A launch platform may include sensor(s) that detect movement of a platform that supports an aircraft. The platform may move in response to departure of the aircraft from the platform. In response to a change in a signal or signal state of the sensor(s), a timer may initiate timing of a race. The timer may be stopped in response to a second or later change in a signal or signal state of the sensor(s). A target may extend above the platform and, when impacted by an aircraft, may cause the second or later change in the signal or signal state of the sensor(s). By using the target, the aircraft may stop the timer by impacting or colliding with the target rather than landing on the platform. In some embodiments, the launch platform may be configured to track time for a race that includes a predetermined number of laps.

A launch platform may include sensor(s) that detect movement of a platform that supports an aircraft. The platform may move in response to departure of the aircraft from the platform. In response to a change in a signal or signal state of the sensor(s), a timer may initiate timing of a race. The timer may be stopped in response to a second or later change in a signal or signal state of the sensor(s). A target may extend above the platform and, when impacted by an aircraft, may cause the second or later change in the signal or signal state of the sensor(s). By using the target, the aircraft may stop the timer by impacting or colliding with the target rather than landing on the platform. In some embodiments, the launch platform may be configured to track time for a race that includes a predetermined number of laps.

A disc launching device includes a long handle and a disc holder at one end of the handle. The handle may include a grip end for holding the handle, an attachment end opposite the grip end, and a shaft extending from the grip end to the attachment end. The disc holder is attached to the attachment end of the handle. It includes a front rail for holding one side of a disc, a back rail for holding an opposite side of the disc, and at least one support member extending between the front rail and the back rail. The front rail and the back rail form an opening on one side of the disc holder, configured to allow the disc to launch out of the disc holder through the opening when sufficient forward momentum is applied to the disc holder via the handle.

A toy assembly for retaining and launching a miniature boomerang from an upper limb of the body which limb includes a wrist, hand and fingers, the assembly consisting of the combination of the boomerang, a support member attachable to the upper limb, and a platform mounted on top of the support member to retain the boomerang in a first storage position and further to provide for the shifting of the boomerang to a second launching position wherein launching is accomplished by flicking a wing of the boomerang with a finger of the opposite upper limb on which the support member is positioned.

A toy assembly for retaining and launching a miniature boomerang from an upper limb of the body which limb includes a wrist, hand and fingers, the assembly consisting of the combination of the boomerang, a support member attachable to the upper limb, and a platform mounted on top of the support member to retain the boomerang in a first storage position and further to provide for the shifting of the boomerang to a second launching position wherein launching is accomplished by flicking a wing of the boomerang with a finger of the opposite upper limb on which the support member is positioned.

A model airplane engine starting stick is provided with a blade edge engaging roller having a roller surface of a material which will grip the blade edge of the propeller when against the blade edge of the propeller to cause the roller to roll along the blade edge without sliding over and damaging the blade edge as the starting stick is moved with respect to the blade edge to rotate the propeller. The starting stick of the invention includes a handle by which the starting stick can be held and manipulated by a user and a roller attached to the handle to freely rotate or roll with respect to the handle.

A model airplane engine starting stick is provided with a blade edge engaging roller having a roller surface of a material which will grip the blade edge of the propeller when against the blade edge of the propeller to cause the roller to roll along the blade edge without sliding over and damaging the blade edge as the starting stick is moved with respect to the blade edge to rotate the propeller. The starting stick of the invention includes a handle by which the starting stick can be held and manipulated by a user and a roller attached to the handle to freely rotate or roll with respect to the handle.

Control of a toy flying toy plane comprises providing the plane having a motor and propeller and a separate remote controller for use by a player of the toy. The plane includes a flexible, foldable wing and a fuselage below the wing. The fuselage supports at least one propulsion unit and the fuselage is removably locatable relative to the wing. A signal is sent from a transmitter with the toy to the controller. A variation in intensity of the received signal to the toy being from the controller. The controller transmits a signal to the toy according to the desired action of the player and thereby to cause the flying toy to move as required.

A toy ring-launcher apparatus for wearing on a human finger as an item of play jewelry that's comprised of means for starting to rotate and then subsequently releasing other toy apparatuses or objects exhibiting gyroscopic tendencies, such as gyroscopic tops, flying propellers, or rolling wheels so they rotate very fast around a central axis and move independently of the toy ring-launcher apparatus on a flat surface, in the air, or on a toy racing track, respectively. Methods are also included for using the provided toy ring-launcher apparatus to have fun and enjoyment

A toy ring-launcher apparatus for wearing on a human finger as an item of play jewelry that's comprised of means for starting to rotate and then subsequently releasing other toy apparatuses or objects exhibiting gyroscopic tendencies, such as gyroscopic tops, flying propellers, or rolling wheels so they rotate very fast around a central axis and move independently of the toy ring-launcher apparatus on a flat surface, in the air, or on a toy racing track, respectively. Methods are also included for using the provided toy ring-launcher apparatus to have fun and enjoyment