Engineering:Water balloon launcher
Water balloon launcher,[1] which is also known as water balloon slingshot,[2] is a ballistic toy device, for shooting water balloons at significantly longer range than by hand-throwing,[3] and that is used in well-prepared water balloon fights. Both home-made and toy manufacturers models exist, with some models being stationary and some 3-person operated, also mobile handheld wrist launchers exist on the market.[1] Even though water balloon launchers are mainly marketed towards children, adults also engage in water balloon activities.[4] Some supreme water balloon launchers are capable of throwing 300 yards or more.[5] It is unsafe to use a water balloon launcher to throw snowballs.[6]
Dangers
For young children water balloon launchers pose a potential risk of choking hazard and eye injuries.[7] A case has been reported where young man suffered orbital blowout fracture, and thus became legally blind from his left eye.[2] In another case, a 31-year-old female suffered from traumatic retinal dialysis in her right eye, resulting in permanent visual loss.[8]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Bankhurst, Adam (20 February 2020). "Best Water Balloon Launcher". IGN Entertainment Inc.. https://www.ign.com/articles/best-water-balloon-launcher.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Water Balloon Slingshots: Toy or Weapon?". Roberts & Roberts. https://www.robertslawfirm.com/safety-tips/recreational-safety-tips/water-balloon-slingshots/.
- ↑ "History of Facts about Water Balloons". History of Balloons. http://www.historyofballoons.com/balloon-facts/facts-about-water-balloons/.
- ↑ Cecil, Lauren (5 April 2021). "Win Every Fight This Summer With the Best Water Balloon Launchers". Spy Media, LLC. (Penske Media Corporation). https://spy.com/articles/lifestyle/entertainment/best-water-balloon-launchers-1202745306/.
- ↑ Corona, Lauren (1 July 2021). "Water guns vs. water balloon launchers: Which is better?". Chicago Tribune. https://www.chicagotribune.com/consumer-reviews/sns-bestreviews-toys-water-gun-vs-water-balloon-launcher-20210701-ozbddlcde5ahnjobn7rck2rm3a-story.html.
- ↑ "Water Balloon Launchers FAQ". Super Soaker Central. http://www.sscentral.org/homemade/launchers_faq.html.
- ↑ Limbachia, Dixita. "Water balloon slingshot tops list of 10 unsafe summer toys and products". USA Today. https://eu.usatoday.com/story/money/retail/2018/06/21/water-balloon-slingshot-tops-watch-list-unsafe-toys-summer/721387002/.
- ↑ Chaudhry, N. A.; Falcone, P.; Alexandrakis, G.; Grannum, E. (29 October 1998). "Traumatic retinal detachment from a water balloon slingshot". Yale University School of Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9793956/.
External links
- Water Balloon Launcher | Building Guide | Stationary Model
- Water Balloon Slingshot | Building Guide | 3-Person Model
 |  |
