Patent Document

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     In the 1950&#39;s a toy was mass-produced that was designed to core and shoot a portion of a potato (a slug) or any other semi-solid biodegradable object. Primarily known as the “Spud Gun”, this all-metal toy was very popular in its time with kids of all ages. Its basic principle was to core a small slug of the potato using the hollow round tip of the shooter. Then using a two-part plunger system it would compress ordinary air behind the slug and therefore propel the slug out of the gun in the direction aimed. This toy enjoyed wide popularity along with other shooting toys from that generation such as Rubber Band Guns, Sling Shots and BB Guns. In recent years, the “Spud Gun” has enjoyed a re-birth as the same basic toy only now manufactured in plastic and marketed as a “retro” toy in order to capture the memories of those who had them as kids and hopefully to be shared with a new generation of kids. This new generation of “Spud Gun” can easily be purchased at most novelty stores or through many Internet sites.  
         [0002]     In general, the “Spud Gun” was effective in shooting the slug of the semi-solid biodegradable object. Unfortunately, the reality of the matter was that it did not perform very well because of a few inherent design flaws. There are three main flaws in the original design that needed to be addressed in order to make the “Spud Gun” a more effective shooter. The use of the Human hand to generate the necessary power to propel the slug is the first. This is followed by the inaccuracy of the shooter when trying to hit a target because the human hand is used to generate the needed energy to propel the slug and the means by which the shooter was loaded in order to seal enough air inside to propel the slug.  
         [0003]     The primary source of power in the original design in order to compress the air pocket and propel the slug was the human hand. While the hand is a great source for power and readily available it is not a great tool when required to generate the needed energy to propel the slug with the design of the vintage “Spud Gun”. You just could not get very much power to propel the slug very far. The “Spud Gun” used the human hand in a squeezing motion to generate the power. This motion is used to compress an air pocket that has been sealed behind the slug inside the compression chamber. When enough pressure was generated the slug would pop out of the tip of the toy and be propelled in the desired direction. Unfortunately, you can only get so much force out of the hand with this motion. This group of muscle in the hand is not as strong or fast as other potential sources of energy.  
         [0004]     Since the original shooter was made from two primary parts and since these parts were designed to be squeezed together it was very easy to reduce the size of the compression chamber while trying loading the projectile. Loading was accomplished by jamming the hollow tip of the shooter into the semi-solid biodegradable object and breaking of the core that was cut and wedged into the hollow tip of the shooter. The motion of jamming the tip into the semi-solid biodegradable object frequently results in the compression chamber inside the unit being reduced in size as the two main pieces of the shooter were pressed together in order to penetrate the skin of the semi-solid biodegradable object. Once the chamber had been compressed and the hollow tip of the shooter sealed by the cored semi-solid biodegradable projectile the gun was even harder to use because you no longer had as much air in the compression chamber to compress and therefore propel the slug. Because of this the gun had to be unloaded and extra effort had to be made while loading the shooter in order to keep the two halves from compressing while the slug was loaded. This was especially difficult for younger users of the toy as well as it hindered the efficiency of the toy.  
         [0005]     The Last flaw was again related to the use of the Human hand for propulsion. The inherent “jerking” motion required to squeeze the human hand in a fast strong motion did not allow the hand to maintain a steady position and therefore an accurate aim. This jerking motion generally moved the tip of the shooter and changes the trajectory in which the projectile was intended to go. In order to maintain a steady aim while shooting you had to somehow maintain a smooth squeezing motion when trying to generate the most power from you hand. That was the only way to maximize the distance at which the projectile was launched while maintaining some sort of accurate aim. This inherently reduced the power generating by the hand and once again reduced the efficiency of the shooter.  
         [0006]     All of these factors were compounded when the person using the toy was a child, as children generally do not have large strong hands that allow the user to compensate for these design flaws. Generally speaking, the best that these shooters could propel the semi-solid biodegradable slug is not much more then 15 feet.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     Accordingly, the invention presented within is a propulsion device designed to overcome the shortcomings of similar vintage devices. The invention presented here includes an integral mechanism by which the user can easily load and fire a small piece of semi-solid biodegradable material. Marrying the following components together, Receiver, Hammer, plunger, trigger, spring and handle, the end result is an easy to use and very efficient device to fire a slug from a semi-solid biodegradable object.  
         [0008]     One goal of the presented device is the means by which to easily load and fire the projectile with minimal effort. The device presented has an integral projectile retention system (the external hollow coring bore) along with a means to set and store the needed energy to fire the device (The hammer, plunger and spring) by simply pulling back on the trigger. No longer does the user need to try and develop the needed energy to fire the device by squeezing their hand together. The combination of these parts housed inside the receiver provides the needed components to do this.  
         [0009]     The second goal of the presented device is the use of a compression chamber that is decoupled from the energy storage device inside the receiver. The device features an integral yet separate compression chamber that is sealed by the projectile on one end and plunger on the other and is set simply by loading the projectile. The user no longer needs to maintain the separation of the two-part handle in order to maintain a proper compression chamber.  
         [0010]     The third goal of the presented device is the means by which the compression chamber is set. The device features a probe on the tip of the plunger that protrudes out the front of the device. When the probe comes in contact with the source for the semi-solid biodegradable slug (generally an apple or potato) it is pushed back inside the receiver as the tip of the device is forced into the semi-solid biodegradable and the slug is cored. The length of the probe sets the size of the compression chamber and therefore the amount of air that is trapped inside the chamber and available to compress.  
         [0011]     The last goal of the presented device is to provide a stable platform and energy source to fire the projectile and maintain a high level of accuracy. This is accomplished through the unique energy storage device and the means by which this energy is transferred to propel the projectile. The user no longer needs to worry about the stability of their hand while generating the needed energy to fire the device. Once loaded, simply pull the trigger and the device will release the stored energy and propel the slug from the tip of the device.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]     A better understanding of the invention and many of its advantages will become better understood by referencing following detailed descriptions when considered along with the following drawings, wherein:  
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is an overall perspective view of the assembled Slug Propulsion Device along with a typical Semi-Solid Biodegradable Object (A Potato) in the unloaded state according to the present invention;  
         [0014]      FIG. 1A  is an overall side view of the assembled Slug Propulsion Device along with a typical Semi-solid Biodegradable Object (A Potato) in the unloaded state;  
         [0015]      FIG. 2  is an exploded assembly drawing in perspective view of the overall Slug Propulsion Device;  
         [0016]      FIG. 3  is an overall perspective view of the assembled Slug Propulsion Device in the unloaded state;  
         [0017]      FIG. 3A  is a vertical cross section view of the assembled overall Slug Propulsion Device assembly as shown when the device is in the unloaded state;  
         [0018]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view (with hidden lines shown) of the Receiver as illustrated in assembly drawing  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0019]      FIG. 5  is a vertical cross section of the Receiver of the device as illustrated in assembly drawing  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0020]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view (with hidden lines shown) of the Hammer as illustrated in assembly drawing  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0021]      FIG. 7  is a vertical cross section of the Hammer as illustrated in assembly drawing  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0022]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the Plunger (with hidden lines shown) as illustrated in assembly drawing  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0023]      FIG. 9  is a vertical cross section of the Plunger as illustrated in assembly drawing  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0024]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the Trigger (with hidden lines shown) as illustrated in assembly drawing  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0025]      FIG. 11  is a side view of the Trigger as illustrated in assembly drawing  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0026]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the Stock (with hidden lines shown) as illustrated in assembly drawing  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0027]      FIG. 13  is a vertical cross section of the Stock as illustrated in assembly drawing  FIG. 2 .  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0028]     Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers designate identical or corresponding parts throughout each drawing, and more particularly to  FIGS. 1 &amp; 1A  thereof, there is respectively illustrated a Perspective and Side View of the Slug Propulsion Device  5  including a Receiver  9  which is connected to the Stock  70  by means of a fastener system  100 . Other noted parts, which are described in detail in the other figures, are the Hammer  29 , the Hammer Handle  40 , the Propulsion Spring  80 , the Trigger  60  and the Plunger  50 . Along with these parts is also shown a semi-solid biodegradable object  105  (a Potato) with three Missing Cores  106  along with the Projectile Slug  110  shown after it has been cored.  
         [0029]     A Perspective view of the exploded assembly of the Slug Propulsion Device  FIG. 1 , ITEM  5  is shown in  FIG. 2 . Illustrated here, as they would go together when assembled are all the individual components. The Receiver  9  will first accept the Plunger  50  into its inner cavity followed by the Hammer  29 , which is oriented with the Hammer Handle  40  up. The Plunger  50  is inserted all the way into the Receiver  9  until it bottoms out in the end of the cavity. The tip of the Plunger  50  should protrude out the front of the Receiver  9  when it is seated at the end of the cavity. The fit between the Receiver  9  and Plunger  50  is tight as these two parts make up the compression chamber, which propels the slug. The Hammer  29  follows until its front surface hits the rear surface of the Plunger  50 . The Hammer  29  is used to hit the Plunger  50  and Compress the trapped air captured inside the compression chamber between the front interior surface of the receiver  9  and the front of the Plunger  50 . The Hammer  29  will accept the Hammer Handle  40  if it is not an integral part of the Hammer  29  (Integral Hammer Handle not shown) and the Mass Slug  90  (If installed). The Mass Slug  90  is held in place by the Slug Retainers  FIG. 7  ITEM  34  that Protrude from the Cavity down the center of the Hammer  29 . The Propulsion Spring  80  sits in the back of the Hammer  29  and up against the Stock  70  when assembled. The rear of the Hammer  29  has an integral feature to capture the Propulsion Spring  80  as it is placed up against the Stock  70 . The Trigger  60 , having the Trigger Return Spring  85  already mounted is then inserted into the bottom of the Receiver  9  and held in place by the Trigger Pivot Pin  95 . The Receiver assembly is then inserted into the Stock  70  and retained by the Fastener  100 .  
         [0030]     A Perspective view of the Slug Propulsion Device  FIG. 1 , ITEM  5  unloaded is shown in  FIG. 3 . Illustrated here much like in  FIG. 1  is the assembled Slug Propulsion Device  FIG. 1 , ITEM  5  that includes the Receiver  9 , which is connected to the Stock  70  by means of a fastener system  100 . Other noted parts, which are described in detail in other figures, are the Hammer  29 , the Hammer Handle  40 , the Propulsion Spring  80 , the Trigger  60  and the Plunger  50 .  
         [0031]     A vertical cross section view of the Slug Propulsion Device  FIG. 1 , ITEM  5  is shown in  FIG. 3A . Illustrated here as a cut away assembly shown from the side in its unloaded state. Most of the individual components are shown. The Receiver  9  is shown with the Plunger  50  bottomed out inside the compression cavity followed by the Hammer  29 . The Hammer  29  is shown with a non-integral Hammer Handle  40  in place along with the Mass Slug  90 . The Propulsion Spring  80  is shown uncompressed and located between the backside of the Hammer  29  and up against the Stock  70 . The Trigger  60 , having the Trigger Return Spring  85  already mounted (but not shown for clarity) is shown in place. The Pivot Pin  95  holds it in place. The Receiver assembly is shown inserted into the Stock  70  and retained by the Fastener  100 .  
         [0032]     A Perspective view (with hidden lines shown) and a vertical cross section view of the Receiver  FIG. 1 , ITEM  9  is shown in  FIGS. 4 &amp; 5 . Shown in these views are the overall Receiver Muzzle End  24  and Hammer Receiving End  25 . Located on the Muzzle End  24  are the External Projectile Registration Surface  15 , the Registration Pin Bore  14 , the External Hollow Coring Barrel  12 , the Coring Lead-in Feature  26  and the Barrel Bore  13 . The External Projectile Registration Surface  15  is a flat surface on the front external face of the Muzzle End  24 . It also contains the Registration Pin Bore  14 . The Registration Pin Bore  14  is where the Registration Pin  FIG. 8 , ITEM  51  protrudes out the front of the device. The Registration Pin Bore  14  is concentric with the Compression Cavity  17 . Its concentricity and diameter must be tightly controlled so that the fit of the Plunger  FIG. 1 , ITEM  50  inside the receiver limits the amount of air that can escape as the air trapped inside the Compression Cavity  17  is compressed when the device is fired. The External Hollow Coring Barrel  12  is located on the face of the External Projectile Registration Surface  15  centered left to right and toward the top. This feature can be almost any shape but in this case it is a cylindrical hollow feature that protrudes out from this surface. The length of the External Hollow Coring Barrel  12  along with the External Projectile Registration Surface  15  actually sets the length of the cored projectile. The tip of the External Hollow Coring Barrel  12  has the Barrel Bore  13  and the Coring Lead-in Feature  26 . The Barrel Bore  13  is the hollow portion of the External Hollow Coring Barrel  12 . This bore extends the length of the External Hollow Coring Barrel  12  and enters the Internal Compression Cavity  17 . The Barrel Bore  13  is also where the projectile is wedged in place (when loaded) and effectively seals the air inside the Internal Compression Cavity  17  from the front side of the device. The Coring Lead-in Feature  26  is a chamfered or otherwise sharp edge on the tip of the External Hollow Coring Barrel  12 . This feature aids in the surface cutting and coring of the semi-solid biodegradable object as the device is loaded. Inside the front of the Receiver  9  is the Internal Compression Cavity  17  with its integral Plunger Lead-In Feature  11  and Anvil End Surface  16 . The Compression Cavity  17  takes up about ¼ the length and is the most precise part of the Receiver  9 . As stated above, its diameter must closely match that of the Plunger  FIG. 1 , ITEM  50  in order to form a good seal with which to propel the projectile. The Compression Chamber Cavity  17  and the Registration Pin Bore  14  must also be concentric in order to easily accept the Plunger  FIG. 1 , ITEM  50 . This concentricity aids in the installation of the Plunger  FIG. 1 , ITEM  50  so that the angular orientation (with respect to the center of the Compression Chamber Cavity  17 ) does not matter when assembling the two. The front face of the Compression Cavity  17  is where the Anvil End Surface  16  is located. This feature is what stops the Plunger  FIG. 1 , ITEM  50  once the device has been fired. It serves more or less as the stopping surface for the internal parts of the device. The Plunger Lead-In Feature  11  is located at the rear end of the Internal Compression Cavity  17 . This feature is a chamfered lead-in that opens up to the rest of the Internal Hammer Bore  10 , which is slightly larger in diameter then the Compression Cavity  17 . Its purpose is to aid in the assembly of the Plunger  FIG. 1 , ITEM  50 . This feature helps to center the Plunger  FIG. 1 , ITEM  50  in the bore as it slides into the Compression Cavity  17 . At the rear of the Receiver  9  is the Hammer Slot  23 . It is located on the top surface at the back end of the Hammer Receiving End  25 . It protrudes into the Internal Hammer Bore  10  and extends approximately halfway along the entire length of the Receiver  9 . This slot is where the Hammer Handle  FIG. 1 , ITEM  40  will move back and forth as the Slug Propulsion Device is loaded and unloaded. On the bottom side of the Receiver  9  are the Trigger Slot  19 , Stock Mounting Boss  18 , Trigger Mounting Boss  20 , Receiver Mounting Surface  27  and Stock Locking Ledge  22 . Both the Stock Mounting Boss  18  and the Trigger Mounting Boss  20  are rectangular in shape and extend down from the bottom surface of the Receiver  9 . Both are about half as wide as the Receiver  9  and extend along the length of the Receiver  9  the same. They extend down from the bottom of the Receiver  9  a little farther then they are wide. The Stock Mounting Boss  18  is located about midway along the length of the Receiver  9 . This is where the Receiver  9  is screwed or otherwise fastened to the Stock  FIG. 1 , ITEM  70 . It also has a lead in feature on the front corner to aid in assembly. The Trigger Mounting Boss  20  is located toward the rear of the Receiver  9  and is basically the same size as the Stock Mounting Boss  18  but it also has a Trigger Pivot Feature  21  hole in the center. Both pieces have a slot down the center along the length of the Receiver  9  that is about ⅓ the width of the boss. Both the slot and hole are there to mount the Trigger  FIG. 1 , ITEM  60 . The Trigger Slot  19  is located on the bottom side of the Receiver  9  about one-third the distances from the rear of the Receiver  9 . It is the same width as the slot and protrudes into the Internal Hammer Bore  10  between the Stock Mounting Boss  18  and the Trigger Mounting Boss  20 . The entire bottom side of the Receiver  9  is the Receiver Mounting Surface  27 . This surface is no more then a feature that will mate up with the Stock  FIG. 1 , ITEM  70  in a manor that will cleanly mate the two together. The Stock Locking Ledge  22  is located at the very rear of the Receiver  9  and is a ledge that sticks out past the rear of the receiver. It is about ⅛″ long and high and extends along the entire rear surface of the Receiver  9 . This feature along with the fastener in the Stock Mounting Boss  18  retain the Receiver to the Stock  FIG. 1 , ITEM  70   
         [0033]     A Perspective view (with hidden lines shown) and a vertical cross section view of the Hammer  FIG. 1 , ITEM  29  is shown in  FIGS. 6 &amp; 7 . The Hammer  29  is basically made from two cylinders, one larger in diameter then the other with features added to aid in the operation of the shooter. Its overall length is a little less then half the length of the Receiver  9 . On one end of the Hammer  29  you will find the Hammer Handle Mounting Feature  35 , the Receiver Propulsion Spring Seat  32  and the opening for the Hollow Mass Slug Cavity  33 . Shown here is the Hammer Handle Mounting Feature  35  as a hole located about ¼ the distance from the rear end of the Hammer  29  and equal diameter to the Hammer Handle  FIG. 1 , ITEM  40 . The version shown does not have an integrated Hammer Handle  FIG. 1 , ITEM  40  and is set up to receive a separate Hammer Handle  FIG. 1 , ITEM  40 . The Hammer Handle  FIG. 1 , ITEM  40  could also be made as an integral part of the Hammer  29  if desired. The Receiver Propulsion Spring Seat  32  is bored into the rear end of the Hammer  29 . It is used to seat the Propulsion Spring  FIG. 1 , ITEM  80 . Its depth and diameter are dependent on the type and size of Propulsion Spring  FIG. 1 , ITEM  80  used. It should be noted that the Receiver Propulsion Spring Seat  32  could easily be a protruding feature rather then a bore and still achieve the same results. The Hollow Mass Slug Cavity  33  is bored into the backside of the Hammer  29 . This feature starts at the bottom of the Propulsion Spring Seat  32  and extends into the center of the Hammer  29 . The length and diameter of the cavity is dependent on the size of mass that is to be added to its center. The cavity is used to house the Mass Slug  FIG. 2 , ITEM  90 . This slug is used to add additional mass to the Hammer  29  to increase performance. Obviously the larger in diameter and longer the cavity the larger the mass can be added. The inside of the Hollow Mass Slug Cavity  33  has four protrusions added to the bore wall equally spaced around the diameter. These protrusions, called Slug Retainers  34  are used to retain the Mass Slug  FIG. 2 , ITEM  90  inside the Mass Slug Cavity  33  so that the additional mass is held tightly inside the Hammer  29 . They extend the entire length of the bore. It should also be noted that the Mass Slug  FIG. 2 , ITEM  90  could also easily be molded as part of the Hammer  29  and the Hollow Mass Slug Cavity  33  could be eliminated and still result in the same basic principle. The Hammer Handle Mounting Feature  35  is also used to retain the Mass Slug  FIG. 2 , ITEM  90  as the Hammer Handle  FIG. 1 , ITEM  40  is inserted. The handle slides in behind the additional mass and helps to lock it in place. Located in the middle of the Hammer  29  is the Trigger Release Flange  31 . This flange is a “V” type grove that goes around the entire external circumference of the Hammer  29 . The flange is located at the point where the two different outside diameters of the Hammer  29  meet. The Trigger Release Flange  31  is where the Trigger  FIG. 1 , ITEM  60  grabs the Hammer  29  when the slug propulsion device is cocked. The Trigger Release Flange  31  geometry is designed to closely match the locking feature on the Trigger  FIG. 1 , ITEM  60  so that the two work together to hold the Hammer  29  in the cocked position. The front end of the Hammer  29  is where the Hammer Anvil Surface  30  is located. This is a flat solid surface that strikes the Plunger  FIG. 2 , ITEM  50  when the Slug Propulsion Device is fired.  
         [0034]     A Perspective view (with hidden lines shown) and a vertical cross section view of the Plunger  FIG. 1 , ITEM  50  is shown in  FIGS. 8 &amp; 9 . The Plunger  50  is comprised of three cylindrical features that step up in diameter as you go from front to rear. Its overall length is about half that of the Hammer  29 . The front end of the Plunger  50  comprises the Registration Pin  51  and the Registration Pin Contact Surface  57 . The Registration Pin  51  is the pin that sticks out the front of the Receiver and helps set the Compression Chamber  FIG. 5 , ITEM  17 . It is the smallest diameter and is about half the length of the entire Plunger  50 . The diameter of the Registration Pin  51  must closely match that of the Registration Pin Bore  FIG. 5 , ITEM  14  in order to maintain a seal in the Compression Chamber  FIG. 5 , ITEM  17 . On the front end of the Registration Pin  51  is the Registration Pin Contact Surface  57 . This flat surface is what actually comes in contact with the Semi-Solid Biodegradable object as the device is being loaded. The middle portion of the Plunger  50  contains the Stop Boss Surface  52  and the Contamination Pocket  56 . The Stop Boss Surface  52  is about twice the diameter of the Registration Pin  51  and has a flat surface on its face. This surface is used to stop the Plunger  50  once the Slug Propulsion Device has been fired. It will bottom out on the Anvil End Surface  FIG. 5 , ITEM  16  inside the receiver  FIG. 1 , ITEM  9 . The Contamination Pocket  56  is located just behind the Stop Boss Surface  52  and is an area where any debris from the semi-solid biodegradable object that may get inside the compression chamber  FIG. 5 , ITEM  17  can collect. The contamination needs to be collected so it does not interfere with the operations of the Slug Propulsion Device. The pocket is a “V” groove that goes around the entire diameter of the Plunger  50 . The leading edge of the pocket also serves as the leading edge for the Plunger seal lip  55 . This lip is the first part of the Plunger that actually seals the Compression Chamber  FIG. 5 , ITEM  17 . It also leads into the Plunger Piston Surface  53  and on to the rear of the Plunger  50 . The Plunger Piston Surface  53  is the largest diameter of the Plunger  50 . Its Outside diameter must closely match that of the Compression Chamber  FIG. 5 , ITEM  17  in order to maintain pressure and expel the projectile. It also must be concentric with the Registration Pin  51 . The length of the Plunger Piston Surface  53  is about ¾ the length of the Registration Pin  51 . The back surface of the Plunger  50  is called the Hammer Anvil Surface  54 . This surface is where the Hammer  FIG. 1 , ITEM  29  strikes the Plunger  50  when the device is fired and transfers its energy in order to compress the trapped air and fire the projectile. The center of the Plunger is hollowed out in order to maintain a consistent outside diameter on the Plunger Piston Surface  53 .  
         [0035]     A Perspective view (with hidden lines shown) and a Side view of the Trigger  FIG. 1 , ITEM  60  is shown in  FIGS. 10 &amp; 11 . The Trigger  60  has four main areas to it. The Catch Lever Arm  61 , the Trigger Return Lever Arm  63 , the Finger Lever Arm  65  and the Pivot Feature  67 . Each arm goes out in different directions toward the part of the device which it interfaces with. The actual geometry of the Trigger  60  is not so important as long as it mates up with each respective part. The Catch Lever Arm  61  extends out the front of the Trigger  60  and has the Hammer Trigger Catch  62  on its end. This feature is used to hold the Hammer  FIG. 1 , ITEM  29  in place when the unit is loaded. The Trigger Catch  62  is designed specifically to interface with the Trigger Release Flange  FIG. 7 , ITEM  31  on the Hammer  FIG. 1 , ITEM  29 . The Trigger Return Lever Arm  63  extends out the rear of the Trigger  60  and features the Trigger Return Spring Mount  64 . The Trigger Return Spring Mount  64  is used to mount and hold in place Trigger Return Spring  FIG. 2 , ITEM  85 . This feature is what returns the Trigger  60  to its original position once it has been depressed in order to fire the device. The Finger Lever Arm  65  extends down the bottom of the Trigger  60 . This is where the Finger Pressure Surface  66  is located and is used to fire the projectile when it is depressed. This feature should be sculpted in order to provide a comfortable surface on which the finger can rest while it is firing the device. The Pivot Feature  67  is located in the center of the Trigger  60 . In this case is a hole for a pivot pin  FIG. 2 , ITEM  95  but could also easily be adapted to be some sort of boss to act as the pivot surface. The location of the Pivot Feature  67  and the overall size of the Trigger  60  will depend on the overall geometry of the shooter. The overall width of the Trigger  60  must be thin enough to easily fit in the slot down the middle of the Trigger Mounting Boss FIGS, ITEM  20 .  
         [0036]     A Perspective view (with hidden lines shown) and a vertical cross section view of the Stock  FIG. 1 , ITEM  70  is shown in  FIGS. 12 &amp; 13 . The Stock  70  is designed and sculpted so that it not only mates with the Receiver  FIG. 1 , ITEM  9  but so that it also helps to identify the styling of the overall Slug Propulsion Device. In order to do this the Stock  70  needs to have a Receiver Mounting Surface  71 , a Trigger Slot  75 , a Stock Mounting Boss Slot  72 , a Stock Locking Ledge Slot  73 , a Receiver Mount Fastener Area  77  and a Receiver Propulsion Spring Seat Surface  76 . The Stock should also have a Trigger Guard  74  and a Grip  78  in order to give it some sore of style. The actual styling of the Stock  70  can change as required to fit the overall design intended. The above features need to be included though in order to properly interface with the rest of the mechanism.  
         [0037]     A description of the general operation of the Slug Propulsion Device can best be described while looking at  FIG. 1 . Once the user selects the type of semi-solid biodegradable object  105  they want to fire they need to cock the Slug Propulsion Device. This is done by pulling back on the Hammer Handle  40  until you hear the Trigger  60  click when it engages the Hammer  29 . This action compresses the Propulsion Spring  80 . The user then will jam the tip of the Receiver  9  into the semi-solid biodegradable object  105  and break off a Projectile Slug  110  from the semi-solid biodegradable object  105 . The shooter needs to be pivoted to one side or the other in order to break off the slug. At this point the Projectile Slug  110  will be stuck inside the tip of the Receiver  9 . The Plunger  50  will have been moved back inside the nose of the Receiver  9  which will create a small air chamber inside the nose of the Receiver  9 . The Projectile Slug  110  will have sealed off and trapped a small volume of air inside the device. The Slug Propulsion Device is now loaded and ready to fire. The user then aims the Slug Propulsion Device in the direction desired and pulls the Trigger  60 . At this point the Hammer  29  is released and the Propulsion Spring  80  will drive it forward as fast as it can. Once the Hammer  29  has traveled down the length of the Receiver  9  it will strike the backside of the Plunger  50 . The energy stored in the moving mass of the Hammer  29  will then be transferred to the Plunger  50  as the Hammer  29  strikes it. The Plunger  50  will start to move the same direction as the Hammer  29  and compress the air that is trapped inside the Receiver  9  between the Plunger  50  and the Projectile Slug  110 . Once enough pressure is built up inside the compression chamber the Projectile Slug  110  will break free from the tip of the Receiver  9  and be expelled out of the Slug Propulsion Device in the direction the user aimed.  
         [0038]     Obviously, many portions of the present invention can be modified or improvised upon given the documentation presented herein. It is therefore understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention documented within can be implemented and packaged in ways other then those specifically described herein.

Technology Category: 2