Adapted Catapult by Accessing Potential

This easy to make, low cost, tabletop catapult is a low tech option for adaptive toys. With the front push bar handle, the catapult can be released by individuals of various abilities. This makes for a fun and inclusive activity whether they can push the bar with their hand, foot, or even wheelchair!

Supplies Needed

1. 1/2 inch PVC pipe, 10 foot length - Qty 1
2. 1/2 inch PVC 90 degree elbow - Qty 6
3. 1/2 x 1/2 x 1/2 inch PVC tee - Qty 4
4. 3/4 x 3/4 x 1/2 inch PVC tee - Qty 2
5. 1/2 inch PVC coupling - Qty 2
6. 1/2 inch PVC cap - Qty 2
7. Eye Screws, 3/4"- Qty 4
8. Shoulder screw
9. #4 x 1/2 inch screw, or similar size - Qty 1
10. 1/8" x 1" washer - Qty 2
11. PVC Cement
12. Rubber bands - Qty 6
13. Suction cup feet with nut and bolt, optional - Qty 4 (screenshot provided of the style we used)
14. Cup, preferably punch size
15. Toy that's fun (and safe) for throwing!- Pool Splash balls work great

Tools Needed:

1. PVC Cutter or Saw
2. Measuring Tape
3. Drill with 3/32 and 5/32 drill bits
4. Screwdriver
5. Pliers
6. Marker

First, you will need to cut your 10 ft PVC pipe into the needed sizes. We recommend you start with the smallest sizes and work your way up.

Sizes needed:

1. 1.5 inch- Qty 1
2. 3 inch- Qty 4
3. 5 inch - Qty 1
4. 5.5 inch- Qty 2
5. 9 inch- Qty 4
6. 12 inch- Qty 2
7. ~30 inch- Qty 1, if you save this one for last it may be a little shorter or longer and that's ok!

Wipe down your PVC to remove debris. This will help adhesion in later steps.

If your screw eye openings will not allow for a rubber band to slip through, take two pliers and pry the opening slightly. Do this for 3 of the screw eyes.

Drill hole through center, bottoms of 4 elbows. We used a 5/32 drill bit, but you should use one large enough to drill a hole you can slide your suction cup screw through.

Attach suction cups.

Secure the 1.5" pipe to the 3/4 x 3/4 x 1/2 inch tee using PVC cement.

Slide the 5 inch pipe through the 3/4 x 3/4 x 1/2 inch tee. Do not secure.

Attach a cap to the 12 inch pipe. Secure with PVC cement.

Drill a hole through the middle of the cap using 3/32 drill bit.

Attach the L screw. The open end of the screw should face the open end of the pipe.

Attach two elbows to two 9 inch pipes. Connect the assemblies using a 12 inch pipe. Secure each joint with cement.

Drill two holes on the front of the 12 inch pipe. They should be 1.5 inches from the end of each elbow.

Attach an opened screw eye in each hole.

Slip three rubber bands into each screw eye.

Attach a cap to the end of the 30 inch pipe. Secure with cement.

Using a 3/32 bit, drill through the center of the cap to create a set hole. Next, drill a hole into the center of the cup. We used the 5/32 bit so the screw would clear the hole without difficulty.

Attach the cup to the cap using a screw with a washer on each side of the cup.

Side A: Attach a coupling to each end of Assembly 2 and then attach a 3 inch pipe to each end. Secure all joints with cement.

Sides B & C: Attach 3 inch pipe and a 9 inch pipe to each end of a 1/2 x 1/2 x 1/2 inch tee. Secure with cement.

Repeat.

Side D: Attach two 5.5 inch pipes to each end of a 1/2 x 1/2 x 1/2 inch tee. Secure with cement.

Join sides A, B, C, & D using your suction cup elbows to create your base. All tees should be facing upward and suction cups downward. Secure with cement.

Attach Assembly 1 to the final tee at the back of the base. The 3/4 x 3/4 x 1/2 inch tee should be perpendicular to the 1/2 x 1/2 x 1/2 inch tee.

Slide your 12" bar, Assembly 4, through the 3/4 inch tee. The open end of the assembly should face away from the base.

Attach your final 1/2 x 1/2 x 1/2 inch tee to the end of Assembly 4. The tee should be parallel with the table and the shoulder screw on the other end of the assembly should face straight up and down.

Attach Assembly 5, the catapult arm to the loose 3/4 x 3/4 x 1/2 inch tee at the front of your base.

When the arm is perpendicular to the floor the cup should face away from the base.

Measure 12 inches from the top of the tee and drill a hole on the top side of the arm. Insert an opened screw eye.

Lie your catapult arm back across the base. Attach Assembly 4, the U across the catapult arm to each of the tees on the side arms.

With your shoulder screw facing upward, bring the pull bar as far in as possible. Pull down your catapult arm and mark the point on the back of the arm where the corner of the shoulder screw touches.

Drill a hole at that point and insert your final screw eye.

Attach each of your six rubber bands to the screw eye on the front of the catapult.

Now pull your catapult arm down, slide the shoulder screw through the screw eye on the bottom of the arm.

Place your toy in the cup, push the bar to release, and watch your toy fly!