pad is also disposed on the plunger to provide a surface which a person's hand can apply force. In operation, the toy projectile is held in place by a person and force is applied by the person's hand to the launch pad causing the plunger to slide within the bushing and spring. A contact member disposed on the plunger engages the spring and compresses the spring as the plunger slides further into the body of the propulsion device. As the spring is compressed it will exert a restoring force until the spring expands and returns to its relaxed position. Potential energy stored in the spring is converted into kinetic energy as the spring is expanded against the contact member, causing the launch pad to push against the hand of the person operating the toy projectile creating a normal force thrusting the toy projectile forward into flight.

In another embodiment, the propulsion device comprises a launch pad affixed to a plunger and an elastomeric band/force multiplier. The plunger is defined within in a hollow core of a cylindrical shaped body such that when a person holds the toy projectile, and applies force to the launch pad, the plunger slides within the hollow core and presses against the elastomeric band/force multiplier. As the plunger presses against the elastomeric band/force multiplier, the elastomeric band/force multiplier exerts a force in the backward direction against the plunger until the elastomeric band/force multiplier returns to its relaxed position. The force applied by elastomeric band/force multiplier to plunger causes the launch pad to push against the person's hand creating a normal force thrusting the toy projectile forward. To secure the elastomeric band/force multiplier within the hollow core, the elastomeric band/force multiplier may be affixed to the inner surface of the hollow core with a strong adhesive, such as ethyl cyanoacrylate. Another option to secure the elastomeric band/force multiplier is to affix the elastomeric band/force multiplier to a slot formed in the inner surface using strong adhesive. The elastomeric band/force multiplier may also be secured within the hollow core by affixing the elastomeric band/force multiplier to a D-ring defined within the hollow core of the cylindrical shaped body.

In another embodiment, the propulsion device comprises a plurality of balloons (i.e. elastic membranes) which are each disposed inside the preceding balloon, each balloon being pressurized with compressed air. Alternatively, the plurality of balloons may comprise an innermost balloon that may be inflated with compressed air and a plurality of balloons disposed around it for providing a cumulatively thicker membrane that resists rupture. In a further alternative, the plurality of balloons may comprise a single balloon inflated with compressed air. The ends of the plurality of balloons are tied closed with string or otherwise sealed to keep the balloons pressurized. The balloons are partially defined within a hollow core of a cylindrical shaped body with a portion of the plurality of balloons extending from the rear of the body. The string may be connected to a dowel mounted inside the hollow core such that the plurality of balloons are secured within the hollow core. In embodiments where the plurality of balloons are sealed without a string, the plurality of balloons may be secured by friction fit, an adhesive, or other means suitable for securing an elastic membrane within the hollow core. In operation, the toy projectile is held in place by a person and force is applied to the plurality of balloons, preferably by the open hand of the person. As force is applied to the plurality of balloons, each balloon deforms from their initial spherical shape causing the balloons to stretch. As each of the plurality of balloons elastically snaps back toward its original dimensions, the outermost balloon is pushed against the hand of the person creating a normal force thrusting the toy projectile forward.

In another embodiment, the propulsion device comprises a plurality of balloons; string; one or more dowels, and plunger affixed to a launch pad. The plunger is defined within the hollow core, partially extending beyond the rear of the toy projectile, such that when a person holds the toy projectile, and applies force to the launch pad, the plunger slides within the hollow core and presses against the plurality of balloons. Each of the plurality of balloons is disposed inside the preceding balloon, each balloon being pressurized with compressed air. The ends of the plurality of balloons are tied closed with string to keep the plurality of balloons pressurized. The plurality of balloons are defined entirely within the hollow core of a cylindrical shaped body. String is connected to one or more dowels such that the plurality of balloons are secured within the hollow core. In operation, the toy projectile is held in place by a person and force is applied to the launch pad, preferably by the hand of the person, causing the plunger to slide within the hollow core deforming the plurality of balloons. As force is applied to the plurality of balloons, each balloon deforms from their initial spherical shape causing the balloons to stretch. As each of the plurality of balloons elastically snaps back toward its original dimensions, the outermost balloon is pushed against plunger causing the launch pad to push against the person's hand creating a normal force thrusting the toy projectile in the forward direction.

In another embodiment the propulsion device comprises a launch pad affixed to an air compression chamber. The air compression chamber is defined within the hollow core of the toy projectile and partially extends beyond the rear of the toy projectile. The air compression chamber comprises a casing having a first end defined within the hollow core of the toy projectile and a second end; a plunger slidably engaged within the casing and extending from the second end of the casing; a seal disposed between the plunger and the casing; and an elastic membrane which is disposed on the first end of the casing. In operation, the toy projectile is held in place by a person and force is applied by the person's hand to the launch pad causing the plunger to slide forward within the casing. As the plunger slides forward, air between the plunger, seal, and first end of the casing is compressed and forced out of the first end of the casing into the elastic membrane. As the pressure inside the elastic membrane increases, the elastic membrane stretches and expands, creating a restoring force in the backward direction against the plunger. The force applied to the plunger causes the launch pad to push against the person's hand creating a normal force thrusting the toy projectile forward.

In another embodiment the propulsion device may be an elastic membrane filled with pressurized gas, or a foam ball. The propulsion device may be disposed on the back side or and an inner surface of the toy projectile body. In operation, as force is applied to the elastic membrane or foam ball by a person's hand, the elastic membrane or foam ball deforms from its initial shape. As the balloon or ball elastically snaps back toward its original dimensions, the surface of the elastic membrane or ball is pushed against the person's hand creating a normal force thrusting the toy projectile forward.

In another embodiment the propulsion device comprises a launch pad affixed to a plunger, and a spring compression chamber. The propulsion device is defined within the hollow core of the toy projectile and partially extends beyond the rear of the toy projectile. The plunger is slidably mounted in the hollow core such that when a person holds the toy projectile, and applies force to the launch pad, the plunger slides within the hollow core and presses against the spring compression chamber. The spring compression chamber comprises an internal cylinder that slidably engages a spring disposed within an external cylinder. In operation, the toy projectile is held in place by a person and force is applied by the person's hand to the launch pad causing the internal cylinder to slide within the external cylinder in the forward direction compressing the spring. As spring is compressed, potential energy is stored within the spring. After the spring is compressed it exerts a restoring force in the backward direction until the spring expands and returns to its relaxed position. Potential energy stored in the spring is converted into kinetic energy as the spring is expanded against the internal cylinder causing the launch pad to push against the person's hand, or similar object, creating a normal force thrusting the toy projectile in the forward direction.

In another embodiment, one or more fins, which may be triangular shaped, may be affixed to the outer surface of the body of the toy projectile. The fins may be positioned to stabilize the toy projectile during flight by minimizing axial rotation of the toy projectile as it flies forward. Alternatively, the plurality of fins may be positioned to rotate the toy projectile about its axis during flight. In another alternative embodiment, the toy projectile may have one fin configured such that the toy projectile flies in an arc returning to the general area from which the toy projectile was launched, mimicking the flight path of a boomerang.

In another embodiment, two propulsion devices are affixed to opposing ends of a cylindrical shaped body. The propulsion devices may comprises the elements of previously mentioned embodiments of propulsion device. For example, each propulsion device may comprise a plurality of balloons which are each disposed inside the preceding balloon, each balloon being pressurized with compressed air. The ends of the plurality of balloons being tied closed with string to keep the balloons pressurized. The balloons of one of the first propulsion device are partially defined within a hollow core of the cylindrical shaped body with a portion of the plurality of balloons extending from the rear of the body, while the balloons of the second propulsion device are partially defined within the hollow core of the cylindrical shaped body with a portion of the plurality of balloons extending from the front of the body. In this embodiment, a counterweight, defined entirely with the hollow core, is slidably mounted between the two propulsion devices such that when force is applied to the first or second propulsion device, the counterweight slides within the hollow core to stabilize the flight of the toy projectile. Mounting the propulsion devices of the present invention on opposing ends of the cylindrical shaped body allows two people to play "keep up" by hitting the toy projectile back-and-forth between each other without holding the toy projectile stationary. In a similar embodiment, the two propulsion devices, on opposing ends of a cylindrical shaped body, each comprise a launch pad affixed to a spring compression chamber which is defined within a hollow core of a cylindrical shaped body. The spring compression chamber may comprise an internal cylinder that slidably engages a spring disposed within an external cylinder. In this embodiment, a counterweight, defined entirely with the hollow core, is also slidably mounted between the two propulsion devices such that when force is applied to the first or second propulsion device, the counterweight slides within the hollow core to stabilize the flight of the toy projectile.

According to a second aspect the present invention provides a method of launching a toy projectile having a propulsion device defined within the body of the toy projectile using the force applied by a person's open hand, preferably in the motion of an underhanded volleyball serve. The method steps include holding a toy projectile in a user's hand; applying force to the propulsion device by the user's second hand; storing potential energy in the propulsion device derived from the force applied to the propulsion device by the user's second hand; converting the potential energy into a restoring force in the direction of the user's second hand; and launching the projectile.

In an embodiment the method is performed using the toy projectile according to the invention.

According to a third aspect the present invention provides for a method a assembling a toy projectile having a propulsion device defined within the body of the toy projectile that uses the force applied by a person's open hand, preferably in the motion of an underhanded volleyball serve. The method steps include securing the propulsion device within the hollow core of the toy projectile, affixing a launch pad to the propulsion device, and affixing a counterweight to the toy projectile. A contact member (i.e. a pin, bolt, peg, or similar piece of material) may also be affixed to the plunger to engage the spring before the plunger is inserted into the toy projectile's hollow core.

According to a fourth aspect the present invention provides for a kit. The kit includes a toy projectile. The toy projectile includes a projectile body having a hollow core, a front side, a back side, and an outer surface. The toy projectile may include one or more fins, a counter-weight, and a propulsion device. The kit further includes instructions for assembling the toy projectile. In at least some embodiments, the instructions may be instructions to affix the one or more fins to the outer surface of the projectile body; affix the counter-weight within the hollow core of the projectile body near or on the front side; insert the propulsion device within the hollow core and affix the propulsion device within the hollow core.

In an embodiment the kit includes a toy projectile according to one of the embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The drawings illustrate several preferred embodiments of the invention.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a toy rocket with a compressed air secondary launcher (Prior Art).

Figure 2a is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the toy projectile, with a spring and plunger propulsion device.

Figure 2b is an enlarged view of propulsion device of the embodiment in Figure 2a.

Figure 2c is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the toy projectile, with an alternative spring and plunger propulsion device.

Figure 2d is cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the toy projectile, with a further alternative spring and plunger propulsion device.

Figure 3a is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the toy projectile, with an elastomeric band and plunger propulsion device.

Figure 3b is an enlarged view of propulsion device of the embodiment in Figure 3a Figure 4a is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the toy projectile, with a propulsion device including an air chamber, string, and dowels.

Figure 4b is an enlarged view of propulsion device of the embodiment in Figure 4a.

Figure 4c is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the toy projectile, the propulsion device including a balloon or a foam ball.

Figure 5a is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the toy projectile, with a propulsion device including an air chamber, string, dowels, and plunger.

Figure 5b is an enlarged view of propulsion device of the embodiment in Figure 5a.

Figure 5c is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the toy projectile, with a propulsion device including an air compression chamber.

Figure 6a is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the toy projectile, with a propulsion device including a plunger, a spring, and a housing for the spring.

Figure 6b is an enlarged view of propulsion device of the embodiment in Figure 6a.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the toy projectile, with two propulsion device each including an air chamber, string, and dowels.

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the toy projectile, with two propulsion device each including a spring, and a housing for the spring.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Several preferred embodiments of the invention are described below in the following examples with reference to the figures.

The toy projectile includes a body and a propulsion device. Optionally, the toy projectile may also comprise a counter-weight, a plurality of fins, and a light source. The toy projectile has a front side, a back side, an inner surface, and an outer surface. The direction from the back side to the front side is the "frontward direction" as shown by the arrows in each of the figures, and generally points in the direction that the toy projectile will fly. The direction from the front to the back side is the "backward direction". The term "length" when used to describe a size of the toy projectile refers to the size along the frontward direction. The "radial direction" refers to the direction perpendicular to the forward direction. FIG 1 illustrates a perspective view of a prior art toy projectile rocket 100 releasably connected to an air hose 101 , and an secondary launcher 102, which when compressed by a person's hand or foot, compresses air through the hose 101 launching the toy projectile rocket 100.

With reference to FIG. 2a, which illustrates a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the toy projectile 200, the toy projectile 200 has a cylindrical shaped body 202 extending from a back side 203 to a front side 204. The cylindrical shaped body 202 has a tapered shoulder 208, such that the front side 204 has a smaller diameter than the back side 203, which improves the aerodynamic properties of the toy projectile 200 when in flight in the forward direction. The cylindrical shaped body 202 has a hollow core 206, which extends from the back side 203 toward the front side 204, having an inner surface 207. A counter weight 209 may be disposed on the front side 204 or within the hollow core 206 near the front side 204 such that the center of gravity of the counter weight 109 aligns with the center of gravity of the toy projectile 200. A plurality of fins 201 are spaced around the circumference of the cylindrical shaped body 202 on an outer surface 205. The plurality of fins 201 may be triangular shaped and are affixed to the outer surface 205 near the back side 203 of the toy projectile 200. The plurality of fins 201 may be positioned to stabilize the toy projectile 200 during flight by minimizing axial rotation of the toy projectile 200 as it travels in the forward direction. Alternatively, the plurality of fins 201 may be positioned to rotate the toy projectile 200 about its axis during flight in the forward direction. One or more light sources 210 may be affixed to the outer surface 205.

In the embodiment shown in FIGs 2a and 2b, the propulsion device 220 comprises a launch pad 212 affixed to a spring compression chamber 211. The propulsion device 220 is mounted within the hollow core 206 and may be affixed to the inner surface 207. With reference to FIG. 2b, the spring compression chamber 21 1 comprises an internal cylinder 213a that slidably engages a spring 214 disposed within an external cylinder 213b. The spring 214 is disposed within external cylinder 213b. In operation, the toy projectile 200 is held in place by a person (not shown) and force is applied by the person's hand to the launch pad 212 causing the internal cylinder 213a to slide within the external cylinder 213b in the forward direction compressing spring 214. As spring 214 is compressed, potential energy is stored within the spring 214. After spring 214 is compressed it will exert a restoring force in the backward direction until the spring expands and returns to its relaxed position. Potential energy stored in the spring is converted into kinetic energy as the spring is expanded against the internal cylinder causing the launch pad 212 to push against a user or an object (not shown) creating a normal force thrusting the toy projectile 200 in the forward direction. In the embodiments shown in FIGs 2c and 2d, the propulsion device 220 may comprise a launch pad 212 affixed to a plunger member 213 which slidably engages spring 214. Spring 214 may be affixed within hollow core 206 to body 202, which allows spring 214 to be compressed as plunger member 213 is pushed into the hollow core 206. For example, spring 214 may be affixed directly to inner surface 207, or to body 202 via connecting member 217. Spring 214 is affixed such that spring 214 is compressible toward the point that spring 214 is affixed within hollow core 206. Connecting member 217 may be a bushing, plastic cylinder, disk, pin, a portion of the spring, or other suitable object affixed to body 202. In operation, the toy projectile 200, shown in Figure 2c, is held in place by a person (not shown) and force is applied by the person's hand to the launch pad 212 causing plunger member 213 to slide within hollow core 206 in the forward direction compressing spring 214. As spring 214 is compressed, potential energy is stored within the spring 214. After spring 214 is compressed it will exert a restoring force in the backward direction until the spring 214 expands and returns to its relaxed position. Potential energy stored in the spring is converted into kinetic energy as the spring is expanded against the plunger member 213 causing the launch pad 212 to push against a user or an object (not shown) creating a normal force thrusting the toy projectile 200 in the forward direction.

In the embodiment shown in FIG 2d, the propulsion device further includes a bushing 216 and contact member 217. Connecting member 217 is also depicted as a bushing. Bushing 216 may be affixed to inner surface 207 within hollow core 206 and allows plunger member 213 to slide within its perimeter. Contact member 218 may be affixed to plunger member 213 and engages spring 214 as plunger 213 slides within hollow core 206 in the forward direction, causing spring 214 to compress. Preferably, contact member 218 rests against spring 214 when spring 214 is in a relaxed state. In operation, similar to the previously mentioned embodiments, the toy projectile 200 is held in place by a person (not shown) and force is applied by the person's hand to the launch pad 212 causing plunger member 213 to slide within hollow core 206 in the forward direction compressing spring 214. As plunger 213 slides forward within hollow core 206, contact member 218 engages and compresses spring 214. As spring 214 is compressed, potential energy is stored within the spring 214. After spring 214 is compressed it will exert a restoring force in the backward direction until the spring 214 expands and returns to its relaxed position. Potential energy stored in the spring 214 is converted into kinetic energy as the spring 214 is expanded contact member 218 which causes plunger member 213 to move backward, pushing launch pad 212 against a user or an object (not shown) creating a normal force thrusting the toy projectile 200 in the forward direction. A skilled person will appreciate that the suitability of a given material of a toy projectile will vary depending desired design characteristics. Many material selection options may exist for the cylindrical shaped body, fins, counter-weight, spring, and propulsion device. Preferably, the cylindrical shaped body, bushing, and fins are made of open-celled foam, closed-cell foam or lightweight plastic material; the counter-weight, launch pad, contact member, connecting member, internal cylinder, and external cylinder are made of plastic or lightweight composite material; and the spring is made of coiled hardened steel. Various spring designs may also be suitable for the present invention. For example, many varieties of coiled springs or accordion springs exists that could be used in the present invention. Further, while the spring is the preferred means to store potential energy and subsequently use that energy to propel the toy projectile, in the embodiments discussed herein the spring may be substituted by similar biasing members suitable for storing potential energy and directing that energy to propel the toy projectile.

It will also be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the toy projectile of the present invention differs from prior art such as the toy rocket illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 shows a toy rocket 100 releasably connected to a hose 101 and a compressed air secondary launcher 102. The prior art toy rocket 100 requires a secondary launcher to provide pressurized air that launches the toy rocket 100. Additionally, the prior art toy rocket 101 is launched from a flat surface, while stationary, by a user who applies force to the compressed air secondary launcher 102. The present invention does not have these restrictions. The toy projectile of the present invention differs from the prior art in FIG. 1 , as the present invention has a self-contained propulsion device that is operable with the force applied by a person's hand, allowing the toy projectile of the present invention to be launched even while the user is running.

FIG. 3a illustrates a perspective view of a cross-sectional embodiment of the toy projectile 300. The toy projectile 300 illustrated in FIG. 3a is similar to that illustrated in FIG. 2a in that it has a cylindrical shaped body 302, plurality of fins 301 , back side 303, front side 304, outer surface 305, hollow core 306, inner surface 307, tapered shoulder 308, and counter weight 309. In addition, the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3a has a propulsion device 320, comprising a launch pad 322 affixed to a plunger 321 and an elastomeric band/force multiplier 323. The plunger 321 is slidably mounted in the hollow core 306 such that when a person (not shown) holds the toy projectile 300, and applies force to the launch pad 322, the plunger 321 slides within the hollow core 306 in the forward direction and presses against the elastomeric band/force multiplier 323. As the plunger presses against the elastomeric band/force multiplier 323, the elastomeric band/force multiplier 323 is stretched into an extended position (not shown). In the extended position, the elastomeric band/force multiplier 323 exerts a force in the backward direction against the plunger until the elastomeric band/force multiplier 323 returns to its relaxed position. The force applied by elastomeric band/force multiplier 323 to plunger 321 causes the launch pad 322 to push against the person's hand or similar stationary object (not shown) creating a normal force thrusting the toy projectile 300 in the forward direction. To secure the elastomeric band/force multiplier 323 within the hollow core 306, the elastomeric band/force multiplier 323 may be affixed to the inner surface 307 (not shown) with a strong adhesive, such as ethyl cyanoacrylate. Another option to secure the elastomeric band/force multiplier 323 is to affix the elastomeric band/force multiplier 323 to a slot formed in the inner surface 307 using strong adhesive, such as ethyl cyanoacrylate. As shown in FIG 3b, another option to secure the elastomeric band/force multiplier 323 within the hollow core 306 is by affixing the elastomeric band/force multiplier 323 to a D-ring 324 securably mounted within the hollow core 306. The elastomeric band/force multiplier 323 may be rubber or similar elastic material. A skilled person in the art will understand that different types of rubber or similar elastic material may be selected depending on their elasticity and durability to increase range with which the toy projectile will fly and the lifespan of the elastomeric band/force multiplier 323.

FIG. 4a illustrates a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the toy projectile 400. The toy projectile 400 illustrated in FIG. 4a is similar to those illustrated in FIG. 2a and FIG. 3a in that it has a cylindrical shaped body 402, plurality of fins 401 , back side 403, front side 404, outer surface 405, hollow core 406, inner surface 407, tapered shoulder 408, and counter weight 409. In addition, the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4a has a propulsion device 420, comprising a plurality of balloons 421 ; string 422; and one or more dowels 423. As shown in FIG. 4b, the plurality of balloons 421 are illustrated by balloons 421 a, 421 b, 421c, 421 d, and 421 e which are each disposed inside the preceding balloon, each balloon being pressurized with compressed gas, preferably air. Alternatively, the innermost balloon 421 e may be the only balloon inflated with compressed gas, and the remaining balloons disposed around the innermost balloon without a gas layer between the ballons. The ends of balloons 421a, 421 b, 421c, 421 d, and 421 e may be tied closed with string 422, to keep balloons 421a, 421 b, 421 c, 421 d, and 421 e pressurized, or otherwise sealed closed. The balloons are mounted within the hollow core 406 with a portion of the plurality of balloons 421 protruding from backside 403. String 422 may be connected to a dowel 423 such that the plurality of balloons 421 are secured within the hollow core 406. In operation, the toy projectile 400 is held in place by a person (not shown) and force is applied to the plurality of balloons 421 , preferably by the open hand of the person. As force is applied to the plurality of balloons 421 , each balloon deforms from their initial spherical shape causing the balloons to stretch. As each of the plurality of balloons 421 elastically snaps back toward its original dimensions, the outermost balloon (e.g., balloon 421 a as shown in FIG 4b), is pushed against the person or an object (not shown) creating a normal force thrusting the toy projectile 400 into the forward direction. Disposing the plurality of balloons 421 inside the preceding balloon (as shown in FIG 4b) advantageously has the effect of focusing the normal force that thrusts the toy projectile 400 in the forward direction. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the normal force thrusting the toy projectile 400 may be increased by using more overlapping balloons in propulsion device 420, or decreased using fewer overlapping balloons.

In a similar embodiment to the one shown in FIG 4a, FIG. 4c illustrates a cross-sectional view of the toy projectile 400 where the propulsion device 424 is a balloon filled with pressurized gas, or a foam ball. The propulsion device 424 may be affixed to body 402 on the back side 403 or to inner surface 407. As force is applied to the balloon or foam ball 421 , the balloon or ball deforms from its initial shape. As the balloon or ball elastically snaps back toward its original dimensions, the surface of the membrane or ball is pushed against the person or an object (not shown) creating a normal force thrusting the toy projectile 400 into the forward direction.

Material selection of the balloons also impacts the normal force thrusting the toy projectile 400. Preferably, the balloons 421 , 424 are made of nylon polymer resin, latex rubber, elastomeric membrane, or similar resilient elastic material. Foam ball 421 is preferably made of expandable polyethylene, open-celled foam, closed-celled foam, or similar lightweight material. String 422 may be made of rope, yarns, plies, or strands suitable for the purpose of sealing air within the balloons and securing the balloons within the hollow core 406; and dowel 423 may be made of wood, composite, lightweight plastic or metal.

FIG. 5a illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the toy projectile 500. The toy projectile 500 illustrated in FIG. 5a is similar to those illustrated in FIGs. 2a, 2c, 2d, 3a and 4a in that it has a cylindrical shaped body 502, plurality of fins 501 , back side 503, front side 504, outer surface 505, hollow core 506, inner surface 507, tapered shoulder 508, and counter weight 509. In addition, the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5a has a propulsion device 520, comprising a plurality of balloons 521 ; string 522; one or more dowels 523, and plunger 524 affixed to launch pad 525. The plunger 524 is slidably mounted in the hollow core 506 such that when a person (not shown) holds the toy projectile 500, and applies force to the launch pad 525, the plunger 524 slides within the hollow core 506 in the forward direction and presses against the plurality of balloons 521.

With reference to FIG. 5b, the plurality of balloons 521 are illustrated by balloons 521 a, 521 b, 521 c, 521 d, and 521 e, which are each disposed inside the preceding balloon, each balloon being pressurized with compressed air. The ends of the plurality of balloons 521 are tied closed with string 522, to keep the plurality of balloons 521 pressurized. The plurality of balloons 521 are mounted entirely within the hollow core 506. String 522 is connected to one or more dowels 523 such that the plurality of balloons 521 are secured within the hollow core 506. In operation, the toy projectile 500 is held in place by a person (not shown) and force is applied to the launch pad 525, preferably by the hand of the person, causing plunger 524 to slide within the hollow core 506 in the forward direction deforming the plurality of balloons 521. As force is applied to the plurality of balloons 521 , each balloon deforms from their initial spherical shape causing the balloons to stretch. As each of the plurality of balloons 521 elastically snaps back toward its original dimensions, the outermost balloon (e.g. balloon 521 a as shown in FIG 5b), is pushed against plunger 524 causing launch pad 525 to push against the person (not shown) creating a normal force thrusting the toy projectile 500 in the forward direction.

In another embodiment shown in FIG 5c has a propulsion device 530, comprising an air compression chamber 51 1 having a plunger 534, casing 533, resilient seal 536, and elastic membrane 538. Casing 533 is affixed to body 502 inside hollow core 506. The plunger 534 is slidably mounted in casing 533 such that when a person (not shown) holds the toy projectile 500, and applies force to the launch pad 535, the plunger 534 slides within the casing 533 in the forward direction compressing gas 537 between the casing 533 and resilient seal 536 in elastic membrane 538. Resilient seal 536 forms a barrier between the plunger 534 and casing 533, allowing the pressure of gas 537 to increase as plunger 534 is pushed forward or decrease as plunger 534 moves backward. When plunger 534 is pushed forward, gas 537 fills elastic membrane 538, and pressure inside the membrane increases causing the elastic membrane 538 to expand. When the force on the seal 536 caused by the pressure inside the elastic membrane 538 exceeds the force applied to the launch pad and frictional forces between the seal 536 and casing 533, the plunger 534 is pushed backward causing launch pad 525 to push against the person or object (not shown) creating a normal force thrusting the toy projectile 500 in the forward direction. Optionally, a stopper 539 may be placed on the casing 533 to prevent plunger 534 from falling out of casing 533. FIG. 6a illustrates a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the toy projectile 600. The toy projectile 600 illustrated in FIG. 6a is similar to those illustrated in FIG. 2a, FIG. 3a, FIG 4a, and FIG. 5a in that it has a cylindrical shaped body 602, plurality of fins 601 , back side 603, front side 604, outer surface 605, hollow core 606, inner surface 607, tapered shoulder 608, and counter weight 609. In addition, the embodiment illustrated in FIG 6a has a propulsion device 620 comprising a launch pad 625 affixed to a plunger 624, and a spring compression chamber 61 1 that may be affixed to the inner surface 607. The propulsion device 620 is mounted within the hollow core 606. The plunger 624 is slidably mounted in the hollow core 606 such that when a person (not shown) holds the toy projectile 600, and applies force to the launch pad 625, the plunger 624 slides within the hollow core 606 in the forward direction and presses against the spring compression chamber 61 1.

With reference to FIG. 6b, the spring compression chamber 61 1 comprises an internal cylinder 613a that slidably engages a spring 614 disposed within an external cylinder 613b. The spring 614 is disposed within external cylinder 613b. In operation, the toy projectile 600 is held in place by a person (not shown) and force is applied by the person's hand to the launch pad 625 causing the internal cylinder 613a to slide within the external cylinder 613b in the forward direction compressing spring 614. As spring 614 is compressed, potential energy is stored within the spring 614. After spring 614 is compressed it will exert a restoring force in the backward direction until the spring expands and returns to its relaxed position. Potential energy stored in the spring is converted into kinetic energy as the spring is expanded against the internal cylinder causing the launch pad 625 to push against the person's hand or similar object (not shown) creating a normal force thrusting the toy projectile 600 in the forward direction.

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the toy projectile 700. The toy projectile 700 has a cylindrical shaped body 702, back side 703, front side 704, outer surface 705, hollow core 706, inner surface 707, and counter weight 709. The toy projectile 700 also comprises a first and second propulsion device, 710 and 720 respectively, each comprising a plurality of balloons 71 1 and 721 respectively, which are each disposed inside the preceding balloon, each balloon being pressurized with compressed air. The ends of the plurality of balloons being tied closed with string 712, 722 to keep the balloons pressurized. String 712 and 722 are connected to dowel 713 and 723 respectively, to secure the first and second propulsion device 710 and 720 respectively, to the toy projectile 700. The balloons of the first propulsion device 710 are partially defined within a hollow core 706 of the cylindrical shaped body 702 with a portion of the plurality of balloons 71 1 extending from the back of the body, while the plurality of balloons 721 of the second propulsion device 720 are partially defined within the hollow core 706 of the cylindrical shaped body with a portion of the plurality of balloons 721 extending from the front side 704 of the body 702. In this embodiment, a counterweight 709, defined entirely with the hollow core 706, is slidably mounted between the two propulsion devices 710 and 720 respectively, such that when force is applied to plurality of balloons 71 1 or plurality of balloons 721 , the counterweight 709 slides within the hollow core 706 to stabilize the flight of the toy projectile 700.

FIG 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the toy projectile 800. The toy projectile 800 has a cylindrical shaped body 802, back side 803, front side 804, outer surface 805, hollow core 806, inner surface 807, and counter weight 809. The toy projectile 800 also comprises a first and second propulsion device, 810 and 820 respectively, each comprising an internal cylinder 813a and 823a respectively that slidably engages spring 814 and 825 respectively. Spring 814 is disposed within an external cylinder 813b and spring 825 is disposed within external cylinder 823b. A counterweight 809, defined entirely with the hollow core 806, is slidably mounted between the two propulsion devices 810 and 820 respectively, such that when force is applied to launch pad 812 or launch pad 822, the counterweight 809 slides within the hollow core 806 to stabilize the flight of the toy projectile 800.

The invention is not limited to the foregoing examples. That is, persons skilled in the art will appreciate and understand that modifications and variations are, or will be, possible to utilize and carry out the teachings of the invention described herein. Accordingly, all suitable modifications, variations and equivalents are intended to fall within the scope of the invention as described and within the scope of the claims. A broad purposive construction of the claim elements is intended. Although specific examples of materials and shapes of the toy projectile are provided in the foregoing description, it is not intended to limit the construction to those specific materials and features but any materials and features having those general properties should be considered to be encompassed.