Magnus effect cylindrical projectile and launcher
View Patent ↗The present invention is a toy launcher system. A lightweight projectile has an exterior surface symmetrically disposed about an imaginary longitudinal axis and is generally spool-shaped. The launcher is composed of a shaft to which a flexible curled band is attached. The flexible curled band holds the projectile within its curvature. When the launcher is rotated by a user using a general throwing motion the band uncurls, thereby launching the projectile into flight.
1. A toy launcher system, comprising:
a launcher;
a cylindrical projectile having an exterior surface that is symmetrically disposed about an imaginary longitudinal axis;
a metal and/or plastic band having an end proximal to a user;
the metal and/or plastic band attached to said launcher at the end of said metal and/or plastic band proximal to a user, where the metal and/or plastic band holds said cylindrical projectile through circumferential application of a normal force and enables secure holding of said cylindrical projectile to said launcher;
launching said cylindrical projectile through application of a motive force, where said motive force acts upon said cylindrical projectile at a substantially right angle to said imaginary longitudinal axis;
said motive force and said normal force enabling lift in said cylindrical projectile in a direction perpendicular to said imaginary longitudinal axis.
2. The system according to claim 1 , where said motive force is provided by manual application.
3. The system of claim 2 , where said manual application includes a general throwing motion.
4. The system of claim 1 , where said cylindrical projectile is spool shaped.