Abstract:
A dart gun having a plurality of darts removably connected about a circumferential area of a cylindrical barrel. A spring-biased gear assembly includes an engagement member that is rotatably aligned with the circumferential area of the cylindrical barrel. The spring-biased gear assembly further includes first and second rotary gears having offset teeth. A trigger bar is operable between a first position in abutting contact with the teeth of the first rotary gear and a second position in abutting contact with the teeth of the second rotary gear. A trigger is operably connected to the trigger bar. The trigger includes a forward position that locates the trigger bar in the first position and a rearward position that locates the trigger bar in the second position. Operation of the trigger causes the spring-biased gear assembly to intermittently rotate, thereby causing the lever to disconnect one of the plurality of darts from the circumferential area of the cylindrical barrel.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/683,499, entitled “FOAM DART GUN,” filed on Mar. 8, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,640,922, issued on Jan. 5, 2010, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/780,303, filed on Mar. 8, 2006, entitled “FOAM DART GUN,” the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to a foam dart gun and the like and in particular to a foam dart gun capable of rapidly firing a plurality of foam darts utilizing energy stored in a series of elastomeric members. 
     Toy projectile launchers, including toy projectile guns, have utilized numerous arrangements to apply a launching force to a projectile. Launchers that utilize elastomeric, or rubber, bands oftentimes suffer from the band breaking from fatigue or overuse. Also, when a single elastomeric band has been used to propel a projectile there is no retracting or retaining force applied to the elastomeric band. Once released, the elastomeric band is difficult to control, and often alters the trajectory of the toy projectile. Specifically, the elastomeric band may contact the body or fins of the rocket once the elastomeric band is no longer in tension, and interfere with the speed and accuracy of the rocket. Also, a single elastomeric band stores less energy than several combined bands. Velocity, distance, and trajectory suffer as a result. Additionally, constant loading and unloading of a single elastomeric band can permanently stretch the band, which lessens the potential energy capable of being stored in the elastomeric band. As a result, less kinetic energy can be transferred to the projectile when launched. In addition, it is often the case that a user of a foam dart gun is allowed a single shot before having to reload, or cock, the elastomeric band so that a second projectile may be launched. Further, the end of the elastomeric band connected to the projectile is left dangling from the gun. Not only are dangling bands cumbersome to re-load and not in position to receive a dart after being fired, but they also can catch foreign objects and break and pose a danger to the user. Accordingly, a foam dart gun that withstands fatigue and improves control of the elastomeric band(s) after a projectile has been launched would prove useful. Furthermore, there is a significant need for a foam dart gun that allows a user to accurately and rapidly fire successive toy projectiles, including foam darts, at an increased velocity to achieve a greater distance. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One aspect of the present invention includes a dart gun having a plurality of darts removably connected about a circumferential area of a cylindrical barrel. A spring-biased gear assembly includes an engagement member that is rotatably aligned with the circumferential area of the cylindrical barrel. The spring-biased gear assembly further includes first and second rotary gears having offset teeth. A trigger bar is operable between a first position in abutting contact with the teeth of the first rotary gear and a second position in abutting contact with the teeth of the second rotary gear. A trigger is operably connected to the trigger bar. The trigger includes a forward position that locates the trigger bar in the first position and a rearward position that locates the trigger bar in the second position. Operation of the trigger causes the spring-biased gear assembly to intermittently rotate, thereby causing the lever to disconnect one of the plurality of darts from the circumferential area of the cylindrical barrel. 
     Another aspect of the present invention includes a dart gun trigger assembly having a spring-biased gear assembly including an engagement member. The spring-biased gear assembly further includes a first rotary gear having teeth and a second rotary gear having teeth. The teeth of the first rotary gear are offset from the teeth of the second rotary gear. A trigger bar is operable between a first position in abutting contact with the teeth of the first rotary gear and a second position in abutting contact with the teeth of the second rotary gear. A trigger is operably connected to the trigger bar. The trigger includes a forward position that locates the trigger bar in the first position and a rearward position that locates the trigger bar in the second position. Operation of the trigger causes the spring-biased gear assembly to intermittently rotate. 
     Yet another aspect of the present invention includes a dart gun having an elastic band disposed about a circumferential area of a forward end of a cylindrical barrel. A dart is removably connected to the elastic band and removably connected to a rearward end of the cylindrical barrel. A spring-biased gear assembly includes a lever rotatably aligned with the circumferential area of the cylindrical barrel. A trigger is operably connected to a trigger bar. The trigger operates between a forward position that locates the trigger bar in rotational interference with a first portion of the spring-biased gear assembly and a rearward position that locates the trigger bar in rotational interference with a second portion of the spring-biased gear assembly. Movement of the trigger between the forward position and the rearward position causes the spring-biased gear assembly to intermittently rotate thereby causing the lever to disconnect the dart from the circumferential area of the cylindrical barrel and the elastic band to propel the dart a predetermined distance forward. 
     These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side elevational view of an embodiment of the foam dart launching gun of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an enlarged perspective view of an end of the foam dart gun that utilizes the elastomeric band assemblies of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2   a  is an enlarged elevational view of section IIA of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged partial side elevational view of one embodiment of a foam dart; 
         FIG. 4  is a top elevational view of the foam dart of  FIG. 3  in a loaded position; 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged perspective view of a catch that may be used in one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5A  in an enlarged side elevational view of another embodiment of a catch; 
         FIG. 5B  is an enlarged back elevational view of the catch of  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 5C  is an enlarged side elevational view of yet another embodiment of a catch; 
         FIG. 5D  is an enlarged back elevational view of the catch of  FIG. 5C ; 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged perspective view of a foam dart prior to engagement with a catch; 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged partial cross-sectional side elevational view of a catch engaging a foam dart; 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged side elevational view of another embodiment of a foam dart; 
         FIG. 9  is bottom elevational view of the foam dart of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is an enlarged partial side elevational view of the back end of the foam dart gun loaded with a foam dart; 
         FIG. 11  is a rear elevational view of the foam dart gun of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 12  is an enlarged partial side elevational view of the back end of the foam dart gun of  FIG. 1  with the trigger depressed; 
         FIG. 12   a  is a rear elevational cross-sectional view of the foam dart gun taken at line XIIA-XIIA of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a side elevational view of the foam dart gun of  FIG. 1  loaded with a foam dart. 
         FIG. 14  is an enlarged perspective view of another embodiment of a foam dart of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is an enlarged side elevational view of the foam dart of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 16  is an enlarged rear elevational view of the foam dart of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a side elevational view of another embodiment of the foam dart gun of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  is a partial exploded perspective view of the rear of the foam dart gun of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a partial perspective view of the rear of the foam dart gun of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a partial exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the rear of a foam dart gun including a quick release trigger cam system; 
         FIG. 21  is a side elevational view of a quick release trigger cam system; 
         FIG. 22  is a partial perspective view of the rear of a foam dart gun including a quick release trigger cam system; 
         FIG. 23  is an enlarged rear elevational view of the foam dart gun of  FIG. 17  with a foam dart loaded; 
         FIG. 24  is an enlarged partial side elevational view of the foam dart gun of  FIG. 17  with a foam dart loaded; 
         FIG. 25  is an enlarged rear elevational view of the foam dart gun of  FIG. 17  launching a foam dart; 
         FIG. 26  is an enlarged side elevational view of the foam dart gun of  FIG. 17  launching a foam dart; 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view of the foam dart gun of  FIG. 17  launching a foam dart; 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a foam dart gun launching a foam dart; 
         FIG. 29  is an enlarged elevational cross-sectional view of the foam dart gun of  FIG. 28  taken at line XXIX-XXIX; 
         FIG. 30  is an enlarged front elevational view of an adapter sleeve of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 31  is an enlarged perspective view of the adapter sleeve of  FIG. 30 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     For purposes of description herein the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical”, “horizontal” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 1 . However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     The reference numeral  10  shown in  FIG. 1  generally designates a gun  10  having an elongated, typically cylindrical barrel  11  with a plurality of rocket retention appendages, typically hooks  12 , which are disposed at a first end  13  of the barrel  11 , which is proximate trigger  20 . The plurality of hooks  12  are typically spaced at equal distances on a rim secured by fasteners around the outer circumference of the barrel  11 . Inner elastic bands  14  and outer elastic bands  15  are typically disposed at a second end  16  of the barrel  11 . The number of hooks  12  is usually equal to the number of inner elastic bands  14  and the number of outer elastic bands  15 . Also, each hook  12  is typically aligned with a corresponding pair of inner and outer elastic bands  14 ,  15 . The inner elastic band ends  14   a  engage the barrel  11  between the first and second ends  13 ,  16 . Typically, the inner elastic band ends  14   a  engage the barrel  11  approximately ⅓ of the length of the barrel  11  from a distal end  17  of the barrel  11 . The outer elastic band ends  15   a  engage the barrel  11  near the distal end  17  of the barrel  11 . The outer elastic bands  15  engage the inner elastic bands  14 , typically at the mid point of each band. 
     The first end  13  of the barrel  11  has an upper handle  18  adjacent to trigger  20  and positioned to allow actuation of the trigger  20 . A lower handle  22  is disposed on a lower portion of the barrel  11  at least proximate the first end  13  of the barrel  11 . The length of the barrel  11  will typically be at least two to three feet long. The barrel length is generally determined by the strength of the elastomeric bands. Typically, the barrel is approximately 300% of the length of the elastomeric band configuration shown on  FIG. 1  as length  29 . The barrel  11  is preferably adapted to be maneuvered by a user by firmly grasping the lower handle  22  and the upper handle  18 . The lower handle  22  is also typically adapted for use by a person&#39;s hand or shoulder. 
       FIG. 2  shows the outer elastic band ends  15   a  engaged to the distal end  17  of the barrel  11 . As readily seen in  FIG. 2 , the distal end  17  of the barrel typically has a plurality of elastomeric member receiving apertures  24  preferably evenly spaced about the distal end  17  of the barrel  11 . Typically, each of the elastomeric member receiving apertures  24  have two outwardly extending, opposing grooves  25  that interconnect the elastomeric member receiving apertures  24  with retaining apertures  28 . The retaining apertures  28  are typically of a smaller diameter than the elastomeric member receiving apertures  24 . The outer elastic band ends  15   a  have a bulbous end  26  created from the outer elastic band end  15   a  being stretched over a spherically-shaped member  23  (shown in hidden lines) disposed inside a cavity  27  in the outer elastic band  15   a . The bulbous end  26  is inserted into the elastomeric member receiving apertures  24 . Thereafter, the inner and outer elastic band ends  14   a ,  15   a  are pinched and slid through the outwardly extending grooves  25  until the bulbous end  26  is retained in the retaining apertures  28  on the interior surface of the barrel  11 . When loaded, the tension on the outer elastic band forces the bulbous end  26  against the interior of the barrel  11 . The bulbous end  26  prevents the outer elastic band  15  from withdrawing from the distal end  17  of the barrel  11  during use and allows for easy replacement of an individual elastomeric band or band assemblies. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the retaining hooks  12  are adapted to be inserted into a retaining hook receiving aperture  30  in a rod  32  disposed at a rear end  34  of a dart  36 . The dart  36  is typically constructed of foam material and includes several fins  35   a . The rod  32  is typically substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the dart  36 . A front end  38  of the dart  36  usually employs one component of a hook and loop fastening system  39  such as VELCRO® which, in a game-playing situation, would attach readily to an opponent&#39;s vest, utilizing a complementary component of the hook and loop fastening system  39 . In this manner, one would readily know when the target is “hit” when playing various games. The front end  38  of the foam dart  36  may employ a catch  40  that releasably connects to the mid-point of each of inner and outer elastic bands  14  and  15 , respectively. During use, numerous foam darts  36  may be used in connection with the gun  10 . Each dart engages the gun  10  by engaging the catch  40  to the mid-points of both the inner and outer elastic bands  14  and  15 . Simultaneously, the hooks  12  disposed about the outer circumference of the barrel  11  are inserted into the retaining hook receiving apertures  30  of the rods  32  of the foam darts  36 . This configuration stores potential energy that propels the dart when the dart is fired. 
     A catch  31 , shown in  FIGS. 5 , and  5 A- 5 D, is connected at a mid-point of each of inner and outer elastic bands  14 ′ and  15 ′ ( FIG. 6 ) is connected to a catch  31 . Catch  31  could be affixed to the midpoint of a single band, but this configuration is presently not preferred. When inner and outer elastic bands  14 ′ and  15 ′ are used, they are received through holes  31   a  and  31   b , respectively, on the catch  31 . The catch  31  has a hook  33  that is designed to engage a slot  35   b  ( FIG. 6 ) disposed in a rod  32   a  of the foam dart  36   a . The catch  31  has a narrow edge  31   c  that is designed to slide along the length of the barrel  11  when the dart  36  is being launched. Alternatively, a catch  31 ′, shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , may be utilized. Catch  31 ′ includes holes  31   a ′ and  31   b ′, a hook  33 ′ and an arcuate barrel engagement portion  31   d  that has a convex shape adapted to conform and slidingly engage with the outer circumference of barrel  11 , thus facilitating steady and consistent launching of foam dart  36 .  FIGS. 5C and 5D  are related to a catch  31 ″, which will be disclosed in detail below. 
       FIGS. 6-9  illustrate an alternative embodiment including a dart  36   a  for use in the foam dart gun  10 . In this alternative embodiment, the rod  32   a  has an outer circumference that is tangential with the outer circumference of the foam dart  36   a . The rod  32   a  is typically engaged along a portion of the perimeter of the dart  36   a  as shown in  FIG. 6 . The rod  32   a  may be glued or otherwise affixed to the body of the dart  36   a . Also, there may be a channel in the foam dart  36   a  for receiving the rod  32   a . Additionally, an elastomeric girdle, typically a plastic girdle  37 , which is typically constructed of a spring-like mesh plastic material as shown, may be used to frictionally engage and thereby secure a portion of the rod  32   a  to the foam dart  36   a  to prevent the rod  32   a  from coming separated from the foam dart  36   a . The plastic girdle  37  is designed to tightly squeeze around the outer circumference of the dart  36   a , thus minimizing the likelihood that the rod  32   a  will detach from the dart  36   a . Generally, the girdle  37  is of a slightly smaller diameter than the diameter of the foam dart  36   a  to facilitate frictional engagement of the rod  32   a  and foam dart  36   a . In such a case, the foam dart  36   a  typically is depressed to temporarily lower the diameter of the foam dart  36   a  to allow the girdle  37  to be placed over the dart  36   a . 
       FIGS. 10-12  illustrate the trigger  20  and its engagement to a firing apparatus  42 . A first circular rotary gear  44  has a plurality of knobs  46  separated by a plurality of openings  47 . A second circular rotary gear  48  is engaged to the first circular rotary gear  44  and has a plurality of knobs  49  separated by a plurality of openings  50 . The first circular rotary gear  44  is typically connected with the second circular rotary gear  48  such that the knobs  46  of the first circular rotary gear  44  are typically at least substantially aligned with the openings  50  of the second circular rotary gear  48  and, similarly, the knobs  49  of the second circular rotary gear  48  are typically at least substantially aligned with openings  47  of the first circular rotary gear  44 . The first and second circular rotary gears  44 ,  48  are spring-biased by an internal torsion spring  51  ( FIG. 12A ) to rotate in the direction of arrow  52 . The trigger  20  is spring-biased to a forward position and is attached by a crossbar  53  to a trigger bar  54 . The trigger  20  pivots about a trigger pivot axis and the trigger bar  54  pivots about a bar pivot axis. Depressing the trigger  20  actuates the trigger bar  54  into a rearward position. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 10 and 12 , the trigger bar  54  interferes with rotation of the second circular rotary gear  48  when the trigger  20  is in the forward rest position. When the trigger  20  is depressed, the trigger bar  54  is moved by the crossbar  53  attached to the trigger  20  into the rearward position and accordingly, slides into the opening  47  on the first circular rotary gear  44  and out of interference with one of the knobs  49  on the second circular rotary gear  48 . In this position, the trigger bar  54  interferes with one of the knobs  46  on the first circular rotary gear  44  thereby preventing further rotation of the first and second circular gears  44 ,  48 . When the trigger  20  is released, the spring-biased tension acting on the trigger  20  by spring  57  pulls the trigger  20  into the forward position and the crossbar  53  attached to the trigger  20  forces the trigger bar  54  forward and out of interference with one of the knobs  46  on the first circular rotary gear  44  allowing the first and second circular rotary gears  44 ,  48  to rotate. Subsequently, the trigger bar  54  is again in an interfering position with one of the knobs  46  on the second circular rotary gear  48  thereby preventing further rotation of the first and second rotary gears  44 ,  48 . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , a displacement lever  58  is secured to the first and second rotary gears  44 ,  48 . The displacement lever  58  rotates with the first and second rotary gears  44 ,  48  each time the trigger  20  is actuated either by pressing or releasing the trigger  20 . As the displacement lever  58  rotates, it strikes the rod  32  of the dart  36   a  forcing the retaining hook receiving aperture  30  in the rod  32  of the foam dart  36   a  off of the hook  12 . The knobs  46 ,  49  and openings  47 ,  50  of the first and second circular rotary gears  44 ,  48  are of a sufficient size to allow rotation of the displacement lever  58  a distance that is typically at least about equal to the distance between the hooks  12  on the outer circumference of the barrel  11 . Therefore, when the trigger  20  is depressed or released, the displacement lever  58  rotates past a single hook  12 . When one of the hooks  12  is fully removed from the retaining hook receiving aperture  30  in the rod  32  of the foam dart  36 , the foam dart  36  is propelled forward utilizing kinetic energy from the inner and outer elastic bands  14  and  15  that is acting on the catch  40  of the foam dart  36 . 
     In use, a person releasably secures the catch  40  of the foam dart  36  to the mid-point of adjoining inner and outer elastic bands  14 ,  15 . The person stretches the inner and outer elastic bands  14 ,  15  thereby adding energy to the inner and outer elastic bands  14 ,  15 . The person stretches the inner and outer elastic bands  14 ,  15  a distance to allow insertion of the hook  12  that is at least substantially longitudinally aligned with a specific inner and outer elastic band  14 ,  15 . The hook  12  is inserted into retaining hook receiving aperture  30  in rod  32   a  of the foam dart  36   a , as shown in  FIG. 13 . Numerous foam darts  36   a  may be inserted in this manner. When a predetermined number of darts  36   a  have been loaded, the gun  10  is ready for firing. The person may fire the gun  10  by either depressing the trigger  20  or by releasing the trigger  20 . Each time the trigger  20  is depressed or released, the displacement lever  58  rotates with the first and second circular rotary gears  44 ,  48 , and actuates rod  32   a  such that a single hook  12  no longer retains the dart  36   a  thereby launching the dart  36   a  toward a target. As discussed above, the potential energy stored in the inner and outer elastic bands  14 ,  15  is converted to kinetic energy, which propels the dart  36   a  forward. It is to be understood that a foam dart  36  could be launched in a similar manner as that described above with respect to the foam dart  36   a . 
     Another embodiment of a foam dart is shown in  FIGS. 14-16 . A foam dart  70  includes several fins  35   a  and a front end  38  having one of a hook and loop fastening system  39  such as VELCRO® which, in a game-playing situation, would attach readily to an opponent&#39;s vest that utilizes a complementary component of the hook and loop fastening system  39 . The foam dart  70  has a similar construction to foam darts  36  and  36   a , and it is to be understood that those components of the foam darts  36 ,  36   a , and  70  the have the same reference numerals are generally the same. A girdle  74  is connected to an outer circumference of the foam dart  70  between the front end  38  and rear end  34  of the foam dart  70 . The girdle  74  is also connected to the front end of a jam stick  78 . The girdle  74  or the jam stick  78  or both include an opening or indentation into which the elastic band assembly clip hook  33  ( FIGS. 5 ,  5 A and  5 B) is inserted. The jam stick  78  extends parallel with and adjacent to the foam dart  70  and protrudes beyond the rear end of the foam dart  70 . A distal end of the jam stick  78  includes a plurality of laterally extending grooves  80  or slots or possibly catch material adapted to engage teeth  110  or catch material on the bottom side  112  of a jam cleat release lever  86  as discussed in further detail below. The catch material is a material or substance having a high coefficient of friction, such as rubber. The catch material may be used alone or in conjunction with the laterally extending grooves  80 . 
       FIG. 17  illustrates another embodiment for a foam dart gun. The foam dart gun  90  has a similar construction to gun  10  and it is to be understood that those components of the first and second embodiments that have the same reference numerals are generally the same. The first end of gun  90  includes an alternative design incorporating a different manner of securing and releasing darts  70  from the gun  90 . More specifically, gun  90  is adapted to fire foam darts  70  by way of a plurality of jam cleat release levers  86  that are mounted inside a plurality of corresponding channel-shaped mounting brackets  92 . 
       FIGS. 18 and 19  illustrate the gun  90  with the handle  18  and trigger  20  assemblies removed. The channel-shaped mounting brackets  92  house the jam cleat release lever  86  and include a pivot pin  94  to allow rotation of the jam cleat release lever  86 . Although only one channel-shaped mounting bracket and one jam cleat release lever are shown in  FIGS. 18 and 19  for ease of illustration and explanation, it should be understood that multiple channel-shaped mounting brackets  92  and jam cleat release levers  86  are preferably located around the circumference of the barrel  11 . The channel-shaped mounting bracket  92  includes two legs  96  with outwardly extending flanges  98  having mounting apertures  100  for the purpose of mounting the bracket  92  to the outer circumference of the gun barrel  11  by mechanical fasteners. A spring assembly  102  that includes a spring  104  and spring pin  106  inside the mounting bracket  92  acts to bias the bottom of the jam cleat release lever  86  into contact with the outer circumference of the barrel  11 . The outwardly extending flanges  98  of the mounting bracket legs  96  are arcuately shaped to correspond with the arcuate shape of the outer circumference of the gun barrel  11 . The mounting bracket  92  also includes an enlarged opening  108 . The enlarged opening  108  allows a user to mount the jam stick  78  of the foam dart  70  into the jam cleat release lever  86  as will be discussed in further detail below. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 18 , the jam cleat release lever  86  has a teardrop shape with teeth  110  on a bottom side  112  of the jam cleat release lever  86  as well as a rounded top surface  114 . Alternatively, the bottom side  112  of the jam cleat release lever  86  may include a catch material having a high coefficient of friction. The catch material may be used alone or in conjunction with the teeth  110  on the bottom side  112  of the jam cleat release lever  86 . The jagged teeth  110  are designed to engage the lateral grooves  80  of the jam stick  78  of the foam dart  70 . A rearward end of the jam cleat release lever  86  has a rounded contact surface  116  that is adapted for engagement with an engagement portion  120  of a rotating trigger cam  122 . The engagement portion  120  has an inclined contact surface  124  which is adapted to engage the rounded contact surface  116  of the jam cleat release lever  86 . The trigger cam  122  is under constant torsional force that is provided by a torsion spring located inside the barrel  11 . The trigger cam  122  of gun  90  rotates in a manner similar to the displacement lever  58  of gun  10  when the trigger  20  is depressed and released to move trigger bar  54  into and out of engagement with knobs  46 ,  49  on the first and second circular rotary gears  44 ,  48 , as described in detail above with respect to  FIGS. 10 and 12 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 18 and 19 , the threaded rod  125  extends outwardly from the back of the gun  90 . The torsion spring  51  ( FIG. 12   a ) is secured on one end to the inside of the barrel  11  and on the other side to the threaded rod  125 . A spreader  128   a , such as a washer, is inserted over the rod  125  and first and second mechanical fasteners  129 ,  130 , such as nuts, are secured on the threaded rod  125 . A rotatable trigger cam  122  is included and has a receiving slot  132  shaped to closely receive at least one of the mechanical fasteners  129 ,  130 . The threaded rod  125  extends through the first rotary gear  44 , a second spreader  128   b  (such as washer), and a second circular rotary gear  48 . The trigger cam  122 , first rotary gear  44 , second spreader  128   b , and second rotary gear  48 , are held in place by a third spreader  128   c  (such as a washer) and third mechanical fastener  140 , such as a nut. As the trigger  20  of the gun  90  is depressed or released, the trigger cam  122 , which is connected to the first and second gears  44 ,  48 , rotates by way of the torsional spring force applied by the torsion spring  51  ( FIG. 12A ). As the trigger cam  122  rotates, the engagement portion  120  on the trigger cam  122  rotates into contact with the rounded contact surface  116  of the jam cleat release lever  86  ( FIGS. 23 and 24 ). As the engagement portion  120  strikes the rounded contact surface  116  of the jam cleat release lever  86 , the rounded contact surface  116  is lifted, raising the teeth  110  or catch material or both ( FIGS. 25 and 26 ). The force related to the rotation of the trigger cam  122  is great enough to overcome the opposing contact force supplied by the spring assembly  102  and by the elastic bands  14 ′,  15 ′ which pull the jam cleat release lever  86  into frictional engagement with the jam stick  78  of the foam dart  70 . As the jam cleat release lever  86  is raised by the rotating trigger cam  122 , the teeth  110  and/or catch material of the jam cleat release lever  86  separate from the grooves  80  and/or catch material of the jam stick  78  and the dart  70  is released and launched. 
     Referring to  FIG. 27 , to reload, a user engages the slot  35   b  of the dart  70  with the catch  31  or  31 ′ secured to the mid-points of the inner and outer elastic bands  14  and  15 . When the dart  70  is securely engaged with the catch  31  or  31 ′, the dart  70  is pulled back toward the jam cleat release lever  86 . The user then inserts the jam stick  78  of the foam dart  70  into the enlarged opening of the jam cleat mounting bracket  92  until the rear end of the dart  70  touches the mounting bracket  92 . As the user lets go, the spring force acting on the jam cleat release lever  86  rotates the jam cleat release lever  86  downward into frictional engagement with the jam stick  78 . The laterally extending grooves  80  of the jam stick  78  interface with the teeth  110  of the jam cleat release lever  86  to hold the foam dart  70  in place. Note that the foam dart  70  should be secured in a complimentary mounting bracket  92  that lines up with the inner and outer elastic bands  14  and  15  to which the foam dart  70  is attached. 
       FIGS. 20-22  illustrate a quick release trigger cam system  135 . The quick release trigger cam system  135  includes a threaded bolt that extends into the barrel of the gun and is attached to the torsion spring inside the barrel. The torsion spring  51  is secured on one end to the inside of the barrel  11  and on the other side to the threaded rod  125 . The threaded rod  125  extends outwardly from the back of the gun  90 . A spreader  128 , such as a washer, is inserted over the rod  125  and first and second mechanical fasteners  129 ,  130 , such as nuts, are secured on the threaded rod  125 . A rotatable trigger cam  122  is included and has a receiving slot  132  shaped to closely receive at least one of the mechanical fasteners  129 ,  130 . The threaded rod  125  extends through the first rotary gear  44 , a second spreader  128   b , second circular rotary gear  48 , and a compression spring  136 . The trigger cam  122 , first rotary gear  44 , second spreader  128   b , second rotary gear  48 , and the compression spring  136  are held in place by a third spreader  128   c  and third mechanical fastener  140 . To increase the torque acting on the trigger cam  122  by the torsion spring  51 , the quick release trigger cam system  135  must be wound against the torsional force of the torsion spring  51 . The quick release trigger cam system  135  design allows the user to pull the rotatable trigger cam  122  away from the trigger bar  54  against the force of the compression spring  136  and easily rewind the trigger cam  122  without having to hold the trigger bar  54  out of the way. This lessens the time it takes to restore torque in the torsion spring  51  ( FIG. 12A ). 
     An alternative embodiment of a gun is shown in  FIG. 29 . A gun  160  has a corrugated barrel  161  with an adapter sleeve  162 . The corrugated barrel  161  includes a corrugated circumference having multiple elongate channel sections  164 . The width of each channel section  164  is equal to or larger than the foam dart  70  and provides a path for the dart  70  to follow when being propelled, or launched, by the first and second elastic bands  14 ′,  15 ′. As shown in  FIG. 28 , near the distal end of the barrel  161 , the elastomeric member receiving aperture  24  is approximately centrally located in each corrugation, or channel, with outwardly extending grooves  25  projecting outwardly therefrom. The inner and outer elastic band ends  14   a ,  15   a  are pinched and slid through the outwardly extending grooves  25  until the bulbous end  26  is retained in the retaining apertures  28  on the interior surface of the barrel  11 . With this design, the corrugations assist in directing the foam dart down the longitudinal extent of the channel sections along the barrel  11 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 30 and 31 , the adapter sleeve  162  is located at the barrel  161  and includes a circular outside perimeter  166  and a corrugated interior perimeter  168 . The corrugated interior perimeter  168  of the adapter sleeve  162  is complementary with the outside corrugated perimeter  166  of the barrel  161 . The adapter sleeve  162  provides a surface to which the mounting brackets  92  or retaining hooks  12  of the gun  90  or gun  10 , respectively, may be attached. The handle  18  is also attached to the adapter sleeve  162 . The adapter sleeve  162  is secured to the barrel  161  by mechanical fasteners. It is contemplated that the adapter sleeve  162  can be used to provide a rounded surface onto which other parts could be mounted. 
       FIGS. 5C and 5D  illustrate yet another embodiment for a catch for use with barrel  161 . A catch  31 ″ includes holes  31   a ″ and  31   b ″, a hook  33 ″ and an arcuate barrel engagement portion  31   e  that has a concave shape adapted to conform and slidingly engage with one of the channel sections  164  of barrel  161 . This design assists in projecting the foam dart  70  down the channel section  164 . 
     The above description is considered that of the illustrated embodiments only. Modifications of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the invention. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above is merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the Doctrine of Equivalents.