Abstract:
A toy projectile launching assembly for safely permitting the projectile to be launched only in predetermined directions and only under at predetermined pressure levels through the use of redundant safety mechanisms and pressure relief systems. The launching assembly has a fluid system enabling multiple launches without the need for replacing a fluid such as water in the launch assembly. The launch assembly provides water and pressurized air for a projectile such as a rocket to launch from a self-contained, portable launching assembly, which is easy to operate.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates generally to a toy rocket launcher assembly for launching a projectile. More specifically, the invention relates to a toy launching assembly capable of launching a projectile using water and pressurized air and enabling the projectile to be launched repeatedly without refilling the launching assembly with water, while providing multiple safety mechanisms to prevent the launching of the projectile at an unsafe launch angle and to prevent the system from being pressurized beyond safe limits. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The use of toy rockets launched through the use of water and pressurized air is generally known in the art. However, the prior art assemblies typically are very dangerous in that they can be pointed and launched in any direction and at any inclination. Thus, children could use the prior art in a dangerous manner by launching the prior art rockets directly at each other along a horizontal firing line. Additionally, many prior art assemblies are also dangerous in that the rockets and the entire launching assemblies can be pressurized beyond a safe level since there exists no safety mechanisms regulating the pressure within the rocket or within the launching assembly. Further, these prior art rockets must be used close to a water source since the rockets must be refilled at the water source after each launching, thus limiting the versatility and mobility of the assembly and limiting the area in which the rocket can be repeatedly be launched. 
     Some examples of prior art launching assemblies are disclosed in the following U.S. Pat. No.: 3,740,896 to Glass et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,223,472 to Fekete et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,188,557 to Brown; U.S. Pat. No. 5,197,452 to Johnson et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,381,778 to D&#39;Andrade et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,415,153 to Johnson et al; U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,646 to Tarng; 5,538,453 to Johnson; U.S. Pat. No. 5,515,837 to Nin et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,538,453 to Johnson; U.S. Pat. No. 5,553,598 to Johnson et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,216 to Johnson; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,819,717 to Johnson et al. 
     Thus, there is a continuing need to provide more versatile and safer toy projectile launching assemblies, especially launching assemblies employing both water and air. This invention addresses these needs in the art along with the other needs which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One object of the invention is to provide an improved toy projecting launching assembly. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a toy projectile launching assembly with safety mechanisms to prohibit launching of the rocket if tilted greater than a predetermined angle from the vertical direction. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a toy projectile launching assembly having redundant safety mechanisms to ensure that the projectile does not launch until the rocket is positioned in a predetermined launching orientation. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a toy projectile launching assembly having pressure relief mechanisms to ensure the fluid pressure within the assembly does not exceed a predetermined limit. 
     Yet another object of the invention is to provide a toy projectile launching assembly capable of launching the projectile multiple times without refilling the launching assembly with liquid. 
     Yet another object of the invention is to provide a toy projectile launching assembly having an efficient projectile release mechanism. 
     A further object of the invention is to provide an improved, modular projectile. 
     The foregoing objects are basically obtained by providing a toy projectile launching assembly, comprising a fluid storage assembly including a storage tank; a pumping mechanism including a pump; a projectile; a valve assembly in fluid communication with the storage assembly, the pumping mechanism, and the projectile, the valve assembly including a valve having a first position in which the storage assembly, the pumping mechanism, and the projectile being in fluid communication and a second position in which said pumping mechanism and the projectile being in fluid conmmunication; and a launch platform assembly including a catch removably coupled to the projectile and a trigger coupled to the catch. 
     The foregoing objects are also obtained by providing a toy projectile launching assembly, comprising a fluid storage assembly including a storage tank containing water; a pumping mechanism including an air pump; a projectile having a water and air chamber; a valve assembly in fluid communication with the storage assembly, the pumping mechanism, and the projectile, the valve assembly including a valve having a first position in which the storage assembly, the pumping mechanism, and the projectile being in fluid communication and a second position in which the pumping mechanism and the water and air chamber being in fluid communication; a launch platform assembly including a catch removably coupled to the projectile and a trigger coupled to the catch; a pressure indicating assembly including a gauge fluidly coupled to the valve assembly, the pumping mechanism, and the projectile; and a first launch-prohibiting mechanism coupled to the trigger and including a trigger lock movable between a trigger-stopping position and a trigger firing position, the launch platform assembly having a second launch-prohibiting mechanism including a retaining element movable between a first position in which the retaining element engages the projectile and a second position in which the retaining element does not engage the projectile. 
     The foregoing objects are also obtained by providing a method of launching a toy projectile, comprising the steps of providing a launching assembly having a fluid storage assembly including a storage tank for receiving a first fluid, a pumping mechanism including a pump for pumping a second fluid, a projectile, a valve assembly in fluid communication with the storage assembly, the pumping mechanism, and the projectile, the valve assembly including a valve having a first position in which the storage assembly, the pumping mechanism, and the projectile being in fluid communication and a second position in which the pumping mechanism and the projectile being in fluid communication, and a launch platform assembly including a catch removably coupled to the projectile and a trigger coupled to the catch; positioning the valve to the first position; actuating the pump to force the second fluid into the storage tank and to, in turn, force the first fluid into the projectile; repositioning the valve to the second position; actuating the pump to force the second fluid into the projectile; and moving the trigger to disengage the catch from the projectile and permit the projectile to launch. 
     The foregoing objects are also obtained by providing a toy projectile launching assembly, comprising a liquid storage assembly including a storage tank having a liquid receiving opening, an intake port, and an output port; a gas pumping mechanism including a pump having an intake port and an output port; and a projectile having an intake port, the output port of the air pump being coupled by a first conduit and in fluid communication with the intake port of the storage tank, the output port of the storage tank being coupled by a second conduit and in fluid communication with the intake port of the projectile, and the output port of the air pump being coupled by a third conduit and in fluid communication with the intake port of the projectile. 
     The foregoing objects are also obtained by providing a method of launching a toy projectile, comprising the steps of providing a launching assembly having a storage tank, a projectile, a pump, and a valve coupled together to form a single, integral assembly with the tank, the projectile and the pump being in fluid communication with the valve; filling the storage tank with liquid; transferring liquid from the storage tank into the projectile; switching the valve from a first position to a second position; pumping gas into the projectile; holding the entire assembly in a firing position; and launching the projectile. 
     The foregoing objects are also obtained by providing a method of launching a toy projectile, comprising the steps of providing a launching assembly having a storage tank, a first projectile and a launch platform forming a single, integral assembly, with the tank, the first projectile and the pump being in fluid communication; filling the storage tank with the entire amount of a quantity of liquid; transferring a first portion of the quantity of liquid from the storage tank into the first projectile; pumping gas into the first projectile; launching the first projectile; inserting a second projectile into the launch platform; transferring a second portion of the quantity of liquid from the storage tank into the second projectile; pumping gas into the second projectile; and launching the second projectile. 
     The foregoing objects are also obtained by providing a toy projectile launching assembly, comprising a liquid storage assembly including a storage tank having a liquid receiving opening, an intake port, and an output port, the liquid receiving port having a cap removably coupled to the receiving port for permitting or denying access to the storage tank, the cap having a pressure relief device fluidly coupled to the storage tank; a gas pumping mechanism including a pump having an output port; and a projectile having an intake port, the output port of the air pump being coupled by a first conduit and in fluid communication with the intake port of the storage tank, the output port of the storage tank being coupled by a second conduit and in fluid communication with the intake port of the projectile. 
     The foregoing objects are also obtained by providing a toy projectile launching assembly, comprising a projectile having a base; and a launch platform assembly including a catch removably coupled to the base and a trigger assembly coupled to the catch, the catch having a first shoulder, a second shoulder, and a biasing element, each of the first and second shoulders being coupled to the trigger assembly and movable between a locking position and a launching position, the biasing element biasing the first and second shoulders in the locking position. 
     The foregoing objects are also obtained by providing a toy projectile launching assembly, comprising a projectile having a base with a first securing element and a second securing element and a firing axis extending centrally through said base and extending along the initial intended flight path of said projectile as the projectile is positioned to launch from the remainder of the launching assembly; and a launch platform assembly including a catch removably coupled to the first securing element and a trigger assembly coupled to the catch, the catch being movable between a locking position and a launching position, the launch platform assembly further including first and second locking pins removably coupled to the second securing element, each of the first and second locking pins being coupled to a launch platform and being pivotable between an engaged position in contact with the second securing element and a disengaged positioned spaced from the second securing element, at least one of the first and second locking pins being in the engaged position when the firing axis is inclined relative a vertical axis and each of the first and second locking pins being in the disengaged position when the firing axis is parallel to the vertical axis. 
     The foregoing objects are also obtained by providing a toy projectile launching assembly, comprising an air pump; a projectile having a pressure chamber for receiving air from the pump; a first conduit coupled to the pump and to the pressure chamber with the pump and the pressure chamber being in fluid communication with each other; and a launch platform positioned between the projectile and the first conduit and coupling the projectile and the first conduit together, the launch platform having a pressure relief device biasing the projectile and the first conduit together. 
     The foregoing objects are also obtained by providing a toy projectile launching assembly, comprising a projectile having a base; and a launch platform assembly including a catch removably coupled to the base; a trigger assembly coupled to the catch; and a trigger-locking mechanism connected to the trigger and having a upper housing, a lower housing slidably coupled to the upper housing, and a stop coupled to the upper housing and moveable between a lock position in which the stop engages the lower housing and prohibits movement of the trigger and a fire position in which the stop permits movement of the trigger. 
     The foregoing objects are also obtained by providing a toy projectile, comprising a storage tank having an upper threaded portion, a lower threaded portion and a middle portion; cushioning member having a threaded element engaged with the upper threaded portion of the tank; and a nozzle for locking the projectile into a launching platform and for receiving pressurized fluid, the nozzle having a threaded element engaged with the lower threaded portion of the tank. 
     The foregoing objects are also obtained by providing a method of launching a toy projectile, comprising the steps of providing a launching assembly having a projectile and a launch platform having first and second launch preventing mechanisms; orienting the launching assembly to a first position to launch the projectile; prohibiting the launching of the projectile through the engagement of the first launch preventing mechanism; prohibiting the launching of the projectile through the engagement of the second launch preventing mechanism; reorienting the launching assembly to a predetermined, second position to launch the projectile; and launching the projectile. 
     Other objects, advantages, and salient features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses preferred embodiments of the invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of this disclosure: 
     FIG. 1 is a top, front, side perspective view of the launching assembly in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a partial, side elevational view of the launching assembly of the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 is an exploded, top, front, side perspective view of the launching assembly in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 is a side, cross-sectional view of the launching assembly in accordance with the present invention and taken along line  4 — 4  in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 5 is a top, front, side perspective view of a fluid storage tank in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 6 is an exploded, top, front, side perspective view of the fluid storage tank in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 7 is a side, cross-sectional view of the fluid storage tank in accordance with the present invention taken along line  7 — 7  and FIG. 5; 
     FIG. 8 is a top, front, side perspective view of a pumping mechanism in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 9 is a exploded, top, front, side perspective view of the pumping mechanism in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 10 is a side, cross-sectional view of the pumping mechanism in accordance with the present invention taken along line  10 — 10  in FIG. 8; 
     FIG. 11 is a top, front, side perspective view of a valve assembly in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 12 is an exploded, top, front, side perspective view of the valve assembly in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 13 is a right side cross sectional view of the valve assembly in accordance with the present invention, taken along line  13 — 13  in FIG. 11 illustrating the valve assembly in a second position, or a position for permitting pressurized air to proceed from the pumping mechanism to the projectile; 
     FIG. 14 is a right side, cross-sectional view of the valve assembly in accordance with the present invention, similar to FIG. 13, but illustrating the valve assembly in a first position permitting water to be pumped from the storage tank to the projectile; 
     FIG. 15 is a top, front, side perspective view of a launch platform in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 16 is an exploded, top, front, side perspective view of the launch platform in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 17 is a top view of the launch platform in accordance with the present invention with the launch platform being in the closed, non-launching position; 
     FIG. 18 is a side, cross-sectional view of the launch platform in accordance with a present invention taken along lines  18 — 18  in FIG. 17; 
     FIG. 19 is an enlarged, top view of the launch platform in accordance with the present invention with the cover removed to show the catches in the closed, non-launching position; 
     FIG. 20 is a top view of the launch platform in accordance with the present invention with the cover removed illustrating the catches pivoted to the launching position; 
     FIG. 21 is an exploded, cross-sectional view of the launching assembly in accordance with the present invention similar to FIG. 4 but illustrating only the rocket attached to the launch platform mechanism and illustrating the rocket and launch platform mechanism in a launching position; 
     FIG. 22 is a side, cross-sectional view of the rocket and the launch platform mechanism similar to FIG. 22, but illustrating the rocket inclined greater than 20 degrees relative to the vertical axis and illustrating the locking pins engaging the rocket to prohibit launching of the rocket; 
     FIG. 23 is a top, front, side perspective view of a trigger safety mechanism in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 24 is an exploded, top, front, side perspective view of the trigger safety mechanism in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 25 is a side, cross-sectional view of the trigger safety mechanism in accordance with the present invention taken along line  25 — 25  in FIG. 23; 
     FIG. 26 is a side, cross-sectional view of a trigger assembly in accordance with the present invention illustrating a trigger and the trigger safety mechanism with the trigger being in the at-rest position; 
     FIG. 27 is a side, cross-sectional view of the trigger assembly in accordance with the present invention and similar to FIG. 26 but showing the trigger in a firing position in solid lines and in the at-rest position in dashed lines, as well as showing the trigger safety mechanism in the launch-permitting position; 
     FIG. 28 is a side, cross-sectional view of the trigger assembly in accordance with the present invention similar to FIGS. 26 and 27 but showing the trigger in a non-launching position, the trigger safety mechanism in a launch-prohibiting position, and the launching assembly inclined such that the launch angle is greater than 20 degrees from the vertical axis; 
     FIG. 29 is a front, elevational view of a pressure indicating assembly in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 30 is a rear, elevational view of the pressure indicating assembly in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 31 is a exploded, front, bottom, side perspective view of the pressure indicating assembly in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 32 is a side, cross-sectional view of the pressure indicating assembly in accordance with the present invention taken along line  32 — 32  in FIG. 30; 
     FIG. 33 is a rear, cross-sectional view of the pressure indicating assembly in accordance with the present invention taken along line  33 — 33  in FIG. 32; 
     FIG. 34 is a top, front, side perspective view of the projectile or rocket in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 35 is a side ,cross-sectional view of the rocket in accordance with the present invention taken along line  35 — 35  in FIG. 34; 
     FIG. 36 is an exploded, top, front, side perspective view of the rocket in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 37 is a schematic drawing of a fluid system of the launching assembly in accordance with the present invention for loading the rocket with water from the water storage tank; and 
     FIG. 38 is a schematic drawing of the fluid system of the launching assembly in accordance with the present invention and similar to FIG. 37, but illustrating the fluid system in a position for loading the rocket with pressurized air from the air pump. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     FIGS. 1-4 illustrate a launching assembly  10  in accordance with the present invention. The launching assembly includes a fluid storage tank  12  for storing water, a pumping mechanism  14  for pumping air, a valve assembly  16  for controlling the flow or water and air, a launch platform  18  for holding and releasing a projectile or rocket  24 , a trigger assembly  20  for activating the launch platform  18 , a pressure indicating assembly  22  for displaying the pressure in the rocket  24 , a conduit assembly  26  for transporting the fluids, and a housing  28  for enclosing the assembly  10  as a hand-held, portable unit. The launching assembly  10  provides a device for launching toy projectiles that is capable of being held in the hands of a user and easily transported due to its generally lightweight since most elements can be formed of plastic. 
     As seen in FIGS. 5-7, fluid storage tank or water storage container  12  is filled with a fluid for ultimately being positioned within rocket  24 . Preferably the fluid is water, but other appropriate fluids can be used. Tank  12  has a bottle  102  for receiving and storing water and an intake port  104  and an output port  106  with connectors  108  and  110 , respectively for coupling the tank  12  to the conduit assembly  26 . Tank  12  also has a main opening  112  for receiving water from a water supply. The main opening can be closed by a threaded cap  114 , which has a gasket  116  to create a leak-proof seal. As a safety device, cap  114  has a pressure relief device  118  located therein formed by a cover  120  securing a spring  122  and ball  124  to form a one-way valve. 
     Tank  12  receives water from an outside water source by removing cap  114  and pouring water through opening  112  until bottle  102  is filled. Then cap  114  is threaded back on to bottle  102  until securely fastened. The pressure relief device  118  ensures that when bottle  102  is pressurized as discussed later, the pressure within bottle  102  will be released through pressure release relief device  118  when the pressure exceeds a predetermined limit. Although the pressure relief device can be formed to relieve pressure at any predetermined pressure level, preferably the pressure relief device is formed to release pressure if the pressure within bottle  102  increases above 35 psi. Of course, tank  12  is preferably designed to withstand pressures much higher than 35 psi. 
     As will be discussed below, intake port  104  is fluidly coupled with conduit assembly  26  to received pressurized air into bottle  102 . The pressurized air pressurizes bottle  102  and forces water out the output port  106  and through a portion of conduit assembly  26  to rocket  24 . Thus, output port  106  is fluidly coupled to rocket  24 . 
     Bottle  102 , intake port  104  and output port  106  are preferably integrally formed as a one-piece unitary member from plastic material. Although it should be understood that the material used can vary depending on the requirements of the user and can be materials other than plastic. However, using plastic permits the bottle  102  to be blow molded and to retain is lightweight. 
     FIGS. 8-10 illustrate a pumping mechanism  14  for supplying pressurized air to the water storage tank  12  and to the rocket  24 . The pumping mechanism or pump  14  includes a cylinder  202  for receiving a rod  204  with handles  205  coupled to the end of the rod  204  that does not enter cylinder  202 . The end of rod  204  within cylinder  202  has a seal  206 , which is secured to the rod  204  by a screw  210  and a cylinder attachment  212 . The cylinder attachment permits the seal  206  to move between two positions so that air can pass through the seal when the rod  204  is pulled away from the cylinder  202  and then become air-impermeable as rod  204  is pushed into cylinder  202 , thus, creating the pressure within the conduit assembly  26 . The closed end of the cylinder  202  has a one-way check valve  214  comprising an inlet  216 , an outlet  218  and a ball  220  in order to prevent the pressurized air from escaping from the conduit assembly  26 . 
     The pump  14  is arranged at the bottom of housing  280  and positioned such that the cylinder  202  resides within the housing  28  while the handles  205  reside outside the housing  208 . The handles  205  can then slide along the housing  208  so that the rod  204  can be slid back and forth along the housing  28 . When pumped, the rod  204  forces the seal  206  and seal washer  208  into cylinder  202  forcing air through valve  214  and into the launch assembly as discussed below. Repeated pumping by pumping of the rod  204  into the cylinder  202  increases the pressure within the launching assembly  10  due to the check valve  214 , since air can only be forced into the system and is not released through check valve  214  but only through other mechanisms in the launching assembly as discussed below. Preferably, the pumping mechanism  14  is made from plastic material except for the seal and the screw. As known in the art, adhesives can be used to secure the plastic elements of the pumping mechanism  14  together without the use of mechanical fasteners. 
     FIGS. 11-14 illustrate the valve assembly  16 , which enables the pressurized air from pump  14  to be selectively directed to either the water storage tank  12  or directly to the rocket  24 . Valve assembly  16  includes a housing  302  and a piston  304  movable within housing  302  by movement of left and right-arm levers  306  and  308 , which are connected to a handle  310 . The piston has o-rings  312  to form sealed areas within the housing  302  and a one-way valve  314  is coupled to the housing and includes a spring  316  and a ball  318 . The valve assembly  16  also has ports  320 ,  322 ,  324 ,  326  and  328 . 
     Valve assembly  16  can take many forms and can be formed as plurality of valves with the ultimate goal of permitting pressurized air to selectively proceed to the water storage container  12  or to the rocket  24 . Preferably, valve assembly  16  is formed of a plastic housing  302  and piston  304  with rubber o-rings  312 , although other appropriate materials can be used as desired. 
     As illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 valve assembly  16  operates in one of two positions. In a first position, illustrated in FIG. 14, the levers  306  and  308  are pivoted to a rearward position, toward the trigger assembly  20 . Since the levers  306  and  308 , are coupled to piston  304 , the piston is moved out, in a direction away from housing  302 , or in the left direction as illustrated in FIG.  14 . The arrangement of piston  304  and housing  302  permits air from pump  14  to pass through port  326  and be directed to port  328  and then to water storage tank  12 . Additionally, water is permitted to travel from storage container  12 , through port  320 , through housing  302  and port  322 , and then to rocket  24 . 
     Levers  306  and  308  can then be pivoted to the second position as shown in FIG. 13, in which the levers  306  and  308  are pivoted forward, towards the rocket  24 , to move the piston  304  further into housing  302 . In the position shown in FIG. 13, the piston  304  permits air from pump  12  to proceed through port  326  and housing  302  to rocket  24  through port  322  and to pressure gage  22  through port  324 . Since one-way valve  314  is positioned upstream of ports  322  and  324 , the pressure formed downstream of valve  314  can be held constant regardless of the position of piston  304 . 
     FIGS. 15-22 illustrate the launch platform mechanism  18  in accordance with the invention. The launch platform mechanism  18  is multifaceted in that it provides the mechanism to hold the rocket  24  in place prior to firing and the mechanism for releasing the rocket  24  for launching. Additionally, launch platform mechanism  18  provides safety mechanisms that prevent the launching of the rocket  24  if the rocket  24  is tiled beyond an unsafe or undesired predetermined angle, and prevents the rocket  24  from being pressurized beyond an unsafe or undesirable predetermined limit. 
     The launch platform mechanism  18  includes pressure relief device formed by a retainer  402  for holding a spring  404 , a seal housing  406  for housing a seal  408 . 
     The rocket  24  is held and released by a left catch or shoulder  410 , a right catch or shoulder  412 , and a linkage  414  coupled to each of the catches  410  and  412 . The antitilting mechanism includes a pin retainer  416  supporting four locking pins  418 , a cover  420 , and screws  422  for securing the cover  420  to the seal housing  406 . 
     Preferably, all of the elements of the launch platform mechanism  18  are formed from plastic material except for the springs  404 , the seal  408  and the screws  422 . However, launch platform mechanism  18  can be manufactured from any appropriate material desired. 
     In order to retain rocket  24  in position within launch platform mechanism  18  prior to launching, launch platform mechanism  18  relies upon left catch  410  and right catch  420  to be positioned around the bottom nozzle  716  of rocket  24 . As seen in FIG. 19, left and right catches  410  and  412  are biased by a tension spring  424  to a predetermined biasing level and a closed position. Left catch  410  includes a gripping portion  432  for gripping the rocket  24 , a pivot pin  436  for coupling the left catch  410  to the retainer  402  and for permitting left catch  410  to pivot thereabout. Thus, left catch  410  can pivot about a pivot axis  440 , which extends perpendicular to the drawing illustrated in FIG.  19 . Left catch  410  also has a pin  444  which couples left catch  410  to an arm of linkage  414 . Linkage  414  is coupled to the trigger assembly  20  as discussed below. Left catch  410  also has a slot  448  for connecting with tension spring  424 . Tension spring  424  biases left catch in the closed position as illustrated in FIG. 19 in order to bias the gripping portion  432  against the nozzle  716  of rocket  24  to maintain the rocket  24  in a fixed position within the launch platform mechanism  18 . Since right catch  412  is substantially identical to left catch  410 , right catch  412  will not be described in detail. 
     When it is desired to launch the rocket  24 , trigger  502  is moved rearwardly as discussed below, thus moving the linkage  414  rearwardly, or to the right as illustrated in FIG. 20, causing the arms  428  of linkage  414  to move towards each other as they move away from the pivot pins  436  and  438 . This movement by linkage  414  results in left and right catches  410  and  412  rotating about pivot axes  440  and  442  respectively, or about pivot pins  436  and  438 , respectively. This pivoting of the left and right catches  410  and  412  moves the gripping portions  432  and  434  away from rocket  24  to create an opening between gripping portions  432  and  434  that is now greater than the outer-most diameter of the rocket  24  at its attachment point to launch platform mechanism  18 . Thus, rocket  24  is now permitted to launch and leave launch platform mechanism  18  due to the release of pressure previously built up within rocket  24 . Upon the release of the force applied by the finger to the trigger  502  for moving linkage  414 , tension spring  424  acts to move left and right catches  410  and  412  back to the closed position illustrated in FIG. 19, thus closing the gap between gripping portions  432  and  434 . 
     Therefore, when rocket  24  is forced into the area between gripping portions  432  and  434  enough pressure must be exerted down by the rocket  24  to separate gripping portions  432  and  434  from each other and, thus. pivot catches  410  and  412  about pivot axis  440  and  442 , respectfully. The pivoting of catches  410  and  412  must be sufficient to permit the rocket nozzle  716  to be inserted into a position between gripping portions  432  and  434 . Thus, in the rest position illustrated in FIG. 19, the gripping portions  432  and  434  are spaced a distance smaller than the smallest outer diameter of the bottom of nozzle  716  of the rocket  24  which makes contacts with launch platform mechanism  18 . The tension spring  424  then creates tension on each of the left and right catches  410  and  412  to provide sufficient pressure on rocket  24  by gripping portions  432  and  434  to maintain rocket  24  in the fixed position in the launch platform mechanism  18  as illustrated in FIG.  1 . The launch of rocket  24  is accomplished by pulling trigger  502  and, thus, moving linkage  414  as discussed above. 
     The launch platform mechanism  18  is capable of regulating the maximum amount of pressure within rocket  24  by incorporating its own pressure relief device formed by spring  404 , seal housing  406  and seal  408 , all received within retainer  402 . 
     As seen in FIG. 21, rocket  24  is engaged within launch platform mechanism  18  in a non-firing position. Thus, gripping portions  432  and  434  are biased against nozzle  17 , specifically against securing element ridge  720 . Additionally, a seal is formed between nozzle  716  and seal  408 . Then, water and air can be inserted into rocket  24  through opening  456  in seal housing  406 . Opening  456  is thus fluidly coupled through conduits assembly  26  to air pump  14  and water storage container  12 . 
     Compression spring  404  is positioned between the top of seal housing  406  and the bottom of retainer  402 . Spring  404  is preferably a metal spring having predetermined characteristics such that the spring  404  will force seal housing  206  and, thus, seal  408  upwardly against the bottom of nozzle  716  to create a pressure-tight seal. This pressure-tight seal permits rocket  24  to be pressurized as desired. The pressure within rocket  24  creates a force pressing downwardly against seal  408  and seal housing  406  and against the upward force of compression spring  404 . If the pressure within rocket  24  stays within desired, predetermined limits, a seal is maintained between the rocket  24  and the launch platform mechanism  18 . 
     If the pressure within rocket  24  exceeds the predetermined limit, as set by the strength of the spring  404 , the spring  404  will compress due to the force applied against the seal  408  and the seal housing  406  from the rocket  24 . As a result, the seal housing  406  and seal  408  will move downwardly with the spring  404 . The displacement of seal  408  is illustrated in dashed lines in FIG.  21 . 
     The movement of seal housing  406  and seal  408  downwardly with the compression of spring  404  separates seal  408  from rocket  24  and permits water and air from within rocket  24  to be released to an area outside rocket  24  and outside of seal housing  406 . Once the pressure has been lowered to within the acceptable limit within rocket  24  by the release of the water and air, the lowered pressure will result in a smaller force against the seal housing  406  and seal  48  and movement by the seal  48  against the nozzle  716  since the spring  404  can then counteract the force of the pressure within rocket  24 . 
     The spring force applied by compression spring  404  will be a function of the appropriate force necessary to maintain the desired predetermined pressure within rocket  24 . Preferably, the spring force is calculated to seal the nozzle  716  and the seal  408  up to 80 psi of pressure. In other words, preferably, the spring  404  is designed to release pressure from rocket  24 , when the pressure is above 80 psi. 
     Another feature of the launch platform mechanism  18  is a safety feature in the form of an anti-tilting mechanism. This safety feature permits the rocket to launch if rocket  24  is aimed upwards in a substantially vertical direction, but if the rocket is tilted beyond a predetermined angle from vertical, the launch platform mechanism  18  will prohibit launching of the rocket  24 . This feature provides a safety mechanism, in that the rocket  24  cannot be launched horizontally or downwardly, or other potentially dangerous directions. 
     The safety mechanism comprises four locking pins  418  that are pivoted within pin retainer  416 . Each locking pin  418  pivots freely about an axis in response to gravitational forces. In other words, each pin  418  is capable of automatically pivoting about an axis due to gravity in order to self-align into a substantially vertical orientation upon tilting of the launching axis  460  away from the vertical direction. Since the locking pins  418  are spaced around the nozzle  716  any excessive tilting of the rocket  24  in any angle away from being substantially colinear with the vertical axis will result in at least one of the locking pins  418  pivoting from a launching position to a launch-preventing position. 
     Preferably, pin retainer  416  and locking pins  418  are formed of plastic material. Additionally, locking pins  418  can have a weight  470  formed of metal connected to its lower most portion in order to permit the locking pins  418  to pivot based on the gravitational force of the weight  470  being applied to each locking pin  418 . 
     As seen in FIG. 21, a rocket  24  is positioned substantially vertically. In other words, the launching axis for  460  is colinear with the vertical axis  462 . In this position, locking pins  418  are oriented substantially vertically and do not interfere with rocket  24  or engage nozzle  716 . Locking pins  418  are also designed so that a certain limited degree of movement of launching axis  460  with respect to vertical axis  462  is permitted. Thus, it is not necessary that the launching axis  460  be perfectly vertical. Although the permitted movement of launching axis  460  is a design choice, preferably, the system is designed to permit launching of rocket  24  if the launching axis  460  is within twenty degrees of the vertical axis  462 , in any direction. That is, the rocket  24  could launch if pointed less than twenty degrees from vertical and within a 360-degree circle around the vertical axis  462 . 
     However, as illustrated in FIG. 22, if the launching assembly  10  is tilted beyond the predetermined degree such that the rocket  24  and the launching axis  460  is inclined with respect to the vertical axis  462  more than a safe amount, the two locking pins  418  pivot due to the gravitational force. Pins  418  pivot about their own pivot axis, which is perpendicular to the drawing illustrated in FIG.  22 . Thus, the locking pins  418  illustrated in FIG. 22 pivot counter-clockwise due to gravitational forces. The left locking pin  418  in FIG. 22 has pivoted to contact nozzle  716 . In this position, if launching of rocket  24  is attempted, the bottom of locking pin  418  will contact the flange  718  of nozzle  716  and prohibit the rocket  24  from leaving the launch platform mechanism  18 . Although the engagement of locking pin  418  illustrated in FIG. 22 shows only one locking pin engaging rocket  24  it should be understood that depending on the inclination of rocket  24  and the intended launching angle, any of the four locking pins  418  could be engaged with rocket  24 . Although four locking pins  418  are disclosed to ensure that the rocket will be unable to launch if pointed in any direction while exceeding the predetermined safety margin, various numbers of locking pins can be used. It is only necessary that the locking pins  418  are sufficiently sensitive to engage rocket  24  in the desired, unsafe launching positions to prohibit launching of rocket  24 . 
     If rocket  24  is oriented again in a substantially vertical position as seen in FIG. 21, the locking pins  418  will again rotate to a launch-permitting position. Thus, if the rocket  24  was rotated from the position shown in FIG. 22 to the position shown in FIG. 21, locking pins  418  would rotate in a clockwise direction to the positions illustrated in FIG.  21 . 
     Although the locking pins and nozzle  216  can be arranged to prohibit launching of the rocket  24  at any desired, predetermined angle from the vertical position, preferably, the locking pins engage nozzle  716  at an inclination of the launching axis  460  greater than 20 degrees from the vertical axis  462 . Preferably, the engagement at a tilting of greater than the predetermined angle will occur in any direction. The predetermined angle  466  is illustrated in FIG.  22 . 
     As illustrated in FIGS. 23-28, the trigger assembly  20 , includes finger-activated trigger  502 , a safety mechanism  504  for permitting activation of the trigger only under predetermined conditions and a spring  506  to bias the trigger  502 . 
     Trigger  502  is preferably formed of plastic material and has a linkage catch  410  for permitting the trigger  502  to move the linkage  414 , a finger portion  512 , and an incline  514  for engagement with the safety mechanism  504 . Trigger  502  is biased in the non-firing position by tension spring  506 , which is rigidly secured to housing  28 , as seen in FIG.  26 . As then seen in FIG. 27, when trigger  502  is moved by a finger of the user towards the firing position and away from rocket  24 , the trigger  502  moves against the force of spring  506  and pulls linkage  414  away from rocket  24 . The pulling of linkage  414  results in left and right catches  410  and  412  being pivoted about pivot pins  436  and  438  in order to release the rocket  24  as previously discussed. 
     If the launching axis and rocket  24  are aligned substantially vertically, or within the acceptable tolerances, trigger  502  is capable of being moved as seen in FIG. 27 in order to pull linkage  414  and release rocket  24  since safety mechanism  508  is properly aligned and permits the firing. However, if launching assembly is tilted greater than the predetermined angle resulting in the firing angle being inclined relative to the vertical axis greater than the predetermined angle, safety mechanism  504  will prohibit trigger  502  from being pulled away from rocket  24  and will prohibit firing of rocket  24 . If trigger  502  is not displaced, linkage  414  is not displaced, and, therefore, left and right catches  410  and  412  are not displaced. 
     Safety mechanism  508  includes a cup  530 , a spring  532 , a pendulum  534 , and a retainer  536  all received within a cover  538  having a window  540 . The cup  530  has a cavity  553  and an engagement area  555  for receiving pendulum  534 . Additionally, the pendulum  534  has a pivot ball  560 , a downwardly extending gripping portion  562  and an indicating portion  564  for viewing through window  540 . Pendulum  534  also has a longitudinal, pendulum axis  568 . 
     As seen in FIG. 28, the pivot ball  560  is held between the cup  530  and the retainer  536  in a central location which permits the pendulum  534  to pivot such that the gripping portion  562  can move about the vertical axis  462  within a 360-degree circle to an inclination relative to the vertical axis  462  greater than the predetermined angle. Pendulum  534  is similar to locking pins  418  in that it is weighted by gripping portion  562  in such that it pivots due to gravitational forces as launching mechanism is inclined. Pendulum  534  pivots freely about a pivot point  570  in response to gravitational forces. In other words, pendulum  534  is capable of automatically pivoting about pivot point  570  due to gravity in order to self-align into a substantially vertical orientation upon tilting of the launching axis  460  away from the vertical direction. This action of pendulum  534  can be aided by the placement of a metal weight on gripping portion  562 . 
     As seen in FIG. 26, when the launching axis  460  is substantially vertical or colinear with the vertical axis  462 , the pendulum axis  568  will be substantially vertical. Therefore, as seen in FIG. 27, when the trigger  502  is pulled the incline  514  engages the bottom of cup  530  and forces cup  530  upwards into cover  538 . The cavity  553  of cup  530  is sized to receive the gripping portion  562  and does so when the pendulum axis  568  is within the predetermined angular orientation relative to the vertical axis  462 . Preferably, the gripping portion  562  is received by cavity  553  if the pendulum angle is inclined within twenty degrees from the vertical axis  462 . Under such conditions, the cup  530  can be pushed upwardly a sufficient distance to permit the trigger to move rearwardly a sufficient distance to move the linkage as required to fire the rocket  24 . 
     However, as seen in FIG. 28, if the launching assembly is tilted greater than the predetermined angle and the pendulum axis  568  is inclined relative to the vertical axis  462  greater than the predetermined angle, the pendulum will not enter the cavity  553 . The pendulum  534  will pivot as required by gravity and the gripping portion  562  will engage the engagement area  555  and prohibit cup  530  from moving upwardly into cover  538 . This limited movement of cup  530  upwardly prohibits the rearward movement of trigger  502  and prevents trigger  502  from being moved sufficiently rearwardly to displace the linkage  414  and fire the rocket  24 . 
     If safety mechanism  504  prohibits the movement of trigger  502  sufficient to fire rocket  24 , the launching assembly can be then tilted to the proper launching position until the launching axis  460  is within the predetermined range, such that the trigger  502  can be moved rearwardly as seen in FIG.  27 . 
     When pressure is released from the trigger, the tension spring  506  acts to move the trigger back to the at-rest position as seen in FIG.  26 . 
     Therefore, the launch-preventing mechanisms using the pins  418  and the pendulum  534  provide redundant safety features that are coordinated, through gravitational forces, to act simultaneously. Additionally, since two safety mechanisms are employed, if one of the safety mechanisms should fail, the other safety mechanism will prevent the rocket  24  from firing. 
     The indicating portion  564  of pendulum  534  protrudes from pivot ball  560  and can be seen through window  540 . Therefore, the indicating portion  564  permits a user of the launching assembly to determine whether or not the launching assembly  10  is properly orientated in that the launching axis  460  is sufficiently vertical. Additionally, a small circle can be placed at the top of window  540  in order to indicate the range in which the indicating portion  564  can be positioned while still firing the rocket  24 . 
     As seen in FIGS. 29-33, a pressure indicating assembly  22  indicates to the user the pressure level reached in the rocket  24  and permits the user to selectively vary the pressure to the desired level. If a higher pressure than indicated is desired, the user can continue to pump the pumping mechanism  14  to increase the pressure within rocket  24 . Of course, the pressure relief mechanisms in the water storage container  12  and the launch platform  18  will prevent over pressurization beyond a desired limit, as discussed above. 
     The pressure indicating assembly  22  includes a cylinder  602 , a face  604 , a piston  606  and rubber stop  608 , a spring  610 , a cap  612 , a cap nozzle  614 , a screw  616 , a gear  618 , a needle  620 , a window  622 , and a cover  624 . 
     As pressure enters cylinder  602  it forces piston  602  inwardly towards the opposite end of cylinder  602 . Since piston  602  has teeth  630  that engage gear  618 , as piston  602  moves gear  618  rotates. Needle  620  is attached to gear  618  and moves with gear  618  to provide an indication through window  622  of the pressure level within cylinder  602 . The spring  610  and the needle  620  are calibrated to illustrate an accurate pressure reading. Since the cylinder  602  is in fluid communication with the rocket  24 , the pressure indicated by gauge  22  is that within the rocket  24 . 
     As seen in FIGS. 34-36, the projectile or rocket  24  includes a bottle  702  forming the main pressure chamber. The bottle  702  has an upper threaded portion  704  and a lower threaded portion  706  for coupling the bottle  702  with the other elements of rocket  24 . An top cap adapter  708  is threaded onto the upper threaded portion  704  and has a nose cap  710  preferably formed of foam material attached thereto for providing a cushioned impact of rocket  24  when it returns to Earth. Cushioned nose cap  710  also provides an added safety feature in that rocket  24  is less dangerous to those below, during its descent. 
     A fin housing  712  is attached to the lower portion of bottle  702  to support and attach fins  714  around the perimeter of bottle  702 . Fins  714  provide stability during flight and are also preferably formed of foam material. Nozzle  716  is threaded to the lower threaded portion of bottle  702  and forms the engagement area with the launch platform  18 . Nozzle has a first securing element or flange  17  and a second securing element of ridge  720 . Flange  718  extends outwardly a predetermined distance to engage locking pins  418  as necessary when installed within launch platform  18 , as discussed above. Ridge  720  is positioned and sized to engage gripping portions  432  and  434  in order to maintain the rocket  24  in a ridged position with launch platform  18 , as discussed above. 
     Rocket  24  is preferably formed of plastic material with nose cap  710  being formed of a foam material. Although the bottle  702  can be formed of any appropriate material, preferably the bottle  702  is blow molded from a PET plastic and shaped appropriately for aerodynamics and weight distribution. The cap adapter  708 , fin housing  712  and nozzle  716  are preferably formed from rigid plastic material. 
     FIGS. 37 and 38 illustrate the preferred manner of pressurization of rocket  24 . Water  42  is inserted into water storage tank  12  by removing cap  114  and pouring water  42  into bottle  102 . Cap  114  is then tightly secured back into place. The rocket  24  is preferably held by two hands; one hand holding the handle  912  of housing  28  while the second hand holds the handles  205  of pumping mechanism  14 . The air pump  14  is then pumped a number of times to increase air pressure with the assembly  10 . The air pressure  40  is directed through one-way valve  214  to first conduit  802 . The pressurized air  40  then proceeds into valve assembly  16 . 
     The levers  306  and  308  of valve assembly  16  are originally positioned in the water loading position or positioned rearwardly, away from the rocket  24  as seen in FIG.  37 . In the water loading position, the pressurized air  40  will pass from conduit  802  through housing  302  to second conduit  804  which leads to water storage tank  12 . The pressurized air  40  then pressurizes water storage tank  12  and forces water  42  from water storage tank  12  to valve assembly  16 . The water  42  passes through the check valve  314  and proceeds through third conduit  806  to rocket  24  and enters bottle  702 . Once a sufficient quantity of water  42  has entered rocket  24  as measured by indicia positioned on the side of the bottle  702 , the levers  306  and  308  are pushed forward to change the position of piston  304 . 
     Now, referring to FIG. 38, the pumping mechanism  14  is again pumped to create pressurized air  42  in first conduit  802 , which proceeds to valve assembly  16 . Do to the new position of piston  304 , the pressurized air  40  proceeds through valve assembly  16  into fourth conduit  808  and into bottle  102  of rocket  24 . The pumping continues until the appropriate air pressure has been established within rocket  24 . The appropriate pressure can be monitored by viewing pressure gage  22 , since it is experience the same pressure within bottle  102  through conduits  808  and  810 . Once the appropriate pressure within bottle  702  has been released, the trigger  502  is pulled. 
     If the launching assembly is not properly positioned and the launching axis  460  is not within the permitted range relative to the vertical axis  462 , rocket  24  will not be permitted to launch from launching assembly  10 . The safety mechanisms in the launch platform  18  and the trigger assembly  20  will prohibit launching. However, if the launching axis  460  is within the correct parameters, the safety mechanisms will not engage, trigger  502  will be permitted to move its full distance, and rocket  24  will launch platform  18 , under its own pressure. 
     Since the water storage tank  12  contains sufficient water for multiple launches by rocket  24 , the rocket  24  can then be retrieved and reinserted into launch platform  18 . The process can then be repeated multiple times. Of course, any number of rockets  24  or other projectiles can be used instead of reusing the same rocket  24 . This process can be repeated until all of the water  42  in water storage tank  12  has been used. 
     Although this invention has been described with respect to a rocket  24  as the projectile, it should be understood that this invention can be adapted for any type of projectile, especially toy projectiles; such as, automobiles, planes or animals. Additionally, the inventions can be adapted for any type of launching system. For instance, the launching system can be adapted for a horizontal launching system, for example, for launching a toy automobile with the safety mechanisms designed to prohibit launching of the vehicle in a vertical direction. 
     While advantageous embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.